Richard Benjamin Acquaye, the caretaker of his late aunt’s property in East Legon, Greater Accra, has refuted claims that he sold the land to Daniel Nii Laryea Martey.
Acquaye alleges that Martey attempted to seize the property through financial inducement, deception, and the use of fake land documents.
According to Acquaye, Martey and Aziz Suhiyni initiated their scheme by inquiring about the property’s availability for sale, claiming they had influence over land documents at the Lands Commission.
Martey promised Acquaye $60,000 for facilitating the sale and gave him Ghc3,000 for communication with his overseas cousins.
Acquaye stated that Martey also gave him $10,000 on two occasions and collected details from obituary posters of Acquaye’s late cousin, Herbert.
Acquaye further claimed that land guards invaded the property last year, but he repelled them. In July 2023, during a rainstorm, the land guards returned and damaged the property’s roof.
Acquaye reported the incidents to the police, prompting his overseas cousins to visit Ghana. Before a meeting at the police headquarters, Martey and Suhiyni allegedly instructed Acquaye to falsely accuse Herbert of taking $90,000 from them.
Acquaye complied but later confessed to the police that his statement was untrue, stating that Martey and Suhiyni did not know Herbert before his death.
Acquaye clarified to the police that he was not authorized to sell his late aunt’s property and accused Martey of attempting to unlawfully acquire the land with fake documents.
The Women’s Wing of the People’s National Convention (PNC) has expressed its determination to achieve victory in the upcoming 2024 general elections.
General Secretary of the PNC, Janet Nabla, made this assertion during a press conference in Koforidua on Wednesday, March 27, 2024.
She highlighted the PNC’s status as a third force and emphasized its ability to improve the country’s prospects through its established policies. Nabla confidently proclaimed their expected success in the 2024 elections.
“It’s true that we’re winning hands down. Ghanaians are looking for a third force because the National Democratic Congress (NDC) and the New Patriotic Party (NPP) have alternated power amongst themselves, and Ghanaians have realized that two political parties have not helped them. Ghanaians are looking for a change and that is the PNC. We are coming with full force,” she said.
“PNC, our policies being operated in the country, we have school feeding, National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS), GETFund, these are policies that ten PNC in 1999 campaigned about. Ghanaians are those benefitting from these initiatives. We’re coming with full force to be able to implement our programmes the way they are supposed to be implemented. If you pick my programme and you are implementing it, of course, you will have challenges. When we come, we will put more meat into the skeletons you are now looking at.”
The Women’s Wing of the PNC has announced its plan to nominate women for 40 percent of the parliamentary seats in all 257 constituencies during the upcoming December 2024 general elections.
This initiative, dubbed “Operation Get Women Parliamentarians,” seeks to increase women’s involvement in key decision-making processes and strengthen the country’s multiparty system.
Member of Parliament for Ningo Prampram, Samuel Nartey George, has entreated the apex out to throw out Richard Dela Sky’s case involving the passage of the anti-LGBTQ bill as it is “frivolous.”
He made this statement when he expressed surprise at the Supreme Court’s prioritization of legal cases.
“The principle the Supreme Court has espoused here, if you apply that to the Richard Sky case, that case also has to be thrown out, because it is equally very frivolous because the Supreme Court has no power to stay the hands of the president.”
Specifically, he was shocked by the Supreme Court’s decision to address the case of South Dayi MP Rockson Nelson Dafeamekpor before that of private legal practitioner Richard Dela Sky.
Dela Sky filed an application on March 5 with the Supreme Court, seeking a declaration that the Human Sexual Rights and Family Values Bill, commonly known as the anti-gay bill, is null, void, and of no effect.
Sam George believes that the court’s order of proceedings would have been fairer if it had first heard the case regarding the anti-gay bill before addressing the matter involving the South Dayi MP.
“What is surprising to me is that the Chief Justice has not called the Richard Sky case, which is almost four weeks old, before the court to hear that, but has called the case that was less than a week old. Because it is the same principle.
“But if the judiciary is not being biased, if the judiciary is showing a mind of its own, especially the chief justice, showing a mind of their own, they would have called those cases because common sense is part of legislation and the work of the judiciary.”
Meanwhile, the apex court has dismissed the case brought to it by Mr Nelson Dafeamekpor, noting that it is frivolous.
Asamoah, a Ghanaian trader residing in Ivory Coast, recently shared his perspective on the economic disparities between Ghana and Ivory Coast.
Speaking to a TV3 journalist, Asamoah highlighted the stability of prices in Ivory Coast compared to Ghana, noting that the cost of goods remains relatively consistent over time.
“I’ve been here since 2019, so it’s been about 5 years. But the prices we pay in CFA francs, which is equivalent to about GH2.50 pesewas in Ghana, have remained the same,” Asamoah remarked.
Other traders echoed Asamoah’s sentiments, expressing their satisfaction with the business environment and development opportunities in Ivory Coast.
“There are many advantages here in terms of business and infrastructure. Ghana’s road network cannot compete,” one trader stated.
Another trader emphasized the importance of comfort and opportunity in determining one’s place of residence. “Life in Ghana is challenging. Moving to Ivory Coast has proven to be the right choice. You should live where you feel comfortable,” they remarked.
Despite the favorable conditions in Ivory Coast, some traders indicated their intentions to eventually return to Ghana, underscoring the complexity of factors influencing migration and economic decision-making among West African traders.
Ghanaian traders in Cote d'Ivoire have gained popularity as second-hand shoes dealers.
They say life in Cote d'Ivoire is better as compared to Ghana.
Asamoah, a Ghanaian trader residing in Ivory Coast, has shared insights into the economic differences between Ghana and Ivory Coast, highlighting what he perceives as a more favorable economic environment in Ivory Coast.
In an interview with a TV3 journalist, Asamoah expressed his observation that the cost of living in Ivory Coast has remained relatively stable compared to Ghana.
“I came here in 2019, so I’ve been here for about 5 years. But the thing we used to buy with the CFA franc, which is like GH2.50 pesewas over here, it is the same. It has not changed,” he explained.
Several traders echoed similar sentiments, noting the favorable business climate and infrastructure development in Ivory Coast. They expressed plans to continue living and working in Ivory Coast due to the perceived challenges in Ghana.
“There are a lot of things working here in terms of development and business climate. In terms of roads, Ghana cannot match up,” one trader remarked.
“Things are difficult in Ghana. Coming to Ivory Coast has been the best decision. So you live where you are comfortable,” another trader added.
Ghanaian traders in Cote d'Ivoire have gained popularity as second-hand shoes dealers.
They say life in Cote d'Ivoire is better as compared to Ghana.
Onua TV presenter, Captain Smart, has noted that he is not aware of the existence of social media personality Albert Nat Hyde, known as Bongo Ideas.
He made this known when he denied claims of cancelling his interview with as Bongo Ideas.
On the Maakye show, Captain Smart denied knowledge of ever knowing Bongo Ideas, confusing him for one “Bongo Blay”. It is believed that he tried to make reference to one Ghanaian musician, Bogo Blay.
“I don’t know that guy. What is his name, Bongo Blay? Bongo Ideas, I’ve never heard the name before,” he said.
Reports had it that an interview scheduled for Tuesday by Media General’s Onua TV to have social media personality Albert Nat Hyde, known as Bongo Ideas, share a recent tragic incident was cancelled at the very last moment.
Recent reports had it that Bongo Ideas was kidnapped by some men alleged to be police officers despite the Police Service disputing this claim.
In a recent interview on DW, Bongo Ideas noted that he has been warned against making comments about President Akufo-Addo.
Many hoped that his subsequent interview with Captain Smart, host of Maakye on Onua TV, who has criticised the Akufo-Addo-led government would provide more revelation.
However many were disappointed, as the interview did not take place as scheduled.
Reacting to this development, X user, Asamoah, alleged that the interview was cancelled because of a comment made by Bongo Ideas in the past against Captain Smart involving his controversy with Ras Mubarak during an interview.
“But couple of hours before the interview, someone sent this to Captain Smart, prompting him of how Bongo ideas insulted him (Captain) with his chest out,” he wrote.
The X post made by Bongo Ideas in 2022 described Captain Smart as an “unprofessional journalist.”
“Captain Smart therefore angrily cancelled the show with Bongo and warned him never to cross his path. Both Captain and Bongo are in pains,” the X user added.
Captain Smart is a very unprofessional journalist! Great journalists are thinkers, not emotional noisemakers. He should learn from Bernard Avle.
In response to the controversy, Captain Smart has indicated that he did receive a photo from an individual that showed some criticism made against him by Bongo Ideas.
During the Maakye show, he noted that he holds nothing against Bongo Ideas and is willing to interview him. According to Captain Smart, he was excited when he read Bongo Ideas’ comments that are said to have allegedly made him cancel the interview.
He noted that he sees it as a great opportunity to have a critic.
“He sent me a photo and he said it is about a guy who is to be interviewed here on Onua.
“Bongo, I only received that someone said you wrote about me. I really don’t care. That was the first time I saw what you wrote. I kept laughing. It is nice that you wrote those things about me. I was happy when I read it. I was like I’m glad I found someone who criticized me on Twitter.”
“I’ve told the producer that I want to have an interview with you. Come and let’s have a talk. You can fire me and if I have a cause to, I will also fire you. Then the show gets exciting. So I know nothing about the young man. I don’t know what happened,” he said.
Captain Smart addressed the reason why his interview with Bongo Ideas a.k.a Bongo Blay lol couldn’t come off and it’s obvious he had no bad intentions at all. Interview rescheduled to next Wednesday on onua Tv. #NoDiddy Richard sky twene Jonas Diddy Telecel pic.twitter.com/at9oO0QLXH
Onua TV presenter, Captain Smart, has denied claims of cancelling his interview with social media personality Albert Nat Hyde, known as Bongo Ideas.
On the Maakye show, Captain Smart denied knowledge of ever knowing Bongo Ideas, confusing him for one “Bongo Blay”.
“I don’t know that guy. What is his name, Bongo Blay? Bongo Ideas, I’ve never heard the name before,” he said.
Reports had it that an interview scheduled for Tuesday by Media General’s Onua TV to have social media personality Albert Nat Hyde, known as Bongo Ideas, share a recent tragic incident was cancelled at the very last moment.
Recent reports had it that Bongo Ideas was kidnapped by some men alleged to be police officers despite the Police Service disputing this claim.
In a recent interview on DW, Bongo Ideas noted that he has been warned against making comments about President Akufo-Addo.
Many hoped that his subsequent interview with Captain Smart, host of Maakye on Onua TV, who has criticised the Akufo-Addo-led government would provide more revelation.
However many were disappointed, as the interview did not take place as scheduled.
Reacting to this development, X user, Asamoah, alleged that the interview was cancelled because of a comment made by Bongo Ideas in the past against Captain Smart involving his controversy with Ras Mubarak during an interview.
“But couple of hours before the interview, someone sent this to Captain Smart, prompting him of how Bongo ideas insulted him (Captain) with his chest out,” he wrote.
The X post made by Bongo Ideas in 2022 described Captain Smart as an “unprofessional journalist.”
“Captain Smart therefore angrily cancelled the show with Bongo and warned him never to cross his path. Both Captain and Bongo are in pains,” the X user added.
Captain Smart is a very unprofessional journalist! Great journalists are thinkers, not emotional noisemakers. He should learn from Bernard Avle.
In response to the controversy, Captain Smart has indicated that he did receive a photo from an individual that showed some criticism made against him by Bongo Ideas.
During the Maakye show, he noted that he holds nothing against Bongo Ideas and is willing to interview him. According to Captain Smart, he was excited when he read Bongo Ideas’ comments that is said to have allegedly made him cancel the interview.
He noted that he sees it as a great opportunity to have a critic.
“He sent me a photo and he said it is about a guy who is to be interviewed here on Onua.
“Bongo, I only received that someone said you wrote about me. I really don’t care. That was the first time I saw what you wrote. I kept laughing. It is nice that you wrote those things about me. I was happy when I read it. I was like I’m glad I found someone who criticized me on Twitter.”
“I’ve told the producer that I want to have an interview with you. Come and let’s have a talk. You can fire me and if I have a cause to, I will also fire you. Then the show gets exciting. So I know nothing about the young man. I don’t know what happened,” he said.
Captain Smart addressed the reason why his interview with Bongo Ideas a.k.a Bongo Blay lol couldn’t come off and it’s obvious he had no bad intentions at all. Interview rescheduled to next Wednesday on onua Tv. #NoDiddy Richard sky twene Jonas Diddy Telecel pic.twitter.com/at9oO0QLXH
Asamoah, a male trader living in Ivory Coast, has remarked on the differences in social behavior between Ghanaians and Ivorians, noting that gossip is much less prevalent in Ivory Coast compared to Ghana.
In an interview with a TV3 journalist, Asamoah expressed his observations, saying, “The life here is something, they are not fully independent but they live like those in the US. We can count them as Africans but the way of living is different. So in Ghana, petty things like gossiping thrive but there is none here.”
Having lived in Ivory Coast for nearly five years, Asamoah has had the opportunity to witness and compare the social dynamics between the two countries.
He highlighted the perceived difference in the level of independence and the lifestyle in Ivory Coast, which he likened to that of the United States.
Ghanaian traders in Cote d'Ivoire have gained popularity as second-hand shoes dealers.
They say life in Cote d'Ivoire is better as compared to Ghana.
Okatakyie Afrifa-Mensah, a journalist with Angel FM/TV, has boldly challenged any Ghanaian politician to come forward and prove that he has been paid to pursue an agenda that undermines any political party in the country.
In a recent statement, Afrifa-Mensah declared, “If anyone has given me any money, it is Julius Deborah. He gave me money to work as a media person. I’ve never taken his money for an agenda. If there is any politician who says I’ve come for his or her money to engage in an agenda, he or she should come out.”
He went on to recount an interaction with a member of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) who advised him to choose a side while driving, either left or right, to avoid causing an accident. Afrifa-Mensah interpreted this as a metaphor for joining either the NDC or the New Patriotic Party (NPP).
Afrifa-Mensah explained that he ultimately aligned with the NPP but maintained his independence by criticizing the party when necessary. He emphasized that his actions and opinions are not driven by financial incentives but by his commitment to truthful and unbiased journalism.
Afrifa-Mensah’s remarks highlight the importance of journalistic integrity and the need for journalists to remain impartial in their reporting, regardless of any external pressures or influences.
I dare any politician who has paid me to do an agenda to come out and speak – Okatakyie Afrifa-Mensah pic.twitter.com/SxBNSLXGdP
Postpartum depression has become a significant topic of conversation recently, especially among women seeking to understand its implications during and after pregnancy.
During an interview with Daniel Oduro on the Lowdown program on GhanaWeb TV, a Clinical Psychologist, Jude Richwell Menokpor explained that many women experience stress after childbirth due to the challenges they face during pregnancy.
This stress can lead to mood changes.
He also mentioned that postpartum depression can occur when women neglect their self-care, including personal hygiene, and that of their babies.
“…so, with pregnant women who have gone through the rigorous journey of childbirth and bearing a child, they tend to have a form of stress and this stress, usually because they are not able to deal with these stresses, it causes them to have certain mood alterations and after the childbirth.”
“…And it is also characterised by them not taking care of themselves; so the low mood comes with low attention to their hygiene, low attention to the children themselves, the babies that they have given birth to and they keep having this thought of worry and feeling that there is no hope for the future. Maybe they’ve lost interest in things that they usually had interest in, which is called the Anhedonia, which characterises postpartum depression,” he emphasised.
According to the World Health Organization, approximately 10% of pregnant women and 13% of women who have recently given birth experience a mental disorder, primarily depression.
Adding to Jude’s submission, Priscilla Armah, also a clinical psychologist, stated that women go through postpartum depression due to some hormonal changes that occur after childbirth.
“There are hormonal changes in women. The hormonal changes women go through and the physical changes too, and even the thoughts of adding a new person to your life; you are coming to take care of some new being, the stress, the thoughts about it alone puts them into that situation.
The Nursing and Midwifery Council of Ghana has halted the implementation of recently approved fees for nurses, pending a review of the charges.
This decision comes after the Ghana Nurses and Midwives Association threatened to strike over the Council’s significant increase in the nursing verification fee, raising it from GH¢500 to GH¢3,000.
Following discussions with the Health Ministry, the association withdrew their planned protest.
The Nursing and Midwifery Council’s decision to suspend the new fees was reached during a meeting of its 15th Governing Board on Tuesday, March 26, 2024.
The Council stated that its decision was made after engaging with relevant stakeholders regarding their concerns, and it will revert to the previous fee structure.
“At its meeting held on March 26, 2024, the 15th Governing Board of the Nursing and Midwifery Council took a decision to halt the implementation of the newly approved fees and charges pending its review.
“This decision follows discussions with relevant stakeholders, regarding their concerns. In the meantime, the Council will revert to the previous fee structure.”
Member of Parliament for Ningo-Prampram, Sam George, has criticized Chief Justice Justice Gertrude Araba Esaaba Sackey Torkornoo, accusing her of engaging in what he described as “judicial thuggery.”
He believes this behaviour threatens the fair and equitable dispensation of justice.
Sam George also suggested that the Chief Justice is influenced by political considerations, which he feels should not be tolerated in the Judiciary.
Making his point clear in a post shared via X, he said “There is absolutely no doubt in my mind that the current Chief Justice is engaged in judicial thuggery and poses an existential threat to the dispensation of justice in an equitable, fair, and just manner.”
He added “Such partisan behaviour at the apex of our judiciary must not be entertained and must be condemned with all the force reasonable people can muster. Judicial gangsterism is a precursor for the breakdown in the dispensation of justice and the doctrine of the rule of law. Common sense ought to be an ingredient in the dispensation of justice.”
This criticism follows the Supreme Court’s decision to prioritize the hearing of Rockson-Nelson Dafeamekpor’s case challenging the constitutionality of the president’s ministerial nominations over the hearing of Richard Dela Sky’s suit seeking an injunction on the anti-gay bill.
There is absolutely no doubt in my mind that the current Chief Justice is engaged in judicial thuggery and poses an existential threat to the dispensation of justice in an equitable, fair, and just manner.
Such partisan behaviour at the apex of our judiciary must not be…
Despite Dafeamekpor’s suit being filed two weeks after Sky’s suit, the hearing for Dafeamekpor’s case was slated for March 27, 2024.
Meanwhile, the Supreme Court has rejected an application for an injunction against the approval of President Akufo-Addo’s new ministerial appointees, filed by South Dayi legislator Rockson-Nelson Dafeamekpor.
The court deemed the application frivolous and an abuse of court processes.
Hajia Rahmatu Tahwee Sheikh Sharubutu, the wife of the National Chief Imam, Sheikh Dr. Osmanu Nuhu Sharubutu, has passed away.
Her death occurred on Wednesday, March 27, although the cause has not been disclosed.
Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia extended his condolences to the Chief Imam and the entire Muslim community in Ghana through a Facebook post. He also offered prayers for her eternal rest.
“I have learnt, with sadness, the passing of our dear grandmother and beloved wife of the National Chief Imam, Hajia Rahmatu Tahwee Sheikh Sharubutu.”
“Hajia Samira Bawumia and I extend our condolences to His Eminence, Sheikh Osman Nuhu Sharubutu, and the entire family.”
“May the Almighty Allah welcome our dear grandmother and grant her Jannatul Firdaus.”
President Akufo-Addo has appointed Herbert Krapa, the Deputy Minister of Energy, as the new Board Chair of the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG), following the resignation of Keli Gadzekpo on Tuesday, March 26, 2027, citing personal reasons.
Mr Krapa is expected to lead the ECG Board in addressing the recent power supply disruptions in the country.
The ECG has faced intense pressure and scrutiny from customers and businesses in recent weeks, demanding a load-shedding timetable as power outages increase.
In response, the Public Utilities Regulatory Commission (PURC) has directed ECG to submit and publish a comprehensive load-shedding timetable by April 2, 2024.
However, the Ministry of Energy has denied claims that Ghana is currently experiencing a power crisis, also known as ‘dumsor.’
Madam Julie Essiam, the Deputy Commissioner General of the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) overseeing Support Services, has been appointed as the new Commissioner General of the GRA, replacing Rev. Dr. Amishaddai Owusu-Amoah, who is reported to have been dismissed.
The GRA’s Board Chairman, Dr. Tony Oteng Gyasi, has reportedly resigned due to his strong opposition to Essiam’s appointment, alleging that she is favored by former Finance Minister Ken Ofori-Atta.
Reports indicate that some GRA staff are vehemently against Essiam’s promotion to the top role due to her strict and principled management style. They are reportedly planning to protest against the appointment through various means.
Earlier this year, Rev. Dr. Amishaddai Owusu-Amoah faced criticism for staying in office for two years beyond the compulsory retirement age without a contract.
Last week, Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia criticized the GRA boss for publicly pursuing corporate tax defaulters.
Both the GRA Board Chairman and the Chief Executive Officer (Commissioner-General) are appointed by the President of Ghana.
Profile
Ms. Julie Essiam is an accomplished Banking Executive with a professional passion for sustainable transformation and development work; whether it is developing and transforming businesses, developing talent or transforming communities. Ms. Julie Essiam is currently the Commissioner responsible for the Support Services Division of the Ghana Revenue Authority.
Prior to her appointment Ms. Julie Essiam was the Group Executive at the Ecobank Group with branches covering 40 countries across North America, Europe, Africa and other parts of the world.
With a passion for transforming communities, and as the initiator of several and impactful community based programs. Ms. Julie Essiam is a firm believer in investing in the next generation and therefore has dedicated the last fifteen years of her professional life working with the youth in monitoring and supporting them shape their thinking around their respective life journeys.
She is the concept originator and the founder of Africans4Africa (A4A) initiation; a private sector led development organization that calls for a collaborative effort across the leadership of Africa to contribute to the successful achievement of an impactful transformation of the continent towards a thriving and prosperous Africa.
Ms. Julie Essiam was a member of Ecobank Group Executive Committee, and has been on the boards of Ecobank Zambia, the Ecobank Foundation and three board committees of the Ecobank Group-Finance and Audit, Risk and HR. Ms. Julie Essiam was also the immediate past Board Member of the Global fund and the President of the Private Sector delegation of the Global fund.
President Akufo-Addo has removed Rev. Dr. Ammishaddai Owusu-Amoah from his position as the Commissioner-General of the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) with immediate effect as of Wednesday, March 27.
The President has also dissolved the GRA board, although no specific reason was provided. It is expected that a new board will be appointed by President Akufo-Addo in the near future.
Julie Essiam has been reported as the replacement for Rev. Dr. Owusu-Amoah, according to citinewsroom.com.
Pressure for Dr. Ammishaddai’s removal had been mounting, with various groups arguing that he had exceeded the legal age limit for public officers to remain in office.
In December 2023, the Concerned Citizens of Ghana had threatened protests over Dr. Ammishaddai’s continued tenure, along with that of his deputy, Ms. Julie Essiam.
Additionally, the Minority in Parliament, led by Ningo Prampram MP Sam George, had demanded his dismissal, referring to Rev. Ammishaddai as persona non grata due to his tenure beyond the mandated 60 years.
Mr. George cautioned companies against engaging with Dr. Ammishaddai, stating that he lacked the authority to commit the state to any contractual obligations.
The Board of the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) has been dissolved, and President Akufo-Addo is expected to announce a new Board by the end of the day, Citinews reports.
While no specific reason was given for the dissolution of the Dr. Anthony Oteng-Gyasi-led Board, reports suggest there were recent disagreements within the Board.
The President’s decision comes shortly after New Patriotic Party (NPP) flagbearer Dr. Mahamadu Bawumia accused the GRA of harassing businesses for taxes due to unrealistic targets.
The dissolved GRA Board was chaired by Dr. Anthony Oteng-Gyasi, with members including Mr. Ammishaddai Owusu-Amoah, Mad. Adelaide Ahwireng, Prof. Peter Ohene Kyei, Mr. Kwabena Boaten, Mrs. Dela Obeng-Sakyi, Dr. Maxwell Opoku-Afari, and Nana Ama Dokua Asiamah-Adjei.
Additionally, there are unconfirmed reports that the Commissioner-General of the GRA, Rev. Amishaddai Owusu Amoah, has been relieved of his post.
GRA sources acknowledge hearing the rumors but cannot confirm them without an official statement. While some workers claim the GRA boss was present at the office on Tuesday, he has not been seen on Wednesday, March 27.
In December 2023, a group called the Concerned Citizens of Ghana threatened protests over the continuous stay of Dr. Ammishaddai and a deputy commissioner, Ms. Julie Essiam, in office. In January 2024, Member of Parliament for Ningo Prampram, Sam George, called on Parliament to declare the Commissioner-General a persona non grata as he had exceeded the mandated 60 years, suggesting he had no contract with the state.
The Supreme Court has rejected an application for an injunction against the approval of President Akufo-Addo’s new ministerial appointees, filed by South Dayi legislator Rockson-Nelson Dafeamekpor.
The court deemed the application frivolous and an abuse of court processes.
The application was a focal point as the fate of newly nominated and reshuffled ministers appointed by President Akufo-Addo hung in the balance. It was the basis on which the Speaker of Parliament decided to delay approving the new appointees after their vetting.
In his lawsuit against the Speaker of Parliament and the Attorney General, Dafeamekpor argued that the President should have sought parliamentary approval before reassigning ministers whose appointments were revoked.
President Akufo-Addo’s reshuffle on February 14, 2024, saw 13 ministers and 10 deputy ministers relieved of their posts, while 6 were reassigned to various portfolios.
During the court proceedings, there was drama as Dafeamekpor and his lawyers were absent. The case was stood down at one point to verify if the bailiff served the parties, especially the Plaintiff, with a hearing notice.
The Attorney General criticized the conduct of Dafeamekpor’s lawyer, calling it a form of disrespect to the apex court and professional misconduct.
Despite the absence of Dafeamekpor and his lawyer, the court proceeded with the case. The lawyer for the NDC legislator refused to accept court documents, including a hearing notice.
Lawyers for the Speaker of Parliament opposed the injunction application, arguing that it did not meet the requirements for an injunction to be granted.
Ultimately, the Supreme Court dismissed the case. The five judges presiding over the case were Justice Kingsley Koomson, Justice Mariama Owusu, Chief Justice Gertrude Torkonoo (Presiding), Justice Amadu Tanko, and Justice Yaw Darko Asare.
General Secretary of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), Mr. Johnson Asiedu Nketiah, three years ago, expressed concern over the exorbitant cost of running for political office in Ghana.
He viewed this as a major barrier to combating corruption and believes it poses a threat to Ghana’s democracy, worsening the plight of ordinary citizens.
“The cost of getting elected into any position in Ghana has increased to an intolerable level and that is the root cause of corruption. So if there is a way, we can do more research in that field and see how we can clean our politics.
“This will help us to save our democracy because the more the country’s politics became monetized, the more merit is sacrificed’, he said.
As a solution, he urged all stakeholders, including academia, to conduct research to address this issue and safeguard the country’s democracy.
Mr. Asiedu Nketiah criticized the recruitment process into the country’s security agencies, highlighting concerns about the potential consequences if the current practices are not revised.
“If we are not careful and we structure our security services along ethnic, political and religious lines, then we shouldn’t have security at all because by that you are nursing a lion which will come back to consume all of us”, he warned.
He also voiced concern about individuals posing as religious leaders, whom he described as charlatans, who are threatening politicians and exploiting vulnerable members of society.
“I see a lot of charlatans emerging in our religious scene threatening politicians that if you do not see me you can not win. We are in a country of poverty and yet the very poor are the people who are being exploited,” he lamented.
Mr Asiedu Nketiah expressed these views during a stakeholders’ consultative workshop on the development of three new academic programs at the Department of Peace Studies at the University of Cape Coast (UCC).
The workshop was attended by representatives from the two main political parties, the Electoral Commission, the National Media Commission, the National Labour Commission, the security agencies, members of academia, and the media.
The three new programs being developed are a PhD, MPhil, and MA in Peace and Development Studies; a PhD, MPhil, and MA in Politics, Peace, and Security; and certificate courses in Mediation.
Presently, Ghana continues to battle corruption. Per reports, much has not been achieved under the current government.
The Chairman of the Main Opposition Party Hon. Johnson Asiedu Nketiah has revealed that, the root cause of Corruption in our Governance System has to do with “Political Party Funding.” pic.twitter.com/R9bBzV5BTa
During a live TV interview on Oyerepa TV on Monday, March 25, 2024, Ashanti Regional Minister Simon Osei-Mensah was left momentarily speechless when asked about the projects undertaken by his party, the New Patriotic Party (NPP), in the region.
Prior to this moment, Osei-Mensah had issued a challenge to the National Democratic Congress (NDC) to present ten legacy projects they had implemented in the Ashanti Region.
“They should give me 10 signature projects or legacy projects that they commissioned in the 8-year period they were in power, in the Ashanti Region,” he dared.
However, when posed with a similar question about his own party’s projects, he struggled to provide a comprehensive response, highlighting a lack of readily available information.
While Mr Osei-Mensah initially mentioned four projects, he appeared to struggle to provide further details or additional examples, eventually falling silent and unable to continue speaking.
“We have completed the Zipline project which is at Mampong… go and look at Bosomtwe Girls… By the end of April, you will see that planes can land at the airport… baby and mother unit that Auntie Rebecca came to commission is also our project,” and then the minister went blank on live TV.
After a brief pause, the minister, Simon Osei-Mensah, informed the host, Kwesi Parker-Wilson, that he would gather the remaining details and share them later.
Ashanti Regional Minister, Simon Osei-Mensah was left speechless during a live TV interview when asked to name five projects implemented by the New Patriotic Party (NPP) for the residents of the region.
The National Democratic Congress (NDC) has expressed concerns about the scheduling of political cases in the Supreme Court, alleging bias on the part of the Chief Justice.
The party is particularly troubled by the prioritization of the case filed by South Dayi MP, Rockson-Nelson Dafeamekpor, over the case of Richard Dela Sky v. the Parliament of Ghana and the Attorney-General.
PRESS STATEMENT For Immediate Release
NDC REACTS TO PALPABLE JUDICIAL BIAS IN THE SCHEDULING OF POLITICAL CASES IN THE SUPREME COURT OF GHANA
The National Democratic Congress (NDC) has become aware of the decision by the Chief Justice of Ghana to list the case of Rockson-Nelson Etse K. Dafeamekpor v. the Speaker of Parliament and Attorney-General (SUIT NO: J1/12/2024) for hearing on Wednesday, 27th March, 2024.
The NDC is intrigued by the listing of the Dafeamekpor case for hearing, ahead of the case of Richard Dela Sky v. the Parliament of Ghana and the Attorney-General.
It is interesting to note, that Richard Dela Sky filed his writ of summons in the Supreme Court challenging the constitutionality of the Sexual Rights and Family Values Bill, 2024, on the 5th of March 2024. This was almost two (2) clear weeks before Hon. Rockson Dafeamekpor filed his writ of summons on 18th March, 2024 challenging the constitutionality of the latest ministerial nominations by the President.
Given the recent political deadlock that these two legal suits have created between the Executive arm and the Legislative arm of government, one would have expected that the date of filing of the cases would have informed the timing of their hearing by the apex Court.
Yet, for some strange reasons, the case of Hon. Rockson Dafeamekpor which was last in time to be filed, has been hurriedly listed for hearing, while that of Richard Dela Sky which predated the Dafeamekpor case by two weeks, has not been listed for hearing at all. This is in spite of the fact that, no application for abridgment of time, has been filed by any of the parties in the Dafeamekpor case.
It’s quite apparent, that this is a ploy by the Chief Justice to fast-track the determination of the suit filed by Hon. Rockson Dafeamekpor, while the determination of the Richard Dela Sky suit is deliberately and unduly delayed, to enable the President shelve the crucial Sexual Rights and Family Values Bill that has been passed by Parliament.
Even more bizarre is the fact that, the case filed by some NDC Members of Parliament, challenging the constitutionality of the passage of the Electronic Transfer Levy (E-Levy) Bill, as far back as 2022, has not been listed for hearing by the Supreme Court till date.
The arbitrary exercise of administrative discretion by the Chief Justice, particularly in the scheduling of cases in the Supreme Court, goes to fortify the high perception of bias on the part of the judiciary.
Such judicial manipulations go to confirm the growing public perception that the current Chief Justice, is a pliant accomplice and abettor of the misrule of the despotic Akufo-Addo/Bawumia/NPP government.
While the Constitution of Ghana vests discretionary powers in the Chief Justice in the discharge of her administrative duties over the judiciary, it is important that such discretionary powers are not exercised arbitrarily, capriciously and whimsically.
Judicial independence must mean exactly that. At no point should the Judiciary act in a manner that lends itself to the grounded belief that it is willing to aid an overbearing executive in a standoff with the legislature.
The Chief Justice must appreciate that justice emanates from the people and that the judiciary exists to serve the overall interest of the state and not the interest of any particular political party or government. As such, fairness and balance must at all times shine through their work.
The listing of this particular case filed much later than the Sky case does not reflect these vital prerequisites.
We have come too far in our constitutional journey to allow such glaring manipulation to pass without protest. Such behavior as constantly exhibited by the Chief Justice against entities opposed to the NPP has gone on for too long.
This does not only undermine public confidence in the judiciary but it also makes mockery of our democratic arrangements.
There can be no earthly justification for listing the Defeamekpor case ahead of the Richard Sky case and we demand an immediate rectification of this travesty.
As the political tradition that birthed the fourth republican democracy and constitution, we are extremely concerned about this biased handling of cases by the Chief Justice, which appears to be fueling the ever-festering perception of judicial bias in the country.
These acts of judicial arbitrariness tilted in favour of the ruling Akufo-Addo/Bawumia/NPP government, do not engender public confidence and trust in our justice delivery system. And this should give every well-meaning Ghanaian legitimate cause for concern.
The National Democratic Congress (NDC) has raised concerns about the scheduling of political cases in the Supreme Court, accusing the Chief Justice of bias against them.
The party’s alarm stems from the prioritization of the case filed by South Dayi MP, Rockson-Nelson Dafeamekpor, for hearing, over the case of Richard Dela Sky v. the Parliament of Ghana and the Attorney-General.
According to a statement issued by the NDC on Wednesday, March 27, 2024, it is intriguing that “Richard Dela Sky filed his writ of summons in the Supreme Court challenging the constitutionality of the Sexual Rights and Family Values Bill, 2024, on the 5th of March 2024. This was almost two (2) clear weeks before Hon. Rockson Dafeamekpor filed his writ of summons on 18th March, 2024 challenging the constitutionality of the latest ministerial nominations by the President.”
However, the Chief Justice has scheduled Dafeamekpor’s case for today, Wednesday, March 27, ahead of the Dela Sky matter, which was filed earlier.
Fifi Fiavi Kwetey, NDC’s General Secretary, noted in a statement that “given the recent political deadlock that these two legal suits have created between the Executive arm and the Legislative arm of government, one would have expected that the date of filing of the cases would have informed the timing of their hearing by the apex Court.”
The statement also alleges that the scheduling of the cases is a tactic by the Head of the Judiciary to support the President’s intention to shelve the anti-LGBTQ bill, which has become a matter of concern in the country.
“It’s quite apparent, that this is a ploy by the Chief Justice to fast-track the determination of the suit filed by Hon. Rockson Dafeamekpor, while the determination of the Richard Dela Sky suit is deliberately and unduly delayed, to enable the President shelve the crucial Sexual Rights and Family Values Bill that has been passed by Parliament,” it added.
A woman believed to be going through heartbreak nearly got assaulted by her ex-boyfriend for setting his car on fire.
In a video circulating on X platform, a female voice recounts how the 18-year-old lady evaded the attack thanks to the intervention of her ex’s landlord.
Per the narration, the lady left her home with a fire she set ablaze and placed it in the trunk of her ex’s vehicle.
Upon sighting this, the man is said to have launched an attack on his ex but was stopped by his landlord “who spoke some sense into him.”
The video shows how part of the Mazda black vehicle has been destroyed by the flames. The rear window was damaged beyond recognition.
The female voice in the video cautioned women against going after their exes when the relationship fails.
A landlord intervened to rescue a young girl from a potentially fatal beating by her boyfriend. This was after the young girl set the vehicle of her boyfriend on fire after an argument. pic.twitter.com/UDkmwdVFhc
Social media personality Albert Nat Hyde, known as Bongo Ideas and Onua TV journalist, Captain Smart, are on X platform’s Trend List over a comment made by the former against the latter about 2 years ago.
The unsavoury comments resurfaced after it was alleged an interview scheduled for Tuesday by Media General’s Onua TV to have social media personality Albert Nat Hyde, known as Bongo Ideas, share a recent tragic incident was cancelled at the very last moment.
Recent reports had it that Bongo Ideas was kidnapped by some men alleged to be police officers despite the Police Service disputing this claim.
In a recent interview on DW, Bongo Ideas noted that he has been warned against making comments about President Akufo-Addo.
Many hoped that his subsequent interview with Captain Smart, host of Maakye on Onua TV, who has criticised the Akufo-Addo-led government would provide more revelation.
However, many were disappointed, as the interview did not take place as scheduled.
Reacting to this development, X user, Asamoah, alleged that the interview was cancelled because of a comment made by Bongo Ideas in the past against Captain Smart.
“But couple of hours before the interview, someone sent this to Captain Smart, prompting him of how Bongo ideas insulted him (Captain) with his chest out,” he wrote.
The X post made by Bongo Ideas described Captain Smart as an “unprofessional journalist.”
This remains a claim, as it has not been confirmed by either Captain Smart or Bongo Ideas.
Two years ago, Bongo Ideas lambasted Captain Smart for nearly sacking former Member of Parliament for Kumbugu, Ras Mubarak from the show after nearly two minutes of a verbal altercation.
Ras Mubarak complained to Captain Smart over what he deemed to be noise and interference from a makeup artist in the studio.
Interestingly, Captain Smart objected to Ras Mubarak’s call, questioning why he would pay attention to the staff instead of focusing on the show.
Responding to this, Bongo Ideas labbed Captain Smart as a “primitive and tasteless” journalist for “making the most noise.”
“Captain Smart ignorantly thinks being a great journalist means you must be seen to be making the most noise. His argument with Ras Mubarak exposes his archaic, primitive and tasteless journalism style.”
“I wonder if any discerning Ghanaian pays audience to his shows.”
Captain Smart is a very unprofessional journalist! Great journalists are thinkers, not emotional noisemakers. He should learn from Bernard Avle.
Finance Minister-designate, Dr Mohammed Amin Adam, has noted that the approval of the 2nd Review by the IMF Executive Board, expected in June 2024, would lead to the release of the third tranche of US$360 million.
Ghana received $600 million from the Fund in the first and second tranches respectively. This would bring the total disbursements under the programme to US$1.56 billion.
According to him, the next two reviews of Ghana’s US$3bn International Monetary Fund (IMF)-supported Post Covid-19 Programme for Economic Growth (PC-PEG) will take place in the second and fourth quarters of the year.
“The 3rd Review has been programmed for November 2024,” he added.
While engaging the press today, the minister-designate reported substantial strides in meeting the objectives set out IMF programme.
“The Ministry of Finance is working with the BoG in preparation for the IMF 2nd Review Mission. Preliminary assessment undertaken by MoF and BoG shows that we are on course to meet most of the targets under the Programme.”
This comes after the successful completion of the first review of the IMF programme on January 19, 2024.
“During the 2nd Review, the IMF mission will engage the authorities in technical and policy discussions to enable them to assess Ghana’s performance on programme objectives, the 6 Quantitative Performance Criteria (QPCs), the 3 Indicative Targets (ITs), 1 Monetary Policy Consultation Clause (MPCC), and the Structural Benchmarks (SBs) with respect to end Dec 2023 targets. They will also review performance towards upcoming QPCs, ITs, and SBs,” he added.
Reports have it that an interview scheduled for Tuesday by Media General’s Onua TV to have social media personality Albert Nat Hyde, known as Bongo Ideas, share a recent tragic incident was cancelled at the very last moment.
Recent reports had it that Bongo Ideas was kidnapped by some men alleged to be police officers despite the Police Service disputing this claim.
In a recent interview on DW, Bongo Ideas noted that he has been warned against making comments about President Akufo-Addo.
Many hoped that his subsequent interview with Captain Smart, host of Maakye on Onua TV, who has criticised the Akufo-Addo-led government would provide more revelation.
However many were disappointed, as the interview did not take place as scheduled.
Reacting to this development, X user, Asamoah, alleged that the interview was cancelled because of a comment made by Bongo Ideas in the past against Captain Smart.
“But couple of hours before the interview, someone sent this to Captain Smart, prompting him of how Bongo ideas insulted him (Captain) with his chest out,” he wrote.
The X post made by Bongo Ideas in 2022 described Captain Smart as an “unprofessional journalist.”
This remains a claim, as it has not been confirmed by either Captain Smart or Bongo Ideas.
“Captain Smart therefore angrily cancelled the show with Bongo and warned him never to cross his path. Both Captain and Bongo are in pains,” the X user added.
Captain Smart is a very unprofessional journalist! Great journalists are thinkers, not emotional noisemakers. He should learn from Bernard Avle.
The government is on the verge of finalizing a deal with Independent Power Producers (IPPs) to restructure the debts in the energy sector.
The Ministry of Finance aimed to complete the restructuring of arrears totaling over US$1.5 billion by the end of March 2024.
IPPs have previously warned of potential power supply cuts if the substantial debts are not addressed. However, during a media briefing on Tuesday, March 27, 2024, Finance Minister-designate Dr. Mohammed Amin Adam revealed that discussions with the power generators are at an advanced stage to settle the debts.
“Coming to the existing arrears, we are almost through with our negotiation with the IPPs to restructure the arrears over several years and as I speak to you, I believe in the next two to three weeks we’ll be signing those agreements with the IPPs we have concluded negotiation with.
“We have even started showing our good faith to the IPPs by making some payments that we had agreed to do with them and this is why you do not hear the threats that you used to hear and read about from IPPs about threatening to shut down”, he disclosed.
The Minister acknowledged the significant impact of the debt on the energy sector and stated that he would prioritize addressing the financial situation.
“The energy sector continues to be a bother for us because the arrears are still huge on our books. We’ve seen significant progress in addressing not just the arrears but to prevent the accumulation of arrears going forward”.
The confirmation of newly nominated ministers and reshuffled ministers appointed by President Akufo-Addo is uncertain as the Supreme Court prepares to rule on an injunction filed by Member of Parliament for South Dayi, Rockson Nelson Dafeamekpor.
Dafeamekpor’s lawsuit against the Speaker of Parliament and the Attorney General argues that the President should have sought parliamentary approval before reassigning ministers whose appointments were revoked.
President Akufo-Addo announced a reshuffle on February 14, 2024, which saw 13 ministers and 10 deputy ministers relieved of their posts, while 6 were reassigned to various portfolios.
The Supreme Court is scheduled to hear the case on Wednesday, March 27.
Listed below are the reliefs sought by the Member of Parliament for South Dayi:
“a declaration that under Article 78(1) of the 1992 Constitution, a Minister of State shall be appointed by the President with the prior approval of Parliament” and second, “a declaration that under Article 81(a) of the 1992 Constitution, the office of a Minister of State or a Deputy Minister shall become vacant if his appointment is revoked, terminated or relieved of that portfolio by the President.
“a declaration that upon a true and proper interpretation of Articles 78(1) and 81 (a) of the 1992 Constitution, a Minister of State or Deputy Minister of State who has had his appointment revoked, terminated or relieved of portfolio by the President, cannot be re-assigned to another Ministerial or Deputy Ministerial office without prior approval of Parliament”.
“a declaration that upon a true and proper interpretation of Articles 78(1) and 81 (a) of the 1992 Constitution, once a Minister of State or Deputy Minister of State has had his appointment revoked, terminated or relieved of that portfolio by the President, that Minister of State or Deputy Minister of State must be subject to the requirement of prior Parliamentary approval before that Minister of State or Deputy Minister of State is re-appointed as a Minister or Deputy-Minister of State.
“a declaration that upon a true and proper interpretation of Articles 78(1) and 81(a) of the 1992 Constitution, the Ministers of State and the Deputy Minister of State whose appointments were revoked on the 14th of February, 2024 cannot be re-assigned or re-appointed to other Ministerial and Deputy Ministerial offices without prior approval of Parliament.”
“a declaration that failure and/or refusal of the President of the Republic of Ghana to seek the prior approval of Parliament before purporting to re-assign the Ministers of State and the Deputy Minister of State whose appointments were revoked or terminated or relieved of their portfolios on the 14th of February, 2024 amounts to a direct violation of Articles 78(1) and 81(a) of the 1992 Constitution.”
“a declaration that any Ministerial appointment which has not been subject to prior Parliamentary approval is in direct violation of Article 78(1) of the 1992 Constitution.”
“an order directing the President of the Republic of Ghana to submit to Parliament for prior approval, the names of the Ministers of State and the Deputy Minister of State whose appointments were revoked or terminated on the 14th of February, 2024 and who were subsequently supposedly re-assigned to other Ministerial and Deputy Ministerial offices for purposes of appointment as Ministers of State and Deputy Minister of State.”
“an order of interlocutory injunction restraining the Speaker of Parliament, the 1st Defendant herein, from proceeding with the vetting and approval of the names of the nominees of the President submitted to Parliament until the requirement that a Minister of State shall be appointed by the President with the prior approval of Parliament is satisfied in respect to the Ministers of State and the Deputy Minister of State whose appointments were revoked on the 14th of February, 2024 have been re-assigned new Ministerial and Deputy Ministerial offices.”
“an order of perpetual injunction restraining the Speaker of Parliament 1st Defendant herein, from proceeding with the vetting and approval of the names of the nominees of the Presidential submitted to Parliament until the requirement that a Minister of State shall be appointed by the President with the prior approval of Parliament is satisfied in respect to the Ministers of State and the Deputy Minister of State whose appointments were revoked on the 14th of February, 2024 and have been re-assigned new Ministerial and Deputy Ministerial offices.”
Jude Bellingham’s late equalizer rescued England from a second consecutive Wembley defeat after defensive lapses threatened to derail them in a friendly against Belgium.
Following a home loss to Brazil, Gareth Southgate’s revamped squad displayed a blend of promise and vulnerability. While they showed attacking flair, defensive errors were ruthlessly exploited by Belgium until Bellingham’s dramatic intervention in the dying seconds.
England’s usually reliable goalkeeper Jordan Pickford made a rare mistake, his first in 60 international appearances, as his poor clearance led to Youri Tielemans opening the scoring for Belgium after just 11 minutes.
Ivan Toney, making his first start for England, leveled the score from the penalty spot six minutes later, scoring his first international goal after being fouled by veteran Jan Vertonghen.
Finally broke my Wembley curse.😤 Proud of how this squad reacted to all the setbacks this week. See you in the Summer!🤍 pic.twitter.com/sg0rhXlBZj
Jarrod Bowen had a close-range header disallowed for offside, and another defensive error allowed Belgium to regain the lead nine minutes before halftime. A mistake by Lewis Dunk allowed Romelu Lukaku to set up Tielemans for a header at the far post.
Despite England’s 18-year-old debutant Kobbie Mainoo impressing, the Three Lions had their chances, with Bellingham missing the target twice when well-placed and Phil Foden firing wide when in a good position.
Belgium goalkeeper Matz Sels denied Bowen with a good save before Bellingham made up for his earlier misses by slotting home a low finish with virtually the last kick of the game, securing England a deserved draw.
The government has launched a resettlement program for communities affected by the Akosombo Dam spillage.
Led by the Ministry of Works and Housing, this initiative aims to provide new homes for individuals whose residences were destroyed by the floods.
Data from the National Disaster Management Organization (NADMO) indicates that more than 5,200 households in 19 districts along the Volta River in the Volta, Eastern, Greater Accra, and Oti Regions were impacted by the floods.
Minister-designate of Works and Housing, Kojo Oppong-Nkrumah, stated that the entire resettlement project is expected to be completed within six months.
“The construction of the resettlement homes is going to take some months and nothing less than about six months for us to make some significant headway in this exercise and we ask for everyone’s patience as we go through it. We are already starting about a hundred and our final validation will give us the backstock numbers.”
President of the Coalition of Concerned Teachers and spokesperson for the three striking teacher unions, King Ali Awudu, has reassured parents that missed lessons will be made up for once the impasse with the government is resolved and teachers return to the classroom.
There has been particular concern among final year Junior High School students about how the strike might affect their preparation for the upcoming Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE).
Mr. Awudu addressed these concerns, emphasizing that as teachers, they are committed to ensuring the success of their students. He pointed out that during the COVID-19 pandemic, when schools were closed for months, teacher unions had devised strategies to continue teaching lessons, indicating their dedication to students’ education.
He made these remarks during an interview on JoyFM’s Newsnight on Tuesday, March 26.
“For the lost time, as teachers we have always done it. For example, when the Covid came and teachers were at home for about 10 months, it was we [teacher unions] that proposed to the government that we wanted to work extra to make up for the lost time. That is why we introduced this semester system in the basic school and all that, where for about four to five months continuously, the children were in school and we were teaching them.
“You go to the Senior High School and additional hours were added to the timetable at no additional remuneration to the teacher. We love the kids and no teacher wants his or her students to fail exams. So, most definitely when we go back we teach them and we know how we are going to handle matters to make up for the lost time. That one I promise you, we are going to handle matters to make up the lost time,”he reiterated.
The Ghana National Association of Teachers (GNAT), the National Association of Graduate Teachers (NAGRAT), and the Coalition of Concerned Teachers (CCT-Gh) initiated a nationwide strike on March 20.
The strike stemmed from the failure to finalize a new collective agreement by the agreed-upon deadline of February 29, 2024.
While the strike was ongoing, the National Labour Commission (NLC) reported progress in negotiations with the striking teachers. During a key meeting in Accra on March 26, the Commission successfully addressed three of the nine concerns raised by the teacher unions.
These included the provision of laptops, the reinstatement of salaries blocked by the Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP), and the establishment of terms of service for teachers.
The NLC clarified that discussions would continue with teachers regarding the remaining six concerns. Despite these advancements, the striking unions have not yet called off the strike.
Chairperson of Volunteers for the 13th African Games, Juliana Addoyoba, has refuted claims that volunteers were promised a specific amount of GHC500 for transportation during the Games.
Following the conclusion of the event in Ghana, volunteers engaged in a standoff with security authorities over unpaid allowances.
Reports initially suggested that each volunteer was assured of receiving GHC2000 as well as an additional GHC500 for transportation, with these payments expected to be disbursed by Tuesday, March 26.
“We the Volunteers for the 13th ALL AFRICAN GAMES have been denied our due including TNT and are being forced to leave the Hostels immediately.”
The conclusion of the 13th All-African Games has led to a dramatic scene unfolding at the hostel housing volunteers as they engaged… pic.twitter.com/34ensYVnRH
However, as of the conclusion of the Games on Saturday, March 23, these payments had not been made, leading to tensions between the volunteers and security officers.
In an interview on TV3, Juliana Addoyoba clarified that while volunteers were indeed assured of receiving money to cover their commuting expenses, an exact figure was never specified.
She also refuted claims that a specific amount for allowance was mentioned, adding further complexity to the situation.
Post-Africa Games matters: We never promised any figure as an allowance. We said we'd give them money for transport. – Juliana Addoyoba Chairperson of Volunteers for African Games#GhanaTonightpic.twitter.com/7CAW54tfZL
Following the conclusion of the 13th African Games held in Ghana, volunteers found themselves in a standoff with security authorities over unpaid allowances.
Reports indicate that each volunteer was promised payment of GHC2000 along with an additional GHC500 for transportation. The promised allowances were supposed to be disbursed by Tuesday, March 26.
However, as of the conclusion of the games on Saturday, March 23, these payments had not been made, leading to tensions between the volunteers and the security officers.
According to a volunteer, “We the Volunteers for the 13th ALL AFRICAN GAMES have been denied our due including TNT and are being forced to leave the Hostels immediately.”
“We the Volunteers for the 13th ALL AFRICAN GAMES have been denied our due including TNT and are being forced to leave the Hostels immediately.”
The conclusion of the 13th All-African Games has led to a dramatic scene unfolding at the hostel housing volunteers as they engaged… pic.twitter.com/34ensYVnRH
Finance Minister-designate, Dr. Mohammed Amin Adam, has reported substantial strides in meeting the objectives set out in the 3-year, US$3bn International Monetary Fund (IMF)-supported Post Covid-19 Programme for Economic Growth (PC-PEG).
The ministerial appointee made this known on Tuesday while engaging the press.
“The Ministry of Finance is working with the BoG in preparation for the IMF 2nd Review Mission. Preliminary assessment undertaken by MoF and BoG shows that we are on course to meet most of the targets under the Programme.”
Dr. Amin Adam also highlighted that the Ministry is working closely with the Bank of Ghana (BoG) to ready for the International Monetary Fund’s (IMF) second review mission, slated for April 2 to 12.
This comes after the successful completion of the first review of the IMF programme on January 19, 2024.
“During the 2nd Review, the IMF mission will engage the authorities in technical and policy discussions to enable them to assess Ghana’s performance on programme objectives, the 6 Quantitative Performance Criteria (QPCs), the 3 Indicative Targets (ITs), 1 Monetary Policy Consultation Clause (MPCC), and the Structural Benchmarks (SBs) with respect to end Dec 2023 targets. They will also review performance towards upcoming QPCs, ITs, and SBs,” he added.
The minister-designate emphasized that the approval of the 2nd Review by the IMF Executive Board, expected in June 2024, would lead to the release of the 3rd tranche of US$360 million. This would bring the total disbursements under the programme to US$1.56 billion.
“The 2nd Review will be the first of the two semi-annual reviews programmed for 2024. The 3rd Review has been programmed for Nov 2024,” he added.
The funeral and burial rites of the late Mark Owen Woyongo, former Interior Minister under the National Democratic Congress (NDC) administration, will be held from Thursday, April 11 to Sunday, April 14, 2024.
A pre-burial mass in his honor will take place on April 11, 2024, at the Christ the King Church in Accra at 9 am. This will be followed by a wake-keeping and vigil on Friday, April 12th, at the Woyongo Family House in Navrongo.
The funeral mass will be held on Saturday, April 13th, at Our Lady of Seven Sorrows Minor Basilica, Navrongo, with a Thanksgiving mass scheduled for Sunday, April 14th, at the Catholic Church in Navrongo.
The family announced these arrangements during a courtesy call on Interior Minister Henry Quartey to officially inform him of Mr. Woyongo’s passing on Monday.
Mr. Woyongo, who also served as a former Minister of Defence and Member of Parliament for the Navrongo Central Constituency, passed away on January 17, 2024, in Accra after a period of illness.
The leader of the delegation, George Anuseh, expressed gratitude to the Minister for the meeting and extended an invitation to the Ministry to attend the funeral.
In response, Mr. Quartey praised the late Woyongo as a politician who contributed vast knowledge to the security and intelligence of the country. He assured the family of the Ministry’s support in giving Mr. Woyongo a dignified farewell.
Fulani herdsmen are reported to have led their cattle to a temporary yam storage barn, where they feasted on thousands of yams meticulously harvested and stored by a young man in preparation for the market.
In a poignant video shared widely on social media, the devastated young man, visibly distraught, expressed his anguish as he surveyed the damage inflicted upon his hard-earned produce.
“It’s painful that you work tirelessly for two years on a project, only for selfish individuals to come and destroy it,” he lamented, his voice heavy with despair.
The incident has reignited concerns about the persistent challenges faced by farmers.
Many are calling for swift action to address the matter to ensure that farmers are adequately protected from such devastating losses in the future.
Fulani herdsmen took their cattle to a temporary yam storage barn to feed on thousands of yams belonging to a young man who had harvested and stored them within the year, preparing for the market.
Fulani herdsmen took their cattle to a temporary yam storage barn to feed on thousands of yams belonging to a young man who had harvested and stored them within the year, preparing for the market. pic.twitter.com/LOAn5SFd6X
In a captivating display of fervent support, Ghanaian boxing fans, predominantly Gas, rallied behind their local boxer in a recent match captured in a viral Instagram video.
With unwavering enthusiasm, they urged their fighter to dominate the ring and leave no room for his opponent’s recovery.
The Ghanaian pugilist faced off against a formidable adversary who matched him blow for blow in a thrilling bout. As the momentum shifted in favour of the hometown hero, the spectators erupted into spirited chants, unable to contain their excitement.
In a scene charged with intensity, the fans invoked a popular explicit Ga phrase, signaling their fighter to unleash his fury and deliver decisive blows to his opponent.
Their collective voice reverberated throughout the arena, urging their boxer to seize the moment and assert his dominance.
Despite delivering a relentless assault, the Ghanaian boxer fell short of securing a knockout victory.
Finance Minister-designate, Dr. Mohammed Amin Adam, has noted that the next two reviews of Ghana’s US$3bn International Monetary Fund (IMF)-supported Post Covid-19 Programme for Economic Growth (PC-PEG) will take place in the second and fourth quarters of the year.
The minister-designate emphasized that the approval of the 2nd Review by the IMF Executive Board, expected in June 2024, would lead to the release of the 3rd tranche of US$360 million.
This would bring the total disbursements under the programme to US$1.56 billion.
“The 3rd Review has been programmed for November 2024,” he added.
While engaging the press today, the minister-designate reported substantial strides in meeting the objectives set out IMF programme.
“The Ministry of Finance is working with the BoG in preparation for the IMF 2nd Review Mission. Preliminary assessment undertaken by MoF and BoG shows that we are on course to meet most of the targets under the Programme.”
This comes after the successful completion of the first review of the IMF programme on January 19, 2024.
“During the 2nd Review, the IMF mission will engage the authorities in technical and policy discussions to enable them to assess Ghana’s performance on programme objectives, the 6 Quantitative Performance Criteria (QPCs), the 3 Indicative Targets (ITs), 1 Monetary Policy Consultation Clause (MPCC), and the Structural Benchmarks (SBs) with respect to end Dec 2023 targets. They will also review performance towards upcoming QPCs, ITs, and SBs,” he added.
Ashanti Regional Chairman of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Bernard Antwi Boasiako, also known as Chairman Wontumi, in 2020 revealed that his mining business was generating approximately $1 million daily.
His mining company, Hansol Company Ltd, was among the most successful and prominent mining firms, primarily operating in the Western region.
However, Chairman Wontumi recounted on Good Evening Ghana with Paul Adom Otchere how former President John Dramani Mahama’s alleged political persecution caused his business to collapse overnight during his administration.
Chairman Wontumi disclosed that at one point, former President Mahama called for a meeting with him due to reports alleging his involvement in illegal mining.
These reports led to demands from officials for his business to be shut down. However, after presenting evidence of his licenses and legal permits to operate, former President Mahama acknowledged his compliance with regulations and even sought his support in politics.
“I told him mining is not a bad thing. Every country need a mining, if you have a resources, you need it to develop your…but you have to regularize it or make a good policy for it. But to me, I have a legitimate license they’ve signed for me. This is my license, so he see everything true.
“Then he said, oooh this guy you’re too smart,because that time i was making about $1 million a day,” the vociferous politician revealed.
Chairman Wontumi, the Managing Director of HANSOL Mining Limited, revealed that he faced targeting by the former leader after declining a request to switch political allegiance with his wealth.
In 2013, Wontumi’s mining company was raided by an inter-ministerial task force, comprising security personnel, on suspicion of involving Chinese nationals in illegal mining activities.
The task force reportedly looted valuables, including money, gold, and equipment, and set the premises on fire, despite finding no foreigners on site.
Wontumi accused the government, led by then-President John Dramani Mahama, of deliberately attacking his business. He detailed the ordeal endured by himself and his staff, noting that his company had 500 excavators before the raid but could only account for 200 afterward.
Concerned about the raid’s impact, Wontumi pursued legal action, leading to a reported judgment debt of US$1 billion.
Minister of Finance-designate, Dr. Mohammed Amin Adam, has revealed that Ghana’s agriculture sector grew by 4.5 percent in 2023.
In an interaction with the press today, he further disclosed that the livestock, crops, and fishing subsectors experienced growth rates of 6.5 percent, 4.8 percent, and 4.1 percent, respectively.
“Agriculture sector which expanded by 4.5% supported by expansion in the Livestock subsector (6.5%), Crops subsector (4.8%) and Fishing subsector (4.1%); and Industry sector which rather contracted by 1.2% in 2023 driven mainly by negative growth recorded in the Electricity (10.9%) and Construction (9.9%) subsectors.
“The contraction in the industry sector occurred in the first three quarters of 2023. The 4th Quarter, however, showed a recovery of 1.6% growth, signalling a rebound.”
The United Kingdom (UK) government has expressed its readiness to offer expertise and investment to support the growth of Ghana’s agriculture sector.
According to the authority, the agric sector remains an important contributor to Ghana’s economic growth, therefore, the expertise needed to boost the sector was important.
A member of Parliament’s Mines and Energy Committee, Edward Bawa, has expressed his disappointment with Energy Minister Dr. Matthew Opoku Prempeh’s comments regarding the need for a load-shedding timetable by the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG).
Dr. Prempeh also known as NAPO challenged those advocating for ECG to issue a load-shedding timetable to come up with their own proposed schedules.
At the inauguration of the NPP campaign team in the Ashanti Region, he urged critics to create their own timetable if they believe it’s necessary. He questioned the rationale behind creating a timetable when ECG has stated that there is no such plan in place.
In an interview with Umaru Sanda Amadu on Eyewitness News on Citi FM, Mr Bawa indicated that the Energy Minister’s comments demonstrated the government’s lack of concern for Ghanaians.
“First and foremost, let me state that the comment by Honourable Matthew Opoku Prempeh is very unfortunate. It is a sign that we have a group of people who simply cannot care about how people feel. You can feel arrogance in his comments. You can feel disrespect for even the people who made you, who by their grace made you who you are in terms of being a minister of state,” he stated.
He also suggested that the Minister’s remarks revealed his anger and disrespect towards Ghanaians who have contributed to his current position.
The Minority in Parliament is calling for a bipartisan parliamentary probe into the $240 million spent by the government on the recently concluded 13th African Games.
According to the Minority, despite the significant amount of money allocated to the games, the organization and management were poor and shambolic compared to previous editions hosted by other African countries.
Ranking Member on the Youth and Sports Committee of Parliament, Kobena Mensah Woyome, criticized the Akufo-Addo-Bawumia government, describing the 13th African Games in Ghana as a monumental disaster and a total embarrassment to the country.
He highlighted that despite the substantial financial investment, the event failed to achieve economic viability, promote tourism, or facilitate trade effectively.
Mr. Woyome emphasized that the expenditure on the games was alarming, particularly given the nation’s current economic challenges.
Drawing comparisons to previous hosts, he noted that Morocco spent 46 million euros and Congo spent 60 million dollars on the 12th and 11th editions, respectively, yet managed to develop ultra-modern sports facilities.
“The just-ended games were a monumental disaster and a total embarrassment to our dear country. The Akufo-Addo-Bawumia government spent a staggering 240 million dollars on the just-ended games yet, the organisation and management of the event were poor and shambolic.
“Quite apart from the fact that it lacked the clear combined effect of economic viability, the organisation of the games lacked clear-cut policies for tourism promotion and trade facilitation. This could have given us some economic value for the huge expenditure on the game.
“Given the current state of the Ghanaian economy, which has been rendered bankrupt by the Akufo-Addo-Bawumia government. Emerging details about the hefty expenditure of the games raised concerns among Ghanaians.
“Four years Morocco, hosted the 12 edition of the African games and spent 46 million euros, prior to that Congo spent 60 million dollars to host the 11th edition.”
The Greater Accra Regional Criminal Investigations Department (CID) of the Ghana Police Service has submitted its diary of action detailing an incident involving former National Service Person (NSS) Deborah Seyram Adablah, who allegedly assaulted police officers.
Additionally, the Regional Police CID submitted entries from the station diary of the officers from the Counter Terrorism Unit (CTU) who were executing a court order to preserve a vehicle involved in a dispute.
Detective Sergeant Thompson Ayitey, an Investigator with the Greater Accra Regional CID, testified in court as a Subpoenaed Witness (Court Witness) from the lawyers of Deborah Seyram Adablah. He stated that Adablah obstructed police officers from performing their duties and assaulted them.
“I did not commence the execution order,” Detective Sergeant Ayitey told the High Court in Accra, adding that, “rather I was the night investigator on the said date when the Regional Counter Terrorism Unit (CTU) arrested and brought Deborah Seyram Adablah for obstructing the police officers from executing the order and also assaulting the police officers.”
Deborah Adablah’s lawsuit for sexual harassment against banker Ernest Kwasi Nimako was dismissed for lack of a reasonable cause of action. However, she is now facing a contempt charge filed by Mr. Nimako.
Ms. Adablah and her legal team have filed an application seeking to set aside the service and execution of the prohibition order filed on June 15, 2023.
During a court session on Monday, March 25, 2024, the Court subpoenaed a witness after three documents, including the case docket on Adablah, were tendered in and subjected to cross-examination.
Lawyer Mohammed Atta, representing Adablah, cross-examined the investigator (witness) and sought to clarify if the witness was the officer who initiated the execution of the preservation order exhibited on May 19, 2023.
After responding in the negative, that, “I did not commence the execution order,” he explained that, “rather I was the night investigator on the said date when the Regional CTU (Counter Terrorism Unit) arrested and brought Deborah S Adablah for obstructing the police officers from executing the order and also assault on the police officers.”
During the court proceedings, the witness (investigator) stated that he did not initiate action in the Diary of Action.
When asked if there were records in the Police Station Diary, the witness responded, “I have in the station diary what transpired when the court bailiff and the police went to execute the court order.”
Counsel for Adablah argued that according to police standing orders if an order to work is given, the officer tasked should start making entries from the beginning to the end.
The investigator agreed with Adablah’s counsel, explaining that, “in this case, this order was not directed to me; rather, it was addressed through our legal department to the Regional Commander, who then sent it to the CTU commander for necessary action.”
The investigator clarified that the evidence he presented in court was after the execution order was carried out.
He added; “I’m not aware when this order came to the Regional Commander.”
When Counsel suggested to him that, he had brought the wrong documents to the court, the witness said, “My lord, I tendered what I have or known about.”
He stated that the officers from the Counter Terrorism Unit worked on the execution order from start to finish.
However, he informed the Court that he would not be able to answer questions for the Counter Terrorism Unit unless the officers themselves were present.
In response, Counsel for Adablah requested that, in the interest of justice, the appropriate officers be subpoenaed to answer questions.
Presiding Judge Justice John Bosco Nabarese ruled that Counsel for the plaintiff must ensure that the latest subpoena is served on the Regional Counter Terrorism Unit, who are reported to have executed the order of preservation, to appear on May 7 for further cross-examination.
Meanwhile, lawyers for Banker Ernest Kwasi Nimako have filed an application for a summary judgment.
The Ministry of Energy has provided clarification over recent remarks made by the sector minister, Dr. Matthew Opoku Prempeh, regarding the release of a timetable for ongoing power outages.
Dr. Prempeh challenged those advocating for the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG) to issue a load-shedding timetable to present their own proposed schedules. During the inauguration of the NPP campaign team in the Ashanti Region, he encouraged critics to develop their own timetables if they deemed it necessary.
He questioned the rationale behind creating a timetable when the ECG has confirmed that no such plan is in place.
His comments during an interview with a JoyNews journalist have received criticism from scores of Ghanaians.
In a press release issued on Tuesday, March 26, and signed by the Minister’s spokesperson, Kofi Abrefa Afena, the Energy Ministry noted that “the rather innocuous statements of the Minister as captured by the interview have been distorted to portray him as being insensitive to the plight of Ghanaians.”
The statement clarified that the Minister holds respect for Ghanaians, as has been his attitude, and did not intend to disrespect citizens.
According to the statement, Dr Opoku Prempeh asserted that there was no need for the release of a timetable for the recent power outages due to the fact that work was being done to ensure the consistent supply of power.
“The Minister dismissed the need for a load management time table because in his view and as indicated by the Electricity Company of Ghana, the causes of the temporary power chalenges are being addressed.”
“The Honourable Minister has always been sensitive to the plight of the Ghanaian people and continues to ask for their forbearance, as has always been the case when challenges relative ot power stability emerge.”
“The Ministry wishes to assure the general public that the Ministry as the policy maker and mother agency of the various power sector actors is working assiduously with these agencies to ensure that the temporary challenges are resolved,” the statement concluded.
The Offinso Municipal Security Council in the Ashanti Region has prohibited Dr. Kofi Koduah Sarpong, former boss of the Ghana National Petroleum Corporation (GNPC), from claiming the title of Paramount Chief of the Offinso Traditional Area.
In efforts to maintain peace in the area, Dr. K.K. Sarpong has been advised against organizing or participating in any public events that suggest he holds the position of a chief.
This decision follows a viral social media video where Dr. Sarpong received greetings from supporters who referred to him as the rightful Offinsohene.
Chairman of the Municipal Security Council, Kingsley Owusu-Appiah has admitted the development is a security concern.
“Yes it is a security concern,” he told Joynews and explained that “So far as we are concerned, the security council is concerned, here we have two palaces. One is at Old Town and the other one is at New Town. K.K. Sarpong cannot go there to sit there as a chief.
“The video circulating, I haven’t seen it. May be he did it at his bedroom because he can’t do it at the open space because we have only one chief,“ Mr. Appiah added.
In a letter dated March 14, 2024, the Offinso Municipal Security Council cautioned Dr. K.K. Sarpong, stating that he would be held responsible for any consequences arising from his proposed familiarisation tour of certain project sites.
The Council has implemented measures to prevent any potential escalation, including the permanent deployment of police personnel from the Formed Police Unit at both the Old and New Palaces to deny Dr. K.K. Sarpong and his associates access to the sites.
“We have only one chief in Offinso and he’s called Nana Dwamena Akenten II. So all these things, like I said, maybe he’s doing it in his bedroom. So here, you know, you’ve been in town. There’s peace here so K.K. Sarpong is not a chief.”
“In Ashanti region, you can’t fight Otumfuo. This is what Otumfuo has said and Otumfuo has allowed Nana Dwamena Akenten to swear and he swore before his sub-chiefs and the sub-chiefs have sworn before him too,” Mr. Owusu-Appiah said.
He continued, “(Dr.) K.K. Sarpong cannot sit in public and claim himself to be a chief. You know, the security council will not allow that for people to go and pay homage.”
Following the passing of Offinsohene, Nana Wiafe Akenten III, the competition for the selection of a new paramount chief for Offinso intensified.
The former GNPC boss, Dr. K.K Sarpong, faced rejection twice by the Asantehene when he was presented as a candidate by the embattled Offinso queenmother, Nana Ama Serwaa Nyarko.
However, the Asantehene later accepted a new candidate who pledged allegiance under the stool name Nana Dwamena Akenten II.
The events leading up to the enstoolment resulted in Nana Serwaa Nyarko losing her chieftaincy after she was destooled by the Asantehene for insubordination.
In a letter dated March 13, 2024, the embattled queenmother informed the Offinso Municipal Chief Executive of Dr. K.K Sarpong’s nomination as the new Omanhene.
Meanwhile, during a meeting of the Offinso Traditional Council on Monday, some members called for the transfer of police personnel, accusing them of compromising security management.
The new Offinsohene, Nana Dwamena Akenten, has cautioned against any actions that disrespect the authority of the Asantehene.
Nana Kwaku Wiafe, the Offinsohene’s linguist, expressed discontent with the conduct of the police in the area. He mentioned that despite the police presence, none of Dr. Sarpong’s supporters who took to the streets without a permit have been arrested.
In a separate development, the Asona-Akonkodiase royal family has pledged allegiance to the new Omanhene while disowning the ex-queen mother, who is a member of the family.
Family spokesperson Akwasi Owusu Afriyie stated that the family is disappointed by the ex-queen mother’s actions, as she abandoned the family to nominate an outsider as her successor.
“She became a queen mother because she is a family member of Akonkodiase family. She rather disowned us because at least, she was given the mandate to choose somebody from any of the two families. We thought that she will choose somebody from us but she didn’t.”
Ghanaian businesswoman and media personality, Bridget Otoo, has noted that there has been a surge in the cost of a bag of cement, which is currently going for GHC104.
At the beginning of the year, a bag of cement was selling at ¢95.00 in certain regions, including the Accra/Tema Municipalities.
In a post on X platform, Bridget Otoo gave a view of how the cement industry is faring and what may be leading to the surge in price.
She wrote: “The reality has dawned on customers. That a bag of cement is 104 cedis. The least price for a quality cement of the 42.5R could be around 94 cedis. Even the Chinese ones are 87 cedis. Add transportation of between 3-4 cedis per bag … and do the math.”
Three months ago, Trade Minister K.T. Hammond expressed shock over the cost of the building material.
The Minister urged the industry to recognize the widespread effects of price escalation.
He emphasized the need to closely monitor and control the recommended ex-factory price margins of distributors and retailers across the country.
To stabilize prices, key measures were agreed upon, including individual companies publishing recommended distribution and retail prices for various grades of products in their respective distribution zones.
The Offinso Municipal Security Council in the Ashanti Region has expressed worry over recent developments regarding the title of Paramount Chief of the Offinso Traditional Area.
The Offinso Municipal Security Council has prohibited Dr. Kofi Koduah Sarpong, former boss of the Ghana National Petroleum Corporation (GNPC), from claiming the title of Paramount Chief of the Offinso Traditional Area.
In efforts to maintain peace in the area, Dr. K.K. Sarpong has been advised against organizing or participating in any public events that suggest he holds the position of a chief.
This decision follows a viral social media video where Dr. Sarpong received greetings from supporters who referred to him as the rightful Offinsohene.
Chairman of the Municipal Security Council, Kingsley Owusu-Appiah has admitted the development is a security concern.
“Yes it is a security concern,” he told Joynews and explained that “So far as we are concerned, the security council is concerned, here we have two palaces. One is at Old Town and the other one is at New Town. K.K. Sarpong cannot go there to sit there as a chief.
“The video circulating, I haven’t seen it. May be he did it at his bedroom because he can’t do it at the open space because we have only one chief,“ Mr. Appiah added.
During a meeting of the Offinso Traditional Council on Monday, some members called for the transfer of police personnel, accusing them of compromising security management.
The new Offinsohene, Nana Dwamena Akenten, has cautioned against any actions that disrespect the authority of the Asantehene.
Nana Kwaku Wiafe, the Offinsohene’s linguist, expressed discontent with the conduct of the police in the area. He mentioned that despite the police presence, none of Dr. Sarpong’s supporters who took to the streets without a permit have been arrested.
In a letter dated March 14, 2024, the Offinso Municipal Security Council cautioned Dr. K.K. Sarpong, stating that he would be held responsible for any consequences arising from his proposed familiarisation tour of certain project sites.
The Council has implemented measures to prevent any potential escalation, including the permanent deployment of police personnel from the Formed Police Unit at both the Old and New Palaces to deny Dr. K.K. Sarpong and his associates access to the sites.
“We have only one chief in Offinso and he’s called Nana Dwamena Akenten II. So all these things, like I said, maybe he’s doing it in his bedroom. So here, you know, you’ve been in town. There’s peace here so K.K. Sarpong is not a chief.”
“In Ashanti region, you can’t fight Otumfuo. This is what Otumfuo has said and Otumfuo has allowed Nana Dwamena Akenten to swear and he swore before his sub-chiefs and the sub-chiefs have sworn before him too,” Mr. Owusu-Appiah said.
He continued, “(Dr.) K.K. Sarpong cannot sit in public and claim himself to be a chief. You know, the security council will not allow that for people to go and pay homage.”
Following the passing of Offinsohene, Nana Wiafe Akenten III, the competition for the selection of a new paramount chief for Offinso intensified.
The former GNPC boss, Dr. K.K Sarpong, faced rejection twice by the Asantehene when he was presented as a candidate by the embattled Offinso queenmother, Nana Ama Serwaa Nyarko.
However, the Asantehene later accepted a new candidate who pledged allegiance under the stool name Nana Dwamena Akenten II.
The events leading up to the enstoolment resulted in Nana Serwaa Nyarko losing her chieftaincy after she was destooled by the Asantehene for insubordination.
In a letter dated March 13, 2024, the embattled queenmother informed the Offinso Municipal Chief Executive of Dr. K.K Sarpong’s nomination as the new Omanhene.
In a separate development, the Asona-Akonkodiase royal family has pledged allegiance to the new Omanhene while disowning the ex-queen mother, who is a member of the family.
Family spokesperson Akwasi Owusu Afriyie stated that the family is disappointed by the ex-queen mother’s actions, as she abandoned the family to nominate an outsider as her successor.
“She became a queen mother because she is a family member of Akonkodiase family. She rather disowned us because at least, she was given the mandate to choose somebody from any of the two families. We thought that she will choose somebody from us but she didn’t.”
Three exceptional young individuals have brought honor to Ghana by clinching all three top awards at the International Excellence Awards for WASSCE for School Candidates, 2023.
Out of a total of 2,327,342 candidates from the five member countries of the Council, Master Leonard Kofi M. Amo-Kodieh, formerly of St. James Seminary Senior High School, was named the 1st Overall Best Candidate.
Master Selorm Dzandu of Labone Senior High School secured the 2nd Overall Best Candidate position, while Master Daniel Asenso-Gyambibi, also formerly of St. James Seminary Senior High School, was recognized as the 3rd Overall Best Candidate.
Master Leonard Kofi M. Amo-Kodieh and Master Dzandu Selorm are pursuing Medicine at the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, while Daniel Asenso-Gyambibi is studying Computer Engineering at Ashesi University.
The three top candidates were celebrated for their academic achievements at the Opening Ceremony of the 72nd Annual Council Meeting in Freetown, Sierra Leone.
During his valedictory speech, Master Leonard Kofi M. Amo-Kodieh encouraged students from the five West African countries to prioritize their education, believing it to be the key driving force for positive change in the world.
The ceremony was attended by the Head of National Office, Mrs. Wendy Addy-Lamptey, Chief Government Nominee to Council, Dr. Eric Nkansah, Council Members from Ghana, and the Headmaster of St. James Seminary SHS, Father Owusu Sekyere.
The International Excellence Awards were established in 1985 to recognize candidates with exceptional performance in the Council’s Senior High School Certificate examinations.
Originally based on the results of the School Candidates’ (May/June) SC/GCE ‘O’ Level (International) examination, the awards now focus on the results of the School Candidates’ version of WASSCE, following the phasing out of the SC/GCE examinations and their replacement by WASSCE in 1998.
This year’s Council Meeting took place from Monday, 18th to Friday, 22nd March, 2024.
The Minority in Parliament has strongly criticized the New Patriotic Party’s (NPP) flagbearer, Vice President Dr Mahamudu Bawumia, for his recent comments regarding the revenue mobilization methods employed by the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA).
During a meeting with the Ghana National Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Dr Bawumia expressed concerns about the alleged misuse of tax collection by GRA staff, citing it as a pretext for harassing businesses.
The NDC MPs have deemed Dr. Bawumia’s remarks unsubstantial, particularly considering his position as the Vice President of the country.
In a press statement released on Tuesday, March 26, and signed by their leader Dr Cassiel Ato Forson, they emphasized the importance of accountability. They urged Dr Bawumia and the government to acknowledge their role in creating what they perceive as a high tax regime.
The Minority expressed surprise at Dr. Bawumia’s public criticism of the GRA, arguing that the authority is simply fulfilling its constitutionally mandated duty of tax enforcement.
Additionally, they argued that the Akufo-Addo administration’s policies of excessive taxation have made Ghana a less appealing destination for business activities.
“It is shocking to note that Alhaji Bawumia had the audacity to single out GRA workers for attack and condemnation after the Akufo-Addo/Bawumia government had imposed a lot of taxes on businesses and Ghanaians.”
“The government’s huge appetitie for taxes has created a high tax regime which has made the country unattractive for doing business. It is therefore not surprising that many businesses in Ghana are relocating to other countries in the West African sub-region. This spells doom and gloom for Ghanaian employees as jobs which would have otherwise been filled by them get exported as a consequence of the relocation of businesses from the country.”
Organized Labour, in a statement dated Friday, March 22, 2024, has labeled Dr. Bawumia’s comments as “unfortunate,” viewing them as a discrediting of the dedicated efforts of GRA employees.
They cautioned that such remarks could lead to worker dissatisfaction, hinder revenue collection, and incite industrial unrest.
The group urged the Vice President to acknowledge the significant strides made by the GRA or refrain from making remarks that undermine their efforts.
They also highlighted the inconsistency in Dr. Bawumia’s position, considering his leadership role in the Economic Management Team and his knowledge of the government’s targets for the Authority through the Ministry of Finance.
“We would like to state unequivocally that, we the workers of GRA find this statement unfortunate and consider it as an attack on the efforts of the hard-working staff of the Authority which if not discontinued, would incur the displeasure of workers, disrupt revenue collection efforts and breed industrial disharmony.”
The Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, has urged officials of the Electoral Commission of Ghana to prioritize fairness in their preparations for the 2024 elections.
At the 57th Special Congregation of the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, he emphasized that the transparency demonstrated by the Commission throughout the entire electoral process – before, during, and after the polls – is crucial for the overall acceptance of the election results.
The respected monarch stated that fairness is key to instilling trust in the Commission and ensuring the widespread acceptance of the election results.
“The Electoral Commission must ensure fairness and be seen to be an impartial arbiter in the electoral process”.
The Ashanti Kingdom’s overlord also advised political parties to be mindful of their statements during campaign periods.
“As the campaign temperature gains momentum, it is incumbent on all stakeholders particularly the political parties and their teeming supporters to uphold the sanctity of discourse and refrain from the propagation of divisive rhetoric and incendiary language.
“Our collective aspiration must be to foster an environment of mutual respect and constructive dialogue. In priding ourselves as a democratic nation, I urge all to unite in our resolve to safeguard the integrity of our established democratic institutions,” Otumfuo urged.
