Nigerian gospel musician Moses Bliss has expressed his gratitude to Ghana for the success of his recent event, the Bliss Experience, held at Perez Dome on Friday, March 1, 2024.
In a post on social media, Moses Bliss thanked Ghana and praised Jesus for the event’s success.
He stated, “Thank you Ghana. Please help me say thank you Jesus. BLISS EXPERIENCE was a success. We are grateful to God almighty for the supply of the Spirit of grace last night Over 15,000 thousand persons came through in the hall and in the overflow.”
The event attracted a large audience, with over 15,000 people attending in person and in the overflow area.
Moses Bliss expressed his excitement and gratitude for the turnout, promising to hold similar events in the future.
He wrote, “We are definitely doing this again.”
Thank you Ghana 🇬🇭 Please help me say thank you Jesus. BLISS EXPERIENCE was a success. We are grateful to God almighty for the supply of the Spirit of grace last night
Over 15,000 thousand persons came through in the hall and in the overflow. We are definitely doing this again pic.twitter.com/MbfsmGqgsO
Teachers at Ama Badu D/A Primary School in Mpasatia, located in the Atwima Mponua district of the Ashanti Region, are using innovative methods to prepare their students for the upcoming 6th March Independence Day celebration march.
Despite not having traditional drums, the teachers have improvised by using empty tomato paste containers and gallons to create makeshift drums.
The school’s lack of drums has not deterred the teachers from ensuring that their students are well-prepared for the event. With creativity and resourcefulness, they have found a way to provide the rhythmic accompaniment needed for the march.
Teachers at Ama Badu D/A Primary School in Mpasatia, Atwima Mponua district of Ashanti, use tomato paste containers and gallons as drums to train their students for the upcoming 6th March Independence Day celebration march.
In January 1961, Ghana made a significant investment in modern aviation by purchasing three Vickers VC 10 jetliners from the British Aircraft Corporation.
This move marked a milestone in the country’s aviation history, as the VC 10 was among the newest and most advanced jet airliners of its time.
The decision to acquire these jetliners was a strategic one, aimed at modernizing Ghana’s air transport infrastructure and enhancing its international air connectivity.
The VC 10 was known for its speed, efficiency, and comfort, making it an ideal choice for Ghana’s growing aviation needs.
The National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA) has significantly reduced its debt to service providers, now owing only for claims from November and December 2023, as it begins processing claims for January 2024.
Over the past two years, the NHIA has been making monthly payments to healthcare providers following thorough vetting and approval of claims.
The most recent payments, totaling GH¢130.24 million, were made on February 13, 2024, to 4,850 Mission, Public, Private, and Quasi-Public healthcare providers nationwide, primarily for claims submitted for October 2023. The NHIA aims to process claims within 90 days of submission, as per the scheme’s design and agreed arrangements with healthcare providers.
The NHIA introduced the “Sunshine Policy” in March last year to enhance accountability, social auditing, and transparency in monthly claims payments. All claims paid are now published on the NHIS homepage, nhis.gov.gh/payments, to update healthcare facilities and stakeholders.
To further improve efficiency and reduce fraud, the NHIA is set to achieve 100% electronic claims management by the end of the first quarter. This will allow facilities to submit claims electronically through the Claim-IT platform, streamlining the vetting and payment process.
Recently, the NHIA signed a facility with the World Bank Group, providing $27.7 million to increase NHIS annual active membership and facilitate claims processing and payments for primary healthcare providers. The funding is contingent on achieving set targets, including expanding active membership and digitizing the claims management process.
Despite progress, the NHIA cautioned against illegal payments by some credentialed service providers charging NHIS members for services covered by the scheme. The NHIA has suspended 81 identified health facilities involved in unauthorized charges and is enforcing its contract clause to make deductions from claims submitted for services wrongly charged to members.
The NHIA reiterated its commitment to reducing out-of-pocket payments under the NHIS policy to prevent catastrophic health expenditures, especially for the poor and vulnerable.
Arsenal midfielder Jorginho is reportedly considering a return to Serie A this summer.
The Brazilian-born player enjoyed a successful spell at Napoli, winning two trophies in five seasons, before joining Chelsea in 2018.
Now, with his contract set to expire at the end of the season, the Euro 2020 winner is being linked with a move to Napoli, Lazio, and Juventus, according to reports from the Evening Standard.
Jorginho, 32, has a history of working with Maurizio Sarri, who is currently the manager of Lazio, having previously coached him at both Napoli and Chelsea.
Meanwhile, Juventus, one of Italy’s traditional powerhouses, are in a rebuilding phase under Max Allegri, currently sitting second in the Serie A table behind Inter Milan.
Agent Joao Santos recently told Italian media: “He’d suit Lazio more, for the presence of coach [Maurizio] Sarri who already knows his characteristics very well.
“But also Juve, who have a great director of sport like Cristiano Giuntoli, who he spent many years with at Napoli.”
Jorginho has made a total of 25 appearances for Arsenal this season. However, the Hellas Verona academy graduate has started only six of their 26 Premier League games.
Assin Fosu, located in the Central region, has been identified as a significant hub for serious organized crimes in Ghana.
The Economic and Organized Crime Office (EOCO) has noted that criminal groups in the area operate with a well-established leadership pattern.
Leo Anthony Siamah, Deputy Head of Legal and Prosecution at EOCO, highlighted that these criminal groups primarily focus on two areas of crime: human trafficking and bank fraud.
“They have a more structured look. They have about three or four layers in terms of leadership and hierarchy where there is a reporting direction in terms of flowing from the bottom to the top and there is control,” he said.
Mr. Siamah acknowledged that a major challenge in combating these criminal groups is their ties to influential individuals, including politicians.
“So you realize that, we bust a ring, we are conducting investigation and certain caliber of persons show up. We are talking about people who claim I’m from here, I’m from there.
“When I say I’m from here, we are talking about maybe politicians, I have this politician’s number. I have this person’s number. I have this person’s contact. And then you will realize that they try to create a connection as to why he should have that person’s contact. These are some of the problems we are facing,” he said.
In addition to their links to influential figures, the Deputy Head of Legal and Prosecution at EOCO highlighted that the criminal groups have begun utilizing cryptocurrency to launder money into the country.
He expressed concern that some Ghanaians are involved in cryptocurrency transactions, leading to various issues.
“If you are aware too, there is this Bank of Ghana directive that says that anyone or anybody entering through our entry points in the country should declare any amount in excess of ten thousand dollars for instance, that used to be very easy to enforce .”
“If you are looking at the cryptocurrency problem where somebody has laundered money in terms of huge amounts of money in his wallet, how are we able to identify what he is holding?, he stressed.
A transgender woman who had undergone gender transition has decided to detransition after what he describes as a profound encounter with God.
Azario formerly known as Ashley, had transitioned to female several years ago but is now detransitioning.
In an emotional video, Azario shared his journey of faith and self-discovery.
“God made me a man, the devil tricked me into being trans and now God has called me back,” he said.
Now, Azario is focusing on rebuilding his life and reconciling his past with his present. He hopes that by sharing his story, he can inspire others to listen to their inner voice and find the courage to follow their own path, whatever that may be.
Eric Dier will make a permanent move to Bayern Munich this summer after the option in his loan deal was exercised.
The 30-year-old defender joined Bayern from Tottenham Hotspur in January for a reported fee of £3.5 million until the end of the season.
Dier’s contract with Spurs is set to expire on June 30, and an option was included in his loan deal to make the transfer to the Bundesliga champions permanent if he made a certain number of appearances.
Having played seven times under manager Thomas Tuchel, Dier has triggered a new 12-month contract that will keep him at Bayern until the summer of 2025.
The England international said: “I am very happy in Munich. Now my future is settled and I can concentrate solely on my performance and how I can help the club.
“We want to win games and titles again, even if it’s a difficult phase for us at the moment.”
Harry Kane and Eric Dier will remain team-mates at Bayern Munich
Bayern Munich currently sits in second place in the Bundesliga table, trailing leaders Bayer Leverkusen by seven points after a 2-2 draw against Freiburg. They also face a 1-0 deficit against Lazio after the first leg of their Champions League last-16 tie, with the return fixture at the Allianz Arena scheduled for Tuesday.
Manager Thomas Tuchel announced last month that he would be stepping down at the end of the season, with no successor named yet.
Today’s announcement marks the end of Eric Dier’s nine-and-a-half-year spell with Tottenham Hotspur. The defender, who made 364 appearances for Spurs, joined Bayern Munich after following Harry Kane to the German club.
Born in Cheltenham, Dier came through the ranks at Portuguese club Sporting’s academy before joining Tottenham in 2014. He has earned 49 caps for England but has not featured for the national team since their 2022 World Cup victory over Senegal.
🗣️"It's out of our hands, we are not in control."
Bayern Munich defender Eric Dier admits the Bundesliga title is Bayer Leverkusen's to lose 🇩🇪🏆 pic.twitter.com/uBoIIhHXKj
Luis Enrique has acknowledged that Paris Saint-Germain is preparing for life without Kylian Mbappe, as evidenced by his decision to substitute the Real Madrid target at half-time against Monaco.
Mbappe, 25, is strongly rumored to have agreed to join Real Madrid when his contract expires this summer, although no official announcement has been made regarding the move.
The France captain was substituted for the second game in a row and chose to watch the second half of the goalless draw from the stands.
PSG manager Enrique has indicated that he is resigned to losing the 2018 World Cup winner and is looking for ways to set up his team without him.
The 53-year-old said: “Sooner or later he won’t play with us anymore. We have to get used to that.
“I’m trying to find the best formula. I do what I consider to be best for the team. It’s my decision.”
Kylian Mbappe was taken off at half-time against former club Monaco
Mbappe was substituted in the 65th minute against Rennes last Sunday with PSG trailing 1-0, and his replacement Goncalo Ramos scored the equalizer in stoppage time.
Randal Kolo Muani, another Frenchman, was brought on at the Stade Louis II, but PSG once again failed to secure a victory.
Since joining from Monaco in 2018, Mbappe has become PSG’s all-time leading scorer with 244 goals.
PSG is currently 12 points ahead at the top of Ligue 1 and will face Real Sociedad in the second leg of their Champions League last-16 tie on Tuesday.
In the first leg earlier this month, Mbappe scored the opening goal in a 2-0 win over the LaLiga team.
Freddie Blay, former Chairman of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) and a lawyer, has shared details about his traumatic arrest and imprisonment, calling it an awful and painful experience.
During an exclusive interview with Joy Prime’s Roselyn Felli, Blay explained that his arrest was unjustified as he had not committed any offence that warranted his incarceration.
“Honestly, I did nothing that should have gotten me even arrested. What happened was that they were looking for Kweku Baako and a few friends who they thought were a danger and a rival movement to the then Rawling’s government, which was taking over power from this country. Kweku Baako had come to visit me because the place was becoming a bit dangerous, and he’s been advised to leave town.
“He wanted to go to Abidjan by road. So, he asked my permission, and I said, Why not? I have a house in Takoradi; he can go and live there and continue his journey. Not that they were looking for him officially, but he really felt threatened,” he reminisced.
Regrettably, Mr. Blay’s act of kindness led to his apprehension as he was suspected of being an accomplice of Kweku Baako’s team.
“I was kept at the barracks for about two to three months and sent to Ho Prisons, where I stayed for about seven more months, and then brought to Usher Fort for about a month or two. Afterwards, I was freed. I was happy to be freed because the experience was bad.”
“They gave me severe beatings, and fortunately, they saw Kweku Baako in my house, arrested him, and started shooting in the house. At that time, my wife, who was then my girlfriend, and we were getting closer to marriage had a miscarriage there and then because of the way they were shooting around. They carried myself and Kweku Baako back to Accra and put us in custody just because he was my friend and had been kept in my house,” Mr. Blay further narrated.
When asked if he was informed about the crime Kweku Baako had committed, the former NPP chairman replied, “No.”
Despite the trauma he experienced, Blay’s ambition in politics remained strong, and he worked hard to become one of the most renowned politicians in Ghana.
Freddie Blay assumed the role of NPP chairman in 2018.
Former New Patriotic Party (NPP) Chairman and lawyer, Freddie Blay, has opened up about his traumatic arrest and imprisonment in the past, describing it as an awful and painful experience.
In an exclusive interview with Joy Prime’s Roselyn Felli, Blay recounted the reason behind his arrest, stating that it was unjustified as he had not committed any offence that warranted his incarceration.
“Honestly, I did nothing that should have gotten me even arrested. What happened was that they were looking for Kweku Baako and a few friends who they thought were a danger and a rival movement to the then Rawling’s government, which was taking over power from this country. Kweku Baako had come to visit me because the place was becoming a bit dangerous, and he’s been advised to leave town.
“He wanted to go to Abidjan by road. So, he asked my permission, and I said, Why not? I have a house in Takoradi; he can go and live there and continue his journey. Not that they were looking for him officially, but he really felt threatened,” he reminisced.
Regrettably, Mr. Blay’s act of kindness led to his apprehension as he was suspected of being an accomplice of Kweku Baako’s team.
“I was kept at the barracks for about two to three months and sent to Ho Prisons, where I stayed for about seven more months, and then brought to Usher Fort for about a month or two. Afterwards, I was freed. I was happy to be freed because the experience was bad.”
“They gave me severe beatings, and fortunately, they saw Kweku Baako in my house, arrested him, and started shooting in the house. At that time, my wife, who was then my girlfriend, and we were getting closer to marriage had a miscarriage there and then because of the way they were shooting around. They carried myself and Kweku Baako back to Accra and put us in custody just because he was my friend and had been kept in my house,” Mr. Blay further narrated.
When asked if he was informed about the crime Kweku Baako had committed, the former NPP chairman replied, “No.”
Despite the trauma he experienced, Blay’s ambition in politics remained strong, and he worked hard to become one of the most renowned politicians in Ghana.
Freddie Blay assumed the role of NPP chairman in 2018.
FIFA president Gianni Infantino has categorically rejected the idea of incorporating blue cards into any future sin bin trial in football.
The proposed use of blue cards was intended to signal a temporary dismissal of a player, as part of trial protocols scheduled for publication on February 9.
These protocols had been approved at a board meeting of the International Football Association Board earlier in the week.
However, the announcement of blue cards on February 8 was met with widespread criticism, prompting the IFAB to postpone the publication of the protocols. The decision was made to allow for further discussions at the organization’s annual general meeting over the weekend.
On the eve of Saturdays meeting in Loch Lomond, Infantino said: “There will not be any blue cards used at elite level. This is a topic that is non-existent for us.
“FIFA is completely opposed to blue cards. I was not aware of this topic. I’m the president of FIFA and I think FIFA has a say in the IFAB. So, I don’t know if you want the title, ‘It’s red card to the blue card’!
“Every proposal and every idea has to be treated with respect, of course. But, once you look at it, you also have to protect the game, the essence of the game, the tradition of the game and there is no blue card.”
The International Football Association Board are considering changes to the current rules of red and yellow cards
The proposed introduction of a blue card, as initially envisioned in the trial, would have marked the most significant change in player discipline management since the introduction of red and yellow cards at the 1970 World Cup.
However, it is now understood that while the trial itself will continue to be developed, it will likely occur at a lower footballing level than originally planned. The February 9 protocol, which aimed to encourage applications from various competitions but not the very top-level ones, has been put on hold due to the controversy surrounding blue cards.
Prior to the debate surrounding blue cards, the Football Association, one of the five bodies comprising the IFAB, had expressed interest in conducting a trial in the men’s and women’s FA Cups in the future.
🗣️ "Red card to the blue card… No way."
FIFA president Gianni Infantino says FIFA is 'completely opposed' to blue cards 🟦⚽️ pic.twitter.com/4ervQvzXkz
Ghana’s Chef Failatu Razak recently visited former President John Dramani Mahama and his wife, Lordina Mahama, as a courtesy call.
In the video, Chef Faila was seen rolling and lying on the beautiful carpet inside the plush living room of former President Mahama and his wife, Lordina.
She expressed her gratitude for their generosity, sharing that they had paid for her first-ever all-expense-paid trip abroad. This gesture deeply moved her, leading her to prostrate before the former president in appreciation.
In a heartfelt Instagram post, Chef Faila wrote: “The honor of taking full responsibility to enable me travel outside my country to another beautiful and developed country for the first time was a mind blowing statement so unbelievable to my ears that I had to roll on the floor in excitement and gratitude.
“Indeed God’s time is the best.Tourism to a beautiful country was not an opportunity for me to go and have fun,but an opportunity to widen my thinking.
An opportunity to explore better entrepreneurial skills, business ideas, better Culinary presentations to improve myself.I am deeply grateful to @ Lordina Mahama Foundation, Her Excellency former First Lady Lordina Mahama for this privilege.To Honorable Joyce Bawah and Honorable Obuobia Darkua,thank you for your love,support and kindness through it all.God richly bless you.”
Watch how Chef Faila go butterflies after visiting HE president John Dramani Mahama and his wife pic.twitter.com/76znTvmBSd
He is said to have noted that he had a dream about war in the country during the previous election two years ago, and recent comments made by Member of Parliament for Abetifi and Minister for Food and Agriculture, Bryan Acheampong, have further heightened his apprehensions.
During an interview on the Happy Morning Show (HMS) with Samuel Eshun, Brig. Gen. Joseph Nunoo-Mensah is alleged to have stated that the National Democratic Congress (NDC) appears determined to wrest power from the New Patriotic Party (NPP), adding to the tension surrounding the election.
“I don’t think we are going to have peaceful elections in this country. I’m just saying what this man [Bryan Acheampong] told you which I dreamt about two years ago. The NDC is hell-bent on wrestling power from the NPP,” Daily News Ghana quoted him to have said.
“If someone is hell-bent and you are not giving it to them what will happen? Is it not war?” he questioned the host.
He added “I have dreamt about it and it’s going to happen. You don’t have to be a pastor or a prophet to Forecast some of these things.”
In 2023, Mr. Bryan Acheampong addressed party supporters in Mpraeso, stating that the governing New Patriotic Party (NPP) would not hand over power to the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC) in 2025. The former Minister of State in Charge of National Security emphasized that the NPP would do everything possible to remain in power.
“NDC party will collapse. If the NDC dares to use threats, violence, and foolishness in the 2024 election, we will let them know we have the men. We will show them that we have the men. We have the men![He screamed to emphasize]. It will never happen that we, the NPP, will stand on a platform to hand over power to the NDC. It will never happen! We will make sure NPP remains in government at all costs,” he said.
Following Bryan Acheampong’s remarks, the National Democratic Congress (NDC) called on the Ghana Police Service to immediately arrest and prosecute him for comments they deemed reckless and treasonable.
In contrast, Abuakwa South MP, Samuel Atta Akyea, came to Acheampong’s defense, describing his remark about the NPP not handing over power to the NDC in 2025 as political talk.
A disturbing incident occurred in Kumasi-Tafo, where a young man was booed and assaulted by some youths who accused him of being gay due to his effeminate nature.
In a video that surfaced online, a group of about seven men can be seen taunting the young man as he tries to pass by. They repeatedly chant “trumu di fo” (meaning “you are gay” in Twi) and block his movement by pulling parts of his dress.
Despite the young man’s attempts to fight off the abuse, he was overpowered by the group.
A netizen who reacted to the video vouched that the victim is not gay as alleged.
The incident has sparked outrage and raised concerns about the safety and rights of individuals who may be perceived as LGBTQ+ in Ghana.
A young man was b00ed and assàulted by some youths of Kumasi-Tafo after he was accused of being g@y due to his effeminate nature. pic.twitter.com/3NuZUa1WT2
This comes at a time when Parliament has passed the Promotion of Proper Human Sexual Rights and Ghanaian Family Values Bill also known as the anti-LGBTQ bill after three years following its introduction.
During February 28th’s Parliamentary session Majority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin sought to make amendments to the bill during the second consideration stage citing human right infringement.
However, the Minority rejected his request, prompting the Speaker to push for the third consideration stage,.
Speaker Alban Bagbin put the bill to a voice vote and the ayes had it.
As it stands now, Parliament has tabled the bill to the President’s desk for President Akufo-Addo to assent to the bill to become law.
The Anti-LGBTQ+ bill aims to criminalize LGBTQ+ activities in Ghana. It proposes strict penalties, including imprisonment, for individuals engaged in activities related to homosexuality and LGBTQ+ advocacy.
Additionally, the bill seeks to prohibit the promotion of LGBTQ+ rights, organizations, and events in Ghana.
Prior to its passage, there had been several amendments to the bill. After deliberation, Parliament decided that the minimum custodial sentence has been set at three years, with a maximum of five years for promoters and sympathisers.
Additionally, individuals caught directly engaging in these activities will face a minimum sentence of six months, extendable to a maximum of three years.
Already, the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Volker Türk, has described the passage of bill as “profoundly disturbing.”
A portion of the UN Human Rights statement read “I call for the bill not to become law. I urge the Ghanaian Government to take steps to ensure everyone can live free from violence, stigma and discrimination, regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity. Consensual same-sex conduct should never be criminalized.”
Other pro-LGBTQ bodies have warned that many individuals will be vicitimised based on assumptions of them being gay.
An investigative documentary titled “Empty Plates,” produced by journalist Kwetey Nartey, has revealed serious defects in the implementation of Ghana’s Free Senior High School (SHS) policy.
The documentary, which is yet to be aired on JoyNews, uncovered an acute shortage of food items in many senior high schools across the country, raising concerns among parents, teachers, and stakeholders.
Despite the policy’s promise of providing three daily hot meals to SHS students free of charge, the excerpts of the documentary highlighted the challenges faced in meeting this commitment.
It showed that many schools are struggling with inadequate quantities and compromised quality of food served to students.
“It is all about the quantity. And the jollof too, its quality. The amount they serve on the table, very small,” an aggrieved student shared.
This development has reignited concerns that have been raised for months about the alleged shortcomings of the Free SHS policy. The shortage of food items in schools could undermine the effectiveness of the policy and impact the well-being of students.
During the 2024 State of the Nation Address in Parliament on Tuesday, February 27, President Akufo-Addo emphasized the transformative impact of the Free Senior High School (SHS) policy, which has been implemented for over seven years. He called for an end to arguments against the policy, urging that its success should be acknowledged, and efforts should focus on improving it.
“Mr Speaker, Free SHS might be labelled by its detractors as a mere political slogan that must be demonised, but it is, in fact, a transformative programme that has broken myths and liberated minds.
“I am proud that the NPP government, under my leadership, has been able to bring this transformative policy into our education system. Mr Speaker, I believe the success of the Free SHS has answered its critics and the arguments about it should cease, and we should simply concentrate on finding ways to improve it.”
Leader of the New Force, Nana Kwame Bediako, popularly known as Cheddar, on Friday, March 1, engaged with the residents of Nima and Mamprobi as he commenced his Listening Tour.
He processed through the communities while in his vehicle. A number of youth came out to show their support.
He launched his Listening Tour at Frankie’s Hotel in Nima.
The New Force aims to connect with individuals from all walks of life who are passionate about shaping the future of Ghana. It serves as a platform for citizens to voice their concerns, aspirations, and ideas for the advancement of the nation.
Cheddar is expected to visit all 16 regions across the country as part of his tour.
Amidst fanfare and a motorcade procession, Freedom Jacob Caesar, the Prince of Africa and the leader of the New Force, begins his regional listening tour at Nima and Mamprobi. pic.twitter.com/iFcAs9PjMV
Managing Director (MD) of the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG), Samuel Dubik Mahama, has acknowledged the operational challenges faced by the company due to inadequate funds.
Recent power outages in parts of Accra and other regions have been attributed by Mr. Mahama to maintenance issues rather than fuel-related problems. He assured that the company is diligently working to resolve these challenges and restore power to affected areas.
During an interview on Eyewitness News on Citi FM, Mr. Mahama expressed concern about the payment rate by electricity consumers, mentioning that ECG mostly has to actively pursue consumers to pay their bills.
“It’s true. ECG is not operating at this top level because we are not getting the requisite funds, especially from our customers.
“The rate at which we are expecting customers to be honest enough to pay for the electricity they consume it is not it’s not what we get. We have to always go out there and put the requisite manpower that we’re doing something else towards collecting,” he said.
Akwasi Obempah, 35, the official driver of Nana Mprah Besemuna Ill, Krachiwura, tragically lost his life on Thursday when he drowned in the Volta Lake at Krachi in the Krachi West Municipality of the Oti Region.
According to Nana Ato Odyifase I, Akwamuhene of Krachi, the deceased had left the palace on Thursday to wash the Krachiwura’s official vehicle at the old site before 0700 hours. However, the driver and the vehicle drifted into the river and submerged.
A search party, including the Marine Police, officials of the Ghana National Fire Service (GNFS), the Military, and community divers, located the vehicle on the riverbed with the deceased lying beside it. Both were hauled ashore.
The deceased’s body was deposited at the morgue of the Municipal hospital, and the Toyota V8 vehicle was parked at the premises of the Ghana Police Service. Nana Besemuna, who also serves as the President of the Oti Regional House of Chiefs, reported the incident to the Police.
A Police source confirmed the incident as investigations into the matter continued.
A 35-year-old driver of Nana Mprah Besemuna III, Krachiwura, tragically lost his life yesterday after allegedly drowning in the Volta Lake at Krachi in the Krachi West Municipality of the Oti Region.
Nana Ato Odyifase I, Akwamuhene of Krachi, stated that he was informed that the… pic.twitter.com/rlbKZbk8uG
Initial claims suggested that the long-serving football administrator had passed away in Cameroon due to illness, but sources close to Hayatou have confirmed that he is still alive.
I’ve just spoken to people in #Cameroon. There is no official confirmation that former @CAF_Online President Issa Hayatou is dead. That is the situation for now. pic.twitter.com/CWyRJFQrPj
Hayatou, who served as CAF president for 29 years, was defeated in the 2017 election by Ahmad Ahmad of Madagascar. During his tenure, he also held positions as a FIFA vice president and acting president following Sepp Blatter’s suspension.
However, Hayatou’s reputation suffered when he was banned for one year by FIFA’s ethics committee in 2021 for breaching “duty of loyalty” rules and fined 30,000 Swiss francs ($33,000). The ban stemmed from an investigation that revealed Hayatou had signed CAF into an anti-competitive agreement with French media rights agency Lagardère Sport.
Reports on the demise of former @CAF_Online President Issa Hayatou is NOT TRUE. According to one of his sons, the 77-year old is currently in Paris, France. Hayatou led @CAF_Online from 1988-2017. pic.twitter.com/RYPnAFHoK6
Despite his ban from FIFA, Hayatou retains his honorary membership of the International Olympic Committee (IOC), which he received after his 15-year membership ended in 2016.
Patrice Motsepe, a South African billionaire, currently serves as the CAF president.
The vice president of IMANI-Africa, Bright Simons, has provided documents that indicate that the Electricity Company of Ghana withheld information from Pricewaterhouse Coopers (PWC) tasked with validating ECG’s revenue accounts.
“PWC, the auditors tasked by govt of Ghana to check if the under-pressure state electricity utility, ECG, is handling its finances properly is struggling to get data from ECG. Its ledger of monies paid out by ECG in Sept 2023 doesn’t even list the big private power producers,” he wrote in a post on X.
Per the document shared, PWC admitted that it reached out to the ECG for its customer billing and collections, and the bank statements for the Single Collection Account but failed to receive it.
The December 8, 2023, press statement released by PWC indicated that they were informed on November 30, 2023, by the General Manager for Financial Planning and Revenue Assurance that the Managing Director of ECG had instructed that they attend a meeting on December 7, 2023, at 10 am at ECG so that the data that they had requested, including the customer billing and collections, and the bank statements for the Single Collection Account for the period of their review, would be provided to them.
On December 7, 2023, PWC met the Managing Director of ECG as requested, however, “he stated during the meeting that ECG is unable to provide customer billing and collection data to a third party as this will contravene the Data Protection Act, 2012 (Act 843).”
“As such, we were not provided with any data or information at the meeting and to date we do not have any customer billing and collection data, nor do we have any of ECG’s bank statements for the Single Collection Account for any of the periods to be covered by our review,” the statement added.
The lack of this data and information, PWC said presented a significant limitation to the conduct of our work and without it they will be unable to perform any meaningful analysis towards the overall objectives of the assignment.
Accordingly, they requested an urgent meeting with the Chief Director at the Ministry of Energy, Mrs Asamoah, at her earliest convenience to discuss the next steps for the engagement.
PWC, the auditors tasked by govt of Ghana to check if the under-pressure state electricity utility, ECG, is handling its finances properly is struggling to get data from ECG. Its ledger of monies paid out by ECG in Sept 2023 doesn't even list the big private power producers.🤦🏽♂️ pic.twitter.com/5MUkNbBTvX
Leading member of the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP), Gabby Otchere-Darko has waded into the conversation surrounding the controversial Promotion of Proper Human Sexual Rights and Ghanaian Family Values Bill also known as the anti-LGBTQ bill which was recently passed by Parliament.
In his view, the activities of the LGBTQ community pose no threat to Ghana’s family values in comparison to the activities of mistresses and paramours of married men and women, also known as side chicks and side dudes.
According to him, “the biggest threat to family values in our society is caused by side chicks and side dudes” as they break homes.
His analysis is that family values cannot thrive in broken homes. In his view, hypocritical individuals have chosen their greater demon, and as such, “our MPs don’t care.”
Parliament on Wednesday, February 28, passed the Promotion of Proper Human Sexual Rights and Ghanaian Family Values Bill also known as the anti-LGBTQ bill after three years following its introduction.
During Wednesday’s Parliamentary session Majority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin sought to make amendments to the bill during the second consideration stage citing human right infringement.
However, the Minority rejected his request, prompting the Speaker to push for the third consideration stage,.
Speaker Alban Bagbin put the bill to a voice vote and the ayes had it.
As it stands now, Parliament has tabled the bill to the President’s desk for President Akufo-Addo to assent to the bill to become law.
The anti-LGBTQ+ bill aims to criminalize LGBTQ+ activities in Ghana. It proposes strict penalties, including imprisonment, for individuals engaged in activities related to homosexuality and LGBTQ+ advocacy.
Additionally, the bill seeks to prohibit the promotion of LGBTQ+ rights, organizations, and events in Ghana.
Prior to its passage, there had been several amendments to the bill. After deliberation, Parliament decided that the minimum custodial sentence has been set at three years, with a maximum of five years for promoters and sympathisers.
Additionally, individuals caught directly engaging in these activities will face a minimum sentence of six months, extendable to a maximum of three years.
Ghana is among many African countries that are working to rid LGBTQ activities in the society. Uganda enacted one of the world’s harshest anti-gay laws in May, which calls for the death penalty for certain same-sex acts.
Following this, the country faced sanctions from international communities. The U.S. imposed a first round of visa restrictions on Ugandan officials in response to the law in June, and the World Bank halted new lending to the country in August.
The concern now is Ghana could face similar sanctions and be blocked from receiving financial aid from countries that uphold LGBTQ rights. But Parliamentarians have noted that Ghana is poised to withstand whatever pro-LGBTQ countries throw at them.
Already, the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Volker Türk, has described the passage of bill as “profoundly disturbing.”
A portion of the UN Human Rights statement read “I call for the bill not to become law. I urge the Ghanaian Government to take steps to ensure everyone can live free from violence, stigma and discrimination, regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity. Consensual same-sex conduct should never be criminalized.”
Member of Parliament for Ningo-Prampram, Sam Nartey George, disclosed a hidden facet behind the funding of the Tema Interchange, attributing its realization to the efforts of former President John Dramani Mahama.
George asserted that Mahama’s rapport with the Japanese community played a pivotal role in securing a substantial 1.2 trillion yen from Japan for the project.
During an interview on Onua FM, MP Sam Nartey George highlighted Mahama’s unique connection with Japan, stemming from his previous collaboration with the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) before entering politics.
George underlined the significance of Mahama’s personal ties with Japan, emphasizing that it was instrumental in breaking an 11-year funding hiatus from the Japanese government to Ghana.
“Tema Interchange, JICA, the Japanese government gave us the money.The Japanese government had stopped providing funds to Ghana for 11 years. It took John Mahama to go and unlock it and get 1.2 trillion yen for that project,”George stated, shedding light on Mahama’s role in revitalizing the financial support from Japan.
Explaining the background, George shared, “John Mahama had worked with JICA before at the Japanese Embassy before he became a politician. And so he is a very well-known person in Japan.”
He detailed the enduring relationship between Mahama and Shinzo Abe, the Prime Minister at the time, who had previously headed JICA when Mahama served as the country manager.
“At that time, Shinzo Abe, who was Prime Minister had been head of JICA at the time Mahama WA country manager here. They had a long-term work relationship for over 20 years. So John went back to Japan and said Prime Minister, you know what, Japan and Ghana, you have helped us a lot. Under Rawlings, Japan did a lot of funding,” George recounted.
Sam Nartey George revealed this information while expressing discontent over the New Patriotic Party’s (NPP) alleged failure to acknowledge the National Democratic Congress’s (NDC) contributions to initiated projects.
In 2013, the Government of Ghana under the John Dramani Mahama administration requested a grant from the Government of Japan to implement the project (The Tema Motorway Interchange).
The Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) then selected and dispatched a survey team, which was headed by Mr. Ryohei Watanabe of CTI Engineering International Co., LTD. from March 2015 to March 2017.
The initial survey and detailed designs were undertaken between March 2015 and December 2016 and the final report was submitted to the Ministry of Roads and Highways for review and approval. This was also noted in the 2016 Budget Statement and Economic Policy of Ghana.
Although then president John Dramani Mahama had mentioned in his 2016 State of the Nation address that “preparatory works for the redevelopment of the Accra-Tema motorway into a six-lane road with four interchanges at Adjei Kojo, Abattoir, Teshie Link, and Tema Roundabout will commence soon,” the project did not start until February 2018.
In 2017, the Government of Ghana signed grant agreements with the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) to provide aid of up to a total of 6,459 million yen for two programmes in Ghana, of which the Tema Motorway roundabout was included. The two specific projects were:
The Programme for Improvement of Ghanaian International Corridors (6,259 million yen)
The Programme for Poverty Reduction Strategy (Health Sector) (200 million yen)
The details of the first part of the program state that “the project will build an underpass at the Tema Motorway Roundabout in the core city of the Accra economic zone, and will also conduct detailed design improvements for rehabilitation of National Trunk Road N8 in the Central Region. These measures will ensure safe, efficient road transportation and contribute to the efficient flow of goods between international corridors (the Lagos-Abidjan Highway and the Eastern Corridor of Ghana).”
In December 2017, the Government of Ghana, the Ministry of Roads and Highways, and Shimizu-Dai Nippon JV signed a contract for the execution of the project. In February 2018, the vice president of Ghana, H.E Dr. Mahamadu Bawumia cut sod for the commencement of the project.
The Public Utilities Regulatory Commission (PURC) has issued a stern warning to individuals responsible for the concerning rise in bush fires dangerously close to electricity poles in the Volta Region.
Residents in communities such as Tanyigbe Etoe, Adaklu, and Agortime, Mafi Kumasi in Central Tongu have been particularly affected, experiencing devastating consequences from these fires.
Volta Regional Manager for PURC, Philip Agbezudor, has highlighted the severe damage caused to both property and the region’s electricity infrastructure due to these fires, sounding the alarm on the escalating issue.
“The recent surge in bush fires near our electricity poles is not just a matter of inconvenience; it poses a significant threat to the safety of residents and the stability of our electricity supply,” stated Agbezudor in an interview with Joy News.
The Volta Region, renowned for its picturesque landscapes and verdant vegetation, faces an increased risk of bush fires during dry seasons. However, authorities are increasingly concerned about the deliberate setting of fires near electricity poles.
Mr Agbezudor stressed that these fires pose a significant threat to lives and result in costly damages and disruptions to power supply. This adversely affects communities, impacting their daily activities and businesses.
“We have witnessed a series of avoidable incidents resulting from these fires, ranging from power outages to damaged equipment. This reckless behaviour cannot be tolerated,” Agbezudor continued.
The PURC, working alongside the Electricity Company of Ghana, local authorities, and community leaders, has initiated efforts to educate the public about the risks of bush fires near electricity poles.
These efforts include educational campaigns, community meetings, radio discussions, and the distribution of informational materials. These strategies aim to raise awareness and reduce the occurrence of fires near electricity infrastructure.
“We urge all residents, particularly those in Tanyigbe Etoe, Adaklu, Agortime, the three Tongu districts, and surrounding areas, to exercise extreme caution and report any suspicious activities near electricity poles,” Agbezudor advised.
Additionally, the PURC has cautioned that individuals responsible for causing bush fires near electricity infrastructure will be subject to severe penalties, including legal repercussions and possible fines.
“We are taking this matter very seriously, and those found responsible will be held accountable to the fullest extent of the law,” Agbezudor affirmed.
In response to these concerns, residents are urged to stay vigilant, report any instances of bush fires near electricity poles promptly, and cooperate with authorities to ensure the safety of all.
The PURC is committed to collaborating closely with communities to reduce the risks posed by bush fires and protect the region’s electricity supply for the benefit of all residents.
As the dry season continues, the commission stresses the importance of collective responsibility in preventing further incidents and ensuring the safety and prosperity of the Volta Region.
A report from the Ghana Statistical Service (GSS) has revealed that more than 70% of both males and females aged 15 to 49, who are aware of HIV, hold discriminatory attitudes towards those living with the virus.
These attitudes include beliefs such as HIV-positive children should not attend school with HIV-negative children, or that they would avoid buying fresh vegetables from a shopkeeper living with HIV.
The GSS released these findings on International Zero Discrimination Day, observed on 1st March 2024 under the theme “Save lives: Decriminalise”.
The report also highlighted that nationally, nearly eight in every 10 females (78.4%) and seven in every 10 males (72.1%) aged 15 to 49, who are aware of HIV, exhibit discriminatory attitudes towards those living with the virus.
“Nationally, almost eight in every 10 (78.4%) females and seven in every 10 (72.1%) males aged 15-49 who have heard about HIV have discriminatory attitudes towards people living with HIV. The percentage with discriminatory attitudes is higher in rural areas (85.5% for females and 78.1% for males) compared to urban (73.4% for females and 67.3% of males).”
The report also indicated that the prevalence of discriminatory attitudes is higher in rural areas, with 85.5% of females and 78.1% of males aged 15 to 49 exhibiting such attitudes, compared to urban areas where 73.4% of females and 67.3% of males hold discriminatory views towards those living with HIV.
“The percentage with discriminatory attitudes is higher in rural areas (85.5% for females and 78.1% for males) compared to urban (73.4% for females and 67.3% of males).”
According to the GSS report, the Ahafo region has the highest percentage of individuals who discriminate against people living with HIV, at 87%. This is followed by the Savannah region at 86.8%, and the Oti region at 86.4%.
“Among females aged 15 to 49 in eight regions – Ahafo (87.0%), Savannah (86.8%), Oti (86.4), North East (85.9%), Northern (85.7%), Upper West (83.8%), Western North (84.4%) and Upper East (80.1%) – over four in five have discriminatory attitudes towards people living with HIV.
“In comparison, three regions – North East (85.2%), Northern (83.1%) and Oti (81.5%) – have more than four in five males aged 15-49 with discriminatory attitudes towards people living with HIV,” GSS’s stated in its report.
The report highlighted that individuals with higher levels of education are less likely to exhibit discriminatory attitudes towards people living with HIV compared to those with no education.
“The percentage of individuals with discriminatory attitudes who have no education is more than twice that of individuals with secondary education or more. Among females aged 15-49, discriminatory attitudes range from 91.5% for those with no education, decreasing through primary (89.3%), and secondary (78.9%) to more than secondary (44.8%).
“Among males aged 15-49 with no education, 90.0% exhibit discriminatory attitudes, compared to 86.8% for those with primary education, 73.6% for secondary education, and 43.4% among those with secondary or more education.”
On Friday, March 1, 2024, Deputy Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, George Mireku Duker, led a delegation to launch the Bompieso Community Mining Scheme expected to significantly improve the economic prospects of the residents.
The launch saw a large turnout of traditional authorities and residents, who were eager to witness and celebrate the arrival of the government’s Community Mining Scheme. The initiative is poised to bring about a notable transformation in the economic livelihoods of the community and its environs.
With the potential to create over 5,000 jobs directly, the Bompieso Community Mining Scheme aims to propel the community towards economic success through a sustainable and responsible mining approach.
During his address at the launch, Mireku Duker highlighted the instrumental role played by the parliamentary candidate for the area, Hon. Barbara Oteng Gyasi, in establishing the Community Mining Scheme. He praised her dedication to the welfare and progress of the constituents, promising that if elected in the 2024 election, she would prioritize the development of the constituency.
The Deputy Minister also called on the Chiefs and residents to act as vigilant guardians in the community and assist the government in its efforts to curb illegal mining activities. He affirmed the government’s commitment to ensuring that the small-scale mining sector becomes a platform for the growth of Ghanaian investors in the mining sector.
“This day would not have been possible without our mother, Barbara Oteng Gyasi. I believe that when someone gives you life, its only right that you reciprocate that kindness and the only way she expects you to do that is voting for her in December. This scheme is a major intervention that will ensure that Ghanaians benefit from the resources God has blessed us with.
“Nananom and everyone here must remember the importance of our waterbodies and help us protect them from harmful mining activities. We know illegal miners try to influence chiefs and opinion leaders in the communities to allow them undertake their activities but I want to appeal to you all to rise up and reject such offers and help government protect our waterbodies”, he stated.
“The President is only one person and cannot be everywhere at the same time but we the locals have a responsibility to help fight the menace. Reject anything meant to influence you and lets clampdown on illegal mining activities in the country. The CMS is for all Ghanaians and I’d capable of creating a lot of jobs for most Ghanains” he noted.
In a speech read on behalf of the Board Chair and parliamentary candidate of the area, Barbara Oteng Gyasi, stated that the government of Nana Akufo-Addo has fulfilled most of his promises to Ghanaians, especially the people of Prestea Huni Valley.
“Community Mining Scheme is a good project and we are expecting to have at least 10 in this constituency. We already have some of the CMS concessions operating and we will soon launch the others. This project will bring employment and help boost economic activities in the country,” he said.
The Western Regional Minister, Hon. Kwabena Okyere Darko said “government is not against small-scale mining. We want to raise Ghanaian giants in the mining industry and ensure that we all benefit from it. Western Region has benefitted from the CMS and we all must be happy”.
The Chief of the area who Chaired the occasion, Bompiesohene, added, “we are grateful to God and the government for setting up a CMS concession here. We’ve been looking forward to this day so we are happy to be benefitting from the policy of the government. We promise to follow the guidelines and also ensure that it becomes our legacy and help develop the community.”
Members of the Minority in Parliament have urged the House leadership to summon the Minister of Energy, Dr. Matthew Opoku Prempeh, to explain the government’s efforts in addressing the recent power outages.
Alhassan Suhuyini, the MP for Tamale North, expressed concern on Friday, March 1, over the adverse effects of the power cuts on households and businesses.
He made the appeal during the presentation of the business statement for the upcoming year.
“Many people and businesses are unable to plan their activities and their programmes and they also sometimes have to find extra money to power their generators for their businesses and many people do not know what is happening.
“They are told that there are planned and unplanned programmes and load is being shed, so it is important that the leadership of the House makes it possible for the Energy Minister to brief the House next week on the power situation and why fellow countrymen and women have to deal with the on and off situation. Ghanaians need to understand why they sleep in darkness.”
Ibrahim Murtala Mohammed, the MP for Tamale Central, recounted a disturbing incident where a National Service Personnel got trapped in one of Parliament’s elevators during a power outage. He demanded that Ghanaians be kept informed about developments in the power sector.
“My issue has to do with the erratic power supply. Just two days ago, there was a National Service Personnel who was trapped in one of the lifts when the power went off. She was traumatized when she finally exited the lift and so are we able to quantify the psychological trauma that people go through as a result of this and so it is essential that the Minister for Energy responds to this House to explain to us so we can explain to our constituents what is happening.”
The recent power outages in parts of Accra and other regions have been attributed to maintenance issues rather than fuel-related problems by the Managing Director of the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG), Samuel Dubik Mahama.
Several communities have experienced unpredictable power supply for several weeks without prior notice from ECG.
Speaking on Starr FM on Thursday, February 29, 2024, Mr. Mahama assured that ECG is working diligently to resolve the challenges and restore power to affected areas.
He emphasized that the ongoing issues are primarily associated with major maintenance concerns rather than fuel shortages.
“We are having major maintenance issues, the issue we are having now has nothing to do with fuel. You are relying on a power plant that is to give you about 360 megawatts then around 4 pm the gas emergency safety valve has a problem. What do you do? It is a machine.
“The machine failed us and we kept on saying that it’s a machine issue that we were trying to fix,” Mr. Mahama stated.
Recognizing the impact of the machinery failure on the power supply, he expressed regret over the lack of timely communication with the public.
He continued: “I must apologize to Ghanaians, when it started we should actually have the confidence to have a chat with everybody and put out a statement.”
Former CEO of defunct UT Bank and UT Holdings, Captain Prince Kofi Amoabeng (rtd), has reiterated his belief that the governing New Patriotic Party (NPP) has failed to live up to expectations in governing the nation.
Captain Amoabeng emphasized that despite high hopes placed in the NPP by Ghanaians, the party has ultimately disappointed the nation.
“I think one thing most Ghanaians say and I agree with them is that we had high hopes for the NPP. Because we thought at the time that the NDC had disappointed us and of course it is easy to narrate all the problems that we were going through at the time.
“But certainly, the NPP has shown that they are not a better alternative and it is even worse. They will say it is because they took my bank, but forget it,” Mr. Amoateng stated in an interview on Starr FM.
Despite his past support for the governing New Patriotic Party (NPP), Mr. Amoabeng stated that he believes it is time to give the former President, John Mahama, another opportunity to lead the country.
In an interview on Kofi TV, the business mogul cited his seven-year experience since the NPP assumed office in 2016 as the basis for his decision.
“I wasn’t NDC as such. In fact, my sister was the MP for our area and she was Deputy Minister for Education until the recent reshuffle and of course I have to support my sister. So people in the NDC think I am NPP but the thing about this is that my genuine friends are in the NDC even though I didn’t support them in the past
“I think we made a wrong experiment and next time I have to make the right choice. So now knowing Mahama and knowing what the NPP has done, I think I have to go fully behind NDC and Mahama to see what he can do for us in his second coming.”
Mr. Amoabeng’s recent statement echoes his previous remarks expressing disappointment in the governing New Patriotic Party (NPP).
In doing so, Mr. Amoabeng adds his voice to a growing number of chiefs, celebrities, and public figures who have thrown their support behind former President John Mahama’s candidacy since he declared his intention to run in the 2024 general elections.
Former CEO of defunct UT Bank and UT Holdings, Captain Prince Kofi Amoabeng (rtd), has announced his support for former President John Dramani Mahama in the upcoming 2024 general elections.
Despite his past support for the governing New Patriotic Party (NPP), Mr. Amoabeng stated that he believes it is time to give the former President another opportunity to lead the country.
In an interview on Kofi TV, the business mogul cited his seven-year experience since the NPP assumed office in 2016 as the basis for his decision.
“I wasn’t NDC as such. In fact, my sister was the MP for our area and she was Deputy Minister for Education until the recent reshuffle and of course I have to support my sister. So people in the NDC think I am NPP but the thing about this is that my genuine friends are in the NDC even though I didn’t support them in the past
“I think we made a wrong experiment and next time I have to make the right choice. So now knowing Mahama and knowing what the NPP has done, I think I have to go fully behind NDC and Mahama to see what he can do for us in his second coming.”
Mr. Amoabeng’s recent statement echoes his previous remarks expressing disappointment in the governing New Patriotic Party (NPP).
During an interview on StarrFM, the businessman reiterated his belief that the NPP has failed to live up to expectations in governing the nation.
Captain Amoabeng, speaking as a retired military officer, emphasized that despite high hopes placed in the NPP by Ghanaians, the party has ultimately disappointed the nation.
“I think one thing most Ghanaians say and I agree with them is that we had high hopes for the NPP. Because we thought at the time that the NDC had disappointed us and of course it is easy to narrate all the problems that we were going through at the time.
“But certainly, the NPP has shown that they are not a better alternative and it is even worse. They will say it is because they took my bank, but forget it,” Mr. Amoateng stated.
In doing so, Mr. Amoabeng adds his voice to a growing number of chiefs, celebrities, and public figures who have thrown their support behind former President John Mahama’s candidacy since he declared his intention to run in the 2024 general elections.
Managing Director of the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG), Samuel Dubik Mahama expressed regret over the lack of timely communication with the public with regards to the recent power outages in parts of Accra and other regions.
“I must apologize to Ghanaians, when it started we should actually have the confidence to have a chat with everybody and put out a statement,” he said while speaking on Starr FM on Thursday, February 29,
The power outages deemed by many as “dumsor” have been attributed to maintenance issues rather than fuel-related problems.
Several communities have experienced unpredictable power supply for several weeks without prior notice from ECG.
Mr. Mahama assured that ECG is working diligently to resolve the challenges and restore power to affected areas.
He emphasized that the ongoing issues are primarily associated with major maintenance concerns rather than fuel shortages.
“We are having major maintenance issues, the issue we are having now has nothing to do with fuel. You are relying on a power plant that is to give you about 360 megawatts then around 4 pm the gas emergency safety valve has a problem. What do you do? It is a machine.
“The machine failed us and we kept on saying that it’s a machine issue that we were trying to fix,” Mr. Mahama stated.
Ignatius Annor, a Ghanaian journalist based in the US who identifies as gay, has reacted to the passing of Ghana’s anti-LGBTQ+ bill by parliament.
Mr Annor, who publicly revealed his sexual orientation years ago, described feeling disoriented upon hearing the news. He also mentioned the challenge of reporting on the topic for his media outlet.
“My heart started to beat super fast, and my body began to tremble,” he narrated as he sought and was granted the day off to deal with the overflow of emotions.
In addition to the general concern it raised for him and the entire same-sex community back home, Annor also expressed personal frustration with a specific aspect of the bill.
He revealed his apprehension about being unable to visit his family in Ghana due to the law.
“And, most personal to me is the lost opportunity to visit my family. Here’s what I know: living in truth is the most powerful tool one has. Leah, Deirdre, Marine, and Todd, I thank you for the outpouring of love and support. They meant so much to me,” his February 29, 2024 post on X read.
Parliament has passed the Promotion of Proper Human Sexual Rights and Ghanaian Family Values Bill also known as the anti-LGBTQ bill after three years following its introduction.
During Wednesday’s Parliamentary session Majority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin sought to make amendments to the bill during the second consideration stage citing human right infringement.
Parliament has passed the Promotion of Proper Human Sexual Rights and Ghanaian Family Values Bill also known as the anti-LGBTQ bill after three years following its introduction.
During Wednesday’s Parliamentary session Majority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin sought to make amendments to the bill during the second consideration stage citing human right infringement.
However, the Minority rejected his request, prompting the Speaker to push for the third consideration stage,.
Speaker Alban Bagbin put the bill to a voice vote and the ayes had it.
As it stands now, Parliament has tabled the bill to the President’s desk for President Akufo-Addo to assent to the bill to become law.
The Anti-LGBTQ+ bill aims to criminalize LGBTQ+ activities in Ghana. It proposes strict penalties, including imprisonment, for individuals engaged in activities related to homosexuality and LGBTQ+ advocacy.
Additionally, the bill seeks to prohibit the promotion of LGBTQ+ rights, organizations, and events in Ghana.
Prior to its passage, there had been several amendments to the bill. After deliberation, Parliament decided that the minimum custodial sentence has been set at three years, with a maximum of five years for promoters and sympathisers.
Additionally, individuals caught directly engaging in these activities will face a minimum sentence of six months, extendable to a maximum of three years.
Ghana is among many African countries that are working to rid LGBTQ activities in the society. Uganda enacted one of the world’s harshest anti-gay laws in May, which calls for the death penalty for certain same-sex acts.
However, the Minority rejected his request, prompting the Speaker to push for the third consideration stage,.
Speaker Alban Bagbin put the bill to a voice vote and the ayes had it.
As it stands now, Parliament has tabled the bill to the President’s desk for President Akufo-Addo to assent to the bill to become law.
The Anti-LGBTQ+ bill aims to criminalize LGBTQ+ activities in Ghana. It proposes strict penalties, including imprisonment, for individuals engaged in activities related to homosexuality and LGBTQ+ advocacy.
Additionally, the bill seeks to prohibit the promotion of LGBTQ+ rights, organizations, and events in Ghana.
Prior to its passage, there had been several amendments to the bill. After deliberation, Parliament decided that the minimum custodial sentence has been set at three years, with a maximum of five years for promoters and sympathisers.
Additionally, individuals caught directly engaging in these activities will face a minimum sentence of six months, extendable to a maximum of three years.
Ghana is among many African countries that are working to rid LGBTQ activities in the society. Uganda enacted one of the world’s harshest anti-gay laws in May, which calls for the death penalty for certain same-sex acts.
Ignatius Annor, a US-based Ghanaian journalist who identifies as gay, has responded to Ghana’s parliament passing the anti-LGBTQ+ bill.
Mr Annor, who publicly came out about his sexual orientation years ago, expressed feeling disoriented when he heard the news. He also mentioned having to report on the same topic for his media outlet.
“My heart started to beat super fast, and my body began to tremble,” he stated as he sought and was granted the day off to deal with the overflow of emotions.
He expressed personal frustration with a part of the bill aside from the general worry it caused him and the entire same-sex community back home.
“And, most personal to me is the lost opportunity to visit my family. Here’s what I know: living in truth is the most powerful tool one has. Leah, Deirdre, Marine, and Todd, I thank you for the outpouring of love and support. They meant so much to me,” his February 29, 2024 post on X read.
Annor is concerned that he cannot visit his family in Ghana because of the law.
The Graduate Unemployed Nurses and Midwives Association (GUNMA) has staged a protest in Tamale to voice their discontent over their unemployment.
The group is particularly critical of the government, the Ministry of Health (MoH), and the Ministry of Finance (MoF) for failing to provide financial clearance and permanent employment to over 75,000 graduate nurses and midwives who have completed their training and passed their Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) licensing exams.
They are demanding that the government clear the backlog of nurses and midwives from 2020, 2021, and 2022 who are awaiting their postings.
GUNMA alleges that qualified nurses and midwives remain unemployed, while the government has been hiring unqualified individuals, such as senior high school graduates with minimal training, to work in healthcare facilities instead of them.
“The Nursing and Midwifery Council is mandated by the Health Professional Regulatory Act to secure, in the public’s interest, the highest training and practice for nurses and midwives in this country. If I have been trained and inducted and sit home for close to four years, where then lies their mandate?” one nurse, Abdul Rauf, questioned what the NMC is doing to alleviate their plight.
“Nurses should not do their rotation for close to a year before their allowances are released, nurses should not sit in the house for so many years before they are posted, nurses should not picket before they are posted, and believe it or not, throughout the world, nurses are the backbone of every country,” another nurse lamented.
2020 batch of Nurses and midwives demonstrating on the street of Tamale this morning they need posting
Parliament has been reconnected to the national grid after the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG) task force disconnected the Legislature due to the House’s GH₵23 million debt owed to the distribution company.
The chamber of Parliament was plunged into darkness, along with MPs’ offices, resulting in staff and members being stuck in elevators. Prompt intervention by fire service officers was required to rescue those trapped in the elevators.
Parliament has since settled more than GH₵10 million of the debt and has been reconnected.
The power outage occurred while legislators were debating President Akufo-Addo’s recent State of the Nation Address (SONA).
Outgoing Deputy Minister for Finance, Abena Osei-Asare, was on the floor defending the President’s address when the power went off, triggering chants of “Dumsor, dumsor!” from the Minority side of the house.
This incident comes amid complaints from many Ghanaians about erratic power supply.
In an open letter to the Electoral Commission, Dr. Edward Kofi Omane Boamah, the Director of Elections and IT of the National Democratic Congress, has expressed concerns about perceived delays in preparations for the upcoming December 7 elections.
Dr. Boamah highlighted the absence of a calendar of activities to guide the elections, which he described as “quite disappointing.” The letter questioned why the EC has not published the timetable, leaving political parties and major stakeholders in the dark.
Several critical issues were raised in the letter, including addressing discrepancies in the Voters’ Register, the timing of the Limited Voters Registration Exercise, and the projected registrable voter population for 2024.
Concerns were also expressed about the methodology for conducting the Limited Voters Registration Exercise and the state of the EC’s Data Center and Biometric Voter Registration (BVR) kits.
Dr. Omane Boamah further questioned the EC’s intentions regarding the procurement of additional BVR Kits and BVDs, the introduction of new laws or reforms, and compliance with the ECOWAS Protocol on Good Governance and Democracy.
The Electoral Commission (EC) on February 22, reassured the public and stakeholders that it would reveal the electoral calendar for 2024 by the close of February.
Addressing the concerns, Deputy Chair of the Commission, Dr. Bossman Asare, assured during an appearance before the Public Accounts Committee on Wednesday, February 21, that the EC will soon announce the electoral calendar for 2024.
“We will certainly disclose it [the calendar] before the end of February. It should be out by the end of this month [February],” Dr. Asare promised.
Attached is the full letter by Dr Omane Boamah
March 01, 2024 Dear Mrs Jean Mensah, The Electoral Commission has More Work To Do! ———————————————————————- Happy new month (March 2024)!
And special greetings from the NDC Elections and IT Directorate.
In this open letter, I deploy definite statements and questions to draw the attention of Ghanaians, the Electoral Commission itself, the Inter-Party Advisory Committee (IPAC) and all stakeholders including development partners to the immutable truth that, the EC is behind schedule regarding preparations towards elections 2024.
I wish to remind the Electoral Commission that the calendar of activities to guide the December 07 presidential and parliamentary elections this year is still not available to political parties and major stakeholders. Quite disappointing!
Why has the EC not published the calendar of activities (Timetable) to guide our programmes? Note that there are many issues to be addressed ahead of the December 07 elections, such as: • Addressing major discrepancies in the Voters’ Register.
• When the Commission intends to conduct the Limited Voters Registration Exercise to register new voters.
• The projected (nationally & regionally) registrable voter population for the 2024 Limited Registration Exercise.
• How the Limited Voters Registration Exercise will be conducted – Is it going to be electoral area-based or district office-based as it happened in 2023? (District office-based registration should not be repeated as it leads to voter suppression).
• What is the state of the EC’s Data Center and Biometric Voter Registration (BVR) kits and Biometric Verification Devices (BVDs)? Are we going to experience the avoidable and frequent breakdown of the devices as occurred during the 2023 Limited registration exercise?
• Does the EC intend to procure additional BVR Kits and BVDs? • Does the Commission intend to introduce new laws (Constitutional Instruments) or administrative and other operational reforms for Election 2024?
• If yes, what are those laws and reforms?
Madam Jean Mensah, Chairperson of the Electoral Commission of Ghana, in this friendly conversation in the interest of Ghana’s democracy, I further wish to advise the Electoral Commission as follows:
• The Commission must not make the Ghana card the sole identifier for voter registration in 2024 because well over 60% of registrants used the Guarantor System to register just a year ago in 2023. This shows that Ghanacard and passports are still not available to many Ghanaians.
Finally, let me ask:
• Will the Commission create additional polling stations for Election 2024?
• If yes, how many polling stations does the Commission intend to create and what is the operational and demographic basis for creating those additional polling stations?
Furthermore, is the Commission genuinely committed to the people of Santrokofi, Akpafu, Likpe and Lolobi (SALL) voting on December 07, 2024 as a Constituency? This cannot be compromised!
Time is limited…
Therefore, the Electoral Commission must immediately sit up and release the calendar of activities (Timetable) to guide the December 07, 2024 elections.
Thank you.
Dr. Edward Kofi Omane Boamah Director of Elections and IT, NDC & Medical Doctor and Health Policy Planning and Financing Analyst.
The Electoral Commission (EC) on February 22, reassured the public and stakeholders that it would reveal the electoral calendar for 2024 by the close of February.
Addressing the concerns, Deputy Chair of the Commission, Dr. Bossman Asare, assured during an appearance before the Public Accounts Committee on Wednesday, February 21, that the EC will soon announce the electoral calendar for 2024.
“We will certainly disclose it [the calendar] before the end of February. It should be out by the end of this month [February],” Dr. Asare promised.
The opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC) had criticized the EC for not prioritizing the release of the electoral calendar, labelling their focus on other matters as “unproductive endeavors.”
Today is March 1, 2024, and the Electoral Commission has yet to release the 2024 election calendar.
Pressure keeps mounting on the Commission as Director of Elections and IT of the National Democratic Congress, Dr Edward Kofi Omane Boamah has once again called on the EC to halt its delay tactics as the country readies for its next poll.
The Chief Executive Officer of the Ghana Employers Association (GEA), Alex Frimpong, has disclosed that many businesses lack the capacity to absorb fresh graduates from tertiary institutions.
“We are not expanding as a business in recent times because of the current macroeconomic environment, and the best thing to do now is to try and keep the little that we have”, Alex Frimpong added.
“We don’t have the requisite vacancies to employ all these people and this has nothing to do with the quality of graduates coming out of our institutions”, Mr. Frimpong added.
He pointed out that businesses are struggling and the necessary expansion needed to accommodate these graduates is not occurring.
He also revealed that the job market is evolving, as many enterprises are unprepared to onboard and train these young graduates. Instead, they seek specific skills to fill existing positions at their workplaces.
The CEO of the Ghana Employers Association was responding to the recent report from the Ghana Statistical Service on unemployment, which indicates high unemployment rates among graduates and individuals with higher education.
Some argue that many of these graduates are now demanding better working conditions and higher salary levels, exacerbating the unemployment challenge.
Mr. Frimpong clarified that businesses are not refraining from hiring due to high salary demands from graduates, but rather due to a lack of available positions.
“We should realise that the formal sector is not expanding that much to take on all these persons coming from the formal education sector”, Mr. Frimpong added.
Also on the program, Seth Twum Akwaboah, the Chief Executive Officer of the Association of Ghana Industries, stated that the manufacturing sector prioritizes graduates with skills over those with higher levels of education.
“So don’t think that because you have a PhD, automatically you should command this level of salary and working condition”, he explained.
“For us, it’s about the skills and what you are bringing to the business and the manufacturing firms”, he added.
Prominent media personality Bridget Otoo has stated that Ghana needs the experienced leadership of former President John Dramani Mahama to salvage what remains of the economy.
According to Bridget Otoo, the NPP government led by President Akufo-Addo, who is being assisted by Vice President Dr Mahamudu Bawumia, has brought the economy to its knees.
In an article, the Metro TV host decried the surge in tax measures, the devastating exchange as well as the unemployment rate in the country.
“Now, in the heart of a real crisis, the people need the experience of John Mahama to salvage what is left of the economy and the country.
“In these tumultuous times, VAT is up by 2.5%, there’s a 10% tax on bet winnings, a further threat to add ECG and emissions taxes. The Cedi keeps plummeting against the dollar, and unemployment rate at an all time high, 2024 calls for real change; A change in government and not a change in who partners John Mahama,” she wrote.
Bridget Otoo has also endorsed the Mahama-Jane Naana ticket for the 2024 general elections. She believes Jane Naana has proven to be a great asset to the NDC.
“Back in 2020, Prof. proved her mettle then, just as John Mahama has done so often in the past so as to become indispensable to the party today. She is a thoroughly educated, scandal-free woman who represents the best of what Ghana has to offer,” she wrote.
The President of the Ghana Catholic Bishops’ Conference, Reverend Matthew Kwasi Gyamfi, has stressed that imprisoning homosexuals will not eliminate homosexuality; rather, it may worsen such behaviors.
He is advocating for a reconsideration of the penalties outlined in the Proper Human Sexual Rights and Family Values bill.
Reverend Gyamfi argues that incarcerating individuals with such inclinations in Ghana’s inadequate prison facilities may only reinforce their behavior instead of facilitating rehabilitation.
In an interview with Citi FM on Thursday, February 29, he underscored the importance of implementing corrective and reformative measures within the prison system to prevent potential adverse outcomes.
“We think that in the case of this particular law and the way it is being implemented, being placed in prison as the punishment that they have chosen, it is not going to solve the problem.
“Because you see if you round up same-sex people, and you know our prisons, they are going to end up in the same room, and what is going to prevent them from going through these activities in the prison?”
“And you are not going to put them there forever because they are going to be there for three months to six months.
“And then they practice this and come out as more experts at it than when you sent them there. Then you release them back into society. So, what is going to happen?”
“That is why we were concerned about a punishment that will correct them, that will reform them. So if the government is going this way or if the parliament is going this way that is why we are suggesting that in the prison there, they should add more of the corrective and reformative measures,” he stated.
After nearly three years of deliberation, Parliament passed the highly controversial Anti-LGBTQ+ bill on Wednesday, February 28.
Introduced in the House as a private members’ bill, the legislation received unanimous approval following the completion of the third reading.
Under the provisions of the bill, individuals involved in prohibited activities may face imprisonment ranging from six months to three years, while sponsors and promoters could be sentenced to three to five years’ imprisonment.
However, the bill has faced criticism from various quarters, with many citing different reasons for their objections.
On Thursday, Ghanaian radio presenter Nathan Kwabena Adisi, popularly known as Bola Ray, conducted an interview with Samuel Dubik Mahama, the Managing Director of the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG), on Starr FM.
The focus of the discussion was the recent disconnection of power supply to Parliament during the House’s deliberations on the 2024 State of the Nation Address, which was presented by President Akufo-Addo on February 29th.
The host, Bola Ray asked Mr Mahama, “Why did you do that, Parliament was in session. They were debating the State of the Nation Address and you got your men out there to disconnect the arm of government. Why so?”
Mr Mahama replied with a question. He said, “Parliament was working. What was ECG doing?”
Quickly, Bola Ray responded “ECG was working.” The host was definitely ready for Mr Mahama’s dismissive response.
He said, “Okay, next question”, implying that Parliament’s work is not more important than that of the ECG.
Meanwhile, the Deputy Clerk of Corporate and Financial Management Services Division in Parliament, Ebenezer Ahumah Djietror, has refuted claims that Parliament is indebted to the tune of GH¢23 million to the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG).
On Thursday, February 29, 2024, there was a power outage in Parliament House and Job 600, the office complex for Members of Parliament, attributed to the purported GH¢23 million debt, as part of the ongoing “Operation Zero Balance” initiative by the ECG.
In an interview with Citi News, Mr. Ahumah Djietror clarified that Parliament does not owe the stated amount, asserting that the house has been making payments. He acknowledged occasional discrepancies, citing failures in the ECG’s system to accurately record the payments.
According to him, Parliament made a GH¢13 million payment on Tuesday, February 27, 2024, reducing the outstanding debt to approximately GH¢12 million.
He emphasized that they possess records of all payments made as evidence.
He said, “As far as we are concerned, we’ve made payment, all the payment we have made, some have not reflected in their system, that’s what I’m saying, some do not reflect in their system. We have a breakdown, so we showed it to the Deputy Managing Director, we are just coming from his office. I said they should reconcile the account. We are going to get the bank to extract all the payments we’ve made in terms of the dates. I’m not sure how it’s captured, so there’s a gap in terms of the reconciliation as to what is the outstanding bill.”
Mr. Ahumah Djietror expressed the situation in Parliament as unfortunate and assured that efforts are underway to reconcile the accounts and settle the outstanding balance.
In previous years, a woman believed to be in her late 40s was knocked down by a sprinter in the same area. Unfortunately, she died on the spot.
The repeated occurrence has raised questions about the safety measures in place at Flat Top and the need for urgent action to prevent further tragedies.
Pedestrians are always advised to make use of footbridges and overheads. A sad incident hit the people of Lapaz flat top this morning while a Pedestrian crossing the highway was knocked down by a car.@kodwoboateng@TDzinekupic.twitter.com/WR6xe36DPm
US State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller has indicated that the US government will restrict foreign aid to Ghana if the country approves the Proper Human Sexual Rights and Family Values Bill, also known as the anti-LGBT Bill.
Engaging the press, Mr Miller said, “If this bill becomes law, it will only have a chilling effect on investment. For instance, in Ghana, you’ve seen that same chilling effect bear fruit in Uganda, which passed a very similar law in the past. I can say that should the bill pass, it would potentially have ramifications for US assistance in the country.”
He noted that both governments have had intensive conversations on the matter, which were done behind closed doors.
The US provided over $211 million in assistance to Ghana in fiscal year 2022, supporting various sectors including agriculture, malaria prevention, and AIDS combat efforts.
The US has threatened to restrict foreign aid to Ghana if the country approves the anti-lgbt bill
The US provided over $211 million in assistance to Ghana in fiscal year 2022, supporting various sectors including agriculture, malaria prevention, and AIDS combat efforts. pic.twitter.com/ot0oYaNdwi
— DailyGraphic GraphicOnline (@Graphicgh) March 1, 2024
The United States has expressed deep concern over the passage of stringent anti-LGBTQ+ legislation in Ghana, stating that it threatens constitutional freedoms.
The new bill, passed on Wednesday, imposes a prison sentence of up to three years for anyone convicted of identifying as LGBTQ+. It also imposes a maximum five-year jail term for forming or funding LGBTQ+ groups.
The bill will be presented to President Nana Akufo-Addo, after which he’ll have seven days to sign it into law or refuse to assent to it, according to Ghana’s constitution.
The passage of the bill has been criticized by rights organizations and other groups.
“The bill would also undermine Ghana’s valuable public health, media and civic spaces, and economy,” the US State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller said in a statement.
Also, UNAids executive director Winnie Byanyima said the bill, if it becomes law, could incite violence by Ghanaians against their fellow citizens.
She said that it will “obstruct access to life-saving services, undercut social protection, and jeopardise Ghana’s development success.”
Prominent media personality Bridget Otoo has claimed that NDC flagbearer, John Mahama, saw a significant increase in his votes during the 2020 general elections due to the influence of Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang on his campaign.
She noted that more women voted for John Mahama because of the presence of Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang as his running mate.
In an article, Bridget Otoo highlighted the impact of an event called “In Conversation with Prof. Jane Naana Opoku,” which brought together apolitical women from various sectors to meet and engage with Prof. Opoku-Agyemang.
This event, according to Otoo, convinced many women to support the National Democratic Congress (NDC) in the 2020 elections.
Mrs Otoo noted that women’s groups who would not typically associate with any political party, let alone the NDC, showed up to listen and engage with Prof. Opoku-Agyemang.
John Mahama and Jane Naana Opoku-Agyemang
She stated that these women were proud to have a woman as the vice-presidential candidate and were impressed by Mahama’s advocacy for women’s rights in Ghana. As a result, they actively campaigned for the NDC, which reflected in the election results.
Bridget Otoo compared the 2016 and 2020 election results, highlighting that the NDC’s support increased significantly in 2020, partly due to Prof. Opoku-Agyemang’s presence on the ticket. She noted that while the NPP’s votes also increased, their lead over the NDC narrowed significantly in 2020.
“For reference, the 2016 election results for the NDC with John Mahama and Amissah Arthur were 4,771,188 representing 44.53% of the voting populace, while the NPP with Nana Akufo Addo and Dr. Mahamadu Bawumia saw 5,755,758 votes, representing 53.72%.
“This, at the time, was an outright rejection of the NDC by Ghanaians. But when In 2020, the NDC re-presented the same Presidential candidate and campaign with the only clear difference being their candidate for Vice in Prof. Jane Naana Opoku, the results were staggering. More than just an improvement, the margin was considerably thinner, and a clear indication to all that the NDC was very much still alive.
“There were some who were convinced that the 2020 results would be worse than 2016, and yet when the time came, the NDC pulled in 6,213,182 votes compared to NPP’s 6,730,587. For context While the NPP’s votes may have gone up by 974,829 votes from the previous elections, the NDC’s support had increased by 1,441,994 which is no small feat,” she wrote.
The article comes as former President John Dramani Mahama has chosen to retain Prof. Opoku-Agyemang as his running mate for the upcoming 2024 presidential election.
The NDC is eagerly anticipating the Council of Elders’ meeting on March 7, 2024, to deliberate on the running mate nominee. The party’s General Secretary, Fifi Kwetey, confirmed that the National Executive Committee would also meet later that day to further consider the nomination.
The party has assured that whoever is selected will complement Mahama’s vision as they strive to “Build the Ghana We Want together.”
Member of Parliament for North Tongu, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, has questioned the rationality of Abena Osei-Asare, the Minister of State-designate at the Ministry of Finance over her recent political remark about government.
According to Mr Ablakwa, while debating the State of the Nation Address, Abena Osei-Asare noted that she is proud of President Akufo-Addo and his Vice, Dr Mahamudu Bawumia for the good work done to ensure the economy stays afloat.
But Mr Ablakwa holds the assertion that such a remark cannot be taken seriously, especially when Abena Osei-Asare decided to support another presidential candidate instead of Dr Bawumia during the NPP’s flagbearership race.
Abena Osei-Asare threw her weight behind former Trade Minister Alan Kyerematen before his exit from the party.
Mr Ablakwa said if indeed Abena Osei-Asare was indeed proud of the Vice President, her support would have been directed towards him and not another candidate.
“I’ve been left totally shocked, dumbfounded, listening to my good friend Honourable Abena tell us that she felt so proud listening to this president and proud working with the chair of the Economic Management team, the now infamous mate or Aplanke as Sam George will call him in GA.
“I’ve been asking myself, if the Honourable Deputy Minister for Finance now Minister of State designate felt so proud about this team, why did we see her in the news joining the Honourable Alan Kyerematen to go and pick forms to contest the Vice President who she says she is so proud of,” he said while speaking on the floor of Parliament.
In September 2023, Abena Osei-Asare, has distanced herself from the decision taken by former New Patriotic Party (NPP), presidential aspirant, Alan Kwadwo Kyerematen, to run as an independent candidate.
Abena Osei-Asare, one of the supporters of Mr Kyerematen acknowledged the personal and professional relationship she has with him but emphasized that her “dedication to the New Patriotic Party is deep-seated, and rooted” in their shared values.
If you're so proud of the Prez Akufo-Addo and Dr. Bawumia as you claim, why did you support Alan Kyeremanten? – Ablakwa to Abena Osei-Asare#StarrChatpic.twitter.com/NdlcjNPDU6
Sometimes, one wonders what lens people are looking through when Vice Presidential hopeful nominees are being named and no one remembers to bring up the woman who single-handedly changed the face of the NDC in 2020 after their humiliating election results in 2016.
The National Democratic Congress (NDC) led by presidential candidate President John Mahama and late Paa Kwesi Amissah-Arthur as Vice, lost the 2016 election by a margin of almost one million votes, the biggest ever recorded in the country’s electoral history.
But following that, apart from the abysmal performance of President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo and Muhammadu Bawumia’s New Patriotic Party (NPP) led Government, what could have led to the strong come back John Mahama made in 2020?
In 2020, Ghanaians were presented with the same NDC they had just voted out a term ago with John Mahama once more as flag-bearer. The campaign messages remained largely unchanged, the only difference this time was Prof. Jane Naana Opoku Agyeman and the fresh air of patriotism she breathed into the toxic political landscape, making John Mahama’s ticket more attractive to women and others who otherwise would have never given the NDC the time of day, at least in 2021.
The conversation, therefore about who becomes John Mahama’s running mate in the 2024 elections has since been quite inconsiderate when we take into account the complete “ghosting” of Prof. Jane Naana Opoku, and how she isn’t even considered as someone who should be in the race.
In her stead, several names from the global business magnate have been floated, from Sir Sam Jonah, who has refuted it and outrightly stated he is not interested should he even be offered the slot, to the Former Auditor General, Daniel Domelevo, Former Chief of staff Julius Debrah and now RTD Commissioner of Police Kofi Boakye.
Personal preferences aside, it is objectively distasteful that we as a people would ignore the impact of Prof. Jane Naana Opoku in the 2020 general elections.
Prof Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang
One of the events that made significant impact on women voters was “In conversation with Prof. Jane Naana Opoku”. The event assembled apolitical women in business, education, health, etc to meet prof. and to be convinced as to why NDC should be their party of choice in the 2020 elections.
Women groups who would not ordinarily associate with any political party much less the NDC showed up to listen and actively engage and in the end promised to campaign to get John Mahama elected, again.
As a result, women actively campaigned for the NDC off the strength of Prof. Jane Naana Opoku. They were proud to have a woman as running mate to John Mahama who himself has been a big advovate of women’s rights in Ghana. These efforts were evident in the 2020 elections results.
For reference, The 2016 election results for the NDC with John Mahama and Amissah Arthur were 4,771,188 representing 44.53% of the voting populace, while the NPP with Nana Akufo Addo and Dr. Mahamadu Bawumia saw 5,755,758 votes, representing 53.72%. This, at the time, was an outright rejection of the NDC by Ghanaians. But when In 2020, the NDC re-presented the same Presidential candidate and campaign with the only clear difference being their candidate for Vice in Prof. Jane Naana Opoku, the results were staggering. More than just an improvement, the margin was considerably thinner, and a clear indication to all that the NDC was very much still alive.
There were some who were convinced that the 2020 results would be worse than 2016, and yet when the time came, the NDC pulled in 6,213,182 votes compared to NPP’s 6,730,587. For context While the NPP’s votes may have gone up by 974,829 votes from the previous elections, the NDC’s support had increased by 1,441,994 which is no small feat.
The NPP’s lead of over 900,000 was however, quickly squandered. They would soon throw the country into chaos passing a widely unpopular E-levy bill, tanking the economy & scrambling for an IMF bailout to support an even more unpopular Domestic Debt Exchange programme.
John Mahama and Jane Naana
Now, in the heart of a real crisis, the people need the experience of John Mahama to salvage what is left of the economy and the country.
So, if Prof. Jane Naana Opoku’s partnership has yielded this much benefit to the NDC so far, why would any rational person want anyone else at reins?
In these tumultuous times, VAT is up by 2.5%, there’s a 10% tax on bet winnings, a further threat to add ECG and emissions taxes. The Cedi keeps plummeting against the dollar, and unemployment rate at an all time high, 2024 calls for real change; A change in government and not a change in who partners John Mahama. Back in 2020, Prof. proved her mettle then, just as John Mahama has done so often in the past so as to become indispensable to the party today. She is a thoroughly educated, scandal-free woman who represents the best of what Ghana has to offer.
An examination of criticisms against her finds them to be mostly laced with childish sentiments like “she’s not ‘out there” and “she’s not mounting platforms to scream and perhaps insult everyone in the way we’re used to” and “she needs to match Veep Bawumia”. But those sentiments, if followed will only yield more of the same. Because at the end of the day, are we really in the market for “another Bawumia”? Or are we trying to to do something different this time? Something better, something useful.
This is our country, these are our lives. We can’t continue to squander it 4 years at a time on articulate con artists, and so called economic gurus whose only legacy is to have taken our exchange rate from 3.8 to 13 cedi to a dollar in record time and launching unnecessary apps and platforms that are not only already available on Google but also useless when the basic infrastructure to support them isn’t even functional.
A woman who has taught thousands of people in academia will not be mounting political platforms to insult opponents in the name of appeasing a base. She stands tall and unblemished, bringing an aura to John Mahama and elevating his image which has until 2020 been badly battered by an avalanche of Propaganda by the NPP.
Changing Prof. now would simply mean the NDC lied to Ghanaians in 2020 when they said they believed in women, when they said they wanted an elevated aura around the presidency.
The NDC going with any other candidate will be a betrayal of Ghanaian women. Prof. Jane Naana Opoku is exactly what the country needs at this time.
A cool head, a voice that can calm nerves; she speaks from her heart, and most importantly, tells Ghanaians the TRUTH.
At a time when Ghana is reeling under the economic crisis brought on by the insatiable greed of the Nana Addo & Bawumia Cartel, so corrupt that even corruption crusaders have given up on them. The last thing we need is another Bawumia, a man who a cursory internet search reveals as one of the most prolific liars of modern politics.
It would be a grave mistake to change Professor Jane at this time. She is a proven partner for John Mahama, one who is not in competition with him and is efficient at playing her position and supporting him as needed to get the best results.
She is the perfect embodiment of the Ghanaian old adage ‘awene pa 3nkasa’. We need more Jane Naana Opoku’s, not fewer.
Writer: Bridget Otoo
DISCLAIMER: TIGPost.co will not be liable for any inaccuracies contained in this article. The views expressed in the article are solely those of the author’s, and do not reflect those of The Independent Ghana.
Ghana is currently in the spotlight over its legislation that seeks to criminalize the identification and activities of the LGBTQ community, as well as its promoters and sponsors.
Parliament passed the controversial Proper Human Sexual Rights and Family Values bill on Wednesday, and since then, several international communities such as the UN Human Rights and the US have called on President Akufo-Addo not to assent to the bill.
Some Ghanaians, especially the Minority in Parliament, are skeptical of President Akufo-Addo appending his signature to the bill to become law.
Not many citizens are pleased by this and want the president to make his stance known, just like his predecessors did. A video of the late John Evans Fifi Atta Mills has resurfaced.
Thirteen years ago, then President John Evans Fifi Atta Mills assured that Ghana would not legalize same-sex activities under his watch.
In an interview on November 2, 2011, he said, “(But) I as president of this nation, I will never initiate or support any attempts to legalise homosexuality in Ghana.”
Throwback to when Ghana’s late President H.E Evans Attah Mills gave a clear and unwavering verdict on LGBTQ+. pic.twitter.com/HDWOjNVRSW
During that period, Britain had warned it would review aid to countries that persecute homosexuals. It had suspended £19 million in aid to Malawi because of concerns including its treatment of gays.
Now, Ghana faces the same threat as Uganda has been hit with sanctions by the US for passing one of the world’s harshest anti-Gay bill.
Ghanaian radio presenter, Nathan Kwabena Adisi also known as Bola Ray, on Thursday interviewed the Managing Director of the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG), Samuel Dubik Mahama on Starr FM.
The subject for discussion was the disconnection of power supply to Parliament when the House was deliberating on the 2024 State of the Nation Address presented by President Akufo-Addo on February 29.
The host, Bola Ray asked Mr Mahama, “Why did you do that, Parliament was in session. They were debating the State of the Nation Address and you got your men out there to disconnect the arm of government. Why so?”
Mr Mahama replied with a question. He said, “Parliament was working. What was ECG doing?”
Quickly, Bola Ray responded “ECG was working.” The host was definitely ready for Mr Mahama’s dismissive response.
He said, “Okay, next question”, implying that Parliament’s work is not more important than that of the ECG.
Meanwhile, the Deputy Clerk of Corporate and Financial Management Services Division in Parliament, Ebenezer Ahumah Djietror, has refuted claims that Parliament is indebted to the tune of GH¢23 million to the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG).
On Thursday, February 29, 2024, there was a power outage in Parliament House and Job 600, the office complex for Members of Parliament, attributed to the purported GH¢23 million debt, as part of the ongoing “Operation Zero Balance” initiative by the ECG.
In an interview with Citi News, Mr. Ahumah Djietror clarified that Parliament does not owe the stated amount, asserting that the house has been making payments. He acknowledged occasional discrepancies, citing failures in the ECG’s system to accurately record the payments.
According to him, Parliament made a GH¢13 million payment on Tuesday, February 27, 2024, reducing the outstanding debt to approximately GH¢12 million.
He emphasized that they possess records of all payments made as evidence.
He said, “As far as we are concerned, we’ve made payment, all the payment we have made, some have not reflected in their system, that’s what I’m saying, some do not reflect in their system. We have a breakdown, so we showed it to the Deputy Managing Director, we are just coming from his office. I said they should reconcile the account. We are going to get the bank to extract all the payments we’ve made in terms of the dates. I’m not sure how it’s captured, so there’s a gap in terms of the reconciliation as to what is the outstanding bill.”
Mr. Ahumah Djietror expressed the situation in Parliament as unfortunate and assured that efforts are underway to reconcile the accounts and settle the outstanding balance.
🚨ICYMI🇬🇭⚡️: The ECG boss, when asked why he sent his men to disconnect the power of Ghana’s parliament while they were in session, said he was simply doing his job. – 📹: @starr1035fm
Former Finance Minister, Seth Terkper, has urged the government to prioritize responsible debt management and seek alternative funding sources beyond short-term treasury bills.
He expressed concern that the country is at risk by heavily relying on T-bills for financing. Terkper made these comments during a media dialogue on Ghana’s International Monetary Fund program.
“We cannot sustain the economy on treasury bills because treasury bills are for three months. So, at the end of the three months, we must pay”.
“Inadvertently, we are increasing the public debt because we do not have a payment mechanism since the sinking fund is no more.”
He also warned the government about the consequences of not including the nation’s arrears as part of the total debt stock.
“The fact that we are doing well may not mean if our primary balance were good at indicating that we were doing well. I can assure you that we would have settled our domestic debt and would have started issuing three-year bonds.”
He added that” the tendency to leave out arrears has hurt us before, and we should be very mindful it doesn’t hurt us again.”
Mr. Terkper called for the abolition of the Electronic Transaction Levy, arguing that it has failed to achieve its intended goals. He expressed stronger support for the implementation of a digitalized tax system by the Ghana Revenue Authority, believing it would enhance efficiency and increase domestic revenue collection.
The media dialogue, organized by PFM Tax Africa Network, provided a platform for open discussions on national economic issues with media professionals and experts.
Inaki Williams and Nico Williams were in the spotlight on Thursday night as Athletic Club defeated Atletico Madrid to secure a spot in the 2023/24 Copa del Rey final.
The two brothers played crucial roles in Bilbao’s 3-0 victory at San Mames, with both contributing to the scoreline. Their performance helped Ernesto Valverde’s side comfortably overcome Atletico.
Athletic Club had the upper hand going into the second leg after winning 1-0 at Wanda Politano.
Inaki initiated the scoring at San Mames with a superb volley in the 13th minute, following a splendid run by Nico down the left wing, who then crossed the ball to his older brother.
The Ghanaian international returned the favor shortly after, setting up his younger brother to double the lead and put Bilbao in a commanding position.
In the second half, Gorka Guruzeta scored the third goal for the home side, sealing the victory and securing a spot in the final for Athletic Club.
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