TIG Post

Author: Andy Ogbarmey-Tettey

  • Ghanaian, Nigerian team up to defraud UAE citizen of $60k in a fake gold scam

    Ghanaian, Nigerian team up to defraud UAE citizen of $60k in a fake gold scam

    A cunning scam that spanned international borders, has observed a United Arab Emirates citizen, Farhad Omedi, fall victim to a fraudulent gold deal orchestrated by a Ghanaian and two Nigerians.

    Omedi was lured to Accra, Ghana, where he was promised a lucrative gold transaction.

    The Ghanaian accomplice, Baffour Abraham, and the two Nigerians, 39-year-old Sunday Olatunji and 51-year-old Israel Olawale Omoley, convinced Omedi to start with a substantial sum of $60,000 under the pretense of selling him genuine gold.

    However, it turned out to be a well-coordinated scam.

    Fortunately, the authorities were quick to act. The Dawhenya and Lakeside police apprehended Olatunji and Omoley, but Abraham managed to evade capture and is currently on the run.

  • Dr Okoe Boye set to launch COVID-19 book

    Dr Okoe Boye set to launch COVID-19 book

    Minister-designate for Health and outgoing Chief Executive of the National Health Insurance Scheme, Dr. Bernard Okoe Boye, has suggested the possibility of launching a book on Ghana’s efforts in combating the COVID-19 pandemic.

    He made this known during a visit to the new Chief of Defence Staff, Lieutenant Colonel Thomas Oppong-Peprah.

    “As a member of the COVID-19 task force, I remember the key role that was played by the army. In fact, I remember those dark nights when logistics had to be flown to the north. I remember coming to the Air Force base to fly with your men to go and distribute some of the items. They were frontline workers taking the risk and confronting the virus, and because I was part of the whole battle, by the grace of God, I went through some challenging assignments to put together all our experiences as a country during the two to three years that the virus roamed within our borders. Finally, a book is ready.”

    He also reiterated the National Health Insurance Authority’s (NHIA) commitment to supporting all military health establishments.

    Chief of Defence Staff, Lt. Gen. Thomas Oppong-Peprah, expressed appreciation for the ongoing collaboration between the military and the NHIA. He emphasized the importance of readiness for future pandemics and underscored the need to establish a biomedical unit.

    “There is a need for us to look at establishing a biomedical unit to immediately respond to such outbreaks so that we are not caught unprepared. This is something that we are gradually developing, so at some point in time, we will be calling on your office for advice and guidance and also for us to have effective collaboration in doing this.

    “The Armed Forces are also there for disaster management, and as part of that, there is a need for us to build that capacity. So, this idea of establishing a biomedical unit specifically for the outbreak of pandemics is something that I am going to pursue as Chief of Defence Staff.”

  • Beware of MoMo fraudsters – ECG warns customers

    Beware of MoMo fraudsters – ECG warns customers

    The Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG) has advised its customers to conduct transactions only through its official channels, such as the PowerApp, shortcode *226#, and its offices.

    This warning comes in response to an increase in complaints from customers receiving calls from unknown numbers asking them to deposit money into ECG bank or Mobile Money accounts for services like meter replacement, installation, or debt cancellation.

    Ms. Christina Jatoe-Kaleo, the Volta Regional General Manager of ECG, clarified that ECG does not operate a Mobile Money account.

    She urged customers not to engage with individuals asking them to send money to ECG mobile money accounts for service access, as these are fraudulent activities perpetrated through social media and phone calls.

    “They reach out to customers via social media or phone calls and ask them to make payments to certain numbers or bank accounts for their meters to be installed or replaced. In some instances, they claim it’s installation fee and end up impersonating ECG officials like the District Manager, Accountant, or Technical Officer”, she explained.

    Ms. Jatoe-Kaleo further indicated that “with the introduction of the ECG cashless and paperless systems, customers are to initiate transactions or access our services through the ECG PowerApp or shortcode *226#.

    These systems allow customers to access ECG services and control their payments without any MoMo charge or E-levy, so customers should not fall prey to fraudsters.”

    She assured that her outfit is collaborating with security agencies to track down and apprehend these fraudsters.

    “Just last week, some fraudsters issued a fake press release to the GRA Customs Training Academy at Kpetoe and later told them to pay GhC1,140 as an installation fee for three meters to the MoMo number 0508058638. However, the officials of the training academy reported the incident to our office which we later forwarded to the security agencies”, she said.

    Ms. Jatoe-Kaleo added that attempted fraud incidents have been reported in Ho, Kpando, Hohoe, Denu, and Sogakope Districts and that “some of the numbers used for such fraudulent activities include 0531807230, 0508790801,0543803302 and 0532752541.”

    She appealed to customers to refrain from engaging with middlemen and to remain vigilant for fraudulent activities by scammers. She urged customers to report any such incidents to the nearest police station or ECG office.

    Ms. Jatoe-Kaleo appealed to the public to help protect ECG poles against bush fires and transformers from people who vandalize them “to steal valuable components since these activities can lead to prolonged outages which will affect both ECG and its customers”.

  • We cannot be held accountable for aftermath of Akosombo Dam spillage – GMet

    We cannot be held accountable for aftermath of Akosombo Dam spillage – GMet

    The Ghana Meteorological Agency (GMA) has restated its position of not being responsible for the Akosombo dam spillage disaster.

    The agency stated that it provided timely forecast information to the Volta River Authority (VRA) for necessary action.

    During a session before the Public Accounts Committee in Parliament, the Director-General of the Agency, Eric Asuman, emphasized that the decision-makers at VRA had been adequately informed.

    Therefore, he argued that it would be unfair to hold the agency accountable for the inaction of others.

    “Our forecast indicated that we were going to have an above-normal forecast. That was early enough for anybody to watch and be prepared and take the necessary precautions. It couldn’t have been the fact that GMA didn’t give them information.”

    “We did, and the news came that we were being blamed. If you talk to the right people at VRA, they will tell you that couldn’t have been the problem of GMA,” he said.

    His remarks come several months after the Volta River Authority (VRA) initiated water spillage from the Akosombo and Kpong dams. The discharge, which began on September 15, 2023, was triggered by a sustained increase in the inflow pattern and water level of the Akosombo reservoir, leading to the overflow of the Volta River.

    This overflow resulted in extensive flooding and the displacement of communities across nine district assemblies in the Volta and Eastern regions, including North, Central, and South Tongu District Assemblies, Asuogyaman, Shai Osudoku, and Ada. The flooding submerged several communities and displaced nearly 15,000 residents in the Volta, Eastern, and Greater Accra Regions.

    Following the incident, concerns were raised about the data-sharing mechanism between the GMA and VRA. However, Mr. Asuman reiterated his agency’s exemption from any responsibility in the matter.

  • Manhyia South organiser is not hiding, why declare him wanted – NDC slams Police

    Manhyia South organiser is not hiding, why declare him wanted – NDC slams Police

    The leadership of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) in the Ashanti Region has criticized the police’s decision to declare Alhaji Mustapha Alhasan, its Manhyia South Constituency Organiser, wanted.

    They view this action as an overreaction and a diversionary tactic from the country’s current hardships.

    Alhaji Alhasan came under police scrutiny following his inflammatory comments captured in a widely circulated video. In the video, he vehemently opposes the New Patriotic Party (NPP) and threatens violence if they attempt to rig the elections.

    He even suggests engaging in potentially fatal violent clashes to ensure the victory of the NDC’s flagbearer, John Dramani Mahama.

    Dr. Frank Amoakohene, the Ashanti Regional Secretary of the NDC, expressed these views in an interview on Eyewitness News with Umaru Sanda Amadu on Citi FM on Monday. He argued that the police showed bias against the NDC and clarified that Alhaji Alhasan’s comments were a response to provocative remarks made by an NPP member during a conversation.

    Dr. Amoakohene further questioned the rationale behind the police’s decision to declare their well-known Manhyia South Constituency Organiser wanted.

    “It is an exaggeration, and it can be likened to killing a farmer with a sledgehammer. And this is just a purported action to divert the attention of Ghanaians from the hardship that is going on in the [country], because it takes two to tango, and it takes two to have a conversation. It was a conversation between an NDC person and an NPP person. They managed to get the video out which has the NPP person’s comment edited out of the video, and then now you declare an officer wanted without having to resort to the institution to produce the officer.”

    “So if you know you can find the person, then you should publish the person’s name without associating him with the NDC but if you want to associate him with the NDC then you should come to the regional leadership that we have come across a video from an officer of the party and the police would want to have a conversation with him. Then the regional leadership can produce the officer for you. But you have attached the NDC to the officer, you didn’t come to the regional leadership and yet declared him wanted on social media. But from my understanding, you only declare someone wanted when the person cannot be found or the person has gone into hiding. This is an officer that you in the police you know, and he is a tailor to most of the policemen, and it is not as though he is even a stranger or somebody you don’t know,” he noted.

  • Akyem Abuakwa Traditional Council dismisses petition against Begoro Chief for endorsing Mahama

    Akyem Abuakwa Traditional Council dismisses petition against Begoro Chief for endorsing Mahama

    The Akyem Abuakwa Traditional Council has dismissed a petition seeking the destoolment of Ankobeahene of Begoro, Barfuor Owiredu Agyarko Minta II, for endorsing John Dramani Mahama, the presidential candidate for the National Democratic Congress (NDC).

    During a session held in chambers on Monday, February 19, 2024, both the petitioners and the respondent were “advised” on the matter.

    The writ of summons, signed by D. M Ofori-Atta, the Secretary of the Akyem Abuakwa Traditional Council, was issued at the behest of petitioners including Daasebre Ofosu Kwabi Ayebiahwe, Otweresohene/Odau, Okyeame Owusu, and Barfuor Sakyi Amankwaa II representing the Begoro stool.

    They accused Nana Owiredu Agyarko Minta II of bringing disrepute to the Begoro stool by engaging in partisan politics.
    The petition alleges that during a campaign event attended by John Mahama, the Ankobeahene purported to represent Nananom and the people of Begoro, made statements in favour of the NDC flagbearer.

    These statements included endorsements of John Mahama as the next President of Ghana, advocating for the NDC’s 24-hour economy policy, and urging vigilance against alleged vote rigging by the current government.

    Among the reliefs sought by the petitioners were an order of destoolment, nullification of the Ankobeahene’s conduct, a public recantation of the alleged comments, an apology to the petitioners and the people of Begoro, and punitive customary sanctions if found liable.

    In response, Baffuor Owiredu Agyarko Minta II, through his counsel, Isaac M. Larbi, ESQ, filed a motion to set aside the petition, citing jurisdictional issues and questioning the capacity of the petitioners.

    The affidavit supporting the motion filed by Ankobeahene’s counsel argues that the petitioners cannot initiate destoolment proceedings as they are not recognized kingmakers within his family.

    Furthermore, it contends that the matter falls under the jurisdiction of the Judicial Committee, per legal stipulations.

    “I object to the issuance of the petition on [the] grounds that the petitioners lack the capacity to institute the instant petition as they are not kingmakers within my family to qualify them to institute destoolment proceedings against me,” parts of the affidavit read.

  • Former Northern Regional Communications Director for NPP, Abdul Latif, passes on

    Former Northern Regional Communications Director for NPP, Abdul Latif, passes on

    Issahaku Abdul Latif, the former Communications Director for the New Patriotic Party (NPP) in the Northern Region, has passed away after a prolonged illness.

    He died on Monday afternoon at the Tamale Teaching Hospital due to complications from surgery.

    Yussif Danjummah, the current NPP Communications Director in the Northern Region, confirmed his passing, sharing the news on various social media platforms.

    In a brief announcement, Yussif Danjummah expressed profound sorrow at the loss of their former Communications Director, Mr. A. Latif, stating, “It is with deep sadness and heavy hearts that we inform you of the death of our former Communications Director, Mr. A. Latif. He passed away this afternoon at the Tamale Teaching Hospital after enduring a prolonged surgery. May Allah grant him Jannataul-Firdaus.”

    Issahaku Abdul Latif, who passed away on Monday, February 19th, 2024, had served as the National Health Insurance Boss for the Northern Region until his death.

    Details regarding his funeral arrangements have not been communicated to the public, but it is expected that he will be laid to rest according to Muslim traditions.

  • ‘Tap and Go’ transport initiative to foster transparency, check corruption – Bawumia

    ‘Tap and Go’ transport initiative to foster transparency, check corruption – Bawumia

    Vice-President Mahamudu Bawumia has expressed confidence in the “Tap and Go” transport initiative’s ability to combat corruption in Ghana’s state intercity and intracity transport systems.

    Similar to the widely-used Oyster Card in the United Kingdom, the “Tap and Go” system involves a digital card preloaded with cash. Passengers can conveniently pay for their fare by tapping the card on a fixed machine/reader aboard the bus.

    The Ghanaian version of the “Tap and Go” card includes additional features, such as physical and virtual versions, to enhance user convenience. Users can download the Tap and Go app on their mobile phones and opt for the virtual card option, allowing them to make payments directly through their phone without needing a physical card.

    Speaking at the official launch of the initiative in Accra on Monday, February 19, Vice-President Bawumia highlighted that the implementation of this system will significantly improve transparency within the transport sector.

    “It is important to note that, before the Tap and Go system was implemented by Metro Mass Transit, the audit report showed that the company was losing 50% of its revenue annually.

    “But since it was implemented by the company, that leakage has been plugged and the revenue that it is making from 200 buses is more than when it was operating 500 buses,” Dr Bawumia said.

    “With the Tap and Go system, the problem of vehicle owners worrying about the accurate daily takings and whereabouts of their cars at any given time will be a thing of the past.”

    “The problem with the diversion of funds within state-owned intercity and intracity buses will also be a thing of the past, as it will help check corruption by promoting transparency,” he added.

  • Ghana must meet its tax obligations to prevent a catastrophe – Mohammed Amin Adam

    Ghana must meet its tax obligations to prevent a catastrophe – Mohammed Amin Adam

    Finance Minister-designate, Dr. Mohammed Amin Adam, has cautioned that Ghana could face serious challenges if it does not meet certain tax obligations required to meet targets set by the International Monetary Fund (IMF).

    He has urged the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) to proactively address any gaps to ensure revenue generation.

    During an engagement with the Commissioners of the Authority, Dr. Amin Adam emphasized that revenue mobilization is a critical priority for the government.

    Despite this, he commended the GRA for surpassing the revenue target for 2023.

    “Commissioner-General, this institution continues to perform admirably well. Last year, you managed to exceed the revenue target. Although the public seems to question the framework for target setting, I congratulate you on this achievement.”

    “However, this achievement also reveals the depth of potential to be optimised. This view is also shared by the wider public. Achieving and exceeding the targets is also critical to the success of the IMF-Extended Credit Facility (ECF) Programme. We cannot afford to miss our commitments programme”, he stressed.

    Dr. Mohammed Amin Adam emphasized the crucial role of the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) in supporting Ghana’s IMF program for 2024.

    “Commissioner-General, I take this opportunity to reiterate to you and your team the three key commitments you made under the programme for 2024: cleaning of the GRA taxpayer register by end-June 2024, complete data migration from all existing portals to the ITAS, operationalize the major modules (registration, returns filing and payments) in the system (and processes needed to be completed prior to that) by end December 2024”, he added.

    The finance minister also announced plans to collaborate with the GRA through a structured framework to surpass the GH¢145 billion revenue target set in the 2024 Budget.

  • Joyce Aryee, Kufuor, Akufo-Addo, Frema Opare among advisors to NPP’s 2024 campaign team

    Joyce Aryee, Kufuor, Akufo-Addo, Frema Opare among advisors to NPP’s 2024 campaign team

    The New Patriotic Party (NPP) has finalized its campaign structure for the upcoming 2024 national elections, appointing members to various national campaign committees.

    This decision was made during the party’s National Executive Committee (NEC) and National Council meetings held on Monday, February 19, 2024.

    Former President John Agyekum Kufuor and President Akufo-Addo will lead the Campaign Advisory Committee, joined by notable members such as Freddie Worsemao Blay, Elizabeth Ohene, Rev. Joyce Aryee, and Chief of Staff Akosua Frema Osei Opare.

    Additionally, the campaign Operations committee will be headed by Justin Kodua Frimpong as Director, with Henry Nana Boakye as his Deputy.

    “The New Patriotic Party (NPP), at its National Executive Committee and National Council meetings held on Monday, February 19, 2024, approved a proposed structure for the Party’s 2024 national campaign and appointed some individuals to serve on the various national campaign committees.”

    “A National Campaign Coordinating Committee (NCCC), which shall oversee the work of all other Committees shall be chaired by the 2024 Presidential Candidate, and assisted by the Vice Presidential Candidate. The National Chairman, General Secretary, and Regional Chairpersons shall also serve on the National Campaign Coordinating Committee.”

  • Accra Academy students study with torches, candles after disconnection from national grid

    Accra Academy students study with torches, candles after disconnection from national grid

    Accra Academy Senior High School finds itself shrouded in darkness as the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG) enforces a power cut due to unpaid bills.

    The campus, devoid of light, was reported to be reliant on torches for studying as of 08:40 pm on Monday, February 19, as confirmed by a visiting media practitioner.

    An unnamed teacher, speaking to Accra-based Citi News, expressed grave concern, labeling the situation as unprecedented in their teaching tenure.

    The teacher recounted learning from a colleague about the arrival of ECG officials at the school to disconnect the electricity supply over outstanding debts. Even teachers, utilizing prepaid meters, were not spared from the power outage.

    Despite pleas and negotiation attempts, the ECG officials, purportedly from the head office, remained resolute in their decision to cut off power.

    The teacher voiced apprehension regarding student safety and the potential adverse effects on teaching and learning, urging the Electricity Company to reinstate the school’s power supply.

    Reflecting on the distressing situation, the teacher lamented, “Today is the saddest day in my life as a teacher with over 31 years of experience. I have never witnessed anything like this before. We received a call that ECG officials were on campus to disconnect the school due to some indebtedness. What pains me is that the teachers staying on campus, who use prepaid meters, have also been disconnected. Currently, we have about 3,000 students in school, and this is the situation we find ourselves in. If something happens to any of the students, who will be held responsible?”

    “We called the officials, and they insisted that they were following orders from above to disconnect us due to the amount we owe. We don’t even know the exact amount, and we are not the ones supposed to pay it. Despite our efforts to prevent this situation, they never listened. I appeal to the ECG leaders to consider the students. I urge them to come back and take the necessary steps.”

  • ECG disconnects Accra Academy from national grid over unpaid arrears

    ECG disconnects Accra Academy from national grid over unpaid arrears

    Accra Academy Senior High School (SHS) is currently experiencing a power outage due to the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG) disconnecting its electricity supply over unpaid arrears.

    The entire campus has been plunged into darkness, forcing students to rely on torchlights for studying.

    An unnamed teacher expressed serious concern, calling the situation unprecedented in his teaching career. He learned from a colleague about the arrival of ECG officials to disconnect the power owing to outstanding debts.

    Even teachers using prepaid meters had their power supply cut off.

    Despite pleas and attempts at negotiation, the ECG officials, claiming to be from the head office, remained firm in their decision to disconnect the power.

    The teacher highlighted worries about students’ safety and the impact on teaching and learning, appealing to the Electricity Company to restore the school’s power supply.

    Reflecting on the distressing situation, the teacher lamented, “Today is the saddest day in my life as a teacher with over 31 years of experience. I have never witnessed anything like this before. We received a call that ECG officials were on campus to disconnect the school due to some indebtedness. What pains me is that the teachers staying on campus, who use prepaid meters, have also been disconnected. Currently, we have about 3,000 students in school, and this is the situation we find ourselves in. If something happens to any of the students, who will be held responsible?”

    “We called the officials, and they insisted that they were following orders from above to disconnect us due to the amount we owe. We don’t even know the exact amount, and we are not the ones supposed to pay it. Despite our efforts to prevent this situation, they never listened. I appeal to the ECG leaders to consider the students. I urge them to come back and take the necessary steps.”

  • NPP deliberately misleading Ghanaians on Mahama’s 24-hour economy policy – Sammy Gyamfi

    NPP deliberately misleading Ghanaians on Mahama’s 24-hour economy policy – Sammy Gyamfi

    The National Communications Officer of the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC), Sammy Gyamfi, has accused the governing New Patriotic Party (NPP) of orchestrating a campaign against John Mahama’s 24-hour economy policy.

    Mr. Gyamfi alleges that the NPP is exhibiting signs of nervousness and panic regarding the widespread acceptance of this “commendable policy.”

    He claims that the ruling party is making concerted efforts to undermine the policy’s credibility and popularity among the Ghanaian populace.

    According to Mr. Gyamfi, the NPP lacks innovative ideas and viable policy propositions for job creation as the country approaches the crucial 2024 election.

    He asserted that their primary agenda is to discredit the constructive policies presented by their main political rival.

    In a press release issued on Monday, February 19, Mr. Gyamfi emphasized that the NPP’s attempts to derail Mr. Mahama’s initiatives will be futile, as the Ghanaian people have already embraced them.

    He challenged the NPP to present alternative policies for scrutiny by the Ghanaian electorate before the December polls, so as to enable the citizens make informed decisions based on a comparative analysis of the two parties’ proposals.

    “The failed Akufo-Addo/Bawumia NPP government has become very jittery and is panicking over how this laudable policy proposal, described by the TUC as a game-changer, continues to gain traction and acceptability among the Ghanaian people.”

    “Clearly, the NPP is bereft of ideas and any sound policy proposition on job creation going into the crucial 2024 election. All the farcical jokes by their discredited flagbearer against the Mahama 24-hour economy strategy, have been roundly rejected by Ghanaians.”

    “This is why they have resorted to a campaign of calumny and deliberate disinformation, ostensibly to discredit the well thought-through 24-Hour Economy Strategy of the nation-builder, H.E John Dramani Mahama.”

  • Mad man kills 4 after attacking police officers, children at Banda-Nkwanta

    Mad man kills 4 after attacking police officers, children at Banda-Nkwanta

    A man believed to be mentally unstable took the lives of four individuals in a tragic incident that occurred in Banda-Nkwanta, a community along the Bole-Bamboi highway in the Bole district of the Savannah Region.

    The sequence of events began when the man, identified as Daganaa, requested to use the restroom at a local compound house while unloading items at a nearby galamsey site.

    Upon being denied access, he reacted violently, stabbing one of the residents and then fleeing to another compound.

    In the second compound, he forcibly entered a room where two children, aged 10 and 12, were sleeping, and allegedly attacked them. He also assaulted their frail grandmother, who had limited mobility.

    Continuing his violent spree, Daganaa moved to another household and stabbed an individual resting in the compound’s foyer. When confronted by residents, he barricaded himself in a room and threatened anyone who approached.

    The escalating situation led residents to call the Bole police command for assistance. Upon arrival, Daganaa attacked two police officers, prompting them to respond with gunfire, resulting in his death.

    Tragically, four individuals lost their lives in this incident. The elderly grandmother, critically injured, is currently receiving treatment at Carpenter Hospital in Bole.

    The deceased have been laid to rest in accordance with Islamic customs.

  • Use oil revenue to fund educational projects in your countries – Akufo-Addo charges African leaders

    Use oil revenue to fund educational projects in your countries – Akufo-Addo charges African leaders

    President Akufo-Addo has called on African leaders to allocate revenues from oil exploration and other extractive sector activities to fund education in their countries.

    He believes this is essential for closing the continent’s education funding gap and achieving Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 4 targets.

    Africa needs approximately $80 billion annually to bridge the education gap, a task that cannot rely solely on external resources.

    President Akufo-Addo stressed the importance of using internal resources, especially from the extractive industry, to address this challenge.

    “We are funding our education budget largely through our oil receipts, and we intend to continue down that road for the foreseeable future. I don’t know if the $80 billion [education funding gap] the moderator is talking about can be found in oil receipts across the rest of the continent.

    “But I believe that the earnings we receive from our extractive industries and mineral resources are best employed if we invest them in education. Looking into the future, Ghana remains steadfast in our commitment to education as a strategic investment for our nation’s prosperity,” President Akufo-Addo remarked.

    “We recognise that education is the key to unlocking our nation’s full potential in building a brighter future for generations to come. As we gather here today under the banner of the ‘Year of Education’, let us reaffirm our commitment to making education the top priority on the continent,” he said.

    Investing in education is crucial for meeting immediate educational needs and fostering long-term economic growth and sustainability.

    Globally, education has been a powerful catalyst for economic development, leading to increased productivity and creating more prosperous societies.

    Experts suggest that investing in education in Africa could yield significant returns, with projections indicating a substantial increase in per capita income by 2050 and 2100.

    President Akufo-Addo advocates for prioritizing education as a strategic investment for Africa’s future prosperity and self-sustainability.

  • Amin Adam holds first meeting with Finance Ministry staff after appointment

    Amin Adam holds first meeting with Finance Ministry staff after appointment

    The Minister for Finance-designate, Mohammed Amin Adam, on Monday, February 19, 2024, had an engagement with the staff of the ministry.

    Amin Adam, who was recently appointed by President Akufo-Addo, met with the leadership of the ministry to discuss various issues.

    Former Finance Minister Ken Ofori-Atta had earlier expressed confidence in his successor, Dr. Mohammed Amin Adam, urging the Ministry of Finance staff to support him in ensuring the successful execution of the IMF-ECF program for economic growth and transformation.

    In a heartfelt letter of gratitude to the staff of the Finance Ministry, Ofori-Atta thanked them for their tireless service, commitment to excellence, and the privilege of working together.

    Encouraging them to uphold professionalism, ethics, efficiency, and responsiveness, he envisioned a Ghana Beyond Aid.

    However, some stakeholders have expressed doubts about the inputs Amin Adam stands to bring to the ministry, putting the timing of his appointment into perspective.

  • Next NDC govt will jail all those behind shady $12m Agyapa Royalties deal – Sammy Gyamfi

    Next NDC govt will jail all those behind shady $12m Agyapa Royalties deal – Sammy Gyamfi

    The National Democratic Congress (NDC) has made a bold declaration to prosecute government officials and individuals involved in the controversial $12 million expenditure on the suspended Gold Royalties Monetisation Transaction, known as the ‘Agyapa deal,’ should the party win the December polls.

    Sammy Gyamfi, National Communications Officer of the NDC, addressing journalists during the ‘Moment of Truth’ Press Conference in Accra on February 19, accused the Akufo-Addo-led government of fraudulent scheming in the deal, aimed at defrauding the Ghanaian populace.

    “Fellow countrymen and women, the “Agyapa” scam clearly amounts to wilfully causing financial loss to the state, and the culprits of same must not go unpunished. We in the NDC, and all well-meaning Ghanaians, repose huge trust and confidence in H.E John Mahama, to pursue and retrieve for the state, public funds that have been lost to looting schemes such as this “Agyapa” scandal, the PDS scandal, the “BOSTGATE” scandal and other acts of naked thievery by officials of the Akufo-Addo/Bawumia government and their party apparatchiks,” Sammy Gyamfi said.

    He continued, “The flagbearer of the NDC and incoming President, John Mahama, at the time, vowed to cancel the fraudulent Agyapa royalties deal if he won the 2020 general elections. That position has not changed.”

    He noted that the Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) found that payments were fraudulently made to some entities under the deal.

    “Entities like Databank, a company founded and still owned by Ken Ofori-Atta, the immediate Finance Minister, and cousin of President Akufo-Addo. The Office of the Special Prosecutor also found similar illegal payments were made to Africa Legal Associates, a law firm belonging to Gabby Asare Otchere-Darko. All these payments were found by the OSP to be unlawful, yet these payments did not benefit the country in any way. The money has gone into the hands of the President, Ken Ofori-Atta, Gabby Asare Otchere-Darko, and his few cronies,” he added.

    https://twitter.com/tv3_ghana/status/1759610028770693176

    Parliament passed the Minerals Income Investment Fund Act, 2018 (MIIF Act 978) with the key objective of maximizing the country’s mineral wealth for the benefit of Ghanaians while ensuring that receiving royalties from gold mining companies was sustainable.

    The law was amended to enable it to incorporate subsidiaries and to use it as a special purpose vehicle to do business across the world.

    The main subsidiary of the MIIF and holding company, Agyapa Royalties Investment Ltd, would have been listed on the London Stock Exchange, while its subsidiary, ARG Royalties Ltd, would have been quoted on the Ghana Stock Exchange, both through initial public offerings.

    The company was to be responsible for managing 75.6 percent of the country’s royalty inflow from the 12 gold mining companies that currently operate in Ghana, with four more expected to come on stream.

    That was to enable the country to raise about $1 billion to finance mining concessions in Ghana and across Africa.

    Following the public uproar that greeted the move and the corruption risk assessment submitted by a former Special Prosecutor, Martin Amidu, to the President, President Akufo-Addo in November 2020 instructed the Minister of Finance to resubmit the agreements supporting the Agyapa deal to Parliament for the approval process to start all over again.

  • VIDEO: Bawumia arrives at NPP headquarters to present campaign team

    VIDEO: Bawumia arrives at NPP headquarters to present campaign team

    The flagbearer of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, will present his campaign team to the National Executive Committee and National Council of the party today, Monday, February 19, 2024.

    In a video sighted on X, formerly Twitter, a vehicle said to be transporting Dr Bawumia entered the premises of the NPP headquarters/

    The names of members of the campaign team are expected to be announced after this meeting.

    Sources say the former Minister of Local Government and Rural Development, Dan Botwe, is likely to be named as campaign manager for the 2024 general election.

    Mr. Dan Botwe was one of the ministers who were relieved of their posts last week in a reshuffle done by President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo.

    It is unclear if the possible campaign manager position has anything to do with the reshuffle by the president.

    However, sources close to the NPP flagbearer say the decision was made after broad consultations with the rank and file of the party.

  • Level 300 KNUST student emerges overall Best Graduating Level 2 Student at ICAG Graduation

    Level 300 KNUST student emerges overall Best Graduating Level 2 Student at ICAG Graduation

    Kwadwo Acheampong Opoku, a 3rd-year Accounting student at the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST), has achieved remarkable success at the Institute of Chartered Accountants Ghana (ICAG) graduation.

    Kwadwo Acheampong Opoku was honored as the Best Student in Financial Reporting, Audit, and Assurance.

    His outstanding performance also earned him the title of Overall Best Graduating Level 2 Student. On Saturday, February 10, ICAG held its 47th graduation at the University of Professional Studies, Accra (UPSA) auditorium.

    Per reports, he is an old student of Prempeh College in Kumasi .

    Netizens are currently extending their congratulations to Kwadwo Acheampong Opoku for his success.

  • Man captured on camera attempting to kill wife, cripple in-law and make stepson forget inheritance

    Man captured on camera attempting to kill wife, cripple in-law and make stepson forget inheritance

    A Ghanaian man with malevolent intentions has been caught while visiting a shrine in Amasaman.

    Reports suggest that his visit to the shrine was aimed at causing harm to his current wife, identified as Felicia, and her family. According to sources, he gained access to the fetish priest, Nana Akorley, upon a recommendation from a male friend.

    He had three wishes in mind: orchestrate the demise of his wife, inflict leg injury upon his brother-in-law, and orchestrate amnesia for his stepson, who resides and works in Canada. His ultimate aim was to erase the stepson’s memory of the properties he and his mother had acquired.

    Man caught in the act

    In a video shared by Kofi TV, it’s alleged that the fetish priest contacted the man’s friend, revealing the man’s intentions to use his family members for rituals. Nana Akorley clarified that his practices didn’t involve harming innocent individuals but rather protecting them.

    Upon receiving this alarming information, the friend promptly notified Felicia about her husband’s sinister plans.

    The man was reportedly found holding a knife in front of a pot containing liquid, with pictures of himself and his wife nearby. Reports suggest that Felicia owns a pure water company established by her son.

    The incident has sparked significant reactions across social media platforms, with many expressing shock at the extent of malice driven by wealth and greed.

  • Change in election date to be implemented in 2028 – EC

    Change in election date to be implemented in 2028 – EC

    The Electoral Commission (EC) has announced that its proposal to change the date for general elections from December 7 to November may not be implemented this year.

    Deputy EC Chairman in charge of Corporate Services, Eric Asare Bossman, stated that the necessary legislation for this change will be presented to Parliament soon.

    “So within the last few months, this is something the commission is going to trigger. That was agreed with the political parties that in the event we cannot marshal the forces of IPAC to have it in November in 2024, the commission should take steps to ensure that in 2028, we are going to have it in November,” he said at the launch of JoyNews’ 2024 Election coverage.

    The Deputy EC Chairman clarified that the new date for the general elections, if approved, will be a selected day in November, and not specifically November 7 as widely speculated.

    “This must be clear, we were not talking about November 7. At the IPAC meeting, the decision was a day in November. So it can be the first Monday, a second Monday, a third Monday or Tuesday or Friday or Thursday.”

    In January, the Commission proposed changing the election date to November and designating election days as national holidays. These proposals were discussed at the Inter-Party Advisory Committee (IPAC) meeting on January 22, 2024. The Commission argued that holding elections earlier in November could enhance civic engagement and strengthen democratic values.

    However, some Ghanaians, including the National Democratic Congress (NDC), disagreed with this proposal. They argued that any major electoral reforms should be implemented from November 2028, based on a previous consensus.

  • Benito Owusu-Bio appointed advisor to Lands Minister on Special Forces

    Benito Owusu-Bio appointed advisor to Lands Minister on Special Forces

    Former Deputy Minister of Lands and Natural Resources in charge of Lands and Forestry, Benito Owusu-Bio, has been appointed as an advisor to the Minister of Lands and Natural Resources on Special Projects.

    This appointment follows his inclusion among government appointees affected by last week’s reshuffle of Ministers and Deputy Ministers by President Akufo-Addo.

    A letter addressed to Mr. Owusu-Bio and dated Thursday, February 15, indicates that the new appointment is expected to take effect on Monday, February 19.

    “I hope this reaches you in good health and spirit. I am pleased to inform you that you have been appointed advisor to the Minister of Lands and Natural Resources on special projects effective Monday 19 February,” a portion of the statement read.

    Benito Owusu-Bio is also the Member of Parliament representing Atwima-Nwabiagya and for this reason, he will not be enjoying any additional emoluments that will come with this position, the statement indicated.

    “Given that you are a Member of Parliament, you will not be entitled to additional remuneration for this role. Kindly indicate your acceptance or otherwise in writing. Counting on your cooperation on such matters of national,” the letter signed by the sector minister, Samuel Abu Jinapor stated.

  • VIDEO: Fetish priest foils husband’s plan to sacrifice wife for money at Amasaman shrine

    VIDEO: Fetish priest foils husband’s plan to sacrifice wife for money at Amasaman shrine

    A Ghanaian has reportedly been arrested after visiting a shrine in Amasaman with sinister intentions.

    According to reports, the man’s purpose for visiting the shrine was to cause harm to his current wife, Felicia, and her family. He managed to access the fetish priest, Nana Akorley, following a recommendation by a male friend.

    His alleged plans included causing the death of his wife, breaking his brother-in-law’s leg, and ensuring that his stepson, who resides and works in Canada, suffers from amnesia.

    The ultimate goal was to make the stepson forget about the properties he had established for himself and his mother.

    In the video published by Kofi TV, it is reported that the fetish priest called the man’s friend, indicating to him that the man plans to use his family for rituals. Nana Akorely noted that his work does not include killing innocent individuals, but saving them.

    The friend then called Felicia to inform her of her husband’s plans.

    Ready to murder his wife, the man held a knife and sat in front of a pot filled with some liquid with his picture and that of his wife close by. Per reports, Felicia owns a pure water company that was set up by her son.

    The incident has garnered massive reactions on social media platforms.

    While some Ghanaians have expressed shock over the malice man is able to conceive because of riches and greed.

  • ‘Petty’ NPP and NDC have wasted our time for 32 years – Bernard Mornah

    ‘Petty’ NPP and NDC have wasted our time for 32 years – Bernard Mornah


    Former Chairperson of the People’s National Convention (PNC), Bernard Mornah, has criticized both the New Patriotic Party (NPP) and the National Democratic Congress (NDC) for what he describes as a waste of Ghanaians’ time over the past 32 years.

    Speaking on UTV, Mr Mornah pointed out that the two major parties have been in power for a total of 32 years, with each serving two terms of 8 years.

    Mr Mornah lamented that despite this long period in power, the focus of both parties seems to be on petty issues rather than on pushing a substantive agenda for the country.

    He cited examples such as the NDC’s proposal for a 24-hour economy, which was dismissed by the NPP’s Vice President, Dr. Bawumia, as not feasible.

    Mr Mornah called for a more constructive approach, urging politicians to focus on policies and solutions rather than engaging in petty disagreements.

    “For 32 years, you have worsened the lives of Ghanaians. NDC through Rawlings served for 8 years, Kufuor served with the NPP for 8 years, John-Atta Mills also served for 8 years and today Akufo-Addo is serving 8 years. That is 32 years.

    “But everyday it is about someone not doing this or that. It is not about we are pushing an agenda and a spirit to continue what has been started and we are introducing this. This pettiness doesn’t add to anything for me.

    “Mahama says he is introducing a 24-hour economy, and Bawumia says it is not possible. But what else are you suggesting? Let us interrogate the policies and stop this pettiness,” he said.

    He emphasized the need for a shift in political discourse towards more substantive issues, highlighting that continuous bickering and personal attacks do not benefit the country.

  • 2024 elections will be held on Dec. 7 – EC declares despite resistance from SDA church

    2024 elections will be held on Dec. 7 – EC declares despite resistance from SDA church

    The Electoral Commission (EC) has announced that its proposal to change the date for general elections from December 7 to November may not be implemented this year.

    Deputy EC Chairman in charge of Corporate Services, Eric Asare Bossman, stated that the necessary legislation for this change will be presented to Parliament soon.

    “So within the last few months, this is something the commission is going to trigger. That was agreed with the political parties that in the event we cannot marshal the forces of IPAC to have it in November in 2024, the commission should take steps to ensure that in 2028, we are going to have it in November,” he said at the launch of JoyNews’ 2024 Election coverage.

    The Deputy EC Chairman clarified that the new date for the general elections, if approved, will be a selected day in November, and not specifically November 7 as widely speculated.

    “This must be clear, we were not talking about November 7. At the IPAC meeting, the decision was a day in November. So it can be the first Monday, a second Monday, a third Monday or Tuesday or Friday or Thursday.”

    In January, the Commission proposed changing the election date to November and designating election days as national holidays. These proposals were discussed at the Inter-Party Advisory Committee (IPAC) meeting on January 22, 2024. The Commission argued that holding elections earlier in November could enhance civic engagement and strengthen democratic values.

    However, some Ghanaians, including the National Democratic Congress (NDC), disagreed with this proposal. They argued that any major electoral reforms should be implemented from November 2028, based on a previous consensus.

  • Accra-Ho road: Tempane MP’s Landcruiser falls into ditch while attempting to avoid pothole

    Accra-Ho road: Tempane MP’s Landcruiser falls into ditch while attempting to avoid pothole

    A video circulating online shows a Toyota Landcruiser belonging to a Member of Parliament for the National Democratic Congress (NDC), Lydia Lamisi Akanvariba, stuck in a ditch after the driver reportedly swerved to avoid a pothole.

    The incident, which occurred on the Accra-Ho road, resulted in the vehicle’s two tires on the driver’s side ending up in the ditch.

    While it is unclear whether the MP was in the car at the time, no casualties were reported.

    Passersby were seen gathered around the vehicle, seemingly discussing the incident and highlighting the fact that even people in authority are not immune to the challenges faced by ordinary citizens.

    Meanwhile, the Ministry of Roads and Highways has announced plans to address pothole concerns across the country by allocating GH¢150 million for repair initiatives.

    The Department of Urban Roads is set to commence routine pothole patching operations on major road networks during the dry season, as stated in a press release issued on February 15.Highlighting the extensive damage caused by heavy rainfall last year, the Ministry stressed the urgency of taking swift action to enhance road safety and prolong the lifespan of the country’s infrastructure.

    The allocated amount is part of the first-quarter releases from the Ministry of Finance to the Ministry of Roads and Highways.

    The Ministry of Roads and Highways has reaffirmed its commitment to tackling all road network challenges in Ghana, calling for cooperation from all stakeholders to improve the national road network.

  • Make good use of the AfCFTA with the knowledge acquired here – GIMPA graduates told

    Make good use of the AfCFTA with the knowledge acquired here – GIMPA graduates told

    The 9th graduation ceremony of the Ghana Institute of Management and Public Administration (GIMPA) Training and Consulting saw over 100 students receiving diplomas and advanced diplomas in Transport and Logistics.

    The event, held recently, was attended by dignitaries and academics, including the Director of GIMPA Training and Consulting, Professor Charles Amoatey.

    In his address, Professor Amoatey urged the graduates to leverage the opportunities presented by the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) for business growth. He emphasized the importance of enhancing entrepreneurial skills and encouraged the graduates to pursue short courses to expand their knowledge base.

    “We are training them not to just go and look for jobs in the private and public sector but to also start their own businesses in the field.

    “We have also equipped them with new technologies that will make them stand out in the profession. Africa is now a very small community, fortunately Ghana is hosting the African Free Trade Centre. It provides a unique opportunity for young men and women like those who have graduated to take advantage of those initiatives, to even jobs outside Ghana.”

    AfCFTA

    Although trade under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) commenced on January 1, 2021, it is important to note that the process leading up to this point was a lengthy one, spanning several years.

    The agreement itself was signed in 2018, but it took many years of negotiations, consultations, and deliberations to reach that point. Roots of the AfCFTA date back to the 19th Session of the African Union (AU) in 2012, where African Heads of State and Government came to the decision to establish a free trade area across the continent by 2017. 

    The official negotiations for the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) launched in 2015 by African Heads of State and Government at the 25th  Ordinary Session of the AU. These negotiations continued until March 2018, where the agreement was signed at the 10th Extraordinary Session of the AU Assembly of Heads of States and Government, where 44 of the 55 African Union Member States signed the Agreement establishing the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).  

    Almost exactly a year following the signing of the agreement, the AfCFTA entered into force on May 30, 2019. The operational phase of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) was launched during the 12th African Union (AU) Assembly in July 2019. At the time, 27 countries had ratified the AfCFTA, while 28 others had signed but not yet ratified

    As of February 2023, 46 of the 54 signatories have deposited their instruments of ratification for the agreement, making them state parties to the agreement. 

    While trading under the agreement commenced on January 1, 2021, there are still negotiations taking place to finalize all aspects of the agreement. These negotiations have been divided into three phases; 

    Phase I: Trade in goods and services and dispute settlement

    •  Despite trading under the agreement being permitted, negotiations continue for various details such as tariff schedules, rules of origin, the Trade Remedy Guidelines, and services commitments for the five priority sectors for liberalization (Transport, communication, financial, tourism and business services). 

    Phase II: Intellectual property rights, investment, and competition policy 

    • Negotiations for Phase II have commenced, and were disrupted by the COVID-19 Pandemic, resulting in delays. However, the negotiations to conclude the outstanding Protocols of Phase II are well advanced and should be completed soon. 

    Phase III: Digital trade and women and youth in trade 

    • Negotiations for Phase III will commence upon the completion of Phase II. 
  • Residents in Nkwanta block highway to prevent police from arresting suspect

    Residents in Nkwanta block highway to prevent police from arresting suspect

    Residents in Nkwanta, took drastic action to prevent the police from taking a suspect into custody, blocking a highway to hinder the police’s progress.

    The suspect was allegedly involved in the chaos among residents of Dele, Chala, and Achiwade, prompting the police’s intervention.

    The situation escalated as residents refused to allow the police to proceed, leading to a standoff. Traditional leaders and police officials intervened, engaging with the residents to defuse the tension.

    After discussions, the residents relented, allowing the police to continue with their duties.

  • EC to make use of indelible ink in 2024 elections

    EC to make use of indelible ink in 2024 elections

    The Electoral Commission (EC) has reversed its decision to remove the use of indelible ink in the upcoming 2024 general elections.

    This change comes after facing significant criticism from various stakeholders, including the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC).

    Dr. Eric Asare Bossman, the Deputy EC Chairman in charge of Corporate Services, acknowledged the concerns raised by the public, parliamentarians, political parties, and civil society members.

    In an interview on Joy FM, he stated, “After listening to the discussions, we have heard the concerns of the general public, we have heard the parliamentarians, we have heard the concerns of the NPP and the NDC and civil society members so we have concluded that if by using the ink people will have more trust in the process, why not?”.

    Dr. Bossman clarified that the initial intent was to eliminate double verification in the voting process.

    He noted, “Last year we noted that we thought when you look at the procedures in our elections the idea of using the indelible ink is like you are using two layers for verification.

    “The Commission said if Mr Evans Mensah is coming to vote, then Mr Evans Mensah will be verified electronically for us to know that indeed Mr Mensah has been verified so when you want to go ahead to use the indelible ink then clearly you don’t have confidence in your biometric register so as a result of that we suggested that it will be better if we do away with the ink.”

  • “This is the perfect time to pursue other interests” – PNC’s Women’s Organiser says as she resigns from party

    “This is the perfect time to pursue other interests” – PNC’s Women’s Organiser says as she resigns from party

    Hidaya S. Ibrahim, the National Women’s Organiser of the People’s National Convention (PNC), has announced her resignation, effective from Tuesday, February 20, 2024.

    She has also ceased to be a registered card-bearing member of the party.

    In her statement, Ms. Ibrahim explained that her decision to resign came after careful consideration and personal reflection on her political progress and success.

    She expressed her belief that this is the right time to explore new avenues aligned with her vision as a political and gender activist, based on her various positions within the party.

    “Having joined and served the PNC in several capacities as a parliamentary candidate, Regional Executive and most recently National Women’s Organiser, I believe very strongly that this is the perfect time for me to pursue other interests in tandem with my vision as a political and gender activist.”

    “It is never in doubt that the PNC offered me an opportunity to cut my political teeth as well as find a solid grounding in the national politics of our country and I would forever be indebted,” she wrote.

    She pledged to continue her advocacy as a Youth and Gender Activist, championing the cause of the marginalized and underprivileged in society.

    Read full statement below

    PRESS RELEASE
    ALL MEDIA HOUSES
    18/02/24
    RESIGNATION FROM THE PNC

    Effective Tuesday 20th February 2024, I have resigned from my position as National Women’s Organiser of the PNC and further cease to be a registered card-bearing member of the party.

    I have come to this decision upon wide-ranging consultation and deep personal introspection as far as my personal political growth and development is concerned.

    Having joined and served the PNC in several capacities as a parliamentary candidate, Regional Executive and most recently National Women’s Organiser, I believe very strongly that this is the perfect time for me to pursue
    other interests in tandem with my vision as a political and gender activist.

    It is never in doubt that the PNC offered me an opportunity to cut my political teeth as well as find a solid grounding in the national politics of our country and I would forever be indebted.

    However, considering the exigencies of our time, it is important for me to quit the PNC now in pursuit of my ambition to contribute much more meaningfully to the politics and governance of Mother Ghana.

    In due course, I shall communicate to the public my next step in politics as the 2024 elections draw closer. In the meantime, I shall continue to be the Youth and Gender Activist that I have been in service to the marginalized
    and underprivileged in society.

    Thank you
    …….signed……
    Hidaya S. Ibrahim
    National Women’s Organiser, PNC
    0240777240

  • Ghana, Togo and 2 others to partner for free roaming service

    Ghana, Togo and 2 others to partner for free roaming service

    The Minister of Communications and Digitalisation, Ursula Owusu-Ekuful, has announced that Ghana will soon establish a bilateral ECOWAS roaming service with Togo, Benin, and The Gambia.

    This initiative follows Ghana’s successful implementation of a similar pact with Côte d’Ivoire in 2023.

    During a press conference in Accra on Sunday, February 18, 2024, the Minister, who also serves as the Member of Parliament for Ablekuma West, highlighted that Ghana and Cote d’Ivoire became the first ECOWAS countries to implement the ECOWAS Free Roaming initiative in June 2023.

    Under the free roaming service, Ghanaian subscribers visiting Côte d’Ivoire will receive calls without paying roaming fees and will be charged Côte d’Ivoire’s local rates when making calls to Ghana while in Côte d’Ivoire, and vice versa.

    Additionally, subscribers travelling between both countries will be exempted from international roaming charges.

  • Video: Fire guts several kiosks in Kumasi

    Video: Fire guts several kiosks in Kumasi

    A devastating fire has swept through the Aboabo area in Kumasi, leaving a trail of destruction in its wake.

    The fire, reported to have broken out in the early hours of the morning, quickly engulfed several wooden structures.

    As the flames spread rapidly, residents scrambled to salvage what they could, per a video circulating on social media. Also, livestock such as cattle had to be freed lest their tragic demise occur.

    The inferno has now left many slum dwellers homeless.

  • Mireku Duker, Tom Williamson, Kofi Osafo-Maafo among 7 individuals who played a role in controversial Agyapa Royalties deal 

    Mireku Duker, Tom Williamson, Kofi Osafo-Maafo among 7 individuals who played a role in controversial Agyapa Royalties deal 

    The Herald reports that it has obtained additional documents from the British tax haven of Jersey regarding the controversial Agyapa Royalties deal.

    This deal resurfaced at the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) of Parliament, revealing a potential financial loss to Ghana of up to US$12 million.

    However, this US$12 million might just be the beginning, as the Auditor-General has reportedly not included the Agyapa Royalties deal in his report, even though three years have passed since its collapse.

    According to the documents obtained by The Herald, Agyapa Royalties was registered as a private company under Jersey’s Companies (Jersey) Law 1991, limited by share, with an unrestricted corporate capacity. Interestingly, the Mineral Income Investment Fund (MIIF) is linked to Agyapa, with its address listed as the Ministry of Finance, Finance Drive, Accra, Ghana.

    Africa Legal Associates, a law firm owned by Gabby Asare Otchere-Darko, played a significant role in the controversial Agyapa Royalties deal, including the selection of the name Asaase Royalties, which was later changed to Agyapa Royalties.

    The Herald says the documents it has obtained also list the names of Ghanaians involved, such as Yaw Baah, Felicia Ashley, and George Mireku Duker, the Member of Parliament (MP) for Tarkwa-Nsuaem. Foreign individuals like Tom Williamson, Donna Laverty, and James Bore are also mentioned for their various roles in attempting to collateralize Ghana’s minerals using Agyapa Royalties.

    The deal sparked controversies over conflicts of interest and concerns about Ghana getting value for money. The Akufo-Addo government faced criticism for not disclosing the names of directors and their nationalities. For example, the company, registered in a tax haven, was to be managed by Kofi Bosompem Osafo-Maafo, the son of ex-Senior Minister Yaw Osafo Marfo and a Deputy Director-General at the Social Security and National Insurance Trust (SSNIT) in charge of Investment & Development.

    The Akufo-Addo government engaged the services of Britain-based White & Case LLP International Law Firm, which included Bentsi-Enchill, Letsa & Ankomah, and Africa Legal Associates owned by Gabby Asare Otchere-Darko, a cousin of the President, Nana Akufo-Addo.

    The Akufo-Addo government engaged the services of the Britain-based White & Case LLP International Law Firm, which included Bentsi-Enchill, Letsa & Ankomah, and Africa Legal Associates, owned by Gabby Asare Otchere-Darko, a cousin of the President, Nana Akufo-Addo.

    In a surprising turn of events, in February 2021, the then Finance Minister-designate, Ken Ofori-Atta’s investment and brokerage firm, Databank, withdrew as a financial advisor in the Agyapa royalties deal. Databank, along with Imara Holding Limited of South Africa, had jointly served as transaction advisors for the monetization of Ghana’s gold royalties through the dual listing of the Agyapa Gold Royalties Company on the Ghana and London Stock Exchanges.

    According to documents from Jersey, the idea for Agyapa Royalties was conceived in October 2019, with the Jersey Financial Service Commission assisting in the company’s setup. Originally established as Asaase Royalties Limited, it later changed its name to Agyapa Royalties Limited on August 10, 2020.

    Records from the Jersey Company Registry show Agyapa’s registration number as 130211, dating back to November 05, 2019, when it was established as Asaase Royalties Limited. The share capital of Agyapa Royalties is divided into 500,000,000 ordinary shares of USD 0.01 each. On August 10, 2020, another certificate of incorporation surfaced, changing the company’s name, while maintaining its registered number as 130211, according to the Registrar of Companies in Jersey Channel Island.

    The Registrar of Companies in Jersey Channel Island certified this change, stating, “I hereby certify that Asaase Royalties Limited…having changed its name by special resolution, has today been entered on the Register of Companies incorporated in Jersey as a private company having the name of Agyapa Royalties Limited. Dated this 10 August 202”.

    Ghanaians involved in the Agyapa Royalties deal, as listed in the documents, include Yaw Baah, Felicia Ashley, and George Mireku Duker. An anomaly arises as George Mireku Duker’s role as the Deputy Minister of Lands and Natural Resources Ministry was not identified in the documents. He rather mentioned his role as the MP for Tarkwa-Nsuaem, with an address at Parliament House.

    Tom Williamson was captured as secretary to the company in another document dated January 2, 2020, while one other document had names such as Donna Laverty and James Bore, identified as authorized signatories.

    Last week, the CEO of MIIF, Edward Nana Yaw Koranteng, disclosed to the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) of Parliament that the Akufo-Addo government spent US$12 million on the failed Agyapa royalties deal.

    The Agyapa Royalties deal, which aimed to generate funds for crucial infrastructure projects through mineral royalties, was halted by President Nana Akufo-Addo in 2021, following concerns raised by civil society groups, experts, and some members of the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC).

    Before its cancellation, US$12 million had already been utilized for its initial public offering on the London Stock Exchange (LSE).

    During the session on Tuesday, February 13, 2024, Mr. Koranteng informed PAC that the Ministry of Finance had subscribed to the deal based on advice from international consultants.

    “My understanding, honourable chair, is that the Ministry of Finance procured the services of international consultancy and companies and financial institutions that have done this in the past and that the advice provided was what the Ministry of Finance stood on.”

    “We started with the Ministry of Finance and from the documents that we have, it is clear that the correct advice was provided on the set-up of a gold royalties company where the streaming of the royalties would benefit Ghana,” he added.

    A member of the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) and MP for Buem, Kofi Adams, has spoken out on the government’s $12 million expenditure on the suspended Agyapa royalties deal, stating that the committee was unaware of this expenditure.

    The Akufo-Addo government had proposed the deal, claiming it would raise funds through mineral royalties for key infrastructure projects. However, the deal was eventually suspended after opposition from civil society organizations and key individuals, including lawyers and mineral experts such as Fui Tsikata and Kofi Ansah.

    Mr. Adams, in an interview on Eyewitness News on Citi FM, stated that the committee was not informed about the expenditure, and the revelation was brought to light through a public interest question posed to the CEO of the MIIF.

    He also mentioned that the Auditor General’s report had not captured this expenditure, highlighting a potential oversight in the reporting process.

    “This is the very first time that we all are being provided with this information that the country actually wasted $12 million of its money at the time we have been told that the country was faced with a number of challenges in chasing after a ghost. And that the president and all those who considered this whole deal never informed all of us that $12 million of our money had already been funded into a project that didn’t have the permission of appropriate bodies,” he stated.

    He further said “According to the CEO of MIIF, the Ministry of Finance gave them the go-ahead to go into such an investment and that in taking a decision to stop, they were not involved. And that he could not even provide us with the reasons why the decision to stop was taken. And according to him, the letter to stop was sent to the Attorney General, who looked at it and advised. They as MIIF were not involved in any way in terms of stoppage. And truly speaking this was the first time. And this was not even in the Auditor General’s report but this was out of a public interest question…A member wanted to know about the Agyapa deal and the recent investment in the lithium found in the central region.”

  • Nigerian mechanic in hot waters for destroying Content Creator Ife Luv’s Lexus during joyride

    Nigerian mechanic in hot waters for destroying Content Creator Ife Luv’s Lexus during joyride

    Nigerian content creator Ife Luv is currently in agony after entrusting her expensive Lexus GX 460 to a mechanic for a minor fix.

    Unfortunately, instead of a quick repair, the mechanic took the car for a reckless joyride, leading to a devastating crash that left the vehicle completely wrecked.

    In a video shared by Ife, the mechanic can be seen kneeling down, seemingly remorseful, while Ife’s voice in the background reflects her heartbreak and disbelief at the situation.

    Ife Luv who made this known in a post on her Instagram page, shared the video and pictures of the damaged jeep with the caption:”A mechanic did this to my car. I’m in pains and my heart hurts so bad! He took the car for a minor repair and was to return it yesterday. This guy told me the car wasn’t ready, apparently he’s been cruising around with it. Got a call this morning that he crashed it! 💔💔”

    She said: “See what a mechanic did to my car for crying out loud. See what a mechanic did to my car, he took the car on Friday for a minor fix for something very minor, something  I could even overlook.”

    Sharing the before the accident of the car she said: “See what he did? This was the car when he took on Friday and was supposed to return it yesterday (Saturday). See, I got a call this morning now that he had an accident.”

    She continued: “I don’t somebody who is not honest, I called you before I slept yesterday. You said the car was not ready, that the car would be ready this morning. So what business was a car that was not ready doing on the road, at that time?!”

    “Apparently he has fixed the car, he has fixed it and was driving it. What kind of speed can you be on to have this kind of accident? If somebody was on that seat that person would die now. There’s no remedy!”

  • VIDEO: Ramsey Nouah touches down in Ghana

    VIDEO: Ramsey Nouah touches down in Ghana

    Award-winning Nigerian actor, producer, and director, Ramsey Nouah, has been spotted in Ghana.

    It is believed that he touched down this week via the Kotoka International Airport (KIA). In a video shared by UTV, the Nigerian star was seen exchanging pleasantries with Ghanaian actor, LilWin.

    The post noted that Ramsey is in Ghana due to LilWin’s upcoming movie titled ‘Mr. President.’ There are also reports that he is here instead for ‘A country called Ghana’ film project.

    The movie, which premiered on Saturday, August 26, 2023, at the SG Mall in Kumasi, features a star-studded line-up of Kumawood actors and actresses.

    Lilwin, who is the Executive Producer of the movie and the Chief Executive Officer of Wezzy Empire Movie Productions, stars as the lead actor in the ambitious movie project that was shot in Ghana and the United Arab Emirates.

    In a recent interview, the award-winning actor stated that ‘Mr. President’ was aimed at reviving the Kumawood movie industry by giving new actors the opportunity to shine.

  • “You have played your role and deserve a rest” – Mahama pays tribute to Namibian President Hage Geingob

    “You have played your role and deserve a rest” – Mahama pays tribute to Namibian President Hage Geingob

    Former President John Dramani Mahama has offered his condolences to the people of Namibia following the passing of their former President, Hage Geingob.

    Mr. Mahama, who is also the flagbearer of the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC), visited the Namibian Embassy to sign the book of condolence. He emphasized the strong relationship between Ghana and Namibia.

    In a social media post, Mahama described the late Namibian President as a close friend. He pledged to continue working hard to uphold and strengthen the positive relations between Ghana and Namibia.

    Hage Geingob, Namibia’s president has died

    “We cherish the relationship developed over the years with the people of Namibia. President Geingob was a patriot and a freedom fighter.”

    “I remember with fond memories the conversations we had about the struggle for freedom from apartheid and the respect held for Ghana’s role in the liberation of Africa. It was a delight to share those moments with you and your wife during our summit in Malta. You have played your role and deserve a rest,” he added.

  • Reshuffle hits Majority Caucus; Afenyo-Markin to soon become leader – Reports

    Reshuffle hits Majority Caucus; Afenyo-Markin to soon become leader – Reports

    The New Patriotic Party (NPP) has initiated a reshuffle within the leadership of the Majority Caucus in Parliament ahead of the upcoming December elections, according to reports.

    Effutu MP, Alexander Afenyo-Markin, the current Deputy Majority Leader, is poised to step into the shoes of Osei Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu.

    The reshuffle leaves uncertainty regarding the future role of the Suame MP, particularly as Minister for Parliamentary Affairs. However, sources say he may chair the NPP’s 2024 Manifesto Committee.

    Further changes include Frank Annoh-Dompreh, the current Majority Chief Whip and MP for Nsawam-Adoagyiri, ascending to the Deputy Majority Leader position leading to the promotion of Habib Iddrisu, the present First Deputy Whip as Majority Chief Whip.

    Asokwa MP, Patricia Appiagyei, is likely to assume the role of First Deputy Whip, filling the void left by Lydia Seyram Alhassan’s nomination as Minister for Water Resources and Sanitation.

    Sources suggest Alex Tetteh Djornobuah, MP for Sefwi-Akontombra, is in line to become the Second Deputy Whip. The NPP’s National Council will convene to formalize these adjustments, following President Akuffo-Addo’s Ministerial Reshuffle on Valentine’s Day last week.

  • Ensure Woyome pays what he owes to the state – Martin Kpebu to AG

    Ensure Woyome pays what he owes to the state – Martin Kpebu to AG

    Private legal practitioner Martin Kpebu has raised concerns about businessman Alfred Agbesi Woyome’s threats to sue the General Legal Council (GLC) over the disbarment of legal practitioner Samuel Nerquaye-Tetteh.

    Woyome’s threat came after the GLC took action against Nerquaye-Tetteh for professional misconduct.

    Mr Kpebu has highlighted Woyome’s willingness to invest in legal action, indicating substantial resources. He suggests that the government should reciprocate by pursuing the payment of outstanding debts owed to the state.

    Alfred Agbesi Woyome, a businessman

    Speaking to Citi News, Kpebu emphasized the need for the Attorney General to take steps to compel Woyome to settle the debts owed to the state.

    “Once you find Woyome willing to extend resources to Nerquaye-Tetteh, the immediate point that jumps at me is that, where is the balance of the money that Woyome owes to the state? It is our money—money that we badly need to eliminate the myriad of social problems—that we have to demand that Woyome return every Cedi. Now that Woyome has money to pay lawyers to court to support Nerquaye-Tetteh, this should be the time that the Attorney General should also go after him to return the monies, and since he has money with him, he should be willing to pay.”

    Background

    A Chief State Attorney at the Office of the Attorney-General, Samuel Nerquaye-Tetteh, has been disbarred as a lawyer by the General Legal Council (GLC) for collecting GH¢400,000 from businessman Alfred Agbesi Woyome in 2011.

    Mr. Nerquaye-Tetteh has been disbarred, meaning he can no longer practice as a lawyer in Ghana. The Disciplinary Committee of the GLC, the regulatory body of the legal profession, found him guilty of professional misconduct under Rule 2(2) of the Legal Profession (Professional Conduct and Etiquette) Rules, 1969 (L.I. 613).

    In a notice dated January 31, 2024, the GLC stated that while defending the state against a suit by Woyome in 2011, Mr. Nerquaye-Tetteh personally caused the direct transfer of an amount of GH¢400,000 from Mr. Woyome to the bank account of his wife.

    The GLC further stated that Mr. Nerquaye-Tetteh could not offer any reasonable explanation for the said transfer of the GH¢400,000 into his wife’s bank account from Mr. Woyome.

    According to the GLC, the conduct of Mr Nerquaye-Tetteh had adversely affected “the “dignity and high standing of the legal profession.”

  • Hidaya Ibrahim leaves PNC; focuses attention on youth and gender activism

    Hidaya Ibrahim leaves PNC; focuses attention on youth and gender activism

    Hidaya S. Ibrahim, the National Women’s Organiser of the People’s National Convention (PNC), has announced her resignation, effective from Tuesday, February 20, 2024.

    She has also ceased to be a registered card-bearing member of the party.

    In her statement, Ms. Ibrahim explained that her decision to resign came after careful consideration and personal reflection on her political progress and success.

    She expressed her belief that this is the right time to explore new avenues aligned with her vision as a political and gender activist, based on her various positions within the party.

    “Having joined and served the PNC in several capacities as a parliamentary candidate, Regional Executive and most recently National Women’s Organiser, I believe very strongly that this is the perfect time for me to pursue other interests in tandem with my vision as a political and gender activist.”

    “It is never in doubt that the PNC offered me an opportunity to cut my political teeth as well as find a solid grounding in the national politics of our country and I would forever be indebted,” she wrote.

    She pledged to continue her advocacy as a Youth and Gender Activist, championing the cause of the marginalized and underprivileged in society.

    Read full statement below

    PRESS RELEASE
    ALL MEDIA HOUSES
    18/02/24
    RESIGNATION FROM THE PNC

    Effective Tuesday 20th February 2024, I have resigned from my position as National Women’s Organiser of the PNC and further cease to be a registered card-bearing member of the party.

    I have come to this decision upon wide-ranging consultation and deep personal introspection as far as my personal political growth and development is concerned.

    Having joined and served the PNC in several capacities as a parliamentary candidate, Regional Executive and most recently National Women’s Organiser, I believe very strongly that this is the perfect time for me to pursue
    other interests in tandem with my vision as a political and gender activist.

    It is never in doubt that the PNC offered me an opportunity to cut my political teeth as well as find a solid grounding in the national politics of our country and I would forever be indebted.

    However, considering the exigencies of our time, it is important for me to quit the PNC now in pursuit of my ambition to contribute much more meaningfully to the politics and governance of Mother Ghana.

    In due course, I shall communicate to the public my next step in politics as the 2024 elections draw closer. In the meantime, I shall continue to be the Youth and Gender Activist that I have been in service to the marginalized
    and underprivileged in society.

    Thank you
    …….signed……
    Hidaya S. Ibrahim
    National Women’s Organiser, PNC
    0240777240

  • COCOBOD to allocate part of $200M World Bank loan to recover cocoa-swollen shoot virus-infested plantations

    COCOBOD to allocate part of $200M World Bank loan to recover cocoa-swollen shoot virus-infested plantations

    Ghana’s Cocoa Board (COCOBOD) plans to utilize a portion of a $200 million World Bank loan to restore plantations devastated by the cocoa swollen shoot virus, which leads to decreased yields and tree fatalities, according to the regulator’s Deputy Chief Executive in charge of operations.

    The disease has decimated approximately 500,000 hectares of farmland and diminished cocoa production in the West African nation, which is the world’s second-largest cocoa producer after its neighbor Ivory Coast.

    Ghana’s cocoa output fell to 600,000 metric tons last year, down from a peak of 1.048 million tons in the 2020/21 season, due to the cocoa swollen shoot virus, aging plantations, illegal mining, and smuggling, which have all had a negative impact on the sector.

    A project information document indicates that a total of $132.8 million from the loan secured by the government last year, along with counterpart funding, will be used by Cocobod to rehabilitate farms and enhance knowledge about the virus strains.

    “The rehabilitation will take a minimum of five years to start getting economic production,” Cocobod’s Emmanuel Opoku told Reuters, adding that efforts had been hampered by the country’s economic crisis and the board’s limited funds.

    The board will intervene by taking control of disease-infected farms, removing and replacing sick cocoa trees, nurturing them to a fruiting stage, and then returning them to farmers.

    In 2018, COCOBOD utilized a portion of a $600 million Africa Development Bank (AfDB) loan to revitalize aging plantations and those impacted by the disease.

    However, the program, originally intended to cover 156,000 hectares of plantations, was affected by Ghana’s most severe economic crisis in a generation, marked by soaring inflation and sharp depreciation of the cedi currency, Opoku explained.

    He mentioned that the AfDB initiative benefited over 88,000 hectares of farmland, with 40,000 hectares set to be returned to farmers in the “coming days.”

    Alhassan Bukari, president of the country’s Cocoa, Coffee, and Sheanut Farmers’ Association, emphasized the need for aggressive rehabilitation efforts, as many farmers have been affected.

    Ghana’s graded and sealed cocoa arrivals dropped by 35% between the start of this season on September 1 and January 31 this year due to the intensity of the seasonal dry Harmattan wind and what COCOBOD described as production challenges.

  • Paris Olympics: Giant sculptures of athletes made from lemons and oranges

    Paris Olympics: Giant sculptures of athletes made from lemons and oranges

    A French Riviera town is marking the Paris Olympics year by exhibiting enormous sculptures of athletes crafted from lemons and oranges.

    Menton’s annual Lemon Festival has taken on an Olympic theme this year.

    Approximately 140 tonnes of citrus fruits, nearly 500,000 in total, were utilized to create the floats and historical depictions.

    The two-week carnival-style event is expected to attract up to 200,000 visitors.

    Check out the photos.

  • Support mobile telephony interoperability system – Akufo-Addo to African leaders

    Support mobile telephony interoperability system – Akufo-Addo to African leaders

    President Akufo-Addo has urged AU member states and fellow heads of state to support the implementation of an Africa-wide mobile telephony interoperability system.

    Speaking at the 37th Ordinary Session of the AU’s Assembly of Heads of State on Sunday, February 18, 2024, President Akufo-Addo called for the adoption of the 2024 Africa Prosperity Dialogues (APD 2024) Compact Document. He specifically emphasized the need for a continental interoperability network across all member states.

    President Akufo-Addo highlighted that such a system would significantly boost Africa’s efforts in establishing the world’s largest single market through the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA). It would enable tens of millions of Africans to conduct cross-border trade in goods and services using their local currencies.

    During his address at the Nelson Mandela Plenary Hall at the AU headquarters in Addis Ababa, President Akufo-Addo emphasized that Africa’s ambition to create the world’s largest single market under AfCFTA would greatly benefit from a “collective, aggressive embrace of the digital economy and its available tools.”

    He said, “At the end of last month’s three-day Africa Prosperity Dialogues (APD) 2024, which I was happy to host at the Peduase Presidential Lodge in Aburi, Ghana, the participants signed up to the Peduase Compact, a document I am informed has been widely distributed here at this Summit.

    “Allow me to focus on one very transformative and, at the same time, very doable item in the Compact, which if implemented can truly and meaningfully fast-track the inclusive realisation of the AfCFTA. This is the introduction of an Africa-wide mobile telephony interoperability,” President Akufo-Addo said.

    “The participants at this year’s Africa Prosperity Dialogues were unanimous in agreeing that enabling interoperability to have a single pan-African payment system is the easiest, quickest, and most effective way to accelerate and deepen the single market project in Africa. It is a low-hanging fruit way of making AfCFTA immediately meaningful to tens of millions of people across Africa”, President Akufo-Addo further remarked.

    Citing statistics to back his call, President Akufo-Addo indicated that “figures provided at the Dialogues by the AFDB and backed by the GSM Association indicate that almost half of all Africans have a sim card, 28% are accessing the internet, and we saw a whopping US$832 billion worth of mobile money transactions in sub-Saharan Africa in 2022 alone.”

    “Imagine where this [$832bn] figure will be with a common interoperability system working across all member states. Imagine for a moment a world where a market trader in Johannesburg can easily and securely send money to her family in Dakar, without the need for cumbersome currency exchanges or risky cash transfers,” President Akufo-Addo suggested.

    Additionally, the implementation of interoperability across the 55 African states is expected to eliminate or significantly reduce roaming charges within the continent, similar to the situation in the European Union.

    The annual Africa Prosperity Dialogues (APD) is the flagship event of the Africa Prosperity Network (APN). It is a three-day retreat held in the eastern hills of Ghana, bringing together Africa’s business, political, and institutional leaders to discuss and make actionable decisions on implementing Africa’s single market project. This project is seen as a crucial pathway to achieve shared, sustainable prosperity for Africa’s 1.4 billion citizens.

    The 2024 event took place from January 25 to 27 at the Peduase Presidential Lodge in the Aburi Hills, Eastern Region of Ghana. Over one thousand participants, including presidents, prime ministers, ministers, high-level government officials from across Africa, thought leaders, CEOs, and heads of national and multinational institutions, attended the retreat.

    The Peduase Compact, a key outcome of the event, called for African countries to allow free visa access for Africans traveling to other African states, among other initiatives.

  • We worked with “only two fishes and five loaves” to ensure economic progress – Ofori-Atta

    We worked with “only two fishes and five loaves” to ensure economic progress – Ofori-Atta

    Outgoing Finance Minister Ken Ofori-Atta has expressed his commitment to the prudent management of resources allocated during his tenure.

    He aimed to bolster economic growth, enhance social welfare, and facilitate infrastructural development.

    In a letter of appreciation issued on Wednesday, February 14, Mr. Ofori-Atta emphasized the importance of safeguarding vulnerable segments of society through implemented initiatives. He noted that these efforts have led to significant progress and contributed to an improved quality of life for Ghanaians.

    “We reminded ourselves that we had only two fishes and five loaves for the monumental task ahead while ensuring a deliberateness of the preferential options for the poor and promoting private sector productivity. Since March 2020, our four (4) budgets, however have focused on protecting lives, preserving livelihoods and recovering from the impact of the, that truly once-in-a- lifetime apocalyptic pandemic, COVID-19, as well as geopolitical upheavals. Indeed, amidst these poly-crises, we at MoF stood strong as the Midwives of the Republic to help ease the pain on our Fellow Citizens.

    “Through prudent financial management and strategic allocation of resources, we have pursued initiatives aimed at boosting economic growth, promoting social welfare, and expanding infrastructural development. As a result of these efforts, our country has experienced remarkable progress.”

    He also expressed confidence in his successor, Dr. Mohammed Amin Adam, urging Ministry of Finance staff to support him.

    Mr Ofori-Atta thanked the staff for their service and commitment, encouraging them to uphold professionalism, ethics, efficiency, and responsiveness.

    He emphasized his vision for a Ghana Beyond Aid and described Dr. Amin Adam as a smart, humble, and inclusive leader, stressing the importance of collective effort for a successful tenure.

    “The future is here with us as we are blessed with a new leader, Dr Mohammed Amin Adam, who replaced the venerable Charles Adu Boahen and has been with us through some of the most difficult times. Let us all circle the wagons and ensure a blazing success for his stewardship.

    “We all know him as a smart, humble and inclusive leader. Let me state with all humility that nothing would honour me and the ‘Office of the Minister’ more than for you to work with renewed diligence to guide Hon. Amin and our nation to the successful execution of the IMF-ECF programme to promote economic growth and transformation.

    “Once again, I thank you for your tireless service and commitment to excellence. It has been my utmost honour and a rare privilege to serve alongside each, and every one of you. I pray that you continue to be resolute, dedicated, unwavering and committed to the work of the Republic and care for the finances of the State.”

    President Akufo-Addo appointed Dr. Mohammed Amin Adam as the new Finance Minister on February 14, replacing Ken Ofori-Atta, who served in the position for seven years. The appointment was part of a ministerial reshuffle announced on the same day.

    Despite facing challenges and calls for his dismissal from some members of Parliament, Ken Ofori-Atta served as Ghana’s longest-serving finance minister.

    In October 2022, around 80 NPP MPs demanded his resignation due to the country’s struggling economy, with similar calls from the NDC parliamentary caucus in February 2023.

    However, President Akufo-Addo rejected these calls, urging Parliament to wait until discussions with the IMF were concluded.

  • VIDEO: Hwidiem Zongo residents attack firefighters

    VIDEO: Hwidiem Zongo residents attack firefighters

    Residents of Hwidiem Zongo in the Asutifi district of the Ahafo Region on Sunday, February 18, are said to have attacked officers of the Ghana National Fire Service (GNFS).

    Per reports, the peeved residents injured a fire tender driver, firefighter, and vandalized a fire tender.

    This was after they accused firefighters of arriving at the scene late, something that the Ghana National Fire Service has denied.

    This comes at a time when the Ghana National Fire Service is demanding justice and police protection following recent attacks on firefighters across the country.

    Recently, officers of the Ghana National Fire Service (GNFS) had to discontinue their efforts to battle a fierce blaze at Pra Junction when a group of individuals attacked them.

    On Saturday, February 10, 2024, the Konongo-Odumasi Fire Station received a distress fire call reporting another outbreak near Stellex Pharmacy in Konongo.

    Rushing to the scene after containing the initial fire at Pra Junction, the crew faced hostility from the public upon arrival, resulting in damage to their borrowed fire engine.

    Police in the Ashanti Region have launched investigations into a mob assault on personnel from the Ghana National Fire Service (GNFS).

  • #SaveGhanaFootball protestors to petition Asantehene on Feb. 23

    #SaveGhanaFootball protestors to petition Asantehene on Feb. 23

    A group of sports journalists in the Ashanti Region is planning to petition Asantehene Otumfuo Osei Tutu II on February 23, as part of a scheduled demonstration against what they perceive as a decline in football in the country.

    This action follows a similar demonstration by sports journalists and enthusiasts in Accra last week, expressing their dissatisfaction with the Black Stars’ performance in the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations.

    The convener of the protest, Atta Poku, stated that the group had already petitioned various stakeholders. The demonstration is set to start at the Baba Yara Sports Stadium and conclude at the regional coordinating council, where a petition will be submitted to the Ashanti regional minister.

    “The plan is that it is going to happen on February 23, and we have actually delivered a petition to various stakeholders, so we intend to ramp up what we have done to expedite action on the engagement that is ongoing after the first demonstration. We are planning to actually converge on the seat of football, which is the Baba Yara Sports Stadium, at 9am, just as it happened in Accra.”

    “We will go through the Wesley Roundabout and the regional coordinating council will be the final destination, so a petition will be sent to the regional minister and Asantehene because of his involvement with Asante Kotoko,” Atta Poku said.

  • Prioritise peace this election year – JFK tells media

    Prioritise peace this election year – JFK tells media

    General Secretary of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Justin Kodua Frimpong (JFK), has advised journalists and media practitioners to prioritize maintaining peace in the country ahead of the 2024 election.

    He emphasized that the media has the power to either build or destroy the nation, urging practitioners to carefully filter their stories and media content to avoid stirring tensions, inciting violence, or disrupting national peace and stability.

    Mr Frimpong reiterated the NPP’s commitment to media freedom and ensuring a violence-free general election. He urged the media to be cautious in their reporting to prevent unnecessary tensions.

    Mr Frimpong gave this advice during his address at the Ahafo Media Conference held in Goaso, Ahafo Region.

    The conference, organized by a group of media practitioners, focused on the theme “Development of the Ahafo Region: The Role of Media” and was attended by 45 journalists and media practitioners from the region.

    Mr Frimpong assured that the NPP would not take any action to destabilize the country and derail the government’s achievements. He expressed confidence in the NPP’s flagbearer, Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, to lead the party to victory in the next general election due to the outstanding performance and achievements of President Nana Akufo-Addo’s government.

    “In fact, whatever the majority of the Ghanaian voting population would say or decide, we are ready to accept, when they go to the ballot,” he stressed. 

    Mr. Frimpong emphasized the media’s role in deepening national peace and social cohesion, noting that peace is essential for the country’s anticipated development. He highlighted the NPP’s commitment to promoting media freedom, citing the repeal of the criminal libel law by former President John Agyekum Kufuor’s government as an example of the party’s efforts in this regard.

    He credited the repeal of the criminal libel law for contributing significantly to the growth and development of the media, attributing the achievement to former President Kufuor and successive NPP administrations.

    Mr. George Yaw Boakye, the Ahafo Regional Minister, highlighted the government’s achievements in the region, including improvements in road networks and physical infrastructure development in health and education. He commended the media for promoting social and poverty intervention policies and programs and urged them to also highlight the region’s economic potential.

    Mr. Boakye emphasized the region’s economic prospects and called on the media to showcase these potentials to attract both foreign and local investors. He emphasized that it was the collective responsibility of the media to promote the region’s economic prospects locally and internationally.

  • Over 7 million Ghanaians openly defecate – GSS

    Over 7 million Ghanaians openly defecate – GSS

    Recent data from the Ghana Statistical Service (GSS) paints a concerning picture of progress despite considerable efforts to address Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) issues in Ghana.

    The latest statistics reveal that 25% of households (one in every four) in the country still practice open defecation.

    While the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) target 6.2 aims to end open defecation globally by 2030, Ghana’s latest data from the 2022 Demographic and Health Survey (DHS) indicates that the country is struggling to meet this target.

    Open defecation rates are higher in rural areas, where 39% of households practice open defecation, compared to 12% in urban areas, still above the 0% target for 2030.

    According to WHO/UNICEF estimates, close to 1.8 billion people worldwide either defecate in the open or use inadequate and unhygienic toilets.

    In 2023, the UN in Ghana called for increased public finance and more private sector investment in WASH, describing the sanitation situation in Ghana as very poor, with only 25% having access to basic sanitation services, 57% using shared or public facilities, and 18% still practicing open defecation. Poor sanitation conditions pose serious public health risks.

    The 2022 DHS figures are consistent with these estimates, showing that overall access to basic sanitation services in Ghana is 24%, well below the National Medium-Term Development Policy Framework Basic Sanitation Services Targets for 2022 of 39%.

    The Greater Accra Region is the only region with access to basic sanitation services above the national target, with 40% of its population having access. All other 15 regions have access of less than 30%, with the Savannah region having the lowest percentage of households with basic sanitation services at only 11%.

    The 2022 DHS also indicates that 44% of wastewater flows back into nature untreated, with disastrous health and environmental consequences. The report reveals that 47% of households lack appropriate management of household excreta.

    While access to drinking water in Ghana remains relatively high, with 84% of the population having at least basic drinking water service according to the 2022 DHS, 22% of rural households still rely on surface water and unimproved services for drinking water.

    While 98% of households in Greater Accra have at least basic service for drinking water, only 43% of households in the North East region have basic service for drinking water.

    WHO estimates that in 2019, 7,653 deaths in Ghana were caused by WASH-related illnesses, meaning 21 people per day, or almost one person every hour, died from preventable WASH-related diseases.

  • GES, Zoomlion commence waste segregation initiative in New Juaben South schools

    GES, Zoomlion commence waste segregation initiative in New Juaben South schools

    The Eastern Regional Education Directorate, in collaboration with Zoomlion Ghana Ltd, has launched a Waste Segregation pilot program in nine selected Basic Schools in the New Juabeng South Municipality.

    The initiative aims to separate plastic waste from other waste generated in schools for recycling purposes and to reduce the accumulation of plastics in storm drains, rivers, and streams.

    Godfried Caesar, the Eastern Regional Schools Health and Education Programme (SHEP) Coordinator, explained that the primary objective is to maintain clean school environments by segregating waste in different dustbins.

    Plastic waste, such as water sachets and bottles, will be sold to recycling companies, and the proceeds will be used to meet some essential needs of the schools to enhance teaching and learning.

    The project is also intended to mitigate environmental degradation caused by plastic pollution, as plastics buried in the soil through improper waste disposal contribute to pollution. Caesar called for support and collaboration from organizations to expand the project to all 52 schools in the Municipality and beyond, following a successful pilot phase.

    Faustina Shardey, Eastern Regional Coordinator of Zoomlion Ghana, noted that the initiative aligns with the “Zero Waste” campaign ongoing in Accra. Zoomlion Ghana has provided each of the nine schools with two dustbins, liners, and other accessories to facilitate the implementation of the project.

  • You served your country well – Bawumia eulogises late Wofa KK

    You served your country well – Bawumia eulogises late Wofa KK

    Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia has paid tribute to the late Martin Kwabena Kwakye, popularly known as Wofa KK, who he described as a true supporter of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) and an authority in the media space who served his country to the best of his ability.

    Dr. Bawumia, who is also the flagbearer of the NPP, expressed these sentiments after visiting the bereaved family to offer his condolences on Sunday.

    “This afternoon, I paid a commiseration visit to the residence of the late ace broadcaster, Martin Kwabena Kwakye alias Wofa KK of Oman FM fame. Wofa KK was a true blue NPP person who was an authority with a strong voice in the media. He served his country well until his demise.

    “My condolences to the family and Ken City media. May the gentle soul of Wofa KK rest in perfect peace,” Dr Bawumia wrote.

    Kwabena Kwakye, a prominent broadcaster at Oman 107.1FM, died on Wednesday, August 14, 2024. Reports indicate that Kwakye arrived for work but fell ill suddenly, leading to his untimely demise.

  • Support “smart” Mohammed Amin Adam – Ofori-Atta tells Finance Ministry staff

    Support “smart” Mohammed Amin Adam – Ofori-Atta tells Finance Ministry staff

    Outgoing Finance Minister, Ken Ofori-Atta, has expressed his confidence in his successor, Dr. Mohammed Amin Adam, urging the Ministry of Finance staff to support him in his new role.

    In a heartfelt letter issued on Wednesday, February 14, Mr Ofori-Atta thanked the staff for their tireless service and commitment to excellence during his tenure.

    He encouraged them to uphold professionalism, ethics, efficiency, and responsiveness, emphasizing his vision for a Ghana Beyond Aid. Ofori-Atta described Dr. Amin Adam as a smart, humble, and inclusive leader, stressing the importance of collective effort to ensure a successful tenure for the new appointee.

    “The future is here with us as we are blessed with a new leader, Dr Mohammed Amin Adam, who replaced the venerable Charles Adu Boahen, and has been with us through some of the most difficult times. Let us all circle the wagons and ensure a blazing success for his stewardship.

    “We all know him as a smart, humble and inclusive leader. Let me state with all humility that nothing would honour me and the ‘Office of the Minister’ more than for you to work with renewed diligence to guide Hon. Amin and our nation to the successful execution of the IMF-ECF programme to promote economic growth and transformation.

    “Once again, I thank you for your tireless service and commitment to excellence. It has been my utmost honour and a rare privilege to serve alongside each, and every one of you. I pray that you continue to be resolute, dedicated, unwavering and committed to the work of the Republic and care for the finances of the State.”

    President Akufo-Addo appointed Dr. Mohammed Amin Adam as the new Finance Minister, replacing Ken Ofori-Atta, who served in the position for seven years.

    The announcement was part of the latest ministerial reshuffle released on February 14. Despite facing challenges and calls for his dismissal from some members of Ghana’s Parliament, Ofori-Atta served as Ghana’s longest-serving finance minister.

    On October 25, 2022, around 80 NPP MPs demanded his resignation due to the country’s struggling economy, with similar calls echoed by the NDC parliamentary caucus in February 2023.

    However, President Akufo-Addo rejected these calls, urging Parliament to wait until discussions with the IMF were concluded.