TIG Post

Author: Andy Ogbarmey-Tettey

  • Ghana’s ‘large size’ delegation to COP28 must be investigated – Haruna Iddrisu

    Ghana’s ‘large size’ delegation to COP28 must be investigated – Haruna Iddrisu

    Tamale South Member of Parliament, Haruna Iddrisu, has called for a parliamentary investigation into allegations that the government registered over 600 delegates for this year’s Conference of Parties (COP28).

    According to data from the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, Ghana’s delegation to COP28 in Dubai has increased to 618 from 350 the previous year.

    The delegation includes 95 individuals on the official parties list and an additional 523 on the party overflow list.

    Mr Haruna Iddrisu expressed concern about the financial impact of the increased number of attendees at COP28 on the state coffers while speaking on the floor of Parliament on Monday, December 4, 2023.

    “Mr. Speaker, with this economic distress, how can Ghana lead a delegation of 618 persons? Are we shouldering the economic gain and hardship of the Ghanaian? And Mr. Speaker, I see a delegation of the president here at COP28… I am demanding that a committee looks at this,” he said.

  • Mahama on ‘support tour’ for 2024 elections as he engages Dr Duffuor

    Mahama on ‘support tour’ for 2024 elections as he engages Dr Duffuor

    The flagbearer of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), former President John Mahama, has held a meeting with one of his main contenders for the position, Dr. Kwabena Duffuor.

    During the meeting, they discussed the future of the party, as well as matters related to the upcoming 2024 elections.

    “It was great meeting with Dr Kwabena Duffuor as we discussed the future of our party and the upcoming 2024 elections. It is important for us to come together and work towards unity and the growth of our party,” he posted on Facebook on Monday, December 4, 2023.

    During the meeting, Mr. Mahama took the opportunity to encourage the members and supporters of the party to come together and unite in their efforts to regain power.

    “Let’s focus on our common goals and aspirations to build the Ghana we want together,” he said.

    Dr. Duffuor was initially considered the main challenger to Mr. Mahama in the lead-up to the NDC’s flagbearer race held in May 2023.

    However, he withdrew from the race just 24 hours before the election, citing irregularities with the voters’ register.

    Prior to this, he had filed an injunction application on the NDC primaries, but later had the application withdrawn by his legal counsel.

  • Take centre stage in fight against money laundering – Information Minister charges media

    Take centre stage in fight against money laundering – Information Minister charges media

    Minister of Information Kojo Oppong-Nkrumah has called on the media to take the lead in educating and informing the public about the dangers of money laundering and terrorist financing.

    Speaking at a sensitization workshop for journalists organized by the Inter-Governmental Action Group against Money Laundering, a specialized institution of ECOWAS, Mr Oppong-Nkrumah highlighted that these illicit activities divert resources from essential economic activities, worsen income inequalities, and signal weaknesses in the country’s regulatory and governance framework, deterring foreign investors.

    The Information Minister emphasized the importance of the media in educating the public about the consequences of such practices and how individuals can contribute to preventing them.

    “As the fourth estate of the realm good quality journalism can shed light on the activities of money laundering and terrorist financing and how government. This can also push the government to strengthen its anti-money laundering measures. If the media takes centre stage in the education this will also provide a platform for whistle-blowers to volunteer information on these menace,” the Minister said.

    Referring to a recent incident in Northern Ghana where the attempt to apprehend individuals suspected of affiliations with a terrorist group was obstructed by the local youth, leading to an attack on national security operatives, the Information Minister emphasized the need for increased awareness.

    “The culture of monetizing every aspect of our national lives from religion, through sports, politics and social standings needs to be re-examined and with the right tools, media outfits will not bastardize every successful person nor blindly promote just anything. The capacity enhancement of media persons is key in ensuring that sensitization on this menace is done,” Mr Oppong-Nkrumah added.

    On his part, the President of the Ghana Journalists Association, Albert Dwumfour, has expressed satisfaction with plans to establish GIABA (Inter-Governmental Action Group against Money Laundering in West Africa) desk offices in selected media outlets. This initiative aims to ensure that the fight against money laundering and terrorist financing is effectively carried out at all levels.

    “It will be a good initiative to see the establishment of GIABA desk offices in some selected media houses in the country. As the GJA we are strongly behind the move,” Mr Dwumfour said.

    Timothy Malaye, representing the Director-General of GIABA, Edwin W. Harries Jnr, highlighted the agenda of ensuring that member states take the lead in the fight against money laundering and terrorist financing. He emphasized that the components of GIABA, including protecting member states’ economies from these illicit activities, will be held in high esteem.

    “GIABA’s core mandate which includes ensuring that member states economies are free from money laundering and terrorist financing will be held in high esteem. The Economic Community of West African States considers this particular event an essential one because of the impact it will make representative of the Director General of GIABA said.

    “As GIABA the best way to fight this menace is to equip journalists with knowledge with the right tools to report money laundering and other financial crimes to ensure that we have a safe society to live in. We expect that this will be a springboard to champion this agenda adding that sharing of information is essential to winning this fight.

    “We must also note that the anti-draft fight cannot be effective without the active involvement of the media. It is not a task for journalists alone but all stakeholders”Timothy Malaye said.

  • Passport fees to be increased by 500%

    Passport fees to be increased by 500%

    A publication by Aviation Ghana.com suggests that Ghana is lacing its boots to increase its passport fees from $8 (about GHC100) to $40 (about GHC500).

    Deputy Foreign Affairs Minister Kwaku Ampratwum-Sarpong, cited in the article shared by IMANI-Africa Vice President Bright Simons, is said to have justified the potential fee hike, claiming that the current fees are insufficient to cover the expenses of procuring, processing, and issuing passports.

    He emphasized that Ghana’s passport is heavily subsidized, being the cheapest in the West African sub-region.

    “Our passport happens to be the cheapest in the whole West African Sub-region. Ghana passport cost 8 dollars, the next cheapest is Liberia [which charges] 40 dollars. The supplier of the Liberian and Ghanaian passport booklet is the same company. So our passport is heavily subsidized. The money that we are supposed to use to buy the computers and the printers to be able to provide quick service delivery is being used to subsidized the passport that people apply for, ” he is quoted to have said.

    The proposed fee increase, as reported by Aviation Ghana.com, is yet to be officially confirmed by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration.

    Presently, regular service costs GHC 100 (US$8), while expedited service is GHC 150 (US$13). The speculated proposal hints at a potential increase from US$8 to US$40.

    Meanwhile, Vice President of IMANI-Africa, Bright Simons, has taken to X (Twitter) to question the government’s transparency and accuracy in presenting facts when introducing policies.

    Mr Simons believes that government officials might be manipulating facts to support their agenda, stating, “Anytime Ghanaian govt officials want to push a policy, the facts are the 1st victims!”

    He highlighted the importance of presenting accurate figures and questioned whether officials should give citizens a basis for mistrust by citing potentially false information.

    “Foreign Ministry wants to increase passport fees by 500%. Excuse is that Ghana’s fees are the cheapest in the region. Dep Minister cites a string of wrong facts to push agenda. A. Nigeria charges ~$11/$18 for 32-page booklet & $25 for 64-page booklet (official exch rate; lower for market rate). B. Gambia charges $14.5 for 64-page booklet C. Ghana charges $8 for 32-page booklet & $12.5 for 64-page (standard) BUT $12.5/32-page & $16.5/64-page EXPEDITED, he wrote.

    He added, “In short, depending on the size & mode of application (standard/expedited), Ghanaian passports can be more expensive than other countries’. Ghanaian passports may well be cheap comparatively. But should Officials give citizens a basis for mistrust by citing false figures?”

  • Ghana spends more than the rich countries, but it’s poor – Togbe Afede

    Ghana spends more than the rich countries, but it’s poor – Togbe Afede

    Agbogbomefia of the Asogli state, Togbe Afede XIV, has strongly criticized the government of Nana Akufo-Addo in his latest publication titled “Our Self-Inflicted Monumental Economic Crisis.”

    Togbe Afede XIV expressed dismay in his book about what he perceives as the arbitrary implementation of policies under the Akufo-Addo government, attributing it to the current economic challenges in Ghana.

    The traditional ruler particularly voiced concerns about corruption and the extravagant lifestyle in the country. He highlighted that despite Ghana being a poor country, the government continues to spend beyond its means, leading to excessive borrowing to finance its expenditure.

    “We are poor, earn so little, but spend the way even the most affluent countries would not on things which are not necessary.… quite obviously, not much thought or planning appear to have gone into some of the choices we made. We all were witnesses to the rushed introduction of the Single Spine Salary Structure and the Free SHS Programme and the sudden and reckless cancellation of road tolls without adequate planning. Many other programmes have been decided without any idea where the required resources would come from. And very soon, our small country will be boasting of three international airports while our internal road network remains very poor.

    “We also set targets without detailed roadmaps defining required actions, their timing, and their effects as was the case with the E-levy, which failed to bring in the expected revenues. All these, combined with corruption, made budget shortfalls and excessive borrowing inevitable,” part of the book reads.

    The chief also criticized the government’s commitment to proceeding with the construction of the National Cathedral of Ghana, citing the challenges the country is currently facing.

    “When Houphet Boigny built the 18,000 capacity Basilica of Our Lady of Peace, in Yamousokro in 1990, 32 years ago, Ghanaians mocked at him. Little did we know that decades later, we will be attempting to outdo him with our own National Cathedral,” he wrote.

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  • Akufo-Addo refuses to approve ‘Witchcraft’, Wildlife Armed Forces Bills

    Akufo-Addo refuses to approve ‘Witchcraft’, Wildlife Armed Forces Bills

    President Akufo-Addo has chosen not to give his approval to the Criminal Offences Amendment Bill 2023, the Wildlife Resources Management Bill 2023, and the Armed Forces Amendment Bill 2023.

    The Speaker of Parliament, Alban Bagbin, criticized the President on November 27, 2023, for not informing Parliament of his position on the Criminal Offences Amendment Bill 2023, which aims to criminalize attacks on alleged witches.

    However, a communication from the Presidency contradicted claims that the President had decided not to approve the Bills and denied receiving them until November 27, 2023.

    In a letter to Parliament on Monday, December 4, President Akufo-Addo conveyed to the House that he is unable to give his approval to the three bills until the associated constitutional matters are resolved.

    The letter was read to members of the House by the Speaker of Parliament, Alban Bagbin. He said the president in his letter noted that “upon review he noted some constitutional matters related to its passage” that must be addressed before he assents to them.

    The Criminal Offences (Amendment) Bill, 2022, which makes it an offence to accuse any person of being a witch, was passed by Parliament five months ago.

    The Minority, championed by the MP for Tamale South, Haruna Iddrisu, maintained that the failure of the President to assent to the bill constituted a constitutional breach which should not be countenanced.

    Article 106 (7) (8) (9) (10) state: “Where a bill passed by Parliament is presented to the President for assent, he shall signify, within seven days after he refuses to assent to the bill, unless the bill has been referred by the President to the Council of State under Article 90 of this Constitution.

  • Ashanti School for the Deaf gets dormitory for blind students

    Ashanti School for the Deaf gets dormitory for blind students

    KOSMOS Energy has constructed a 60-bed dormitory block for the blind unit of the Ashanti School for the Deaf in Jamasi, Sekyere South District.

    The facility, equipped with washrooms for both male and female pupils and a rest room for the house mistress, was built in response to a request from the school’s management and staff.

    Earlier in the year, KOSMOS Energy had renovated and handed over dormitories for the deaf unit at the same school.

    Mr. Joe Mensah, Senior Vice President and Head of Ghana Business Unit of KOSMOS Energy Ghana, highlighted the company’s commitment to supporting the education and training of the pupils.

    The District Chief Executive for Sekyere South and other officials praised KOSMOS Energy for its continued support, emphasizing the positive impact of the newly constructed dormitory block on the students.

  • GNFS saves trapped victim in gory crash at Gomoa Antseadze

    GNFS saves trapped victim in gory crash at Gomoa Antseadze

    Officers of the Ghana National Fire Service (GNFS) last Friday managed to rescue an individual who was trapped in a mangled Sprinter that was involved in an accident on the Accra-Cape Coast highway at Gomoa Antseadze.

    The incident involved an Accra-bound Mercedes-Benz Sprinter (GX 9417-21) colliding with a stationary Actros-Benz Truck (GM 2321-21).

    Upon reaching the scene, a crew from the Mankessim Fire Station in the Mfantsiman Municipality observed a trapped individual in the damaged Sprinter.

    The rescuers successfully extricated the victim and promptly transported them to the Apam Government Hospital, the GNFS noted in a Facebook post.

    With a total of 14 victims, some self-rescued or aided by passersby, the Mankessim Fire Station’s rapid intervention played a crucial role in mitigating any fatalities by the crash.

    The cause of the accident, which resulted in significant damage to both vehicles, remains unknown.

  • Mahama retains Jane Naana Opoku-Agyemang as running mate for 2024 elections

    Mahama retains Jane Naana Opoku-Agyemang as running mate for 2024 elections

    Former President John Dramani Mahama has purportedly made the decision to retain Professor Jane Naana Opoku-Agyemang as his running mate for the 2024 election.

    The information was disclosed by a host of Adom TV’s morning show, Badwam Mpensenpensenmu, who claimed to have received the information from reliable sources close to Mahama.

    The host, who interrupted the programme to announce the breaking news, said: “Listen and listen well, the breaking news coming in is that His Excellency John Dramani Mahama has nominated Prof Jane Naana Opoku-Agyemang. He has settled on the woman that she will be his running mate for the 2024 election. What I am telling you is from conversations had from the office, from the house, from the bedroom, from the car of His Excellency John Dramani Mahama. It is that, he has settled on Prof Jane Naana Opoku-Agyemang. In the next few days to come, he will introduce her as his running mate to the NDC.”

    This piece of information was also shared on a pro-National Democratic Congress (NDC) Twitter page, @AnnanPerry. The tweet mentioned that the information is yet to be officially confirmed by the flagbearer and the party.

    Professor Jane Naana Opoku Agyemang, if confirmed, will be making a return as Mahama’s running mate, a position she held in the past. She was the first female running mate of a major political party in Ghana when Mahama selected her as his partner for the 2020 election.

    With an impressive political portfolio, Professor Opoku Agyemang has served in various capacities, contributing significantly to the educational sector.

    Prof Opoku-Agyemang is a former Minister for Education and a former Vice-Chancellor of the University of Cape Coast. She is a full professor of literature and a distinguished scholar.

    She is widely respected for her achievements in the education sector and her contributions to the development of the country. She is also known for her calm and composed demeanour and her eloquence in public speaking. She has received several awards and honours, both locally and internationally, for her academic and professional excellence.

    The choice, if proven could mean that the former president is confident in Prof Opoku-Agyemang abilities and believes that she can help him win back power from the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP). It also implies that Mahama is committed to promoting gender equality and women’s empowerment in the political sphere.

    Meanwhile, the NPP’s flagbearer, Vice President Dr Mahamudu Bawumia, is yet to announce his running mate for the 2024 election. There are speculations that he may choose a candidate from the Ashanti region, which is considered a stronghold of the NPP.

    Some of the names that have been mentioned as potential candidates include Dr Matthew Opoku Prempeh, the Minister of Energy, Ursula Owusu-Ekuful, the Minister of Communications, and Frema Osei Opare, the Chief of Staff.

    The selection of the running mates for both Mahama and Bawumia will have a significant impact on the outcome of the 2024 election, which is expected to be a keenly contested one.

    The running mates will have to demonstrate their competence, charisma, and vision to the electorate and complement their flagbearers in their campaign strategies.

    The 2024 election will also be a historic one, as it will be the first time that two former vice presidents will face each other in a presidential race.

  • 2024 debt servicing will take 32% of Ghana’s internally generated revenue – ISSER

    2024 debt servicing will take 32% of Ghana’s internally generated revenue – ISSER

    The Institute of Statistical, Social and Economic Research (ISSER) has disclosed that next year, every 32 pesewas of ¢1 of domestic revenue will be allocated to servicing the country’s debt, constituting 32% of domestic revenue.

    This figure represents a decrease from the ¢0.56 of ¢1 of domestic revenue spent on debt servicing in 2022.

    ISSER has advised the government to minimize future borrowing in order to reduce the budget deficit. High deficits can result in increased borrowing, and a surge in debt servicing can constrain fiscal space for capital expenditure.

    In its analysis of the impact of the 2024 Budget on the private sector, ISSER noted a marginal indication for fiscal consolidation in spending, with limited changes between 2023 and 2024 revenue targets. The institute expressed concern about the potential crowding out of the private sector and called for zero financing of the budget by the Bank of Ghana in 2024.

    The overall fiscal balance (commitment) is projected to be 4.8% of Gross Domestic Product in 2024, compared to 5.9% for 2023. The primary balance (commitment) is anticipated to be at a surplus of 0.5% of GDP in 2024, as opposed to 0.7% in 2023.

    ISSER emphasized that achieving the 2024 targeted fiscal balance would send a positive signal about the potential to break the infamous Political Business Cycle.

    On expenditure measures, ISSER recommended the alignment of quarterly budget allotment with cash flow forecasts, tightening the use of allotments as controls on the Ghana Integrated Financial Management System (GIFMIS), and standardizing public works contracts. It also proposed a strict application of Sections 96 to 98 of the Public Financial Management Act by all Principal Spending Officers and the establishment of a compliance desk to track tender advertisements from Covered Entities, complemented by regular procurement audits.

  • Teenage pregnancy on the rise due to human rights – Sompaa Queen mother

    Teenage pregnancy on the rise due to human rights – Sompaa Queen mother

    The Queen mother of Sompaa, Nana Akosua Akomah, in the Sunyani Traditional Area, has expressed the view that the human rights enjoyed by girls are contributing to the rise in teenage pregnancy in the country.

    Nana Akomah remarked that many girls have become wayward, and parents are losing control over them due to the influence of what she referred to as “the so-called human rights which have eaten into their minds.”

    While acknowledging that girls have certain rights, she emphasized the responsibility of parents to ensure their upbringing in a God-fearing and more responsible manner.

    She said, “nowadays you can’t even discipline or punish your own daughter because of the so-called human rights. There are excesses in some of these human rights provisions, alien to our culture and tradition and we must re-look and revise them to enable us to discipline our wayward girls in society.”

    The Queen mother made these remarks during a stakeholder’s engagement focused on disseminating the National Family Planning (FP) 2030 commitment, which coincided with the launch of FP Day in Sunyani.

    With support from its partners, the Bono Regional Directorate of Health organized the engagement, which saw the participation of representatives from various groups including transport unions, market women traders’ associations, disability groups, health workers, and traditional authorities.

    One of the key objectives of the meeting was to sensitize participants about the nation’s FP 2030 commitment, protocols, and acceptor rate, among other pertinent topics.

    Dr. Prince Quarshie, the Deputy Director of Public Health at the Bono Regional Directorate of Health, has emphasized the importance of parents encouraging their girls to access Family Planning (FP) services to address and control the rising cases of teenage pregnancies in the country.

    He dispelled myths surrounding FP services, clarifying that methods such as combined pills, secure, injectables, spermicides, intra-uterine contraceptive devices, implants, and vasectomies are not harmful to human health.

    Dr. Quarshie highlighted that despite intensified public education on FP services, the acceptor rate in the Bono Region remains low. The rate decreased from 42.2% in 2021 to 30.2% in 2022 and further to 27.2% in 2023. However, he noted that some districts and municipalities in the region have shown encouraging FP acceptor rates.

    The Deputy Director emphasized that individuals or couples, including teenagers, are eligible to choose their preferred FP options. He advised health workers to counsel and provide sexually active individuals with the necessary services.

    Furthermore, Dr. Quarshie mentioned that FP services are covered by the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS), and those registered with the scheme can use their cards to access these services.

  • GAWU warns of massive food inflation over plan to restrict importation of 21 items

    GAWU warns of massive food inflation over plan to restrict importation of 21 items

    The General Agriculture Workers Union (GAWU) is cautioning against a potential significant increase in the prices of food items if the proposed policy on import restrictions for 21 items is implemented.

    The government is seeking parliamentary approval to limit the importation of these 21 goods, aiming to reduce the country’s import bill and promote local manufacturing.

    The items include rice, poultry, animal and vegetable oil, margarine, fruit juices, soft drinks, mosquito coils and insecticides, soaps and detergents, fish, clothing and apparel, and cement.

    However, GAWU is expressing concerns that this move could lead to artificial food shortages in the market. GAWU General Secretary, Edward Kareweh, states that existing government policies have already undermined production.

    “When you were putting in place measures on the back of government-owned policies which have undermined production, then you create a very big situation in the economy.”

    “For instance, the discounted benchmark value policy was implemented by the government since 2019. For all these years, it has undermined domestic production. So a year after you used the policy to weaken the capacity of domestic industries to produce, you quickly come back and say I’m going to restrict imports”, he argued.

    “When you do that, the likely of prices going up is very high because you have not actually supported the domestic producers to increase their capacity to be able to meet the shortfall that the imports will bring,” he added.

    The government’s proposal for import restrictions on certain items is designed to find a balance between safeguarding domestic industries and ensuring a sufficient supply of essential goods.

  • “Facts are the 1st victims” – Bright Simons exposes Foreign Ministry’s alleged lies about passport fees increase

    Vice President of IMANI-Africa, Bright Simons, in a thought-provoking response to recent speculation about a potential 500% increase in passport application fees, has taken to X (Twitter) to question the government’s transparency and accuracy in presenting facts when introducing policies.

    Mr Simons, reacting to a publication by Aviation Ghana.com titled “Ghana to charge GHC 500 as passport application fee?”, expressed skepticism about the government’s motives. His tweet suggested that government officials might be manipulating facts to support their agenda, stating, “Anytime Ghanaian govt officials want to push a policy, the facts are the 1st victims!”

    The article in question, reported strong indications that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration was contemplating a significant upward adjustment of passport application fees. Presently, regular service costs GHC 100 (US$8), while expedited service is GHC 150 (US$13). The speculated proposal hints at a potential increase from US$8 to US$40.

    Deputy Foreign Affairs Minister Kwaku Ampratwum-Sarpong, cited in the article, reportedly justified the potential fee hike, claiming that the current fees are insufficient to cover the expenses of procuring, processing, and issuing passports. He emphasized that Ghana’s passport is heavily subsidized, being the cheapest in the West African sub-region.

    “Our passport happens to be the cheapest in the whole West African Sub-region. Ghana passport cost 8 dollars, the next cheapest is Liberia [which charges] 40 dollars. The supplier of the Liberian and Ghanaian passport booklet is the same company. So our passport is heavily subsidized. The money that we are supposed to use to buy the computers and the printers to be able to provide quick service delivery is being used to subsidized the passport that people apply for, ” he is quoted to have said.

    Mr Simons, however, countered these claims by pointing out discrepancies in this reasoning. He highlighted the importance of presenting accurate figures and questioned whether officials should give citizens a basis for mistrust by citing potentially false information.

    “Foreign Ministry wants to increase passport fees by 500%. Excuse is that Ghana’s fees are the cheapest in the region. Dep Minister cites a string of wrong facts to push agenda. A. Nigeria charges ~$11/$18 for 32-page booklet & $25 for 64-page booklet (official exch rate; lower for market rate). B. Gambia charges $14.5 for 64-page booklet C. Ghana charges $8 for 32-page booklet & $12.5 for 64-page (standard) BUT $12.5/32-page & $16.5/64-page EXPEDITED, he wrote.

    He added, “In short, depending on the size & mode of application (standard/expedited), Ghanaian passports can be more expensive than other countries’. Ghanaian passports may well be cheap comparatively. But should Officials give citizens a basis for mistrust by citing false figures?”

    It’s crucial to note that the proposed fee increase, as reported by Aviation Ghana.com, is yet to be officially confirmed by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration. The uncertainty surrounding the information adds an element of caution to the ongoing discussions. As citizens await official confirmation, Simons’ skepticism underscores the need for transparency and accuracy in government communications, particularly when proposing significant policy changes.

    In addition to the potential fee increase, the article also touched on the government’s plans to introduce chip-embedded passports in 2024, gradually phasing out the current biometric passports. This shift aligns with international requirements and aims to enhance security.

  • Women, children infected with AIDS must receive social protection service – AIDS Commission

    Women, children infected with AIDS must receive social protection service – AIDS Commission

    Dr. Kyeremeh Atuahene, Director General of the Ghana AIDS Commission (GAC), has emphasized the importance of providing social protection services to women and children affected by AIDS.

    He highlighted that, despite advancements in the HIV response, one of the often-overlooked areas in resource allocation is impact mitigation and social protection for individuals made vulnerable by AIDS. Dr. Atuahene stressed the critical nature of this, especially considering that AIDS is projected to have orphaned over 230,000 children.

    “It is, therefore, imperative to provide socio-economic impact mitigation assistance and social protection support to HIV affected households that assure livelihoods of adult members and guarantee access to essential services to orphans and vulnerable children,” he stated.

    Dr. Atuahene made this plea during the 2023 World AIDS Day National Durbar held in Accra by the Ghana AIDS Commission. World AIDS Day is observed annually on December 1, serving as a day for global solidarity to support those living with and affected by HIV, and to remember those who have lost their lives to AIDS.

    The theme for the 2023 celebration, “Let Communities Lead,” underscores the role of communities in ending AIDS. Dr. Atuahene emphasized that children orphaned by AIDS require essential provisions such as clothing, food and nutrition, education, health, and a supportive environment for their overall well-being.

    Dr. Atuahene highlighted that Ghana has been making significant strides in eliminating AIDS as a public health threat. Since 2003, the number of anti-retroviral treatment locations has surged from three to 745, spanning across all 16 regions of the country.

    He further noted that HIV treatment has been integrated into the primary healthcare system, offering more options for stable individuals living with HIV (PLHIV) to obtain their medications at Community-based Health Planning and Services (CHPS) compounds.

    Additionally, Dr. Atuahene mentioned that advanced treatment technologies, such as long-acting drugs, are becoming more accessible in the market. He expressed optimism that Ghana would soon provide these advanced treatments to consumers.

    “We now have the tools to end AIDS and achieve epidemic control by 2030. However, a lot of work needed to be done to address the key gaps in the national response,” he added.

    Dr. Atuahene underscored the importance of addressing impediments to expedite progress toward the 95-95-95 goal in HIV treatment. He also emphasized the need for primary HIV prevention among the population, highlighting that casual heterosexual sex is projected to contribute to over 74% of new infections in the country.

    He urged the government to promptly address the socioeconomic impact of HIV and implement social protection measures for households affected by HIV.

    During the national durbar organized by the Ghana AIDS Commission (GAC), a short code *9898# was launched on MTN and Vodafone telecommunication networks to facilitate donations to the HIV Fund.

    Mrs. Frema Opare, the Chief of Staff, encouraged the GAC to leverage its expertise in public health response to enhance ongoing efforts against emerging pandemics and their relation to HIV and AIDS.

    Dr. Kwaku Afriyie, Executive Oversight Minister of GAC and Minister of Energy, Science, Technology, and Innovation (MESTI), expressed that Ghana’s national response to HIV falls short of expectations and potential. He urged everyone to contribute to the collective effort.

    The durbar was attended by the Deputy Minister of Health, NAP+ Ghana representative, Ghana HIV and AIDS Network (GHANET), Dr. Stephen Ayisi Addo, traditional leaders, and other dignitaries.

  • Charity Akortia adjudged 2023 National Best Farmer

    Charity Akortia adjudged 2023 National Best Farmer

    Charity Akortia, a 57-year-old mixed farmer from the Agona West District in the Central Region, was honored as the best farmer at the 39th National Farmers’ Day celebrations.

    Madam Akortia was awarded GH₵1 million sponsored by the Agriculture Development Bank, along with other prizes.

    The first runner-up, Theophilus Ezenrane Ackah from Jomoro in the Western Region, received a high-power tractor head, trailer, a set of implements, and a boom sprayer sponsored by the Ghana Exim Bank.

    The second runner-up was presented with an MF tractor head, trailer, and a set of implements sponsored by Stanbic Bank.

    This year’s Farmers’ Day celebration was held at Tarkwa on the theme “Delivering Smart Solutions for Sustainable Food Security and Resilience” last Friday.

    Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, who was present at the event, presented the prizes to the awardees of the day. He congratulated them for their dedication to feeding the nation and emphasized that the celebration of Farmers Day should serve as a reminder of the importance of achieving food security.

    Dr. Bawumia highlighted that the evolving circumstances in agriculture necessitate new strategies to attain the national objectives of food security.

    “As we honour our heroic farmers and co-actors in the agricultural value chain, we must remember that the new dynamics necessitate new solutions to achieve our food security, resilience, job creation, poverty reduction, and prosperity goals.”

    Additionally, he underscored that the agriculture sector serves as the cornerstone of the Ghanaian economy.

    He said, “Ghana’s experience in the agricultural front demonstrates the government’s unwavering commitment to transform the sector and place it on a sound footing of accelerated development. These efforts that the government has put in since 2017 have yielded notable success through the flagship programme, planting for food and jobs.”

    “When you look at the average growth rate of Ghana’s agricultural sector from 2013-2016, it was 2.9%, but when we implemented the PFJ in 2017, the average growth rate from 2017 to 2022 was 6%. The significant growth rate enhanced school food security, increased job opportunities and supported emerging industries with raw materials,” he noted.

    Furthermore, the Minister of Food and Agriculture, Bryan Acheampong, affirmed that the government is implementing the requisite measures to uphold the progress achieved in the agricultural sector.

  • Value of internet banking transactions rose to GHC80bn in 2022 – BoG

    Value of internet banking transactions rose to GHC80bn in 2022 – BoG

    The registered user base for internet banking witnessed a notable increase of 16.40%, rising from 970,435 in 2021 to 1,129,387 in 2022.

    According to the Bank of Ghana’s Payment Systems Oversight Annual Report 2022, the value of internet banking transactions demonstrated a substantial uptick of 43.03%, reaching ¢80.43 billion in 2022, compared to the ¢56.23 billion recorded in 2021

    Similarly, registered mobile banking customers experienced a growth of 15.38%, surging from 5,845,960 in 2021 to 6,745,337 in 2022.

    Likewise, the value of mobile banking transactions was estimated at ¢38.47 billion in 2022, reflecting a growth of 47.34% from ¢26.11 billion in 2021.

    However, the cumulative number of ATMs deployed by banks witnessed a marginal decline of 0.97%, decreasing from 2,278 in 2021 to 2,256 by the end of December 2022.

    Conversely, the number of POS devices increased by 6.13%, rising from 12,643 at the end of December 2021 to 13,418 in December 2022.

  • Those ignorant of the law attack the Judiciary – Justice Kulendi

    Those ignorant of the law attack the Judiciary – Justice Kulendi

    Justice Yonny Kulendi, a Justice of the Supreme Court, has underscored the importance of Ghanaians having a comprehensive understanding of the justice delivery system, particularly the role of judges.

    He pointed out that a lack of education and awareness regarding the judicial system has, on many occasions, resulted in unfair treatment of judges by certain members of the public.

    “There’s been a rather unfortunate castigation, judgement, indictment of judges and the judiciary. I didn’t realise how judges are bastardised and spoken about in lowly terms and with suspicion until I became one, and I was like is that what I bargained for?” he stated on JoyNews’ The Law over the weekend.

    “And sometimes it is more often than not, it is all inflamed by misunderstanding; lack of information, lack of education on what we do, how we do it, what the rules that they the people have provided for us allow us to do etcetera.

    “And where there is ignorance, there is a huge potential for those who are up to mischief to manipulate the system, to incite the people and position the people to have an anti-court, anti-due process, anti-judiciary process,” he added.

  • We will demand accountability, the corruption and unemployment is unbearable – Presby Moderator

    We will demand accountability, the corruption and unemployment is unbearable – Presby Moderator

    Under the leadership of its new Moderator, Rt. Rev. Dr. Abraham Nana Opare Kwakye, the Presbyterian Church of Ghana has attributed the deteriorating socio-economic growth of the country to corruption.

    The moderator emphasized the need for a collective awakening to a new era of accountability to protect the well-being of the broader society.

    During his inaugural address at the induction service, Rt. Rev. Dr. Abraham Nana Opare Kwakye reiterated the Church’s commitment to combatting practices that hinder the nation’s progress. He stressed that the church will continue to demand accountability from the government.

    “The tendency of some of our fellow citizens to loot the national coffers is a matter of great public concern, and we shall not relent in speaking against any such acts, no matter who is found in the line of fire. I promise you that the PCG shall not fail to speak against these practices.”

    “The rising unemployment and hopelessness in the country as a result of the global economic crisis and other factors are major security concerns, and the church will not relent in its efforts to demand accountability,” the Moderator added.

  • Those against lithium deal have not read the entire agreement – Minerals Commission

    Those against lithium deal have not read the entire agreement – Minerals Commission

    The Minerals Commission has reacted to criticism by some individuals over the lithium deal between the government of Ghana and Barari DV Ghana Limited.

    Key stakeholders, including the Institute of Economic Affairs (IEA) and former Chief Justice Sophia Akufo, have criticised the contract as colonial and Guggisberg-type, respectively.

    In a press statement on Monday, December 4, the Minerals Commission noted that such statements have been made because the “commentators have not read the agreement in its entirety.”

    The statement added that “as result, many of concerns are based on assumptions that are inaccurate and assertions that are not supported by facts or any data.”

    The Minerals Commission asserts that the lithium deal between the government of Ghana and Barari DV Ghana Limited is in the best interest of the nation.

    “For the avoidance of doubt, the mining lease was granted for 15 years to Barari, which is the subsidiary of Atlantic Lithium Limited, an Australian company listed on the Australian Securities Exchange (ASX) and also on the Alternative Investment Market (AIM) of the London Stock Exchange. The lease covers an area of 42.63 Km2 in and around Ewoyaa in the Mfantseman Municipality of the Central Region.”

    Meanwhile, the Minerals Commission has noted that it will organise a press conference on Thursday, December 7, at the Ministry of Information to shed more light on the lithium deal between the government of Ghana and Barari DV Ghana Limited.

    A mining agreement was signed on October 20, 2023, between Ghana and Barari DV Ghana Limited.

    The mining lease, granted for 15 years to Barari, a subsidiary of Atlantic Lithium Limited, an Australian company listed on the Australian Securities Exchange (ASX) and the Alternative Investment Market (AIM) of the London Stock Exchange, covers an area of 42.63 km² in and around Ewoyaa in the Mfantseman Municipality of the Central Region.

    The $250-million project, located in Ewoyaa, Mfantseman Municipality in the Central Region, is set to commence production by 2025.

    The deal includes a 10% royalty and 13% free carried interest by the state, surpassing the existing 5% and 10%, respectively, for other mining agreements.

    Barari DV Ghana Limited is also required to contribute 1% of its revenue to a community development fund for the upliftment of the mining area. While some, including statesman and business executive Sir Sam Jonah, have praised the government for securing better fiscal terms, sceptics, especially the IEA, remain cautious about the agreement.

  • It’s been over a decade waiting, I will bring development to Akropong – Sammi Awuku

    It’s been over a decade waiting, I will bring development to Akropong – Sammi Awuku

    The Director-General of the National Lottery Authority (NLA), Sammi Awuku, has received unanimous endorsement as the 2024 Parliamentary Candidate for the Akropong Constituency in the Eastern region from the governing New Patriotic Party (NPP).

    As the sole nominee in the primary for the constituency, Mr. Awuku was acclaimed by the party during a ceremony held at the Presbyterian College of Education on Saturday.

    This development follows the decision of the incumbent NPP MP, Nana Ama Dokua Asiama-Adjei, to contest in the Okaikoi North Constituency of the Greater Accra Region.

    The acclamation event, attended by party dignitaries such as Michael Otchere Baafi, MP for New Juaben South and Deputy Trade Minister, Jeff Konadu Addo, the Eastern Regional Chairman of the party, along with some ministers of state and national party executives, took place at the Presbyterian College of Education in Akropong.

    Speaking to the delegates after his acclamation, Mr. Awuku, a former National Organizer of the party, expressed that his acclamation represents a call to service.

    Mr. Awuku, a former National Organizer of the party on the right

    “I believe this allows me to contribute towards the growth and development of the area. It will be an honour to represent the interests, concerns, and aspirations of the constituents. This is a call to service.”

    “It has been a long journey. Over ten to eleven years, together with a few friends, we started this. Wonderful people, they rallied behind me. We engaged the party people, and they kept saying that I would be given the opportunity when the time comes,” he stated.

    Mr. Awuku pledged to lead developmental initiatives in the region and foster unity within the party when elected as the Member of Parliament after the 2024 general election.

    “We will ensure that development in the areas of roads, health, potable water, electricity. All those who left come home, let’s work together, I will be a candidate for all the people, and I want to be an MP when elected for all,” he said.

  • Govt will soon tax trotros, aboboyaas, okadas, others for using petrol, diesel – Ato Forson warns

    Govt will soon tax trotros, aboboyaas, okadas, others for using petrol, diesel – Ato Forson warns

    The Minority Leader, Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson, has disclosed the government’s plan to introduce an annual tax of GHC100 on all petrol and diesel vehicles, including trotros, aboboyaas, okadas, taxis, commercial buses, and ambulances.

    Dr. Forson contends that the government’s stated reason for these taxes, which is to encourage the use of cleaner energy sources like electric vehicles, is merely a pretext for its actual intention of generating additional revenue.

    He emphasized that the government’s lack of innovative economic policies has resulted in it resorting to widespread taxation without thoughtful consideration of its impact on the general population.

    “This government indeed has an insatiable appetite for taxes. The Akufo-Addo/Bawumia government is imposing 20% tax on “akpeteshie” (they have run out of ideas). Petrol and diesel vehicle owners should also expect to pay a new annual tax of GHS100 per vehicle on all petrol and diesel cars (internal combustion engine vehicles).”

    “This tax will be imposed on all trotros, aboboyaas, okadas, taxis, commercial buses, trucks, ambulances, construction and heavy-duty vehicles, water tankers, private cars, etc. Once your vehicle is powered by petrol or diesel, the government is imposing this tax on you.”

  • Strika of ‘Beast of No Nation’ teams up with Akabenezer for new skit ‘Striker’

    Strika of ‘Beast of No Nation’ teams up with Akabenezer for new skit ‘Striker’

    Ghanaian comic actor and Youtube content creator, Akabenezer, known by others as Ras Nene or Dr Likee has welcomed Emmanuel Nii Adom Quaye, popularly known as Strika in the Hollywood movie, ‘Beast of No Nation’, into his camp.

    In an Instagram post on November 28, Ras Nene noted that “Striker (Beast of no nation) has joined our team and shall be taken care of.”

    This comes after Strika was recently spotted in a new video selling coconut in a wheelbarrow.

    Already, the two are working on a palatable skit christened “Striker”, close to the Hollywood actor’s name.

    An excerpt of the skit shows an inquisitive “Strika” probing a murder case. He, by coincidence chances upon some thugs dumping the remains of a deceased individual.

    He pursues them without their knowledge and finds their hideout. As curious as a cat, he wants to know me. This thriller is expected to help Strika land back on his feet.

    Strika was expected to be in a better place after his role in ‘Beast of No Nation’ shot in 2015. Strika in an interview revealed his managers had not given him an amount of $30,000 which was paid to him by the producers of the ‘Best of No Nation’.

    Three years after the Hollywood movie, Strika was found on the streets in a comprising position.

  • Only NPP can provide Ghana progress, forget the others – Akufo-Addo

    Only NPP can provide Ghana progress, forget the others – Akufo-Addo

    President Akufo-Addo has asserted that the New Patriotic Party (NPP) stands as the sole political entity in the country capable of delivering the essential progress and prosperity desired by Ghanaians.

    He conveyed this message following the party’s parliamentary primaries in orphan constituencies conducted on Saturday, December 2, 2023, throughout the nation.

    “With our record in office, we are the Party that can bring progress and prosperity to all parts of our country,” he said.

    In his message, President Akufo-Addo urged all the victorious candidates to exhibit magnanimity in their celebrations and to exert efforts in integrating those who were not successful into the party’s endeavors.

    He also extended congratulations to the national, regional, constituency, electoral area, and polling station officers, as well as the entire membership of the NPP for orchestrating primaries that were free, fair, transparent, and deemed credible.

    “Through this, we shall create the united, formidable front that, under the leadership of our new, worthy presidential candidate, Alhaji Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, will enable us to go into the difficult 2024 elections with quiet confidence, and, with the help of Almighty God, Break the Eight, which is the fervent wish of all NPP members, and, indeed, of all well-meaning Ghanaians.”

  • Majority of orphan constituencies will be ours after 2024 elections – Bawumia tells NPP supporters

    Majority of orphan constituencies will be ours after 2024 elections – Bawumia tells NPP supporters

    Presidential candidate of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, is hopeful about the party’s prospects of winning the majority of orphan seats following the successful parliamentary primaries held for those constituencies.

    The NPP organized parliamentary candidate elections for 111 orphan constituencies, and the process unfolded smoothly across Ghana on Saturday, with a generally peaceful atmosphere prevailing during the primaries.

    Following the internal contest, Dr Bawumia in a Facebook post, wrote, “I am very impressed by the quality of candidates chosen to represent our party in these constituencies… I am confident that we will succeed in securing these seats through our sustained unity and collective efforts.”

    He encouraged the party to uphold determination and unity as they approach the 2024 elections.

    “With great determination and a collective working spirit, we are going to win a majority of these orphan seats during the 2024 general election. To keep our momentum and to accomplish victory, we need to stay united from the grassroots down to the highest levels of leadership,” Dr Bawumia added.

  • Special Prosecutor cracks down on vote-buying, six culprits wanted after NPP primaries

    Special Prosecutor cracks down on vote-buying, six culprits wanted after NPP primaries

    The Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) is in search of some individuals for their involvement in corruption-related activities especially vote-buying.

    The OSP made this known in a post on X with the caption “Wanted persons: The following persons are wanted by the OSP for corruption and corruption-related offences in respect of public elections- especially vote-buying.#OSP #CorruptionAffectsYouDirectly”.

    According to the OSP, the six men are wanted for allegedly engaging in vote-buying in respect of public elections. Further information, such as the identities of the suspects, was not provided by the OSP.

    The post also did not specify which public elections the suspects were involved in, but it comes after the New Patriotic Party (NPP) held its primaries for orphan constituencies over the weekend.

    The OSP is a specialised independent anti-corruption institution in Ghana, established in 2018, with the object of investigating and prosecuting specific cases of alleged or suspected corruption and corruption-related offences in the public and private sectors, recovering the proceeds of such acts by disgorging illicit and unexplained wealth and taking steps to prevent corruption. The OSP derives its powers mainly from the Office of the Special Prosecutor Act, 2017 (Act 959) and other laws bearing on the suppression and repression of corruption.

  • Minerals Commission to hold presser on Thursday over Ghana-Barari DV lithium deal

    Minerals Commission to hold presser on Thursday over Ghana-Barari DV lithium deal

    The Minerals Commission has noted that it will organise a press conference on Thursday, December 7, at the Ministry of Information to shed more light on the lithium deal between the government of Ghana and Barari DV Ghana Limited.

    This comes after some opposition to the deal, which the Commission believes arose because the “commentators have not read the agreement in its entirety.”

    Key stakeholders, including the Institute of Economic Affairs (IEA) and former Chief Justice Sophia Akufo, have criticised the contract as colonial and Guggisberg-type, respectively.

    The Minerals Commission asserts that the lithium deal between the government of Ghana and Barari DV Ghana Limited is in the best interest of the nation.

    In a press statement issued on Monday, December 4, the Commission emphasised that the government thoroughly examined all available options before entering into the agreement.

    The statement underscored that several concerns raised about the deal are rooted in ignorance, suggesting that critics may not have thoroughly read the contract agreement.

    The Minerals Commission reaffirms that the deal is a well-considered decision beneficial to the country.

    A mining agreement was signed on October 20, 2023, between Ghana and Barari DV Ghana Limited.

    The mining lease, granted for 15 years to Barari, a subsidiary of Atlantic Lithium Limited, an Australian company listed on the Australian Securities Exchange (ASX) and the Alternative Investment Market (AIM) of the London Stock Exchange, covers an area of 42.63 km² in and around Ewoyaa in the Mfantseman Municipality of the Central Region.

    The $250-million project, located in Ewoyaa, Mfantseman Municipality in the Central Region, is set to commence production by 2025.

    The deal includes a 10% royalty and 13% free carried interest by the state, surpassing the existing 5% and 10%, respectively, for other mining agreements.

    Barari DV Ghana Limited is also required to contribute 1% of its revenue to a community development fund for the upliftment of the mining area. While some, including statesman and business executive Sir Sam Jonah, have praised the government for securing better fiscal terms, sceptics, especially the IEA, remain cautious about the agreement.

  • First-year students expected to report to SHSs today

    First-year students expected to report to SHSs today

    Despite widespread calls for a reevaluation of the reopening date, first-year Senior High School (SHS) students across the country are set to begin reporting to their respective schools today.

    Despite pleas from parents and other stakeholders to postpone the reporting date for various reasons, the Ghana Education Service (GES) is steadfast in maintaining the December 4 date.

    In response to these concerns, Parliament has urged the Minister of Education to consider rescheduling the reopening date to the first week of January instead of Monday, December 4.

    However, despite Parliament’s appeal, the Ghana Education Service (GES) has rejected the request.

    In a statement, the GES emphasised that “It is the expectation of management that schools begin registration and orientation of students from the 4th of December 2023.”

    The timetable impacts students on both single and double-track systems, as outlined in the 2023/2024 academic calendar released by the Ghana Education Service (GES).

    A grand total of 598,839 candidates participated in the Computerized School Selection and Placement System (CSSPS), leading to the placement of 585,797 individuals in various Senior High Schools and Technical and Vocational Education and Training Schools (TVET) across the nation.

  • Sammi Awuku set to represent NPP for Akuapem North seat as he goes unopposed

    Sammi Awuku set to represent NPP for Akuapem North seat as he goes unopposed

    Director General for the National Lottery Authority (NLA), Sammi Awuku, is set to be acclaimed by delegates of the Akuapem North constituency this weekend.

    As of the November 30, 2023, nomination deadline, Sammi Awuku was the sole candidate who had submitted paperwork to contest the Parliamentary candidacy for the constituency.

    A letter signed by the Eastern Regional Chairman for the New Patriotic Party (NPP) announced that the acclamation is scheduled for Saturday, December 2, 2023, at a venue yet to be communicated.

    Having earlier declared his intention to contest for the Akuapem North seat on Facebook, Sammi Awuku expressed that this decision followed months of consultation. He believes that presenting himself for votes is a significant step towards making himself available to serve his people.

  • NPP executives gifted fridges from aspiring parliamentary candidate

    NPP executives gifted fridges from aspiring parliamentary candidate

    Percyval Dennis Quaicoe, an aspiring parliamentary candidate for the Komenda-Edina-Eguafo-Abrem (KEEA) constituency within the New Patriotic Party (NPP), has expressed appreciation to Electoral Area coordinators and polling station executives in the region for their dedicated service to the party since 2000.

    In recognition of their efforts, Percyval rewarded them with tabletop fridges.

    As the Central Regional First Vice Chairman of the NPP and a former polling station executive, Percyval organized a surprise training workshop for all Electoral Area Coordinators and Polling Station executives in KEEA.

    The workshop aimed to equip them with strategies to secure victory in the upcoming elections and break the eight-year cycle.

    Additionally, Percyval pledged to enhance the lives of young men and women in the community if given the opportunity to serve as a Member of Parliament. He outlined key priorities, including health, sanitation, agriculture, education, and the revitalization of the fishing industry.

    “I am ever ready to be a servant for the people of KEEA to work hard to transform KEEA with my lobbying skills because I have a lot of connections and network both Ghana and outside Ghana without relying on Central Government for development,” he said.

    “I work at an International Recruitment Agency that recruits youth and takes them outside the country to work. I run the first private scholarship scheme to give scholarships to youth to study abroad”, he promised.

    Percyval Quaicoe made a commitment to provide opportunities, particularly for the youth, to pursue education up to the highest levels, facilitating the chance for them to study abroad.

    Additionally, he pledged to enhance tourist attractions in Komenda-Edina-Eguafo, aiming to attract more investors and stimulate economic activities within the region.

  • GJA investigates Onua FM/TV-military high command case

    GJA investigates Onua FM/TV-military high command case

    The Ghana Journalist Association (GJA) is currently investigating an alleged breach of journalism ethics by Onua FM/TV, prompted by a formal complaint from the Ghana Armed Forces (GAF).

    The inquiry was initiated following an initial complaint from the National Media Commission (NMC) to the National Communications Authority (NCA), urging the suspension of Onua FM/TV’s authorization due to multiple ethical violations, as reported by classfmonline.

    The President of GJA, Albert Dwumfour, disclosed this information during a meeting with the Chief of Defence Staff in Accra.

    He said: “The military has petitioned GJA on some issues relating to Onua FM/TV, and we, the GJA, per the constitution of the association, chapters 40, 41 to 42, gives us the authority to refer such petitions to our ethics and disciplinary council.”

    “So, we have referred the complaints to our ethics and disciplinary council. We will wait for recommendations from the council on the petition. We will investigate; they know how to go about it,” he added.

    He further said: “These are experienced, veteran journalists. So, we don’t want to show them what to do. I believe that they will do the right thing, and once we receive the recommendations, the GJA will make our position known to the public as well as the military high command.”

  • NDC’s Chief Biney and NPP’s Afia Akoto divorced

    NDC’s Chief Biney and NPP’s Afia Akoto divorced

    Deputy communication director of the ruling New Patriotic Party, Afia Akoto, has revealed the dissolution of her marriage with Chief Hamilton Biney, the former deputy national organizer of the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC).

    The couple, members of opposing political parties, tied the knot in 2020 amid the political divide that characterizes Ghana’s elections.

    Addressing NPP supporters in the Okaikwei North Constituency, where she is vying to become the party’s parliamentary candidate for the 2024 general elections, Afia Akoto shared that her opponents initially sought to use her marriage with Chief Biney against her.

    However, with the marriage now ended, she highlighted that opponents are resorting to fabricating false claims, including spreading misinformation about her intentions to dismiss the current party executives in the constituency.

    “When I came at first, they were saying that how can we trust a person married to an NDC man, they didn’t know that the marriage had ended. After hearing that the marriage had ended, they are trying to find something different against me.

    “They are always looking for something new against me but have you ever heard me saying something against them?” he quizzed in Twi.

    Akoto, a former deputy CEO of MASLOC, added, “If I have been able to live with an NDC person, why can’t I live with my family, the NPP?… after trying so hard to use my marriage against me, they realised it did not exist, and now they are saying all kinds of things against me: ‘Afia is insulting us, Afia would sack the executive’. Oo!”.

    She encouraged the NPP delegates in the constituency to dismiss the negative narratives circulating about her and to cast their votes in her favor during the party’s orphan constituency parliamentary primaries scheduled from December 2 to December 3, 2023.

    Despite their differing political affiliations, the love between these two individuals led them to formalize their relationship, even though some individuals within their respective parties expressed disagreement with their union.

    Their marriage garnered significant attention, sparking debates among the public. Some believed the couple might share confidential information about their respective political parties, while others held a contrary view.

    In a vibrant traditional ceremony on February 12, 2020, Afia Akoto and her long-time boyfriend, Chief Hamilton Nixon Biney, who serves as the Deputy National Organiser for the NDC, officially tied the knot.

  • The military doesn’t go out there to brutalize civilians, engage in robbery – GAF

    The military doesn’t go out there to brutalize civilians, engage in robbery – GAF

    The Ghana Armed Forces (GAF) has refuted claims suggesting that military officers take pleasure in brutalizing civilians.

    This response comes in the wake of recent concerns raised over reported cases of military brutality in various areas, including Ashaiman, Garu, and Ejura.

    Brigadier General Charles Agyemang Prempeh, the General Officer Commanding the central command of the Ghana Armed Forces, stated exclusively to Citi News in Kumasi that the military is unwavering in its commitment to preserving the peace of the country, notwithstanding public criticism of their interactions with civilians.

    He emphasized that the military’s primary focus is to ensure public safety and maintain order in society, not to engage in brutality against civilians.

    “The military doesn’t go out there to brutalize civilians, that is far from the point. We go out there to ensure that we restore law and order. We do these as internal security operations to support the Police and when we out there we use minimum force,” he said.

    Addressing the purported participation of military officers in misconducts like armed robbery and other social vices, Brigadier General Charles Agyemang Prempeh clarified that such actions should not be generalized to the entire Ghana Armed Forces. He emphasized that officers allegedly involved in such activities undergo thorough investigations, and appropriate sanctions are imposed.

    “The military doesn’t engage in armed robbery, the individual goes out there to do his things, the military has a way to correct infractions and therefore when these things come to our attention we take the necessary measures according to our disciplinary procedures to engage the individual and correct him,” he added.

  • Bugri Chief reportedly ‘chops’ money meant for victims of Garu-Tempani military brutality

    Bugri Chief reportedly ‘chops’ money meant for victims of Garu-Tempani military brutality

    There is tension in Bugri in the Tempane District as the locality’s Chief, Naba Abdulai, has been implicated in misappropriation of cash donations intended for victims of recent military brutality in the area.

    Reports indicate that the community appointed an interim committee to oversee the donations, establish a plan, and distribute the funds to the victims. However, even before the committee could initiate the disbursement process, Naba Abdulai allegedly accessed some of the cash donations.

    It is reported that he summoned an undisclosed amount of money that was initially entrusted to one of the committee members.

    This conduct has sparked widespread anger in the area, with many criticizing the chief for prioritizing his financial interests over the needs of his people during a challenging time.

    Background

    In October, the military in conjunction with national security forces had stormed the communities following an attack on five national security personnel deployed to the area on a counter-terrorism assignment.

    The irate youth, who were not convinced about the identities of the five men after they had accosted them, had gone on to chase them into a police station and besieged the station till the personnel were rescued by the Ghana Armed Forces.

    According to the National Security Ministry, the operation was to retrieve the AK 47s the youth had fired at their personnel, and to arrest the perpetrators.

    In the aftermath of the incident, many men in the areas fled their homes to seek refuge in the forest, and the Garu District Hospital was inundated with severe injury cases.

    Per reports, a life has been lost due to the brutality.

  • Armed robbers attack Funsi market vehicle, shoot driver

    Armed robbers attack Funsi market vehicle, shoot driver

    Six suspected armed robbers targeted and robbed numerous passengers returning from the Funsi market in the Wa East District to Tumu.

    The victims, recounting the incident to the Ghana News Agency (GNA), disclosed that they were not only robbed of their money and valuables but also subjected to physical assault.

    The assailants reportedly beat them for not having sufficient money, and the driver along with other occupants in the front seat were shot during the attack.

    Mr Adamu Kantong, the driver, aged 56 years, who survived the gunshot, said: “I got to a pothole between Vamboi and Bandei around 1900hrs and was stopped by a man with a torchlight.”

    “As I stopped, I struggled to open the driver’s door, and the next thing was the gunshot, which pierced through my middle ring and small fingers, I immediately lost control of myself,” he added.

    Mr Kantong said, “The other passenger sitting in the front also had his hand damaged by the bullets before they took all our phones and every penny on us and made all of us lie down.”

    Mr. Kantong, after being rushed to the hospital following a robbery, was treated and discharged, but unfortunately lost essential documents during the incident. He attributed the rise in robberies to the poor state of the roads and urged authorities to address the issue.

    Expressing concern for the affected communities, Mr. Kantong appealed to residents to be vigilant in case any stolen items, such as Ghana cards, health insurance cards, driver’s licenses, and other documents, were found.

    Among the victims was a market woman who recounted losing everything and being physically assaulted with sticks during the robbery. Additionally, two Kia trucks returning from Funsi and Kojikperi markets, as well as others from Ouagadougou, and several motorcycles, were targeted.

    Sissala East Municipal Police Commander, Superintendent Kumpe Gbele, confirmed ongoing investigations into the robberies and assured the public of enhanced security patrols. He mentioned that the killing of a man in Mwanduanu was being treated as murder, and in another incident, a student was shot during a suspected robbery between Sakalo to Sakai.

    Furthermore, on November 25, 2023, a Fulbe settler in Sentie was shot and killed in his hut, while a driver was robbed near the Sissili River close to Basisan.

    “At the right time, the Police will give the public information of where they have reached with investigations”, Mr Gbele said.

    Mr. Gbele emphasized the importance of drivers seeking police escorts regardless of their destination, citing the availability of enough police officers to ensure public safety. He cautioned passengers to insist on vehicles traveling with a police escort, especially those carrying substantial sums of money for business purposes, encouraging them to avail themselves of the free police escort services.

  • You are disrespectful – MP slams Education Ministry for ignoring Parliament’s advice on reopening date for first-year SHS students

    You are disrespectful – MP slams Education Ministry for ignoring Parliament’s advice on reopening date for first-year SHS students

    A member of the Parliament’s Education Committee, holding the position of Ranking Member, Peter Nortsu-Kotoe, has criticized the Education Ministry’s insistence on maintaining the December 4 reopening date for new Senior High School students, despite a plea from the Speaker for a change.

    Peter Nortsu-Kotoe expressed his disapproval in an interview on JoyNews Desk on Friday, December 1, stating that such a lack of respect should not be tolerated.

    “For me, the refusal of the Ministry to listen to the Speaker is also disrespectful to the House,” he said.

    On Thursday, November 30, the Speaker of Parliament urged the Education Ministry to reconsider its decision regarding the reopening date for fresh students, scheduled for Monday, December 4, 2023, which is just a week after their placement.

    Many students are currently collecting prospectuses from the schools they’ve been enrolled in.

    The Speaker also directed the Education Minister, Dr. Yaw Osei Adutwum, to appear before the House and reverse the decision.

    However, the Education Ministry remains firm on maintaining the December 4 reopening date. According to the Ministry’s spokesperson, Kwaku Kwarteng, the academic calendar had been released several weeks ago, implying that parents should have made adequate preparations before the scheduled reopening.

    He, however, added that “the first-year students who are unable to report on the first day will not automatically lose their slots.”

    In response to these statements, Mr. Nortsu-Kotoe raised questions about the Ministry’s urgency in having first-year students report to school on December 4, especially considering the approximately 108,000 placement issues that still need to be addressed. He argued that it would be unreasonable to overburden the students and suggested pushing the reopening date to January to allow the students some time to rest.

    “If you’re saying that you have given a directive and there would be no change, why are you making it so difficult for parents and teachers to prepare for proper academic work?” he quizzed.

    According to him, the House will impress on the Education Minister to change the date when he appears before Parliament on Monday.

  • Next NDC govt will prioritise your welfare – Mahama promises farmers

    Next NDC govt will prioritise your welfare – Mahama promises farmers

    Former President John Dramani Mahama has vowed that farmers across the country will have their needs met and concerns addressed in his next administration.

    According to the 2024 NDC flagbearer, he will “prioritise their welfare and work tirelessly to ensure they have the necessary resources and support to thrive.”

    He continued: “Our farmers are the backbone of our economy, and we will continue to invest in their success.”

    Mr Mahama made this known today as the country commemorates farmers for their efforts in ensuring food security in the country.

    As part of his message shared on his Facebook wall, he encouraged farmers across the country to take a leap of faith and ready themselves to jump onto the NDC’s 24-hour economy programme that would change the agriculture industry for the better.

    The former President noted that there is the need for smart solutions within a 24-hour economy to ensure sustainable food security for the nation.

    As such, he revealed that the his next administration will introduce agro-processing units in all regions to add value to the country’s agricultural products and create more opportunities for all farmers.

    “Establishing agricultural processing plants will target crops such as palm, cashew, groundnuts, cotton, coffee, cocoa, soya, cassava, shea nuts, cereals, ginger, spices, cut flowers, fruits and horticultural products,” he added.

    Today, December 1, the 39th National Farmers’ Day celebration is set to unfold at the University of Mines and Technology in Tarkwa, Western Region.

    The calendar event is meant to celebrate farmers for their invaluable contribution to the development of the country. The theme of the celebration is Delivering Smart Solutions for Sustainable Food Security and Resilience”.  

    The pinnacle of the event will be an extravagant dinner, graced by both celebrants and awardees, with President Akufo-Addo serving as the esteemed Guest of Honour.

  • NDC will bring back the joy of farming, join 24-hour economy programme – Mahama to farmers

    NDC will bring back the joy of farming, join 24-hour economy programme – Mahama to farmers

    Former President John Dramani Mahama has encouraged farmers across the country to take a leap of faith and ready themselves to jump onto the NDC’s 24-hour economy programme that would change the agriculture industry for the better.

    He made this request today as the country commemorates farmers for their efforts in ensuring food security in the country.

    The former President noted that there is the need for smart solutions within a 24-hour economy to ensure sustainable food security for our nation.

    As such, he revealed that the his next administration will introduce agro-processing units in all regions to add value to the country’s agricultural products and create more opportunities for all farmers.

    “Establishing agricultural processing plants will target crops such as palm, cashew, groundnuts, cotton, coffee, cocoa, soya, cassava, shea nuts, cereals, ginger, spices, cut flowers, fruits and horticultural products,” he added.

    He assured farmers that the next NDC government will “prioritise their welfare and work tirelessly to ensure they have the necessary resources and support to thrive.”

    He continued: “Our farmers are the backbone of our economy, and we will continue to invest in their success.”

    Today, December 1, the 39th National Farmers’ Day celebration is set to unfold at the University of Mines and Technology in Tarkwa, Western Region.

    The calendar event is meant to celebrate farmers for their invaluable contribution to the development of the country. The theme of the celebration is Delivering Smart Solutions for Sustainable Food Security and Resilience”.  

    The pinnacle of the event will be an extravagant dinner, graced by both celebrants and awardees, with President Akufo-Addo serving as the esteemed Guest of Honour.

  • FULL TEXT: Mahama’s message to farmers nationwide

    FULL TEXT: Mahama’s message to farmers nationwide

    Today, we celebrate Ghana’s hardworking and dedicated farmers and fishers on National Farmers’ Day 2023.

    This day is dedicated to recognising the efforts of our farmers in ensuring food security and contributing to our economy.

    This year’s theme, “Delivering Smart Solutions for Sustainable Food Security and Resilience,” highlights the importance of innovation and resilience in agriculture.

    As we celebrate our farmers today, we must acknowledge the need for smart solutions within a 24-hour economy to ensure sustainable food security for our nation.

    The National Democratic Congress (NDC) is dedicated to bringing back the joy of farming and revolutionising the agricultural sector. We aim to achieve food self-sufficiency through a policy that supports large-scale commercial agricultural production.

    This will be propelled by a robust cooperative system that will benefit from Farmers Service Centres established nationwide to drive access to agricultural credit and inputs.

    We will introduce agro-processing units in all regions to add value to our agricultural products and create more opportunities for all farmers. Establishing agricultural processing plants will target crops such as palm, cashew, groundnuts, cotton, coffee, cocoa, soya, cassava, shea nuts, cereals, ginger, spices, cut flowers, fruits and horticultural products.

    On this occasion, I want to assure our farmers that the next NDC government will prioritise their welfare and work tirelessly to ensure they have the necessary resources and support to thrive. Our farmers are the backbone of our economy, and we will continue to invest in their success.

    I extend my heartfelt congratulations to all Ghanaian farmers on this special day.

    Thank you for feeding our nation.

    Happy National Farmers’ Day!

  • We can meet local demand, we have the capacity – AGI

    We can meet local demand, we have the capacity – AGI

    The Association of Ghana Industries (AGI) has asserted that it possesses the capability to fulfill local demand for goods if provided with a fair playing field and the opportunity to operate within a conducive environment.

    Chief Executive of the association, Seth Twum-Akwaboah, emphasized that many of their members are currently producing at levels sufficient to meet the demands of the local market. He expressed concerns about the influx of cheap and substandard goods through imports.

    Mr. Twum-Akwaboah made these remarks during an appearance on PM Express Business on November 30, 2023, hosted by George Wiafe.

    He refuted claims suggesting that the AGI benefits from excessive protection by the government, particularly in light of the introduction of a Legislative Instrument aimed at restricting the importation of certain selected items.

    According to him, “data on the ground doesn’t support the argument that industries are being lazy and don’t want to play in a very competitive environment”.

    He argued that safeguarding local industries from inexpensive imports is crucial to prevent potential harm to Ghanaian businesses.

    “We have one local industry that is producing so much, but struggle to get market for their goods, because some cheap, and inferior goods have flooded the market and that is affecting them”.

    “This company now has to resort to exporting so they don’t import,” he added.

    He maintained that industries would have the capacity to compete with imported goods if the business environment is conducive and fair.

    Mr. Twum-Akwaboah affirmed that the AGI supports the government’s decision to restrict the importation of certain goods to protect their members.

    “We believe that there has always got to be the first step in dealing with some of these challenges. Maybe this import restriction is the way to go. I even thought ,  there is the need for some review”.

    Speaking on the same program, the General Secretary of the General Agricultural Workers Union (GAWU), Edward Kareweh, expressed concern about the underlying motive behind the policy measure. He particularly emphasized that previous actions by the government have significantly harmed many local industries, contributing to his apprehension.

    “The Policy Measure in Principle is good, but the way it’s being implemented is wrong” Mr. Kareweh said.

    He is of the view that, there should have been some policy programme instituted before the import restrictions were introduced.

    Economist Professor Ebo Turkson highlighted that while Ghana may have the flexibility under World Trade Organization rules to restrict certain items, he expressed concern about the message it conveys to other African nations and the potential for retaliation.

    “This is because as a country hosting the headquarters of the African Free Trade Area, we should be taking measures that does not send the wrong signal to African countries”, he warned.

    He advised government to tread cautiously about the position.

    “We don’t want to get into any negative reaction from other African countries”. 

    However, Mr.  Twum-Akwaboah noted that the Ghana Statistical Service Trade Report, showed that majority of Ghana’s imports is coming from one country outside Africa.

  • Why Samira Bawumia wept like a baby – Captain Smart reveals

    Why Samira Bawumia wept like a baby – Captain Smart reveals

    Onua TV/Radio presenter, Blessed Godsbrain Smart, popularly known as Captain Smart, has made a shocking revelation about the alleged maltreatment meted to Vice President Dr Mahamudu Bawumia by some big names in the New Patriotic Party (NPP) government.

    According to Captain Smart, the Vice President has been belittled by many individuals in the ruling party thanks to President Akufo-Addo, whom Captain Smart alleges has sidelined his vice in the running of the country despite his progressive policies.

    In an edition of Onua TV’s Maakye Show, Captain Smart named Gabby Otchere-Darko, Asante Bediatuo, Finance Minister Ken Ofori-Atta as some of the individuals who purportedly have no or less reverence for the Vice President.

    “But Akufo-Addo and his family never gave Bawumia the opportunity to do anything. I am being frank. The kind of information I have, you don’t have it. Asante Bediatuo doesn’t respect Bawumia. Gabby Otchere-Darko does not give reverence to Bawumia.

    “Those who are close to Akufo-Addo don’t respect him. There is no idea in this world that he suggested to Akufo-Addo that has been taken.

    “The Finance Minister, Nana Bediatuo, Gabby, the president himself, Captain Koda, name them, they don’t take his suggestions. Then they come out to boast saying NPP is Danquah-Busia,” Captain Smart said.

    He noted that this maltreatment got to the Vice President’s wife, Samira Bawumia, during a visit to the Jubilee House in December 2022. Captain Smart alleged that Mrs Bawumia had a first hand experience of the ill treatment against her husband.

    “Someone should ask Samira Bawumia. Last year, 28th December at 2:45pm, she wept like a baby. You should ask her what happened. Ask Samira Bawumia, after one cabinet meeting where she visited her husband at Jubilee House, they were saying hurtful things about Bawumia.”

    Captain Smart alleged that Dr Bawumia was the reason behind NPP’s 2016 election victory, nonetheless “they don’t respect Bawumia one bit. He is suffering.”

    He cited an instance, where one of the Vice President’s cadres is allegedly yet to be fixed a year after it got faulty due to lack of funds.

    “One of Bawumia’s cadres got spoilt and it’s been over a year. They say they don’t have money to repair it.”

    According to Captain Smart, Dr Bawumia “has cried more than 17 times in his office as Vice President” due to how he is being treated by some members in his government.

    Meanwhile, Captain Smart alleges that it is President Akufo-Addo’s plan to take the NPP into opposition in order to still have control of the party.

    “They just want to take the NPP into opposition so they can have control over it. I won’t say anything to Bawumia but when you go into opposition, there you will see how the Akyem people dislike you.”

    “Be vigilant Bawumia,” he added.

  • Democracy Hub announces new date for December protest

    Democracy Hub announces new date for December protest

    The organizers of the Fix the Country protest, Democracy Hub Ghana, have announced a modification of their initial schedule for their protest, moving it to December 30 to 31, 2023.

    This decision comes after the Ghana Police Service filed an application at the High Court seeking an order to prohibit three groups, including Democracy Hub Ghana, from holding demonstrations during the Yuletide season.

    The police are attempting to prevent the group from conducting their planned month-long protest in December.

    During a news conference in Accra on Thursday, one of the group’s conveners, Naa Densuah, noted that due to the injunction, some modification had to be made.

    “We understand the frustration and the desire for a brighter future; the spirit of Christmas is a time of hope and renewal. In response to the unjust injunction, we have filed an application at the Supreme Court, seeking to quash these impediments to our constitutional rights to protest. We believe in the strength of our case and are committed to defending the democratic principles we hold dear.”

    “As a result of the injunction, we are forced to make significant adjustments to the schedule we announced previously. We are planning to hold the demonstration from December 30-31. We will be providing more information about this in due course,” a convener for the Fix the Country Movement said.

    Also, the group has taken legal action by filing an application at the Supreme Court to challenge an injunction sought by the Ghana Police Service.

    Naa Densuah made an appeal to Ghanaians, urging them to support the legal efforts of Democracy Hub Ghana by contributing to their legal fund.

    “In the interim, we call on all Ghanaians to support our legal team by contributing to the legal fund. Your donations will enable us to navigate this illegal challenge. We call on all citizens to organize a peaceful and impactful protest,” she advised.

  • ‘Haircut’ proposal won’t work, pay us our money – Independent Power Generators to govt

    ‘Haircut’ proposal won’t work, pay us our money – Independent Power Generators to govt

    The Independent Power Generators in Ghana, formerly known as the Ghana Chamber of Independent Power Producers, is advising the government against restructuring the energy debts owed to them.

    The power generators argue that restructuring the approximately $2.3 billion energy debts is practically unfeasible due to their substantial indebtedness to suppliers and banks.

    Speaking at a public forum organized by Think Progress Ghana, Elikplim Apetorgbor, the Chief Executive of the Chamber of Independent Power Generators in Ghana, emphasized that members of the association cannot entertain any debt reduction (haircut) as they are under pressure from suppliers and banks to settle their significant debts and loans.

    “On the issue of debt structuring, our position has been very emphatic and clear that the debt that we want to restructure is a debt that we also owe to our lenders and suppliers. If you gave us haircuts say all our outstanding debts and you say you want to give us haircuts of 30% or 40% out of it, who will pay our debt for us?”

    “These are actual costs that we have incurred. The debt in question is not our savings, not our profits; So it’s practically impossible to restructure it”, he pointed out.

    Mr. Apetorgbor additionally mentioned that the members have proposed an alternative to the government—a favorable payment plan that would enable them to negotiate comfortably with their lenders.

    “We have presented an option to government that we are hoping to a fair payment plan that can make us comfortable to talk to our lenders. That restructuring or ‘haircut’ proposal won’t work. We are patiently waiting for government to pay us our money, how it will happen, I don’t know.”

    “All we are looking for is our money. We’ve received some indications of some payments to be made, but we have been waiting for long, for over three months.”

    He admitted that the IPPS have not made any headways in terms of negotiations with government“ and I think we are sitting on life support. Anything can happen and we can’t guarantee generation always”.

    “We have been very diplomatic to ensure there’s dialogue, and have a mutual settlement but I’m sorry we are not getting there”, he concluded.

    As of November 30, 2023, the government owed the IPPS about $2.35 billion.

  • Telcos, other stakeholders have failed to address commission issues – MoMo Agents Association

    General Secretary of the Mobile Money Agents Association of Ghana, Evans Otumfuo, has justified the association’s choice to impose a maximum cash withdrawal limit of ¢1,000 per transaction per day, effective from December 1, 2023.

    Mr Otumfuo clarified that this decision is a strategic move to highlight their grievances regarding insufficient compensation for the services they provide.

    “It appears that we are not getting to the end of the tunnel. So, a week ago, we informed the stakeholders that, by the 30th of November, if the issues persist, on December 1, we are directing all our members that any withdrawal request that will come to them, the maximum that we expect them to give to customers is ¢1000 cashout.”

    Evans Otumfuo highlighted that despite their persistent efforts, attempts to seek assistance from relevant stakeholders have been unsuccessful.

    He specifically mentioned engaging with telecommunication companies and regulatory authorities in discussions aimed at enhancing compensation for the services rendered by the association, but these efforts have not yielded positive outcomes.

    “We have tried every opportunity to seek progress with our concerns, but to no avail. Last year we engaged all the telcos, including the regulator and other relevant agencies in the industry, just to draw their attention to the issues that plague the business”.

    The Mobile Money Agents Association of Ghana has issued a notice indicating that its members will enforce a daily withdrawal limit of ¢1,000 per transaction starting from December 1. This decision comes as a response to the association’s call for an improvement in the commission structure for the services they provide.

    The association cautioned that this withdrawal limit is a temporary measure and serves as a precursor to more stringent actions if their concerns are not promptly addressed. They expressed the hope that this temporary measure would draw the attention of stakeholders to urgently address the challenges faced by mobile money agents.

  • Liverpool qualify for Europa League knockout stages after LASK victory

    Liverpool qualify for Europa League knockout stages after LASK victory

    Liverpool secured their place in the knockout stages as Group E winners after earning three points at Anfield, coupled with Toulouse’s home draw against Union SG.

    The Reds, making nine changes to their starting lineup, demonstrated their dominance against LASK. An opening goal from Luis Diaz, followed by a brace from Cody Gakpo and a Mohamed Salah penalty, sealed the victory against the Austrian Bundesliga side.

    In the 12th minute, Diaz orchestrated the opener, delivering a precise cross to Joe Gomez, who headed the ball into the net. Just three minutes later, Diaz combined with Salah, providing an assist for Gakpo, who capitalized inside the six-yard box.

    Despite LASK’s attempts to respond, Liverpool’s defense held firm, limiting their opponent’s breakthroughs. In the second half, Salah converted a penalty after Gakpo was fouled, extending Liverpool’s lead.

    While Liverpool couldn’t find the net again before halftime, they continued to press, with Trent Alexander-Arnold, Darwin Nunez, and Curtis Jones introduced from the bench.

    Gakpo almost added a fourth, striking the post, and LASK had their chances, but Liverpool’s goalkeeper, Caoimhin Kelleher, made crucial saves to preserve the clean sheet.

    Liverpool had the final say with Gakpo securing his second goal in added time, emphatically sealing the victory. The result ensured Liverpool’s progression to the knockout stages as leaders of Group E.

  • Democracy Hub at Supreme Court over injunction on December protest

    Democracy Hub at Supreme Court over injunction on December protest

    The organizers of the Fix the Country protest, Democracy Hub Ghana, have taken legal action by filing an application at the Supreme Court to challenge an injunction sought by the Ghana Police Service.

    The police are attempting to prevent the group from conducting their planned month-long protest in December.

    Earlier in the month, the Ghana Police Service had filed an application at the High Court seeking an order to prohibit three groups, including Democracy Hub Ghana, from holding demonstrations during the Yuletide season.

    During a news conference in Accra on Thursday, one of the group’s conveners, Naa Densuah, not only reiterated the reasons for the protest but also announced a modification of their initial schedule, moving it to December 30 to 31, 2023.

    “We understand the frustration and the desire for a brighter future; the spirit of Christmas is a time of hope and renewal. In response to the unjust injunction, we have filed an application at the Supreme Court, seeking to quash these impediments to our constitutional rights to protest. We believe in the strength of our case and are committed to defending the democratic principles we hold dear.”

    “As a result of the injunction, we are forced to make significant adjustments to the schedule we announced previously. We are planning to hold the demonstration from December 30-31. We will be providing more information about this in due course,” a convener for the Fix the Country Movement said.

    Naa Densuah made an appeal to Ghanaians, urging them to support the legal efforts of Democracy Hub Ghana by contributing to their legal fund.

    “In the interim, we call on all Ghanaians to support our legal team by contributing to the legal fund. Your donations will enable us to navigate this illegal challenge. We call on all citizens to organize a peaceful and impactful protest,” she advised.

  • 2.1 million jobs have been created by the NPP in 7 years – Bawumia

    2.1 million jobs have been created by the NPP in 7 years – Bawumia

    Vice President Dr Mahamudu Bawumia has maintained that despite the prevailing economic challenges, the government has successfully generated over 2 million jobs in the past seven years.

    According to Dr Bawumia, available statistics affirm that this figure represents the highest job creation rate since the country gained independence.

    Addressing the launch of a cash disbursement for beneficiaries of the YOUSTART programme in Accra, Dr. Bawumia asserted the government’s commitment to further job creation for the youth of the country.

    “What is remarkable is that, notwithstanding the global economic challenges, major global economic disruptions that have taken place with regard to COVID-19 that many of you have talked about and its implications on businesses as well as the Russia-Ukraine war, notwithstanding these global challenges, our government over the last seven years has created 2.1 million jobs. This is the highest number of jobs created by any government since the Fourth Republic,” he added.

    Meanwhile, a report from the Ghana Statistical Service (GSS) reveals that during the third quarter of 2022, one in every four young individuals aged between 15 and 24 years, equivalent to 24.2%, was not involved in education, employment, or training.

    According to the Annual Household Income and Expenditure Survey 2022 Third Quarter Labour Statistics Report, this percentage corresponds to approximately 1.5 million persons within this age group.

    The findings highlight a significant portion of the youth population that is not currently participating in education, employment, or training activities.

    “More than half of the youth are in Accra (312,394), Ashanti (300,161), Eastern (131,341), and Central (129,182) regions. In 13 out of the 16 regions, more than 20 per cent of young persons, 15 to 24 years were not in education, employment, or training. Eastern Region (30.0%) has the highest proportion of youth, with a figure about twice that of Bono Region (14.5%) which has the lowest proportion,” GSS noted in the report.

  • Ghana hopeful of completing external debt restructuring discussions by end of next week

    Ghana hopeful of completing external debt restructuring discussions by end of next week

    Finance Minister Ken Ofori Atta has acknowledged concerns regarding the cut-off date for the external debt restructuring, stating that it is causing delays in the International Monetary Fund (IMF) Board meeting on Ghana.

    The IMF has had to reschedule its meeting twice this month for the approval of the second tranche inflow of $600 million. The rescheduling is attributed to China’s stance, pushing for December 2022 as the new date for restructuring Ghana’s loans.

    Despite these challenges, Mr. Ofori-Atta expressed optimism that a deal would be reached by next week, paving the way for the board meeting to take place.

    “One of the key issues is the cut-off date and ensuring that there is comparability of treatment which affects each country’s liabilities or credit that is in our country. But am hopeful we will be able to get there”.

    “I hope that by the end of next week, we will have what we need so that the Fund’s Board can sit”, he said.

    Meanwhile, talks between Ghana and its creditors to rework the nation’s bilateral debt which would unlock $600 million from the IMF are deadlocked.

  • I do not hate Ofori-Atta – Kwabena Agyepong

    I do not hate Ofori-Atta – Kwabena Agyepong

    Former General Secretary of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Kwabena Agyepong, has dismissed claims suggesting that he harbors any personal animosity towards the Minister for Finance, Ken Ofori-Atta.

    According to Mr Agyepong, such reports are blatant lies.

    During an interview on Starr FM, Mr. Agyepong said, “Sometimes, people create the impression that I have an issue with him but I don’t.”

    He made this known when he expressed the opinion that the Minister for Finance, Ken Ofori-Atta, should have resigned after deciding to seek a bailout from the International Monetary Fund (IMF).

    Mr. Agyepong believes that in situations of failure, individuals in positions of responsibility should exhibit humility and step down. He pointed out that Ofori-Atta initially stated that Ghana would not seek assistance from the IMF, but later reversed this stance within a few weeks, opting for a bailout to address the challenges facing the economy.

    He argued that in a properly functioning democracy, such actions should warrant a resignation.

    He expressed disagreement with the President’s decision to refrain from taking action and instead retain the Finance Minister in his position.

    “He [Ofori-Atta] had stood in front of all Ghanaians and said that we were not going to the IMF and did a full U-turn in a couple of weeks. And I said in any decent democracy you stand down as a person. He chose not to go and I disagree with the President for not taking the action to let him go.

    “Months down the line the MPs, how many of them 88 [MPs called for his resignation] so I wasn’t wrong. I was just having that foresight, months down the line. So these are difficult things that as Ghanaians as party people we have to deal with,” Mr. Agyepong said.

    He continued: “Again it is important that we have the humility that we have been through a lot of difficulties, difficult times, and challenges. Although the government has delivered on several fronts there are other fronts that we have struggled with.”

  • Akufo-Addo, Ofori-Atta don’t know decent democracy; Finance Minister should have been sacked over IMF bailout – Kwabena Agyepong

    Akufo-Addo, Ofori-Atta don’t know decent democracy; Finance Minister should have been sacked over IMF bailout – Kwabena Agyepong

    The former General Secretary of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Kwabena Agyepong, has expressed the opinion that the Minister for Finance, Ken Ofori-Atta, should have resigned after deciding to seek a bailout from the International Monetary Fund (IMF).

    Mr. Agyepong believes that in situations of failure, individuals in positions of responsibility should exhibit humility and step down. He pointed out that Ofori-Atta initially stated that Ghana would not seek assistance from the IMF, but later reversed this stance within a few weeks, opting for a bailout to address the challenges facing the economy.

    During an interview on Starr FM, Mr. Agyepong argued that in a properly functioning democracy, such actions should warrant a resignation.

    He expressed disagreement with the President’s decision to refrain from taking action and instead retain the Finance Minister in his position.

    “He [Ofori-Atta] had stood in front of all Ghanaians and said that we were not going to the IMF and did a full U-turn in a couple of weeks. And I said in any decent democracy you stand down as a person. He chose not to go and I disagree with the President for not taking the action to let him go.

    “Months down the line the MPs, how many of them 88 [MPs called for his resignation] so I wasn’t wrong. I was just having that foresight, months down the line. So these are difficult things that as Ghanaians as party people we have to deal with,” Mr. Agyepong said.

    He continued: “Again it is important that we have the humility that we have been through a lot of difficulties, difficult times, and challenges. Although the government has delivered on several fronts there are other fronts that we have struggled with.”

    Mr. Agyepong also clarified that he does not harbor any personal animosity towards the Minister for Finance.

    “Sometimes, people create the impression that I have an issue with him but I don’t.”

  • Moreno leads Aston Villa to victory against Legia Warszawa

    Moreno leads Aston Villa to victory against Legia Warszawa

    Álex Moreno celebrated his return to Aston Villa with his inaugural goal for the club, securing a pivotal 2-1 triumph over Legia Warszawa and asserting control of UEFA Europa Conference League Group E while confirming progress to the knockout stages.

    Making his season debut after recovering from injury, Moreno seized the opportune moment to score his first goal in claret and blue. Positioned at the far post, he met Douglas Luiz’s deep free-kick with a right-footed volley.

    Moussa Diaby had earlier given Villa an early lead with his fourth goal of the season, but Ernest Muci, who scored twice in Legia’s 3-2 victory on matchday one, equalized midway through the first half.

    The victory places Unai Emery’s team atop the group standings, three points ahead of second-placed Legia. With their place in the knockout stages already secured, a single point at HŠK Zrinjski on matchday six will guarantee Villa’s top spot.

    Despite Leon Bailey’s late attempt to secure the necessary two-goal margin hitting the underside of the crossbar and bouncing away, the win extends Villa’s impressive form with nine victories in 11 matches across all competitions. They now head into Sunday’s Premier League clash against AFC Bournemouth in high spirits.

    Aston Villa hosted Legia Warszawa in the Europa Conference League on Thursday night.

    Moreno, returning as the fit-again left-back for his first appearance since May’s draw at Liverpool last season, featured in Villa’s starting lineup.

    Head coach Emery made five changes from the 2-1 victory at Tottenham Hotspur, including Robin Olsen in goal and the return of Clément Lenglet, Youri Tielemans, and Jhon Durán to the XI. The dream start came as Diaby capitalized on Tielemans’ pass, cutting inside and curling an effort beyond Legia skipper Kacper Tobiasz after just four minutes.

    Durán forced a one-hand save from Tobiasz shortly afterwards, but the visitors were level in the 20th minute as Muci capitalised on a defensive error at the back to curl into the top corner from the edge of the penalty area.

    And in a first half of few clear-cut openings, that was the way it remained until the break as both sides went into the interval on level terms.

    Aston Villa hosted Legia Warszawa in the Europa Conference League on Thursday night.

    The second period started with chances at either end as Gil Dias sent a stooping header against the crossbar, while Diaby was denied by a super save from Tobiasz.

    And it was the hosts who retook the lead just before the hour as Moreno arrived at the back post to convert Luiz’s free-kick with a well-taken right-footed volley.

    Aston Villa hosted Legia Warszawa in the Europa Conference League on Thursday night.

    Bailey and Jacob Ramsey were introduced just after 70 minutes and the latter went close to a third as he curled narrowly wide of the far post.

    Bailey then went even closer in the closing stages as he saw his lofted attempt rebound off the underside of the crossbar, nevertheless, the Villans claimed an important victory and all three points.