Ghana’s economic growth rate, according to the Minister of State at the Finance Ministry, Dr. Mohammed Amin Adam, signals a swift recovery.
He substantiated his statement by referencing the growth rates of 3.3% and 3.2% achieved in the first and second quarters of 2023.
Dr. Adam conveyed these observations during an interview with Bernard Avle on The Point of View, which aired on Citi TV on Wednesday.
“As far as recovery is concerned, I think that the figures show clearly that we are recovering, and we are recovering so fast. We offloaded the IMF fiscal adjustment into the 2023 budget which was presented in November 2022. So from that point even though we hadn’t gotten the approval of the IMF program which happened in May this year the government had decided through a program that we put in place the Post COVID Programme for Economic Growth (PCPEG) that outlined a number of policy measures that the government wanted to implement.”
“And this is why in the first quarter, growth for example grew by 3.3%. In the second quarter, it grew by 3.2%. And so half into the year growth rebound has been strong averaging 3.2% against 3% same time last year,” Mr Adam explained.
Since 2021, Ghana has been battling an economic crisis. Currently, assistance from the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and debt restructuring are intended to help the economy stand on its feet.
Meanwhile, some financial experts, such as Joe Jackson, have denied claims that the economy has turned around the corner.
The Volta River Authority (VRA), in partnership with the National Disaster Management Organisation (NADMO), has provided essential relief supplies to communities affected by the water spillage from the Akosombo and Kpong Dam.
These relief items consist of mattresses, blankets, various food supplies, clothing, and toiletries. They are intended to alleviate the hardships faced by the communities impacted by the increased spill rate.
In a news release sent to the Ghana News Agency in Accra, it was mentioned that the VRA is dedicated to easing the difficulties of these affected communities while closely monitoring the spill’s impact on areas in the lower Volta basin.
This act of delivering relief supplies took place on Wednesday, October 11, 2023. The items were received on behalf of the affected communities by Mr. Eric Nana Agyemang Prempeh, the Director General of NADMO.
The controlled spillage, initiated by the VRA on Friday, September 15, 2023, was prompted by a consistent rise in the inflow pattern and water levels in the Akosombo reservoir.
“In line with its emergency preparedness plan and standard operating procedures, the Authority notified its stakeholders, including the downstream communities”, the VRA said.
The Authority reiterated that it would continue to work with NADMO and other stakeholders to monitor the situation and provide regular updates to the public.
The atrocity against Lower Volta Communities 😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭 The horror of watching your homes, farms, businesses, schools etc taken over by flooding from the “evil spillage “ from the Akosombo Dam 😔 pic.twitter.com/8rE8if9TFL
The proud Adisco Zebras found themselves trailing significantly in the one-eighth stage contest, getting a taste of their own medicine as they were sent to bed early in the competition.
Notably, Adisadel College, a school that had reached the NSMQ grand finale for three consecutive years, was taken aback by the formidable intellect displayed by St. Louis SHS.
The margin of victory was striking, with St. Louis SHS amassing an impressive 53 points, while Adisadel College struggled to secure a mere 23 points. This 30-point gap underscored the dominance of St. Louis.
This unexpected defeat means that Adisco will need to start next year’s NSMQ contest from the Regionals, having forfeited its previous status as a seeded school.
The outcome of the contest has left the once-mighty Adisco open to trolling on social media platforms, as the defeat was both surprising and unprecedented.
Quiz Mistress: I come in different forms, due to my nature I'm highly invisible but I'm everywhere. I cannot be touched but everyone feels my presence. What am I?
Former Chief Executive Officer of the Ghana Cylinder Manufacturing Company Limited (GCMCL), Madam Frances Asiam, has expressed disappointment in United Television’s Executive Producer, Fadda Dickson, over some controversial statements being made on its show by entertainment personalities A-Plus and Bulldog.
The two individuals have publicly on United Showbiz criticised the government led by President Akufo-Addo over the challenges Ghanaians are facing.
Reacting to this, Madam Frances Asiam noted that she expected more from Fadda Dickson. According to her, Fadda Dickson should have ensured that such unpalatable words against the president were not uttered on national television.
“I’m disappointed in Fadda Dickson because the respect he has in society, within media circles. You are an Executive Producer. They insult the President, Bulldog can say the most useless President. Can you say that to your father, Bulldog?” she quizzed.
Madam Frances Asiam also addressed some comments made by musician A-Plus following the invasion of UTV by some members of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) who demanded the removal of Kwame A-Plus from the United Showbiz programme for tearing up a letter said to be from the communication wing of the NPP.
Kwame A-Plus revealed that he had received word that Ernest Owusu-Bempah led the group to the media house and announced his preparedness to retaliate should matters escalate.
According to him, he had brought along three pickups that were filled with boys.
“I’ve heard that Ernest Owusu-Bempah was the one who sent the boys here. That is what I’ve heard. I’m just hoping that it is not true. But if it is true, it took him two weeks to organize those people. I came here with three pick-ups of boys. It took me less than 30 minutes to call boys to UTV.
“Owusu Bempah, of you do that thing again I’ll organize boys and I’ll bring them to Ghana Gas. I’m telling you this,” he said.
This comment by A-Plus, according to Madam Frances Asiam indicates that the musician is well equipped to face terrorist groups and engage in fierce combat; hence, they must be stationed at Ghana’s borders to help fight terrorist attacks.
“Someone who says he is reading law, you brought 3 pick-ups with boys. Do you come from Gaza or southern Israel? Have you seen Niger and the rest? A-Plus and Bulldog must be given work, we must get them an office at the Takoradi border so when the Wagner group is approaching, they can show their power,” she said.
Former Chief Executive Officer of the Ghana Cylinder Manufacturing Company Limited (GCMCL), Madam Frances Asiam, has called on God’s wrath on United Television.
She descended on the Accra-based private television station over the consistent presence of musician A-Plus, who chastised the Head of Corporate Communications, Ghana National Gas Company, Mr Ernest Owusu-Bempah Bonsu, for allegedly orchestrating the unauthorized intrusion of UTV.
A group affiliated with the New Patriotic Party (NPP) stormed the UTV studios last Saturday, October 7, 2023, during the live broadcast of its entertainment program, United Showbiz shortly after it commenced.
The group trooped in to demand the removal of Kwame A-Plus from the programme for tearing up a letter said to be from the communication wing of the NPP.
Reacting to the incident, Kwame A-Plus revealed that he had received word that Ernest Owusu-Bempah led the group to the media house.
Peeved by this news, A-Plus used slanderous words against the Ghana Gas worker and threatened to deal with him should such a thing recur.
“I’ve heard that Ernest Owusu-Bempah was the one who sent the boys here. That is what I’ve heard. I’m just hoping that it is not true. But if it is true, it took him two weeks to organize those people. I came here with three pick-ups of boys. It took me less than 30 minutes to call boys to UTV.
“Owusu Bempah, of you do that thing again I’ll organize boys and I’ll bring them to Ghana Gas. I’m telling you this. When we were campaigning for Akufo-Addo you were an NDC member. You were following Nana Konadu. He is a very stupid boy. When we campaigned for Akufo-Addo you were not part of it.
“And he has been making calls and threats everyday. I’m not afraid of him. I’m warning Owusu Bempah, in this country called Ghana, the very person who attacks NPP is Honourable Kennedy Agyapong. He can call the Vice President and the President tell them that he will give them a show down. And you stupid boy, none of you have been able to attack him and you can come here and think that we are scared of you, he said.
Reacting to his comments, Madam Frances Asiam blamed the organisers of UTV’s United Showbiz for A-Plus controversial comments. She noted that the media house is acting as a regime changer, hence has given A-Plus the platform to make some debatable statements.
An angry Frances Asiam said: “You are regime changers, you will be disgraced in the mighty name of Jesus. UTV, the blood of Jesus deal with you and your United Showbiz.
This is not a curse. If your intention is not pure. Look at A Plus, you invite him and he sits comfortably, and he insults everyone.”
She also shot down claims that Mr Ernest Owusu-Bempah Bonsu is responsible for the invasion.
“The person is not even here. He is in Kumasi. Owusu-Bempah is not your colleague. Owusu has lived a good life,” she added.
Meanwhile, the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP) has distanced itself from the invasion of UTV studios by some of its members last Saturday, October 7, 2023.
In response to the brouhaha, the leadership of the New Patriotic Party has rendered an apology to UTV, noting that it would cooperate with the police to investigate the matter.
Director of Communications for the NPP, Richard Ahiagbah, who engaged the press noted that the party did not sanction anyone to go and disrupt the United Showbiz programme.
He is quoted as saying, “We think that the attack is unacceptable, and it’s condemnable.”
Former Sanitation Minister, Cecilia Dapaah, engaged in a confrontation with private legal practitioner, Martin Kpebu, concerning his public commentary on the ongoing investigations conducted by the Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) against her.
The outspoken lawyer has consistently supported the OSP’s decision to investigate Dapaah, seize money found in her residence, and freeze her bank accounts based on suspicions of their being connected to illicit activities.
In response to these comments, Dapaah, who appears to be affected by the remarks, accused Martin Kpebu of making unfair and biased statements.
This incident occurred on Wednesday, October 11, 2023, following the High Court’s consideration of arguments for expediting the confirmation of the freezing and seizure orders.
Martin Kpebu was present in court to represent his client in a separate case in Financial Court 2, where the proceedings for the Cecilia Dapaah case were being conducted.
The lawyer, however, clarified that his commentary was grounded in the publicly available facts of the case.
This action, as announced in a release on Wednesday, was primarily due to safety concerns arising from the flooding of the Sogakope Bulk Supply Point, which was caused by the spillage from the Akosombo Dam.
🇬🇭🚨The Akosombo Dam spillage by VRA is wreaking havoc downstream, 🌊submerging homes and farms in Sogakpoe and nearby communities. Reports paint a dire picture of disaster as it surges relentlessly from Battor, Mepe Adidome, Tefle, and Sogakope, down to Anlo.
The affected areas encompass Sogakope, Akatsi, Adidome, Anloga, Abor, Keta, and the surrounding regions.
The statement further indicated that a team of engineers from both the Ghana Grid Company Limited (GRIDCo) and ECG is on standby, ready to restore power supply to the affected areas as soon as the floodwaters recede.
The inconvenience caused by this shutdown is deeply regretted,” it added.
Residents downstream of the Akosombo Dam and those living near the riverbanks, are advised to evacuate the area as the spillage flow rate has reportedly increased to 5,700 cubic meters per second, nearly three times the amount that caused significant damage downstream. Fish farms… pic.twitter.com/EbvQdpSSo3
The High Court has granted former Sanitation Minister Cecilia Dapaah’s request for an expedited hearing of the case concerning the seizure of her money and the freezing of her bank accounts.
As a result, the court has rescheduled the hearing from its initially slated date of October 18 to tomorrow, October 12.
The Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) had previously submitted an application seeking the court’s permission to maintain the seizure of a sum of money discovered at Cecilia Dapaah and her husband’s residence, as well as to continue freezing her bank accounts.
In response, Ms. Dapaah filed an application requesting the court to expedite the case’s hearing.
The legal representatives of Cecilia Dapaah and her husband argued that the application for an expedited hearing was based on the grounds that the delay in the case was causing undue hardships to the respondents.
They also stated that the application for confirmation was a repeated request, and granting their request for an expedited hearing would not prejudice the Office of the Special Prosecutor.
Lawyers from the OSP however opposed the application claiming that Cecilia Dapaah and her husband are seeking to prevent them from “responding to their affidavit in opposition to the substantive application for confirmation of freezing and seizure orders.”
Cecilia Dapaah’s legal team, led by Victoria Barth, emphasized that the request for an expedited hearing is additionally based on the Office of the Special Prosecutor’s (OSP) failure to provide them with the confirmation application in a timely manner.
The lawyers pointed out that despite their client’s notification of her willingness to forgo personal service of the application, which was submitted on September 5, it was not served to them until September 20.
But lawyers from the Special Prosecutor’s office argued that the said request was irregular as their process is “an originating notice on motion which is a process that requires personal service.”
But Cecilia Dapaah’s lawyers opposed this view saying “It cannot be correct that a party is not entitled to waive personal service of a process and to say I have instructed a lawyer to receive on my behalf.”
Cecilia Dapaah also grounds this application on an assertion that the confirmation application filed on September 5 is a repeat of an application that was dismissed on August 31.
According to her lawyers, “On August 8, 2023, the respondent filed an application for the same reliefs as those in their application with the return date of October 18. That earlier application was premised on the same events and information which they seek to rely upon in the second application and that is why I call it a repeat application.”
However, the anti-graft body said this view is based on a misconception.
Lawyers for the OSP indicated that “The substantive application is a fresh process unfettered by any prior considerations. This application is originating from events of September 5 and not on July 24.”
The court, after careful consideration of these arguments, approved the application with a minor adjustment. The confirmation application is now scheduled to be heard on Thursday, October 12, as opposed to the originally proposed date of October 18.
Justice Eric Twum found the previously established timelines for the re-seizure, re-freezing, and the return date to be inequitable. The Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) re-seized the money on September 5, 2023, and filed the application six days later on September 11. However, the process was not served on Cecilia Dapaah and her husband until September 20. Surprisingly, the OSP’s team had chosen a return date of October 18, which was more than a month after the initial processes were filed.
In light of these circumstances, the judge determined that any further delay in hearing the case would be detrimental to the well-being of the applicants (Cecilia Dapaah and her husband). Therefore, he granted the application to move the confirmation application to October 12 to ensure fairness and expedite the trial.
Twenty individuals have sustained injuries owing to a road accident between a Sprinter bus and a Toyota Hilux.
The incident happened at the La Trade Fair Cross-over junction in Accra on Wednesday morning, October 11.
In a Facebook post, the Ghana National Fire Service (GNFS) noted that rescue crews from Trade Fair and Headquarters responded to the incident.
The cause of the incident is yet to be confirmed and made known to the public.
But currently, one of the injured individuals is receiving treatment at the Family Health Hospital, while the other 19 are being treated at the Police Hospital.
20 injured in road accident at La Trade Fair Cross-over junction#INDNews Will Smith | Black Stars | T or D | Serwaa | Atta Akyea pic.twitter.com/EHMkJTnkHS
Former Northern Regional Chairman of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Chief Daniel Bugri Naabu, has stated that the private hearing conducted by the committee investigating the leaked tape concerning the plot to remove the Inspector General of Police (IGP) has affirmed his stance that the audio recording was not manipulated.
He asserts that both Superintendent Eric Gyebi and Superintendent George Asare have acknowledged the authenticity of their voices and the content of the conversation during the presentation of a new tape at the private hearing.
Speaking to the media after Tuesday’s hearing, Bugri Naabu said “You were all there when they told the committee in public that I’m a liar but now before the committee they have all, including Gyebi, admitted their voices on the tape.
“I want to tell you all that as a chief I don’t tell lies I was in my office and then these people came to say the things they said. I felt it was important for the state security and for the NPP government to know what they were doing in there so I taped them and went to give the tape to the president,” he said.
He stressed “Now they have all admitted that it is their voice so I want to clear my name that I am not a liar. And if they come out to challenge anything now, we will play what happened in there for all Ghanaians to hear.”
The ad hoc Committee responsible for investigating the leaked tape revealing a plot to oust Inspector General of Police (IGP) Dr. George Akuffo Dampare from his position has suspended its sittings indefinitely.
Chairman of the Committee, Samuel Atta Akyea, confirmed the information during an interview on JoyNews on Wednesday.
The in-camera hearing was slated to end on October 14, but the sitting has been suspended indefinitely.
On whether the in-camera hearing will be protracted again, Mr Atta Akyea said, “It is not going to be protracted because right now we need to look at the evidence and most probably, start writing our report.”
“Unless there are residual matters, if there are residual matters that we later discover after reading the evidence in cold print,” he added.
According to Mr Atta Akyea, the members of the committee will listen to the audio in the committee’s possession on Thursday.
“We are going to listen to audio tomorrow. All the members of the Committee have been summoned here to listen to the audio attentively. Now we will begin to internalize all that was said ,” he added.
Meanwhile, Chief Daniel Bugri Naabu, the former Northern Regional Chairman of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), has stated that the private hearing conducted by the committee investigating the leaked tape concerning the plot to remove the Inspector General of Police (IGP) has affirmed his stance that the audio recording was not manipulated.
He asserts that both Superintendent Eric Gyebi and Superintendent George Asare have acknowledged the authenticity of their voices and the content of the conversation during the presentation of a new tape at the private hearing.
Both Police officers, contrary to their earlier position during the public hearing, according to Bugri Naabu, conceded to the full details of their engagement with the politician as captured on the tape.
Speaking to the media after Tuesday’s hearing, Bugri Naabu said “You were all there when they told the committee in public that I’m a liar but now before the committee they have all, including Gyebi, admitted their voices on the tape.
“I want to tell you all that as a chief I don’t tell lies I was in my office and then these people came to say the things they said. I felt it was important for the state security and for the NPP government to know what they were doing in there so I taped them and went to give the tape to the president,” he said.
He stressed “Now they have all admitted that it is their voice so I want to clear my name that I am not a liar. And if they come out to challenge anything now, we will play what happened in there for all Ghanaians to hear.”
The New Patriotic Party (NPP) communication team member, Kingsley Amoakwa-Boadu, has noted that the government is keen on improving the lives of Ghanaians.
In an interview on TV3, he noted that ensuring citizens’ wellbeing is paramount, as it is the key determinant of the NPP retaining power come the 2024 general elections.
In the absence of a better life for Ghanaians ahead of the next polls, the ruling party, he says, would be kicked out of government.
To prevent this, he noted that government has already taken steps to ensure it rectifies the economic challenges Ghanaians are facing.
He is optimistic that before the next polls, the ruling party will have addressed the many challenges in the country.
“Between now and next year by now, some of the things we have to do, we have done a lot of things, but the economic situation is such that people are not even listening to that. Because when it comes to economic issues, it is no more a party-color issue.
“The economic conditions which is a global issue, but people feel it as individuals. That is what we are working against. We need to ensure that the economic situation has improved. We have a year, we have a year to do that.
“We will. I’m saying we need to becuase I am respecting the people of Ghana. We are trying very hard, we are doing that. As for demonstrations they will come, it is their right to do so. We are attempting to break the 8. To do that we need to focus on making life better for Ghanaians,” he said.
We are focusing on making lives better for Ghanaians because we are attempting to break the 8 – Kingsley Amoakwa Boadu#TV3NewDaypic.twitter.com/70L3vFRjTQ
The Ghana National Fire Service (GNFS) has called on members of the general public to desist from purchasing remodeled Liquified Petroleum Gas (LPG) cylinders.
In a Facebook post, the Service noted that “they are the source of the many gas leakage fires in the country.”
The public has been encouraged to check for the ISO, pressure test, serial numbers, and expiration date on the cylinder body or head before purchasing it.
This is to help authenticate that it meets the required safety standards.
“Ensure to discard your LPG cylinders for new ones after 15 years of usage,” the Fire Service added.
Meanwhile, members of the public are encouraged to report individuals involved in the sale of refurbished cylinders by calling 0299341436 or 0299341383.
The Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) has officially charged Cecilia Dapaah, the former Minister of Sanitation and Water Resources, for her failure to adhere to a directive from the office to declare her “property and income.”
As part of their ongoing investigations, the Office of the Special Prosecutor had requested that Cecilia Dapaah disclose information regarding her income and property.
Cecilia Dapaah is currently under investigation for alleged corruption and corruption-related offenses, including the suspected “tainted large cash sums reportedly stolen from her residential premises.”
The Office of the Special Prosecutor has recovered this large cash from her residence.
According to the Office of the Special Prosecutor, as outlined in a charge sheet signed by Kissi Agyebeng and filed on October 6, 2023, Cecilia Dapaah, without a lawful excuse, failed to comply within thirty (30) days with a notice to declare her property and income.
This notice was served on her by the Special Prosecutor on July 24, 2023, as stipulated in regulation 20(1) per Forms 1A and 1B of the First Schedule of the Office of the Special Prosecutor (Operations) Regulations, 2018 (L.I. 2374), as specified in regulation 20(2) and Form 21 of the First Schedule of the Office of the Special Prosecutor (Operations) Regulations, 2018 (L.I. 2374).
Consequently, the Office of the Special Prosecutor has formally charged the former minister with one count of failing to comply with a lawful demand of an authorised officer of the Office of the Special Prosecutor in the performance of his functions,” which contravenes “section 69(1)(a) of the Office of the Special Prosecutor Act, 2017 (Act 959).
The one-week observance of the passing of former First Lady Theresa Kufuor is currently taking place in Peduase, Eastern Region.
Mrs. Theresa Kufuor, the wife of former President J.A. Kufuor, passed away at the age of 87 on Sunday, October 1, 2023.
The solemn ceremony is attended by a host of distinguished guests, including President Akufo-Addo, Vice President Dr Mahamudu Bawumia, government ministers, family members, and friends.
President Akufo-Addo has announced that a state burial will be held for the late former First Lady Theresa Kufuor on Thursday, November 16, 2023.
The president made this known during a meeting with the bereaved family.
According to President Akufo-Addo, the decision to hold a state burial stems from the former first lady’s contribution to the country.
Mrs. Kufuor held the esteemed position of Ghana’s First Lady from January 7, 2001, to January 6, 2009.
During her time as First Lady, Mrs Kufuor established the Mother to Child Community Development Foundation to promote the healthy development of children and preventing the transmission of diseases from mothers to their offspring.
This resulted in notable advancements in healthcare access and a reduction in maternal and child mortality rates within the nation.
Also, Mrs. Kufuor was a passionate advocate for women’s rights and empowerment.
She tirelessly championed various programs and policies aimed at elevating the status of women in Ghanaian society.
The Office of the Special Prosecutor has officially charged Cecilia Dapaah, the former Minister of Sanitation and Water Resources, for her failure to adhere to a directive from the office to declare her “property and income.”
Read the full Charge Sheet filed on October 6, 2023 below
COUNT ONE
STATEMENT OF OFFENCE
FAILING TO COMPLY WITH A LAWFUL DEMAND OF AN AUTHORISED OFFICER OF THE OFFICE OF THE SPECIAL PROSECUTOR NI THE PERFORMANCE OF HIS FUNCTIONS, contrary to section 69(1) (a) of the Office of the Special Prosecutor Act, 2017 (Act 959).
PARTICULARS OF OFFENCE
CECILIA ABENA DAPAAH, 68 years, circa 25 August 2023 in Accra in the Greater Accra Region of the Republic of Ghana and within the jurisdiction of this Court, being a suspect under investigation for corruption and corruption related offences including using public office for profit in respect of suspected tainted large cash sums reportedly stolen from your residential premises and also retrieved from same by the Office of the Special Prosecutor, without lawful excuse, failed, within thirty (30) days, to comply with a notice to declare your property and income served on you by the Special Prosecutor on 24 July 2023 under regulation 20(1) per Forms 1A and 1B of the First Schedule of the Office of the Special Prosecutor (Operations) Regulations, 2018 (L.I. 2374) as specified in regulation 20(2) and Form 21 of the First Schedule of the Office of the Special Prosecutor (Operations) Regulations, 2018 (L.I. 2374).
Dated at the Office of the Special Prosecutor, 6 Haile Selassie Avenue, South Ridge Accra this Sixth day of October 2023.
FACTS TO BE ADDUCED
The Accused was, until 22 July 2023, the Minister for Sanitation and Water Resources.
She is a suspect under investigation by the Office of the Special Prosecutor for corruption and corruption-related offences including using public office for profit in respect of suspected tainted large cash sums reportedly stolen from her residential premises and also retrieved from same by the Office of the Special Prosecutor.
The evidence will establish that on 24 July 2023, the Special Prosecutor, in the performance of his functions, served on the Accused a notice to declare her property and income under regulation 20(1) per Forms 11A and 11B of the First Schedule of the Office of the Special Prosecutor (Operations) Regulations, 2018 (L.I. 2374).
The Accused was duly notified as per the statutory forms and by a cover letter under the seal of the Office of the Special Prosecutor and the seal and mark of the Special Prosecutor, that she was required by law to make the specified declarations and return same to the Office of the Special Prosecutor as per Form 12 of the First Schedule of L.I. 2374, within thirty (30) days of service on her of the notice.
As at the close of business on 5 October 2023, the Accused had willfully failed, without lawful excuse, to return the duly completed statutory forms to the Office of the Special Prosecutor, more than thirty (30) days after the service of the notice and forms on her.
The Accused has been duly charged with the offence on the Charge Sheet.
Retired Security Analyst Col. Festus Aboagye is of the assertion that the parliamentary committee appointed by the Speaker of Parliament to probe the leaked tape concerning a supposed plan to oust Inspector General of Police (IGP) Dr. George Akuffo Dampare appears to have expanded its focus beyond the initial terms of reference.
He highlighted this observation to while arguing that there may be a significant political agenda to remove the IGP from his position involving certain members of the Police service and civilians.
Speaking on the Ghana Tonight show on TV3 Tuesday October 10, Col Aboagye said “I have been of the view that there is some empirical evidence that there is a bigger political agenda to remove the IGP from office.
“That is, more or less, evidenced in the approach that the committee has adopted which appears to widen the scope beyond its original terms of reference of first of all, authenticating the leaked audio/video material and investigating the circumstances surrounding the plot to remove the IGP from office by some persons still in uniform of the police service and one or two others who are civilians.”
He added, “I don’t hold the view that the committee has the mandate to investigate matters surrounding how the IGP is appointed, that must belong to another body or another mechanism including, for instance, the constitutional review commission which I believe was conducted in about 2011.”
“This committee I think should not have the remit of investigating any aspect of the IGP’s appointment relating to the powers of the authority that appointed him.”
On Tuesday, October 10, Mr. Kwame Gyan, the lawyer representing the Inspector General of Police (IGP), raised allegations of bias against the committee chair, Samuel Atta Akyea.
Mr. Gyan’s concerns regarding Mr. Atta Akyea’s handling of committee affairs have been evident since the commencement of the proceedings.
During his client’s appearance before the committee, Mr. Gyan voiced objections to the presence of COP Alex Mensah and Superintendent Asare, and he requested their removal. However, Mr. Atta Akyea contested the protest, despite a suggestion by the committee’s Ranking Member, Mr. James Agalga.
In response, Mr. Atta Akyea refuted the bias allegations.
Speaking to the media on October 10, at the end of an in-camera hearing by the committee, the Akim Abuakwa South Member of Parliament said “It is very disappointing for anybody to say I am biased. On the contrary, the generality of Ghanaians believe that I have steered the affairs of the committee well.
“If anybody is having jitters, that I am going to manufacture evidence against the IGP, it does not accord with common sense.
“Because what we are doing here is being recorded, so, Atta Akyea with whatever dexterity will not be able to improve upon the evidence,” he stressed adding that he was leading a fact-finding committee, whose proceedings were being recorded and transcribed.”
The leaked recording featured a conversation involving COP Alex Mensah (retired), along with several senior police officers and the former Northern Region Chairman of the New Patriotic Party, Daniel Bugri Naabu. In the discussion, there appeared to be a plot to potentially remove the Inspector General of Police (IGP) before the 2024 elections.
The content of the tape suggested that the IGP might be acting in line with the wishes of former President John Dramani Mahama, who purportedly offered to retain him in his position.
Chief Bugri Naabu affirmed the tape’s content, while COP Alex Mensah contested it, claiming that certain sections had been altered. Nevertheless, he maintained that he harbored no grievances with the current IGP.
Chairman of the ad hoc Committee responsible for investigating the leaked tape revealing a plot to oust Inspector General of Police (IGP) Dr. George Akuffo Dampare from his position, Samuel Atta Akyea, has refuted claims of bias.
This response comes in the wake of accusations of bias from Mr. Kwame Gyan, the lawyer representing the IGP.
Mr. Gyan has expressed concerns about how Mr. Atta Akyea has been managing the committee’s proceedings, a sentiment he has held since the start of the investigation.
During his client’s appearance before the committee, Mr. Gyan raised objections regarding the presence of COP Alex Mensah and Superintendent Asare, who had previously testified against the IGP.
He requested that they be excused from the proceedings. However, Mr. Atta Akyea disagreed with the objection, despite a suggestion from Mr. James Agalga, the Ranking Member on the committee.
Nevertheless, Atta Akyea dismissed the allegations of bias.
Speaking to the media on October 10, at the end of an in-camera hearing by the committee, the Akim Abuakwa South Member of Parliament said “It is very disappointing for anybody to say I am biased. On the contrary, the generality of Ghanaians believe that I have steered the affairs of the committee well.
“If anybody is having jitters, that I am going to manufacture evidence against the IGP, it does not accord with common sense.
“Because what we are doing here is being recorded, so, Atta Akyea with whatever dexterity will not be able to improve upon the evidence,” he stressed adding that he was leading a fact-finding committee, whose proceedings were being recorded and transcribed.”
The leaked tape captured a conversation involving COP Alex Mensah (rtd), some senior police officers and the former Northern Region Chairman of the New Patriotic Party, Daniel Bugri Naabu. In the conversation, there were apparent discussions about a plan to remove the Inspector General of Police (IGP) prior to the 2024 elections.
The contents of the tape implied that the NPP could not win the 2024 elections should the IGP remain in his current position. The voice accused the IGP of acting in alignment with former President John Dramani Mahama, who had purportedly assured him of his continued position.
While Chief Bugri Naabu acknowledged the tape’s content, COP Alex Mensah denied its accuracy, stating that certain portions had been “edited.” Nevertheless, he affirmed that he harbored no issues with the current IGP.
Private legal practitioner, Martin Kpebu, has asserted that the Attorney-General’s stance on the report concerning illegal small-scale mining (Galamsey) by former Minister for Environment, Science, Technology, and Innovation, Professor Kwabena Frimpong-Boateng, who also chaired the Inter-Ministerial Committee on Illegal Mining (IMCIM), should not go unchallenged.
The Office of the Attorney-General and Ministry of Justice has declared that the allegations made by former Chairman of the Inter-Ministerial Committee on Illegal Mining (IMCIM), Prof. Frimpong-Boateng, in his report on illegal mining activities in the country lack substantial evidence to warrant the prosecution of the individuals mentioned.
This comes after a comprehensive review of a docket submitted by the police regarding the accusations outlined in Prof. Frimpong Boateng’s 36-page document titled “Report on the work of IMCIM so far and the way forward.”
Prof. Frimpong-Boateng provided a list of government officials who, according to him, obstructed his anti-illegal mining efforts during his tenure as the Environment Minister.
In the document he submitted, the distinguished surgeon named specific individuals whom he alleges hindered both his personal efforts and the progress of the committee he led in combatting the issue commonly referred to as ‘galamsey.’
But the Attorney-General’s advice, dated Tuesday, September 12, and conveyed to the Criminal Investigations Department of the Ghana Police Service on Thursday, September 14, and signed by Chief State Attorney Evelyn Keelson, states that it cannot recommend the prosecution of any of the individuals cited in the report.
Consequently, the Attorney-General instructed the police to release the individuals mentioned from any legal action, with the exception of those who are still under ongoing investigation.
“The Attorney-General indicates that a careful study of the Report, the various documents and pen drives submitted to the Police did not disclose any evidence in support of the allegations made against the persons cited in the Report, with the exception of Seth Mantey, John Ofori Atta and Ekow Ewusi, in respect of whom the A-G instructs the Police to conclude their investigations and present a report to him.”
“The A-G’s advice, however, notes that even though the Police diary of action shows that John Ofori Atta was invited by the police, there is no indication that he was interviewed or that a statement was taken from him. There is also no statement from Mr Ekow Ewusi on the docket. The A-G instructed the Police to wind up investigations on that issue and furnish him with a report on same.”
Hence claims against the Information Minister, Kojo Oppong-Nkrumah, Charles Owusu, Charles Nii Teiko Tagoe, Reynolds Kwabi, a Director of Heritage Imperial Company Limited, Joseph Albert Quarm, Captain (rtd) Edmund Kojo Koda have not been proven.
In response, Mr Kpebu stated that apart from the matter of Seth Mantey, John Ofori-Atta and Ekow Ewusi, “the rest of the report present a white-washing of such blatant and flagrant destruction of our forest.”
According to Mr Kpebu, he finds it difficult to accept that is the opinion of the Attorney-General as “it is not good.”
“We have to wake up and make all the noise we can to indicate to the Attorney-General that this kind of legal opinion is not on in Ghana, we can’t allow that to stand,” he said.
He further questioned the absence of the Minerals Commission in the A-G’s investigations.
“I didn’t see any part of the report showing that proper investigations were conducted. What do I mean by that? Who went to the first to ascertain the destruction that Prof Frimpong-Boateng was talking about? None is shown in the opinion of the A-G. What inquiries were made from the Minerals Commission based on the pictures of the destruction that the Frimpong-Boateng showed? Was there any basis for the destruction, was C&J Aleska authorized to mine? As far as we are aware, I am going with Prof Frimpong-Boateng, they were not authorized to mine, yet the A-G’s opinion doesn’t talk about investigations from the Minerals Commission. That is key because in Ghanaian law you cannot mine without a mining lease.”
A recent discussion on JoyFM has highlighted the importance of employers establishing and nurturing supportive work environments to protect the mental well-being of their employees.
According to a Senior Clinical Psychologist at Trust Hospital, Eric Owusu Kumi, various factors within the workplace can significantly impact an individual’s mental health.
He specifically highlighted issues such as challenging supervisors, abusive language, instances of sexism, and the use of derogatory comments as contributors to the decline in employees’ mental well-being.
“For instance you have a difficult boss, very difficult, and he wants only his ideas to happen, but like he said we’re human beings, every human being is independent, we have capacity to generate thoughts, ideas and then pursue them.
“And so if anytime I generate an idea and then my boss throws it away into the trash and to the extent that some bosses can insult you, use abusive words and then sometimes when you’re a female the chance that you’ll not be regarded when even you want to contribute at work.
“There are instances where somebody can tell a female subordinate that ‘but you you belong to the kitchen’ they can even ask ‘have you finished giving birth before you want to contribute these ideas?’ this can also affect the mental health quality of people at the workplace,” he said.
Furthermore, Mr Kumi emphasized that the discrimination and stigmatization of employees who are known to have mental health issues can exacerbate their conditions, potentially leading to a severe deterioration in their mental well-being.
“So for instance somebody displays some psychotic behaviour, he behaves ‘funny’ or ‘abnormally’. Everybody at the workplace sees the person, so the person is taken for treatment, he comes back and everybody begins to react, respond and do things differently with that person. That will affect that person’s mental health. So even though the person is on very good medication to make him active and purposeful…[it still affects him],” he said.
Mr Kumi stressed the importance of a supportive approach in such situations, encouraging employers and colleagues to provide assistance and understanding to individuals dealing with mental health challenges. He emphasized that further discrimination could have detrimental effects on the individual’s mental well-being, potentially leading to a breakdown.
Adding to the discussion was Dr. Isaac Newman Arthur, a Senior Medical Officer and Clinical Psychologist. Dr. Arthur advised that employers should adopt a personalized approach when dealing with their employees to avoid placing undue pressure on them.
He explained that every individual possesses unique capabilities and limitations, and it is essential for employers to recognize and understand these aspects for each staff member. By doing so, employers can set tailored objectives that align with the capabilities and limitations of each team member.
“We have some people based on their own childhood growth and experiences, they can actually withstand a lot of stress and pressure, others can’t. So some responsibilities may be a headache for one staff and not necessarily be a headache for another staff. And that is why in dealing with staff you need to be individualised in your approach. You can’t say that ‘oh, we’re all doing the same thing so why are you complaining?’ we’re all different,” he explained.
Dr. Arthur also promoted the cultivation of positive workplace relationships as a means of enhancing the mental well-being of employees. He highlighted that healthy workplace relationships can serve as effective stress relievers.
“You know, you’re excited coming to work because you’re going to have people you care about, who you have a very good relationship with at work. So in your office if everybody around, the relationship is not too good, it affects everything else. That in itself becomes stressful,” he said.
He further stressed on the need for a good workplace setting.
In his perspective, Dr. Arthur underscored that the aesthetic appeal, ambiance, and overall visual aspects of a workplace can exert a significant influence on the mental well-being of employees and their overall productivity.
“Imagine going to a certain work environment where the door flips open before you step in, you go there are nice paintings and colours, there’s everything, the offices are very, very nice they even have a small lounge where you can go sit when you’re tired, they have a small kitchenette, you know all those things even the painting and arrangement in the office and how things are done – so the aesthetics the arrangements and everything that is at the workplace significantly affects a person’s mental wellbeing. And usually we don’t look at that, even the flowers and all the paintings have a way of helping,” he said.
In September 2023, the inflation rate declined, decreasing to 38.1% from the August 2023 figure of 40.1%, according to statistics provided by the Ghana Statistical Service (GSS).
The data revealed that both food and non-food categories experienced decreases in inflation. Food inflation retreated from 51.9% in August 2023 to 49.4%, while non-food inflation also saw a decline from 30.9% to 29.3% during the same period.
Furthermore, the inflation rate for domestically produced items stood at 37.3%, while imported products carried a slightly higher inflation rate of 39.9%.
For a more short-term perspective, the month-on-month inflation between August 2023 and September 2023 was recorded at 1.9%, indicating a relatively stable inflation trend in the near future.
Professor Samuel Kobina Annim, the Government Statistician, attributed the decline in inflation to the stringent monetary policy measures implemented by the Bank of Ghana.
Four specific divisions recorded inflation rates higher than the national average, which included:
Alcoholic Beverages, Tobacco, and Narcotics at 49.4%.
Food and Non-Alcoholic Beverages at 49.4%.
Personal Care, Social Protection, and Miscellaneous Goods and Services at 49.2%.
Furnishings, Household Equipment, and Routine Household Maintenance at an unusually high 544.9%.
Within the realm of food inflation, nine out of 15 sub-classes registered inflation rates exceeding the overall food inflation rate of 49.4%. Notable categories include Tea and related products at 117.1%, Cocoa at 80.0%, Fish and other seafood at 56.9%, and Milk, other dairy products, and eggs at 54.0%.
At the regional level, the North East region recorded the highest inflation rate at 54.4%, while the Ashanti region reported the lowest at 31.2%. The Greater Accra region fell in between with an inflation rate of 33.9%.
Wesley Girls’ High School, Archbishop Porter Girls’ SHS and Ghanata SHS faced one another at the one-eighth stage of the 2023 National Science and Maths Quiz (NSMQ).
One school managed to progress to the next stage of the competition.
Wesley Girls’ High School shone so brightly that its contenders could not locate it.
Watch how Wesley Girls’ High School won today’s contest with ease.
The Academic Affairs Directorate of the University of Ghana, Legon has sent notice to several colleges, directing them to withdraw undergraduate students who do not achieve the stipulated minimum Cumulative Grade Point Average (CGPA) for progression to the next level of study from the university.
In a letter dated October 6, the College of Basic and Applied Sciences, College of Education, and College of Humanities are to note that presently, the minimum CGPA prescribed is 1.00.
In this respect, current level 200 and level 300 students are hereby directed to review their academic performance from their online provisional transcript in their MISWeb, the Directorate noted.
Following this, students who have received examination results for all 2022–2023 registered courses and obtained a CGPA below the approved minimum for their college should expect official withdrawal letters from the university via their official UG email addresses soon.
According to the Directorate, those who have already remitted their tuition fees for the 2023/2024 academic year, will be refunded upon request.
“We recognize the significance of this announcement and extend an invitation to any student who has questions or requires support to contact the relevant College Academic Affairs Office. We appreciate your understanding and cooperation in this matter,” the letter added.
Meanwhile, the Academic Affairs Directorate says a specific notice for College of Health Sciences will be issued in due course.
The university’s decision is in reference to Section 9.26 of the University Regulations for Junior Members (2017).
Former Sanitation Minister Cecilia Abena Dapaah, who is facing legal challenges related to the freeze of her accounts and cash seizure, has submitted an injunction application against the Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP).
This application is intended to prevent the OSP from prosecuting her until the case is resolved.
According to the court documents filed on Tuesday, October 10, Dapaah’s legal team argues that allowing the OSP to proceed with the prosecution could cause her irreparable harm.
They are urging the court to carefully consider the balance between her rights and the state’s efforts to combat corruption.
“This Court is enjoined to balance the economic right of the affected persons against the State’s power to fight corruption.”
“It is the Applicants’ considered view that they would suffer irreparable harm if the Respondent is not restrained pending the final determination of the substantive matter.”
Additionally, the former minister has denied allegations made by the Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) that she is involved in an undisclosed real estate business. She asserts that the OSP has not presented any evidence to support this claim.
The court document filed by the Office of the Special Prosecutor said Cecilia Abena Dapaah “was engaged in undisclosed and undeclared real estate business in which she obscured and concealed the transactions by employing the use of aliases to avoid detection of the actual ownership of the business and properties, while cleverly receiving proceeds of the transactions in her bank account and investments.”
The Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) is making efforts to ascertain the seizure of properties suspected to be linked to Madam Dapaah. However, it has alleged that Madam Dapaah did not declare her income and property as required by the OSP Act.
According to the statement of offense filed at the High Court on Friday, October 6, Cecilia Dapaah failed to comply with a notice to declare her property, which was served on Monday, July 24. This failure to declare within the stipulated 30-day period, as outlined in the OSP Act, is considered a contravention of the law, and the OSP is seeking legal action as a result.
“Cecilia Abena Dapaah, 68 years, 25 August 2023, in Accra in the Greater Accra Region of the Republic of Ghana and within the jurisdiction of this Court, being a suspect under investigation for corruption and corruption-related offences including using public office for profit in respect of suspected tainted large cash sums reportedly stolen from your residential premises and also retrieved from same by the Office of the Special Prosecutor, without lawful excuse, failed, within 30 days, to comply with a notice to declare your property and income served on you by the Special Prosecutor on 24 July 2023 under regulation 20(1) per Forms 1A and 1B of the First Schedule of the Office of the Special Prosecutor (Operations) Regulations, 2018 (L.I. 2374) as specified in regulation 20(2) and Form 21 of the First Schedule of the Ofice of the Special Prosecutor (Operations) Regulations, 2018 (L.I. 2374).”
A total of 702 recruits from the Basic Infantry Training Course 1-23 (BITC 1-23) have been inducted by the Army Special Operations Training School (ASOTS).
The induction service was held on Sunday, October 8, 2023, at Daboya.
On behalf of the General Officer Commanding (GOC) Northern Command, Brigadier General (Brig Gen) Matthew Essien, the Command Operations Officer (COO) Northern Command, Colonel (Col) Franklyn Worlanyo Agbebo, extended his congratulatory message to the recruits for opting to heed to the national call.
He entreated them to be unwavering during training and adhere to the rules. According to him, the training is tedious.
Flight Lieutenant (Flt Lt) Gershon Dotse, in preaching on the theme “The Soldier’s Call”, urged the recruits to always be loyal to God and to their Commanding Officer (CO).
He urged the recruits to be selfless during their training and remain steadfast in faith.
An #OccupyJulorBiHouse protester, Nasiba Mbabe Bawa, who went viral for her take on the cost of dialysis treatment in the country has lost her job.
The private nurse is said to have been laid off from her post by her private employers 48 hours after the three-day demonstration from September 21 to September 23, 2023.
She made this development known during an interview on JoyNews. Nasiba could not link her dismissal to the protest, noting that she is not aware if the company is partisan.
“I worked there and I don’t know it to be partisan. That is why I am trying not to. I keep saying that I don’t want that connection because if I knew the company was partisan then maybe I can say because it is partisan, it is fair enough, but I don’t know it to be partisan. I wasn’t told that was the reason.
“Another thing was, no one rebuked me for going to the protest even though my video went viral. I was not rebuked for it.”
Nonetheless, Nasiba believes there is a disconnect as her dismissal has been linked to a sick days leave she requested three weeks to the protest.
In what appears to be a note by Nasiba herself, JoyNews journalist Maxwell Agabgba read out her reaction.
“They said when I was sick and took days off with permission, they hired somebody to replace me. That was three weeks ago, why abrubltly ending it now. The Maths is not mathing,” he quoted her to have penneddown.
Since Nasiba’s outburst on the deplorable state of individuals suffering from kidney diseases, more attention has been given to dialysis treatment.
Korle-Bu is not working to have its cost of dialysis treatment reduced by ensuring the over GHS4 million renal unit debt is cleared.
The hospital’s Chief Executive Officer, Dr. Opoku Ware Ampomah, is optimistic of government intervention. Also, he notes that the facility will need a monthly subsidy of GHS961,000 if it maintains the current charges without an increment.
Nasiba went viral after my interview with her at the #OccupyJulorbiHouse protest. She spoke strongly about Ghana's seemingly ineffective healthcare system. 48 hours after the protest, she was fired by her private employers. Full story via this link https://t.co/F6S3rVK0XApic.twitter.com/9V59uHwZjV
Minister of Education, Dr. Yaw Osei Adutwum, has officially inaugurated the National Educational Leadership Institute (NELI), an institution established to bolster the capacity and skills of education sector leaders.
NELI’s primary mission is to provide specialized professional leadership and management development training to individuals currently in leadership positions or aspiring to hold such roles in educational institutions nationwide.
For the initial phase, a total of 400 leaders from various segments of the education sector have been selected to undergo training over a five-month pilot period, commencing from November and concluding in March 2024.
Upon completion of their studies, participants will receive Continuous Professional Development points and professional certification in Strategic Leadership.
During the launch event, Dr. Adutwum highlighted that NELI’s primary objective is to equip participants with the essential leadership knowledge and skills required to drive transformative changes in both administrative and teaching roles within the education sector.
He emphasized the need for a new generation of leaders who can revolutionize operations and make a significant impact in their work environments and the nation as a whole.
“We are committed to transforming the nation through education and one of the ways to get the requisite results is to get people with good leadership skills to be at the helm of affairs to bring about the change we want,” he added.
Dr. Paul Kwadwo Addo, who serves as the National Coordinator of the Institute, reflected on the numerous preparatory stages and initiatives undertaken in the establishment of the Institute. He expressed a strong commitment to diligently work towards ensuring that all participants, as well as those who enroll in the Institute, acquire the necessary knowledge and skills required to lead in the transformation of the nation through education.
Dr. Charles Yeboah, representing the Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development (ASCD), emphasized that leadership quality was the second most crucial factor contributing to children’s success in school.
“It is, therefore, in order that the day after celebrating teachers across the country we should be here talking about school leadership.”
The UK chapter of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) has officially endorsed Vice-President Mahamudu Bawumia as their choice to lead the party in the upcoming 2024 general elections.
This announcement came following a closed-door meeting held in Accra, Ghana, on August 25, 2023, where the NPP UK branch leadership, led by Chairman Kingsley Adumattah Agyapong, convened for a special electoral college session.
During the meeting, the branch party executives unanimously voiced their support for Bawumia’s candidacy.
“We believe the vice president, amongst all other candidates, is the one who can lead the NPP to retain power and break the eight-year cyclical change of governance,” said Agyapong while stressing the importance of continuity in the party’s developmental initiatives.
“The candidature of Bawumia is strategically important and the right move to break the eight,” he said, highlighting the consensus reached among the majority of members.
The decision to endorse Bawumia followed a comprehensive evaluation of all candidates and extensive discussions with the general membership in the UK.
The branch executives, including the first vice chairman, Alex Appiah Mensah, branch secretary, Otuo Acheampong, and branch women’s organiser, Patricia Achiaa Boakye, reaffirmed their dedication to securing a resounding victory for Bawumia on November 4, 2023.
In response to the endorsement, Dr Mahamudu Bawumia expressed his gratitude to the NPP UK branch for their ongoing support.
“I am deeply appreciative of the confidence and trust the NPP UK branch has placed in me. Together, we will continue the good developmental programmes and initiatives for the betterment of our country,” he said.
The UK branch leadership had previously expressed their appreciation to Bawumia for his active involvement in the NPP International Women’s Conference 2023 held in London. They also reiterated their unwavering commitment to supporting the government and the president.
Ginger farmers in the Kadjebi District of the Oti Region are facing significant losses due to a mysterious disease suspected to be a fungal infection that has affected their crops. This outbreak has left them feeling anxious.
A visit by the Ghana News Agency (GNA) to affected farms in the Poase-Cement, Obuase, and Butabe areas of the district showcased the devastating and heartbreaking consequences of this disease. The disease causes the ginger plants to turn yellow and damages the rhizomes, leading to the rotting of the seeds.
Mr. Aliu Salisu, a 27-year-old farmer with a three-acre ginger farm, expressed his sadness during the GNA’s visit, explaining that he had lost his sense of purpose and didn’t know what to do.
Mr. Salisu, a resident of Poase-Cement, had sold his taxi and invested the proceeds in the farm, hoping for a bountiful harvest that would enable him to purchase a new vehicle. Unfortunately, his plans have been derailed.
He called upon the Ministry of Food and Agriculture to find a long-term solution to this problem, as the youth in the area rely on ginger farming for their livelihoods.
Mr. Yakubu Muniru, a 29-year-old high school graduate who had cultivated a four-acre ginger farm, shared that this was the first time they had encountered such a mysterious disease in the region.
He had invested GHS30,000.00 into the ginger farm, anticipating a good harvest, but all his investments now appear to have been in vain.
“The government through the Department of Food and Agriculture should help us find the resistance to the disease as this area that is the work of the youth,” he said.
Mr. Muniru, who resides in Poase-Cement, emphasized that finding a solution to this disease is crucial to prevent the potential migration of the area’s youth to urban centers in search of scarce employment opportunities for their sustenance.
Mr. Mutakilu Tsadenu, the Assemblyman for the Butabe and Obuase Electoral Area, who accompanied the GNA on the visit to the affected farms, confirmed that the disease had impacted numerous farms, including his own.
He said ginger farming had become the main source of income to the youths in the area and that it was “unfortunate that this year over one hundred acres of farms were destroyed by the strange disease.”
Mr. Tsadenu said, “there are some homes that cannot even feed three times daily due to the situation. I am therefore pleading with the government and other benevolent organisations to please come to our aid,” he said.
“If there is any relief package, be it cash or food item to sustain these affected families, then it should come,” Mr Tsadenu appealed.
The Assemblyman for Butabe and Obusase, who also maintains a five-acre ginger farm in Butabe, earnestly appealed to the Department of Food and Agriculture to step in and seek enduring remedies for this issue, as the catastrophe may potentially trigger rural-to-urban migration.
Mr. Besa Akpalu, the Kadjebi District Director of the Department of Food and Agriculture, confirmed that they were aware of the infection, suspecting it to be a fungal disease. He mentioned that samples of the affected plants and rhizomes had been forwarded to the Pokuase Agricultural Research Centre for thorough examination and confirmation of the exact nature of the disease.
Mr. Akpalu assured the farmers that they were committed to identifying a sustainable solution to this problem.
Ghana’s economy is showing signs of recovery, with Fitch Solutions forecasting an acceleration in economic growth to reach 3.7 percent in 2024.
According to a report by Fitch, this potential increase in the growth rate is expected to alleviate price pressures, thanks to more favorable exchange rate dynamics driven by strengthening consumer activity.
However, Fitch Solutions has maintained its earlier projection that the Ghanaian economy will expand by 3.0 percent in the 2023 fiscal year.
This is primarily due to high inflation and fiscal prudence associated with the country’s International Monetary Fund (IMF) program, which has an impact on domestic demand.
The report suggests that an uptick in the demand for imported goods and services will ultimately lead to stronger economic activity in 2024.
Nevertheless, the report cautions that this increased economic activity may narrow the country’s trade surplus and potentially hinder overall economic growth.
In terms of other economic indicators, Fitch Solutions anticipates a moderate outlook, with inflation expected to drop to 18.9 percent in 2024, down from 40.5 percent in 2023.
This moderate outlook is attributed to various factors, including statistical base effects, prior monetary tightening measures, and more favorable exchange rate dynamics. Fitch Solutions also projects a roughly one percent strengthening of the exchange rate in 2024.
On the other hand, the World Bank’s projection suggests a slowdown in economic growth to 2.8 percent in 2024. However, it anticipates a return to potential growth by 2025 as the economy continues to recover.
The government has revealed its commitment to inject a substantial $500 million as initial capital into the Ghana Financial Stability Fund (GFSF), set to commence operations by the conclusion of October 2023.
This announcement is detailed in the Operational Document of the Ghana Financial Stability Fund, which was released by the Finance Ministry on October 9, 2023.
The Finance Ministry further explains that the government will extend financial support to the Fund, aligning with the resources outlined in the Extended Credit Facility (ECF) macro-framework baseline.
These resources will be deployed in a phased approach to address the recapitalization needs of the financial sector.
The initial phase of funding for the Ghana Financial Stability Fund (GFSF) will be sourced as follows: a $250 million concessional loan from the World Bank/IDA and an additional $500 million from the government.
The government’s contribution will be a combination of cash and marketable bonds, aimed at bolstering capital reserves within the financial sector. This initiative is in response to the effects of the government debt operation.
The Government of Ghana Bond will also participate in the issuance of one of the longest-dated new benchmark bond series introduced under the Domestic Debt Exchange Programme (DDEP).
Furthermore, the government is anticipated to offer essential fiscal support to ensure the stability of the financial system. In cases of cash flow shortfalls, the Ministry of Finance will collaborate closely with the IMF to address the issue, particularly given the challenging financing conditions within the domestic market.
To ensure effective governance of the Ghana Financial Stability Fund (GFSF), the following measures will be implemented:
a. The Fund will be overseen by a nine-member Investment Committee (IC), consisting of four independent experts nominated by industry associations and subsequently approved by the Ministry of Finance.
b. Development Partners (DPs) may recommend observers to the committee, subject to the Minister for Finance’s approval. Other DPs may offer support to either Fund A or B under terms agreed upon with the Government of Ghana (GoG).
c. Fund A2 (Equity and Preference Shares) will be initially funded by GoG with funds or bonds up to $500 million, intended for Banks, Specialized Deposit-Taking Institutions (SDIs), Insurance companies, Fund Managers, Broker Dealers, and other relevant entities. Fund A1 (Debt Only) will be seeded by a $250 million World Bank/IDA loan, designated exclusively for Banks and SDIs. Details regarding this loan will be handled confidentially by the Ministry of Finance.
d. Recapitalization plans, instruments, and criteria for financial institutions will be subject to approval by the Bank of Ghana and other relevant regulatory bodies. Based on these approvals, the Investment Committee (IC) will make investment decisions concerning eligible financial institutions.
e. The Ghana Amalgamated Trust Fund (GAT) will function as the Secretariat for Solvency Fund A2, establishing a dedicated operational framework for managing the Fund.
f. Fund A1 will have a project unit operating within the Ministry of Finance, specifically pertaining to World Bank-funded projects.
As stated by the Finance Ministry, the government is fully committed to taking all necessary measures, within the available resource framework, to uphold the stability of the financial system. The Ministry of Finance (MoF) will collaborate closely with the IMF to tackle any potential cash flow deficits, particularly in light of the challenging financing conditions within the domestic market.
The Ghana Stabilization Fund will provide support to the following institutions:
A. Banks
B. Special Deposit-Taking Institutions (SDIs) and Rural and Community Banks (RCBs)
C. Insurance companies, fund managers, collective investment schemes, and broker-dealers
The Ghana Financial Sector Strengthening Strategy serves as the foundational plan for the establishment of the Ghana Financial Stability Fund (GFSF). The primary objective of this fund is to mitigate the potential adverse impact that the Domestic Debt Exchange Programme (DDEP) might have on financial institutions, including banks, special deposit-taking institutions (SDIs), insurance companies, and the capital market. In parallel, the government is also developing the Insurance Sector Strengthening Strategy (ISSS) with the assistance of AfDB, slated for implementation by 2024.
The allocation of budgetary resources for the establishment of the Ghana Financial Stability Fund (GFSF) is aimed at reducing the adjustment burden on the financial sector, particularly banks and insurance companies, over the medium term. The ultimate goal is to prevent any systemic financial crisis that may arise.
The Ghana Financial Stability Fund (GFSF), established by the Government of Ghana (GoG), serves as an additional safety net provider, specifically designed to help mitigate the potential repercussions of GoG debt operations on the financial sector.
The Operational Framework for the Stability Fund outlines key aspects of the GFSF:
Sources of Funding
Eligibility Criteria for Participating Financial Institutions (PFIs)
Terms and Conditions
Governance Arrangements
Regarding conditions for funding banks and other financial institutions:
Solvency support funding will be structured based on commercial terms, resembling what a private investor would receive. This approach is not intended to be a bailout. In certain cases, concessional commercial rates might be considered, contingent upon improved governance structures.
The GFSF will offer solvency support to eligible financial institutions (FIs), designed to avoid moral hazard and encourage orderly unwinding and market-based solutions in the long term.
Funding for solvency support will be structured commercially and not as bailouts. In some instances, concessional commercial rates may be applied, subject to improved governance structures.
Generally, the sources of recapitalization for banks and other FIs over the next three years will follow this prioritized order:
a. Recapitalization by existing shareholders in accordance with the capital regulations established by the respective regulators.
b. Infusion of new equity capital by new investors, accepted by existing shareholders, and certified as fit and proper by the respective regulators.
c. Support from the government for eligible FIs that meet specific criteria defined for accessing solvency support from the GFSF.
Twenty-seven contests will be held at the one-eighth stage of the 2023 National Science and Maths Quiz (NSMQ).
Eighty-one schools are participating at this stage, where seeded schools such as seven-time champions, Presbyterian Boys School (Presec), will begin their quest to secure an eighth trophy.
They will battle it out for a slot at the quarterfinal stage of the competition.
Below are the contests.
Contest 1:
Ghanata SHS vs Wesley Girls’ High School vs Archbishop Porter Girls’ SHS
Contest 2:
Ghana National College Mpraeso SHS Aggrey Memorial Zion SHS
Contest 3:
Bishop Herman College vs Adidome SHS vs Ola SHS, Ho
Contest 4:
Osei Kyeretwie SHS vs St. Joseph Sem. SHS vs Notre Dame Girls’ SHS
Contest 5:
Kumasi High School vs Anlo SHS vs Okuapemman School
Contest 6:
Assin State College vs Achimota School vs Holy Child School
Contest 7:
Swedru Secondary School vs Wesley Grammar School vs Tema Methodist SHS
Contest 8:
Adventist SHS vs Anglican SHS, Kumasi vs St. Charle’s Minor Sem. School
Contest 9:
Adisadel College vs St. Louis SHS vs Abuakwa State College
Contest 10:
Opoku Ware SHS vs Tamale Islamic Science SHS vs Nifa SHS
Contest 11:
Osei Tutu SHS vs University Practice SHS vs Winneba SHS
Contest 12:
Ghana SHS, Koforidua vs St. John’s School vs St. Mary’s Boys’ SHS
Contest 13:
Pope John Sem & SHS vs Simms SHS vs Sunyani SHS
Contest 14:
St. James Seminary SHS vs St. Thomas Aquinas SHS vs Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Girls’ SHS
Contest 15:
Aburi Presby SHTS vs T.I AMASS, Kumasi vs KNUST SHS
Contest 16:
Abetifi Presby SHS vs Labone SHS vs SDA SHS, Agona
Contest 17:
Mawuli School vs St. Catherine SHS vs Amaniampong SHS
Contest 18:
Prempeh College vs T.I Amass, Fomena vs Navrongo SHS
Contest 19:
Tamale SHS vs Ashaiman SHS vs Krobo Girls’ SHS
Contest 20:
St. Augustine’s College vs Aburi Girls’ SHS vs St. Peter’s SHS
Contest 21:
Keta SHTS vs Koforidua Sec. Tech vs St. John’s Grammar
Contest 22:
Kumasi Sec. Tech vs Chemu SHS vs Obiri Yeboah SHS
Contest 23:
St. Hubert Sem. SHS vs Yilo Krobo SHS vs Fijai SHS
Contest 24:
Mfantsipim School vs Kumasi Academy vs Mamfe Methodist Girls’ SHS
Contest 25:
St. Francis Xavier Jnr. Seminary vs GSTS vs Odorgonno SHS
Contest 26:
Accra Academy vs Awudome SHS vs Akumfi Ameyaw SHS
Contest 27:
Presbyterian Boys’ Secondary School vs Konongo Odumasi SHS vs Kumasi Wesley Girls’ SHS
The final funeral rites for the late National Democratic Congress stalwart, Dr. Hanny-Sherry Naa Sackley Ayittey, is scheduled for Friday, November 10, 2023.
This solemn ceremony will be conducted at the State House’s forecourt, followed by a private burial.
Additionally, a thanksgiving service in her memory will be held on Sunday, November 12, at 9 a.m. at the Royal House Chapel in Accra.
Before the Thanksgiving service, a night dedicated to tributes, hymns, and musical performances in her honor will take place on November 3, 2023, at 7 p.m., at the NDC headquarters in Accra.
Dr. Hanny-Sherry Naa Sackley Ayittey, the former Minister of Fisheries and Aquaculture Development, passed away at the age of 75 on Saturday, July 22.
Hanny Sherry Ayittey (February 8, 1948 – July 22, 2023) was a prominent Ghanaian figure known for her roles as a biochemist, politician, and women’s rights advocate.
She served as the Minister for Fisheries and Aquaculture Development and held the position of Minister for Health from February 2013 to June 2014. Prior to that, she served as the Minister for Environment, Science, and Technology from 2009 to 2012.
Ayittey’s educational journey included graduating from Labone Secondary School in Accra as part of the 1965–1967 year group. She then pursued her studies at the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST), Kumasi, and later at the University of Science and Technology (UST), where she earned both a Bachelor of Science in Biochemistry and a Master of Science in industrial microbiology.
Furthermore, she expanded her knowledge by attending leadership programs at American institutions such as Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore and Kellogg Graduate School of Management at Northwestern University. Ayittey actively engaged in various non-governmental organizations in Ghana and participated in a leadership program at Harvard University in February 2013.
Her professional experience encompassed roles such as the managing director of Ghana Industrial Holding Corporation (GIHOC) Distilleries, and she served on the management boards of several Ghanaian organizations, including the Ghana Water and Sewerage Corporation (now Ghana Water Company Limited), Social Security and National Insurance Trust (SSNIT), Ghana Forestry Commission, National Population Council, and Ghana Export Promotion Council.
Ayittey also represented Ghana at international forums, leading the country’s delegation to conferences like the Conference of Parties (COP) of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification, and United Nations Convention on Biodiversity, among others.
She actively participated in global events such as the International Conference for Women in Beijing, China, and the Africa Global Initiative Conference in Tokyo, Japan. Additionally, Ayittey was a fellow of the Institute of Directors in the United Kingdom and a member of the Chartered Institute of Marketing (CIM).
The Office of the Attorney-General and Ministry of Justice has declared that the allegations made by former Chairman of the Inter-Ministerial Committee on Illegal Mining (IMCIM), Prof. Frimpong-Boateng, in his report on illegal mining activities in the country lack substantial evidence to warrant the prosecution of the individuals mentioned.
This comes after a comprehensive review of a docket submitted by the police regarding the accusations outlined in Prof. Frimpong Boateng’s 36-page document titled “Report on the work of IMCIM so far and the way forward.”
Prof. Frimpong-Boateng provided a list of government officials who, according to him, obstructed his anti-illegal mining efforts during his tenure as the Environment Minister.
In the document he submitted, the distinguished surgeon named specific individuals whom he alleges hindered both his personal efforts and the progress of the committee he led in combatting the issue commonly referred to as ‘galamsey.’
“Throughout our struggle with illegalities in the small-scale mining sector, what baffled me was the total disregard of the President’s commitment to protecting the environment.
“I can state without any equivocation that many party officials from the national to the unit committee level had their friends, PAs, agents, relatives, financiers, or relatives engaged in illegal mining. Most of them engaged Chinese working for them.
“I am not referring to party people who had their legitimate concession and were mining sustainably as they were instructed to do.
“There are appointees in the Jubilee House that are doing or supporting illegal mining or interfering with the fight against the menace,” excerpts of the document said.
Professor Frimpong also leveled allegations against a former NPP Member of Parliament from the Ashanti Region, asserting that this individual was involved in selling unlawfully obtained mining concessions for the sum of GH¢200,000 each.
According to him, this “infuriated the party in the constituency so during the 2020 primaries to select a candidate the electorate voted against NPP MP, the then sitting MP, who was more resourced than other candidates.
Nevertheless, some of the individuals named in the report refuted the allegations.
Following these developments, the esteemed heart surgeon and founder of the National Cardiothoracic Center underwent questioning by the police, and a report detailing the findings was subsequently forwarded to the Attorney-General for guidance and recommendations.
Now, the Attorney-General’s advice, dated Tuesday, September 12, and conveyed to the Criminal Investigations Department of the Ghana Police Service on Thursday, September 14, and signed by Chief State Attorney Evelyn Keelson, states that it cannot recommend the prosecution of any of the individuals cited in the report.
Consequently, the Attorney-General has instructed the police to release the individuals mentioned from any legal action, with the exception of those who are still under ongoing investigation.
“The Attorney-General indicates that a careful study of the Report, the various documents and pen drives submitted to the Police did not disclose any evidence in support of the allegations made against the persons cited in the Report, with the exception of Seth Mantey, John Ofori Atta and Ekow Ewusi, in respect of whom the A-G instructs the Police to conclude their investigations and present a report to him.”
“The A-G’s advice, however, notes that even though the Police diary of action shows that John Ofori Atta was invited by the police, there is no indication that he was interviewed or that a statement was taken from him. There is also no statement from Mr Ekow Ewusi on the docket. The A-G instructed the Police to wind up investigations on that issue and furnish him with a report on same.”
Hence claims against the Information Minister, Kojo Oppong-Nkrumah, Charles Owusu, Charles Nii Teiko Tagoe, Reynolds Kwabi, a Director of Heritage Imperial Company Limited, Joseph Albert Quarm, Captain (rtd) Edmund Kojo Koda have not been proven.
Police in Walewale, per reports, has confirmed the arrest of an individual in connection with the homicide of a Walewale Government Hospital staff member in the North East Region.
The deceased, identified as Salifu Abdulai, was attacked by unknown assailants on Sunday night and was abandoned near the Walewale cemetery. Tragically, he was later pronounced dead at the Tamale Teaching Hospital.
Preliminary police examinations suggest that the victim may have suffered a brutal demise, as multiple injuries were observed on his body.
Although the perpetrators initially evaded capture, law enforcement managed to apprehend one of them on Tuesday morning.
The police have confirmed the arrest but have indicated that the motive behind the murder remains unclear and is currently under investigation.
Regrettably, this incident marks the third homicide case in the municipality within the past three weeks.
A one-day meeting on Monday was held under the auspices of the Ministry of Health and the Ministry of Finance with support from Gavi Alliance to discuss the successful transition to a vaccine manufacturer and “self-financing” of vaccines by 2030.
Ghana is due to transition out of GAVI support by 2030 in line with the Vaccine Alliance transition policy that aims to move countries from development assistance to domestic financing of immunization programmes.
As per the model, Ghana entered accelerated transition in January 2022 and was expected to transition out of GAVI’s support in 2027, during this phase, the government is expected to increase its share of vaccine costs to 100% and become fully self-financing.
However, Under the revised policies approved in December 2022, Ghana will now stay in accelerated transition until 2029 and definitely must transition in January, 2030.
The Minister responsible for health, Hon. Kwaku Agyemang Manu in a speech read on his behalf, stated that as Ghana is positioning itself as a future local vaccine manufacturer, having a transition road map is particularly important to ensure the financial sustainability of this strategy that should provide a boost for vaccine equity and access.
“The objective is to start manufacturing vaccines from 2025, and to manufacture 600 million doses of various vaccines a year, including vaccines for malaria, HPV, pneumonia, rotavirus and cholera”, he said.
The Minister appreciated GAVI for supporting approximately 80% of the cost of vaccines and their delivery, including health system strengthening. “With their support, Ghana has been implementing commendable high-quality preventive and reactive vaccination campaigns in response to public health emergencies”, he said.
Dr. Kelechi Ohiri Chief, Strategy Policy and Innovation Officer at GAVI, in his remarks, commended Ghana for achieving a remarkable milestone in maintaining a solid programme for immunization. He underscored the need for Ghana to develop a clear transition plan that will ensure co-financing to avoid a shortage of vaccines.
The Chairman for the meeting, Dr. Anarfi Baah in his remarks also stressed the need for financial mechanisms that are sustainable, reliable and recurrent.
He also called for a transparent procurement system, motivated workforce and strategic communication that will tackle misinformation and disinformation to ensure a smooth transition.
The Majority Leader in Parliament, Osei Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu, has made it clear that the Majority caucus will not support the Minority if they decide to propose a motion to summon the Governor of the Bank of Ghana (BoG), Dr. Ernest Addison, to appear before Parliament.
Mr Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu explained that the Minority has already formed a negative opinion about the Governor as evidenced by their street protest; hence his presence would be unnecessary.
He suggested that instead of resorting to street demonstrations, opposition Members of Parliament could have chosen to invite the Governor for a parliamentary session to address concerns related to the new headquarters building and the reported GHS60.8 billion loss.
In an interview on TV3 on Monday, he said: “We are Members of Parliament, we could have invited the Governor to come and talk about the issues that are not clear to us. You go on a demonstration and organize a press conference against the man then you come back to Parliament to move the motion [to invite him], do you want me to support that?
“Now, you have made up your mind that whatever has been done by [the Governor] is inappropriate, you are not going to countenance it, so if he comes to explain the issues, are you going to take it or jettison it?” the Suame MP communicated.
On October 3, 2023, hundreds of Ghanaians led by the Minority in Parliament hit the streets to demand the removal of Dr Ernest Addison, who is accused of mismanaging the Central Bank, after issuing a 21-day ultimatum for his removal.
The demonstrators marched from Obra Spot at Kwame Nkrumah Circle to the Independence Square.
A delegation comprising some prominent NDC MPs such as Minority Leader Dr Cassiel Ato Forson, and NDC bigwigs including National Chairman Asiedu Nketiah, later moved to the Central Bank premises to present their petition.
Head of Security at the Central Bank, Wing Commander Kwame Asare Boateng (rtd), rather met the protestors and informed the delegation that Dr Addison had been occupied by a team from International Monetary Fund (IMF) hence his absence.
The Minority Leader, Dr Ato Forson, in turn, got upset and vented his spleen over what he described as gross disrespect by the BoG Governor to Parliament and Ghanaians.
Dr Ato Forson refused to present the petition to Wing Commander Kwame Asare Boateng (rtd), stressing that another protest would be held in the coming days.
According to the Minority Leader, the next demonstration will afford the BoG Governor the opportunity to show up and right his wrongs.
In response to the demonstration, Dr Ernest Addison noted that the Minority could have employed other alternatives to register their displeasure instead of hitting the streets like hooligans. He described the protest as “completely unnecessary” while refusing to resign.
His comment has sparked anger in the Minority, who have now threatened to treat his matters differently henceforth.
Also, a section of the general public has condemned the statement made by the Governor of the Bank of Ghana, noting that it smirks of arrogance.
A fire outbreak at Konongo-Zongo near St. Gabriel Basic School in the Ashanti Region has destroyed a 3-bedroom house.
There were no injuries recorded, according to the Ghana National Fire Service (GNFS) in a public notice on Monday, 9, 2023.
However, items including furniture, beds, home appliances, utensils and personal effects were burnt to ashes.
Per the GNFS, it received a late call-up to the fire scene.
“This afternoon’s fire, which started at 1600 hours, was eventually relayed to the Service at 1629 hours. Firefighters from the Konongo Fire Station got to the raging fire scene at 1635 hours to finally knock it out at 1758 hours without recording any Firefighter and civilian injuries,” the Fire Service noted.
Nonetheless, the responding crew led by STNO II Odjer managed to prevent the raging fire from affecting an adjoining one bedroom self-contained house and its contents on the same compound.
Meanwhile, the cause of the fire incident is yet to be determined.
On Monday, October 9, 2023, the Police Service met the New Patriotic Party (NPP) Presidential Election Committee and representatives of flagbearer hopefuls.
Present at the meeting were Inspector General of Police (IGP), Dr George Akuffo Dampare, Spokesperson for the Election Committee, Alexander Afenyo-Markin, former National Organiser for the NPP, Sammi Awuku, among others.
The meeting enabled the parties to discuss and strategize security arrangements for the ruling party’s upcoming Flagbearer Elections scheduled for November 4, 2023.
In a public notice via its social media platform, Facebook, the Police noted that discussions during the meeting centred on the safety of the flagbearer hopefuls, supporters, and the general public, as well as the security of the entire electoral process.
The police pledged their commitment to providing adequate security, resources, and intelligence to ensure law and order during the entire period.
Four individuals are vying for the flagbearer position. They are Vice President Dr Mahamudu Bawumia, who is considered a front-runner, and Assin Central MP, Kennedy Agyapong, who is projected to give the Vice President a run for his money.
The remaining two are former Agriculture Minister Dr Afriyie Akoto and former Mampong MP Francis Adai-Nimo.
On Monday, October 9, the Police Service noted that it had commenced a probe into the death of Bennet Adomah Agyekum, owner of the popular restaurant Kikibees, at Madina in the Greater Accra Region.
Bennet Adomah Agyekum was found on Sunday, October 8, 2023, lying in a pool of blood at a house in Madina and was rushed to the hospital for medical attention but was pronounced dead on arrival.
The body of the deceased has since been deposited at the Police Hospital morgue for preservation and autopsy
According to the Police via its social media platforms, it has taken into custody Yandeh Joof, believed to be the girlfriend of the deceased. She is said to be assisting with the investigation.
No charges have been levelled against Yandeh Joof. But since the news, many netizens have expressed curiosity, struggling to gather more information on her.
In 2018, Yandeh Joof was nominated in the Rising Star Award category for the GEM Awards. She managed to win the award.
She worked at Fiesta Residence at the time. It is currently unknown if she still renders her services to the company.
Fitch Solutions has upheld its prediction that the Ghanaian economy will grow by 3.0% in 2023, slightly lower than the 3.1% growth recorded in 2022.
This projection contrasts with the World Bank’s revised estimate of 1.5% and the anticipated 1.7% growth forecasted by the International Monetary Fund (IMF).
“We maintain our forecast that the Ghanaian economy will expand by 3.0% in 2023 – down from 3.1% in 2022 – as high inflation and fiscal prudence under the country’s IMF programme weigh on domestic demand”.
According to data released by the Ghana Statistical Service (GSS), the country’s economy experienced a slight slowdown in the first quarter of 2023, with a year-on-year growth rate of 3.2%. This marked a modest decline from the revised 3.3% growth rate recorded in the first quarter of 2022.
The deceleration in economic growth was primarily attributed to two factors: a persistent contraction of 10.2% in fixed investment and a weakening of exports.
On the flip side, there was a notable rebound in growth in private consumption, which surged to 5.8% from the 1.9% recorded in the first quarter of 2023. This was the strongest performance in private consumption since the second quarter of 2022.
“We expect that economic growth will soften further in half year 2023. Fiscal prudence under Ghana’s Extended Credit Facility with the IMF will put a damper on domestic demand”, the UK-based firm pointed out.
“While we expect inflation to moderate over the coming months – from the August print of 40.1% year-on-year – as a result of exchange rate stability and statistical base effects, it will remain elevated, ending the year at a projected 25.9%. This will continue to erode households’ purchasing power and cap consumer spending over the remainder of the year”, it mentioned.
Furthermore, Fitch Solutions indicated that the stringent financial conditions, characterized by the Bank of Ghana’s significant 1,150 basis point increase in the benchmark policy rate to 30.00% since late 2021, will continue to exert pressure on business operations, resulting in a sustained contraction in fixed investment.
In fact, the report highlights that the prevailing muted business confidence implies that corporate investment is unlikely to experience a resurgence in the first half of 2023.
The report further anticipates that net exports will once again act as a hindrance to Ghana’s economic performance in 2024.
“Our Mining team projects healthy growth of 5.0% in gold production, driven by the restoration of existing mines, the introduction of new gold mining projects, and the integration of artisanal miners into Ghana’s official gold output”.
Meanwhile, the Agribusiness team is predicting a 3.0% growth in cocoa production, citing that the rise in farm gate prices is expected to boost production while curbing smuggling activities. This, in turn, is expected to provide favorable conditions for exports in the upcoming year.
“However, we expect import growth to outpace exports, narrowing Ghana’s goods and services surplus. Moderating price pressures will improve purchasing power of households and boost demand for imported consumer products in 2024”, it added.
Furthermore, Fitch Solutions emphasized that an upturn in business activity, partly attributable to the expected reduction in interest rates by the central bank, projected to be a 600 basis point cut to 22.00% by the end of the year, coupled with an anticipated recovery in the construction sector, will lead to heightened demand for imported capital goods and professional services.
The UK-based organization also pointed out that the economic growth forecasts are inclined towards the downside, indicating potential risks to the anticipated growth trajectory.
“There is a possibility that inflation will remain hotter than our current projection assumes due to higher-than-expected global energy prices or a stagnation in the external debt restructuring process, which would cause another round of currency depreciation. Should this happen, the Bank of Ghana would likely keep interest rates higher for longer and public discontent with the macroeconomic predicament would result in more frequent protests and strikes”, it explained.
In this particular scenario, it has been highlighted that consumer spending and gross fixed capital formation are expected to stay subdued in 2024, falling short of the levels assumed in our baseline scenario.
National Youth Organiser of the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP), Salam Mustapha, has confirmed that the individuals who stormed the studios of United Television in Accra during its popular live entertainment show are indeed affiliated with the party.
Speaking on Asempa FM’s show, Ekosiisen, on Monday, October 9, Mr Mustapha openly acknowledged their connection to the NPP but clarified that the party did not endorse or support the actions of these young men, who included constituency youth organizers and a Deputy Greater Accra Youth Organiser.
“OB, I can’t be on this platform and claim that I don’t know them. All those in the video I know them. And I can confirm that some of them are constituency youth organisers, and one is a Deputy Regional Youth Organiser [Greater Accra]. They are my guys that I work with, and so I cannot deny their bona fide membership of the New Patriotic Party. As for that, I cannot lie on this platform. They’re NPP members that I work with, and I can state emphatically that I know them” he noted.
“OB, truthfully I wasn’t in the know of the action these young guys took. I only had a call when the incident happened, and when I asked they explained what transpired.”
“It was not a premeditated plan that we sat and agreed on. That’s not the case”, adding that, “As the National Youth Organiser, I take full responsibility for what happened. They are my guys who went to conduct themselves inappropriately.”
A group affiliated with the NPP stormed the UTV studios during the live broadcast of its entertainment program, United Showbiz last Saturday, October 7, 2023, shortly after it commenced.
The show then abruptly went off air while commercials filled the screen. The group trooped in to demand the removal of musician Kwame A-Plus, from the programme for tearing up a letter said to be from the Communication wing of the NPP.
Videos of the incident went viral on social media with many condemning the intrusion, while others questioned the state of security at the media house.
Hours later, the Police in a statement announced that it had arrested 16 persons involved in the incident. Subsequently, institutions such as the Ministry of Information, the Ghana Journalists Association (GJA), the National Media Commission (NMC) condemned the attacked, noting that free expression and freedom of the media must be fiercely protected.
According to the GJA, some individuals managed to escape as “30 hooligans attacked the studios of the Accra-based private television station”.
In response to the brouhaha, the leadership of the New Patriotic Party has rendered an apology to UTV, noting that it would cooperate with the police to investigate the matter.
Director of Communications for the NPP, Richard Ahiagbah, who engaged the press noted that the party did not sanction anyone to go and disrupt the United Showbiz programme.
He is quoted to have said “We think that the attack is unacceptable, and it’s condemnable.”
Ghanaian entrepreneur, Dr. Daniel McKorley, has publicly declared his keen interest in acquiring the Premier League club Nottingham Forest.
During a Joy Thought Leadership seminar held at the Labadi Beach Hotel on Monday, the 52-year-old Chief Executive Officer of the McDan Group of Companies disclosed that Nottingham Forest is the sole football club he passionately supports, aside from his allegiance to the Ghana Premier League team, Great Olympics.
“The only team I support in the world apart from Oly [Great Olympics] is Nottingham Forest,” Daniel McKorley, popularly known as McDan said.
“I have been a supporter of Nottingham Forest when Nottingham was even in the third division. Why? Because I want to buy that team. I want to buy Nottingham Forest. Imagine with all this development going on.”
He further expressed his aspiration that his investment in the local football system would bear fruit, ultimately leading to a scenario where over half of the team comprises Ghanaian players participating in the Premier League.
“McDan buys Nottingham Forest and every time you see about 60% of the players [in the team] from the English league are from Ghana.”
The Joy Sports and Joy Business Thought Leadership seminar centered around the theme “Football Economy: Adapting Our Development Approach – Drawing Insights from the Saudi Arabian Experience.” This event convened experts to explore how Ghana can utilize the Saudi Arabian model to enhance its football industry development.
The Police is investigating the circumstances surrounding the death of one Bennet Adomah Agyekum, owner of Kikibees restaurant at Madina in the Greater Accra Region.
Initial investigation has disclosed that the deceased was found on Sunday, October 8, 2023, lying in a pool of blood at a house in Madina and was rushed to the hospital for medical attention but was pronounced dead on arrival.
The Police has arrested one Yandeh Joof, believed to be the girlfriend of the deceased, in connection with the matter, and she is assisting in the investigation.
The body of the deceased has since been deposited at the Police Hospital morgue for preservation and autopsy while investigation continues.
The Council of the University of Ghana has granted approval for the well-deserved promotion of Dr. Benedicta Yayra Fosu-Mensah to the esteemed position of Associate Professor in Environmental Assessment.
This promotion holds particular significance as it marks a historic milestone, with Dr. Benedicta Yayra Fosu-Mensah becoming the first Research Fellow to attain the distinguished rank of Associate Professor since the inception of the Institute for Environment and Sanitation Studies in 2010.
Hailing from Mafi Dokpo in the Central Tongu District of the Volta Region, Prof. Fosu-Mensah’s elevation to the rank of Associate Professor stands as a testament to her remarkable contributions in the field of Environmental Assessment, both within the University and on the global stage.
Her academic journey at the University commenced in 2012 when she joined as a Research Fellow, subsequently progressing to the rank of Senior Research Fellow in 2017.
Throughout her illustrious decade-long tenure at the Institute, Prof. Fosu-Mensah has overseen the academic development of over 35 MPhil and 25 PhD students, showcasing her dedication to nurturing the next generation of scholars.
With an impressive portfolio that includes over 40 peer-reviewed journal publications, 4 book chapters, and a distinguished authored book, Prof. Fosu-Mensah has amassed over 1,670 citations, firmly establishing her as a respected figure in the international academic community.
Her influence extends beyond publications, as she also serves as an editor and reviewer for numerous esteemed journals. This promotion serves as recognition of the unwavering dedication and outstanding contributions that have defined her scholarly career.
Dr. Fosu-Mensah’s research interests encompass climate change impact assessment and adaptation, environmental quality assessment (with a focus on heavy metals and pesticides pollution), crop modeling, and site-specific nutrient management.
Prof. Fosu-Mensah’s standing as an academic luminary is underscored by her ranking in the Alper-Doger (AD) Scientific Index, where she ranks as the 75th most cited scientist at the University of Ghana and the 203rd most cited scientist in Ghana.
Educationally, Prof. Fosu-Mensah holds a PhD in Ecology and Natural Resources Management (Soil Science) from the University of Bonn, Germany and Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST), a Master of Science (MSc) from University of Bonn, Germany. She obtained a Bachelor of Science (BSc) degree from the University for Development Studies and Cert-A from Bagabaga Teacher Training College.
Prof. Fosu-Mensah is an alumna of Tamale Secondary School (TAMASCO) and takes pride in her fluency in both Dagbani and Dagare languages.
Before joining the University of Ghana, Prof. Fosu-Mensah worked as a Research Scientist at Cocoa Research Institute of Ghana (CRIG) and as a visiting Scholar at the United Nations University – Institute for Natural Resources in Africa (UNU-INRA).
Prof. Fosu-Mensah is currently the Chair of Technical Committee of National Mirror on Circular Economy of International Organization for Standardization (ISO).
Additionally, she serves on the Management Board of Institute for Environment and Sanitation Studies (IESS) and double as the Examination officer for the Master of Philosophy and PhD programmes at the Institute. She is a Tutor at Mensah Sarbah Hall and the immediate past member of UTAG-UG Executive Committee.
Previously, Prof. Fosu-Mensah served as a member of the University’s Academic Board and the University’s Security Committee.
She also served as a Seminar Coordinator for IESS, a Council member of Mensah Sarbah Hall, Chairperson of the security committee of the Hall among others.
Throughout her distinguished career, Prof. Fosu-Mensah has spearheaded numerous Community-Based and Regional Research Projects in collaboration with local and international institutions.
Further highlighting her unwavering commitment to advancing knowledge in her field, she has won several proposal and financial resource grants, which include:
2022-2025 Transforming Institutions to Advance women leaders in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (SISTARS); Lessons from Ghana and Kenya Funded by IDRC with an amount of 1.25 million Canadian Dollars.
2022-2025 Microplastics and plastic-derived chemical contaminants in Africa: Implication on human health and the loss of aquatic biodiversity, funded by Jennifer Ward Oppenheimer (JWO) foundation with an amount of US $6,931.19.
2021-2026 Capacity Building in Aquatic and Environmental Health in West Africa. Funded by NORAD with an amount of 20 million NOK (US $2.4 million).
2020-2025 Coastal Community Resilience to Climate and Diarrhea (C2R-CD). DANIDA funded project $1.8 million.
2019-2022 Baden-Wuttemberg Stiftung GmbH (BWS) plus collaborative project, German funded project.
2014 – 2017 Utilization of organic waste to improve agricultural productivity in the Ga West Municipality, Greater Accra, Ghana.
Food and Business Applied Research Fund with an amount of € 296,309.10.
2014- 2015 Crude Oil Drilling: Onshore Environmental Assessment of the Jubilee oil Field in the Western Region of Ghana- ORID grant – GHC 85,797.17.
2014-2019 Adaptation at Scale in Semi-Arid Regions (ASSAR)/Collaborative Adaptation Research Initiative in Africa and Asia (CARIAA) and International Development Center (IDRC) – US$ 13,000,000.
2013-2015 Early warning system for climate change (CLIM-WARN); Partnership between UNDP and University of Ghana, implemented by IESS and Funded by the German Government.
Prof. Benedicta Yayra Fosu-Mensah’s promotion to Associate Professor stands as a remarkable recognition of her outstanding contributions to environmental assessment, her dedication to academic excellence, and her influential presence within the University of Ghana and the international scientific community.
Achimota School, with style, made their way to the one-eighth stage of the 2023 National Science and Maths Quiz (NSMQ) today.
The school faced Notre Dame Girls’ SHS and St. Francis Girls’ SHS, considered to be underdogs at the preliminary stage of the contest.
Right from the onset, Achimota School took the lead, maintaining their dominance till the very end. The school ended the contest with a whopping 60 points.
The two other schools, Notre Dame Girls’ SHS and St. Francis Girls’ SHS ended the race with 41 points and 17 points respectively.
Elagbe Walter Abiwu and Kenneth Bakhita Egbadzor made their school proud with today’s victory.
This is how the various rounds went:
End of Round 1:
Achimota School: 24pts
Notre Dame Girls’ SHS: 18pts
St. Francis Girls’ SHS: 03pts
End of Round 2: (Speed race)
Achimota School: 38pts
Notre Dame Girls’ SHS: 18pts
St. Francis Girls’ SHS: 02pts
End of Round 3: Problem of the Day
Notre Dame Girls’ SHS: 10/10
Achimota School: 9/10
St. Francis Girls’ SHS: 6/10
End of Contest:
Achimota School: 60pts
Notre Dame Girls’ SHS: 41pts
St. Francis Girls’ SHS: 17pts
Do note Round 4 is not included. The statistics has not been provided by the NSMQ communication team via its social media handle, Facebook.
Presidential candidate for the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Kennedy Agyapong, has provided the public with evidence to support his claim that he is an empiricist.
According to the Assin Central MP, Ghanaians should consider him for NPP flagbearer position and subsequently Ghana’s president as his deeds show he is not a theorist.
In a Twitter post on October 9, Mr Agyapong shared a video that highlighted a few of his undertakings, which he believes can be replicated for the country.
“To prove I am not a theorist, I will be showing all I have achieved as a private businessman, this and many more I will replicate for this country,” he wrote.
To prove I am not a theorist, I will be showing all I have achieved as a private businessman, this and many more I will replicate for this country. #showworkingpic.twitter.com/V2NCBLrS0z
TV and radio celebrity presenter, Afia Schwarzenegger, has made a claim that questions the loyalty of actor cum politician, Fred Nuamah, to the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC).
According to Afia Schwarzenegger, the former NDC Ayawaso West Wuogon parliamentary candidate has sought her assistance for Assin Central MP, Kennedy Agyapong’s campaign.
According to her, he together with three others want her to campaign for Mr Agyapong ahead of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) Presidential primaries slated for November 4, 2023.
“This man asked Fred Nuamah, this man you people are calling President, describing me like this, his son, Kennedy Agyapong Jnr has spoken to me to campaign for the father. There is a man named Ernest Boateng, he is the Ambassador for China, they have approached me to campaign for Kennedy Agyapong. Kwame A-Plus is part. He wants me to campaign for Kennedy Agyapong. Fred Nuamah was the first person to beg me to campaign for Kennedy Agyapong and these are his exact descriptions of me.
“This man could not phone me to apologise but he wants me to use my plush phone, someone who has respect for no one, I did not go on air to say Kennedy is my friend,” she said in a video sighted on YouTube.
On August 8, 2023, Fred Nuamah dropped out of the NDC parliamentary primaries for the Ayawaso West Wuogon constituency.
Calling the decision personal in a letter addressed to the party, he noted that his withdrawal was reached after extensive consultations with key stakeholders and without any external influence.
“I firmly believe that the NDC must present a unified front for the 2024 general elections. As a dedicated member of the NDC, I prioritize the party’s unity and the President John Mahama project aimed at rescuing our country,” Mr Nuamah wrote.
The movie producer thanked his fans and all well-wishers for their support adding that he is grateful for the time spent with them all.
While announcing his withdrawal from the race, Mr Nuamah threw his support behind John Dumelo his biggest competitor in the battle for the Ayawaso West Wuogon candidacy and called on his followers to do the same.
It is yet to be established that Mr Nuamah no longer sides with the NDC as these are claims by Afia Schwarzenegger. He is yet to react to the allegation levelled against him.
TV and radio celebrity presenter, Afia Schwarzenegger, claims that a few prominent individuals have solicited her assistance in ensuring that Assin Central MP, Kennedy Agyapong, canvasses a lot of votes ahead of the New Patriotic Party’s (NPP) presidential primaries.
In a video, Afia Schwarzenegger noted that musician Kwame A-Plus, former NDC parliamentary candidate for the Ayawaso West Wuogon, Fred Nuamah have contacted her to campaign for Mr Agyapong.
She also claims that one of the sons of the politician, Kennedy Agyapong Junior, has also reached out to her. Afia Schwarzenegger, known to have a murky relationship with Mr Agyapong also said Mr Edward Boateng, who served as Ambassador from 2017 to 2020, has called for her support.
“This man asked Fred Nuamah, this man you people are calling President, describing me like this, his son, Kennedy Agyapong Jnr has spoken to me to campaign for the father. There is a man named Ernest Boateng, he is the Ambassador for China, they have approached me to campaign for Kennedy Agyapong. Kwame A-Plus is part. He wants me to campaign for Kennedy Agyapong. Fred Nuamah was the first person to beg me to campaign for Kennedy Agyapong and these are his exact descriptions of me.
“This man could not phone me to apologise but he wants me to use my plush phone, someone who has respect for no one, I did not go on air to say Kennedy is my friend.”
Afia Schwarzenegger and Kennedy Agyapong have a strained relationship after the former made some ill comments against the children of Mr Agyapong and some Parliamentarians.
In 2019, the duo had a back-and-forth where unpalatable remarks were made against each other.
Ahead of the 2024 elections and NPP presidential primaries, Kennedy Agyapong has intensified his campaign. He now frequently updates netizens on his policies and initiatives he would undertake as president.
He plans to make Ghana the food basket for Africa.
