Private legal practitioner, Maurice Ampaw, believes presidential aspirant for the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Kennedy Agyapong, is working up to exit the party.
According to Lawyer Ampaw, the Assin Central MP’s strategy is to have delegates elect him as the NPP’s flagbearer ahead of the 2024 election or break away from the party.
I can tell you on authority that he doesn’t want to be part of NPP. He has decided, per his actions, show that if you don’t vote for him on November 4, he will leave the party and follow Alan,” he said.
He further explained that “To him, some pastors have prophesied that he would become president, so delegates of the NPP have no choice. He said, I’ve told I’d be come President. While Alan said it is my turn, Ken said I’ve been told I’ll become president. So if he doesn’t become president, he cannot support anyone. If you have such a personality in the party who is putting the party on notice that if he isn’t the one, no one can win. And because no one can win, he will go Independent.”
Recently, tensions have escalated between Mr. Kennedy Agyapong and certain members of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), including Ashanti Regional Chairman Bernard Antwi Boasiako, widely known as Chairman Wontumi. Chairman Wontumi, during a press conference in Kumasi, issued a threat to have Kennedy Agyapong arrested if he made further threats against him.
In response, Kennedy Agyapong’s campaign team in the Ashanti Region has dismissed Chairman Wontumi’s threat to have the flagbearer aspirant arrested.
Meanwhile, a member of the National Democratic Congress’ (NDC) communication team, Kwadwo Danquah, has speculated that Mr. Kennedy Agyapong may leave the NPP. According to Danquah, he anticipates that Kennedy Agyapong might follow the path of former Trade Minister Alan Kyerematen due to alleged mistreatment by the leadership of the ruling party.
This prediction was made by the Eastern Regional Communications Office during an interview on Power FM on September 26, 2023.
“When they go to their office, they go for Kan Dapaah’s boys to come and beat them and destroy their cars. That is what they did to Alan and for that, he has resigned from the party. That thing Akufo-Addo is doing may cause the downfall of the NPP. Mark my words today, Ken Agyapong will also go independent. He will resign and go independent.”
“I am the Eastern Regional Communications Officer; I am saying it on your platform. Today is 26th September 2023, I’m saying after they conclude the November primaries, Kennedy Agyapong will go independent.”
Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson, the Minority Leader, has refuted recent media reports suggesting that he has submitted a plea bargain request in connection with the ongoing ambulance case.
The Member of Parliament for Ajumako-Enyan-Essiam has dismissed these reports as the work of his adversaries seeking to generate public disapproval against him.
In a press release issued on Thursday, October 5, Dr. Ato Forson urged the public to disregard these reports, asserting that they lack any factual basis.
“The publication is without any factual basis and an attempt to court public disaffection to the person of Hon Dr Cassiel Ato Forson.”
“The Hon Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson has not applied to the Honorable Court or the Attorney General Department for a plea bargain or out-of-court settlement.”
He added in the release that he is ready to defend himself as he has opened his defense in the ongoing case.
“The record would show that the Honorable Dr Cassiel Ato Forson has opened his defence in the trial and has since called some of his witnesses.”
“The Honourable Dr Cassiel Ato Forson has throughout maintained his innocence having pleaded not guilty to the charges.”
Dr Ato Forson and two others; former director of the Ministry of Health, Sylvester Anemana and businessman Richard Jakpa, are on trial for allegedly causing financial loss in the purchase of some ambulances during his time as Deputy Finance Minister.
The Attorney General contends the state has lost €2.37 million due to the purchase of the ambulances which turned out to be defective.
All three persons have pleaded not guilty.
Lawyers representing the Minority Leader, Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson, led by Dr. Abdul Baasit Bamba, submitted an application on July 27, 2023, requesting the presiding judge to recuse herself from the case.
Dr. Bamba argued that it was legally improper for the judge to preside over the motion for her own recusal. This request came after Justice Botwe had disclosed the outcome of a petition sent to the Chief Justice by another defendant involved in the case, Richard Jakpa. Jakpa had accused the judge of bias following a prior clash during a court proceeding.
During the court session, Justice Botwe announced that a letter from the Chief Justice indicated that she could proceed with the case. Dr. Bamba then addressed the court, informing them of their motion for recusal.
He clarified that certain comments made by the judge had raised concerns for the politician, leading him to believe that he might not receive a fair trial. Dr. Bamba pointed out that there is a legal principle that in cases where allegations of bias are as serious as the current one, the judge implicated should not be responsible for adjudicating the motion for recusal.
“When Your Ladyship suggests that the witness who’s yet to be called and who has not expressed any unwillingness, will be arrested, that is unfair. The issues we are alluding to are so grave to the extent that for My Lady to say that if the person would not come he will be locked up, by Your Ladyship saying that these witnesses to be summoned could be locked up, it is problematic.”
“The order you made that unsettled my client is that his case would be deemed closed if he is not able to get any of his witnesses called. This means we are being denied our right to a fair hearing,” he stated.
But Dr Cassiel Ato Forson, later retracted the request for disqualification of Justice Afia Serwah Asare-Botwe, a Justice from the Court of Appeal with additional duties as a High Court judge.
Dr. Joseph Gerald Tetteh Nyanyofio, the New Patriotic Party (NPP) Parliamentary Candidate for La Dadekotopon Constituency, has offered guidance to parents and teachers, urging them to avoid making comparisons and discriminating among the children and students in their care.
He emphasized that such practices could have harmful consequences and leave lasting scars on a child’s self-esteem.
Dr. Nyanyofio cited notable figures in Ghana’s political history, including Dr. Kwame Nkrumah, Dr. Ako Adjei, Kwegir Aggrey, and Nii Anyetei Kwakwranya, as examples of individuals who had made significant contributions to the nation despite potential setbacks in their early education.
He stressed the importance of not underestimating the foundational stages of a child’s education, particularly preschool and basic levels, as these stages play a crucial role in a child’s intellectual development.
Dr. Nyanyofio shared a personal anecdote from his own school days when he faced criticism from both families and some teachers due to his initially unimpressive academic performance. However, he highlighted how his educational journey, from the basic level to tertiary education, ultimately led to the attainment of a PhD.
On the occasion of World Teachers’ Day, he encouraged parents to invest equally in the education of all their children, recognizing that each child possesses a unique set of talents that should be discovered, nurtured, and harnessed for the benefit of national development.
Additionally, Dr. Nyanyofio challenged children to embrace qualities such as patriotism, discipline, honesty, and hard work, urging them to be confident in facing academic challenges and making wise choices for their future leadership roles.
“Be courageous enough to dream bigger than you can even achieve,” he charged them.
He was optimistic about the nation’s future prospects, stating that “if all sectors of our national life fail, but our education system is on track, we shall recover and succeed. On the other hand, if all systems of our state architecture are working, and our education system fails, Ghana can not survive”
He observed “the future of this nation will be determined, not only by what happens at the Ministry of Finance and other key sector ministries, or the University of Ghana and other leading tertiary institutions in the country, but also, what happens in every basic school across the nation.”
Former Member of Parliament (MP) for the Bantama constituency, Dr. Henry Kwabena Kokofu, has chastised Member of Parliament for Madina, Francis-Xavier Sosu, over his recent controversial remarks during the #OccupyBoG protest on October 3.
A frustrated Francis-Xavier Sosu, who addressed the media in the Ga language on Tuesday, abandoned decorum and used strong language during the #OccupyBoG demonstration to call for the resignation of Bank of Ghana Governor Dr. Ernest Addison.
The Member of Parliament representing Madina used offensive language that quickly spread on social media, prompting a majority of Ghanaians to criticize his conduct.
Few hours later, Francis-Xavier Sosu issued a sincere and unreserved apology.
He acknowledged that his actions were uncharacteristic and were a result of being pushed to extreme frustration and provocation.
He said, “I unreservedly apologize for my actions and words. I have reflected and realized that though I spoke those words out of anger and extreme provocation, I was completely out of character.”
“Consistent with my avowed values, I am sincerely Sorry.”
Reacting to this in an interview on Peace FM’s Kokrokoo show, Dr. Henry Kwabena Kokofu did not welcome the apology.
He noted that for an individual with such authority, it is unpardonable to utter such an utterance, irrespective of one’s mood or sentiment.
“A whole Member of Parliament who was elected—what sort of anger is it that you couldn’t control? You said you were going to have the BoG governor removed. You protested but did not go to meet him. You met the security head you claim was a watchman and kept your petition. You said you’d return, and we said okay. So why the insult? The words you said cannot be said anywhere. Why?” he quizzed.
According to Dr. Henry Kwabena Kokofu, such individuals cannot urge Ghanaians to vote for them to return to power.
“Are these the kind of people who want us to vote for them come 2024? Ghanaians are watching,” he said.
British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak reiterated his position on gender identity during a speech on Wednesday, asserting what he deemed “common sense” that “a man is a man and a woman is a woman.”
This statement drew criticism from transgender rights activists while receiving enthusiastic applause from attendees at the Conservative Party Conference.
In addition to his remarks on gender identity, Sunak made other policy statements that he believed “shouldn’t be controversial.” These included a commitment to legislation ensuring that “sexual and sadistic” killers would receive life sentences and a call for greater transparency in education, allowing parents to have knowledge of what their children are being taught about relationships in school.
“Patients should know when hospitals are talking about men or women,” Sunak continued during his closing speech at his party’s annual gathering, held this year in Manchester. “And we shouldn’t get bullied into believing that people can be any sex they want to be. They can’t. A man is a man and a woman is a woman — that’s just common sense.”
In April, Sunak drew attention when he concurred with a conservative interviewer’s assertion that all women, rather than 99 percent of them, “do not possess a penis.”
During that earlier incident, his tone was less confrontational as he emphasized the importance of compassion, understanding, and tolerance for those exploring their gender identity. However, he underscored his belief that the concept of biological sex remains fundamentally significant in discussions related to women’s rights and spaces.
In June, PinkNews, a British news outlet specializing in LGBTQ+ coverage, accused Sunak of ridiculing trans women. The outlet released what it claimed was a surreptitiously recorded video of the prime minister engaged in a conversation with conservative MPs.
In the video, a man purported to be Sunak is heard making a jest about Liberal Democrats party leader Ed Davey, suggesting that he has been occupied with trying to “persuade everyone that women unquestionably possess male anatomy.”
“You all know I’m a big fan of everybody studying maths at 18, but it turns out that we need to focus on biology,” the man in the video said.
A spokesperson for the prime minister defended those comments, saying it was “a joke aimed at a political opponent rather than a specific group.”
“We now have a British government and a prime minister that has said that it doesn’t recognize trans people,” Willoughby said. “If you don’t acknowledge a group of people exist, then obviously that group of people don’t have rights.”
More than 2,800 potential transgender hate crimes were reported between September 2001 and February 2022, according to data from the Metropolitan Police Service in Greater London. The number of reported incidents significantly increased starting in the mid-2010s, jumping from 75 incidents in 2013 to 428 in 2021.
A collision between a motor rider and a pedestrian at Avenor, close to Circle, has allegedly led to the untimely death of one.
It is currently unknown who among the two individuals has reportedly lost his life.
A video on social media suggests that the motorcyclist hit the pedestrian as a result of a malfunctioning traffic light.
Netizens who have reacted to the incident are peeved about the government’s failure to ensure all traffic lights in the country, particularly at Avenor are functioning as expected.
A user, @Diayanj wrote : “Just happening right now. The traffic light at Avenor junction hasn’t been working for some time now. This is the result. This is why we protest.”
The Chargé d’Affaires of Colombia’s Embassy in Ghana has issued a letter to the organizer of the inaugural African Para Games, held in Accra last month, to express concern over unpaid invoices related to a website developed by a company based in Bogotá.
Claudia Milena Vaca, who assumed her role representing Colombia in this West African nation last year, has taken on the matter concerning Altheroh. This company is among several that have not received payment for services rendered for the Games.
The African Para Games were orchestrated by the African Paralympic Committee (APC), led by its president, Samson Deen, who hails from Ghana.
Altheroh took the step of removing the event website from the internet on the eve of the Games’ opening, citing non-payment for the work they had performed.
Deen had previously assured on multiple occasions that the website would be restored during the course of the Games. However, despite these assurances, the website remained inaccessible.
Vaca was one of several foreign dignitaries who received invitations to attend the Opening Ceremony of the event, which took place on September 3.
“The Colombian company Altheroh has informed the diplomatic mission in Ghana and me that you and the company you represent has failed to meet the payments that is minimum 30,000 dollars for the more than four months of work and services,” Vaca wrote to Deen.
“We all hope African Paralympic Games will always be remembered in Accra – but also in Colombia – as a positive event that benefit all and make us proud.”
Altheroh reached out to Vaca following the International Paralympic Committee (IPC) declining to intercede in the dispute.
They claimed, that “These are matters that need to be resolved between the respective unpaid companies and the Organising Committee.”
The response from Deen, however, showed no indication that he is willing to settle his debt.
He has alleged that Altheroh were the ones at fault.
“Altheroh, in a very crude manner, pulled down the website and shut down everything to destabilise the Games planning,” Deen wrote in a reply to Vaca.
Deen, who is also President of the National Paralympic Committee of Ghana, claimed that he was “shocked to receive such a wicked attack against me.”
Deen added, “I never expected such a vicious fight against me, and I remain in shock when I have always meant so good for Altheroh.”
Insidethegames is also among companies not to have been paid, despite signing a contract with the Ghanaian organisers.
General Manager of CitiFM, Bernard Avle, has expressed his disappointment in the Bank of Ghana (BoG) Governor, Dr Ernest Addison over his recent comment in reaction to the #OccupyBoG protest that took place on Tuesday, October 3, under the leadership of the Minority in Parliament.
On October 3, 2023, a substantial group of Ghanaians, led by the Minority in Parliament, took to the streets to demand the removal of Dr. Ernest Addison, who stands accused of mismanaging the Central Bank.
The demonstrators initiated their march from Obra Spot at Kwame Nkrumah Circle, concluding at Independence Square.
Subsequently, a delegation composed of prominent NDC MPs, including Minority Leader Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson, and notable NDC figures such as National Chairman Asiedu Nketiah, proceeded to the Central Bank’s premises to submit their petition.
However, upon arrival, they were met by Wing Commander Kwame Asare Boateng (retired), the Head of Security at the Central Bank, who relayed the information that Dr. Addison was engaged with a team from the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and could not be present.
Dr. Ato Forson, the Minority Leader, expressed his dissatisfaction, deeming it a blatant disregard by the BoG Governor towards Parliament and the people of Ghana. In response, he declined to present the petition to Wing Commander Kwame Asare Boateng (retired) and declared that another protest would be organized in the days to come.
About 24 hours after the protest, Governor of the Bank of Ghana (BoG), Dr. Ernest Addison, expressed his utmost disgust over the recent #OccupyBoG protest led by the Minority in Parliament to demand his resignation from office for alleged mismanagement.
In an interview with the international business website Central Banking, Dr. Addison asserted that he has no intentions of stepping down and characterized the protest as entirely unwarranted, noting that other measures could have been deployed for grievances to be put across.
“The Minority in parliament have many channels to channel their grievances in civilised societies, not through demonstrations in the streets as hooligans,” Addison added in reference to the #OccupyBoGProtest.
His comment does not sit well with many Ghanaians, including Bernard Avle and Citi FM multimedia journalist, Godfred Akoto, but most particularly, the New Democratic Congress MPs.
On Citi FM’s Newspaper review on October 5, the two journalists noted that Dr Addison’s comment was unfortunate as the protestors did not engage in any unlawful actions.
They were not throwing stones, it was a legitimate means of announcing their displeasure.”
For Godfred, his first reaction was “like most people. I was like, no, misquoted. Most people I know said the Bank of Ghana Governor, this quote cannot be attributed to him in 2023 where he is labeling Members of Parliament as hooligans. Where he is undermining the power of protest and demonstration to make a political point.”
“It is his right to say he will not resign. That much is undoubted. But what you cannot do is to say the rest of the things that he said,” he said.
According to him, “I am expecting that he comes to apologize. He should not get to the point where people perceive him as being a bit arrogant because that is what he sounded like.”
Both Bernard and Godfred believe the constitutional power given the Bank of Ghana may have prompted such comments from Dr Addison.
“He sounded to me a bit like somebody who does not understand democracy and governance. If you know your job and how you have your job, the responsibility that comes with it, the state structure.
“The fact that there isn’t too much of a state check on him perhaps has him thinking that he is some God in some corner.”
He, however, added “The constitutional make-up gives him his power but it doesn’t insulate you from society. A society, as you are a part of is allowed to protest.”
The Minority Caucus in Parliament has threatened to live up to the “hooligan” label provided by the Bank of Ghana Governor, Dr Ernest Addison.
During an appearance on the Citi Breakfast Show on Thursday, October 5, Mahama Ayariga, the Member of Parliament for Bawku Central,accused the Bank of Ghana Governor of displaying arrogance and disrespect towards both the Minority and the leadership of the NDC.
“He says we are hooligans, so we will show him what hooligans do. I, Mahama Ayariga, I am saying that he will see what hooligans do, I don’t know what my colleagues [Minority MPs] will think but when we meet we will discuss and let you know. But I’m sure that having called us hooligans, he will get a response of hooligans,” he said.
Also, Political science lecturer at the University of Ghana, Professor Ransford Gyampo, has expressed disapproval of what he deems as the “arrogant” demeanor and response exhibited by Dr. Ernest Addison.
Professor Gyampo questioned the authority of the BoG Governor, whom he says has “a very infinitesimal understanding of the system of government we have decided to operate.”
“Your response to the tax payers and demonstrators is unprecedented. You want to determine how they voice their dissatisfaction about your abysmal performance? You described them as hooligans for demonstrating against you? Please who are you? Are you a demi-god or some deified ancestor-incarnate?” he quizzed.
At the just-ended #OccupyBoG protest held on October 3, hundreds of Ghanaians marched the streets of Accra from Obra Spot at Kwame Nkrumah Circle to Independence Square.
The hundreds did not show up empty-handed. On the contrary, at least each protestor held up a placard that expressed their respective concerns.
A plethora of problems were highlighted, but one that seems to have caught much attention has to do with Ghana’s airport, the Kotoka International Airport (KIA).
There have been widespread reports that one of President Akufo-Addo’s daughters, Valerie Akuffo-Addo, owns duty-free shops at the KIA.
Former Deputy Minister for Communication, Felix Kwakye Ofosu is one of the individuals who has made such an allegation.
“Look at the offensive nepotism that President Akuffo Addo is engaged in. You become president and within days, your daughters, who have no track record of any business, one of them secures the most lucrative shop at Terminal 3 built by President Mahama overnight, and one of them suddenly owns an upscale restaurant in an ultra-expensive part of Accra overnight,” he alleged.
The KIA duty-free port shops are said to have been built by former President John Dramani Mahama.
Owing to this, an young child protestor called on the president to provide all Ghanaians with a duty-free shop at the airport.
The placard read: “We also want the duty free shop at the airport.”
Such a gesture is expected to reduce the tax burden on businesses in the country.
Faith Aku Dzakpasu of the Greta D Shepherd 2 Basic School in the Ga Central District in the Greater Accra Region has been adjudged the Most Outstanding Teacher for 2023.
The Most Outstanding Teacher award was presented by President Akufo-Addo at the event held today, October 5, 2023, which coincides with World Teachers’ Day at the Ghana Secondary Technical School (GSTS) auditorium in the Western Region.
The 2023 edition of the Ghana Teacher Prize was held under the theme, “The Teachers We Need for the Education We Want: The Global Imperative to Reverse the Teacher Shortage.”
For her hard work and dedication to positively imparting the lives of students, she earned herself a 3-bedroom house worth GHS450,000.
This is the sixth edition of the Ghana Teacher Prize, which was rebranded by the Akufo-Addo-led government.
The Ghana Teachers Prize aims to celebrate and honor teachers and education workers for their efforts in contributing to Ghana’s education sector.
The Prize is open to all professionally trained and licensed teachers currently working in the pre-tertiary education space (both public and private) and who have been teaching for not less than five (5) years.
The categories for this year’s Ghana Teacher Prize include: 1. Teaching (Pre-tertiary) 2. Teacher in Administration and Leadership (Pre-tertiary) 3. Non-Teaching (Pre-tertiary) 4. Best College Tutor (College of Education)
In 2022, a lady named Stella Gyimaah Larbi, who teaches at Adenta Community Junior High School emerged as the overall national best teacher.
She received the award at the Ghana Teacher Prize ceremony held at the University of Development Studies, Tamale.
For her prize, she was given a three-bedroom house worth GHS300,000.
During this year’s award ceremony, the Education Minister, Dr Osei Adutwum, assured of government’s commitment to improving the delivery of education in the country.
He also urged the various teachers in the country to keep up the good work and churn out responsible individuals who are beneficiaries of the government’s Free Senior High School (SHS) policy.
On his part, President Akufo-Addo noted that the Free SHS policy has been a success, as the 2022 West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) results supersede the results released in the last 8 years. He therefore shot down claims by individuals criticising the double-track system.
He also announced that 20 Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) centres are under construction.
Political science lecturer at the University of Ghana, Professor Ransford Gyampo, has expressed disapproval of what he deems as the “arrogant” demeanor and response exhibited by Dr. Ernest Addison, the Governor of the Bank of Ghana (BoG), in response to the demonstrators affiliated with the OccupyBoG movement.
This comes in the wake of Dr. Addison’s rejection of the demands made by the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC) and the Minority Caucus in Parliament, urging him to resign from his position.
In an interview with the international business website Central Banking, he firmly stated his refusal to step down, characterizing the NDC’s protest as entirely unwarranted.
“The Minority in parliament have many channels to channel their grievances in civilised societies, not through demonstrations in the streets as hooligans,” Dr. Addison added in reference to the #OccupyBoGProtest.
In reaction, Professor Gyampo, questioned the authority of the BoG Governor, whom he says has “a very infinitesimal understanding of the system of government we have decided to operate.”
“Your response to the tax payers and demonstrators is unprecedented. You want to determine how they voice their dissatisfaction about your abysmal performance? You described them as hooligans for demonstrating against you? Please who are you? Are you a demi-god or some deified ancestor-incarnate?” he quizzed.
In his open letter to Dr Ernest Addison, Prof Gyampo entreated the Governor to review his conduct as his actions has had adverse effect on the country’s economy.
He noted that the Governor spent about GH¢137 million on vehicle maintenance; collapsed over 400 banks and micro-finance companies; printed over GH¢700 trillion within 2 years; and depleted our foreign reserves.
“Please Governor, printing money does not make you owner of human life and human rights and respectfully, sir, you portray a certain high-level poverty, if all you have, is the money you have printed, which makes you arrogant in insulting taxpayers who are unhappy with your abysmal performance. This isn’t how Governors G.K Agamah, K. Dufuor, P. Acquah, and N. Ishahakku handled the BoG. These chaps were simply sober and competent,” he added.
1. Your response to the tax payers and demonstrators is unprecedented. You want to determine how they voice their dissatisfaction about your abysmal performance? You described them as hooligans for demonstrating against you? Please who are you? Are you a demi-god or some deified ancestor-incarnate? It appears you have a very infinitesimal understanding of the system of government we have decided to operate and I strongly recommend that you take lessons in the tenets of democracy, that creates the kind of environment conducive for your work and for all us to thrive. Otherwise, your attitude is going to be the cause of many demonstrations that would peak our political temperature and create unnecessary tension.
2. Isn’t it under your watch that the BoG has negative equity? If my understanding of negative equity is correct, it means the BoG has no money to operate, and if so, where are you getting money for the construction of your new Headquarters? Borrowing to soak us into more debt or printing more money?
3. The BoG is currently insolvent under your watch and it doesn’t lie in your mouth to offer your own definition of what insolvency is. It is an insult to our intelligence to get us into this quagmire, and still marshal the audacity to tell us that the BoG is technically not insolvent because, it is a state entity. If there’s no money, there’s no money.
4. You spent about 137 million on vehicle maintenance; collapsed over 400 banks and micro-finance companies; printed over 700 trillion within 2 years; and depleted our foreign reserves. Yet you still want to determine how the tax payer reacts to your decision to choose excessive partisanship over competence? Your attitude and response epitomizes what my father referred to as IMPUNITY PERSONIFIED. The President of the land has received several calls for his resignation and your boss, Ken Ofori Atta is still being asked to resign or be sacked. None of these have responded arrogantly like the way you have.
5. Please Governor, printing money does not make you owner of human life and human rights and respectfully, sir, you portray a certain high level poverty, if all you have, is the money you have printed, which makes you arrogant in insulting tax payers who are unhappy with your abysmal performance. This isn’t how Governors G.K Agamah, K. Dufuor, P. Acquah, and N. Ishahakku handled the BoG. These chaps were simply sober and competent.
6. Whether you resign or not, you would by all means, account one day, for your stewardship either in heaven or in hell or in prison or in your home. One thing is certain to me and must be clear in the minds of all, if we survive 2024, the conduct of governance, politics and the management of our economy wouldn’t be business as usual. Things would change to the glory of God, for the betterment of lives of Ghanaians, and to the shame of wicked and incompetent leadership.
Thank you
Yaw Gyampo A31, Prabiw PAV Ansah Street Saltpond & Suro Nipa House Behind Old Post Office Larteh-Akuapim
DISCLAIMER: Independentghana.com will not be liable for any inaccuracies contained in this article. The views expressed in the article are solely those of the author’s, and do not reflect those of The Independent Ghana
A theater located in Norfolk believes it has uncovered the sole surviving stage where William Shakespeare once performed.
St. George’s Guildhall in King’s Lynn holds the distinction of being the oldest operational theater in the UK, with its origins dating all the way back to 1445.
During recent renovation work, historical timber floorboards were discovered beneath the existing auditorium, and they have been traced back to the 15th century.
The theater asserts that historical documents provide evidence that Shakespeare participated in performances at this venue in either 1592 or 1593.
During that period, when theaters in London were shuttered due to the plague, acting troupes, including the Earl of Pembroke’s Men, which is believed to have included Shakespeare, ventured outside the capital and visited King’s Lynn to continue their theatrical activities.
“We have the borough account book from 1592-93, which records that the borough paid Shakespeare’s company to come and play in the venue,” explains Tim FitzHigham, the Guildhall’s creative director.
Image caption,Dr Jonathan Clark showing Colin Paterson the original floorboards
The floorboards were revealed last month as part of a renovation project at the Guildhall. They had remained hidden for 75 years, concealed beneath a replacement floor that was installed in the theater.
Dr Jonathan Clark, an expert in historical buildings, was brought on board to research the venue. “We wanted to open up an area just to check, just to see if there was an earlier floor surviving here. And lo and behold, we found this,” he says, pointing through a temporary trapdoor.
“We know that these [floorboards] were definitely here in 1592, and in 1592 we think Shakespeare is performing in King’s Lynn, so this is likely to be the surface that Shakespeare was walking on,” he says.
“It’s this end of the hall where performances took place.”
Image caption,St George’s Guildhall in King’s Lynn is hosting a discussion about the discovery
Dr. Clark regards this discovery as profoundly significant for two compelling reasons. Firstly, it stands as the largest existing 15th-century timber floor in the country. Secondly, it potentially represents the sole surviving instance of a stage upon which William Shakespeare himself performed.
Back at the venue, FitzHigham believes a number of theories strengthen the argument that Shakespeare performed there.
Shakespeare’s comedian Robert Armin was born just one street away, he notes, while a Norfolk writer called Robert Greene famously described the Bard as an “upstart crow” in what was essentially a bad review in 1592.
The debate will continue. On Thursday, the discovery will be discussed at a talk at the venue called Revealing the Secrets of the Guildhall.
Finally, FitzHigham takes me underneath the stage, making us squeeze between beams and using a torch, to allow a closer look at the huge expanse of medieval floorboards, which he explains is the size of a tennis court.
“600 years old,” he says with a real sense of wonder.
“Not just Shakespeare’s trodden on it, but everyone in between and we’re trying to make that safe and share it with everybody for the next hundreds of years going forward.”
This highly-awaited school quiz competition is making a triumphant return, with schools from all corners of the nation gearing up for this year’s national championship race.
An impressive total of 147 schools have entered the competition, all vying for the prestigious trophy and ultimate bragging rights.
Among this impressive lineup, 27 schools have already secured their places in the one-eighth stage of the national championship.
Now, the excitement and emotions are set to soar as 117 schools diligently prepare to kickstart the long-awaited competition in the preliminary stage.
To ensure a fair competition, great care was taken in the selection of schools competing against each other in the preliminaries, with each group meticulously crafted from pots labeled A, B, and C.
The epicenter of this intellectual battle is none other than the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST), where all participating schools have gathered with eager anticipation. Mark your calendars for the thrilling preliminary showdown scheduled to run from Friday, October 6, to Monday, October 9, 2023.
Following this stage, the victorious schools will advance to the one-eighth stage of the national championship. Beyond that, the triumphant schools will continue their quest in the quarter-finals and semi-finals of the competition, all hosted on the prestigious KNUST campus.
The grand finale of the national championship will culminate at the renowned National Theater in Accra on Tuesday, October 24. Prepare for an exceptional display of knowledge and skill, as the 2023 NSMQ National Championship promises to be an unforgettable event, filled with excitement, drama, and exceptional intellectual prowess.
The 2023 National Science and Maths Quiz is produced by Primetime Limited and sponsored by the Ghana Education Service in partnership with Goil PLC.
The broadcast of the National Science and Maths Quiz on JoyNews and Joy Prime is supported by Vitamilk, NASCO, German Ozone Medical Center, Royal Foam, Jamaa Soap, Heritage Christian College, Virtual Security Africa, Ace Medical Insurance, Chopbox Technologies, Sintex Tank, DBS, Built Financial Technologies, Beta Malt, and Family Health University College.
Below is the list of schools competing against each other in the preliminary stage of the national championship race.
Louis Rutten SHS is one of our private schools joining the National Championship this year for the first time.
The Ghana Nurse and Midwife Trainees’ Association (GNMTA) is urging the government to promptly disburse all outstanding allowances owed to its members.
The association has raised concerns that the non-payment of these allowances for a span of two years has placed an unbearable burden on trainee nurses and midwives.
The National President of the Ghana Nurse and Midwife Trainees’ Association, Pascal Adumbisa, emphasized in an interview with Citi News that they are committed to employing all reasonable and lawful means to ensure that these allowances are promptly disbursed.
“We are owed about almost two years and others are also owed about eighteen months and those in the second year are owed about sixteen months and some are owed fourteen months,” Pascal stated.
Leadership within the association has stated that their attempts to engage with the government, particularly through the Ministry of Health, to secure the release of these unpaid allowances have yielded no positive results.
“So we issued a statement on July 25 to the government that it should come through for us because we have had engagements with stakeholders on the issue of allowance, but we have not had any response from the Ministry,” he said.
The West African Examinations Council (WAEC) has indicated that it is awaiting the release of funds from the government to cover the costs of marking and releasing results for this year’s West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) and the Basic Education Certificate Examinations (BECE).
Head of Public Affairs at WAEC, Mr. John K. Kapi, said the government had given WAEC GHC10.5million to start with the BECE and conveyed that the prompt allocation of funds would streamline the examination processes.
“That is what we have used for the examination. Now that the examination is over, we expect the release of some monies to be able to go through the marking process and the release of the results,” he said.
Mr. Kabi stated that the Council had a meeting with the Minister of Education, Dr Osei Adutwum, on September 25, 2023, where he acknowledged that the funds allocated to the Council were likely insufficient to cover the entire process and consequently instructed the Chief Director to take steps to secure additional funding.
But according to Mr Kapi, “as we speak now, no money has hit our accounts yet.”
He mentioned that WAEC had completed its preparatory tasks for the marking process and that the Council would commence coordinating its examiners on Wednesday, October 4, 2023.
Mr. Kapi explained that between Wednesday, October 4, and Saturday, October 7, 2023, the coordination process with the examiners would be finalized, paving the way for the actual marking to commence on Monday, October 9, 2023.
The Head of Public Affairs added that the Council had a total of over 22,000 examiners who would need to be compensated.
“The fear we have now is that if the government does not release funds, we may not be able to complete the process and what it means is that we may not be able to pay the examiners.
“We have made this clear to government and we hope that government keep the promise to release funds to enable us to complete the process.”
Mr. Kapi emphasized that the release of the results hinged on the government’s allocation of funds.
He said the Council was looking at releasing the results of BECE in the last week of October 2023, adding that “as soon as we are done with the swapping of the regions in respect of WASSCE, then marking will start”.
Assin Central MP, Kennedy Agyapong, is currently at the receiving end of a backlash following his clarification over a recent comment accusing the New Patriotic Party of looting tax payers’ money and starching them abroad.
Kennedy Agyapong, who is a potential flagbearer for the New Patriotic Party (NPP), has addressed a viral video, clarifying that he did not accuse the NPP of recklessly depleting the nation’s resources without concern for the future, as depicted in the footage.
He explained that the video was taken from a private meeting he had with some NPP communicators in Kumasi, Ashanti Region, over the past weekend.
In the video, the Assin Central MP expressed concerns about certain activities within the NPP, which he found troubling, and suggested that the party was involved in what he termed as ‘looting’ the country without considering its long-term consequences.
Ken Agyapong has spoken out about his government's alleged looting. Join the #OccupyBoGProtest on Tuesday October3, to demand the change we deserve. Let's come together and make our voices heard! 🗣️💪 It's time to stand up for a better Ghana. #GhanaYouth#OccupyBoGProtest 🇬🇭 pic.twitter.com/IjPZqrTocq
In a press statement released on Wednesday, October 4, 2023, Kennedy Agyapong argued that the video had been intentionally edited to damage his reputation and cast a negative light on the Akufo-Addo government.
“My attention has been drawn to a video on social media which has since gone viral where I am heard saying that the NPP was looting the country as if there was not tomorrow. I wish to state that this is a complete and unfortunate misrepresentation of the actual content and focus of my message at that private event in Kumasi. It was a meeting with a small group of NPP communicators who had organised a small fundraising for me at the weekend.
“At the event, I lamented the fact that our communicators were letting the party down and that every government would have its fair share of corruption cases, especially in 8 years, but because of one or two bad cases which the authorities were handling and in a transparent manner as it should be, we have, sadly, allowed the ruthless opposition propaganda machinery, the mass media and the social media to create the deadly impression that NPP was looting as If there was no tomorrow, including allegations of stashing funds abroad,” part of the statement read.
Agyapong further clarified that the video was recorded during a private meeting and was intentionally edited to sow discord and damage his reputation, as well as the government’s standing.
“I wish to stress the point that the offending video was culled from a private meeting with some communicators in Kumasi, Ashanti Region, over the weekend, and edited to purposefully create disaffection towards me, Ken Ohene, Agyapong and to bring the Akufo-Addo government into disrepute.
“Indeed, I told the gathering not to be fooled by the lies against our government and party and also expressed my anger and unhappiness about the way we were allowing ourselves to be unfairly bashed in the media, especially social media as if we were worse than the NDC, which is certainly not the case,” the statement further read.
His recent take over the matter has not sat well with some members of the general public.
In response to his clarification, a social commentator by name Jack D criticised the NPP presidential aspirant for allegedly belittling Ghanaians and their ability to make rigorous analysis of his comments.
“This is Ken, the pretentious hypocrite that some gullible Ghanaians call a bold and truthful man. How can this fool think we are all so dumb, that we can’t interpret what he said on the recorded message?” he quizzed.
According to him, he believes Mr Agyapong is attempting to salvage the matter owing to its dire consequence on himself and the ruling party.
“He has realized what he said is a blow to the NPP he seeks to lead, so it is time for damage control. Ken, it is too late ; we heard you clearly, and we are not as dumb as Wontumi or those jobless fools of that Delta force criminal group.”
The Ghana Football Association (GFA) came off today in Tamale, where its Election Congress appointed new executives.
The incumbent president, Kurt Okraku, went unopposed for the presidential seat.
Gifty Oware-Mensah is also set to be elected as an Executive Council Member representing Women’s football.
The election happened amid applications for an injunction on the Congress by disqualified presidential candidate George Afriyie, and King Faisal.
George Afriyie’s application for the interlocutory injunction was secured on Friday at the Accra High Court and will be moved by his lawyer on Thursday, October 12.
Mr Afriyie, who is former GFA Veep was disqualified from contesting the presidential elections after the Elections Committee found out that his nomination form did not meet the needed requirements.
Ahead of this, FIFA appointed a strong delegation for the 2023 Elective Congress.
The FIFA Delegation is made up of Gelson Fernandes, Director, FIFA Member Associations Africa, Silmara Sousa, Development Program Coordinator, FIFA Member Associations Africa and Ahmed Harraz, Senior MA Governance Services Manager, FIFA MA Governance.
In honor of the late former MP for Ningo-Prampram, Enoch Teye Mensah, and the former National Treasurer of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), Dr. Sidney Laryea, the NDC will lower its party flags to half-mast on Thursday, October 5.
This solemn gesture will be observed at all NDC party offices nationwide to pay tribute to these departed members of the NDC who passed away earlier this week.
The directive to lower the flags was issued by the Functional Executive Committee of the party, as stated in a press release dated October 4th.
Former National Treasurer of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), Dr. Sidney Laryea
“Hon. Enoch Teye Mensah was the first National Youth Organizer of the NDC. With unwavering dedication and patriotism, he rose through the ranks to become the longest-serving Minister for Sports under the 4th Republic.”
“At the time of his death, Hon. E.T Mensah was a Member of the Council of State of the Republic of Ghana. Dr. Sidney Laryea was the first National Treasurer of the NDC and served the party with dedication and unflinching commitment,” parts of the statement read.
The party expressed its deep pride in recognizing the invaluable contributions made by these esteemed individuals to both the advancement of Ghana and the distinguished NDC.
They conveyed their intention to extend condolences and sympathies to the families of the late E.T. Mensah and Dr. Sidney Laryea. This gesture is intended to pay tribute to their legacies and ensure they receive a fitting and dignified burial.
“May the gentle souls of our departed comrades rest in perfect peace,” the party added.
Enoch Teye Mensah, a member of the Council of State, passed away at the age of 77 on Sunday while undergoing medical treatment in South Africa.
Private legal practitioner, Martin Kpebu, has called upon religious organizations, Civil Society Organizations (CSOs), and the Trade Union Congress (TUC) to unite and collaborate in order to field a presidential candidate capable of breaking the long-standing duopoly in the political arena.
Since the establishment of the 4th Republic, the political landscape in Ghana has been predominantly dominated by the New Patriotic Party (NPP) and the National Democratic Congress (NDC). Both parties have enjoyed the opportunity to govern for two consecutive terms each, totaling 8 years, with no other political party coming close to disrupting this pattern.
As the 2024 elections approach, the ruling NPP is committed to shattering this cycle and extending their rule to 12 years. Conversely, the NDC remains steadfast in its determination to regain power.
For many Ghanaians, this repetitive cycle has not proven beneficial for the country, as the economy has not developed as anticipated under the stewardship of these two parties.
In light of this, individuals like Martin Kpebu advocate for the emergence of a robust third political force that can effectively challenge the dominance of the two major parties and provide a credible alternative for the electorate.
Engaging in a discussion on TV3’s The Key Point, the lawyer entreated churches, CSOs and TUC to make up the third force.
“The NPP and NDC, they are getting swollen headed. It is as if they know that come what may in eight years they will return. I wish they do four, four. I am waiting for the churches, the CSOs and TUC to come up with a candidate. Because we are looking for anything other than NPP and NDC. Anything other thing will do,” he said.
Stressing the potential of the TUC, he called on the Congress to learn from their mistakes when they failed to establish an effective party in the 1970s.
“TUC has to rise up. In the 70s, TUC formed a party and it collapsed. It doesn’t mean they cannot try again. In the UK, it works. The Labour Party. Is it not the Labour people that formed the basis. Let’s go into our history. If TUC tried in the 70s and it didn’t work, does that mean that they should forever stop? You try again. In life, when you fall, do you continue lying down, don’t you get up?” he said.
For some individuals, former Trade Minister, Kwadwo Alan Kyeremanten, who has parted ways from the NPP to go independent is likely the third force Ghanaians have been praying for.
But according to Mr Kpebu, any things who is deeply embedded with the two major parties cannot be the third force needed to reckon with the NPP or NDC.
“So it is good that Alan has come for a third party though I don’t support Alan. No, no. He is too much of NPP. He would come and repeat the same things because the thing is that for all these years why was he quiet. He was Akufo-Addo, he kept quiet. I expected that from where he sits, when he saw that the ship was sinking, he couldn’t even leave early. He sat there so he was part of the problems. Alan doesn’t appeal to me, to be very honest. There is no way I can give him my vote.”
“There is no way I will go for someone deeply embedded with NPP or NDC,” he added.
The Ghana Airport Company Limited (GACL) has failed to release its contract with Frontiers Healthcare Services Limited for the testing of COVID-19 at the airport, despite a fine imposed by the Right to Information (RTI) Commission.
The Commission fined the company GH¢200,000 for its failure to adhere to instructions regarding the release of information.
This comes after JoyNews requested access to the contract between GACL and Frontiers Healthcare Services, the entity responsible for COVID-19 testing at the airport.
GACL declined to disclose this information, citing Section 10 of the Right to Information Act, 2019 (Act 989), which allows for exemptions under specific conditions.
GACL’s argument rested on the claim that the contract contained exempted information, such as trade secrets and financial data with potential monetary value. They contended that disclosing this data could harm the state’s financial interests, disrupt business and trade, and potentially provide a competitive advantage or disadvantage to specific individuals by offering advanced knowledge of future economic measures.
Furthermore, GACL stated that some contract-related information and revenue details from testing were not within their possession.
JoyNews challenged this stance, asserting that the requested information did not fall within the broad exemptions outlined in Section 10 of the RTI law.
The Right to Information Commission intervened and, following a comprehensive review, conveyed its decision to GACL through a letter dated February 3, 2023.
The Commission’s findings contradicted GACL’s position, emphasizing that the contract had already been executed and did not hold any monetary or potential monetary value for the state.
Additionally, the Commission determined that disclosing the requested information would not compromise the financial interests of the state.
As a result, the Commission issued a directive to GACL, mandating the release of not only the Frontiers contract but also a summary of procurement details related to the transaction between GACL and Frontiers Healthcare Services Ltd, excluding tax information and evaluative processes.
But according to Member of Parliament for North Tongu, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, the GACL remains unwilling to provide the needed information.
“Not even a directive and a GHS200,000.00 fine imposed by the RTI Commission following a Joy News petition has been helpful in compelling Akufo-Addo’s appointees at the Ghana Airport Company Limited and the larger Akufo-Addo/Bawumia administration to disclose the requested information on the Frontiers contract in the interest of transparency and accountability,” he wrote in a Facebook post on November 1.
JoyNews has made no report on receiving the information requested from the GACL.
Mr Ablakwa made this known when he provided an exposé to shed light on what he deems a bombshell offer letter from the Ghana Airport Company Limited to Frontiers Healthcare Services Limited for the testing of COVID-19 at the airport.
According to the MP, the information “shall ensure that this grand Frontiers create, loot and share; together with all those who fronted for Frontiers are duly exposed and sanctioned for God and Country.”
Private legal practitioner, Martin Kpebu has charged religious bodies, Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC) to form and alliance and churn out a presidential candidate who will be able to end the duopoly in the political space.
Since the emergence of the 4th Republic, the New Patriotic Party (NPP) and the National Democratic Congress (NDC) have dominated the political space.
Both parties have had the opportunity to govern for two successive terms each (8 years) without any other political party coming close to disrupting the cycle.
Ahead of the 2024 elections, the ruling NPP is committed to breaking the cycle and extending their governance to 12 years but the NDC is unwavering in their quest to reclaim power.
For some Ghanaians, this cycle has proven not to augur well for the country as the economy has not been able to develop as expected under the two parties.
As such, the likes of Martin Kpebu want a strong third force that will be able to give the two major political parties a run for their money.
Engaging in a discussion on TV3’s The Key Point, the lawyer entreated churches, CSOs and TUC to make up the third force.
“The NPP and NDC, they are getting swollen headed. It is as if they know that come what may in eight years they will return. I wish they do four, four. I am waiting for the churches, the CSOs and TUC to come up with a candidate. Because we are looking for anything other than NPP and NDC. Anything other thing will do,” he said.
Stressing the potential of the TUC, he called on the Congress to learn from their mistakes when they failed to establish an effective party in the 1970s.
“TUC has to rise up. In the 70s, TUC formed a party and it collapsed. It doesn’t mean they cannot try again. In the UK, it works. The Labour Party. Is it not the Labour people that formed the basis. Let’s go into our history. If TUC tried in the 70s and it didn’t work, does that mean that they should forever stop? You try again. In life, when you fall, do you continue lying down, don’t you get up?” he said.
For some individuals, former Trade Minister, Kwadwo Alan Kyeremanten, who has parted ways from the NPP to go independent is likely the third force Ghanaians have been praying for.
But according to Mr Kpebu, any things who is deeply embedded with the two major parties cannot be the third force needed to reckon with the NPP or NDC.
“So it is good that Alan has come for a third party though I don’t support Alan. No, no. He is too much of NPP. He would come and repeat the same things because the thing is that for all these years why was he quiet. He was Akufo-Addo, he kept quiet. I expected that from where he sits, when he saw that the ship was sinking, he couldn’t even leave early. He sat there so he was part of the problems. Alan doesn’t appeal to me, to be very honest. There is no way I can give him my vote.”
“There is no way I will go for someone deeply embedded with NPP or NDC,” he added.
Banking Consultant Nana Otuo Acheampong has come forward to offer support to the Bank of Ghana and its governors.
In response to the Minority’s demand for the resignation of the Central Bank’s Governor and his deputies due to alleged mismanagement of the bank and unauthorized printing of money to support government spending, Nana Otuo Acheampong defended the Governor, Dr. Ernest Addison, stating that he had not erred in agreeing to write off 53.1 billion cedis of government debt stemming from the Domestic Debt Exchange Programme (DDEP).
During an appearance on PM Express, Nana Otuo Acheampong asserted that the Bank of Ghana is not obligated to seek parliamentary approval before making such decisions.
“There was zero financing in 2017, 2018, 2019 and 2021. It was only in 2020 that there was no zero financing and 2022 because of the International Monetary Fund, IMF.
“The 2020 one, Covid is accepted and the legislators are there, they know what should have happened. Is it the Bank of Ghana which has to make the application or the Ministry of Finance? Bank of Ghana doesn’t stand on its own, it stands under the Ministry of Finance. So if they have a beef, then I would have thought the gun should be directed at the Ministry of Finance but not at Bank of Ghana because they are under the Ministry.
“So if they have to go to Parliament to seek any breach of the law or an exception, then the Ministry will do that and not Bank of Ghana,” he argued.
The Member of Parliament for Bawku Central, Mahama Ayariga, holds a contrary viewpoint.
He maintains that the Bank of Ghana’s failure to notify Parliament amounts to a violation of the BoG Act, and as a result, the Governor should face the repercussions.
“The Bank of Ghana Act poses a responsibility on the Central Bank to be an adviser to the government on financial matters, fiscal matters, monetary policies. The Central Bank is supposed to be advising.
“First and foremost, his [Governor’s] failure in advising government not to create the financial mess that has ultimately affected the Central Bank itself is something that we should be holding him accountable for. And as far as we are concerned, the law says that he should come and inform Parliament. So, I don’t know where and in which law he [Nana Otuo Acheampong] has been told that the Central Bank is under the Ministry of Finance.“
In the meantime, the Minority in Parliament remains resolute in its call for the Governor’s resignation.
During an appearance on the Super Morning Show, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, the MP for North Tongu, affirmed that the Minority, along with other demonstrators, holds the expectation that a new Governor will address the issues within the Central Bank.
“If a new governor takes office, we don’t expect that new governor to continue on this reckless path.
“A new governor will not continue with this Bank of Ghana project which is now around 300 million dollars in a time of crisis. No responsible leader will do that, so a new governor will address that matter.
“A new governor will now decide to follow the law and will not print money illegally to the tune of 77 billion. I mean, you print money illegally to the tune of 77 billion and still manage to make losses of 60.8 billion, so where did the money go?” he quizzed.
“All the illegal printing, where did that money go? What was it used for? So a new governor, new deputies will be law abiding. They will not embark on this total recklessness. So it is the first step” he argued.
Member of Parliament for Ningo-Prampram, Sam Nartey Goerge, has refused to render an apology to Wing Commander Kwame Asare Boateng for his watchman comment.
On Tuesday, the Bank of Ghana Governor, Dr Ernest Addison failed to show up to receive the petition from the NDC MPs who participated in the #OccupyBoGprotest.
The leadership of the OccupyBoG protest was met by Wing Commander Kwame Asare Boateng and a host of the Bank’s leaders, who told the protesters that Dr Addison was in a meeting with a team from the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and was therefore unavailable to receive the petition.
BoG Director of Security, Wing Commander (Rtd) Kwame Asare-Boateng (Esq)
Upset by the development, Mr Sam George called Dr Addison a coward for sending a “watchman to come and meet us” instead of being present.
“We were told stories that he wasn’t well and later told that he would come and receive our petition and we stood there for an hour and more and still failed to show up and sent a watchman to come and meet us.”
“I’ve always maintained that man (Dr. Ernest Addison) is a coward, and we will protest till he comes out to receive our petition,” he said.
His comment did not bode well for some members of the public, including Pius Enam Hadzide, Chief Executive Officer of the National Youth Authority (NYA). He called on Mr George to apologise.
The Ashanti Regional Chairman of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Bernard Antwi Boasiako, has issued a warning that he may pursue legal action to have Assin Central Member of Parliament Kennedy Agyapong arrested if he continues to tarnish his well-established reputation.
During a press conference held in response to a series of allegations made against him and the party by Kennedy Agyapong, Bernard Antwi Boasiako, popularly referred to as Chairman Wontumi, asserted that he would not tolerate any further insults from Kennedy Agyapong.
“Ken must listen to me, I will make sure he is arrested if he dares tarnish my image. We know what Ken does, he insults people and goes scot free not me,” he said.
According to Chairman Wontumi, he would not remain quiet and be among the individuals who have been publicly attacked by the Assin Central MP.
“Ken in the past insulted and exposed Ahmed Suale, I am not him. I will report him to the police for justice”, he warned.
During his confrontational march in Kumasi, Mr. Agyapong confronted Chairman Wontumi and other prominent figures within the party, placing blame on them for the turmoil and disruption within the NPP.
But Chairman Wontumi is of the view that Ken Agyapong’s actions are causing harm to the party.
“Is it not true as Kennedy Agyapong alleges that I am destroying the NPP? You came to Kumasi, failed to meet up or call any of the leadership in the party and government in this region, yet you attacked the Regional Minister, you attacked Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu, you attacked the Education Minister and you attacked me, Wontumi. Now you are there playing saint that it is me rather that is destroying the party. Tell me, who is destroying the party?”, he quizzed.
Member of Parliament for North Tongu Constituency, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, has said Ghana has deviated from the principles of a true democracy and instead has transformed into a state characterized by widespread corruption and resource misallocation.
He contends that the current economic challenges can be attributed to the mismanagement and pervasive corruption within the ruling New Patriotic Party’s governance.
Speaking on JoyFM’s Super Morning Show on Wednesday, October 4, he said “the Ghanaian people have just had it, this is no more a democracy, it’s become a lootocracy.”
Mr. Ablakwa highlighted particular areas of concern, citing examples such as the costly National Cathedral Project, which he characterized as the most expensive pit in the world.
Additionally, he pointed to the contentious frontiers agreement, which he deemed a blatant giveaway, and the allocation of airport lands to political associates under the pretext of Heaven Builders Limited.
The North Tongu Constituency MP firmly reiterated “So we’re talking about a lootocracy, not a democracy and the attempt by some of these pro-government media to distract would not work.”
This comes after a viral video where Assin Central MP, Kennedy Agyapong, accused the government of looting.
Meanwhile, Mr. Ablakwa has dismissed allegations that the National Democratic Congress (NDC) provided payments to individuals, particularly the Kayayei (head porters), in exchange for their participation in the #OccupyBoG protest that occurred on Tuesday.
He emphasized that the demonstration represented a significant manifestation of public discontent, cautioning the government not to underestimate the frustration of the Ghanaian populace any further.
Mr. Ablakwa referred to the recent #OccupyJulorbiHouse protest, which he noted also witnessed a substantial turnout of Ghanaians expressing their grievances against the government.
“If they did not want to participate in the demonstration, they would not have showed up – to the extent that they showed up in their numbers.
“Let us not say that they came because somebody induced them. It is totally wrong. We had said from the outset that this demonstration, we call on all Ghanaians and all sections of society,” Mr Ablakwa said.
The Football Association has imposed a one-game ban on Chelsea captain Reece James for his confrontation with referee Jarred Gillett and the use of inappropriate language directed at him in the tunnel after Chelsea’s 1-0 loss to Aston Villa on September 24.
Additionally, he has been fined £90,000 for breaching FA Rule E3.
“The defender admitted that he used improper, insulting and abusive words and behaviour towards a match official in the tunnel after the final whistle,” a statement read.
The incident unfolded when Reece James, who was sidelined for the match, engaged in a heated exchange with referee Jarred Gillett in the tunnel at Stamford Bridge.
Chelsea’s dissatisfaction with Gillett stemmed from a VAR review that led to Malo Gusto’s dismissal for a challenge on Lucas Digne, while the score remained level at 0-0 early in the second half.
Furthermore, Chelsea had been displeased with Gillett earlier in the game when he allowed only two of the designated three minutes of stoppage time at the conclusion of the first half.
Chelsea's Reece James has been handed a one-match suspension and fined £90,000 after admitting an FA charge of using "abusive language and behaviour" towards a match referee 🔵⚽ pic.twitter.com/uToLTkWZdg
Mr Samuel Koku Anyidoho, a former Deputy General Secretary of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) has chastised the party for allegedly failing to pay tribute to its late member, Enoch Teye Mensah, popularly known as E.T Mensah.
The former Minister of State and Council of State Member passed away on the evening of Sunday, October 1, while undergoing medical treatment in South Africa. He was 77 years old.
Since then, many prominent individuals including President Akufo-Addo have eulogised E.T Mensah.
In his tribute, the president stated that E.T Mensah served as a valuable source of advice during his time in office.
“I have lost a good friend,” the president mourned in a statement issued on Tuesday, October 03.
“The death of a friend of long standing brings up so many emotions – grief, sense of loss, sadness, reflections on friendship, reminiscences on a generation, the stark reality of mortality, the prospects of eternity, the presence of the Living God.”
“Even though we were on different sides in the House, he became a very good friend right till the very end,” President Akufo-Addo noted.
In reaction to the President’s gesture, Mr Koku Anyidoho has questioned why the NDC is not allegedly mourning its member.
In a Twitter post on October 3, he asked “So, the NDC, is not mourning the passing of ET Mensah? How wicked can we be?”
Former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) has been instructed to vacate her Capitol hideaway office by Wednesday, a decision she criticized as a “sharp departure from tradition.”
An email sent to Pelosi’s office on Tuesday stated that the room would be re-keyed and reassigned for “speaker use.”
This action followed the appointment of Patrick McHenry as House speaker pro tempore, which occurred shortly after the historic removal of Kevin McCarthy (R-Calif.) in a vote on Tuesday.
“With all of the important decisions that the new Republican Leadership must address, which we are all eagerly awaiting, one of the first actions taken by the new Speaker Pro Tempore was to order me to immediately vacate my office in the Capitol,” Pelosi said in a statement, referring to McHenry (R-NC).
Pelosi served as the Speaker of the House on two distinct occasions: first, from 2007 to 2011, and then again from 2019 to 2022.
Staff members of House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-NY) assisted in clearing out Pelosi’s office late on Tuesday, as reported by the outlet. Items including a television and bags were observed outside the office before being removed.
“Office space doesn’t matter to me, but it seems to be important to them,” Pelosi added. “Now that the new Republican Leadership has settled this important matter, let’s hope they get to work on what’s truly important for the American people.”
Pelosi was not present during the House vote that led to the removal of McCarthy as House Speaker, a vote instigated by members of his own party.
Former National Organiser of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Sammi Awuku, has refuted allegations that Vice President Dr Mahamudu Bawumia is utilizing state resources to advance his candidacy for the NPP flagbearer position.
Ahead of the NPP Presidential Primaries slated for November 4, there have been claims the Vice President is financing his campaign with state funds.
In June this year, before his candidate, Alan Kyerematen broke away from the NPP, Yaw Buaben Asamoa accused Dr Mahamudu Bawumia of using government resources and personnel to get delegates to accept him as a candidate.
But in an interview on Peace FM’s morning programme “Kokrokoo”, Mr Awuku noted that such claims are false and demanded proof from the accusers.
“What is the proof?””I reject any assertion that we are also using State funds. Where are we going to get it from? What happens is that Dr. Bawumia has enormous goodwill,” he said.
He however, explained that the Vice President is accessing individuals he is entitled to as a statesman.
“Let’s be clear. Former President John Mahama will be campaigning for the Presidency of Ghana next year still as a former President with all the protocols accorded him still given. He is entitled to a dispatch. He is entitled to state security protection. The fact that Dr. Bawumia is contesting to be flagbearer doesn’t mean he is still not the Vice President.
“And in 2024, when Dr. Bawumia becomes the candidate for NPP, he and the President will be campaigning with the support of the State Security because they are all entitled to that,” he established.
On September 8, 2023, President John Agyekum Kufuor and his late wife, Theresa Kufuor, commemorated 61 years since they exchanged their wedding vows—a remarkable milestone that garnered widespread celebration.
However, the joyous occasion took a somber turn in the late hours of Sunday, October 1, 2023, with the heartbreaking news of the passing of former First Lady Theresa Kufuor.
Amidst mourning, it has become necessary to take a look at the love life of the former first gentleman and former first lady of the land.
GhanaWeb has stumbled upon a passage from an undisclosed book that chronicles the love story between the couple.
This unidentified book, particularly within its chapter titled “Between Faith and History,” the online portal says vividly recounts John Agyekum Kufuor’s romantic journey with Theresa, a journey that commenced on the streets of London.
Their initial encounter transpired during the commemoration of Ghana’s transition to a republican status, at an event held in London.
“Of all these encounters, which Kufuor cherished in London and also at Oxford, none would be as lasting as the one with Theresa, a young Ghanaian lady he met in London on 1 July 1961 at the Ghana High Commission during an anniversary celebration of Ghana’s attainment of Republican status. Kufuor had completed law studies and this lady, who had studied Nursing in Edinburgh for four years, was going to the Oxford University Hospital to continue a Midwifery course.
“The coincidence tickled Kufuor but it also marked the beginning of their friendship. In conversation, it became clear that Theresa Mensah or Nee Mensah had lived in Kumasi previously and that her brother was the well-known economist J.H. Mensah,” the book snippet showed.
The book also delved into the romantic tale of how a young John Agyekum Kufuor fell in love with Theresa Kufuor, highlighting her culinary expertise along the way.
“From the first invitation to go out and the others that followed, Kufuor and Theresa settled in well in Oxford as students.”
The book said “Theresa was friendly and supportive. Occasionally, she would prepare him Ghanaian food as they strengthened their friendship.
“’I realised I was in love with Theresa and so when I decided to do the right thing – to get married, I was convinced she was the right choice.’
“Quite quickly and to the amazement of many of his friends, Kufuor decided to marry Theresa within only two years of knowing her and when he was two years from finally leaving Oxford. The engagement was fixed for July 1962 at his mother’s home near Muswell Hill and Barima Kwaku Adusei, an Asante royal who later became the King of Asante-Otumfuo Opoku Ware II was invited to preside over the ceremony. Two months later, the wedding took place at Bloomington Catholic Church opposite Harrods Department Store. After that, the couple returned to Oxford again for Kufuor to complete his studies.
“Because they would not be staying much longer in Oxford, they rented a flat in the fashionable Woodstock Road, near St. Anthony’s College. On 6 September 1963, just a year after the wedding, Theresa gave birth to a son, John Addo Kwarbo Kufuor whom Kufuor named for his beloved uncle. Kufuor explained why things were moving so fast for him: ”I was too serious. I also wanted a focus. I just did not want to be distracted at all,” the book said.
Member of Parliament for Madina Constituency, Francis-Xavier Sosu, has provided a reason for his recent outburst against the government during Tuesday’s #OccupyBoG demonstration.
In the Ga language, the MP said some unprintable words that provoked condemnation by some members of the general public.
Since the incident, Francis-Xavier Sosu has apologised for his actions.
In an interview on Angel FM, the MP noted that he uttered such insults out of anger. He admitted that the persona witnessed on Tuesday was not his regular self, which is more composed.
“I will say that I was out of character yesterday. It is a demonstration we participated in. The anger that resided in us, that was what we were expressing. But obviously, I know that won’t be a good example to many people that is why I am apologising,” he said.
Mr Sosu has therefore entreated all who were adversely impacted by his utterance to forgive him.
“It was out of character and I apologize to all who were offended by the statement. Just find a place in your heart to forgive because the anger was at high levels,” he pleaded.
#OccupyBoG demo: "Outburst Was Out Of Character" – Madina MP, Francis Xavier Sosu
The government of Ghana’s Domestic Debt Exchange Programme (DDEP) has exacerbated the already fragile situation faced by many rural and community banks (RCBs) in the country, according to Chairman of the Board of Directors of ARB Apex Bank, Dr. Tony Aubynn.
RCBs were already grappling with the severe consequences of funds that had been locked up in certain financial institutions regulated by the Securities and Exchange Commission, and the introduction of the domestic debt exchange has further compounded their challenges.
Dr. Tony Aubynn made these observations during the commencement of the 21st annual general meeting of the ARB Apex Bank.
Dr. Aubynn noted that rural and community banks had substantial investments in government-related bonds, which were converted into new holdings as part of the debt exchange program. However, he expressed the commitment of the ARB Apex Bank to actively engage with the government and regulatory authorities to find solutions and alleviate the situation, ultimately aiming to enhance and sustain the rural banking sector.
Dr. Aubynn highlighted that the rural banking sub-sector demonstrated significant improvements in the past year:
Profit before tax surged by 44.6 percent, rising from GH¢113.3 million in 2021 to GH¢164.0 million by December 2022.
Total assets experienced year-on-year growth of 25.6 percent, expanding from GH¢6.7 billion to GH₵8.4 billion by the end of December 2022.
Deposits also saw a substantial increase of 25.4 percent, climbing from GH₵5.9 billion in December 2021 to GH₵7.4 billion.
Loans and advances recorded an 18.2 percent uptick, advancing from GH₵2.2 billion to GH₵2.6 billion in 2022.
Dr. Aubynn mentioned that Rural and Community Banks (RCBs) had approved the Apex bank’s strategy to raise an additional GH₵25.0 million in capital over five years, with an annual increment of GH₵5.0 million. This capital injection aims to strengthen the bank’s capital base and alleviate operational constraints. Consequently, the bank’s paid-up capital increased from GH₵9.6 million as of December 2022 to GH₵10.9 million by June 2023.
He assured shareholders that the bank would distribute dividends once the restrictions associated with the debt exchange program were eased.
Mr. Alex Kwasi Awuah, Managing Director of ARB Apex Bank, reported that the eagerly awaited Financial Sector Development Project (FSDP), which includes the implementation of mobile agency and internet banking solutions, was making significant progress. He added that the internet banking application was expected to be ready by the fourth quarter of 2024, promising enhanced banking convenience for customers and a positive transformation in the fortunes of RCBs.
He encouraged shareholders and customers to remain loyal, as better prospects were on the horizon.
A frustrated Francis-Xavier Sosu, who addressed the media in the Ga language on Tuesday, abandoned decorum and used strong language during the #OccupyBoG demonstration to call for the resignation of Bank of Ghana Governor Dr. Ernest Addison.
The Member of Parliament representing Madina used offensive language that quickly spread on social media, prompting a majority of Ghanaians to criticize his conduct.
However, several hours after this emotional outburst, Francis-Xavier Sosu has issued a sincere and unreserved apology.
He acknowledged that his actions were uncharacteristic and were a result of being pushed to extreme frustration and provocation.
He said, “I unreservedly apologize for my actions and words. I have reflected and realized that though I spoke those words out of anger and extreme provocation, I was completely out of character.”
“Consistent with my avowed values, I am sincerely Sorry.”
I unreservedly apologize for my actions and words. I have reflected and realized that though I spoke those words out of anger and extreme provocation, I was completely out of character.
President Akufo-Addo’s lawyer, Kow Essuman, has sarcastically expressed disappointment over the #OccupyBoG protestors’ failure to present their petition to Bank of Ghana Governor, Dr Ernest Addison.
The protestors marched all the way from the Obra Spot at the Kwame Nkrumah Interchange to the Bank of Ghana in central Accra.
But on Tuesday, October 3, Bank of Ghana Governor, Dr. Ernest Addison was notably absent when the NDC MPs attempted to present their petition during the #OccupyBoG protest.
Instead, the OccupyBoG protest’s leadership encountered Wing Commander Kwame Asare Boateng (retired) and several bank officials.
They were informed that Dr. Addison was engaged in a meeting with a delegation from the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and was unavailable to receive the petition.
Reacting to this development, Lawyer Essuman expressed surprise that the delegation went home with their petition after hours of marching the streets.
He also made mockery of the hundreds of Ghanaians who thronged the streets of Accra to demand the resignation of the Bank of Ghana Governor.
President Akufo-Addo’s lawyer, Kow Essuman, has made mockery of the hundreds of Ghanaians who thronged the streets of Accra to demand the resignation of the Bank of Ghana Governor, Dr Ernest Addison via the #OccupyBoG demonstration.
He made fun of the fact that the protestors, led by Minority leader Dr Cassiel Ato and some bigwigs of the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC) failed to achieve their purpose, which was to present their petition to Dr Addison.
On Tuesday, October 3, Bank of Ghana Governor, Dr. Ernest Addison was notably absent when the NDC MPs attempted to present their petition during the #OccupyBoG protest.
Instead, the OccupyBoG protest’s leadership encountered Wing Commander Kwame Asare Boateng (retired) and several Bank officials.
They were informed that Dr. Addison was engaged in a meeting with a delegation from the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and was unavailable to receive the petition.
Reacting to this development, Lawyer Essuman noted that despite the protestors’ inability to meet the BoG Governor, they managed to burn some calories.
“So wait oh. Do you mean to tell me that the NDC, led by Ato Baah aka @Cassielforson, walked all the way from Obra Spot to @thebankofghana to present a petition to the Governor but then left without presenting the petition because the Governor was unavailable due to meetings. At least they burned some calories,” he wrote in a Twitter post on October 3, 2023.
The protestors marched all the way from the Obra Spot at the Kwame Nkrumah Interchange to the Bank of Ghana in central Accra.
The Minority Leader, Dr Cassiel Ato Forson has described Dr. Addison’s absence as disrespectful. He refused to present the petition to anyone other than Dr Ernest Addsion.
He assured that another protest would be held on a date yet to be established to present the petition to the BoG Governor.
On Tuesday, October 3, Bank of Ghana Governor, Dr. Ernest Addison was notably absent when the NDC MPs attempted to present their petition during the #OccupyBoG protest.
Instead, the OccupyBoG protest’s leadership encountered Wing Commander Kwame Asare Boateng (retired) and several Bank officials.
They were informed that Dr. Addison was engaged in a meeting with a delegation from the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and was unavailable to receive the petition.
MP for Ningo-Prampram, Sam Nartey George, was upset that a “watchman” had been sent to receive the delegation.
“We were told stories that he wasn’t well and later told that he would come and receive our petition and we stood there for an hour and more and still failed to show up and sent a watchman to come and meet us,” he said.
But who is Wing Commander Kwame Asare Boateng (retired).
Wing Commander Kwame Asare-Boateng Rtd (Esq) joined the Bank of Ghana in 2019, assuming the role of Director responsible for the Security Department. During his tenure, he has significantly revitalized and enhanced the effectiveness of the Security Department.
Prior to his service at the Bank of Ghana, Mr. Asare-Boateng dedicated 26 years of his career to the Ghana Air Force, where he ascended through the ranks to the position of Wing Commander. He also held the role of Deputy Director of the Legal Directorate at the Air Force Headquarters. Throughout his military service, he held various key roles, including those of an Intelligence Operator, Administrator, and Legal Officer.
Mr. Asare-Boateng participated in numerous operational assignments, including serving as the Force Conduct and Discipline Officer with the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (Unifil) and as the Force Intelligence Officer during his tenure as a UN Observer in Liberia.
He was admitted to the Ghana Bar in 2007 after successfully completing his professional law program. In addition to his legal qualifications, he holds a Master of Arts Degree in International Relations and a Bachelor of Arts Degree, both awarded by the University of Ghana.
Mr. Asare-Boateng’s distinguished service has been recognized through several awards and United Nations Medals, highlighting his professionalism and unwavering dedication to both his nation and the United Nations.
The alleged mastermind in the theft case involving Cecilia Abena Dapaah, the former Sanitation and Water Resource Minister, has been denied bail by an Accra Circuit Court.
The court’s decision was based on the fact that Patience Botwe, an 18-year-old former house help of the former Minister, had previously skipped bail at Juvenile Court “C” in Accra after it had been granted to her.
“This court is not inclined to grant bail to first accused person (Patience Botwe) because proceeding of the Juvenile Court C showed that she flouted the court bail and a bench warrant was issued for her arrest.
“Even when the case was struck out in March this year, the accused person was not arrested despite the bench warrant. Bail application for first accused person is refused,” the court presided over by Mrs Afia Owusua Appiah held.
The court’s decision came after the lawyer representing the accused individual, Nana Addo Asrifi, requested bail for Patience, citing a previous grant of bail at the Juvenile Court. In response, the Circuit Court instructed its Registrar to obtain records from the Juvenile Court to verify the claims regarding the bail granted to the client.
Furthermore, the court has directed the Prosecution to expedite their investigations so that the pleas of the accused individuals can be heard on the next scheduled date. The court has also tasked the Police with investigating the properties of the sureties presented by the accused individuals to facilitate their release on bail.
Led by Assistant State Attorney (ASA) Akosua Agyepomaa, the Prosecution informed the court that they had received extensive documentation from the Police, which they needed to review before taking further action.
The ASA explained that the Police had been instructed to investigate specific aspects of the case, and they had complied by producing the voluminous documents. Additionally, the Attorney General was actively involved in the case docket.
Several lawyers expressed dissatisfaction with the repeated requests for adjournments by the prosecution, citing concerns about the impact on the freedom of the accused individuals. Mr. J. K. Ntoni, representing two of the accused persons, questioned why the prosecution consistently sought adjournments to the detriment of the accused individuals.
Earlier, defense counsel members voiced their clients’ frustrations regarding the challenges they faced in fulfilling the requirements for their bail.
Mr Raymond Felli, who was led by Mr Yaw Dankwah, said they had been frequenting the Police station in their bid to execute the bail, adding, “they have been asking us to go and come back.”
The court’s decision came after the lawyer representing the accused individual, Nana Addo Asrifi, requested bail for Patience, citing a previous grant of bail at the Juvenile Court. In response, the Circuit Court instructed its Registrar to obtain records from the Juvenile Court to verify the claims regarding the bail granted to the client.
Furthermore, the court has directed the Prosecution to expedite their investigations so that the pleas of the accused individuals can be heard on the next scheduled date. The court has also tasked the Police with investigating the properties of the sureties presented by the accused individuals to facilitate their release on bail.
Led by Assistant State Attorney (ASA) Akosua Agyepomaa, the Prosecution informed the court that they had received extensive documentation from the Police, which they needed to review before taking further action. The ASA explained that the Police had been instructed to investigate specific aspects of the case, and they had complied by producing the voluminous documents. Additionally, the Attorney General was actively involved in the case docket.
Several lawyers expressed dissatisfaction with the repeated requests for adjournments by the prosecution, citing concerns about the impact on the freedom of the accused individuals. Mr. J. K. Ntoni, representing two of the accused persons, questioned why the prosecution consistently sought adjournments to the detriment of the accused individuals.
Earlier, defense counsel members voiced their clients’ frustrations regarding the challenges they faced in fulfilling the requirements for their bail.
The Member of Parliament (MP) representing Ningo-Prampram, Sam Nartey George, has strongly criticized Dr. Ernest Addison, the Governor of the Bank of Ghana, for his absence when the Minority presented their petition calling for his removal.
The MP went on to label Dr. Addison as a coward, suggesting that his absence was due to fear of the sizable crowd that had gathered during the #OccupyBoG protest.
During a media interview on Wednesday, October 4, Mr Nartey George emphasized that the MPs from the National Democratic Congress (NDC) would not back down from their demand for the Governor’s resignation.
Mr. Nartey George asserted that he had always believed Dr. Addison lacked the courage and suitability required to lead the central bank.
Dr Ernest Addison, Bank of Ghana, Governor
“We were told stories that he wasn’t well and later told that he would come and receive our petition and we stood there for an hour and more and still failed to show up and sent a watchman to come and meet us.”
“I’ve always maintained that man (Dr. Ernest Addison) is a coward and we will protest till he comes out to receive our petition,” he said.
Dr Addison on Tuesday failed to show up to receive the petition from the NDC MPs.
The leadership of the OccupyBoG protest was met by Wing Commander Kwame Asare Boateng and a host of the Bank’s leaders, who told the protesters that Dr Addison was in a meeting with a team from the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and was therefore unavailable to receive the petition.
The Minority Leader, Dr Cassiel Ato Forson, in response, described the decision by Dr. Addison as appalling and disappointing. He refused to present the petition to anyone other than Dr Ernest Addsion.
He assured that another protest would be held on a date yet to be established to present the petition to the BoG Governor.
The General Transport, Petroleum, and Chemical Workers’ Union of the Trades Union Congress (GTPCWU-TUC) has called upon President Akufo-Addo to reinstate a sense of professionalism in corporate governance within the Tema Oil Refinery’s (TOR) Board of Directors.
They emphasize the importance of making decisions driven by integrity.
GTPCWU-TUC has expressed concerns about the current Board of Directors (BOD), asserting that they have exhibited a high degree of incompetence.
They believe that allowing the current BOD to remain in their positions is detrimental to the credibility of the appointing authority and places an undue financial burden on the public purse.
Their argument is based on alleged questionable practices by the BOD in their efforts to secure a reputable strategic partner for TOR.
“The current BOD of TOR is set up not based on competence but only on political considerations. As a result of this, they have tolerated and wasted our time over an Entity whose incorporated name started with Decimal Capital/VITOL, then changed to Baybridge Asset Management Limited, later to Torentco Asset Management Limited and now Tema Energy and Processing Limited, within a period of 18 months.
“All the changes or evolutions of names are shrouded under the pretense of “a new SPV”, to cover one scandal or the other. As responsible citizens and key internal stakeholders of the refinery, who share in the President charge for citizenship and not spectators, we bring your attention to the latest development with this particular entity (Torentco Asset Management Limited).
“As it stands now, due to the damming findings of the due diligence report, the surrogate of Torentco wearing the clothing of TOR BOD has allowed or tolerated a new SPV by name Tema Energy and Processing Limited with shares allocation of 40% to CAD Investment Holdings, 40% to Torentco and 20% to TOR Workers Charity Trust,” the group revealed.
Furthermore, they have accused the Board of Directors (BOD) of incentivizing employees and offering shares in the new special purpose vehicle to those who compromised their integrity in order to advance their agenda. Instead, the engagement process should have been conducted through the management for a thorough workforce consultation.
“On the blind side of 99% of TOR workers and executive management, some few executives of TOR’s local UNICOF executives (Abu Abass Bugubie, Bright Adongo) and their cohorts (Albert Amoako Adjei, Scott Tsevia and Emmanuel Abankwah) have secured an agreement with Torentco to incorporate an entity by guarantee in order to benefit from a 20% shares in the new SPV (Tema Energy and Processing Limited) without recourse to workers and management,” the group said.
They added that “We will seek to remind executive management, especially the acting MD to do the needful with all the evidence available to establish orderliness in TOR, if these BOD members, the compromised TOR-UNICOF executives and their cohorts should be made to freely walk in the refinery.”
President Akufo-Addo has paid tribute to the late Enoch Teye Mensah, a former Minister of State and Council of State Member, expressing that he served as a valuable source of advice during his time in office.
“I have lost a good friend,” the president mourned in a statement issued on Tuesday, October 03.
“The death of a friend of long standing brings up so many emotions – grief, sense of loss, sadness, reflections on friendship, reminiscences on a generation, the stark reality of mortality, the prospects of eternity, the presence of the Living God.”
“Even though we were on different sides in the House, he became a very good friend right till the very end,” President Nana Akufo-Addo noted.
In the tribute, the late ET Mensah was characterized as a warm, generous individual with a gregarious nature, sharp intellect, and an enchanting sense of humor.
“In his element, you could find no better company, and was a good source of advice for me as President of the Republic.”
Enoch Teye Mensah, fondly known as ET Mensah passed away on the evening of Sunday, October 1, while undergoing medical treatment in South Africa. He was 77 years old.
Throughout his distinguished political journey, he held several prominent roles, including serving as the Chief Executive of the Accra Metropolitan Assembly (AMA). Additionally, he held the position of Minority Chief Whip in Parliament leading up to Ghana’s General Election in 2008. Subsequently, in January 2009, he assumed the role of Majority Chief Whip in Parliament.
The late ET Mensah, who held the position of Minister of Sports for an extended period, also served as the Member of Parliament for Ningo-Prampram for an impressive five consecutive terms.
Chairman of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), Johnson Asiedu Nketiah, has entreated the International Monetary Fund (IMF) to desist from providing loans to the current government.
He alleges that loans procured by the Akufo-Addo government are being squandered and not used for the intended purpose.
Mr Asiedu Nketiah made the comment when he addressed the hundreds of individuals who participated in the #OccupyBoG protest that was held today, October 3.
“His government is corrupt. Today, some NPP members say the part is corrupt. Don’t insult such people for there is more we haven’t heard. So we need to encourage them to reveal the information.
“We won’t go to IMF again. We have come to tell you to leave your position but you have run, going to meet the IMF. We are telling the IMF that the people they are engaging are not representing Ghanaians, they are thieves. If you give them any money, they will squander it,” he said.
During the protest, it was made public that the government was in talks with the IMF over its $3 billion deal. The Bank of Ghana Governor, Dr Ernest Addison, could not receive the petition by the protestors as he was in a meeting with the Fund.
Founder of the Non-Governmental Organisation (NGO) A-ensonga Hearts Foundation, Kenndicta A-ensonga Ajene, is among seven individuals who have been nominated for the EMY Africa Youth Changemaker Award.
Kenndicta A-ensonga Ajene is the only Ghanaian shortlisted for the award owing to her philanthropic acts that have brought smiles to the less privileged and vulnerable in Ghanaian societies for the past three years.
Providing a conducive environment for education is one of the key issues the A-ensonga Hearts Foundation has sought to address.
Remarkable works by A-ensonga Hearts Foundation
In 2021, a year after its establishment, the A-ensonga Hearts Foundation, as part of its “The Furniture Project” provided 53 dual desks to the Gorigo Primary School, located in the Talensi District of the Upper East Region.
In addition to providing much-needed furniture, the NGO undertook the renovation of four classrooms within the Kindergarten (KG) and Primary blocks. Furthermore, the organization supplied stationery and mats to the pupils, with the total value of these contributions amounting to GH¢20,000.00.
Previously, the school, with an enrollment of approximately 255 students, had limited furniture, primarily provided by the Global Education Partnership Grant (GPEG) back in 2015. Unfortunately, this furniture could only accommodate a small number of pupils in the upper Primary grades, leaving the rest of the students at both KG and Primary levels to study on the floor.
During a gathering held to officially present the new furniture and the renovated classrooms to the school, Ms. Kenndicta A-ensonga Ajene, expressed her concern regarding the challenging learning conditions that the school had faced before these much-needed improvements.
The Foundation in November 2022 visited the Salamba AME Zion Primary School in Bogkurigu, situated within the Sagnarigu Municipality of the Northern Region. During this visit, they generously provided both educational and non-educational materials to the school’s management.
The donated items, with an approximate value of GH₵8,200.00, included an array of supplies such as 90 assorted textbooks, 110 black slates, one box of pens, five boxes of white chalk, 48 plates, 23 bowls, and 32 water bottles.
On this occasion, Ms. Ajene reiterated her call to parents, especially those in rural communities, stressing the importance of enrolling their children in school. She emphasized that doing so is pivotal to nurturing responsible citizens who can actively contribute to the country’s developmental endeavors.
In June this year, the Foundation took its attention to the Kunkua D/A Primary and Kindergarten (KG) Schools, located in Kunkua within the Bongo District of the Upper East Region, where it undertook the construction of a borehole.
The borehole, which was completed at an estimated cost of GH₵20,000.00, was initiated in response to a request made by the school’s management to the NGO.
This borehole now serves a total pupil population of 303 students, as well as other neighboring schools, including the Kunkua Junior High School.
Prior to the construction of the borehole, the pupils and the cooks involved in the Ghana School Feeding Programme had to compete with community members for access to water from a nearby borehole. This situation often disrupted their class hours and resulted in delayed lunchtimes.
About Kenndicta A-ensonga Ajene
Kenndicta A-ensonga Ajene is a passionate advocate for bridging Ghana’s North-South divide that marked her upbringing, addressing issues such as poverty and limited access to essential amenities.
During her time at the University of Ghana, she seized every opportunity to volunteer for causes dedicated to uplifting the underprivileged.
In 2020, she founded the A-ensonga Hearts Foundation, focusing on enhancing the quality and accessibility of education for children in deprived communities.
The Ghana Airports Company Limited (GACL) has disclosed that it lacks information regarding the revenue generated by Frontiers Healthcare Service through the COVID-19 testing conducted at the airports.
This information was revealed by JoyNews’ Raymond Acquah, who engaged the authority in a letter over the matter.
The contract between GACL and Frontiers Health Services has been under intense scrutiny, including allegations of corruption from civil society organizations and opposition Members of Parliament (MPs).
During a discussion on the Super Morning Show, Mr. Acquah mentioned that the JoyNews team wrote to the GACL to request information on the total revenue generated from the COVID-19 testing operation conducted by the Ghana Airport Company Limited.
However, the GACL informed them that they could not disclose that information, citing Section 10 of the Right to Information (RTI) Act, 2019, Act 989, as the legal basis for non-disclosure.
“Because of Section 10 of the RTI Act, that’s the exemption regime, of course they explained that the exemption regime has so many provisions. After saying section 10 disallows them from giving us the contract they moved on. They said they were not privy to the procedure and that they do not know how much has actually been generated in the entire exercise,” he added.
In addition to revenue details, the JoyNews team also sought a copy of the agreement between the government and the healthcare service provider. Unfortunately, the authority declined to provide that information as well.
Furthermore, the JoyNews team sought information regarding the selection process that led to Frontiers Health Services being awarded the contract for COVID-19 testing at the airport.
However, the GACL stated that they did not possess the necessary information about the specific steps and processes involved in selecting and awarding the contract to Frontiers Health Services.
“We wrote to ask for a copy of the RTI request to the Ghana Airport Company, then secondly processes and procedures they used in contracting frontiers, the reasons why they settled on frontiers. How much money they much has actually been generated in the entire exercise. How much money is going to the state and frontiers,”he added.
Meanwhile, Member of Parliament (MP) for North Tongu, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, alleged that Ghana’s procurement laws were grossly disregarded in the Frontiers COVID-19 Airport Testing deal.
He highlighted a significant revelation related to the offer letter from the Ghana Airport Company Limited to Frontiers Healthcare Services Limited, signed by the former Managing Director, Mr. Yaw Kwakwa, and dated August 31, 2020.
According to him, the letter exposes how “Frontiers was handpicked in an opaque sweetheart deal after a hush-hush discussion; Ghana’s procurement laws were blatantly and violently flouted. In fact, Ghana’s procurement laws were suspended.
“This was not a competitive exercise as credible institutions such as Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research, Kumasi Centre for Collaborative Research, Korle Bu Central Laboratory and others who were at the forefront of the COVID containment were sidelined as government opted for the overnight incorporated dubious Frontiers.”
This revelation has raised concerns about the transparency and legality of the contract.
Member of Parliament for North Tongu, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, has revealed that the Ghana Airport Company, (GACL) made only $10 out of every $150 collected by Frontier for COVID test at Ghana’s Airport.
According to him, he finds it surprising that GACL will settle for a meagre amount of $10 out of the total $150 charged.
“It is as though somebody has put a gun to their head and they are just making all kinds of offers to frontiers which are skewed, imbalance, which are against their own interest. Will you believe that this offer letter says that though we know you are going to charge $150 per test, we are only interested in $10. We will take only ten dollars. Can you believe that? he quizzed host during an interview over the phone.
Mr Ablakwa has extensively disclosed the contract between the government and Frontiers Healthcare Services Ltd for conducting COVID-19 testing at Kotoka International Airport in 2020.
The contract documents had been requested multiple times under the Right to Information Act but had not been provided.
According to Ablakwa, he has managed to obtain these documents through his sources.
The revealed details show that the contract was granted to Frontiers on August 31, 2020, with work commencing on September 1, 2020.
The North Tongu MP, who refers to himself as the SOA Oversight, has criticized the contract award, alleging that it disregarded public procurement laws and appeared to be aimed at benefiting a select few within the government.
The timely intervention of police officers prevented a group of enraged family members from physically assaulting the prime suspect and an alleged accomplice in the case of the 35-year-old businesswoman who was tragically killed by her house help at her residence in Sokoban, Kumasi.
Clearly agitated, the family members attempted to attack the suspects as they were leaving the court premises after their initial appearance. Some even resorted to throwing stones at the police vehicle carrying the suspects, and they chased the vehicle in an attempt to reach the suspects.
The prime suspect, 22-year-old Allister John, had confessed to the alleged murder during his first court appearance before the Asokore Mampong District Court on Monday, September 18, 2023. Another individual suspected of being an accomplice was also in custody.
The court proceedings revealed that this gruesome act was the result of a conspiracy involving five individuals, including the two suspects currently in custody.
The prosecution has identified three additional suspects – Collins, Biggie, and Christian Obu – who are currently evading capture, and the police are actively pursuing their apprehension.
During their second appearance before the Asokore Mampong District Court on Tuesday, October 3rd, the prosecution disclosed that the autopsy report indicated the victim’s death was unnatural, strongly suggesting that she had been killed by another person.
Consequently, the prosecution requested that the court remand the suspects once again to allow for further investigations. The court granted this request, and the suspects are scheduled to appear before the court once more on October 17, 2023.
The Chamber of Aquaculture Ghana has revealed that fish farmers situated along the Volta Lake have incurred significant losses, estimated at ₵46 million, due to the release of water from the Akosombo Dam.
The Volta River Authority initiated the opening of the dam as a preventive measure to safeguard the hydroelectric power plant from potential damage resulting from rising water levels.
The Chamber of Aquaculture Ghana is expressing deep concern about the adverse effects of this recent water release on its members. The spillage has led to extensive damage to the assets and investments of cage farmers operating in the vicinity of the Volta Lake.
“Over 500 cages have been destroyed. Cage Farmers are losing their livestock fish stock, brood stocks and fingerlings. Some Hatcheries situated close to the Volta River bank have been submerged,” the chamber said in a statement.
The Chamber reports that numerous members and other cage farmers operating along the Volta River have suffered substantial losses, with their investments amounting to approximately ₵46 million being adversely impacted by the Akosombo Dam water release.
The Chamber further clarified that the ongoing spillage has led to the complete destruction of fish farming assets, washing them away to the estuary at Ada, rendering them irreparable.
In light of this situation, the chamber has issued a plea to the government and relevant stakeholders, urging them to extend assistance to the fish farmers who have been affected by this recent spillage.
“The Chamber of Aquaculture Ghana is also calling on the government, the sector Ministry, stakeholders, and other supporting agencies to come to the aid of fish farmers affected by the recent spillage. We would therefore encourage fish farmers to subscribe to aquaculture insurance which could have absorbed some of the losses they have incurred,” it read.
It further advised the Volta River Authority on prudent measures going forward to minimise the damage to cage farms on the Volta Lake.
“The Chamber is also calling on the Volta River Authority to use the various media outlets and other platforms to constantly announce to its stakeholders, the volume of water being spilled as this will enable cage farmers to adequately prepare and put in place measures that will mitigate the impact of the spillage,” it said.
The Chamber also made an appeal to cage farmers to exercise due care to protect their investment.
“We would therefore encourage fish farmers to subscribe to aquaculture insurance which could have absorbed some of the losses they have incurred.”
Cage farmers are being encouraged to make adjustments to their anchors in order to secure their cages more effectively.
“In addition to anchoring the cages, cage farmers are encouraged to constantly monitor the activities of the Volta River Authority in order to prevent any unaware situation that will cause further havoc to assets and investments. Cage Farmers should fix floats or barrels around cages to minimize the direct impact of the fast-moving water currents. Additionally, Cage Farmers along Volta Lake should avoid stocking their cages to prevent further loss of investments, harvest matured fish before further spillage is executed, and ensure that feeders and divers are constantly observing the state of affairs of the nets and debris trapped.”
The #OccupyBoG demonstration did not come to a successful end as expected by the many protestors including Minority Leader Dr Cassiel Ato Forson, who hit the streets today to demand the removal of Bank of Ghana Governor, Dr Ernest Addison, accused of mismanaging the institution.
This is because Dr Ernest Addison, whom the protestors sought to present their petition to, was nowhere to be found on Tuesday evening.
When a delegation comprising some prominent NDC MPs and party leaders such as Asiedu Nketiah, Sammy Gyamfi, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, arrived at the Central Bank premises to present their petition, they were sadly informed of Dr Addison’s absence.
Wing Commander Kwame Asare Boateng (rtd), Director of Security, who arrived to meet the protestors, informed the delegation that Dr Addison is engaging the International Monetary Fund (IMF) hence his audience.
This revelation angered the Minority Leader, who then vented his spleen over what he described as gross disrespect to Parliament and Ghanaians.
“I feel very disrespected as the Leader of the opposition in Parliament. For a simple reason that we demanded to present a petition to the Governor of the Central Bank of the Republic of Ghana otherwise known as the Bank of Ghana. The Governor has two deputies, namely Deputy 1 and Deputy 2.
“Unfortunately, he has decided to disrespect us and his two deputies have also decided to disrespect us by not being here to accept the petition. We never said we are going to present our petition to the head of security or someone responsible for security with all due respect. They have actually mismanaged the affairs of the Central Bank,” he said.
Dr Ato Forson refused to present the petition to Wing Commander Kwame Asare Boateng (rtd), who had been tasked with receiving the protestors.
“They have mismanaged the affairs of monetary policy. You are not the one responsible and we will not give you our petition. We will not allow you, going forward, to disrespect us and mismanage the Affairs of the people of Ghana. Your act, Bank of Ghana, has indeed pushed 850,000 down the poverty line. We will hold you accountable, particularly the Governor. We are demanding his exit. Now that he had decided to disrespect us, we will not present our petition. We will go and come back again. And we will come back and demand to see him in person.”
He therefore announced that the Minority together with aggrieved Ghanaians will continue to hit the streets until Dr Addsion receives the petition in person.
“The crowd you’ve seen is just the beginning. We will come back again. He should better come in here,” he stated.
He questioned the priority of Dr Addison, who chose a meeting with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) over addressing the concerns of the very individuals whose taxes provide him income.
“If he thinks that IMF is more important than the Parliament of Ghana. If he thinks that the IMF is more important than the people of Ghana, he is here, because of the people of Ghana and not IMF. So let him deal with IMF but we will come after him. We will come after him. Until we see him, we are not stopping. This is just the beginning,” he said.
Due to today’s protest, the road leading from Independence Square in front of the National Lotteries to the old Parliament House has been temporarily closed to vehicles due to the demonstration.
To accommodate this closure, traffic had been rerouted from the blocked road to the Starlets traffic light, passing through the Ministry traffic light, in front of the Office of Department of Urban Roads, and then through the National Lotteries to connect with the AMA road to EOCO.
From there, a detour allowed vehicles to rejoin the John Evans Atta Mills Highway at the old Parliament traffic intersection.
The designated routes for the demonstration included gathering at the Obra Spot at Kwame Nkrumah Circle and proceeding through Adabraka, Ridge Roundabout, National Theatre Traffic Light, High Court Complex Traffic Light, Attah Mills Highway, making a U-turn at the National Lottery Authority, and concluding the march at Independence Square.
Minority leader in Parliament, Dr Cassiel Ato Forson, has expressed frustration over the absence of Dr Ernest Addison, the Governor of the Central Bank during the #OccupyGhana demonstration.
A few minutes into the march, the Minority leader informed the press that the Minority would only present its petition to the governor.
He noted that should Dr Addison fail to meet the protestors, they would remain at the Central Bank.
But when a delegation comprising some prominent NDC MPs and party leaders such as Asiedu Nketiah, Sammy Gyamfi, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, arrived at the Central Bank premises to present their petition, they were sadly informed of Dr Addison’s absence.
Wing Commander Kwame Asare Boateng (rtd), Director of Security, who arrived to meet the protestors, informed the delegation that Dr Addison is engaging the International Monetary Fund (IMF).
His comments did not bode well with the Minority Leader, who asked whether the IMF was more important than Ghanaians and the Parliament.
Mr Ato Forson refused to present the petition to Wing Commander Kwame Asare Boateng (rtd) and noted that the protestors would return to present the petition to the Bank of Governor.
“I feel very disrespected as the Leader of the opposition in Parliament. For a simple reason that we demanded to present a petition to the Governor of the Central Bank of the Republic of Ghana otherwise known as the Bank of Ghana. The Governor has two deputies, namely Deputy 1 and Deputy 2.
“Unfortunately, he has decided to disrespect us and his two deputies have also decided to disrespect us by not being here to accept the petition. We never said we are going to present our petition to the head of security or someone responsible for security with all due respect. They have actually mismanaged the affairs of the Central Bank.
“They have mismanaged the affairs of monetary policy. You are not the one responsible and we will not give you our petition. We will not allow you, going forward, to disrespect us and mismanage the Affairs of the people of Ghana. Your act, Bank of Ghana, has indeed pushed 850,000 down the poverty line. We will hold you accountable, particularly the Governor. We are demanding his exit. Now that he had decided to disrespect us, we will not present our petition. We will go and come back again. And we will come back and demand to see him in person.
“The crowd you’ve seen is just the beginning. We will come back again. He should better come in here. If he thinks that IMF is more important than the Parliament of Ghana. If he thinks that the IMF is more important than the people of Ghana, he is here, because of the people of Ghana and not IMF. So let him deal with IMF but we will come after him. We will come after him. Until we see him, we are not stopping. This is just the beginning,” he said.
A book of condolence has been opened to allow people to express their condolences and memories in honor of the late former First Lady, Theresa Kufuor.
Dignitaries from various sectors have gathered at the Peduase residence of former President John Agyekum Kufour to offer their condolences and support during this difficult time.
Among the sympathizers are Vice President Dr Mahamudu Bawumia, founder and CEO of Salt and Light Ministries, Rev. Joyce Aryee, NLA Director-General Sammi Awuku, and National Security Minister Kan Dapaah.
During an interaction with the well-wishers, former president John Agyekum Kufuor momentarily broke down, but his brother gently tapped his chair to encourage him to compose himself.
Mrs Theresa Kufuor’s demise occurred in the afternoon of Sunday, October 1, 2023. This brought an end to her 61-year marriage with former President Agyekum Kufuor.
A book of condolence has been opened to allow people to express their condolences and memories in honor of the late former first lady Theresa Kufuor.
Dignitaries from various sectors have gathered at the Peduase residence of former president John Agyekum Kufour to offer their… pic.twitter.com/C6wnnn9sQ2
