Former President John Agyekum Kufuor is grieving the death of his wife, Theresa Kufuor. In a video that has surfaced online, the statesman could be seen struggling to contain his grief.
The former president can be seen seated on the compound of his Peduase residence, flanked by close relatives on both sides.
To his left stands his brother and former Minister of Defence, Dr. Kwame Addo-Kufuor. John Kufuor addresses the gathering, although his words remain inaudible. There comes a point when his emotions become overwhelming, causing him to pause.
In a courageous effort to restrain his tears and quell his surging emotions, the former president momentarily breaks down, but his brother gently taps 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.
Mrs. Kufuor held the esteemed position of Ghana’s First Lady from January 7, 2001, to January 6, 2009 after her husband, John Agyekum Kufuor, assumed the presidency, succeeding Jerry John Rawlings.
During her time as First Lady, Theresa Kufuor made a significant impact by establishing the Mother to Child Community Development Foundation. This foundation was dedicated to promoting the healthy development of children and preventing the transmission of diseases from mothers to their offspring.
This, in turn, resulted in notable advancements in healthcare access and a reduction in maternal and child mortality rates within the nation.
Mrs. Kufuor was also a passionate advocate for women’s rights and empowerment. She tirelessly championed various programs and policies aimed at elevating the status of women in Ghanaian society.
Meanwhile, Ghanaians including First Lady Rebecca Akufo-Addo, have turned to social media to convey their heartfelt condolences and extend their sympathies to former President John Agyekum Kufour and his family.
Also, the country’s flags will fly half mast till Sunday, a directive by President Akufo-Addo.
Former Barcelona forward, Kevin-Prince Boateng, has confessed that he falsely claimed Lionel Messi was the world’s best player in order to secure a spot with the Catalan club.
The former Ghana international disclosed that he had previously regarded Cristiano Ronaldo as the superior player but was pressured to endorse Messi as the best during a press conference in order to join the Spanish giants.
Boateng joined Barcelona on loan in January 2019, primarily serving as a backup striker for the latter part of the season and making just three appearances during his tenure.
“I supported Hertha Berlin where I was born and then, sorry Blaugrana, Barcelona fans will hate me now but Real Madrid,” he told FIVE UK.
“I couldn’t say that at the press conference because they told me you can’t say that, otherwise we can’t play you. Two years earlier when I was playing for Las Palmas, I said in a press conference that the best player in the world is Ronaldo and in the galaxy Messi.
“They say who is the best player in the world, you say Messi,” he said, drawing a hilarious reaction from Rio Ferdinand and the crew.
“This is one of the biggest lies because I usually say the truth, but this one I had to lie because I wanted to put on the shirt for one time at Camp Nou,” he added.
Unverified reports indicate that Bulk Oil Storage and Transportation Company Limited (BOST) has acquired tea machines at a purported cost of GH¢2.3 million.
Allegedly, this procurement was conducted through a single-source method.
According to MyNewsGh.com, the contract reference for this procurement was GR/BOST GD/0007/2022, and it was carried out on July 22, 2022, with the tea machines reportedly delivered on the same date. The procurement was said to involve Rageita Company Limited.
“In a leaked conversation intercepted by MyNewsGh.com, the Managing Director of BOST, Mr. Edwin Provencal, claimed that the machines were needed to provide hot beverages to staff and visitors to BOST offices and its other facilities at that exorbitant cost of Ghc2.3million.
“However, some industry players as well as staff of the company have questioned the need for the machines and the cost of the procurement. They have also expressed concern about the fact that the procurement was done through single sourcing,” the online portal wrote.
This comes less than 48 hours after Bulk Energy Storage and Transportation Limited Company (BOST) refuted claims that it acquired iPhones worth ¢28.541 million for certain essential personnel within the organization.
In an official statement issued by the company, it expressed its astonishment regarding the procurement report circulating on social media platforms.
According to the company, there is “misinformation” about the total cost of 18 pieces of iPhone 13 Pro Max phones purchased in May 2022.
“The total cost of the phones stood at ¢234,000.00 grossed up for taxes at ¢285,412.16. The amount is captured in the financial reports of the company and the Auditor General who audits the company, at least over the past three years, vetted the decision and the value and made no adverse findings about same.”
“The ¢28.541 million in the report may be due to a typographical error of placing the dot(.) two steps to the right which on the face of the document converted the ¢285,412.61 to ¢28.541 million,” the statement read.
BOST noted that the devices were purchased to equip the team to stay in touch with the management information and business intelligence systems of the company for efficient decision making.
“In the petroleum storage and transportation space, a split second can make the difference between success and failure”, the statement added.
For the company “the results so far attest to the efficiency of the systems put in place which includes the access points for key members of the team to access processed information for efficient decision making.”
Chairman of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), Asiedu Nketiah, says the Electoral Commission (EC) abandoned scientific knowledge for guesswork for the just-ended Limited Voter Registration Exercise.
He made this statement in relation to the target set by the Commission for the 21-day exercise.
The Commission’s objective was to register approximately 1,350,000 individuals on the electoral roll. However, the EC indicated that it did not anticipate registering all 1,350,000 targeted individuals within the 21-day registration period.
As such, the Commission revised their target to approximately 700,000, which accounts for 52 percent of the original goal.
During a press conference held in Accra to provide an update on the ongoing registration process, Dr. Eric Bossman Asare, Deputy Chairman in charge of Corporate Services at the EC, stated that as of the 16th day of the registration exercise, the Commission had registered 673,276 new voters.
“The Commission is within a striking distance of the targeted 700,000 persons to be registered in this exercise,” he said.
Reacting to this in an interview on JoyNews, Mr Asiedu Nketiah noted that the target set by the EC was unwarranted as the Commission does not hold census in the country.
According to the NDC Chair, the Commission should have relied on data from the Ghana Statistical Service (GSS) and not some sort of “guesswork”.
“We stated in the past that this cannot count as a good registration exercise. Who set the target? Why should the EC set the target. Based on what? The constitution says that register every Ghanaian 18 years and above can participate in all elections.
“Are you not the one who determines the number of Ghanaians who are 18 years and above? Is the Electoral Commission the one that does the census in Ghana? There is a body that conducts population census and the figure they have tells you that those are 18 years and above, this is their number and you go there setting targets unrelated to the population census figures.
“So what is the basis of setting the target if you keep revising it? They started setting a target of 1.5 million. Somewhere in the middle, they said they have revised it to 750,000 and so on. So it’s like some guesswork. They are using guesswork in running the place,” he said.
On Monday, October 2, the limited voter registration exercise by the Electoral Commission (EC) ended across all 268 district offices of the commission.
But some political parties are calling on the Electoral Commission to extend the exercise.
In tribute to the late former First Lady, Theresa Kufuor, who passed away last Sunday, all flags in Ghana and its diplomatic missions have been lowered to half-mast starting from Monday.
President Akufo-Addo issued this directive, and the flags will remain at half-mast until Sunday, October 8, 2023.
A statement released by the Minister of Information, Kojo Oppong Nkrumah, noted that Mrs. Kufuor, the wife of former President John Agyekum Kufuor, led a life marked by compassion, unwavering dedication, and selfless service to the people of Ghana.
“We extend our heartfelt condolences to President J. A. Kufuor and the family as we collectively mourn the loss of a remarkable woman who touched the hearts of many,” the statement said.
The passing of Mrs. Theresa Kufuor was officially announced through a statement released by Dr. Kwabena Osei-Adubofour, who serves as the Senior Aide and Spokesman for former President Kufuor.
“It is with deep sorrow that the Office of Former President John Agyekum Kufuor announces the passing away of the former First Lady, Mrs Theresa Kufuor, in the afternoon of Sunday, October 1, 2023.
“We ask that you have the former First Family in your prayers in these difficult times,” the statement said.
In his tribute, President Akufo-Addo characterized Mrs. Kufuor as the unwavering partner of President Kufuor throughout their 61-year marriage. He acknowledged her as an invaluable and steadfast source of counsel, motivation, and prayers for him.
The statement further highlighted her political acumen and noted her substantial contributions to the political achievements of former President Kufuor.
Mrs. Kufuor held the esteemed position of Ghana’s First Lady from January 7, 2001, to January 6, 2009 after her husband, John Agyekum Kufuor, assumed the presidency, succeeding Jerry John Rawlings.
During her time as First Lady, Theresa Kufuor made a significant impact by establishing the Mother to Child Community Development Foundation. This foundation was dedicated to promoting the healthy development of children and preventing the transmission of diseases from mothers to their offspring.
This, in turn, resulted in notable advancements in healthcare access and a reduction in maternal and child mortality rates within the nation.
Mrs. Kufuor was also a passionate advocate for women’s rights and empowerment. She tirelessly championed various programs and policies aimed at elevating the status of women in Ghanaian society.
The Ghana Chapter of the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) has appealed to the administrations of various tertiary institutions in the country for a grace period for the payment of fees by their members.
In a media interview, the President of NANS, Sam Edem, pointed out the volatility in the exchange rate between the Ghanaian cedi and the Nigerian naira. This exchange rate instability has resulted in continuous increases in school fees.
Mr. Edem acknowledged that the Nigerian government is taking steps to address the naira’s challenges and urged tertiary institutions in Ghana to consider their request for a grace period in light of these currency fluctuations.
“So, while I am putting out word to our government back home, we would appreciate it if a lot more is done about this issue. And we appeal to our institutions here to give the Nigerian students that allowance for the period to ensure that they are able to meet their obligations with regard to fees.”
In a public lecture in 2022, Lamido Sanusi, the former governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, disclosed that there were more than 70,000 Nigerian students pursuing their education in Ghana.
He said “about 71,000 Nigerian students in Ghana (are) paying about US$1 billion annually as tuition fees and upkeep, as against the annual budget of US$751 million for all federal universities.”
“In other words, the money spent by Nigerian students studying in Ghana with a better-organised system is more than the annual budget of all federal universities in the country. Nigeria is today placed third on the list of countries with the highest number of students studying overseas,” he added.
The Chairman of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), Johnson Asiedu Nketia, has expressed the party’s willingness to participate in Inter-Party Advisory Committee (IPAC) meetings should the committee return the party to its original purpose.
During an appearance on PM Express on JoyNews, Mr. Nketia emphasized that, from the NDC’s perspective, IPAC currently holds no significance, as the Electoral Commission appears unresponsive to the input and advice provided by the committee.
“The political parties that have been attending IPAC, are they not the ones who are joining us now in court against what the Electoral Commission has done? They went to IPAC, learned about what to do with this voter’s registration and everything they decided upon, the Electoral Commission came out to announce the opposite.”
“Everything you do, there must be an objective, there must be a motive. If the motive behind IPAC is for us to go and seek consensus, and you have come to the conclusion that consensus cannot be sought at the IPAC, you are wasting your time going to sit there,” Mr Nketia said.
He stated that if the Electoral Commission is willing to restore IPAC to its role as a consensus-building forum, the NDC will not hesitate to participate in meetings and actively contribute to discussions aimed at improving the governance of Ghana.
“If you are calling us to school, it means we are going to study. If you go to school and then you don’t study anything, would you continue going there and your parents be paying the school fees? No. That’s the reason why IPAC was established. So let us go back and use the IPAC to be building the consensus. But if IPAC is not going to be used to build consensus, then that meeting is not IPAC.”
Since March 2020, the NDC has refrained from participating in IPAC meetings due to concerns it raised about the Electoral Commission’s conduct.
Conversely, the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP) has extended an appeal to the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC) to rejoin the Inter-Party Advisory Committee (IPAC).
Evans Nimako, the Director of Research and Elections at the NPP, emphasized the importance of the opposition party’s return to IPAC. He stressed that this move would ensure the NDC’s representation in decisions that are relevant to all stakeholders.
“IPAC has been meeting; the New Patriotic Party has always been honouring invitations from the EC. We cannot force other parties to come or not to come, but if you check from the EC you realise that anytime IPAC has been held the party has enquired about the steps the EC has taken to invite the NDC.
“If you look at the current CI, the 91, it says that the EC must conduct continuous registration and it says also that there must be a modality committee and that committee has been formed at IPAC. We expected NDC to be part, to be around so that we can all discuss issues that will take onboard the interest of all stakeholders and this they’ve reneged. So we’ll rather continue to call on them to come back to IPAC for all parties to discuss,” he said.
The Government of the Republic of South Korea has donated 22 KIA vehicles to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration in support of Ghana’s preparations for the upcoming 2023 UN Ministerial Meetings scheduled for December.
This donation comprises twelve saloon vehicles and ten vans, which were officially handed over by Korea’s Ambassador to the Republic of Ghana, H.E. Jung-Taek Lim, during a ceremony at the Foreign Ministry on Monday, October 2, 2023.
In his remarks, Ambassador H.E. Jung-Taek Lim reiterated the commitment of the Korean government to strengthen its collaboration with Ghana in the United Nations and other international forums.
Foreign Minister, Shirley Ayorkor Botchwey and Ambassador H.E. Jung-Taek Lim
He expressed hope that these vehicles, in addition to the IT products provided in July of this year, would contribute to Ghana’s successful hosting of the UN Peacekeeping Ministerial Conference in December.
On her part, the Foreign Minister, Shirley Ayorkor Botchwey, who received the vehicles on behalf of the Government of Ghana, noted that “the occasion symbolises the strength of the relations between Ghana and the Republic of Korea and further underscores the importance Ghana attaches to the longstanding friendship”.
The Minister thanked the Government of Korea for extending support to Ghana in its preparations towards bringing the entire peacekeeping community into the country.
Madam Ayorkor Botchwey also took the opportunity to commend Ambassador Lim for his role in securing Korea’s support for Ghana for the upcoming 2023 UN Ministerial meetings in December.
UN Peacekeeping Ministerial Meetings focus on securing concrete commitments from Member States to fill critical gaps, leverage new technologies and address key priorities to improve the operational effectiveness of peacekeeping missions.
With missions navigating unprecedented challenges and threats, this year’s event will focus on critical issues such as the protection of civilians, strategic communications and addressing misinformation and disinformation, safety and security, mental health of uniformed peacekeepers and the pivotal role of women in peacekeeping.
Highlighting the significance of the Ministerial Meeting taking place in Africa and the importance of partnerships, Atul Khare, Under-Secretary-General for Operational Support said: “Ghana’s and Africa’s contributions to peacekeeping are advancing beyond troop contributions to offering a vital forum in which countries can unite and collaborate on innovative strategies to address current challenges and discuss the future of peacekeeping. I look forward to the formation of partnerships amongst participants to enhance the effectiveness of our peacekeepers, elevate the quality of their medical care and foster environmentally responsible operations.”
“In addition to the myriad challenges currently before us, United Nations peace operations are also at a critical juncture in preventing and addressing misconduct as a central element of performance,” said Catherine Pollard, Under-Secretary-General for Management Strategy, Policy and Compliance.
In the lead-up to this year’s Ministerial Meeting, a series of preparatory meetings on key areas identified by UN Member States have set the stage for discussions.
These included preparatory conferences on women in peacekeeping operations, co-hosted by Bangladesh, Canada and Uruguay; mental health support for uniformed personnel, co-hosted by Ghana, Republic of Korea and the United Nations; and safety and security, co-hosted by Japan and Pakistan. In October, a meeting on protection of civilians and strategic communications will take place in Kigali, co-hosted by Indonesia, Netherlands, Rwanda and the United Kingdom.
On Friday, September 29, 2023, a grand farewell celebration was organized for the 2022/2023 National Service Scheme (NSS) personnel who had dedicated a year of their service at the Air Force Headquarters (AFHQ).
The event took place at the Air Force Officers’ Mess, marking the successful completion of their service tenure.
The occasion was brimming with heartfelt conversations and interactions, providing an opportunity for these service personnel to engage with officers, airmen, and defense civilian staff.
Amidst the joyous moments, the National Service Personnel took a moment to express their gratitude to the Command and all Air Force personnel for their invaluable guidance, mentorship, and advice throughout their service.
These service personnel highlighted that the knowledge and experience gained during their service had not only enriched their lives but had also instilled in them a strong sense of discipline.
They recognized that this discipline would serve them well as they ventured into the job market, where they aimed to make meaningful contributions to national development.
The Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), AVM Bekoe, made a brief appearance during the event, engaging with the Service Personnel and extending his well-wishes.
In a speech delivered on behalf of the CAS by Air Commodore Eric Yirenkyi, the Chief Staff Officer at Air Force Headquarters, he commended the service personnel for their dedication and hard work. He encouraged them to leverage the skills they had acquired to excel in their future endeavors.
Air Commodore Yirenkyi further advised the service personnel to remain proactive in updating their skills, recognizing the importance of staying relevant in the ever-evolving job market.
Sympathizers who wish to extend their condolences to former President John Agyekum Kufuor over the death of his wife, Theresa Kufuor, can do so starting today.
This information was revealed by Dr. Kwabena Osei-Adubofour, who serves as a special aide and spokesperson for the statesman when he provided an update on the former president’s condition following the passing of his wife.
“It was very sad and shocking, and it happened yesterday late in the afternoon and the old man [former president Kufuor] did not take it kindly at all because it was a shock to him but this morning, I’ve seen that he has recovered to some extent from the shock,” Dr. Osei-Adubofour said.
“You know, he is old enough to understand death and normally when people come to inform us about the bereavement of other people, he kept on saying death is a journey everyone will embark on, and so he understands and had tuned his mind to it despite that the initial occurrence was very serious and shocking.”
He therefore said: “We welcome people coming to show their love and condolences, but I will plead with them to start it tomorrow because it happened less than 24 hours ago.”
He said this was to allow for logistical work such as putting up some canopies.
“So let them give us free time today, and then they can start coming tomorrow,” he added.
Already, some prominent individuals in the New Patriotic Party (NPP) have thronged the home of the stateman to express their condolences.
According to sources close to the family, Mrs Theresa Kufuor died at her home on Sunday, October 1.
Mrs. Kufuor held the esteemed position of Ghana’s First Lady from January 7, 2001, to January 6, 2009 after her husband, John Agyekum Kufuor, assumed the presidency, succeeding Jerry John Rawlings.
During her time as First Lady, Theresa Kufuor made a significant impact by establishing the Mother to Child Community Development Foundation. This foundation was dedicated to promoting the healthy development of children and preventing the transmission of diseases from mothers to their offspring.
This, in turn, resulted in notable advancements in healthcare access and a reduction in maternal and child mortality rates within the nation.
Mrs. Kufuor was also a passionate advocate for women’s rights and empowerment. She tirelessly championed various programs and policies aimed at elevating the status of women in Ghanaian society.
Meanwhile, Ghanaians including First Lady Rebecca Akufo-Addo have turned to social media to convey their heartfelt condolences and extend their sympathies to former President John Agyekum Kufour and his family.
The Bank of Ghana (BoG) is urging banks to swiftly rebuild their capital buffers, particularly by receiving equity capital injections from shareholders.
This move aims to enhance resilience and further bolster the economy. The push for this capital rebuilding stems from the robust growth in bank profits, which comes after substantial losses incurred in 2022 due to the Domestic Debt Exchange Programme.
Dr. Ernest Addison, the Governor of the Bank of Ghana, made this announcement during the 40th Annual General Meeting of the Ghana Association of Banks (GAB). He assured that the early implementation of the Ghana Financial Stability Fund would offer additional support for recapitalization to eligible banks.
This support would align with the criteria and governance framework established in consultation with the International Monetary Fund and the World Bank.
Dr. Addison took the opportunity to reiterate the Central Bank’s commitment to closely monitoring developments in the banking sector, especially in light of the Domestic Debt Exchange Programme and other emerging risks. He emphasized that the Central Bank would take decisive actions as necessary to address any emerging issues.
Furthermore, the Bank of Ghana will ensure the safety of depositors’ funds and maintain stability and resilience in the financial system.
“The Bank appreciates the collaborative approach adopted by GAB and we encourage the association to continue to engage on issues with the aim of building a resilient banking system, within the confines of the law.”
The Governor emphasized the Bank of Ghana’s unwavering commitment to fostering a robust, secure, and sustainable banking sector that contributes to the nation’s growth objectives.
“While several policy measures have been implemented over the recent past, a lot remains to be done to promote a more resilient banking industry. Going forward, the Bank will continue to strengthen its regulatory and supervisory framework to promote confidence in the financial system”.
Furthermore, alongside the goal of maintaining the profitability levels achieved by banks during the initial eight months of 2023, the Governor emphasized that the Bank of Ghana will actively tackle particular risks associated with high-performing loans, deficient corporate governance, and ineffective risk management systems. This approach is intended to bolster robust risk management practices within banks, including addressing cybersecurity and information security-related risks.
Additionally, the regulatory authority will persist in implementing the Basel II/III capital standards, with the objective of fortifying the banking sector’s resilience.
As part of a Garrison tour aimed at raising awareness about the provident fund and retirement planning, Colonel JK Buame led a team that visited the Air Force Base Tamale on Thursday, September 28, 2023.
The primary objective of this visit was to educate military personnel about the performance of the provident fund and the importance of planning for their retirement.
During the event, Colonel Buame emphasized the significance of having a well-structured retirement plan. He encouraged individuals to consider investing in a simple, efficient housing solution to ensure its timely completion. Colonel Buame stressed that a thoughtful and attainable retirement plan brings peace of mind, ensuring a comfortable and stress-free future.
Colonel Buame also addressed common misconceptions and misunderstandings related to the provident fund, shedding light on its benefits.
He urged attendees to carefully evaluate their contributions to the provident fund and consider increasing their contributions in preparation for retirement.
He discouraged frequent withdrawals from the provident fund, as such actions can hinder the growth and stability of one’s retirement savings.
Colonel Buame emphasized the importance of maintaining a consistent and long-term approach to building financial security.
Notable attendees at the lecture included the Base Commander of Air Force Base Tamale, Air Commodore JL Larkai, the Commanding Officer of the Airborne Force, Lieutenant Colonel LY Boakye, as well as representatives from the General Headquarters Resettlement, General Headquarters Education, and Services Integrity Savings and Loan (SISL) Bank.
Former General Secretary of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), John Boadu, has criticised former member of the party, Alan Kyerematen, for allegedly running with the notion that he would automatically succeed Akufo-Addo after his term ends.
According to a journalist on Peace FM, in 2007, now President Akufo-Addo, then the flagbearer of the NPP, urged Alan Kyerematen to support him until his tenure ends, where he would continue.
In response to the statement, John Boadu asked, “Does the NPP belong to Akufo-Addo? Is it his that he can say that after I’m gone, you continue?”
After the 2007 presidential elections, there was a need for a second round of voting, but Alan Kyerematen decided to step aside for Nana Akufo-Addo to proceed.
Reacting to this, Mr Boadu explained that holding a second round of voting would have been difficult as most of the electorates had been bussed to their various destinations.
“So if we have finished voting and prepare for the second round, at the time, should we have voted, it would have been difficult.
Because of the distance, we make them vote early. After that, we let them depart. They hear the results while on their way. Should we have decided to vote again, it would have been difficult.
That gesture was good for the party. If we had decided to vote, we would not have made a corum. A lot of people had left, so he (Alan) decided that he would not contest any longer,” he explained.
According to Mr Boadu, he does not believe Alan Kyerematen bought into the succession idea, as he participated in subsequent party elections.
“Since then, he didn’t say he would not contest in 2012 because he had earlier left the position. In 2010, we had an election. I’m 2014, we had another contest. If Akufo-Addo said he (Alan) would succeed him, why did he contest in 2012 and 2014?” he quizzed.
Owing to unresolved electoral issues, Mr Alan Kyerematen has parted ways with the ruling Party to run as an independent candidates ahead of the 2024 elections.
The Minority Leader, Dr Cassiel Ato Forson has announced his sides willingness to comply with directives issued by the Ghana Police for the #OccupyBoG demonstration.
He indicated his side’s commitment when he engaged the press today, Tuesday, October 3.
“The Ghana Police Service must show us where the security point ends, so-called security zones. We will comply with that. We will get to the end of the security zone,” Dr Ato Forson said.
Prior to today’s protest, the Minority had informed the police of their intention to commence the protest from the frontage of Parliament, proposing a specific route that would pass through various landmarks in Accra.
The police expressed concerns about the selected routes, citing potential public order and safety risks, as well as traffic disruption.
In response, the police proposed an alternative route, but the Minority insisted on adhering to their original plan, emphasizing that their proposed route was shorter than the police’s suggested alternative.
As a result, the police sought an injunction against the Minority’s proposed routes.
But there has been an agreement following further consultation.
The demonstrators will converge at Obra Spot at the Kwame Nkrumah Circle and proceed to Adabraka to Ridge Roundabout, National Theatre Traffic Light, High Court Traffic Light to Atta Mills Highway and make a u-turn at the National Lottery and terminate at the Independence Square.
Minority Leader in Parliament, Dr Cassiel Ato Forson, has noted that the protestors involved in the #OccupyBoG demonstration would only hand over their petition to the Governor of the Central Bank, Dr Cassiel Ato Forson.
Engaging the press today during the protest, the Minority leader noted that no other staff would be engaged.
Should Dr Addison fail to receive the petition, the protestors have pledged to remain at the Central Bank until he does so.
“I together with the leadership of the NDC Minority in Parliament must be allowed to walk to the Central Bank to present a petition that should be received by the Governor himself.
“He must be the one to receive our petition. We won’t just hand it over to him; we will read it to his hearing. And we will demand his exit today.
“If he fails to exit, there will be a series of actions against him. Then we will not leave there,” Dr Ato Forson said.
The Minority has expressed dissatisfaction over the unauthorized printing of over GH¢80 billion by the central bank for the Akufo-Addo government.
According to the Minority, the Central Bank, by so doing, has pushed some 850,000 Ghanaians into poverty. They therefore have called for the removal of Dr Ernest Addison.
There has been some major roadblocks to vehicular traffic as part of the Minority NDC’s #OccupyBoG protest slated for today October 3.
The road from Independence Square in front of the National Lotteries towards the old Parliament House has been temporarily blocked to vehicular traffic during the demonstration.
As such, the blocked road has been diverted to the Starlets traffic light through the Ministry traffic light to pass in front of the Office of Department of Urban Roads, through the National Lotteries to link up with the AMA road to EOCO, to take a detour back to the John Evans Atta Mills Highway at the old Parliament traffic intersection.
The general public were earlier informed of this in a press briefing addressed by its Director of Public Affairs, ASP Grace Ansah-Akrofi on Monday.
The Motor Traffic and Transport Department, MTTD, has been deployed to assist the motoring public.
The specified routes for the demonstration, include 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.
The legal representative for one of the senior police officers involved in the leaked tape conspiracy aimed at orchestrating the removal of Inspector General of Police (IGP), Dr. George Akuffo Dampare, is calling for the committee to provide witness protection to new witnesses willing to testify against the IGP.
Two weeks ago, the legal team wrote to the Parliamentary committee overseeing the investigation, requesting that it summons two potential witnesses, including a senior police officer, to provide vital testimony to support their inquiry.
The letter has since been made public, a development that concerns Alfred Paapa Darkwa, the lawyer representing Supt. George Asare.
“…We wrote a letter to the committee and indicated certain names that will come and testify. Unfortunately, the content of the letter got leaked. These are individuals that are supposed to be anonymous which is why they were due to testify in-camera. We do not know how the letter got leaked, we have our own suspicions,” he said.
He also mentioned that they have formally requested the parliamentary committee to launch an investigation to determine the source of the leaked letter.
He also explained that these potential “witnesses are apprehensive and in fact one of them has even indicated that he is not willing to testify anymore. So, these are issues we think that whoever leaked this thing has done a very great disservice to the nation.”
According to him, the witnesses should rather be encouraged, adding that “What this thing has done has the potential of undermining the work of the committee, and rather exposing them because we cannot do a half-baked job.”
Meanwhile, the in-camera hearing expected to take place on October 2 has been postponed.
The second group of trainees from the Ghana Air Force Special Task Unit successfully completed their demanding 6-week training program at the 69 Airborne Force facility in Tamale on September 22, 2023.
The intensive program encompassed physically challenging exercises, rigorous theoretical sessions, and practical drills, all designed to enhance the participants’ skills in various aspects of airborne operations.
From parachute jumps to tactical planning exercises, the trainees were thoroughly tested and pushed to excel in every facet of their training. The program culminated in a rigorous final exercise conducted at the old Airport facility in Tamale.
During the closing ceremony, Lt. Col. Louis Yaw Boakye, the Commanding Officer of the Airborne Force, praised the trainees for their unwavering dedication and encouraged them to continue pushing their limits to further enhance their capabilities.
As a symbol of their successful completion of the program, the trainees were presented with well-deserved certificates of achievement and customized T-shirts.
This training initiative holds significant importance, not only strengthening the capabilities of the Ghana Air Force but also contributing to the broader national security infrastructure.
The Mayor of Kharkiv, Ihor Terekhov, has announced plans for Ukraine’s inaugural underground school to be constructed in the northeastern city.
“Such a shelter will allow thousands of children to continue their in-person education safely even during missile threats,” he said.
Rocket attacks once again struck the Kharkiv region on Monday, underscoring the frequency of such attacks in the area.
Ukraine reports that more than 360 educational facilities have been destroyed, and over 3,000 have sustained damage since the onset of Russia’s full-scale invasion in 2022.
Unicef, the UN children’s agency, has revealed that only a third of Ukraine’s schoolchildren are currently able to attend in-person classes due to ongoing deadly Russian missile and drone attacks, as well as shelling.
Many of these students have been compelled to attend makeshift classes in underground metro stations and other makeshift shelters, often lacking proper heating.
Recently, the EU’s Fundamental Rights Agency noted the challenges faced by many schools in the 27-member bloc in integrating children who have fled the conflict in Ukraine. The agency reported that approximately 1.3 million Ukrainian children are currently residing in the EU.
In Sunday’s post on social media, the Kharkiv mayor announced that “it is here that we plan to build the first underground school in Ukraine”.
Mr Terekhov said the school “will meet the most modern requirements for defensive buildings”.
And he stressed that the city authorities “will not reduce educational expenditure by a single hryvnia [Ukraine’s currency] this year or next year, despite the lack of budget funds”.
The mayor gave no details on when the underground school would open, and how many pupils would be able to study there.
In the previous month, over 1,000 pupils in Kharkiv embarked on their new school year, attending classes at five underground stations that had been transformed into “metro-schools.”
To facilitate their attendance, students are transported to these metro-schools by buses and are divided into two shifts. The first shift commences at 09:00 local time, followed by the second shift at 13:00. Each underground station is equipped with police and rescue personnel to ensure the students’ safety.
In a brief ceremony held at the National Headquarters of the Ghana National Fire Service (GNFS) in Accra on Thursday, September 28, 2023, the Chief Fire Officer, Mr. Julius A. Kuunuor, officially inaugurated the Bushfire Prevention Campaign Planning Committee for the year 2023.
The committee, chaired by DCFO James Owusu-Agyei, Director Rural Fires, comprises representatives from various government entities and organizations, including the Ministry of Agriculture, the Ministry of Interior, the Environmental Protection Agency, the National Insurance Commission, the Ghana Meteorological Agency, the Ministry of Education, the Ghana Cocoa Board, NADMO, the Forestry Commission, the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources, GIZ-MOAP-NW, the Ghana News Agency, and the Information Services Department.
A section of the Planning Committee Stakeholders in your shot standing at the inauguration of the 2023 Bushfire Prevention Campaign at the NHQ of GNFS in Accra
Chief Fire Officer Mr. Julius A. Kuunuor emphasized that the launch of the Bushfire Prevention Campaign marks the next step in a series of programs and activities scheduled to celebrate the 60th Anniversary of the GNFS.
He urged all stakeholders to collaborate effectively as a team to devise appropriate solutions to combat the annual devastation caused to Ghana’s vegetation by bushfires.
Dr. Kwabena Osei-Adubofour, who serves as a special aide and spokesperson for former President John Agyekum Kufuor, has entreated sympathisers and well-wishers who wish to extend their condolences to the statesman over the death of his wife, Theresa Kufuor, to do so from tomorrow, Tuesday, October 3, 2023.
He made the plea when he provided an update on the former president’s condition following the passing of his wife.
“It was very sad and shocking, and it happened yesterday late in the afternoon and the old man [former president Kufuor] did not take it kindly at all because it was a shock to him but this morning, I’ve seen that he has recovered to some extent from the shock,” Dr. Osei-Adubofour said.
“You know, he is old enough to understand death and normally when people come to inform us about the bereavement of other people, he kept on saying death is a journey everyone will embark on, and so he understands and had tuned his mind to it despite that the initial occurrence was very serious and shocking.”
He therefore said: “We welcome people coming to show their love and condolences, but I will plead with them to start it tomorrow because it happened less than 24 hours ago and we need to do some logistical work like putting up some canopies and all that so let them give us free time today, and then they can start coming tomorrow.”
According to sources close to the family, Mrs Theresa Kufuor died at her home on Sunday, October 1.
Mrs. Kufuor held the esteemed position of Ghana’s First Lady from January 7, 2001, to January 6, 2009 after her husband, John Agyekum Kufuor, assumed the presidency, succeeding Jerry John Rawlings.
During her time as First Lady, Theresa Kufuor made a significant impact by establishing the Mother to Child Community Development Foundation. This foundation was dedicated to promoting the healthy development of children and preventing the transmission of diseases from mothers to their offspring.
This, in turn, resulted in notable advancements in healthcare access and a reduction in maternal and child mortality rates within the nation.
Mrs. Kufuor was also a passionate advocate for women’s rights and empowerment. She tirelessly championed various programs and policies aimed at elevating the status of women in Ghanaian society.
Meanwhile, Ghanaians including First Lady Rebecca Akufo-Addo have turned to social media to convey their heartfelt condolences and extend their sympathies to former President John Agyekum Kufour and his family.
The New Patriotic Party (NPP) has paid tribute to the late former First Lady, Mrs. Theresa Kufuor, who passed away on Sunday, October 1, 2023.
Additionally, the party has issued a directive for its flags to be flown at half-mast throughout the country as a mark of respect and mourning for her passing.
Mrs. Kufuor, the beloved wife of former President John Agyekum Kufuor, passed away at the age of 87 at her residence in Peduase.
The NPP in a statement signed and issued on Monday by its General Secretary, Justin Kodua Frimpong stated that “Mrs Kufuor was a beacon for female advancement, fostering initiatives to inspire and empower both young and adult females in various facets of life. The members of the ruling NPP, together with all Ghanaians whose lives were positively touched by her, extend our deepest condolences to former President John Agyekum Kufuor, their children, and the entire family.”
“We stand united with you in this time of sorrow, praying that the Almighty God grants all of us the fortitude to bear this great loss. In tribute to the memory of the late Mrs Kufuor, the NPP directs that all Party flags across the country be flown at half-mast for the next seven days. May her gentle soul continue to rest in perfect peace until we meet again on the resurrection morning. Damirifa Due!”
Meanwhile, Dr. Kwabena Osei-Adubofour, who serves as a special aide and spokesperson for former President John Agyekum Kufuor, has provided an update on the former president’s condition following the passing of his wife, Theresa Kufuor.
During an interview with Citi News, Dr. Osei-Adubofour shared that the octogenarian former president is showing encouraging signs of recovery. He also conveyed the former president’s request for the public to keep the Kufuor family in their thoughts and prayers during this challenging time.
“It was very sad and shocking, and it happened yesterday late in the afternoon and the old man [former president Kufuor] did not take it kindly at all because it was a shock to him but this morning, I’ve seen that he has recovered to some extent from the shock,” Dr. Osei-Adubofour said.
“You know, he is old enough to understand death and normally when people come to inform us about the bereavement of other people, he kept on saying death is a journey everyone will embark on, and so he understands and had tuned his mind to it despite that the initial occurrence was very serious and shocking.”
Dr. Osei-Adubofour also made an appeal to those intending to visit and offer their condolences to the family, requesting that they begin their visits from Tuesday onwards. This request is to allow the family sufficient time to make the necessary preparations to receive visitors.
“We welcome people coming to show their love and condolences, but I will plead with them to start it tomorrow because it happened less than 24 hours ago and we need to do some logistical work like putting up some canopies and all that so let them give us free time today, and then they can start coming tomorrow.”
Two nightclubs, the Teatre and Fonda Milagros, which were at the center of a tragic fire in the Spanish city of Murcia, had been previously ordered to close by local authorities last year, according to local officials.
It was revealed that the company managing both nightclubs had a permit for only one of them, specifically the Teatre, as stated by Murcia’s Deputy Mayor Antonio Navarro. It remains unclear why these clubs continued to operate after the closure order was issued.
The devastating fire claimed the lives of at least 13 individuals, including victims from Colombia, Nicaragua, Ecuador, and Spain. Among the deceased were family members who were celebrating a birthday at the time of the tragedy.
While investigations into the fire are ongoing, the cause has not yet been determined.
Deputy Mayor Antonio Navarro expressed the city council’s decision to close the Teatre and Fonda Milagros nightclubs in January 2022. However, he pledged to ascertain responsibility for the fire and did not provide details on how the venues managed to remain operational despite the closure order.
The fire is believed to have started in the Fonda Milagros and subsequently spread to the Teatre and a third nightclub within the same building known as the Golden.
“The fatalities were all concentrated in a very small area in the Fonda establishment,” a police spokesman said.
Mayor Jose Ballesta of Murcia has declared a three-day period of mourning in the city.
The tragic fire is considered to be the most devastating blaze of its kind in Spain in over three decades. The last comparable incident occurred in 1990 when a nightclub fire in Zaragoza claimed the lives of 43 people.
Motorists plying the UPSA-Legon road today experienced a traffic jam after four vehicles collided.
The four vehicles involved a Mercedes-Benz, KIA Matiz, Sprinter, and a cab.
Per reports, the red Mercedes-Benz had one of its wheels dislodged from the hub and rolled across the road while the driver was attempting to make a turn towards the UPSA hostel route.
This rolling tire diverted the attention of the driver of a black KIA Matiz, resulting in a collision with a Sprinter and a taxi.
Images and videos circulating on social media depict extensively damaged vehicles as a result of the accident.
It’s high time people who use the UPSA road contribute to buy a new traffic light pic.twitter.com/BF7qIQTaKH
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.”
Tragedy struck in northern Mexico when the roof of a church collapsed, resulting in the loss of at least 10 lives, including three children.
The incident occurred on Sunday afternoon, local time, during a baptism ceremony at the Santa Cruz church in Ciudad Madero, with approximately 100 attendees.
The collapse left 60 people injured, with at least two in critical condition, and numerous individuals trapped beneath the debris. Promptly responding to the emergency, local residents rushed to the scene equipped with shovels and pickaxes to assist in freeing those who were trapped.
Search and rescue teams have since been deployed, and the site now hosts two cranes tasked with removing the rubble. The governor of Tamaulipas has confirmed that all individuals who were initially reported as missing have been located. Rescue workers utilized thermal imaging cameras to ensure that no one remained trapped beneath the wreckage.
It is not yet clear what may have caused the collapse but the mayor of Ciudad Madero said it was probably due to “structural failures”.
Ángel Vargas, the priest who was celebrating the baptisms when the collapse occurred said that a day of celebration had turned into a tragedy.
According to local media reports, one of the individuals trapped under the debris managed to send a WhatsApp message, which proved instrumental in guiding rescuers to his location.
Tragically, among the victims were a toddler and a family consisting of a couple and their eight-year-old son, as reported by the Mexican newspaper Milenio.
The bishop of the diocese of Tampico, where the church is situated, expressed his condolences and stated that he was offering prayers for the victims and their families.
The Institute for Energy Security (IES) is forecasting an uptick in the prices of all petroleum products, commencing from today, October 2, 2023, during the upcoming pricing window.
This projection is attributed to a rise in the international market rates for petrol by 0.63%, diesel by 5.40%, and Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) by 2.43%.
Additionally, the Ghanaian cedi has experienced a 0.59% depreciation against the U.S. dollar in the foreign exchange market over the past two weeks, further contributing to the expected price increase.
“The specific price increments expected for each petroleum product are as follows: Gasoline [petrol], approximately 1% per litre; Gasoil [diesel], approximately 3% per litre; and LPG, approximately 1.5% per kilogramme”, it explained.
The price of Brent Crude experienced a pause in its upward trajectory on Thursday, September 28, 2023, following a surge to over $97 per barrel on Wednesday, September 27, 2023. Traders began taking profits, and the market’s focus shifted to the prospect of increasing interest rates.
Traditionally, higher interest rates have a dampening effect on oil prices, as they tend to reduce demand for oil due to decreased economic activity and rising costs. Interestingly, analysts at Standard Chartered in the commodities sector have argued that a more hawkish stance from the Federal Reserve might actually be beneficial this time. Such a stance is likely to make OPEC+ producers more cautious for an extended period.
In the midst of the global upswing in crude oil prices, leading to higher costs for refined products on the international fuels market, liquid fuels in the Ghanaian market remained relatively stable during the last pricing window, according to the Institute for Energy Security (IES).
Specifically, concerning liquid fuels, petrol prices remained unchanged among the monitored Oil Marketing Companies (OMCs). However, several OMCs, including Star Oil, Zen Petroleum, Benab Oil, and So Energy, raised the price of Gasoil by an average of approximately ¢0.40 per liter. Additionally, the price of Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) increased by approximately GH¢0.40 per kilogram.
Member of Parliament for Ningo-Prampram, Sam Nartey George, has condoled with the family of Enoch Teye Mensah, popularly known as E.T Mensah over their recent loss.
Mr Nartey George’s predecessor, known to be a seasoned politician, passed away at the age of 77.
His death occurred on Sunday evening, October 1, while he was receiving medical treatment in South Africa.
Reacting to the news, Mr Nartey George extended his condolences and those of his constituents to the bereaved family.
“On behalf of the National Democratic Congress, Ningo-Prampram Constituency, I wish to extend our profound condolences to the family of the late Honourable Enoch Teye Mensah. The late former Member of Parliament for our beloved constituency, who, until his demise, was a Member of the current Council of State served our Nation in several capacities for over four decades,” he wrote in a statement dated October 2, 2023.
The statement added, “We pray for the peaceful repose of his soul and strength for his family left behind.”
As a dedicated member of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), E.T. Mensah served in various notable capacities, including Minister for Education, Minister of Youth and Sports, Mayor of Accra, and representative of the Council of State for the Greater Accra Region.
E.T Mensah
E.T. Mensah was initially elected as a member of Parliament during the 1996 General Election, serving in the second parliament of the Fourth Republic of Ghana.
He continued to represent the Ningo-Prampram constituency until 2016, when he lost the NDC’s parliamentary primary to Samuel Nartey George.
In the public’s eye, the two did not see eye to eye.
Ghana’s renowned rapper, Sarkodie, has exciting news for his fans as he prepares to bring back The Rapperholic Concert.
This upcoming edition of the concert will take place in Accra, Ghana, specifically at the Grand Arena on Castle Road, and is scheduled for December 25, 2023.
Sarkodie shared the eagerly anticipated announcement via a tweet today, on October 2, 2023.
He noted that he is currently pushing for the prices of the tickets to be reduced.
“Don’t let the team see this I’m pushing for them to reduce prices and still pull a dope show tho we paying more for this years RAPPERHOLIC,” he added.
In 2022, Sarkodie made history by becoming the first African artist to host a full concert in the desert of the United Arab Emirates, specifically in Dubai, thanks to the efforts of CEEK.
Against the backdrop of the scorching desert sun, Sarkodie kicked off his remarkable performance with the track ‘Illuminati’, seamlessly transitioning into ‘Rollies and Cigars’.
He continued to deliver an electrifying performance, captivating the audience until he concluded with the hit song ‘Adonai’ from his Sarkology album.
Sarkodie, renowned for his rap skills in his native language, is celebrated as a versatile rapper with an impressive track record, boasting over 200 million streams and more than 100 awards to his name.
Notably, he clinched the inaugural BET Best International Flow award in 2019 and earned recognition from the Vodafone Ghana Music Awards as the ‘Artist of The Decade’. Furthermore, he received an honor from the Afrobeats Music Awards for his exceptional contributions to the growth and global expansion of African music.
Member of Parliament for Builsa South, Dr. Clement Apaak, has issued a warning to the government regarding the possible repercussions of neglecting a GHC33 million debt owed to the West African Examinations Council (WAEC).
Dr. Apaak has emphasized that the failure to promptly settle these outstanding arrears may result in substantial delays in the grading procedures for the Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE) and the West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) for the year 2023.
In a Twitter post on October 2, 2023, Dr. Apaak disclosed, “Gov’t owes WAEC 33M for BECE and WASSCE 2022. According to deep throat sources, if gov’t fails to pay the 33M arrears immediately, it could result in delays in grading BECE and WASSCE 2023 as WAEC will struggle to meet its obligations to those engaged to grade the papers.”
Gov't owes WAEC 33M for BECE and WASSCE 2022. According to deep throat sources, if gov't fails to pay the 33M arrears immediately, it could result in delays in grading BECE and WASSCE 2023 as WAEC will struggle to meet it's obligations to those engaged to grade the papers.
The debt owed to WAEC, the overseeing body for these crucial examinations, plays a critical role in ensuring the efficient and timely grading of BECE and WASSCE papers.
Potential delays in the grading process could have wide-ranging implications, impacting students, educational institutions, and the broader education system as a whole.
On GhanaWeb TV’s The Lowdown, the Dormaahene claimed a deliberate attempt to distort the history of the Asantes and Bonos.
He also accused Asantehene Otumfuo Osei Tutu II of working beyond his jurisdiction by attempting to promote some sub-chief under his umbrella.
Stating that there is no such title as a ‘King’ in Ghana, he expressed his determination not to let that happen,as he is aware of the historical facts.
“It’s been brought to our attention that the Otumfuo is encouraging some of the chiefs (SIC) under whom I am the president, encouraging them to make them omanhene. That prompted me to make that speech.
“I don’t speak for just speaking sake. First, the history between Dormaa and Ashantis, the history between Asantes and Bonos were being changed.
“I wouldn’t sit down when I know the truth for somebody to change the history. I won’t sit down… category of chiefs in Ghana. We have paramount chiefs and the Asantehene.”
“Even the name Asantehene, I have a problem with it,” he said.
He argues that, in accordance with the Chieftaincy Act of Ghana, the paramount chief holds the highest position among the hierarchy of chiefs, thus refuting the concept of kings within the country.
“According to their history, there were independent chiefs. If you go to Mampong, the land there does not belong to Otumfuo. I’m the only one who can say this.
“If you go to Kumawu, the land there does not belong to Otumfuo…But by a special magical powers from Komfo Anokye, they were all seated, and he decided to conjure…
“The question is that, who is he? Is he a chief or a king? The moment we became a unitary state, there is no king. People should learn to accept it.
“The point is that I am an omanhene, a paramount chief, can I create a paramount chief? So who is the Otumfuo? Who is he? People say he is a king, No!,” he told host Daniel Oduro.
Senior aide and spokesman for former President John Agyekum Kufuor has noted that the stateman is currently in a sad state as he mourns his late wife, Theresa Kufuor.
In an interview with the media, Dr Kwabena Osei-Adubofour noted that the former president, despite grieving, is “okay”.
According to him, as Mrs Kufuor was an octogenarian, Mr Agyekum Kufuor had anticipated her passing. However, he noted that the loss remains a big blow to the family.
“He is okay, but it is painful. She was old, so Papa knew that death would come knocking,” he said.
Their journey began when they met at a Republic Day Anniversary Dance in London in 1961, eventually leading to their marriage.
According to sources close to the family, Theresa Kufuor died at her home on Sunday, October 1.
Mrs. Kufuor held the esteemed position of Ghana’s First Lady from January 7, 2001, to January 6, 2009, after her husband, John Agyekum Kufuor, assumed the presidency, succeeding Jerry John Rawlings.
During her time as First Lady, Theresa Kufuor made a significant impact by establishing the Mother-to-Child Community Development Foundation. This foundation was dedicated to promoting the healthy development of children and preventing the transmission of diseases from mothers to their offspring.
This, in turn, resulted in notable advancements in healthcare access and a reduction in maternal and child mortality rates within the nation.
Mrs. Kufuor was also a passionate advocate for women’s rights and empowerment. She tirelessly championed various programs and policies aimed at elevating the status of women in Ghanaian society.
Meanwhile, Ghanaians, including First Lady Rebecca Akufo-Addo, have turned to social media to convey their heartfelt condolences and extend their sympathies to former President John Agyekum Kufour and his family.
Numerous Members of Parliament (MPs) affiliated with the National Democratic Congress (NDC) in the Volta Region are expressing growing alarm about the rapid deterioration of the coastline in the region.
They contend that the government seems to be indifferent to the extensive damage taking place along the coast.
Since the beginning of the year, powerful ocean currents have washed away both businesses and residential properties, resulting in thousands of residents in the southern Volta Region being displaced.
A coalition of MPs, led by Emmanuel Bedzrah, the leader of the Volta NDC MPs, and Kwame Governs Agbodza, the Minority Chief Whip, conducted visits to communities affected in the Anlo, Keta, and Ketu South Municipalities. During these visits, they emphasized the pressing need for action to address the crisis.
In an interview with Citi News, Governs Kwame Agbodza, an MP representing the Adaklu constituency, declared that the NDC’s willingness to support the government depends on its commitment to including the Keta Sea Defense Project in the 2024 budget.
“I am told that the World Bank and the IMF have some arrangements with Benin and Togo for the West African Coastline Management Area Resilient Fund. Why is our country not participating in that exercise, why are we not applying for it so we can save the coastline of our shores?” she asked.
Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia has inaugurated a newly constructed astroturf near Accra in Teshie over the weekend, but the event was marred by disapproval from some attendees who expressed their dissatisfaction through booing.
The astroturf project in the Ledzokuku constituency, developed through a partnership between NHIA CEO Bernard Okoe-Boye and the McDan Group, was officially launched on Saturday, September 30, 2023.
Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, Ghana’s Vice President was the guest of honor at the ceremony.
In his speech, Dr Bawumia said the construction of astroturfs “has become synonymous with our government, and this facility adds to the over 150 Astroturfs in other parts of the country, constructed since 2017, compared to the 3 Astroturfs in Ghana we inherited.”
The AstroTurf was put up by Wembly Sports Construction Limited.
The installation of these astroturf pitches is a component of the government’s initiatives aimed at tackling the infrastructure issues within the sports sector.
Presidential aspirant for the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Kennedy Agyapong, has accused the party and the current government of robbing Ghanaians by stealing money from the state coffers.
The Assin Central Member of Parliament levelled the strong allegation against the government in a viral video circulating on social media. It is believed that he was addressing some individuals ahead of the NPP Primaries slated for November 4.
According to Mr Kennedy Agyapong, the rate at which the government is allegedly stealing the country’s resources and squandering them abroad is of concern.
“The NPP is looting this country like there is no tomorrow. You steal the money and go spend it abroad. Why do you mean?” he quizzed angrily.
He noted that such activities have inured to the benefit of the culprits and left the Ghanaian youth jobless with no way of earning a living.
“The youth of this country are not working. And now you are intimidating people,” he said, adding that “I’ll put my life on the line (and be president).”
First Lady of the Republic of Ghana, Rebecca Akufo, has offered her condolences to the family of former President Agyekum Kufuor over the recent passing of his wife, Theresa Kufuor.
The former First Lady, Theresa Kufuor, according to sources close to the family, passed away at the age of 87 at her home on Sunday, October 1.
For First Lady Rebecca Akufo, her predecessor’s passing fills her with “great sadness”.
In a Twitter post, she expressed her deepest condolence to the bereaved family and all who held Theresa Kufuor close to their heart.
“I have learnt with great sadness the passing of Former First Lady of our dear country, Mrs. Theresa Kufuor. My deepest condolences to Former President H.E John Agyekum Kufuor, the family, and friends, in these difficult times.”
I have learnt with great sadness the passing of Former First Lady of our dear country, Mrs. Theresa Kufuor.
My deepest condolences to Former President H.E John Agyekum Kufuor, the family, and friends, in these difficult times. pic.twitter.com/ocLwS2XIMt
Mrs. Kufuor held the esteemed position of Ghana’s First Lady from January 7, 2001, to January 6, 2009.
Her tenure commenced when her husband, John Agyekum Kufuor, assumed the presidency, succeeding Jerry John Rawlings. Their journey began when they met at a Republic Day Anniversary Dance in London in 1961, eventually leading to their marriage.
During her time as First Lady, Theresa Kufuor made a significant impact by establishing the Mother to Child Community Development Foundation. This foundation was dedicated to promoting the healthy development of children and preventing the transmission of diseases from mothers to their offspring.
Her efforts were instrumental in improving healthcare services, especially in the realms of maternal and child health. This, in turn, resulted in notable advancements in healthcare access and a reduction in maternal and child mortality rates within the nation.
Mrs. Kufuor was a passionate advocate for women’s rights and empowerment. She tirelessly championed various programs and policies aimed at elevating the status of women in Ghanaian society.
The National Democratic Congress (NDC) has made an appeal to the Electoral Commission (EC) to consider extending the ongoing limited voter registration exercise.
This request stems from challenges faced by the Commission, which have hindered some eligible voters from registering.
The EC initiated the voter registration exercise across all district offices in September, with the scheduled end date being today, October 2. During a recent press briefing, the EC announced that it had successfully registered over 600,000 eligible voters.
Nevertheless, Deputy General Secretary of the NDC, Mustapha Gbande, emphasized the importance of ensuring that all eligible applicants have the opportunity to register before the exercise concludes.
He pointed out that in some registration centers, people have waited in queues for days, and it is crucial that they are given the chance to register within the allotted timeframe.
“If you go to some centres, there are people who have been there in the last four days trying to register, and they have taken care of their own feeding and accommodation and one would expect that the EC would have a space for these people to be registered at least before the exercise comes to an end. So we expect that there should be places where they bring in more machines and workforce to ensure that they finish the people in the queue without having to send them back home.”
“If you go to a place like Asuogyaman, people have been in queues in the last four days, and the arrangements they have there is that you come and write your name and when it is time, then you come and register and so all these people assume that they are in a queue.”
Ghanaian Gospel musician Diana Asamoah has described the criticism hurled at President Akufo-Addo over the running of the economy as baseless.
Some members of the general public have called for the resignation of President Akufo-Addo over the economic challenges being faced.
During an appearance on UTV’s United Showbiz over the weekend, she expressed contentment over the management of the taxpayers’ money.
According to her, under the administration of President Akufo-Addo, Ghanaian students have benefited from the Free Senior High School (SHS) programme.
“My father did well. That sister, you say you are in the NPP, but you dirty the party. My President, Akufo-Addo, he has provided free education. You know what, he has done well. My father, he is my everything.
“He has done so well. You must stop the unfounded criticism,” she said in Twi.
Meanwhile, the Ghana National Association of Teachers (GNAT) has called for an urgent national stakeholder dialogue to relook at the Free Senior High School (SHS) programme in relation to the country’s current economic situation.
The Free SHS programme was introduced in September, 2017.
Ghana has secured the second position in Africa for the growth of mobile money services, following Côte d’Ivoire, as revealed in the 2023 Oxford Economics Africa’s Report titled “The Africa Risk-Reward Index.”
This noteworthy achievement is highlighted in the report, despite the presence of the Electronic Transfer Levy.
The report further indicates that the value of mobile money transactions in Ghana, Côte d’Ivoire, and Senegal exceeds 100% of their respective Gross Domestic Product (GDP).
“Specifically, mobile money services have made more inroads in Africa than in any other region, with West African countries – namely Senegal, Ghana and Côte d’Ivoire – leading the way”.
“The uptake of mobile money services – indicative of the need (and desire) to leapfrog traditional financial infrastructure. The value of mobile money transactions in South Africa equates to under 1% of GDP, while the corresponding figures for Senegal and Ghana are well above 100% of GDP”, it added.
When it comes to mobile money accounts per 1,000 adults, Ghana secured the second position, with Côte d’Ivoire taking the lead.
In the category of mobile money agents per 1,000, Ghana achieved the second rank, while Senegal claimed the top spot.
The report highlighted an interesting observation regarding the relationship between a country’s financial sector maturity and the adoption of mobile money services. It suggests an inverse correlation, indicating a strong inclination to leapfrog traditional financial infrastructure in favor of mobile money solutions.
In the first eight months of 2023, total mobile money transactions in Ghana reached an impressive milestone of 1.190 trillion cedis. The Bank of Ghana reported that there were 21.6 million active mobile money accounts as of August this year, accompanied by 556,000 active agents.
The 2023 Oxford Economics Africa’s Report delved into the benefits and challenges associated with polarization in African countries, African-led security interventions, and the financing strategies employed by African nations to prepare for the future.
The prices of petroleum products are expected to stay steady throughout the month of October. Projections from the Chamber of Petroleum Consumers (COPEC) indicate a possible one percent increase at the pumps.
However, oil marketing companies are unlikely to pass this cost on to consumers, primarily due to the competitive nature of the market.
The Executive Secretary of COPEC, Duncan Amoah, credited this price stability to the consistent performance of the cedi and the steady global oil prices.
“There have been some price variations as far as the international market pricing is concerned and again, there has been some relative stability with the local currency over the last two weeks period.”
“The pump price could have reflected some 1% upward adjustment but having spoken to a good number of oil marketing companies, we are confident that prices will remain at the current level so it is not likely you will get an increase, it is unlikely there will be a reduction, the OMCs are likely to maintain pump prices at the level that they currently sell for the first pricing window in the month of October.”
The Chartered Institute of Marketing Ghana (CIMG) is advocating for the appointment of marketing professionals to take the lead in revitalizing underperforming state-owned enterprises (SOEs).
As part of this initiative, the CIMG has initiated discussions with the Public Services Commission to explore the feasibility of incorporating marketing expertise at the highest levels within all Public Sector Organizations.
This move aims to prioritize the interests of customers and improve overall performance.
During the 34th CIMG National Awards ceremony held in Accra, Dr. Daniel Kasser-Tee, President of the CIMG, emphasized that historical evidence demonstrates the significant positive impact marketers have had on numerous SOEs.
Consequently, he stressed the importance of granting more marketing professionals the opportunity to oversee and manage these state-owned enterprises.
“Ghana has, over the years been grappling with poor performing state-owned institutions. We can count very few such institutions that have behaved differently and stood out very tall among their peers. I have previously advocated for the appointment of Marketers, or at least people who understand the essence of marketing, at the helm of poorly performing organisations. History points us to the good work of the good old Professor Stephen Adei and how he turned GIMPA around.”
“We have had the cause to talk about the good work being done at the University of Professional Studies, Accra, where two different Vice-Chancellors, Prof. Joshua Alabi and our guest of honour for this evening, Prof. Abednego Feehi Okoe Amartey, have both won the prestigious Marketing Man of the Year at different times. This is uncommon for public institutions and it is not through sheer luck but can easily be traced to the individual transformational agenda of these three men, backed by their marketing mindset”, he explained.
Dr. Kasser-tee commended the Board and Management of the Bulk Oil Storage and Transportation Company (BOST) for the good work done, adding, “We have taken the trouble to appreciate them as an incentive for other public sector organisation to emulate their good work”.
Unfortunately, the Chartered Institute of Marketing Ghana (CIMG) did not acknowledge any winners in several categories, including Finance House, Telecommunications (Allied & Support Services), Airline of The Year (International), E-Commerce, and Internet Service Provider. This decision was based on the determination that the entries submitted by participants in these industries did not meet the minimum standard criteria for evaluation.
Nevertheless, the CIMG did recognize outstanding performers from the second wave of the Ghana Customer Satisfaction Index (GH-CSI, 2022), which was primarily focused on the banking industry. The awards ceremony will honor top achievers in both Consumer and Business Banking tonight.
Dr. Kasser-Tee commended all individuals and businesses who have supported CIMG throughout the year, especially its sponsors, adding “your support and participation in the processes are mainly responsible for bringing us to this point where we are ready tonight to recognise deserving winners. I therefore seize this opportune moment to congratulate all winners as well as the good people gathered here and those following us online for agreeing to patronise this year’s event.”
Ghanaians have turned to social media to convey their heartfelt condolences and extend their sympathies to former President John Agyekum Kufour and his family as they navigate through this challenging period, grieving the loss of his dear wife, Theresa Kufour.
The nation is also in mourning over the passing of the esteemed politician and former Member of Parliament for Ningo Prampram, Enoch Teye Mensah.
Both of these notable figures departed this world on Sunday, October 1, 2023.
Member of Parliament for North Tongu, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, has released 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.”
This explosive offer letter, according to Mr Ablakwa, reveals the following:
1. Frontiers was handpicked in an opaque sweetheart deal after a hush-hush discussion;
2. Ghana’s procurement laws were blatantly and violently flouted. In fact, Ghana’s procurement laws were suspended;
3. 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;
4. This letter incredibly reveals how an offer was made to Frontiers on 31st August, 2020 and how actual testing magically commenced the next day, September 1, 2020. Something to soon feature in Guinness World Records;
5. In a total rip off, the government per the offer letter asked for a fixed share of a measly and wickedly unpatriotic $10 per test as Frontiers keeps $140 per test considering that Frontiers was charging each passenger $150;
6. Shockingly, Frontiers was asked according to the offer letter to make a paltry and insulting payment of only $97,109.00 as proof of acceptance of the offer for an exclusive control of the Upper Arrival, Terminal 3, KIA — regardless of the fact that Frontiers stood to make and has indeed made profits worth hundreds of millions of dollars;
7. Despite this outrageous giveaway, Frontiers was exempted from paying water bills;
8. The offer letter did not provide technical specifications, standards and the specific amount of investment Frontiers was obliged to make in setting up the testing facility which actually exposes how everything was skewed by government officials to collude with Frontiers in raping Ghanaians;
9. The offer letter made no reference to mandatory authorization from the Health Facilities Regulatory Authority (HeFRA) as a condition precedent which explains why Frontiers commenced work many months before it applied to HeFRA for licensing after my original exposé;
10. From the intercepted offer letter, Frontiers was granted an unfathomable long duration of 2 years to loot, create and share; and that was regardless of whether Covid is defeated in a few weeks or not. This also explains why Ghana was basically the only country still testing at the airport many months after airport authorities in many other jurisdictions had stopped and dismantled their testing systems;
11. The evidence is overwhelming that this Frontiers deal was a grand operation between a buccaneer government and lootocratic entrepreneurs to make a fortune at a time many were being killed and hospitalized by a devastating pandemic.
He noted that conservative analysis of passenger traffic statistics available on the website of the Ghana Airport Company shows that during the 2-year period of Frontiers’ scam operations — there were an estimated 1 million arrivals at KIA.
“Factoring eventual reductions from $150 to $50 only for ECOWAS nationals, Frontiers and those vampires who fronted for them must have raked in not less than US$130million in killer profits. This happened during a public health crisis,” he added.
Meanwhile, Mr Ablakwa says he will, in subsequent publications, release more documents on this unconscionable killer Frontiers scandal.
GACL fined GHS200,000 for withholding information on Frontiers Healthcare Services contract
The Right to Information (RTI) Commission has imposed a fine of GH¢200,000 on Ghana Airport Company Limited (GACL) for its failure to adhere to instructions regarding the release of information.
This decision by the Commission was prompted by a communication dated September 7, 2023, from GACL’s Managing Director, Mrs. Pamela Djamson-Tettey.
In her letter, she had sought a one-week extension to gather and provide information to Raymond Acquah, JoyNews’ Head of Research, as directed by the Commission.
In a letter dated September 20, 2023, bearing reference number RTIG/RF/voL4/856, the Commission expressed its dissatisfaction with GACL’s delay in furnishing the requested information.
It should be noted that the Commission had previously issued directives on February 3, 2023, and February 16, 2023, outlining the required format for the information’s submission and emphasizing that the information was already accessible.
While acknowledging the importance of fairness, the Commission did grant GACL a one-week extension in response to their request.
However, the Commission firmly rejected GACL’s plea for the waiver of the administrative penalty amounting to ¢200,000, which had been imposed by the Commission in a letter dated August 23, 2023.
The Commission justified its stance by underscoring the lack of cooperation demonstrated by GACL in adhering to their earlier directives. This was perceived as a deliberate effort to obstruct the implementation of the Right to Information Act, 2019 (Act 989), which empowers the Commission to impose administrative penalties on entities that fail to fulfill their obligations under the Act.
In a letter signed by Executive Secretary Yaw Sarpong Boateng, the Commission clarified that it lacked the authority to waive the already imposed ¢200,000 penalty and advised GACL to make the payment as per the Commission’s directive.
The controversy emerged when 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.
Furthermore, GACL was instructed to furnish information regarding the total revenue generated from Covid-19 testing at the airport since the commencement of the agreement with Frontiers, including the amounts earned by Frontiers Health Services and the government from these operations.
President Bola Tinubu has entreated Nigerians to remain optimistic about turning the fortunes of the country around as it commemorates its 63rd Independence Anniversary today, October 1, 2023.
In a Twitter post, he noted that providing a “better Nigeria” hinges on three virtues, namely “courage, compassion and commitment.”\
According to him, the journey ahead will not be navigated by fear or hatred.
“We can only achieve our better Nigeria through courage, compassion and commitment as one indivisible unit,” he added.
He described Nigeria as “a broad and dynamic blend of ethnic groups, religions, traditions and cultures.”
However, its bond is “intangible yet strong, invisible yet universal.”
“We are joined by a common thirst for peace and progress, by the common dream of prosperity and harmony and by the unifying ideals of tolerance and justice,” he added.
Fellow Nigerians,
Nigeria is remarkable in its formation and essential character. We are a broad and dynamic blend of ethnic groups, religions, traditions and cultures. Yet, our bonds are intangible yet strong, invisible yet universal. We are joined by a common thirst for peace… pic.twitter.com/M2WT3gfWjK
To provide a better tomorrow for all Nigerians, President Tinubu promised to “remain committed and serve faithfully.”
He also invited all to join this enterprise “to remake our beloved nation into its better self.”
“We can do it, We must do it. We shall do it.!!! I wish you all a happy 63rd Independence Anniversary,” he concluded.
For decades, Nigerians have traditionally taken to the streets on October 1, with loud music and the national flag in hand, to proudly celebrate their independence from the United Kingdom. However, on the 63rd anniversary of this historic event, the usual jubilant atmosphere is conspicuously absent from the country’s streets.
In the capital city of Abuja, where grand banquets and concerts, often supported by the government, were once the norm for Independence Day celebrations, the streets remain unusually quiet.
The only notable activity is the flow of traffic, as worshippers head to Sunday masses. Over the loudspeakers, some religious leaders can be heard appealing for divine intervention to rescue Nigeria from its current challenges.
Africa’s largest economy has been grappling with severe economic challenges. Youth unemployment, inflation, and debt have reached unprecedented levels and continue to rise. Over 60 percent of the population resides in what the United Nations classifies as “multidimensional poverty.”
Nigeria @ 63 Independence Anniversary 🇳🇬🇳🇬 Nigeria 🇳🇬 is the Giant of Africa yet people are d*ing of Hunger !! What exactly are we celebrating?
The state of electricity supply remains gloomy, with the national grid experiencing multiple failures throughout the year, and consistent, uninterrupted power supply remains an elusive dream.
The campaign team supporting Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, the Vice President of Ghana, has refuted intimidation allegations made by Assin Central MP Kennedy Agyapong.
During a health walk organized by his supporters in Kumasi, Kennedy Agyapong, conveyed to his followers and fellow members of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) that he believes the actions of Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia and Bernard Antwi Boasiako are having a detrimental impact on the NPP.
He expressed concern that their tendency to issue threats to those who do not support their cause is currently eroding the once-respected political reputation of the NPP.
“Wontumi and Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia are the ones destroying this political party, but we will not allow that. They are threatening everyone who is not in their camp, and that is worrying. I am not the one destroying the NPP. For me, what I see is what I say, and that ends it,” he said.
“I have all the meetings they have attended, and when they try anything, there will be an eye for an eye, a tooth for a tooth,” he said.
But in a statement released by the Vice President’s campaign office, it was emphasized that Dr. Bawumia has consistently advocated for peace and unity within the party, regardless of internal contests.
“It is also not true as alleged by Kennedy Agyapong that Dr. Bawumia is collapsing the party through intimidation. The unity of our party has been of great concern to candidate Dr. Bawumia.
“It is in light of such concern that he refrains from responding to unwarranted attacks by others in the contest and has cautioned his supporters against responding to such provocative attacks.
“His strategy has been to persuade delegates to support his bid. This he does, by laying his vision for the party and country,” the statement dated September 30 said.
The Bulk Energy Storage and Transportation Limited Company (BOST) has refuted claims that it acquired iPhones worth ¢28.541 million for certain essential personnel within the organization.
In an official statement issued by the company, it expressed its astonishment regarding the procurement report circulating on social media platforms.
According to the company, there is “misinformation” about the total cost of 18 pieces of iPhone 13 Pro Max phones purchased in May 2022.
“The total cost of the phones stood at ¢234,000.00 grossed up for taxes at ¢285,412.16. The amount is captured in the financial reports of the company and the Auditor General who audits the company, at least over the past three years, vetted the decision and the value and made no adverse findings about same.”
“The ¢28.541 million in the report may be due to a typographical error of placing the dot(.) two steps to the right which on the face of the document converted the ¢285,412.61 to ¢28.541 million,” the statement read.
BOST noted that the devices were purchased to equip the team to stay in touch with the management information and business intelligence systems of the company for efficient decision making.
“In the petroleum storage and transportation space, a split second can make the difference between success and failure”, the statement added.
For the company “the results so far attest to the efficiency of the systems put in place which includes the access points for key members of the team to access processed information for efficient decision making.”
The company urged the public to disregard the assertion that it procured 18 phones at a cost of ¢28 million, emphasizing that such claims are both incorrect and “mischievous”.
Meanwhile, BOST has entreated the general public to access the accurate information on the Public Procurement Authority’s website.
Manchester United endured a second consecutive home defeat in the Premier League as Crystal Palace secured an impressive victory at Old Trafford, courtesy of Joachim Andersen’s outstanding strike.
These two teams had faced each other just five days earlier, with Erik ten Hag’s side comfortably winning 3-0 in the Carabao Cup.
However, Palace had rested several first-team players for that match and presented a different challenge on Saturday, delivering a flawless away performance.
After Tyrick Mitchell cleared Rasmus Hojlund’s attempt off the line, Palace took the lead when Andersen brilliantly fired a first-time shot into the top corner following a free-kick.
Following that, Manchester United increased their offensive pressure but encountered difficulties in breaching the Palace defense. When they did manage to create opportunities, goalkeeper Sam Johnstone displayed exceptional form.
Sam Johnstone played a pivotal role in the second half by making two critical saves to maintain Crystal Palace‘s lead. He first tipped over Bruno Fernandes’ dipping shot and then denied Rasmus Hojlund’s powerful header.
The Palace goal appeared to have a stroke of luck on their side as Manchester United struggled to break through. As a result, the visitors secured a victory that propelled them to ninth place in the standings, while the hosts slipped to 10th.
For Erik ten Hag’s team, it marked their fourth defeat in seven Premier League matches, representing their worst start to a league season after seven games in 34 years.
Crystal Palace scored a first-half goal for the first time this season
Manchester United entered September with three consecutive defeats and were eager to conclude the month on a positive note. A victory against Crystal Palace would have marked their third consecutive win and potentially kick-started their season.
Following their comfortable victory over Roy Hodgson’s team on Tuesday, home fans may have anticipated a similar outcome against the Eagles.
Initially, it appeared that way as Manchester United made a strong start, but Tyrick Mitchell’s goal-line clearance proved to be a pivotal moment.
Subsequently, Palace began to pose more of a counter-attacking threat, while Manchester United grew increasingly frustrated as they struggled to break through their opponents’ defense.
At the end of the match, there were boos from the home fans, who voiced their frustration at the match officials due to the dismissal of a couple of penalty appeals.
Ultimately, the hosts had numerous opportunities to secure a draw, but a combination of poor finishing and exceptional defending ensured that it would not be their day.
The Municipal Chief Executive (Tema) of the Tema Metropolitan Assembly, Yohane Amarh Ashitey, has attributed the inability to address the issues at the Manhean polyclinic to limited funds available to his office.
During a visit by the Citi News team to the Tema Manhean Polyclinic in the Tema Metropolis of Accra on Thursday, the deplorable state of the healthcare facility was brought to light.
This polyclinic, which falls under the Ministry of Health, serves as the primary healthcare facility for the densely populated town of Tema Manhean.
The observation revealed that portions of the facility, including the Out Patients Department (OPD) and various offices, experienced leaks during rainy periods. Additionally, there were damaged louver blades, torn nets, loose roofing sheets, exposed electrical cables, and noticeable cracks in the walls throughout the premises.
The OPD appeared makeshift, with overcrowded wards and a lack of designated workspaces for staff members.
Mr. Ashitey therefore told Citi News that “the problem is that due to limited funds, we are unable to fix the issue. And if you look at the issue, it is not a problem that you can fix in phases; you have to lift the entire roof and fix it all at once. So it makes it difficult for you to start when you don’t have the funds available.
“I have been there a couple of times, and the last time I went there with the engineers, we were able to come up with the estimates to fix the roofing issue. But there is something that we are planning to do: We are actually planning to engage and involve some of the industries here.”
Former Head of Monitoring Unit at the Forestry Commission, Charles Owusu, hopes for the best for former presidential candidate for the New Patriotic Party (NPP) following his exit from the ruling party.
On September 25, Alan Kyerematen resigned from the New Patriotic Party (NPP) to run for the presidential seat as an independent candidate.
“I wish to use this platform to announce that I am honourably resigning with immediate effect from the NPP to contest for the high office of the President of the Republic of Ghana as an independent presidential candidate,” he said.
He cited reasons for his breakaway, stressing that the New Patriotic Party has proven to him that his “services and contributions to the Party are not appreciated, and that my continuous stay in the Party will create further tension and division, which is an exact replay of circumstances that led to my decision to resign from the Party in 2008”.
Reacting to this position by Alan, Charles Owusu, who solidly supported his bid to become NPP flagbearer, in a melancholic tone, extended his well-wishes to Alan Kyerematen on his new political endeavor.
“We were all with him in an NPP vehicle heading somewhere and all of a sudden, he got off from the vehicle…who am I to remain in the vehicle?”, he said proverbially.
“I wish him well,” he emphasized while contributing to Peace FM’s morning show “Kokrokoo”.
Meanwhile, Mr Alan Kyerematen is of the assertion that “the NPP as it exists now has very little resemblance to the Party that I joined in 1992 and helped to nurture. The Party has been hijacked by a selected group of Party leaders and elders, government appointees, ‘behind the curtain power brokers” and some unscrupulous Party apparatchiks”.
Several communities in the Tarkwa township, including Nzemaline, Prisons, and Cyanide, are currently without electricity due to a malfunctioning transformer at the Cyanide junction.
This blackout has persisted for the past four days.
According to the Tarkwa District Manager of the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG), Ing. Odame Thompson, “someone made an attempt to extract oil from the transformer and in the process damaged the fins of the transformer, making the oil leak. It is the oil that cools the transformer’s temperature.”
This, he said, has damaged the 500 KVA transformer.
He noted that his team would go to Takoradi and Tema in search of a transformer to serve the affected communities.
“If we don’t get the same size, it means that we would have to embark on load rationing for the affected communities until we are able to repair the damaged one”, he added.
Engineer Odame Thompson issued a warning to nearby communities, advising them not to transfer electrical load to any customers residing in the affected areas.
He said “If you don’t know and you call any electrician to transfer load to any affected person, I will not spare you. If I see anything like that, nobody should come to me, because I will take drastic action against such people”.
