TIG Post

Author: Andy Ogbarmey-Tettey

  • Ghana has no King – Dormaahene claims

    Ghana has no King – Dormaahene claims

    The Dormaahene, Osagyefo Oseadeeyo Dr. Agyemang Badu II, has emphasized that there are no kings in Ghana, as the constitution of the country does not recognize such a title.

    According to him, the paramount chief holds the highest position among chiefs, as specified in the Chieftaincy Act of Ghana.

    This statement from the Dormaahene follows the use of the term ‘kings’ to refer to certain chiefs in Ghana. Oseadeeyo Agyemang Badu II conveyed his stance during a meeting with fellow chiefs at the Bono Regional House of Chiefs.

    He reiterated that Ghana does not have kings and cautioned his fellow chiefs against external parties that bestow chieftaincy titles on individuals.

    “We [Bono regional house of chiefs] have heard that some people are calling some of our chiefs to make them kings. As Bono Regional House of Chiefs, anyone who has been appointed as chief of the various towns is recognized and accorded the respect due to them. The Chieftaincy Act indicates the number of chiefs in Ghana including paramount chiefs, the Asantehene, divisional chiefs, sub-divisional chiefs, Adikromfo, and other chiefs recognized by the National House of Chiefs.

    “There is no law that says that if you are a chief, there is a superior one above you. I want to say without any doubt that there is no king in Ghana – there is not. For the whole of Ghana, the paramount chief is the greatest. If anyone thinks he is the king in the country, then all paramount chiefs should be dissolved for that person to rule so that some of us can go to maybe Cote d’Ivoire or Burkina Faso,” he explained.

    Meanwhile, Osagyefo Oseadeeyo Dr. Agyemang Badu II has cautioned members of the general public to desist from referring to chiefs and kings.

    “It is something that has been entertained in Ghana, if someone is not a king, how can he be a paramount chief? As I am here as Dormaahene, am I not a paramount chief? We are hereby serving notice,” he added.

    What does the law say?

    Section 57 of the Chieftaincy Act, 2008, ACT 759, provides the following definitions of a chief:

    (1) A chief is a person who, hailing from the appropriate family and lineage, has been validly nominated, elected, or selected and enstooled, enskinned or installed as a chief or queenmother in accordance with the relevant customary law and usage.
    (2) A person does not qualify as a chief if that person has been convicted of high treason, treason, high crime or for an offence involving the security of the State, fraud, dishonesty or moral turpitude.
    (3) A chief shall not take part in active party politics and a chief wishing to do so or seeking election to Parliament shall abdicate the stool or skin.
    (4) Despite subsection (3) and subject to the Constitution, a chief may be appointed to any public office for which the chief is otherwise qualified.
    (5) A person shall not be considered to be a chief for the performance of a function under this Act or any other enactment, unless that person has been registered for the performance of that function in the National Register of Chiefs and that person’s name has been published in the Chieftaincy Bulletin.

    Section 58 has details on the Categories of chiefs

    The following are the categories of chiefs
    (a) the Asantehene and Paramount Chiefs, (b) Divisional Chiefs,
    (c) Sub-divisional Chiefs,
    (d) Adikrofo, and
    (e) other chiefs recognised by the National IIouse.


  • Ghana, 2 others to benefit from UK’s £15m commitment to strengthen health workforce

    Ghana, 2 others to benefit from UK’s £15m commitment to strengthen health workforce

    The United Kingdom government has announced a £15 million financial commitment aimed at supporting healthcare personnel recruitment and retention in Ghana, Kenya and Nigeria.

    The amount from the dedicated Official Development Assistance (ODA) budget for the 2022–2025 period will be allocated to enhance, build, and reinforce the healthcare workforce in the aforementioned countries.

    According to the UK government’s official website, this funding recognizes the vital role of the healthcare workforce in low- and middle-income countries in improving health outcomes and achieving universal health coverage. The goal is to ensure that individuals in Kenya, Nigeria, and Ghana have access to a comprehensive range of healthcare services when needed.

    It has been emphasized that the COVID-19 pandemic has underscored the need for the UK to collaborate closely with international partners to address global health threats. This has put significant pressure on the UK’s National Health Service (NHS), and the pandemic has exacerbated challenges related to retaining healthcare workers worldwide, all while the demand for healthcare personnel has surged.

    Furthermore, it was highlighted that effectively addressing critical workforce issues is essential for strengthening healthcare systems and improving global preparedness for future pandemics. This is crucial to ensure the safety and well-being of people worldwide, including those in the UK.

    The World Health Organization (WHO) has projected a shortage of 10 million healthcare workers globally by 2030. This shortage poses a threat to achieving universal health coverage on a global scale and has the potential to worsen health inequalities worldwide.

    According to the UK’s Health Minister, Will Quince, highly skilled and resilient healthcare staff are the backbone of a robust healthcare service.

    “So I’m delighted we can support the training, recruitment and retention of skilled health workforces in Kenya, Nigeria and Ghana.”

    Mr Will clarified that the main goal of the funding is to make a meaningful difference in bolstering the efficiency of healthcare systems within each of the participating countries. This, in effect, will play a part in enhancing global preparedness for pandemic response and reducing disparities in healthcare access.

    “The pandemic showed us that patients in the UK are not safe unless the world as a whole is resilient against health threats, and this will help us in delivering on that ambition.”

    As part of this endeavor, the Department of Health and Social Care will administer a competitive grant scheme totaling £9 million over two years, designated for a non-profit organization. This organization will oversee partnership efforts in these countries, facilitating connections between UK institutions and local healthcare systems, promoting skill exchanges, and enhancing educational curricula, regulations, and guidelines within the mentioned African nations.

    The selected organization to manage and fund these initiatives is the Tropical Health and Education Trust (THET). Their responsibility will be to drive enhancements in the quality and retention of healthcare personnel in Kenya, Nigeria, and Ghana, ultimately aiming to deliver improved healthcare outcomes for patients.

    This funding builds upon a prior commitment of £5 million in Ghana, Uganda, and Somaliland, geared towards enhancing health workforce planning, offering training opportunities for refugees and displaced individuals, and fostering collaborations between NHS institutions and local healthcare establishments.

    These countries were chosen for funding due to the substantial challenges they face in their healthcare workforce, including high mortality rates and shortages of adequately trained healthcare professionals, leading to unemployment among qualified health practitioners.

    This initiative is part of the broader £15 million Global Health Workforce Programme, introduced on May 19, 2023, designed to address these issues and elevate healthcare systems in these countries.

  • Kwakye Ofosu backs Mahama on NPP filling state institutions with cronies claim

    Former Deputy Communications Minister, Felix Kwakye Ofosu, has expressed support for former President John Dramani Mahama’s remarks regarding the New Patriotic Party (NPP) allegedly populating state institutions with its allies.

    Mr. Mahama made these allegations during his address at the conclusion of the 3rd Annual Lawyers Conference of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) on Saturday, September 2.

    Speaking on Eyewitness News on Citi News, Mr. Kwakye Ofosu asserted that the NPP has a longstanding history of intentionally appointing its supporters to state institutions, a move aimed at influencing various aspects of the country’s affairs.

    “It has been a long-standing strategy of the NPP to dominate state institutions so that they can have their way on any matter they deem fit so they go about staffing state institutions with NPP people. It started in the Kuffuor era but he used more subtle means, but as for President Akufo-Addo, he has adopted the crudest fashion to do this and you recall what he did with the Electoral Commission when he came into office and removed Charlotte Osei on trumped-up charges and promptly appointed someone we know to be NPP and when we thought that he was going to end there, he appointed one Appiah Hene who is an NPP person as a commissioner,” Mr. Kwakye Ofosu told Umaru Sanda Amadu.

    Mr. Kwakye Ofosu pointed to several appointments made by President Akufo-Addo as examples of cronyism, including the selection of Justice Solomon Twumasi, who previously served as the Dormaa East constituency chairman of the NPP, for a High Court judge position.

    “If you look at the judiciary, President Akufo-Addo has decided that at all cost, the NPP must have overwhelming dominance in the judiciary set up, so he has appointed over eleven Supreme Court judges in the last seven years and he has appointed close to one hundred High Court judges and if you come to scrutinise these appointments, you will find people who are openly NPP so it is not as if president Mahama did not know what he was saying.

    “If you go to the High Court today, the NPP’s former Dormaa East constituency chairman is called Justice Solomon Twumasi and he is now a High Court judge appointed by President Akufo-Addo. There is Justice Eric Ansah Ankomah who is currently at the Tamale High Court and a known NPP person so there is no other evidence you will need to show that the judiciary has been heavily politicised.”

  • NDC’s Fifi Kwetey introduces ‘Arise for Ghana Series’

    NDC’s Fifi Kwetey introduces ‘Arise for Ghana Series’

    The General Secretary of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), Fifi Fiavi Kwetey, has launched the ‘Arise for Ghana Series.’

    This online episodic short broadcast series is designed to delve into and discuss crucial topics concerning leadership, governance, values, attitudes, and actions that play a pivotal role in shaping national development.

    In the debut episode, Fifi Kwetey issued a call to action for all Ghanaians, beginning with NDC members, urging them to rise up for the betterment of Ghana and to embrace the profound responsibility of contributing to the nation’s progress.

    He explained that “the Arise for Ghana is a series meant to speak to all patriots of the land- which words incidentally constitute the very first line of the NDC anthem.”

    The series extends an invitation to all patriots of the nation, commencing with members of the NDC and extending to encompass all Ghanaians, including those sympathetic to the NPP. It calls upon them to rise up for the country and cultivate a deeper love for their nation.

    Fifi Kwetey elaborated on this call in a Facebook post, highlighting the necessity for millions of NDC supporters and all citizens to grasp the gravity of the challenges currently facing the nation.

    The General Secretary of the NDC emphasized the importance of all patriots responding to the call by placing the nation’s interests above all other considerations.

    He underscored the NDC’s commitment to nurturing individuals who hold their country in high regard and prioritize it in all their endeavors.

    This series aims to impact the mindset of Ghanaians, given the pivotal juncture the country finds itself in today.

    “Arise for Ghana” will be a weekly series broadcast on both Fifi Kwetey and the NDC’s social media platforms.

  • Watch video of fake doctor arrested at KATH

    Watch video of fake doctor arrested at KATH

    A man who was posing as a medical doctor at the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital (KATH) has been reported to the police after arousing suspicions among hospital personnel.

    The middle-aged individual, known as Williams Cyril Kohen, underwent questioning by hospital staff during their regular rounds, leading to the verification of their concerns.

    Following this development, the suspect was handed over to the hospital’s police post, which subsequently transferred the case to the Central Police Command for further investigation.

    In the meantime, the hospital’s Public Relations Officer, Kwame Frimpong, has conveyed that the institution has implemented security measures aimed at preventing such occurrences in the future.

    “At KATH, it is very difficult for people to come and claim that they are doctors and start working there because that is not how the thing works. We have a team-based system where all the team members are known and also remember that it is a training institution so most of the time the people who join us are our former students and so it is a very close-knit community and the team members are known to each other. So you cannot just be part of the team out of the blue. And because patients are allocated to teams you cannot go to any patient when you are not part of the team.”

    “Again, we have this electronic medical records system where every member of the medical staff has a password specific to them, and you have to use this system to attend to patients, to review the cases, and to give prescriptions for medicine to be dispensed. Once you don’t have the password because you are not a staff or member of the medical teams you cannot even attend to the patient,” he stated.

  • Plot to oust IGP: Video of Supt. Asare and Bugri Naabu’s conversation pops up

    Plot to oust IGP: Video of Supt. Asare and Bugri Naabu’s conversation pops up

    A viral video has surfaced amidst the ongoing parliamentary inquiry into an alleged plot, featuring a prominent member of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) and several high-ranking police officers.

    The alleged plot’s objective is purportedly the removal of the current Inspector General of Police (IGP), Dr. George Akufo Dampare.

    The 8-minute and 9-second video prominently showcases Superintendent George Asare, one of the implicated senior police officers. In the video, he presents various claims and justifications for the IGP’s departure, alongside Alhaji Bugri Naabu, the former Northern Regional Chairman of the NPP.

    Superintendent George Asare articulates a series of allegations, including the assertion that the IGP played a role in the NPP’s defeat in the Assin North by-election. Asare further draws a parallel between his demands and what could have occurred had Aseidu Nketia, the Chairman of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), encountered a similar situation within his party involving the IGP.

    Watch Video below

  • Akenten Appiah-Menka University management cautions students against unapproved activities

    Akenten Appiah-Menka University management cautions students against unapproved activities

    The administration of Akenten Appiah-Menka University of Skills Training and Entrepreneurial Development (AAMUSTED) has issued a stern warning to its students, cautioning them against participating in unauthorized activities, underlining that violators will face appropriate consequences.

    The university is currently in the process of conducting an investigation into the tragic demise of the “chief priest” of the Opoku Ware II Hall, who lost his life during a fire ritual.

    The university has stated that it will make a determination and decide on the course of action once the investigation is concluded.

    In the interim, the Media Relations Coordinator for the university, David Owusu Antwi, conveyed that students have been instructed to refrain from engaging in any unsanctioned activities within the campus premises.

    “The latest is that the investigation that management commissioned is underway. It’s early days yet to come out to say anything about the investigations right now. We believe that it will not be long, we will know the issues surrounding the incident and will be on better ground to speak to them and if there are decisions going forward, we will all come out of the investigations that are ongoing now. Otherwise, as you walk on campus, you realise that campus is peaceful.”

    “Regular students are on vacation now, and a lot of them have gone home. Those you see around are mainly sandwich students who are now arriving on campus. In the intervening time, management has cautioned students to stay away from all unsanctioned activities on campus. There are sanctioned activities the university has given approval for and others which are not”.

  • Criticism from GFA officials doesn’t affect me – Chris Hughton

    Criticism from GFA officials doesn’t affect me – Chris Hughton

    Chris Hughton, the head coach of the Black Stars, remains unperturbed by the criticism he has faced from some officials within the Ghana Football Association (GFA) since assuming the coaching role.

    The Irish-Ghanaian coach has been under substantial scrutiny, with Executive Council members of the GFA, including Randy Abbey and George Amoako, publicly expressing their reservations. Ameenu Shardow, the team manager of the Black Stars, also joined the chorus of questions regarding the team’s performance under the former Norwich City manager.

    Mark Addo, the vice president of the association, has also voiced his concerns regarding the 64-year-old coach, who has secured only one victory in his three games since taking the helm of the Black Stars.

    Nevertheless, Hughton has indicated that he considers such criticisms as a normal part of the job and tends to pay them limited attention.

    “This is normal. This is something that I’ve found since I’ve been here…whenever I’m going to games, people and supporters will come up to me and tell me what they think,” he told Asaase Radio.

    “So, one thing I’m always conscious of is football is highs and lows and when you are on the back of what I regard as a poor result, and our last result against Madagascar was not the result that we wanted is that there’s always going to be a reaction.

    “This is for me, this is normal, can’t expect for everything to be good and to be praised all the time. I’m never affected,” he added.

  • ‘I need my husband by my side’ – Ukraine’s First Lady laments impact of Russian invasion

    ‘I need my husband by my side’ – Ukraine’s First Lady laments impact of Russian invasion

    Ukraine’s first lady, Olena Zelenska, has shared deeply personal insights in an interview with the BBC, shedding light on the profound emotional toll that the war has inflicted on her family.

    “This may be a bit selfish, but I need my husband, not a historical figure, by my side,” she said.

    She also mentioned the family’s longing to spend quality time together.

    “But we stay strong, we have strength both emotionally and physically. And I am sure we will handle it together,” she added.

    In February 2022, when Russia launched its invasion of Ukraine, Olena Zelenska, along with her children, endured months of seclusion in undisclosed safe havens.

    She recounted her initial emotional state during the invasion as being marked by “a continuous rush of adrenaline.” However, as time elapsed, she recognized the importance of finding ways to soothe herself and adapt to “the prevailing circumstances.”

    Emerging from her period of concealment in the previous year, the conflict thrust the former scriptwriter into the international limelight. Since then, she has embarked on global travels, engaging with world leaders and delivering impactful speeches.

    “We don’t live together with my husband, the family is separated.” Olena Zelenska told the BBC, “We have the opportunity to see each other but not as often as we would like. My son misses his father.”

    However the uncertainty of living in war has come at an emotional cost for her children, she said.

    “It pains me to watch that my kids don’t plan anything. At such an age, young people. My daughter is 19. They dream of travelling, of new sensations, emotions. She does not have such an opportunity.

    “There are limitations in time in what you can allow yourself, they exist, and we somehow try to live within them.”

    The first lady and Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelensky were childhood sweethearts who eventually collaborated in a comedy ensemble and a television studio. He pursued an acting career, while she contributed as a scriptwriter.

    Today, she looks back on their journey and acknowledges that she never envisioned her husband evolving into the “historic figure” he has become. She expresses her longing for his presence and the need for him to be by her side as her husband.

    Despite what she said may be a “selfish” longing, Olena Zelenska said the president, “really does have the energy, the will power, inspiration, and stubbornness to go through this war.”

    “I believe in him. And I support him. I know that he has enough strength. For any other person I know, I think, it would be much harder this situation. He really is a very strong and resilient person. And this resilience is what we all need right now.”

    In her current role as the first lady, her primary focus has been on assisting Ukrainians in coping with the psychological repercussions of the ongoing war.

    She is actively preparing to co-host a summit in Kyiv that will center on mental health and resilience. Renowned British actor and writer Stephen Fry, a prominent advocate for mental health causes, will join her as the co-host of this important event.

    “I really hope that I can inspire someone, can give someone hope or advice, or prove with my own example that we live, we work, we move forward,” Olena Zelenska said.

    “No one can know what awaits for them. After all, no one could have imagined that in the 21st Century, that such a war would be unleashed in the middle of Europe, that it would be so cruel. A bloody war. So, I have never imagined that I would be in this role at this time.”

    Ukrainians cannot be sure about tomorrow or have confidence in the future, she explained – but they have hope.

    “We have huge hope for victory, but we don’t know when it comes. And this long wait, constant stress, it has its toll.”

  • Be bold in kicking out illegal miners from your jurisdiction – Mampong paramount chief urges colleagues

    Be bold in kicking out illegal miners from your jurisdiction – Mampong paramount chief urges colleagues

    Daasebere Osei Bonsu II, the Paramount Chief of Mampong, has encouraged his fellow paramount chiefs in the Ashanti region to unite in combatting illegal mining, commonly referred to as ‘galamsey.’

    In his address during the 32nd Christof Heyns African Human Rights Moot Court Competition, he called upon all paramount chiefs in the Ashanti region to follow his lead and expel ‘galamsey‘ activities from their respective communities.

    “Some of the paramountcies have to be very bold and stick their neck and chest out to challenge the Minerals Commission and the others.

    “Far from sounding boastful I kicked them out of my kingdom so they can’t come to Mampong and dig any hole for gold. I have set the pace and now others within the Ashanti kingdom paramountcies have been bold and assertive in challenging the Minerals Commission so please be bold,” he said.

    Daasebere Osei Bonsu II additionally advocated for the inclusion of traditional rulers in the upcoming edition of the competition’s discussions, seeking to incorporate their perspectives on human rights.

    “Therefore, in the next conference, I suggest to you the organizers that in the future as much as the theme admits to it, selected traditional rulers should be invited to participate and be heard on their views on such topical and sensitive human rights issues,” he said.

    Mr. Yaw Boafo, the President of the Ghana Bar Association (GBA), emphasized that the competition offers students a chance to develop skills beyond the confines of the classroom.

    “The opportunity to participate in any moot court competition is to be taken seriously by every law student as it helps students to inculcate all the habit and follow all the policies and procedures that are followed in legal proceedings in real court situations. It affords students the opportunities to acquire skills that are not ordinarily available at the academic stage of legal training,” he said.

    The Christof Heyns African Human Rights Moot Court Competition stands as the largest gathering of students, academics, and judges centered around the theme of human rights in Africa.

    This annual event unites law faculties from across the African continent, where their top-performing students engage in simulated legal proceedings, presenting arguments for a hypothetical human rights case as if they were appearing before the African Court on Human and Peoples’ Rights.

    This competition serves as a continuous platform for grooming the next generation of lawyers, equipping them with the skills to advocate cases involving alleged human rights infringements before the African Court.

    Since its inception in 1992, a total of 170 universities hailing from 47 African nations have participated in this enduring fixture on the African legal education calendar.

    The Moot Court Competition has played a pivotal role in catalyzing the development of leading programs dedicated to human rights teaching and research in Africa. In 2022, the 31st edition of the competition was hosted at The British University in Egypt, Cairo, drawing the participation of 45 teams representing 19 African countries.

  • Putin to engage Kim Jong Un over ‘supply of weapons’

    Putin to engage Kim Jong Un over ‘supply of weapons’

    North Korea’s leader, Kim Jong Un, is reportedly planning a visit to Russia later this month for a meeting with President Vladimir Putin, according to a US official who spoke to CBS, a partner of the BBC.

    The purpose of their meeting is said to revolve around discussions concerning the potential supply of weapons from North Korea to support Russia’s involvement in the Ukraine conflict.

    The precise location of the scheduled meeting remains undisclosed, and there has been no immediate response or confirmation from either North Korea or Russia in response to these reports. Anonymous sources cited by the New York Times suggest that Kim Jong Un may opt for travel by an armored train.

    This development follows recent statements from the White House indicating progress in arms negotiations between North Korea and Russia. John Kirby, the National Security Council spokesman, revealed that during a recent visit to North Korea, Russia’s Defence Minister, Sergei Shoigu, attempted to persuade Pyongyang to provide artillery ammunition to Russia.

    Notably, the meeting showcased various weapons, including the Hwasong intercontinental ballistic missile, believed to be North Korea’s first ICBM using solid propellants. This event marked the first time Kim Jong Un had welcomed foreign visitors since the outbreak of the Covid-19 pandemic.

    Mr Putin and Mr Kim have since exchanged letters “pledging to increase their bilateral co-operation”, he said.

    “We urge the DPRK to cease its arms negotiations with Russia and abide by the public commitments that Pyongyang has made to not provide or sell arms to Russia,” Mr Kirby said, using an abbreviation for the North.

    He cautioned that the US was prepared to take action, including the imposition of sanctions, should North Korea indeed provide weapons to Russia.

    Both Washington and Seoul express concerns about the potential outcomes of such a deal, which could lead to increased military cooperation between these two Asian nations.

    Recently, South Korea’s intelligence service shared information that Mr. Shoigu had proposed the idea of joint naval exercises involving Russia, China, and North Korea, akin to those conducted by the US, South Korea, and Japan.

    Another worry is the possibility of Russia supplying North Korea with weapons at a critical juncture when Pyongyang might be in dire need of them.

    Furthermore, there’s apprehension that Kim Jong Un may request advanced weapons technology or expertise from Mr. Putin to facilitate advancements in his nuclear weapons program.

    Nevertheless, the agreement could be more transactional in nature than a long-term strategic partnership. Currently, Russia requires weapons, while North Korea, grappling with sanctions, faces pressing financial and food shortages.

    According to reports from The New York Times, the meeting between Mr. Kim and Mr. Putin could potentially occur in Vladivostok, a port city on Russia’s eastern coast. The newspaper’s diplomatic correspondent, Edward Wong, informed the BBC News channel that an advance team of North Korean officials had traveled to Vladivostok and Moscow in the previous month.

    They “included security officers who deal with the protocol surrounding the travel of the leadership, so that was a strong sign for officials looking at this”, Mr Wong said.

    Pyongyang and Moscow have both previously denied that the North is supplying Russia with arms for use in its war in Ukraine.

    John Everard, who served as UK ambassador to North Korea between 2006 and 2008, told the BBC that publicity around the possible visit was a “strong reason why the visit is now unlikely to take place”.

    “Kim Jong Un is completely paranoid about his personal security. He goes to great lengths to keep his movements secret and if it’s known that he’s planning to go to Vladivostok to meet President Putin, he’s likely just to cancel the whole thing,” he said.

    Pyongyang knows that Moscow is “desperate” for munitions and the price that North Korea will ask for them will be “eye-wateringly high”, he added.

    While North Korea has stockpiles of weapons “they’re in very poor condition”, he added.

    The two leaders last met in April 2019, when Mr Kim arrived by train in Vladivostok. He was welcomed by officials with a traditional offering of bread and salt. This was also probably the last time Mr Kim travelled abroad.

    After the meeting, Mr Putin said Mr Kim would require “security guarantees” in order to abandon his nuclear programme.

    That meeting came just months after a summit in Vietnam between Mr Kim and then-US President Donald Trump had failed to make progress on denuclearising the Korean peninsula.

  • CETAG calls off strike after NLC directive

    CETAG calls off strike after NLC directive

    The Colleges of Education Teachers Association of Ghana (CETAG) has decided to halt their ongoing strike following the results of a voting process conducted on Sunday.

    This resolution stems from the majority’s plea to bring an end to the strike action. Out of the 46 colleges of Education, 32 voted in favor of suspending the strike, constituting a significant majority at 69.57%.

    On the other hand, the remaining 14 colleges of Education, making up 30.43% of the voting members, opted to continue the strike.

    In line with the majority’s choice, CETAG has officially declared the suspension of their strike, effective from Tuesday, September 5, 2023.

    This comes after the National Labour Commission (NLC) has directed the College of Education Teachers Association of Ghana to call off its strike and appear before the Commission for a hearing.

    The Association failed to appear before the NLC on Wednesday, August 02, 2023, for hearing on their industrial action.

    Nonetheless, CETAG has emphasized that they will closely oversee the Ministry of Education’s progress in implementing all the Arbitral Awards. Should the Ministry fail to fulfill these obligations by October 31, 2023, CETAG retains the right to reassess their position and take appropriate measures.

    In light of these developments, all CETAG members are expected to resume their duties no later than Thursday, September 7, 2023.

    This decision to suspend the strike brings relief to many, enabling the resumption of academic activities and the restoration of normalcy in the colleges of Education.

  • Desmond Offei appointed Black Satellites head coach

    Desmond Offei appointed Black Satellites head coach

    Desmond Offei has assumed the role of Head Coach for the Black Satellites, bringing with him extensive coaching experience.

    At 35 years old, Desmond holds a UEFA A (Level 4) coaching license and boasts a significant coaching background. His previous roles include serving as the U-18 Head Coach and U-21 Coach at Royal Antwerp FC, where he succeeds Samuel Boadu, who briefly led the team.

    Desmond Offei has also held positions as the Head Coach for Lokeren U-21 and Lusitano SAD.

    Presently, he plays a vital role within the Technical Directorate of the Ghana Football Association, spearheading high-performance initiatives.

    Over the past nine months, he has worked as an assistant coach alongside former coach Samuel Boadu. Desmond Offei’s coaching and scouting experience extends beyond Ghana, encompassing countries such as Belgium, Nigeria, Kenya, and South Africa.

    He is joined in his coaching endeavors by two accomplished figures in Ghanaian football. Nii Ordartey Lamptey, a former Ghanaian International player with a distinguished career spanning from 1990 to 2008, has become part of the coaching staff.

    Additionally, Salifu Fatawu, a former coach of FC Tanga and Swedru All Blacks, is part of the coaching team. Salifu previously collaborated with Karim Zito to secure gold in the U-20 Africa Cup of Nations in Mauritania in 2021.

  • Zambia truck accident leaves 35 dead

    Zambia truck accident leaves 35 dead

    A tragic incident in Zambia’s Luano district has claimed the lives of 35 individuals after a truck they were traveling in overturned.

    The state-owned newspaper, Times of Zambia, has disclosed that the 15-tonne truck was transporting traders to a weekend market on Sunday morning when the driver, traveling at excessive speed, lost control of the vehicle.

    In the wake of the accident, 24 other passengers sustained injuries.

    Authorities have confirmed that 27 of the victims lost their lives at the scene, while the remaining eight passed away while en route to the hospital.

  • Ghanaians urged to come watch Ghana vs CAR match in their numbers

    Ghanaians urged to come watch Ghana vs CAR match in their numbers

    In a video posted by the Ghana Football Association (GFA), Mohammed Kudus has urged fans in Kumasi to gather at the stadium and show their support for the national team in their match against the Central African Republic.

    “Kumasi fans this is Mohammed Kudus, I’m back in Kumasi on Thursday, come in your numbers to support us,” Mohammed Kudus said.

    Mohammed Kudus checked in at the national team’s camp today in preparation for Ghana’s upcoming showdown with the Central African Republic.

    The attacking midfielder, who currently plays for West Ham United, is among the 25 players chosen by Black Stars head coach Chris Hughton for the final round of qualifiers leading up to the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) tournament.

  • Ghana vs CAR: Mohammed Kudus reports to camp

    Ghana vs CAR: Mohammed Kudus reports to camp

    A total of 11 Black Stars players have reported to camp in preparation for Ghana’s upcoming match against the Central African Republic.

    Ghana is gearing up to host their Group E opponent for the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) tournament on Thursday, September 4.

    Today, Mohammed Kudus, one of the 25 players invited by Black Stars head coach Chris Hughton for the final round of AFCON qualifiers, has arrived at the training camp.

    Ghana is scheduled to face the Central African Republic in a crucial fixture on Thursday, September 8.

    The match is slated to commence at 16:00 GMT at the Baba Yara Sports Stadium in Kumasi.

    The Black Stars require just one point to secure their qualification for the 2023 AFCON, which will be hosted in Ivory Coast.

    In contrast, the Central African Republic must secure a victory against Ghana to maintain their chances of qualifying for the continental tournament.

  • Foreigners attempted to ‘sponsor mayhem’ in Zimbabwe – Mnangagwa

    Foreigners attempted to ‘sponsor mayhem’ in Zimbabwe – Mnangagwa

    Zimbabwe’s President Emmerson Mnangagwa, who was inaugurated after winning a contested election, has accused external forces of attempting to finance unrest during the elections.

    He was sworn in before the chief justice, with cheers from a large crowd of supporters.

    However, the main opposition party, Citizens Coalition for Change, boycotted the ceremony and called for fresh elections, labeling President Mnangagwa’s victory as a massive fraud.

    Despite regional criticism of the election, the presence of South Africa’s President Cyril Ramaphosa at the inauguration was seen as an endorsement.

    President Mnangagwa pledged to improve the living conditions of the impoverished and uphold the constitution. His primary challenge will be uniting a deeply divided nation.

  • Black Stars’ first training session ahead of CAR match

    Black Stars’ first training session ahead of CAR match

    The Black Stars have initiated their preparations for the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifier against the Central African Republic.

    In the first training session held at the Accra Sports Stadium, twelve players were present.

    The coaching staff, under the leadership of Chris Hughton, oversaw a very light session. Assistant coaches Didi Dramani and George Boateng supervised some ball work during the session.

    Goalkeeper coach Richard Kingston conducted specific drills with Lawrence Ati Zigi. Additionally, during the session, Ati-Zigi engaged in ball work exercises with a group of players.

    Chris Hughton’s team currently tops Group E with nine points, holding a one-point lead over Angola and a two-point advantage over the Central African Republic. Madagascar occupies the bottom spot in the group with two points.

    To secure qualification for the tournament taking place in Ivory Coast in January, the Black Stars require just one point from the upcoming match.

  • Bugri Naabu’s son condemned him for leaking the tape – Supt. Asare

    Bugri Naabu’s son condemned him for leaking the tape – Supt. Asare

    Police Superintendent George Asare, one of the officers being probed over a leaked tape plotting the ousting of Inspector General of Police (IGP), has alleged that former Northern Regional Chairman of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) met stern opposition from his family over the leaked tape.

    Appearing before the adhoc committee established to probe the matter, the Superintendent noted that the son of Bugri Naabu, Prophet Emmanuel Teye Bugri Naabu allegedly criticised his father for the act he reportedly masterminded.

    The rationale behind his criticism was based on the premise that it is unacceptable for guests to be taped without their consent, or worse, have their conversations leaked to the public.

    “It could be either I called him or he called me asking me about what has happened. And then initially, he thought it was his father that leaked the tape, that recorded us and leaked the tape. So he condemned his father for that singular act, that you invite people to your office, you record them and put it out in the public domain,” he said.

    Currently, the committee is working to ascertain the facts about who exactly leaked the tape, as contradictory reports emerged during interrogation that commenced last week.

    Bugri Naabu told the committee he was unaware of the individual who made the recorded conversation public. However, he stated that a copy of the tape was sent to the president.

    During interrogation, COP Alex Mensah accused the IGP, Dr George Akuffo Dampare of masterminding the recording. He also alleged that the tape was doctored under the supervision of Dr Akuffo Dampare, whom COP Alex Mensah claims has the original audio.

    Meanwhile, the adhoc committee says it has in its possession a new audio file regarding the controversy. Chair of the committee, Samuel Atta Akyea, made this known while engaging the media after today’s hearing.

    “We have the benefit of a tape, on the assumption that it’s authentic. Members of the committee will have to listen to the tape and read the transcript, which will give us ideas on what to do next. First of all, do we bring all the stakeholders together with their lawyers for cross-examination and cross-firing to take place, while listening attentively? And then, after they have finished, will we have our turn?”

    “And then, are there matters which should not come into the public domain because of national security implications? So we will hold a long in-house or in-camera hearing, and then we will make some sense of it. This is how we are going to proceed. We will be guided strongly by the fact that this is not a simple exercise and that not everything should be fed to the public.”

  • Kenya’s Ruto pondering over visa-free travel

    Kenya’s Ruto pondering over visa-free travel

    Kenya’s President William Ruto has announced that the country is actively exploring the possibility of eliminating visa requirements within the coming months.

    President Ruto emphasized that Kenya, being the cradle of humankind, finds it unjust to impose visa requirements on visitors, considering that they are essentially returning to their ancestral home.

    “A few kilometres from where you are seated, scientists discovered and located the earliest remains of man on earth. In other words, this is where humanity began. Therefore, allow me to welcome you home. In a few months, we are seriously considering abolishing any visa requirement because it is unfair to ask anybody coming home for visa,” Mr Ruto said on Monday.

    He made the comment while opening the Africa Climate Summit in Nairobi to African and international leaders and delegates.

    Since taking office as President in September 2022, Mr. Ruto has already lifted visa requirements for several nations, including Eritrea, Djibouti, Comoros, the Democratic Republic of Congo, and Indonesia.

    President Ruto has previously announced his administration’s intention to eventually eliminate visa requirements for all countries within the African Union.

  • Leaked tape: Supt. Asare backs COP Alex Mensah’s allegation of collusion between IGP, Bugri Naabu

    Leaked tape: Supt. Asare backs COP Alex Mensah’s allegation of collusion between IGP, Bugri Naabu

    Police Superintendent George Asare has aligned himself with Commissioner of Police (COP) George Alex Mensah’s suspicion that the covert recording of their conversation with Bugri Naabu was part of a larger scheme.

    As a Protocol officer within the Service, he has indicated that his investigations suggest that the Inspector-General of Police (IGP) may have been responsible for facilitating the recording for undisclosed motives.

    This pertains to a leaked audio in which police officers were overheard discussing plans to identify a replacement for the current IGP, Dr. George Akuffo Dampare. The release of this conversation caused significant controversy and led to a Parliamentary investigation.

    This specific allegation arose when he was questioned by a parliamentary committee about who might have manipulated the tape.

    Last Friday, COP Alex Mensah informed the committee that he believed the leaking of the tape was orchestrated by IGP George Akuffo Dampare.

    “He sent some people to do it, after which he went for it. So the tape, from my intel, is with the IGP, and he caused it to be leaked.

    “So if this committee wants the tape, the right person to call before this committee is the Inspector General of Police,” he said on Friday, September 1.

    When asked for his opinion regarding COP Mensah’s statement today, Supt George Asare affirmed and provided an explanation for his agreement.

    According to him, intelligence gathered shows that “the IGP agreed with Bugri Naabu after Bugri Naabu had gone to inform the IGP that “somebody wants your post oo, he has come to me” to the extent that the CV that was collected from Commissioner and sent to Bugri Naabu by those boys…The CV that was intended for the appointing authorities, he gave it to the IGP.”

    The officer mentioned that he possessed additional information but was concerned that its disclosure might jeopardize national security. As a result, he requested an in-camera hearing to share these details, including the individuals he believed played significant roles in what he suspected to be an act of sabotage.

    “I will be happy that I say more when I am in-camera because it is not a healthy development at all,” he further mentioned.

    “If you could remember when Alhaji [Bugri Naabu] called me, he knows my name and that I am Asare but God works under mysterious circumstances. I don’t know what moved Bugri Naabu into calling me Asante.

    “And the Asante, per our Intel, is a corporal or sergeant who has been promoted to go to police college to become an ASP. And this same ASP, it was Commissioner George Alex Mensah who made him go to the peacekeeping mission. ‘Masa’ let me say this in-camera.”

  • Minority reschedules BoG protest to September 12, route remains unchanged

    Minority reschedules BoG protest to September 12, route remains unchanged

    Minority Leader in Parliament, Dr Cassiel Ato Forson, has announced that the protest to the Head Office of the Bank of Ghana (BoG), originally scheduled for Tuesday, September 5, 2023, has been rescheduled to Tuesday, 12th September, 2023.

    According to the Minority in a statement dated Monday, September 4, protestors would use its earlier proposed route.

    The march will commence from the frontage of Parliament House – Osu Cemetery Traffic Light Ministry of Finance – High Court Complex – Kinbu – Makola – Rawlings Park – Opera Square – Bank of Ghana.

    According to the Minority, the change in date is the result of the outcome of proceedings in court today, September 4, 2023, following an injunction filed by the Police Service.

    The court was unable to give an instant ruling due to the weight of the preliminary legal objections raised by the lawyers for the Minority in Parliament, and requested the indulgence of the Minority to give its ruling on Friday, September 8, 2023.

    In its statement, the Minority noted that “the legal objections raised today were as a result of the incompetent processes filed in court by the Ghana Police Service seeking to restrain the protest along the routes proposed by the Minority and its broad coalition of Civil Society Groups.”

    “As law-abiding citizens respectful of the judiciary, we have decided to reschedule our protest taking into consideration these developments,” the statement added.

    The protest march by the Minority is to call for the resignation of Governor Ernest Addison and his two deputies over the alleged gross mismanagement of the Central Bank which has occasioned an unprecedented loss of GHS60.8 billion and a negative equity of GHS55.1 billion.

    Also, the Central Bank has been accused of illegally printing over GHS80 billion for the government and being “reckless” for building a head office at the cost of over $250 million when the Public Procurement Authority initially recommended $81 million.

    Meanwhile, the Minority in Parliament has called on all and sundry to remain resolute in the fight to protect the constitutional right to demonstrate.

  • Plot to oust IGP: We have found a new audio – Chairman of Adhoc Committee

    Plot to oust IGP: We have found a new audio – Chairman of Adhoc Committee

    Chairman of the adhoc committee set up by Speaker Alban Bagbin to probe the leaked tape on the ousting of the Inspector General of Police, Samuel Atta Akyea, has announced that a new audio is in the possession of the committee.

    Reports indicate that Mr Atta Akyea made the disclosure on Monday, September 4, to the media after interrogating Superintendent George Asare.

    “We have the benefit of a tape, on the assumption that it’s authentic. Members of the committee will have to listen to the tape and read the transcript, which will give us ideas on what to do next. First of all, do we bring all the stakeholders together with their lawyers for cross-examination and cross-firing to take place, while listening attentively? And then, after they have finished, will we have our turn?” he is quoted to have said by Citinewsroom.

    During the interrogation of COP Alex Mensah last week, the accused noted that the leaked tape currently in circulation has been altered.

    COP Alex Mensah managed to identify some parts of the audio but failed to accept the audio in its totality.

    “This is an edited tape; there are so many things in that tape that I heard today that I do not remember, and there are certain things I remember that we discussed that are not on the tape,” he said.

    When Superintendent George Asare faced the Committee, he also corroborated COP Alex Mensah’s statement.

    “Honourable chair in my earlier comments to the committee, it was clear that the tape is incomplete, and whoever masterminded that tape which of course you will get to know by the close of day if not today, but I don’t know when the in-camera engagement will take place but before I sign out, you will understand everything,” he said.

    Last week, former Northern Regional Chairman of the NPP, Chief Bugri Naabu, informed the Committee that he sent a copy of the tape he had recorded to the president.

    “Commander Asare and COP Mensah said currently all the Commissioners at the Police Headquarters are all NDC and we will see whether we will win this election or lose it. So that alone I was a bit worried…that was the reason why I did the tape and gave the President the tape. So that he will also hear directly and not from me, which I did.”

    But COP Alex Mensah believes the tape was recorded by an individual directed by IGP Dr George Akuffo Dampare. He alleges that the original tape is with the IGP.

    “So the tape, according to my intel is with the IGP and he caused it to be leaked,” he made the claim when he made his second appearance before the committee tasked to investigate an alleged plot to remove the IGP on Friday, September 1.

    Meanwhile, the Abuakwa South Member of Parliament, Atta Akyea, is claimed to have stated that the committee will, in the coming days, hold in-door cameras with the accused.

    “And then, are there matters which should not come into the public domain because of national security implications? So we will hold a long in-house or in-camera hearing, and then we will make some sense of it. This is how we are going to proceed. We will be guided strongly by the fact that this is not a simple exercise and that not everything should be fed to the public.”

  • Bugri Naabu suggested Mallams to help COP Alex become IGP – Supt Asare claims

    Bugri Naabu suggested Mallams to help COP Alex become IGP – Supt Asare claims

    Superintendent George Asare, a senior police officer implicated in the alleged plot to remove Inspector General of Police (IGP), Dr. George Akuffo Dampare, has made a startling revelation concerning former Northern Regional Chairman of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Daniel Bugri Naabu.

    During his appearance before the parliamentary committee investigating the matter on Monday, Superintendent George Asare suggested that Bugri Naabu recommended the use of Mallams (spiritual practitioners) to aid in the removal of the IGP.

    He claimed that Bugri Naabu advocated for both physical and spiritual measures to have the current IGP removed, citing previous instances where he had facilitated individuals in obtaining spiritual assistance for securing high-ranking positions.

    “It was Chief Bugri Naabu who invited me to his office. I wasn’t lobbying for anybody. Chief Bugri Naabu made an emphatic statement about this thing, I want to quote him verbatim, but it will be difficult. All that he was trying to say was that this thing, we have to fight it, both physically and spiritually. And then he gave examples of people that he helped them fight for the positions spiritually. It was a private conversation, I don’t want to make it public here.

    “But the spiritual one, he went further to show us which places he can go. So it was on the premise of this that I made the statement that Alhaji, this one, you are the spiritual controller. Because you [Bugri Naabu] made us understand that I didn’t even know that, when you are fighting for a position, you have to fight it in two ways, both spiritually and physically.”

    He stressed, “I said that as for Master [COP Alex Mensah] I don’t think he will buy into this idea of fighting this spiritually, because he’s a Christian. He [Bugri Naabu] mentioned some Imams, that can help pray for him. Some Imams can help him with prayers. Chief Bugri Naabu insisted that he has to also see some Mallams. He recommended about three, some in the North, and some from his village. It was Chief Bugri Naabu himself that came forth with that suggestion,” Supt. Asare insisted.

    Superintendent George Asare however clarified that he had not lobbied for anyone to become the IGP.

  • Bugri Naabu told us he recommended Dampre to Akufo-Addo for IGP role – Supt. Asare

    Bugri Naabu told us he recommended Dampre to Akufo-Addo for IGP role – Supt. Asare

    Superintendent George Asare, the third witness in the ongoing inquiry into the alleged plot to remove the Inspector General of Police (IGP), has shared that he confided in the former NPP Northern Regional Chairman, Daniel Bugri Naabu.

    He did so because he believed that Naabu possessed the capacity to sway the President’s decision regarding the appointment of the new IGP.

    Superintendent George Asare revealed that Bugri Naabu had asserted that he had recommended Dr. George Akuffo Dampare to the President before Dampare’s appointment as the IGP.

    During his testimony before the Parliamentary Committee investigating the leaked tape on Monday, September 4, 2023, Superintendent Asare further stated that it was Bugri Naabu’s statements that persuaded him to propose COP Alex Mensah for the position of IGP.

    He had hoped that Bugri Naabu would leverage his influence to persuade the President to make this appointment.

    He explained, “When we met him, in the course of our conversation, he did indicate that he recommended the current IGP to the President.”

    Superintendent Asare has also accused Bugri Naabu of concocting false stories about him.

    During his appearance before the committee on Monday, September 4, Supt. Asare asserted that some of the comments attributed to him in the recorded tape were fabricated by Bugri Naabu and not actually made by him.

    He explained that he had visited Mr. Naabu’s office at Naabu’s invitation, after the former NPP Northern Regional Chairman had informed him that the government was in search of a new IGP and had requested his recommendations.

    According to Superintendent Asare, he provided three recommendations to Mr. Naabu, including COP Alex Mensah and Maame Yaa Tiwaa Addo-Danquah.

  • Leaked tape on IGP’s ousting: Supt Asare denies threatening Bugri Naabu

    Leaked tape on IGP’s ousting: Supt Asare denies threatening Bugri Naabu

    One of the witnesses under investigation for his involvement in the scheme to remove the Inspector General of Police, Superintendent George Asare, has dismissed claims of threatening the life of former NPP Northern Regional Chairman, Bugri Naabu.

    Supt Asare shot down the report when he appeared before the Parliamentary Committee set up to investigate the matter on Monday, September 4, 2023.

    On August 28, Chief Bugri Naabu said he phoned Supt. Asare who on several occasions refused to make any comments, after realising the tape he had allegedly recorded was leaked.

    “I called Mr Asare and asked him who sent the tape into the public domain, and he banged the phone on me. Then I called him again and he refused to talk to me,” Bugri Naabu is quoted to have said by Ghanaweb.

    Bugri Naabu informed the Committee that he later received a message by Commander Asare from his son. Per his comments, the Commander threatened his life over the leaked audio tape.

    But to his utter surprise, he received a threat passed on to him by his son.

    “But rather, he sent a message through my son, that he will deal with me, he threatened me,” Bugri Naabu.

    This, Supt Asare says, is false, as he also refused to answer Bugri Naabu’s calls. He also disputed claims that Bugri Naabu said he threatened his life.

    “I’ve carefully listened to the tape. Three time. When Bugri Naabu appeared before you and the two times the tape was played.

    “I listened carefully. Bugri Naabu didn’t say that when he called me, I threatened him. What he did was that, when he called, I just hanged up the phone.

    Later on, his son, came to tell him that I have threatened him that he will see. Trying to suggest that I threatened him through his son, Prophet Emmanuel Teye Bugri Naabu.”

  • Plot to oust IGP: Supt. Asare backs claim that leaked tape is incomplete

    Plot to oust IGP: Supt. Asare backs claim that leaked tape is incomplete

    One of the witnesses under investigation for his involvement in the scheme to remove the Inspector General of Police (IGP), Superintendent George Asare, has supported previous statements claiming that the crucial leaked tape in question has been tampered with.

    He asserted that the tape, which has been made public, is not complete and has been manipulated by those responsible for its release. According to him, significant portions of the conversation within the tape have been intentionally removed, with the motivations behind this editing known only to the individuals orchestrating it.

    When appearing before the parliamentary committee investigating the issue on Monday, September 4, Superintendent Asare maintained that the individuals responsible for the leaked tape would be identified.

    “Honourable chair in my earlier comments to the committee, it was clear that the tape is incomplete and whoever masterminded that tape which of course you will get to know by the close of day if not today, but I don’t know when the in-camera engagement will take place but before I sign out, you will understand everything.”

    The Director General of Operations for the Ghana Police Service, COP George Alex Mensah, likewise presented a similar argument when he appeared before the Committee.

    “I remember having a conversation with Bugri Naabu,” he confirmed.

    “What I am saying is that this tape that was played today is an edited tape…the tape played today has so many things I don’t remember and there are things that were said that are not on the tape,” he added.

    On July 25, the Speaker of Parliament, Alban Sumana Bagbin, appointed Samuel Atta-Akyea, the Member of Parliament for Abuakwa South, as the chairperson of a seven-member ad-hoc committee tasked with investigating the recently leaked controversial audio. This audio revealed secret discussions about a plot to remove the Inspector General of Police (IGP), Dr. George Akuffo Dampare, allegedly involving a senior police officer and a prominent member of the governing New Patriotic Party (NPP).

    The release of this viral audio sparked a debate on the floor of Parliament, with the Minority members of Parliament calling for a forensic audit. In response, Speaker Bagbin proposed the formation of the Special Committee.

    The Speaker has instructed the committee to present its findings by September 10, 2023.

  • Minority’s BoG demonstration suspended

    Minority’s BoG demonstration suspended

    The Minority in Parliament has decided to postpone its planned protest against the Governor of the Bank of Ghana (BoG), Dr. Ernest Addison.

    The originally scheduled protest was planned for Tuesday, September 5, at the Bank of Ghana headquarters in Accra.

    This decision comes as a result of a court hearing, where the police sought an injunction on the protest due to security concerns.

    The court has adjourned its ruling on a preliminary objection raised by the MPs’ lawyers to Friday, September 8.

    The MPs, led by NDC’s Director of Legal Affairs, Godwin Edudzi Tamakloe, contested the Police’s authority to initiate the action independently. They argued that, according to Article 88(5) of the 1992 Constitution and the State Proceedings Act, only the Attorney General has the mandate to institute such action.

    Nevertheless, Minority Leader Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson has assured supporters that the protest would proceed after the court’s ruling is delivered.

    The Minority has accused the Bank of Ghana of economic mismanagement and called for Dr. Addison’s resignation. The police, on the other hand, expressed concerns that the protest could disrupt the peace and requested a court injunction.

    The court’s decision on the preliminary objection will determine whether the protest can proceed as planned.

  • Three individuals Supt. Asare recommended to replace Dampare as IGP

    Three individuals Supt. Asare recommended to replace Dampare as IGP

    Superintendent George Asare and COP Alex Mensah, two of three officers being interrogated over a leaked tape on the removal of the Inspector General of Police (IGP), have confirmed to receiving reports on the removal of Dr George Akuffo Dampare by the government.

    The two officers have accused the former Northern Regional Chairman of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Bugri Naabu, of announcing government’s alleged decision to replace the current IGP.

    During Monday’s probing by the Parliamentary Committee set up to investigate the leaked tape, Supt. Asare said: “I went to Mr Naabu’s office on his invitation…after he told me that the government was looking for a new IGP and asked me for recommendations.”

    Three individuals were recommended by Supt. Asare. The individuals recommended were COP Alex Mensah, Christian Tetteh Yuhuno and Maame Yaa Tiwaa Addo-Danquah.

    During last Friday’s hearing, COP Alex Mensah publicly admitted his interest in becoming Inspector General of Police. According to him, his quest to become an IGP began as far back as 2017.

    COP Alex Mensah admitted to submitting his CV to an individual, with the intention that it would be given to former Northern Regional Chairman of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Bugri Naabu, who would then advocate for him to be appointed as the IGP.

    “I gave my CV to someone to give to Bugri Naabu for him to lobby for me to be appointed the IGP. We all lobby. I started lobbying since 2017,” he said while emphasising that lobbying is a common practice.

    COP Maame Yaa Tiwaa Addo-Danquah

    COP Maame Yaa Tiwaa Addo-Danquah was appointed by President Akufo-Addo as the new Executive Director of the Economic and Organized Crime Office (EOCO) in 2022.

    The high-ranking police officer, until this appointment, was the former Director-General, Police Professional and Standards Bureau (PPSB) of the Ghana Police Service.

    COP Maame Yaa Tiwaa Addo Danquah was also appointed Director General Welfare and member of Police Management Board (POMAB), the highest decision-making body in the police, outside the Police Council which is chaired by the Vice President.

    Christian Tetteh Yuhuno

    COP Christian Tetteh Yohuno is the Director General of Administration, Ghana Police Service.

    In 2016, then President John Dramani Mahama in consultation with the police administration promoted the Director-General of Police Operations, Mr Christian Tetteh Yohuno, to the rank of Commissioner of Police (COP).

  • ‘Justice will be served’ – A-G assures aggrieved Menzgold customers

    ‘Justice will be served’ – A-G assures aggrieved Menzgold customers

    The Attorney-General and Minister for Justice, Godfred Dame, has given the assurance that individuals and businesses defrauded by Menzgold Ghana will receive justice.

    While delivering a keynote address at the Fortieth Cambridge International Symposium on Economic Crime on Monday, September 4, in the United Kingdom, the Attorney-General cited the ongoing legal case as one of the economic crimes the country is dealing with.

    He referred to the defunct company as “an amorphous organisation operating a microfinance institution under the guise of – guess what – gold trading and illegally using the name of a bank.”

    “It called itself Menzbank, before metamorphosing into “Menzgold”. It dealt in the purchase and deposit of gold collectibles from the public and issued contracts with guaranteed returns to clients without a licence from the relevant authorities,” he said.

    According to the Attorney-General, the ignorance of thousands of otherwise hardworking Ghanaians was the oxygen for the operations of the company, as often witnessed in the case of many Ponzi schemes around the world.

    The Attorney General commenced the prosecution of NAM 1 in 2019 where he was accused of defrauding thousands of customers through his gold dealership firm over millions of cedis.

    The case has witnessed a number of adjournments until fresh charges were filed on Wednesday, August 30, 2023, when 36 counts of offences including abetment, defrauding by false pretences, carrying on deposit-taking business without a license, unlawful deposit-taking, and money laundering among others were introduced.

    Mr Godfred Dame in his submissions at the symposium today, noted that he is elated to see the commencement of prosecution against the perpetrators.

    He expressed confidence that “at last, by the Grace of God, justice will be served to victims of those dastardly acts.”

    For the Attorney-General, this is of much importance as “misery and distress caused to many homes nearly unleashed a social crisis as riots and demonstrations broke out on the streets of Accra and other parts of the country.”

    “In reality, people lost their homes, and some marriages even broke up as a result of the Menzgold saga. I am happy to state that after painstaking investigations, criminal prosecution has commenced against the perpetrators,” he added.

  • Bugri Naabu told me govt was looking for a replacement for Dampare – Supt. Asare

    Bugri Naabu told me govt was looking for a replacement for Dampare – Supt. Asare

    One of the three police officers being investigated over a leaked tape plotting the ousting of the Inspector General of Police, Dr George Akuffo Dampare, Superintendent George Asare, has stated that he was informed by former Northern Regional Chairman of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Bugri Naabu of government’s intention to replace the current IGP.

    His comment made on Monday, September 4, when he appeared before the Parliamentary Committee set up to probe the matter, corroborates statements made by COP Alex Mensah.

    Supt. Asare said: “I went to Mr Naabu’s office on his invitation…after he told me that the government was looking for a new IGP and asked me for recommendations.”

    According to him, he made three recommendations, including “COP Alex Mensah, Maame Yaa Tiwaa Addo-Danquah and Christian Tetteh Yuhuno.”

    He however, discarded the claim that he arranged a meeting with Chief Bugri Naabu and COP Alex Mensah over the IGP position. noting that the three individuals mentioned were just expressions of his opinion.

    He argued that he is not mandated by the law to appoint and sack IGPs, hence could not have made an arrangement.

    On Friday, September 1, COP Alex Mensah said Bugri Naabu informed Superintendent Asare that Dr Akuffo Dampare was going to be replaced.

    “Mr Bugri Naabu told Asare that the IGP is likely to be changed and they are looking for a replacement.”

    When asked the rationale behind the replacement by a member of the committee, James Agalga, COP Alex said: “What he said is that he wants to change him because they don’t like the kind of work that he is doing. That’s all he said.”

  • Livestreaming: Parliamentary Committee probes Supt. Asare over leaked tape on IGP’s ousting

    Livestreaming: Parliamentary Committee probes Supt. Asare over leaked tape on IGP’s ousting

    This morning, the Parliamentary Committee investigating an alleged plot to oust the Inspector General of Police (IGP) is in session.

    Presently, the committee is hearing from Superintendent George Asare, whom former NPP Northern Regional Chairman, Bugri Naabu claimed recommended COP George Alex Mensah to him for the position of IGP.

    Last Thursday, the committee heard testimony from three police officers, with Superintendent Emmanuel Gyebi being the first to take the stand.

    Next was COP George Alex Mensah, who voiced concerns about the actions of the IGP, believing they would have unfavorable consequences for the entire police service.

    COP Mensah, a former Director-General of Technical Affairs within the Ghana Police Service, was recorded expressing his apprehension to Bugri Naabu, suggesting that IGP Dampare’s actions could potentially lead to the New Patriotic Party (NPP) losing the 2024 election.

  • Old age hormones teasing Akufo-Addo’s reality – Youth activist

    Old age hormones teasing Akufo-Addo’s reality – Youth activist

    Social commentator and youth activist, Ivan Kyei Innocent, is of the assertion that the effects of aging may be distorting President Akufo-Addo’s perception of reality and his decision-making abilities.

    He made this sharp criticism over the president’s statement announcing his government’s ability to protect the public purse.

    Ivan Kyei Innocent referenced a Facebook post reportedly on the president’s Facebook wall.

    According to the youth activist, all variables on the ground point to the fact that the government has failed to protect taxpayers money and has rather accepted a culture where corruption is the order of the day.

    He therefore held the assertion, the president’s view of Ghana is twisted due to his old age.

    “I think that is an insult. When I saw the President post that on his Facebook, I told someone it could be that the President’s account has been hacked and is being used to play this prank.

    “I don’t think anyone who is vigilant would say that Nana Akufo-Addo has protected the public purse. I always say, old age hormones have a way of teasing people’s realities. Maybe that is what is happening. He has lost touch with reality. Someone who has observed what has happened in the last five years, there is no way Nana Akufo-Addo will be brave to say he has fought corruption or is fighting it.

    “Under his administration, corruption has been accepted. They are just perfecting the art of stealing. That is what he is doing. If he says he is fighting corruption, then that is an insult to the ordinary Ghanaian,” he said.

    In December 2021, President Akufo-Addo bragged that his government had protected the public purse as promised since he assumed office.

    Delivering a keynote address at the National Anti-Corruption Conference, organized by the Commission for Human Rights and Administrative Justice (CHRAJ), on Friday, December 10, 2021, President Akufo-Addo stressed that his government has been up and doing in the quest to fight corruption in the country.

    “We have protected the public purse, we have made institutional reforms, we have enacted additional, requisite laws, and we have resourced more adequately the accountability organs of state. Our fight against corruption has been grounded on legislative, financial, and institutional action, and not on lip-service,” the 2021 Forbes Africa African of the Year winner said.

  • Ken Agyapong set to donate rice to delegates in Ashanti Region – report

    Ken Agyapong set to donate rice to delegates in Ashanti Region – report

    A video circulating on social media suggests that New Patriotic Party (NPP) delegates from the Ashanti Region might receive donations from flagbearer contender Kennedy Agyapong.

    A widely circulated video on GhanaWeb shows three trucks delivering shipments of rice to Kennedy Agyapong’s campaign office in the region.

    In the video, a male voice could be heard saying: “This is for us in Ashanti Region, three trucks. All the trucks you see are filled with rice. This is the campaign office of Honourable Kennedy Agyapong in the Ashanti Region where we are offloading the rice.”

    It is believed that these items will be disseminated to delegates ahead of the party’s November primaries. This claim has not been confirmed as of now. Mr Agyapong, the Assin Central MP, strongly insists he has a greater chance at becoming the NPP’s 2024 flagbearer.

    This comes after the Super Delegates Conference held on August 26, where he secured the second slot, behind Vice President Dr Mahamudu Bawumia.

    Mahamudu Bawumia won the super delegates conference with a total of 629 votes, representing 68.15% of the total valid votes.

    Assin Central MP Kennedy Agyapong came in second with 132 votes, or 14.30% while former Trade Minister Alan Kyerematen placed third with 95 votes, or 10.29%.

    These three are considered the main contenders. The fourth and fifth slots are occupied by former Agric Minister, Dr Afriyie Akoto and Francis Addai-Nimoh respectively.

  • Ghana can fall victim to a coup, we are not immune – Mahama

    Ghana can fall victim to a coup, we are not immune – Mahama

    Former President John Mahama has emphasized that the upcoming Presidential and Parliamentary elections on December 7, 2024, are of utmost significance, possibly the most crucial since 1992.

    He believes that this election may represent the final chance to rekindle hope in constitutional governance for the people of Ghana.

    Mr Mahama emphasized that in the event of the NDC returning to power in 2025, there is a pressing need to revolutionize the country’s economic prospects and generate opportunities that will reinvigorate faith in constitutional rule.

    “I must say that election 2024 is going to be the most critical election since 1992 or may be in the history of our party. Because as I said earlier it is the last opportunity for us to restore the faith of our people in constitutional government in our country.”

    He continued that “Let us not think that we are immune to what is happening in the sub-region. It cannot be business as usual as I said a little while ago. Any new government that takes over on 2025 7th January cannot do business as usual. We must sit up and do what our people expect of us.

    “We must let them understand and let them appreciate that constitutional government can defend their interest, constitutional government can look after their human right, and constitutional government can guarantee that they can express themselves freely, but mostly importantly constitutional governments are able to create the opportunity that make them able to realize their full potential to live in dignity and prosperity.”

    The NDC flagbearer delivered these remarks during the concluding session of the 3rd annual Lawyers conference organized by the NDC Lawyers Association via Zoom.

    While acknowledging the challenging circumstances created by the Akufo-Addo administration, Mahama expressed optimism that the forthcoming NDC government will strive to overcome these difficulties and deliver positive outcomes for the nation.

    “It is going to be an arduous task but we all must sit up and make sure we are able to discharge our responsibilities to our people. I am convinced that the NDC will win that election”.

    Mr Mahama explained that extensive efforts are underway to craft policies and programs that can be swiftly implemented once the NDC takes office in 2025, ensuring a proactive start to their governance agenda.

    “We must hit the ground running. I am not going to wait until I win the election to start to think about what to do. I know that several dedicated people under Prof. Danso Boafo organization we call the “LAB” looks at all the various sectors – governance, economy, trade, Agriculture, health, education and tourism and comes out with concrete policies we can put in effect as soon as we have taken over to make Ghana the Ghana we want”.

    He urged NDC members to maintain a vigilant stance in the 2024 elections to secure a triumph for the party.

    “While we prepare to go into that election, we must be vigilant and alert and indeed more than we were in Assin North. But aside from that, we must keep an eye on what we are going to do as soon as we come to power.

    He said the “legal directorate and NDC Lawyers group are going to be critical towards winning this election. One of the things you need to do is to acquaint yourself with the electoral codes to watch the process to make sure the NDC is represented properly, that you understand the electoral process and that nothing untoward goes on in the polling stations. I believe that it is this end of sacrifice that is required of us so that we can win the election 2024. The prospects look very good for winning 2024 but we cannot rest on our ores. We need to be vigilant. We have an opponent who can take advantage of any list opportunity to manipulate the electoral process and so we need to be on our feet and make sure that we prevent anything like that from happening.”

  • ‘Home at last,’ in Round 8!

    ‘Home at last,’ in Round 8!

    When I heard the news in the early hours of Monday, 21 August 2023 titled, “Ghana’s Paa Kwesi Asare wins 2023 BBC News Komla-Dumor-Award,” borrowing from Martin-Luther-King’s “free at last, free at last, thank God we are free at last,” I heard myself say,“Home at last, home at last, thank God it is home at last!”

    I was elated because finally, for the eighth award since its inception in 2015, a Ghanaian had won the BBC’s coveted award.

    BBC “Komla-Dumor-Award”

    The Komla-Dumor-Award was created by the BBC in 2015 in honour of Ghanaian journalist Komla Dumor who worked for BBC World News and was the main presenter of its programme “Focus-on-Africa.” He died at the age of 41 in 2014.

    I have lived in Nigeria, Kenya and Uganda. Since BBC instituted the “Komla-Dumor-Award,” journalists fromthe three countries have dominated the award winning twice each. Zambia has won it once! For me, Ghananot having won the award to honour a Ghanaian, was a source of silent pain which hurt my pride as a Ghanaian.

    Previous winners are as follows:

    1. 2015 – Nancy Kacungira (Uganda). Runner up – Paa Kwesi Asare (Ghana)

    2. 2016 – Didi Akinyelure (Nigeria)  

    3. 2017 – Amina Yuguda (Nigeria)

    4. 2018 –   Waihiga Mwaura (Kenya)

    5. 2019 – Solomon Serwanjja (Uganda)

    6. 2020 – Victoria Rubadiri (Kenya)

    7. 2021 –  Not awarded

    8. 2022 – Dingindaba Jonah Buyoya (Zambia)

    9- 2023 – Paa Kwesi Asare (Ghana)

    Angelo Dundee

    The award brought me joy because of the pessimism expressed about a Ghanaian winning, as every year since 2015 saw fading hopes as non-Ghanaians won.The pessimism reminded me of one of Boxing’s greatest trainers Angelo Dundee. Among the boxing legends he trained are “the Greatest,” Muhammed Ali, Sugar Ray Leonard and George Foreman. Asked how he motivated boxers to the highest levels, he answered “criticism is good, but encouragement is better.”

    He explained that, while he criticised his boxers a lot, he encouraged them a lot more. He added that, constant criticism without encouragement only destroys.

    Destructive Criticism

    Unfortunately, Ghanaians appear not to have the patience we have for foreigners, for fellow Ghanaians. While we bend over backwards to please foreigners even if their activities harm us, we are intolerant andquick to criticize our own, often not constructively.Our FM radios/televisions are replete with daily insults hurled by Ghanaians of all ages irrespective of status,at fellow Ghanaians.

    Ironically, despite the malice we dispense so generously, we claim to be a religious people. Obviously, we only make a show of religion. Again, we do not appreciate, praise and reward merit, success and achievement. Meritocracy has given way tomediocrity.

    Questions

    The more I think of Dundee’s dictum, the more I ask questions like:

    Why are we so intolerant and hard on ourselves and see nothing good in one another simply for having a different viewpoint?

    Why do we find it so difficult to praise Ghanaians on our achievements, but so easy to find fault and criticize destructively?

    Why have disrespect/arrogance and indiscipline replaced the traditional values of respect for elders and authority?​

    When the interviewer in a radio-programme asked a‘man-of-God’ what he thought was the strongest attribute of the Ghanaian, he answered “Traditional-Ghanaian-Hospitality.” Asked who the hospitality was directed at, he said “to foreigners.” However, he could not convincingly explain why Ghanaians direct hospitality to foreigners but not to compatriots.

    Hypocrisy

    A contributor quoted the old saying “Charity begins at home” and suggested that, if Ghanaians could not be hospitable to Ghanaians but could to foreigners, then it smacks of hypocrisy/insincerity and dishonesty/pretence in our national character. She asked how a people could be so unkind to their countrymen/women but shower kindness on foreigners.

    She called for respect for one another as Ghanaians first, above narrower considerations like ethnicity, religion/politics, and strongly advocated a discontinuation of the culture of insults and violence by leadership and followers alike if we are to progress as a country.

    Attitude 

    Asked in an interview in Germany about Ghana’s greatest passion football, a famous Nigerian ex-international footballer had this as his summary for Ghanaian footballers; 

    “……flair…….  talented……………but underachievers.”

    He explained that despite all the talent Ghana has produced, we have not done as well as one would have thought. 

    He stated “I know that Ghanaians are so talented and always produce great players. But they always have issues with coming together as a team. I don’t know whether it is ego problems, but the big players seem to fight one another. That is why they are underachievers!”

    Certainly, we are operating below our optimum as a nation not only in football, but in all spheres! An octogenarian friend stated, we do things selfishly “with malice-aforethought!” We must relearn the virtues of respect/humility. We must also remind ourselves of Abraham Lincoln’s famous dictum, “a nation that does not honour its heroes will not endure long!”

    Conclusion

    In all human endeavours, Leadership is the most important single factor hence the saying “leadership is cause, the rest is effect!” Leadership is best by example. Good leaders solve problems and inspire, not explain why problems cannot be solved.

    Let us be minded that endless destructive criticismbased on politics/ethnicity/religion, takes us nowhere as a country! Remember Angelo Dundee’s dictum “criticism is good, but encouragement is better!”

    Paa Kwesi Asare winning the 2023 Komla-Dumor-Award is a breath of fresh air in the prevailing gloomwhich should remind us that, Ghana can do better than we have if we eschew pessimism and encourage one another.

    Leadership, LEAD! Fellow Ghanaians, WAKE UP!

    The writer is a former CEO, African Peace Support Trainers Association, Nairobi, Kenya and Council Chairman, Family Health University College, Teshie, Accra      

    email: dkfrimpong@yahoo.com 

    DISCLAIMER: Independentghana.com will not be liable for any inaccuracies contained in this article. The views expressed in the article are solely those of the author’s, and do not reflect those of The Independent Ghana.

  • GNFS refutes recruitment claims

    GNFS refutes recruitment claims

    The Ghana National Fire Service (GNFS) has issued a statement urging the public to ignore recruitment notices circulating on social media.

    According to the GNFS, they are not currently conducting any recruitment, and there are no calls for applicants to undergo medical examinations, receive appointment letters, participate in attachments, or attend training sessions.

    The statement, released on Saturday, September 2, emphasizes that the GNFS has not authorized any individual, entity, or third party to carry out recruitment procedures or sell application forms on their behalf.

    Therefore, all such publications should be dismissed and treated as invalid.

    “Management is by this release urging the general public to help the Service in its resolute quest to fight this recruitment fraud on social media by reporting all individuals, persons and entities involved in this criminal venture to the appropriate law enforcement agencies for immediate and necessary action,” an excerpt of the release said.

    The GNFS has noted that it will officially “communicate and advertise for vacancies appropriately to notify the public when clearance is given to recruit people into the Service.”

  • Courts packed with NPP inclined judges – Mahama

    Courts packed with NPP inclined judges – Mahama

    Former President John Dramani Mahama has claimed that the New Patriotic Party (NPP) government has selected individuals with close ties to the ruling party to hold positions within the judiciary.

    Mr Mahama contended that President Akufo-Addo’s appointments to the judiciary seem to be a deliberate strategy aimed at installing judges who might lean toward his interests once his tenure ends.

    The 2024 National Democratic Congress (NDC) flagbearer proposed that the president’s actions are designed to protect himself from accountability once he finishes his term in office.

    He made this assertion while addressing the closing ceremony of the 3rd Annual Lawyers Conference of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) on Saturday, September 2.

    Mr. Mahama said: “Currently, the judiciary is packed with NPP-inclined judges because this government has carried out a deliberate policy of putting their people onto the bench.”

    “He has appointed the biggest number of judges onto the bench, it is more than 80 towards 100 and counting. You can see what the current president has done. He has packed the court, and we know they have packed the court because they want to avoid accountability after they have left office.”

    The former president therefore encouraged NDC members to contemplate pursuing careers within the judiciary to help establish a more balanced representation within the third arm of government.

    “So, I encourage some of you to look at careers on the bench so that we can balance out what the current situation is. We must be prepared as NDC legal persons to also go onto the bench so that we can balance out the judiciary,” he urged.

  • Kumawu MP calls on Tweneboa Kodua SHS old students to support alma mater

    Kumawu MP calls on Tweneboa Kodua SHS old students to support alma mater

    The Member of Parliament (MP) representing the Kumawu Constituency in the Ashanti Region has made a call to alumni of Tweneboa Kodua Senior High School, urging them to provide vital assistance to their alma mater.

    Ernest Yaw Anim has highlighted the pressing need for infrastructural support at the school, emphasizing that it has outgrown its current capacity.

    During his address to former students of Tweneboa Kodua Senior High School at the launch of the Tweneboa Kodua Senior High School Old Students Association in North America, Mr. Anim stressed the importance of enhancing the school’s reputation.

    He noted that the school is currently facing challenges related to its lighting system and the renovation of its existing facilities.

    “Now, it’s crucial that we acknowledge some of the challenges the school is facing. With a growing student body, there are mounting concerns about inadequate infrastructure—be it staff bungalows, classroom furniture, or even beds for the students.”

    “The school also grapples with a poor lighting system and the lack of renovation in existing structures. Additionally, the sports facilities are not up to par, and the school wall remains uncompleted. Addressing these issues is crucial for the continued success and development of Tweneboa Kodua SHS.”

    Consequently, he made an earnest appeal to them to promptly come to the assistance of their beloved alma mater.

    “So what can we do to help? Your financial contributions could directly fund the construction of additional classrooms and staff bungalows, improve the lighting system, and even provide for 1,200 new Mono Desks and 800 bunk beds for students.”

    “The school needs to renovate existing structures and complete the school wall. Also, the school is seeking donations of 1,500 chairs for the Assembly Hall and additional sports equipment. Your financial gifts tonight are not just charitable donations; they are investments into a brighter, more secure future for the students of Tweneboa Kodua SHS.”

  • 2023 African Para Games launched in Accra

    2023 African Para Games launched in Accra

    On Sunday, September 3rd, the Minister of Youth and Sports, Mustapha Ussif, officially inaugurated the first-ever African Para Games, known as ‘Accra 2023,’ at the Bukom Boxing Arena in Accra.

    Scheduled to take place in Ghana from September 3 to 12, Accra marks the inaugural edition of these games.

    During the grand opening ceremony, Minister Ussif emphasized the unwavering support of President Nana Akufo-Addo for the Para Games in Ghana. He highlighted that the President sees this event as not just a sporting competition but as an achievable and meaningful endeavor.

    Minister Ussif also commended the dedication and hard work of the first Local Organising Committee (LOC) for their successful efforts in ensuring that all necessary arrangements, including logistics and accommodations, were in place.

    The opening ceremony witnessed the participation of numerous African nations, including Algeria, Angola, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Egypt, Gambia, Kenya, Liberia, Mali, Morocco, Rwanda, Senegal, Sierra Leone, South Africa, Tanzania, Uganda, and Zambia.

    The Accra 2023 African Para Games will feature athletes with physical challenges competing in sports such as Wheelchair Tennis, Wheelchair Basketball, and Amputee Football.

  • Nzulezu community deprived of healthcare facility

    Nzulezu community deprived of healthcare facility

    In Nzulezu, a community situated on stilts within the Jomoro Municipality of the Western Region, residents have voiced their concerns about the absence of a clinic to address their healthcare requirements.

    They emphasized that the community currently lacks a healthcare facility, necessitating journeys to Beyin and nearby communities for medical attention. This situation often results in delayed access to healthcare services, particularly in emergency situations.

    Leader of Western Nzema Youth League, Dr Patrick Ekye Kwesie, who spoke to the Ghana News Agency in an interview, said: “We are very much saddened about the fact that, Nzulezu which is a UNESCO Heritage Site has no healthcare centre not to talk of a healthcare professional. Getting to Beyin and other adjoining communities to access healthcare services is very tedious considering the means of transport, which is obviously by water.

    “There is no hope when someone falls sick and cannot afford the services of outboard motor transportation on the river, we can all imagine what will happen”.

    He remarked that despite the traditional leaders’ persistent efforts to engage the government and other stakeholders in securing a healthcare facility, their endeavors have yielded no results.

    He further emphasized that Nzulezu, being one of the nation’s most frequented tourist destinations, should prompt authorities to prioritize the establishment of a healthcare facility along with other essential amenities.

    “Nzulezu has been in existence for over 400 years. It is a unique stilt village that you cannot see anywhere in the world because of its forest vegetation, history, their way of life, housing construction, religion, customs, and food, and for us the provision of basic healthcare systems in the community is necessary in this 21st century.

    … For instance, two months ago, the sensational heritage site was flooded and imagine if there was an emergency outbreak. We need to be conversant with some of these things as a nation,” Dr Kwesie indicated.

    He made a heartfelt appeal to the government and other pertinent stakeholders, such as the Ghana Tourism Authority, to take decisive steps in erecting a healthcare facility for the community’s residents.

    He also mentioned that the residents were ready and willing to gather resources to contribute to the construction of the much-needed facility.

  • Create conducive workplace environment for breastfeeding – GHS to employers

    Create conducive workplace environment for breastfeeding – GHS to employers

    The Upper East Region’s Ghana Health Service (GHS) has called upon organizations, government departments, and agencies within the area to establish a supportive environment that allows nursing staff to comfortably breastfeed their infants.

    The Regional Deputy Director of Public Health, Dr Josephat Ana-Imwine Nyuzaghi, made the call when he addressed stakeholders after a float on major streets in the Bolgatanga Municipality to create awareness on the need for exclusive breastfeeding as part of activities to mark this year’s breastfeeding month.

    “We want to draw the attention of organizations, departments and agencies in the Region on the need to create an enabling environment for our lactating mothers to breastfeed comfortably,” he said.

    He emphasized that this initiative would play a crucial role in encouraging exclusive breastfeeding during the first six months after birth. This, in turn, would ensure that infants receive the full benefits of breast milk nutrients and reduce the risk of diarrheal diseases.

    The celebration was on the theme: “Enabling breastfeeding: Making a difference for working parents.”

    Dr. Nyuzaghi pointed out that lactating mothers require a comfortable and private space within their workplaces to enable them to sit and breastfeed their infants.

    He further highlighted that some nursing mothers are compelled to leave their babies at home while they work, and the well-being of these infants remains uncertain.

    “Some workers who are capable sometimes express the milk and leave it behind for other caregivers to support in the breastfeeding.

    “This can be challenging, once the mothers are not there to witness what is happening at home. It is appropriate that at the work place, we have a convenient place for mothers to breastfeed. I want to encourage all of you to talk positively about breastfeeding.

    “We need as stakeholders, wherever we find ourselves, to talk more about breastfeeding and encourage mothers to breastfeed their children. For the first six months, the breastmilk virtually has everything that the child needs,” he said.

    Dr. Nyuzaghi clarified that the belief that breast milk lacks water, leading some parents to provide water to infants under six months of age, is incorrect. He stressed that infants given water during their first six months of life are at risk of developing diarrheal diseases.

    “So, we need to continue to emphasize the fact that for the first six months, mothers should exclusively breastfeed their babies and whatever the child needs for the first six months can be found in breast milk,” he noted.

    Dr. Nyuzaghi additionally emphasized that breast milk contains sufficient antibodies that can assist infants in combating diseases they may encounter during the early weeks of life. He strongly advocated for exclusive breastfeeding during this period.

    He also highlighted that as babies progress beyond six months, their growth accelerates, and breast milk alone may no longer suffice to meet their nutritional needs.

    “This is where the issue of complementary feeding comes in. But it is important that beyond the six months up to two years, the child would still need breast milk.

    “So, beyond the six months period, it is important we still continue to encourage mothers to breastfeed up to two years alongside the complementary feeding,” he said.

    The celebration united various stakeholders, encompassing nurses, midwives, members of the Ghana National Tailors and Dressmakers Association, as well as staff and students from the Community Development Vocational Technical Institute, among others.

  • NGO renews NHIS cards for pupils at Tindonsobligo

    NGO renews NHIS cards for pupils at Tindonsobligo

    A charity-based Non-Governmental Organization (NGO), Helpingothers, has taken the initiative to renew the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) cards for approximately 360 students at the Kalbeo-Tindonsobligo Primary School in the Bolgatanga Municipality.

    This act of kindness was not limited to the students alone but also extended to members of the public, particularly the elderly residents of the Kalbeo and Tindonsobligo communities in the Upper East Region.

    Ms. Claudia Garcia Castlo, a prominent member of the organization, shared during an interview with the Ghana News Agency that Helpingothers places great significance on health as a fundamental aspect of human life. Ensuring the health of children is a top priority for the organization.

    She further explained that while the primary focus of the exercise was the students, it also benefited adults residing both within and beyond the community. This support allows them to access essential healthcare services.

    Over the six years of the NGO’s operations in the region, the team has observed that some residents possess inactive NHIS cards, necessitating them to pay for basic healthcare services at healthcare facilities.

    She said there was the possibility to scale-up the help to other schools in the Municipality, “We are happy to do this, and we would love to continue with this in the future. It is an important exercise.”

    Ms Castlo said their stay in Ghana had ended, and they would soon return to Spain, their home country.

    Ms. Castlo expressed gratitude on behalf of her family members, who constitute the NGO, and extended their appreciation to their Church, friends, and her father, Mr. Antonio Garcia Condado, for their unwavering support over the years.

    The Headmistress of the school, Madam Ajara Wayo, expressed her joy at the NGO’s initiative. She noted that several pupils had NHIS cards that had been inactive for over three years, making the gesture even more valuable.

    She said about 360 pupils were from Primary one to six, noting that “It is a good step in the right direction, and we thank the NGO and our Parent-Teacher Association’s Chairman for putting this exercise together.”

    Mr Thomas Ayambila Apaala, the Assembly Member for the Tindonsobligo-Kumbanger Electoral Area thanked Helpingothers for the initiative and said it would encourage parents to visit health facilities.

    He said some community members resorted to self-medication instead of visiting health facilities for care, owing to their inactive NHIS cards, and appealed to the NGO to extend the initiative annually to the community.

    “It is a good initiative, and the community will be happy,” he noted.

    The Assembly Member said the community lacked drinking water and toilet facilities and appealed to leadership of the NGO and others to consider them for such support.

    Some parents of the pupils, who also benefitted from the exercise, expressed gratitude to Helpingothers and wished them well in all their endeavours.

  • Daniel Amartey ruled out of Central African Republic game over hamstring injury

    Daniel Amartey ruled out of Central African Republic game over hamstring injury

    Besiktas center-back Daniel Amartey will be unavailable for Ghana’s last 2023 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against the Central African Republic due to a hamstring injury.

    The 28-year-old has been a vital component of the Black Stars squad. With his absence, adjustments will be necessary in the central defense.

    “[Amartey] sustained a hamstring injury on Sunday, August 27, 2023 during training and is currently on the sidelines. Club Doctors predict he will be out for two weeks,” Dr Prince Pambo said, according to a GFA statement.

    Chris Hughton, the Black Stars’ head coach, has unveiled the squad for Sunday’s match, and notably absent from the list is former Leicester City defender Daniel Amartey.

    Ghana is set to host the Central African Republic in their final Group E clash at the Baba Yara Sports Stadium on Thursday, September 7, 2023.

    Hughton’s team currently tops Group E with nine points, leading by a single point over Angola and two over the Central African Republic. Meanwhile, Madagascar occupies the bottom position in the group with two points.

    The Black Stars merely require a single point from the match to secure their qualification for the tournament scheduled to take place in Ivory Coast next January.

  • Fire Service holds safety education at mosques, markets in Upper East Region

    Fire Service holds safety education at mosques, markets in Upper East Region

    The Upper East Regional Command of the Ghana National Fire Service (GNFS), as part of the week-long Fire Safety Campaign Week observation, has embarked on fire safety sensitization in some selected mosques and the two main markets within the region.

    The team visited the Central Ahmadiyya and Alasuuna Mosques and took them through vital topics like: proper handling of cylinders at home, acquisition of permits for building plans, using certified electricians for wiring and how to use the fire extinguisher.

    The participants had the opportunity to ask questions to further enhance their understanding of fire and appreciated the officers for the education.

  • Ghana generated GHS6.7m from Energy Sector Levies in 2022 – Finance Ministry

    Ghana generated GHS6.7m from Energy Sector Levies in 2022 – Finance Ministry

    The Ministry of Finance has revealed that the Actual Energy Sector Levies collected from January to December 2022 totalled
    GH¢6,703.30 million.

    The ministry made this known in the 2022 Annual Report on the Management of the Energy Sector Levies and Accounts.

    The revenue generated saw a decline from the total of GH¢7,281.70 million estimated as total Energy Sector Levies to be collected for the 2022 Fiscal Year.

    This implies that the actual collection was below target by GH¢578.40 million or 7.9 percent, and according to the Ministry of Finance, this was mainly on “account of low consumption of petroleum products and unrealised power sales.”

    The 2022 collections, however, recorded an increase of GH¢409.43 million (6.5 percent) above the 2021 collections of GH¢6,293.87 million due to an increase in the volume of petroleum products lifted compared to the 2021 volumes.

    Meanwhile, total lodgement into the established and other accounts under the ESLA amounted to GH¢6,429.59 million, out of the collections of GH¢6,703.30 million.

    The lodgement was below collections by GH¢273.71 million, representing 4.1 percent, on account of retention on the Road Fund and Energy Fund Levies by GRA, unpaid invoices by OMCs, and the inability of the EDCs to transfer PLL and NESL collections to the Ministry of Energy.

    A total of GH¢5,804.60 million of total levies lodged into the ESLA accounts was utilised at the end of December 2022. The amount was utilised mainly to pay for power utility debts, effect transfer to E.S.L.A. PLC to settle coupon payments to bondholders, provide subsidy for Premix Fuel and RFO, provide funding for public lighting infrastructure and power consumed by public lighting, support road maintenance and the activities of the Energy Commission, as well as to support the National
    Electrification Programme.

    A total of GH¢8,076.52 million is programmed to be collected in 2023 in respect of the ESLA. The estimated collection for 2023 represents 10.9 percent increase in collections compared to the 2022 programmed collections of GH¢7,281.70 million, and 20.5 percent increase over the actual 2022collections of GH¢6,703.30 million.

    According to the report, the outlook for the levies remains positive with projections showing significant growth over the medium-term. Amounts of GH¢9,644.94 million, GH¢11,249.96 million, and GH¢13,098.72 million are estimated for collection in 2024, 2025, and 2026, respectively.

    The 2022 Annual Report is prepared in accordance with the provisions of Section 6 of the Energy Sector Levies Act (ESLA), 2015 (Act 899).

    Background

    The Energy Sector Levies Act, 2015 (Act 899) as amended, was established to:
    i. consolidate existing energy sector levies to promote prudent and efficient utilisation of proceeds
    generated from the levies;
    ii. impose a Price Stabilisation and Recovery Levy;
    iii. facilitate sustainable long-term investments in the energy sector; and
    iv. provide for related matters.

    The levies were reviewed and subsequently amended in 2017, 2019, and 2021. In 2017, the Public Lighting and National Electrification Scheme Levies were amended and reduced from 5.0 percent per kWh to 3.0 percent and 2.0 percent, respectively.

    The objective of the amendment was to reduce the burden of payment of electricity bills, reduce incidence of illegal connections, and ensure more affordable electricity for Ghanaians.

    In 2019, the Energy Debt Recovery Levy (EDRL), Road Fund, and Price Stabilisation and Recovery Levy (PSRL) were revised upwards to correct for the loss in value due to currency depreciation and inflation over the years without a commensurate increase in the fixed specific-type levies in the Price Build-up.

    The 2021 amendment introduced the Energy Sector Recovery Levy (ESRL) or Delta Fund Levy, and the Sanitation and Pollution Levy (SPL).

  • ‘Fast & Furious’ style: Ghanaian motorist’s audacious challenge to Police car

    ‘Fast & Furious’ style: Ghanaian motorist’s audacious challenge to Police car

    In a spectacle reminiscent of a Hollywood action film, a remarkable road incident unfolded involving a police patrol car and an unidentified driver.

    In a video circulating on social media, the thrilling pursuit commenced when a police patrol car made an attempt to pull over a black Toyota Vitz vehicle for undisclosed reasons.

    Rather than complying with the police’s directives, the unidentified driver displayed an inclination to evade the situation.

    In an unexpected turn of events, after a brief halt, the driver abruptly reversed the vehicle, causing a police officer to approach the car, only for the driver to accelerate away once more.

  • Thigh injury causes Wollacott to miss Central African Republic game

    Thigh injury causes Wollacott to miss Central African Republic game

    Goalkeeper Joseph Wollacott will be absent from Ghana’s final 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifier against the Central African Republic due to a thigh injury.

    According to the Black Stars team doctor, Wollacott, who plays for Hibernian, is anticipated to be sidelined for approximately eight weeks.

    The injury was sustained during Wollacott’s debut match against Inter d’Escaldes in the Europa Conference League qualifiers at the beginning of August.

    As a result of this injury, Black Stars head coach Chris Hughton omitted the 26-year-old from the squad for the Central African Republic game.

    On Thursday, September 7, 2023, Ghana is set to host the Central African Republic in the ultimate match of Group E at the Baba Yara Sports Stadium.

    The Black Stars’ objective is straightforward: they require just one point from this encounter to secure their qualification for the tournament scheduled to take place in Ivory Coast next January.

  • Leaked tape on IGP’s ousting: Security analyst calls for mental examination on COP Alex Mensah

    Leaked tape on IGP’s ousting: Security analyst calls for mental examination on COP Alex Mensah

    Security Analyst, Adam Bonah, has proposed that Commissioner of Police (COP) George Alex Mensah undergo a mental assessment due to discrepancies observed in his testimonies during the investigation into an alleged conspiracy to remove Ghana’s Inspector General of Police (IGP), Dr. George Akuffo Dampare.

    COP Mensah, when questioned by the investigative committee, presented contradictory statements on various occasions.

    When the committee drew COP Mensah’s attention to the inconsistencies in the confessions, he said, “I don’t remember some of the things I said yesterday. It wasn’t from my mind, but I’m not challenging what Parliament recorded.”

    Adam Bonah has highlighted the Commissioner of Police’s (COP) struggles in recalling statements he made in prior sessions, combined with the inconsistencies in his testimonies. This has raised significant concerns about the COP’s mental well-being.

    “I am not saying he is mentally ill, but I will recommend to the committee to get him to do some mental evaluation.

    “Because if you said something yesterday in public and you couldn’t remember it today, then it raises concern. You heard Samuel Atta Akyea himself saying that you have found your memory,” he said.

    He emphasized the crucial need to ascertain the mental fitness of COP Mensah, especially considering his senior position as a police officer with extensive experience.

    “He is a grown man with about 31 years in the police service and he is almost 60 years old, obviously, it looks like all these have affected mentally if you ask me,” he continued.

    “I stand to be corrected but I would recommend that COP Alex Mensah be asked to undertake some psychological or mental evaluation to make sure that he is mentally sound. Because his answers likely didn’t make sense. He was asked to provide some information which he didn’t,” he continued.

  • Ablakwa pledges to expose corrupt politicians even under NDC govt

    Ablakwa pledges to expose corrupt politicians even under NDC govt

    Member of Parliament representing North Tongu, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, has made a firm commitment to persist in revealing government shortcomings, even when his political party holds power.

    He emphasizes that this commitment is essential to ensure that the ultimate victory is for Ghana as a nation and not just for a select few individuals.

    Mr Ablakwa conveyed this determination through a social media post, emphasizing the importance of prioritizing the country’s well-being in every leadership endeavor. He believes that it’s high time every leader places the country’s interests at the forefront of their actions, striving to make Ghana a better place for all.

    Read his statement below;

    May I take a moment to salute all the outstanding patriots occupying various important positions within government and the larger public service who put the national interest first by working with us at great risk to expose grand corruption, impunity, profligacy and state capture.

    They are the real heroes worthy of celebration.

    Shall we all commit to keeping them in our prayers, please.

    Together, and without ever betraying these extraordinary nationalists collaborating with us, we shall save our country.

    Already, our collaborative nationalistic efforts have saved suffering Ghanaian taxpayers billions of Ghana Cedis.

    May I add that it is in our collective interest to encourage and deepen this culture even under the next NDC administration. When politicians and other public officials know their conduct and decisions cannot be hidden but will be subjected to strict standards of transparency and accountability, our democracy becomes truly hygienic and the public purse would therefore be genuinely protected so national resources can be redirected into creating better living conditions and opportunities for the people.

    Ghanaians should expect more explosive scandals to be revealed in the coming days.

    If the Akufo-Addo/Bawumia government cannot stop creating scandals; we can also not stop exposing their scandals.

    When the scandals stop — the exposés will stop.

    For God and Country.