Public Relations Officer of Accra Great Olympics, Saint Osei, has remarked that the reasons behind the club’s withdrawal from the 2023 Gbese Homowo Charity Cup are not conducive for public disclosure.
According to reports, the cup matches between the Accra clubs have become entangled in political intricacies, leading to challenges in organizing these fixtures.
In a conversation with Joy Sports subsequent to the cancellation of the game on Friday, Osei asserted that their decision to abstain from the match is rooted in their desire to uphold the respect and loyalty they hold towards their supporters.
“The reason Great Olympics pulled out is not good for public consumption. We are not taking our fans for granted,” he said.
“Great Olympics’ decision to pull out was communicated to the organisers a couple of days ago.”
Initially scheduled to occur on Sunday at the Accra Sports Stadium, the match formed a crucial facet of the Gas’ annual Homowo festival festivities.
At present, the potential of rescheduling the game for a different date remains uncertain, as the organizers have refrained from addressing this aspect in their communication.
Amidst the ongoing discourse surrounding individuals seeking better prospects in more developed nations, disconcerting images have emerged depicting a troubling scene at the entrance of one of the nation’s largest foreign embassies.
Photographs, shared on Twitter by Annie Ampofo, a journalist at Metro TV, reveal numerous individuals forming extensive, serpentine lines as they patiently await their turn for assistance at the United States Embassy in Accra.
Adding to the concern, Ampofo shared that these individuals endured the drizzling rain while standing in the open. Astonishingly, upon close examination of the images, no umbrellas or indications of raincoats are visible, depicting their resilience against the weather while patiently queuing.
Why do foreign Embassies treat us this badly … This is the American Embassy… how long will this continue???
Furthermore, one photograph clearly shows the dampened asphalt road, a testament to the recent rainfall that had occurred.
Addressing the situation, Annie Ampofo posed a poignant question, questioning the treatment of the host country’s citizens by foreign embassies in Ghana, and pondering how long such treatment would persist.
“Why do foreign Embassies treat us this badly… This is the American Embassy… how long will this continue???
“Actually, it was drizzling when this pick was taken…” she wrote on her Twitter page.
Meanwhile, recent reports indicate that professionals such as nurses have relocated from Ghana, to places like Canada, America, the UK, among others, in search of greener pastures.
Goalkeeper of the Black Queens, Cynthia Konlan, has signed a contract with Saudi Arabian club Al Hilal women for the upcoming 2023/24 season.
This notable transfer sees the Ghanaian goalkeeper securing a one-year loan deal with Al Hilal after her tenure with Maltese outfit Swieqi United FC.
Konlan’s contributions have been pivotal within Coach Nora Hauptle’s freshly formed Black Queens squad.
Expressing their well-wishes, Swieqi United FC, the Maltese team, extended their good luck to her and acknowledged her instrumental role in clinching the Knockout Championship during the previous season.
The club’s full statement on Facebook reads:
“An Exciting Journey Ahead! Senior Women’s goalkeeper, Konlan Cynthia, is embarking on a new adventure for Season 23/24 moving on Loan to Al Hilal in Saudi Arabia!,”
“Cynthia, who has been an integral part of our team for a year, holds a special place in our hearts and around the club. Her contribution was vital in clinching the Knockout Competition title last season.
“As Cynthia sets off on this exciting new chapter, we send her our best wishes and endless support. We are confident that she will keep shining on the international stage. These are the opportunities we always wish for our players. Good luck, Cynthia!”
Startling revelations have emerged following a recent demolition exercise in Nima, a bustling suburb of Accra, which has sparked accusations of land grabbing against the government.
A Kofi TV report sheds light on the destruction of a school building, a church facility, and a prominent workshop housing over 100 engineers in the area.
The land in question, believed to hold historical significance, was home to a school building, a church facility, and a diverse workshop specializing in various engineering disciplines, including electric welding, electrical mechanics, gas welding, engine repair, and more.
Heartbroken residents returned from work to find their homes and livelihoods reduced to rubble. While acknowledgingreceipt of evacuation notices, they claim they were left in the dark about the timing of the demolition.
An affected resident, who preferred to remain anonymous, lamented the loss of their livelihoods, stating, “They are now destroying people’s shops. Some of us, this is where we get our daily bread. You did not relocate us, you did not find new jobs for us.” The resident argued that had the land truly belonged to the government, it would have been repurposed for public use long ago.
The workshop, a hub of skilled professionals, was a testament to expertise in various fields, including air conditioning, engine repair, and more. “This place is a fitting shop, with different specialists,” the resident explained. “We had over 30 experts… If I tell you we were not notified, I will be lying. We were notified, and we showed it to the chiefs here.” The account further details a night of disruption, as police and utility officials descended upon the area, disconnecting utilities and leaving residents powerless.
The demolition has taken a toll on the community, particularly its children. Some returned from school to find their homes razed to the ground, leading to tears and bewilderment. Appeals for relocation have reportedly yielded no results.
Kofi TV’s investigation brings to light a significant twist. The government’s alleged plan to incorporate the land into the ambitious “Agenda 111” project, which aims to enhance healthcare infrastructure, has raised eyebrows.
Local residents and chiefs maintain that they were kept in the dark about the government’s intentions, and they question the legality of the land acquisition. Some even speculate that the demolition might be a strategic manoeuvre to seize the land for private interests.
The land’s proximity to the President’s residence, the Nima police station, and the Nima roundabout has added a layer of complexity to the situation. Local chiefs have expressed their anger and concern over the government’s actions, further fuelling suspicions of a hidden agenda.
As this saga unfolds, questions about transparency, accountability, and the rights of long-standing residents loom large.
Commissioner Political Affairs, Peace & Security of the Economic Community of West African State (ECOWAS), Ambassador Abdel-Fatau Musah, has noted that the Niger junta will be hit by the presence of the bloc’s military when they least expect it.
The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has indicated that a significant number of its member nations are prepared to engage in a standby force, which could potentially intervene in Niger following a coup that transpired there at the end of the previous month.
In view of this, top military leaders from the Economic Community of West African States, (ECOWAS) began a two-day strategic meeting in Accra on Thursday, which ends on Friday, August 18.
In an interview with JoyNews on Thursday, Ambassador Abdel-Fatau Musah noted that the meeting was just to enable the bloc refine its plans.
“They are just putting final touches to their operational plans and then get our troops ready. This is more or less like a pledging meeting because the concept of operation is already ready. All the factors have been taken into account, what are the potential obstacles, how to overcome them, all these were taken into account in the planning session.
“So this meeting is just to refine what we have, while preparing for possible intervention. My interaction with the Chief of Defence Staff of all the Member states shows that they are all determined to go,” he stated.
When exactly the possible invasion would occur, Ambassador Abdel-Fatau Musah withheld information.
He argued that disclosing such information will give the Niger junta the needed time to prepare for ECOWAS’ military intervention.
“When, I’m not going to tell you because that’s an operational secret. When you tell them we are going to start marching tomorrow, then you give them advance notice to defend. So we know when the military could go in and up till now, there are diplomatic overtures,” he explained.
Minister for Public Enterprises, Joseph Cudjoe, has highlighted three measures that could help turn around the fortunes of State-owned Enterprises (SOEs) that have failed to break-even.
According to the minister, leveraging technology forms part of the measures needed to make sure the management of SOEs can make huge profits from the substantial assets they possess.
The second has to do with improving the services rendered.
The last but not least measure requires management to come up with innovative products that are aligned with the government’s digitalization agenda.
He made the recommendations after it emerged that BOST observed significant growth in its operations in 2022.
The company saw a 112 percent rise in its net profit after income tax from GHS160 million in 2021 to over GHS342 million in 2022. Board Chair of BOST, Ekow Hackman, made this known.
The company’s operational income increased by 69 percent from GHS254 million recorded in 2021 to GHS428 million. This was on the back of a 77 percent increase in revenue from GHS1.121 billion in 2021 to GHS 3.019 billion in 2022.
Revenue from fuel product sales saw an increase of 387 percent in 2022 compared to 2021. Revenue from gasoline sales increased by 224 percent, from GHS 340,633,871 to GHS 1,103,299,371, whilst gasoil sales increased by 352 percent, from GHS 331,063,261 to GHS 1,495,912,905.
This positive trading performance, according to Mr Hackman, can be attributed to improved financing arrangements, more effective customer engagement and retention initiatives, as well as the prudent management of trading risks.
According to the Public Enterprises Minister, BOST’s growth vindicates his “preposition during my visits to various public enterprises last year, that with the right balance, management of SOEs can make huge profit from the substantial assets they possess.”
But he said, unfortunately, some SOEs are unable to leverage their assets effectively to break even, generate sufficient revenue, and pay dividends to the government.
Meanwhile, Mr Cudjoe has commended the management of BOST for being able to achieve this goal, two years ahead of schedule.
The Ghana Education Service (GES) has disclosed that out of the 80,810 teaching staff who participated in the February 2023 promotion aptitude test, 55,917 candidates successfully passed the examination.
This signifies a success rate of 69%.
The information was disclosed in a press statement signed by the Head of the Public Relations Unit of GES, Cassandra Twum Ampofo, on August 17, 2023.
For the Deputy Director role, the test was taken by 8,565 candidates, with 4,655 individuals (54%) emerging successful.
In the case of Assistant Director 1 Grade, 25,556 candidates engaged in the assessment, out of which 21,749 candidates (85%) passed.
Additionally, the Assistant Director Grade II and Principal Superintendent promotion tests attracted 40,020 and 6,668 participants, respectively.
From this pool, 24,581 candidates passed the promotion test for Assistant Director Grade II, while 4,932 individuals accomplished a successful outcome in the Principal Superintendent test.
Meanwhile, the Ghana Education Service has noted that the promotion site will not be accessible this year
Arsenal Football Club has unveiled its third kit for the 2023-24 season, brought to life in collaboration with adidas.
The design draws inspiration from the club’s away jersey of the 1982-83 season. This particular season saw Arsenal secure a 10th-place finish in the First Division while making it to the FA Cup semi-finals.
Featuring a mineral green base, complemented by collegiate navy shoulders, and an off-white stylized crest and sponsor logos, the collaboration between the German kit manufacturer and the Gunners has revived a cherished classic for the modern era.
Notably, the garments have been crafted from 100% recycled materials, highlighting a commitment to sustainability.
In a promotional short film showcasing the kit, summer signings Declan Rice and Jurrien Timber, along with injured Lionesses captain Leah Williamson, are showcased against recognizable landmarks in the vicinity of the Emirates stadium.
Inigo Turner, the design director for football apparel at adidas, expressed, “Given the depth of Arsenal’s kit archive, looking to the past is always an inspiring place to start when designing something for the supporters of today.”
Europe never looked so good 😮💨
Introducing the new Arsenal x @adidasfootball 23/24 third kit 👇
“The iconic green away shirt from the 1982-83 season was a one-off and this modern-day expression of this classic blends fashion and football seamlessly.
“As these worlds continue to collide, we’ve looked to create a kit that is, first and foremost, primed for performance offering the best for the athlete, while also being an eye-catching fashion statement that supporters are proud to wear at matches and away from the stadium.”
The new kit is set to be debuted by Arsenal Women when they travel to play Bristol City in the Women’s Super League on October 22.
Arsenal’s new third kit takes inspiration from the 1980s
But it could be worn by Mikel Arteta’s side as early as next month, although that is dependant on who they draw in the Champions League group stage.
The draw for the European competition will take place on August 31.
The third kit is available from today via adidas stores, Arsenal Direct, Arsenal stores, selected retail outlets and online.
The Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG) has clarified that utilizing the ECG PowerApp for transactions will not result in additional charges.
According to Mr. Benjamin Obeng Antwi, the Volta Regional Public Relations Officer (PRO), customers will not be subject to mobile money transaction fees or the E-Levy when making payments for services through this digital platform.
Mr. Antwi conveyed this information during a stakeholder engagement session that included members of the Akatsi North District Assembly, heads of security agencies, and various departments.
Earlier on May 11, 2023, the power distributor announced its transition to a cashless system, an enhancement to the ECG PowerApp aimed at enhancing convenience for customers and streamlining operations.
As part of their endeavor to facilitate easy navigation of the app and encourage more customers to adopt digital transactions, the power distributor launched an educational campaign in the Volta Region.
The objective was to equip the public, especially assembly members, with knowledge to act as advocates for the power distribution company. These ambassadors would then educate residents within their respective electoral areas about ECG’s operations.
This educational campaign involved activities such as radio programs, interactions with institutions like the Bank of Ghana, GCB Bank, NPA, NCA, Volta Serene Hotel, and various tertiary institutions.
Mr. Antwi highlighted that the ECG PowerApp serves multiple purposes, allowing customers to pay bills, access billing statements, view payment history, and facilitating smart prepaid meter customers in the Volta Region to purchase prepaid credits and review their usage history.
Furthermore, he underscored that employing the ECG PowerApp or the provided short code, *226#, for transactions does not incur mobile money charges or E-Levy fees. He encouraged customers to readily embrace this cashless system for their transactions.
“After downloading the app, once you key in your meter or account number, your details will pop up and once you are certain those details are yours, click on the correct button to save your meter and follow the prompts”, he said.
Mr. Antwi called on the general public to assist the company root out people consuming power illegally and ensure they pay for electricity consumed.
“Some users of electricity in our communities are not paying bills in the ECG system as a result of obtaining meters through illegal sources or faulty meters, so let’s try and report these people or else we will be paying for power consumed whiles they consume for free,” he said.
He further advised the assembly members to ensure customers not paying for electricity consumed or not receiving bills since the installation of the meter visit the nearest ECG Office with their Ghana Card, digital address, meter number, and a picture of their meter to regularize their supply.
The leaders of the Akyempim Traditional Area in the Central Region have urged the Minister of Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs, Stephen Asamoah Boateng, to fulfill his commitment to repeal the Chieftaincy Act.
This action, they believe, would empower them to effectively address certain community matters.
During a gathering commemorating the inaugural Ahobaakese Festival, Nana Adubua Atta II, Nyimfahen of Akyempim Traditional Area, made this plea.
The festival was held in Gomoa Oguaa, a community in the Gomoa West District, and was attended by chiefs, queen mothers, and residents from 13 towns forming the Andam Mba Nyimfa Division of the Gomoa Akyempim Traditional Area.
The festival, themed “Remembering the Heroism of Egya Ahor,” aimed to educate the public about the significance of Ahobaakese and draw lessons from the spirit of citizenship demonstrated by Egya Ahor, their ancestral figure, in safeguarding his people.
Nana Atta, presiding over the event, pointed out that the 1992 Constitution lacks specific guidance on how chiefs should fulfill their role as guardians of the land to enhance the well-being of their community members.
“If the Act is repealed, it will go a long way to help reclaim our integrity and use such powers to ensure that sound justice and tranquility prevail in our catchments areas, rather than for people to continue seeking redress at the shrines,” he said.
The Chief made an earnest plea to both the Gomoa West District Chief Executive, Bismark Baisie Nkum, and the Member of Parliament for Gomoa, Richard Gyan-Mensah. He urged them to utilize their influential positions to initiate the process of renaming the Gomoa Dawurampong Senior High School (SHS) to “Egya Ahor SHS” in honor of the late chief priest.
Revealing a significant development, Nana Atta disclosed that a parcel of land adjacent to the clinic in Gomoa Oguaa had been earmarked for transformation into a hospital due to the burgeoning population. He underscored the importance of the District Chief Executive (DCE) and the Member of Parliament (MP) championing this endeavor. Such efforts, he stressed, would obviate the need for constituents to embark on arduous journeys along deteriorating roads to access healthcare services.
The Beamuhen of Gomoa Akyempim Traditional Area, Nana Odeasempa Yaw Tawiah III, and the Odikro of Gomoa Kumasi, both enlightening the assembly on the significance of the Ahobaa Festival, recounted the historical narrative of the Gomoa people. They traced their ancestry back to the broader Akan Tribe, who migrated from the ancient Ghana Empire (Mesopotamia) due to upheavals. This journey led them to Takyiman and subsequently to the southern region of Ghana.
Upon their arrival, a devastating epidemic struck, claiming numerous lives daily. Seeking divine intervention, the leaders consulted their deities, who demanded a human sacrifice.
“Egyaa Ahor, the Chief Priest, volunteered, and he was sacrificed. And that ended the epidemic, hence the need for us to emulate his example, by dedicating and sacrificing ourselves for sound and total development of our localities,” he indicated.
That brought about the name; Ahobaa Festival.
Nana Dantse II, Odikro of Gomoa Oguaa commended the chiefs and people of Adam Andam Mba Nyimfa Division for participating in all activities of the festival to ensure success.
He expressed hope that subsequent Ahobaakese festivals would be well attended to forge unity and enhance the development of the traditional area.
Commissioner Political Affairs, Peace & Security of the Economic Community of West African State (ECOWAS), Ambassador Abdel-Fatau Musah, has condemned reports suggesting that the bloc is working on the orders of foreign influence in its handling of the Niger coup.
Ambassador Abdel-Fatau Musah noted that there has been no external force compelling ECOWAS to take a stance on the matter.
The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has indicated that a significant number of its member nations are prepared to engage in a standby force, which could potentially intervene in Niger following a coup that transpired there at the end of the previous month.
There have been reports that the United States, France and Russia are meddling in the ECOWAS-Niger coup brouhaha, but nothing substantial has been provided.
According to Ambassador Abdel-Fatau Musah, such news is “fake”.
“Did the France or US or anybody script our protocol for us? We have the capacity to go in,” he said.
He noted that “those who are talking about ECOWAS being teleguided by the West are those who are promoting Russia. The same people are those who see Russians as saviors.”
He therefore quizzed “when will Africa find saviours among themselves?”
Ambassador Abdel-Fatau Musah indicated that Africa cannot always look for external partners, either China, America, Russia and others.
“When are we going to project our own agency. That’s the problem. Since the 19960s, Africa has always been an arena for proxy war between the soveigt union, China on one side and the West. Today, we are in multipolar environment and we are running around from the frying pan to the fire.
“All those who have Africa at heart should try to generate internal resistance to all these and not to oppose one and be welcoming,” he encouraged.
US Secretary of State Antony Blinken has conveyed to the BBC that Russia’s Wagner mercenary group is capitalizing on the prevailing instability in Niger. He noted that the junta has taken control of the country after the removal of President Mohamed Bazoum nearly a fortnight ago.
Amid circulating speculations that the coup leaders sought assistance from the Wagner group, which is known to be active in nearby Mali, Blinken emphasized that he doesn’t believe Russia or Wagner initiated the coup in Niger.
Nonetheless, he expressed concern about the potential emergence of the Wagner group in various parts of the Sahel region, emphasizing that the United States is closely monitoring the situation.
“I think what happened, and what continues to happen in Niger was not instigated by Russia or by Wagner, but… they tried to take advantage of it.
“Every single place that this Wagner group has gone, death, destruction and exploitation have followed,” said Mr Blinken.
“Insecurity has gone up, not down”.
He added that there was a “repeat of what’s happened in other countries, where they brought nothing but bad things in their wake”.
Afro Gospel duo named Brisen and Sikapa have unveiled their inaugural single for the year 2023, titled “Ogya” today, Friday, August 18.
The term “Ogya” finds its origins in the Twi language, where it translates to “fire” in English.
Exquisitely blending Afrogospel and amapiano elements, this song masterfully encapsulates the fervent yearning and determination to embrace and fulfill the divine purpose of God.
Brisen and Sikapa, composed of Bright Senanu Tsa ‘Brisen’ and Emmanuel Sikapa ‘Sikapa,’ constitute the dynamic Ghanaian duo behind this musical creation.
Their distinct approach to Christian music harmoniously melds Afrobeat, Hip Hop, and R&B influences. By weaving together familiar melodies with entrancing rhythms, their artistic approach serves as a vessel for advancing the message of the gospel.
Within their musical tapestry, they craft compositions that resonate across diverse occasions, environments, and emotional landscapes.
Brisen and Sikapa’s overarching aim centers on disseminating the message of Jesus to a global audience, a mission they undertake both through their music and their way of life.
Some Niger citizens residing in Ghana have called for the immediate reinstatement of democratically-elected President, Mohammed Bazoum by the military junta.
The head of the junta, Gen Abdourahmane Tchiani deposed President Bazoum last month. The president has been held captive since and is now accused of treason.
Engaging JoyNews on Friday, a member of the group picketing at the Embassy of Niger in Ghana noted that under the leadership of President Bazoum, Niger has witnessed dramatic change, hence his outing cannot be accepted.
“Today, everybody knows about the development of Niger. The President likes his citizens. And so we can’t allow the soldiers to take the seat. We don’t like them.
In Ghana, democracy is working. We want that in our country too. Who likes soldier law,” he said.
President Bazoum assumed office in April 2021 after winning the 2020–21 presidential election.
Meanwhile, the Economic Community of West African State (ECOWAS) is working to return Niger to a democratic governance.
ECOWAS) has indicated that a significant number of its member nations are prepared to engage in a standby force, which could potentially intervene in Niger following a coup that transpired there at the end of the previous month.
As part of ongoing endeavors to reverse the ousting of Niger’s president, Mohamed Bazoum, who was removed from power in a coup on July 26, defense chiefs from the 15-member regional alliance convened in Accra on Thursday.
ECOWAS commissioner Abdel-Fatau Musah affirmed on Thursday that all member states, excluding those currently under military governance and Cape Verde, have expressed their readiness to partake in the standby force.
“Democracy is what we stand for and it’s what we encourage,” Nigeria’s Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Gwabin Musa said at the start of the two-day meeting in Accra. “The focus of our gathering is not simply to react to events, but to proactively chart a course that results in peace and promotes stability.”
Commissioner Political Affairs, Peace & Security of the Economic Community of West African State (ECOWAS), Ambassador Abdel-Fatau Musah, has dismissed reports that the African Union is not in support of the measures being put in place to restore democratic governance in Niger.
The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has indicated that a significant number of its member nations are prepared to engage in a standby force, which could potentially intervene in Niger following a coup that transpired there at the end of the previous month.
This measure, according to reports, has been condemned by the African Union.
But engaging JoyNews on the sidelines of a strategic meeting organised by the sub-regional body ECOWAS in Accra on Thursday, Ambassador Abdel-Fatau Musah noted that the African Union has given its backing to ECOWAS.
According to him, a communiqué to that effect is yet to be made public by the Union.
“Has anybody read the communiqué of the African Union Peace and Security Council. I was there. I participated. Of course, when you have a situation like this, you are going to have different opinions. What matters is what comes out of the communiqué. So everybody should wait for the communiqué, and you’d realize that the African Union Peace and Security Council supports all the measures being taken by ECOWAS to restore constitutional order.”
“They have condemned it, and many of them are even calling for the suspension of Niger,” he added.
The Peace & Security Council
The Peace and Security Council (PSC) is the standing decision-making organ of the AU for the prevention, management and resolution of conflicts. It is a collective security and early warning arrangement intended to facilitate timely and efficient responses to conflict and crisis situations in Africa. It is also the key pillar of the African Peace and Security Architecture (APSA), which is the framework for promoting peace, security and stability in Africa.
The Protocol Relating to the Establishment of the Peace and Security Council was adopted on 9 July 2002 in Durban, South Africa, and entered into force in December 2003. The PSC became fully operational in early 2004. The PSC Protocol, together with the PSC Rules of Procedure, the AU Constitutive Act and the conclusions of various PSC retreats, provide operational guidance to PSC activities.
The powers of the PSC, in conjunction with the Chairperson of the AU Commission, include to:
Anticipate and prevent disputes and conflicts, as well as policies, which may lead to genocide and crimes against humanity
Undertake peace-making and peacebuilding functions to resolve conflicts where they have occurred
Authorise the mounting and deployment of peace support missions, and lay down general guidelines for the conduct of such missions including the mandate
Recommend to the Assembly, pursuant to article 4(h) of the AU Constitutive Act, intervention, on behalf of the Union, in a Member State in respect of grave circumstances, namely, war crimes, genocide and crimes against humanity as defined in relevant international instruments
Institute sanctions whenever an unconstitutional change of government takes place in a Member State
Implement the AU’s common defence policy
Ensure implementation of key conventions and instruments to combat international terrorism
Promote harmonisation and coordination of efforts between the regional mechanisms and the AU in the promotion of peace, security and stability in Africa
Follow-up promotion of democratic practices, good governance, the rule of law, protection of human rights and fundamental freedoms, and respect for the sanctity of human life and international humanitarian law
Promote and encourage the implementation of conventions and treaties on arms control and disarmament
Examine and take action in situations where the national independence and sovereignty of a Member State is threatened by acts of aggression, including by mercenaries
Support and facilitate humanitarian action in situations of armed conflicts or major natural disasters.
A 60-year-old woman, Konjit Duut, was tragically beaten to death after being accused of witchcraft in Bunbuna in the Yunyoo/Nasuani district of the North East Region.
According to her family, several community members summoned Konjit Duut due to one individual’s claim that she appeared in his dream, attempting to harm him.
Allegedly, the fatal attack occurred while she was en route to inform her family in the neighboring village about the accusation made against her.
This incident occurs in the wake of a recently passed Bill in Parliament aiming to outlaw accusations of witchcraft.
It also follows a similar occurrence in June of this year in Sangbana, an event that nearly sparked tribal conflicts in the district.
Jacob Kauk, a brother of the deceased, conveyed to JoyNews that the family is demanding the apprehension and prosecution of those responsible for the crime.
He further stated that they would refrain from burying Konjit Duut’s body until their demands are met. While the Police have confirmed the incident, they have not provided additional information.
The chief of the community has denounced the assault and pledged to ensure that legal proceedings take their course.
The World Health Organization (WHO) has organized a four-day workshop focused on sustainability planning and business case development for its partners.
The objective of the workshop was to bolster mental health programs in Ghana.
Held in Kumasi, situated in the Ashanti Region, the workshop aimed to equip regional stakeholders with the fundamental knowledge and skills necessary to effectively pursue, secure, and manage strategic partnerships.
These partnerships are integral for the sustenance and efficacy of health programs.
According to a statement released by the WHO Country Office and shared with the Ghana News Agency (GNA), mental health remains a significant challenge in Ghana.
The country has an estimated 2.3 million individuals grappling with mental health conditions, and there exists a considerable 98 percent treatment gap.
To address these challenges, Ghana has been executing the Director General’s Special Initiative for Mental Health (DG-SIMH) since 2022 in four regions.
This initiative aims to bridge the existing gaps and enhance the overall quality of mental health and well-being.
Supported by the Government of Norway and USAID, this five-year initiative, operating in 12 countries globally including Ghana, seeks to extend quality and affordable mental health services to an additional 100 million people.
The WHO’s efforts also encompass strengthening the capacity of the implementing regions and collaborating partners.
This approach ensures the sustained effectiveness of the initiative and other interventions even beyond the initial implementation phase.
“Through the WHO Special Initiative for Mental Health, Ghana has stepped up efforts to improve mental health care.
“So now we are working to ensure that the significant effort being made is sustained beyond the lifespan of the initiative,” says Dr Joana Ansong, the Noncommunicable Diseases & Risk Factors Officer at WHO Ghana.
The Deputy Director for Mental Health at the Ghana Health Service, Dr Amma Boadu lauded the foresight of WHO in seeking to enhance capacity for sustainable programming and pledged the service’s commitment to leverage the new skills to sustain health programmes at all levels.
“This capacity will help us to address gaps in our efforts to sustain mental health programmes and other health interventions, especially at the subnational level where resources are very constrained,” Dr Boadu noted.
Participants described the workshop as timely and insightful as they were empowered with the requisite technical competence to build strong business cases for sustainable health interventions.
“This is the first time we are participating in this kind of workshop. We are ready to leverage the skills to not only mental health programmes but all other health interventions,” says Mr Edward Owusu, the Savannah Regional Mental Health Coordinator.
The four-day workshop saw participants taking through partnerships, resource mobilization and advocacy to strengthen their capacity to sustain their health programmes.
In his interaction, Djibo Dauoda was in denial that the military had toppled their government.
He added that the junta that seized power in the French West African country at the end of last month lacks recognition in the international community.
Meanwhile, a group of military chiefs from West Africa are wrapping up a strategic meeting organised by the sub-regional body ECOWAS in Accra to fashion out modalities for the deployment of troops to restore constitutional order in Niger.
The meeting commenced on Thursday and is expected to end today, Friday, August 18, 2023.
On the other hand, the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has indicated that a significant number of its member nations are prepared to engage in a standby force, which could potentially intervene in Niger following a coup that transpired there at the end of the previous month.
As part of ongoing endeavors to reverse the ousting of Niger’s president, Mohamed Bazoum, who was removed from power in a coup on July 26, defense chiefs from the 15-member regional alliance convened in Accra on Thursday.
ECOWAS commissioner Abdel-Fatau Musah affirmed on Thursday that all member states, excluding those currently under military governance and Cape Verde, have expressed their readiness to partake in the standby force.
“Democracy is what we stand for and it’s what we encourage,” Nigeria’s Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Gwabin Musa said at the start of the two-day meeting in Accra. “The focus of our gathering is not simply to react to events, but to proactively chart a course that results in peace and promotes stability.”
The 2023 District Level Elections (DLE) have been scheduled by the Electoral Commission (EC) to take place on Tuesday, December 19, 2023.
The current Assembly Members, who were elected in 2019, are approaching the end of their tenure in December of this year.
This prompts the need for the election of new Assembly Members who will serve for the upcoming four years.
During a press conference held in Accra on Thursday, Mrs. Jean Mensa, the Chairperson of the Commission, disclosed that the registration of new voters will occur from September 12, 2023, to October 2, 2023.
This registration process will be facilitated at the Commission’s 268 District Offices.
The EC’s objective is to achieve a 60 percent voter turnout for this year’s DLE. They have also made an appeal to the media to assist in raising awareness and educating the public about the significance of this electoral exercise.
Mrs. Mensa further conveyed that the DLE will encompass all 6,272 electoral areas, except for Nkoranza North and Nzoranka South located in the Bono East Region.
“This is because the district level elections were not held in 2019 for the said districts due to security reasons but was postponed and conducted in April 2021.
“As such, the elections would not be held in both regions until 2025”, the Chairperson explained.
Mrs. Mensa mentioned that the Commission has meticulously developed a comprehensive schedule of events for the forthcoming DLE, which will be released to the public at an appropriate time.
She extended encouragement to those who are eligible but have not yet been included in the electoral roll to participate in the forthcoming registration drive. This would enable them to cast their votes in the elections scheduled for December 19.
Mrs. Mensa provided assurance that the upcoming voter registration initiative will not be the solitary registration effort leading up to the 2024 General Election.
Regarding individuals who have misplaced their voter ID cards, she explained that these lost cards can be replaced at any of the District Registration Centers for a fee of GHC10.
“We state categorically that persons, who have lost their ID card do not need to register again. They simply have to request for a replacement of their cards,” Mrs Mensa said.
Mr Samuel Tettey, the Deputy Chairman of the EC in Charge of Operations, said the Commission would take steps to ensure high voter participation in the DLE.
“There will be stakeholder engagements with the civil society, security agencies, faith based organisations and a massive awareness in the media and public announcements by district electoral officers,” he said.
During the previous District Level Elections held in 2019, a total of 57,000 candidates participated in the electoral contest across the country’s 6,700 electoral areas.
Since the late 1980s, the DLE has consistently experienced low voter turnout. According to data provided by the EC, the National Average Voter Turnout for the DLE was 59.3 percent in 1988/89, followed by 29.3 percent in 1994, 41.6 percent in 1998, 33.1 percent in 2002, 39.3 percent in 2006, 35.5 percent in 2010, 30.6 percent in 2015, and 33 percent in 2019.
Political Science Lecturer at the University of Ghana, Professor Ransford Gyampo, has been elected as President of University of Ghana (UG) branch of the University Teachers Association of Ghana (UTAG).
He polled 93.3 percent of the total valid votes cast in an election held on Thursday, August 17, 2023.
Prof Gyampo previously held the position of General Secretary of the Association.
According to the victor, he will “champion the interest of my people forcefully and proactively.”
He noted that he will carry out his objectives no matter the sacrifice he has to make. Prof Gyampo noted that the position of General Secretary caused him to lose some friends.
“I lost some friends as General Secretary and I do not mind losing more as I fight harder for the University Teacher in my capacity as President.
It won’t be out of malice or hatred for any regime. It would be just for the advancement of the interest of my people,” he wrote in a Facebook post on August 17, 2023.
Meanwhile, the professor has extended his gratitude to all who cast their ballots for him.
“Thanks to you all for the well wishes; thanks to all my colleague lecturers for the confidence they have shown in me and thanks to my students who were relentless in their support for me.”
The company saw a 112 percent rise in its net profit after income tax from GHS160 million in 2021 to over GHS342 million in 2022.
Board Chair of BOST, Ekow Hackman, made this known during the company’s 2nd Annual General Meeting (AGM) on Thursday, August 17, 2023.
Revenue-generating assets grew by 97 percent at the end of 2022, from 34 percent.
“We are committed to ensuring that 100 percent of our assets are generating revenue by the end of 2023,” the Board Chair noted.
Operational income increased by 69 percent from GHS254 million recorded in 2021 to GHS428 million.
This was on the back of a 77 percent increase in revenue from GHS1.121 billion in 2021 to GHS 3.019 billion in 2022.
Revenue from fuel product sales saw an increase of 387 percent in 2022 compared to 2021. Revenue from gasoline sales increased by 224 percent, from GHS 340,633,871 to GHS 1,103,299,371, whilst gasoil sales increased by 352 percent, from GHS 331,063,261 to GHS 1,495,912,905.
This positive trading performance, according to Mr Hackman can be attributed to improved financing arrangements, more effective customer engagement and retention initiatives as well as the prudent management of trading risks.
However, the contribution of the BOST margin to revenue declined by 10 percent to GHS 343,260,945 from GHS 380,416,951 in 2021.
Storage fees on the other hand increased by 27 percent, from GHS 21,889,891 in 2021 to GHS 27,715,044, whilst Rack fees also increased by 24 percent, from GHS 30,753,298 in 2021 to GHS 38,172,046 in 2022.
During 2022, BOST consolidated its position as second amongst the depot operators nationwide and first outside the Greater Accra region.
As of May 2023, BOST is now the market leader, Mr Hackman noted.
As a result, the company has transitioned from a negative equity position of GHS 248,190,799 in 2021 to a positive equity position of GHS 86,466,542 in 2022.
Meanwhile, the BOST Chair notes that the goal of the Board is to ensure profit becomes an annual tradition.
“The transformation that BOST has undergone over the last three years is truly remarkable. The company has been turned from a heavily indebted one to a highly profitable one.
Ladies and Gentlemen, the Board expects that the declaration of profits by BOST should become an annual tradition to be celebrated by all and sundry, ” Mr Ekow Hackman stated.
In his remarks, the Director-General of the State Interests and Governance Authority (SIGA), Amb. Edward Boateng, commended BOST for its growth.
He singled out the Managing-Director of BOST, Edwin Provencal for has remarkable leadership.
“We thank you for giving us this good example. We will continue to work hand in hand with you so you continue to achieve your objectives,” Mr Boateng added.
On his part, Minister for Public Enterprises, Joseph Cudjoe, who was excited about the progress made by BOST, alluded to the fact that with the right balance, management can make the best from their assets.
He encouraged other State-owned Enterprises (SOEs) to leverage technology, customer services to turn their fortunes.
“I reaffirm my commit to BOST. I commend management and staff of BOST in turning the company around.” “Remain the class prefect,” he added.
Energy Minister, Dr Matthew Opoku Prempeh, congratulated BOST and noted that the time was ripe for the company to pay dividend to the government.
“I want to hear how much is coming to government. Increase the momentum to keep this performance. Be moderate in your success but build upon it,” he said.
Dr Matthew Opoku Prempeh also challenged other SOEs to emulate the good work of BOST.
Source: The Independent Ghana | Andy Ogbarmey-Tettey
Former Commanding Officer, 1st Senegalese Air Force Squad, General Mansour Seck, has noted that the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) would need to amass about 3,000 to 4,000 soldiers to move to Niger and return democratic governance.
In the event that diplomatic efforts prove unsuccessful, military leaders from West Africa have affirmed their readiness to employ force in order to reinstate democracy in Niger after last month’s coup.
According to the Commissioner for Peace and Security in ECOWAS, Abdel-Fatau Musah, nearly all member states have shown dedication to providing troops and are prepared to take action in Niger if necessary.
Senegal, Benin, Nigeria, and Côte d’Ivoire have expressed their readiness to deploy troops, although they are encountering internal criticism and encountering reluctance from other nations in the West African region.
The prospect of such intervention has sparked concerns about the potential escalation of conflict, given that the military administrations in Mali and Burkina Faso have declared their alignment with their counterparts in Niger.
President Bazoum in 2022 stated that the Nigerien army comprises approximately 30,000 personnel, with around 11,000 of them actively deployed in the theater of operations.
Minister for Energy, Dr Matthew Opoku Prempeh, has called on the heads of State-owned Enterprises (SoEs) to emulate the work of the administration of the Bulk Oil Storage and Transportation (BOST) which has turned its fortunes around.
In 2021, BOST made a profit of GHS161 million. A year later, the company has increased its profit to GHS342 million, representing a growth of 112%.
This information was revealed by Board Chair of BOST, Ekow Hackman, during the company’s 2nd Annual General Meeting (AGM) on Thursday, August 17, 2023.
In response, Dr Matthew Opoku Prempeh noted that he is impressed by the company’s progress. According to him, this is the path SoEs must take in order to ensure the government moves from the era of huge debts.
“On behalf of the government and the people of Ghana I would like to express my sincere appreciation to the Board of Directors, Management and staff of BOST.
The progress made by BOST exemplifies the path we should continue to follow. It is my expectation that other State-Owned Enterprises (SOES) will learn from the BOST story and replicate this performance,” he said.
According to the Energy Minister, this would enable that government to effectively execute its flagship programs using revenues generated by its SOES.
“The remarkable performance of BOST reinforces my firm belief that State-Owned Enterprises can generate profits, pay dividends and make significant contributions to the government’s fiscal policies with the right leadership, attitude and balance.
The BOST model should serve as an exemplary example for all SOES. I have full confidence that the Public Enterprises Ministry and SIGA will spare no effort in encouraging and leading other SOEs to fulfil their mandates and visions,” he added.
Meanwhile, Dr Matthew Opoku Prempeh has entreated the management of BOST to continue its good work to sustain the growth of the company.
“We encourage you to increase the momentum to sustain this performance and strive for even greater heights. BOST’s success contributes to the fiscal policies of the government and supports our national growth and development agenda,” he said.
Deputy Finance Minister, Dr. John Kumah, has encouraged the Public Interest Accountability Committee (PIAC) to take a leading role in advocating for the reevaluation of current petroleum contracts.
The goal is to ensure that Ghana maximizes its gains from its oil production.
Dr Kumah made the call at the unveiling ceremony of a new PIAC logo, a redesigned website, and a data dashboard on Wednesday, August 16, 2023.
He noted that although the government is eager to enhance its share in the extractive industry, certain “interests and constraints” hinder the ease of modifying the agreement terms.
“Some people have questioned why our interest in the extractive industries is limited to 10 per cent or 20 per cent of the resources and not 55 per cent or 60 per cent.
“When such issues are pushed vehemently and raised by PIAC, I believe as a nation we can see changes in the terms. It is not easy based on the contract we have signed but everything is possible once there is a will” he said.
Mr. Kumah expressed that the Government views the endeavors of PIAC as supplementary to the country’s progress in effectively using and overseeing oil revenue for development purposes.
“I do not think that government sees your contribution as a tango between what government does and what you say. In the end, the objective is for the nation to do better with our oil resources. Every criticism we make should be aimed at making the system better,” he said.
The updated logo incorporates elements such as an oil rig, a droplet of oil, and the Ghana Cedi symbol, all of which symbolize the functions and mission of PIAC.
Furthermore, the logo includes the corporate colors of PIAC, black representing crude oil, and gold (yellow) symbolizing prosperity.
The revamped website also underscores the Committee’s commitment to enhancing its engagement with the public, enhancing PIAC’s visibility and its undertakings, and facilitating the receipt of feedback.
The Data Dashboard aims to provide the public with easy access to information pertaining to Ghana’s petroleum sector. This interactive platform showcases statistics regarding oil and gas production, revenue receipts, as well as the allocation and distribution of these earnings.
In an interview, PIAC Chairman Professor Kwame Adom-Frimpong urged the government to finance the committee’s statutory activities to enable it to lead the push for expanding Ghana’s oil stake.
“Once it is coming from him (Deputy Minister), from here I will follow up to ensure what he wants us to do is done with the needed resources,” he said.
Prof. Adom-Frimpong also said the committee hoped to be granted prosecutorial powers through the review of the Petroleum Revenue Management Act (PRMA) to ensure that it could enforce compliance with the PRMA laws.
Vice President Dr Mahamudu Bawumia’s campaign team has launched an innovative set of digital campaign donation platforms.
The campaign team is inviting citizens to actively participate and contribute to the Vice President’s campaign in the upcoming New Patriotic Party (NPP) primaries and 2024 general elections.
This comprises a website (www.bawumia.com), USSD *202#, and a mobile App (Bawumia Connect) to engage with supporters and also for them to contribute to his campaign ahead of the NPP Presidential Primaries slated for 26 August and November 4.
The newly launched digital campaign donation platforms offer a range of user-friendly options, making it easier than ever for citizens to engage with the campaign.
Supporters can now conveniently make contributions to the campaign, through secure online payment gateways, providing a seamless experience that matches the fast-paced nature of modern life also follow his campaign activities and interact with him digitally.
The Vice President emphasized the importance of these digital platforms in promoting inclusivity and encouraging widespread participation.
“Our campaign is fueled by the passion and enthusiasm of our supporters.
By embracing technology, we are ensuring that every citizen who believes in our vision can contribute, regardless of their location,” he stated during the launch of the event.
The campaign team’s dedication to transparency is evident in the real-time tracking feature integrated into the platforms.
Donors can readily monitor how their contributions are being utilized, enhancing accountability and building trust between the campaign and its supporters.
Vice-President Mahamudu Bawumia’s campaign team has unveiled a strategic approach that centers around a “strong signal” and three key avenues of connection.
The move comes as the internal political landscape in the New Patriotic Party (NPP) heats up in anticipation of its presidential primaries.
The campaign team has identified that the “strong signal” aims to convey the Vice President’s commitment to leading the nation with determination, vision, and unwavering dedication.
According to sources close to the campaign, this signal also represents Dr Bawumia’s firm resolve to address pressing national issues and steer the country towards prosperity.
To effectively reach and engage a diverse range of constituents, the campaign team has outlined ways to connect by dailing *202# to contribute to Bawumia’s campaign.
The Vice President’s campaign team believes that this strong signal will enable them to effectively communicate his agenda and build a broad base of support ahead of the presidential primaries and subsequently the 2024 general elections.
The Bulk Oil Storage and Transportation (BOST) Limited Company will today, Thursday, August 17, hold its 2nd Annual General Meeting (AGM).
The event to be held at the company’s new headquarters at 30 Gulf Street, South Legon, Accra, begins at 9am.
In 2021, the Bulk Oil Storage and Transportation (BOST) Limited Company held its maiden Annual General Meeting since its establishment in 1993.
The event, which took place at the Movenpick Ambassador Hotel in Accra on Wednesday, September 14, 2022, had many dignitaries gracing it with their presence.
Energy Minister, Dr. Matthew Opoku Prempeh applauded the company’s achievements over the years.
“I have had the opportunity to take a look at the state of the company in January 2017 from a copious report I received and was surprised at the financial and operational out-turns of the company for the year 2021 which report I believe shall be a cardinal part of this Annual General Meeting.”
He continued, “From a debt position of US$624 million owed suppliers and related parties, BOST has over the five years preceding the year in focus, 2021, paid US$611 million with IGF contributing about US$423 million. The BOST portion translates into an average of US$84.6 million of company generated cash per year being spent on debts accrued through the trading activities of the company in the past.”
He further lauded the Board of Directors and management of the company for the financial performance in the year ended 2021.
For the financial year 2021, BOST achieved a net profit after income tax of GH¢160,718,361, after all provisions.
This compares to a loss of GH¢291,017,758 in 2020 which contained a provision of GH¢292,935,973 for deferred taxation, resulting from the revaluation of the company’s assets in that year.
Of greater significance is the increase in operational profit from GH¢1,918,215 in 2020 to GH¢163,871,810 in 2021.
BOST saw a significant improvement in its core business in 2021 with an overall increase in gasoline and gasoil sales revenue of 83%.
Revenue from gasoline sales increased by 144% from GH¢140 million to GH¢341 million with diesel sales also increasing by 46% from GH¢227 million to GH¢331 million.
Revenue from its marine transportation business increased by 412% from the previous year’s revenue of GH¢2.9 million to GH¢14.9 million.
This was mainly due to the full deployment of all four barges of the company after they had undergone extensive renovation.
Storage and rack revenue also saw a steady growth of 4% from GH¢50.4 million to GH¢52.6 million.
Ghanaians are yet to get over the revelation that huge sums of money are lying in the residence of former Sanitation Minister, Cecilia Dapaah.
Minister for Sanitation and Water Resources, Cecilia Abena Dapaah, and her husband, Daniel Osei Kuffour, are reported to have been robbed by two of their house helps in their home in Abelemkpe, Accra.
Seven accused persons are standing trial for the theft case.
They are Patience Botwe, 18, hairdresser; Sarah Agyei, 30, unemployed; Benjamin Sowah, 29, plumber; Malik Dauda, 34, unemployed; Christiana Achab, a trader; Job Pomary, a mechanic; and Yahaya Sumaila, an excavator operator. They are facing 14 counts of conspiracy, stealing, and dishonestly receiving.
The case came to light in July and the matter is being investigated by the Police and the Office of the Special Prosecutor.
Initial comments from some Ghanaians questioned why the former minister had kept such amount in her home. Authorities are currently investigating the source such money.
However, some Ghanaians have already pronounced Madam Cecilia Dapaah guilty.
Engaging the media, a middle-aged woman accused Ghanaian politicians of starching monies under their beds, preventing the ordinary Ghanaian from having funds to take up lucrative ventures that will grow the economy.
“The monies under your beds and polythene bags, God will judge you. So now when you go to the banks, there are no funds,” she bemoaned.
“Why, what have we done you,” she quizzed.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LE8JyBOnFHE
New findings in Cecilia Dapaah’s theft case
A recent report by JoyNews shed light on new documents indicating a comprehensive investigation conducted by the police in 2022.
According to these documents, on October 4, 2022, Cecilia Dapaah issued a warning to a member of her domestic staff, cautioning them against accessing specific rooms within the residence during their employment.
Despite this warning, on October 6, 2022, the staff member breached these instructions and was apprehended by Dapaah’s husband, Daniel Kuffuor.
Subsequently, Kuffuor reported the incident to the Tesano Police Domestic Violence and Victim Support Unit, initiating an official complaint.
Upon Dapaah’s return on October 10, she conducted an inventory to identify the missing items from her room. The items included Kente cloth, women’s clothing, jewelry, and an undisclosed sum of money.
Subsequently, the police gathered a statement from the young suspect and proceeded to file appropriate charges. Later, on October 26, 2022, the suspect was presented before the Circuit Court. However, due to inconsistencies in determining her age, she was released and subsequently re-apprehended, with fresh charges being pressed in the Juvenile Court.
In spite of the initial charges being relatively minor, such as unlawful entry and entering premises for unlawful purposes, the suspect faced more serious accusations, including the theft of unspecified funds, as per the documented list of missing items.
Curiously, the obtained documents did not make reference to the alleged theft of 1 million dollars, suits, and other sums in Ghana cedis.
These allegations came to light in court filings against the same suspect and four accomplices in July 2023, all related to the original theft that took place in October 2022.
President Akufo-Addo has encountered the wrath of Ghanaians over his government’s failure to address the many challenges facing the ordinary citizen.
Amidst a hike in petrol prices, a surge in the prices of goods and commodities, the government has imposed a 10 percent withholding tax on all betting, games and lottery wins.
The new tax measure being implemented by the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) took effect on Tuesday, August 15, 2023.
Some citizens, particularly bettors, are displeased and have decided to vent their spleen, raining all sorts of insults and curses on the president.
Engaging the media, aggrieved citizens questioned the use of the funds generated by the government through the collection of taxes.
“When you go to the port, they charge all sorts of amounts, and now super bet they are taxing. What do you use the money for. What do our leaders use the money for,” ,a middle-aged man vented.
He noted that it is unacceptable for the government to ruin the reputation of former President John Dramani Mahama and do worse with regards to governance after given the nod.
“They should tell us. We are not stupid. You told us Mahama was not good, and we agreed to vote for Akufo-Addo. Now Nana is here, and look at what he is doing.”
One of the citizens noted that the president is not to blame, but rather his cousin and senior member of the New Patriotic Party, Gabby Otchere-Darko.
“It is not Nana, it is Gabby Otchere-Darko,” a man said.
They, however, in unison, came to the agreement that leaders who have robbed the country will be judged by God Almighty.
“What wrong have we committed to the leaders. Tell us. We voted for you, we have the power. You came to beg us but after voting for you, you take us as your children.
Be careful. The day you leave this earth, God will judge you. All of you spending Ghana’s money, God will judge you,” they said.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LE8JyBOnFHE
Meanwhile, the Youth Wing of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) has noted that it will picket at the Ministry of Finance, occupy government offices across the country, and later start and scale up nationwide conventional and unconventional lawful agitations as a measure of resistance to the bet tax measure imposed.
In November 2021, the Assin Central Member of Parliament, Kennedy Agyapong, filed a class action suit against the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Loudsilence media, Kevin Taylor.
The MP sued for defamation and sought $9.5 million in damages in Virginia State Court.
A fifteen-paged document filed at the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia indicated that the suit was influenced by a series of “false and defamatory statements in a series of videos and an email correspondence published by Defendants (Keven Taylor and Loud Silence Media) via Facebook, YouTube, and other social media platforms about Plaintiff”.
But in March 2022, the court dismissed the case, noting that Kennedy Agyapong failed to truly prove that the comments made by Mr Taylor were defamatory
“It is undisputed that Agyapong is a public figure and Taylor’s statements were made regarding matters of public concern. The Amended Complaint does not plead any factual material that demonstrates Taylor’s disputed statements were published with actual malice.
“Therefore, Agyapong has not adequately plead an actionable claim. Further, the Amended Complaint does not plausibly state a claim under the Virginia Computer Crimes Act. For these reasons, the Motion to Dismiss the Amended Complaint (Dkt. 13) is GRANTED and the above captioned civil action is DISMISSED. The Plaintiff has 60 days to file a Second Amended Complaint if that filing would meet the requirements discussed in this Order,” a part of the ruling by the then presiding judge, Honourable Liam O’Grady read.
In an interview on TV3’s New Day show on Wednesday, the Assin Central MP broke his silence and shared his understanding of the ruling.
According to Mr Agyapong who was unenthused by the ruling, said the court indicated that so far as the subject matter is a public figure, he or she is up for criticism.
“They are saying that once I’m a public figure, he can say whatever he wants. Case closed. That’s all he said. If you are public figure, they can say anything, that’s all,” he said.
However, Mr Agyapong still holds the idea that controversial remarks made by media practitioners will not augur well for the growth of the country.
“I have a problem with sensationalisation which would cause the death of people. Of late, the way bloggers, media people are going about issues, if we don’t take time, it will burn this country.
“You think what Kevin Taylor is doing to the country.. because he is a journalist ,nobody has to say what he is doing is wrong?” he quizzed.
A military takeover is a situation many in Ghana, including political analysts, are cautioning against.
Such conversation stems from the recent coups witnessed in the West African sub-region, with Niger being the latest country affected.
Last month, a military junta led by Gen Abdourahmane Tchiani seized power from democratically-elected President Mohamed Bazoum, who is now accused of treason.
The surge in military takeovers has prompted experts to caution the government to right its wrongs as well as sensitize citizens on the consequences of autocratic governance.
Ghana has recorded a number of military takeovers in the past. It is, however, not immune due to its history.
While Ghana works to find ways to ward off such a situation, New Patriotic Party presidential hopeful, Kennedy Agyapong, has shared details of what would happen to the beacon of Africa should it lose its democratic governance practiced for 30 years.
He provided these details during an interview on TV3 on Wednesday, August 16, 2023.
According to him, the first line of action by the junta, should a coup happen in Ghana will be the dissolution of Parliament. He submitted that this would be directly followed by the attack of Members of Parliament.
Simultaneously, journalists will be arrested, he said.
“If we make a mistake and we allow coup d’etats all over West Africa, tomorrow it will be me and you. The first thing, two of us, will go to jail before any body. They will dissolve Parliament.
They will arrest journalists. Check all the coups,” he mentioned.
He therefore emphasised the role of the security forces and the need to prevent a coup as it would cost Ghana more to manage a coup situation.
“So the security of this country is important. Prevention is better than cure. Prevention will not cost you as much as you are curing it. The security of this country is very important.”
“The second most important West African country is Ghana,” he added.
Meanwhile, there are reports that Ghana is preparing to send its soldiers to Niger to complement ECOWAS’ measures to return the country to democratic governance.
Mr Agyapong did not outrightly confirm this report, but he noted that “we have obligations as ECOWAS members, and you cannot run away from it.”
Top military leaders from the Economic Community of West African States, (ECOWAS) are expected to hold a two-day meeting in Accra on August 17 and 18, 2023.
The meeting, per reports, is to discuss a possible intervention in Niger, where a junta held a coup last month.
Military takeover in Burkina Faso, Mali and Guinea
In Mali, President Ibrahim Boubacar Keïta was ousted from power by a military coalition in August. Subsequently, Mali’s former Defense Minister, Bah Ndaw, assumed the presidency of the new transitional government, with Colonel Assimi Goita appointed as vice president. However, they were both removed from power a year later in May by Colonel Assimi Goita, a 42-year-old.
On September 5, 2021, Guinea experienced a coup d’état as the armed forces captured President Alpha Condé, who had extended his stay in power through a constitutional amendment. Colonel Mamady Doumbouya, 43-year-old, was sworn in as transitional leader in October.
In Burkina Faso, President Roch Kabore was ousted from power on January 24, 2022, following a coup led by Colonel Paul-Henri Damiba. However, eight months later, military rule was reestablished, led by Captain Ibrahim Traoré, 35.
Colonel Assimi Goita
In Burkina Faso, President Roch Kabore was ousted from power on January 24, 2022, following a coup led by Colonel Paul-Henri Damiba. However, eight months later, military rule was reestablished, led by Captain Ibrahim Traoré.
Assin Central Member of Parliament, Kennedy Agyapong, has accused the late investigative journalist with Tiger Eye, Ahmed Suale, of attempting to set up Finance Minister Ken Ofori-Atta.
According to Mr Agyapong, Ahmed Suale was a key investigator in Anas Aremeyaw Anas’ Tiger Eye team.
Mr Agyapong claims that Ahmed Suale, unlike Anas, never hid his identity or covered his face during investigations.
In an interview on Citi TV’s Face 2 Face show, the MP noted that but for his “exposé” to disclose the faces behind Tiger Eye’s operations on Net 2 TV, Mr Ken Ofori-Atta would have fallen prey to a set up in Dubai.
Kennedy Agyapong in 2018 revealed Ahmed Suale’s identity on national television in an exposé dubbed “Who watches the watchman”, an action many believe led to his assassination.
The late Ahmed Suale
However, Ken, who has constantly denied such claims, mentioned some of the “dubious” activities Ahmed Suale indulged in that made him a target.
Citing an example of such activity, Mr Agyapong mentioned that the then Minister of State at the Finance Ministry, Charles Adu Boahen, warned Mr Ofori-Atta after sighting the MP’s exposé.
Mr Ofori-Atta was allegedly on his way to meet a group of people who, unbeknownst to him, were Ahmed Suale himself and his associates.
Upon his arrival in Dubai, the Finance Minister, Mr Ofori-Atta having been forewarned snubbed Ahmed Suale and his team.
“He was the one who set the Finance Minister and those Finance people up with some renowned lawyer. They never saw Anas’ face. So if I say that this the guy, let me tell you the truth today.
When I showed the face of Ahmed Suale, the Finance Minister was on his way to Dubai to meet them. So the Minister of State, Adu Boahen called him and said I’ve seen this on Net2, this is entrapment.
He actually met them and snubbed them. They didn’t know it was Anas until I showed the face and connected Ahmed Suale to Anas,” he narrated.
According to Mr Agyapong, Ahmed Suale did not work with truth and integrity in his line of work.
NPP Presidential Aspirant, Kennedy Agyapong has clarified his 'beat him up' comment aimed at late Investigative Journalist Ahmed Suale.
On January 16, 2019, Ahmed Hussein-Suale was shot dead near his family home in Accra.
His family holds the assertion that Ahmed was assassinated because of his work. Mr Agyapong was deemed a suspect by the public after he disclosed the identity of the journalist.
It has been four years, and the Police are yet to find the culprits of the unlawful acts.
According to Kennedy Agyapong, Ahmed Suale was sloppy in his line of work while alive.
Mr Agyapong explained that unlike his senior colleague Anas Aremeyaw Anas, Ahmed Suale failed to protect his identity.
This, he said made him susceptible to any form of attack by the people he embarrassed.
The Assin Central MP said: “You know Ahmed Suale’s problem, may his soul rest in peace. He made a lot of mistakes.
All the investigations Anas did, Anas never showed up with his face. Ahmed Suale showed his face. So all the people Anas embarrassed in this country, it was Ahmed Suale who set them up.”
Economist and political risk analyst, Dr Theo Acheampong, says it is unacceptable for the Bank of Ghana (BoG) to absolve itself of blame with regards to the GHS60 billion loss recorded in the financial sector for the 2022 fiscal year.
He noted that the Central Bank is pushing a narrative where this grave anomaly is being pinned on the Domestic Debt Exchange Programme (DDEP) being spearheaded by the government through the Ministry of Finance.
In an interview on JoyNews, the analyst stressed that in this current situation where probing is required, the Central Bank cannot parade itself like Pontius Pilate in the Bible, who washed off his hands over the killing of Jesus Christ of Nazareth.
“During that time, in my view, it would have made sense to at least force that decision. And then subsequently, when things improve, you go back and then you look at the numbers. But the big point is there are two issues we need to discuss. The deficit financing or the root cause of the crisis that we’re talking about, that leads to the almost $60 billion cutoff that the central bank is taking.
“And then there’s another issue which is to do with the bank’s own internal sort of operation in that context. And I think that the bigger issue for me is the deficit financing. And there are things that we need to unpack because in my view, the Bank of Ghana is behaving like Pontius Pilate in the Bible by basically washing their hands and telling us that, you know, all of this mess and all of this headcraft is fundamentally down to the finance minister and the minister of finance. And so they cannot be blamed for the crisis and the challenges that the economy has gone through,” he said.
In his view, the administration of the Bank of Ghana must provide answers to the relevant authority as to how they could not prevent such a situation.
“And that’s where I think substantively, we should be debating and trying to unpack whether indeed that is the case or whether the bank actually has some questions to answer when it comes to their management of the economy,” he stated.
According to the Central Bank’s Annual Report and Financial Statements, the loss is attributed to a decline in the Group’s net worth position due to the impact of the Domestic Debt Exchange Programme (DDEP) and the impairment of some assets.
Again, its total liabilities and subsidiaries exceeded its total assets by ¢54.52 billion.
The Minority in Parliament is demanding the presence of Bank of Ghana Governor, Dr Ernest Addison, to answer for the 5% budget deficit financing for the government without parliamentary approval.
Also, the Minority was the Governor sacked for the alleged mismanagement of the bank.
On Dr Addison’s appearance in Parliament, Majority Leader, Osei Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu has noted that no law that mandates the BoG to report its daily activities to Parliament.
Rather, he said, the law only mandates the Central Bank to report foreign exchange receipts to Parliament, and the BoG has thus always complied with this provision.
“Constitution says that if you pass any law that is inconsistent with the Constitution, that law is null and void. It is either the minority are over exaggerating issues or have not had time to examine the facts of the matter”.
“Yes, the country went through some difficulties which required that the BoG must intervene. If not for the international reserves built by the BoG, which was close to $10 billion, we would have really suffered. The BoG supported the country with about 4 billion of its 10 billion international reserves to support the situation”, he added.
Kennedy Agyapong, a hopeful presidential candidate for the New Patriotic Party (NPP), has claimed that the Ministry of Energy owes him money for the supply of streetlights.
He made this revelation in an interview on TV3’s New Day programme on Wednesday, August 16, 2023. He said that he had provided over 2,400 streetlights to the Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO) through his company, Imperial World Ventures.
“Go to EOCO. I have provided streetlights in excess of 2,400. When the manufacturers are shipping, because there can be breakages, they give you extra, and once it is in the name of Ministry of Energy, you can’t take it out. So if you are fortunate and not even one gets broken… I did the supply, and they owe me. The Ministry of Energy owes me,” the Assin Central MP told the host, Roland Walker.
Mr Kennedy Agyapong did not disclose the date of the supply or the amount owed by the Ministry of Energy. He also did not explain why he supplied streetlights to EOCO, which is an anti-corruption agency.
Meanwhile, EOCO has not confirmed receiving any streetlights from Mr Agyapong or his company on its official website or social media platforms.
This is not the first time that Mr Agyapong’s company has been involved in a controversial contract with the Ministry of Energy. In 2018, the ministry awarded a GH¢100 million contract to Imperial World Ventures for the supply of streetlights across the country.
The contract was criticised by some members of the opposition and civil society groups, who accused the ministry of breaching procurement laws and favouring Mr Agyapong’s wife, Stella Wilson Agyapong, who is the owner of Imperial World Ventures.
However, the then Energy Minister, John Peter Amewu, defended the contract on the floor of Parliament, saying that it was awarded through restricted tendering with approval from the Public Procurement Authority and the Central Tender Review Committee.
He said that no law was violated and that Imperial World Ventures was qualified and competent to execute the contract.
Assin Central Member of Parliament, Kennedy Agyapong, has accused the late investigative journalist with Tiger Eye, Ahmed Suale, of attempting to set up Finance Minister Ken Ofori-Atta.
According to Mr Agyapong, Ahmed Suale was a key investigator in Anas Aremeyaw Anas’ Tiger Eye team.
Mr Agyapong claims that Ahmed Suale, unlike Anas, never hid his identity or covered his face during investigations.
In an interview on Citi TV’s Face 2 Face show, the MP noted that but for his “exposé” to disclose the faces behind Tiger Eye’s operations on Net 2 TV, Mr Ken Ofori-Atta would have fallen prey to a set up in Dubai.
Kennedy Agyapong in 2018 revealed Ahmed Suale’s identity on national television in an exposé dubbed “Who watches the watchman”, an action many believe led to his assassination.
However, Ken, who has constantly denied such claims, mentioned some of the “dubious” activities Ahmed Suale indulged in that made him a target.
Citing an example of such activity, Mr Agyapong mentioned that the then Minister of State at the Finance Ministry, Charles Adu Boahen, warned Mr Ofori-Atta after sighting the MP’s exposé.
Mr Ofori-Atta was allegedly on his way to meet a group of people who, unbeknownst to him, were Ahmed Suale himself and his associates.
Upon his arrival in Dubai, the Finance Minister, Mr Ofori-Atta having been forewarned snubbed Ahmed Suale and his team.
“He was the one who set the Finance Minister and those Finance people up with some renowned lawyer. They never saw Anas’ face. So if I say that this the guy, let me tell you the truth today.
When I showed the face of Ahmed Suale, the Finance Minister was on his way to Dubai to meet them. So the Minister of State, Adu Boahen called him and said I’ve seen this on Net2, this is entrapment.
He actually met them and snubbed them. They didn’t know it was Anas until I showed the face and connected Ahmed Suale to Anas,” he narrated.
According to Mr Agyapong, Ahmed Suale did not work with truth and integrity in his line of work.
NPP Presidential Aspirant, Kennedy Agyapong has clarified his 'beat him up' comment aimed at late Investigative Journalist Ahmed Suale.
On January 16, 2019, Ahmed Hussein-Suale was shot dead near his family home in Accra.
His family holds the assertion that Ahmed was assassinated because of his work. Mr Agyapong was deemed a suspect by the public after he disclosed the identity of the journalist.
It has been four years, and the Police are yet to find the culprits of the unlawful acts.
According to Kennedy Agyapong, Ahmed Suale was sloppy in his line of work while alive.
Mr Agyapong explained that unlike his senior colleague Anas Aremeyaw Anas, Ahmed Suale failed to protect his identity.
This, he said made him susceptible to any form of attack by the people he embarrassed.
The Assin Central MP said: “You know Ahmed Suale’s problem, may his soul rest in peace. He made a lot of mistakes.
All the investigations Anas did, Anas never showed up with his face. Ahmed Suale showed his face. So all the people Anas embarrassed in this country, it was Ahmed Suale who set them up.”
The Youth Wing of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) has demanded that the government immediately rescinds its 10% withholding tax on all betting, games and lottery wins, which took effect from August 15, 2023
According to the group, the tax measure is a “burdensome and insensitive policy.”
To ensure the government reverses the tax measure, the NDC Youth Wing has threatened to undertake a number of diplomatic initiatives to persuade government.
The group will first picket at the Ministry of Finance and occupy government offices across the country, and later start and scale up nationwide conventional and unconventional lawful agitations as a measure of resistance.
Also, the NDC Youth Wing plans to occupy Parliament and other government agencies.
According to the group in a press statement dated August 16, these actions will “ensure our voices are heard.”
“Our unity is unwavering, and our determination to protect the funds young people secure through betting is unyielding,” the statement added.
Member of Parliament for Assin Central, Kennedy Agyapong, has accused the late investigative journalist with Tiger Eye, Ahmed Suale, of being sloppy in his line of work while alive.
Engaging host of Citi TV’s Face 2 Face show, Sanda Umaru, Mr Agyapong explained that unlike his senior colleague Anas Aremeyaw Anas, Ahmed Suale failed to protect his identity.
This, he said made him susceptible to any form of attack by the people he embarrassed.
The Assin Central MP said: “You know Ahmed Suale’s problem, may his soul rest in peace. He made a lot of mistakes.
All the investigations Anas did, Anas never showed up with his face. Ahmed Suale showed his face. So all the people Anas embarrassed in this country, it was Ahmed Suale who set them up.”
Mr Agyapong accused the late investigative journalist of attemptong to set up Finance Minister Ken Ofori-Atta, but due to his “exposé” on Net 2 TV, the then Minister of State at the Finance Ministry, Charles Adu Boahen, warned Mr Ofori-Atta.
Upon his arrival at Dubai, he said the Finance Minister snubbed Ahmed Suale.
“He was the one who set the Finance Minister and those Finance people up with some renowned lawyer. They never saw Anas’ face. So if I say that this the guy, let me tell you the truth today.
When I showed the face of Ahmed Suale, the Finance Minister was on his way to Dubai to meet them. So the Minister of State, Adu Boahen called him and said I’ve seen this on Net2, this is entrapment.
He actually met them and snubbed them. They didn’t know it was Anas until I showed the face and connected Ahmed Suale to Anas,” he narrated.
Meanwhile, Mr Agyapong says he still stands by his words for Ahmed Suale to be beaten.
He however clarified that that directive was given to his workers who had prompted him that Ahmed Suale was among the individuals he had assisted.
“I showed the video of Ahmed Suale and when they saw it, my workers came to me. They said, don’t you know this guy, you even gave him 1,500 to go and pay his school fees, which I always do for people so I don’t remember.
Then I said to them, you have to be careful. If this guy comes here, beat him up because he is going to set this company up.
No, not that I want to be president and therefore I’ll come and tell you I didn’t say that, no. I said if he comes to my premises, I didn’t say go and beat him outside,” he stated.
He was the one who set the Finance Minister and those Finance people up with some renowned lawyer. They never saw Anas’ face. So if I say that this the guy, let me tell you the truth today.
When I showed the face of Ahmed Suale, the Finance Minister was on his way to Dubai to meet them. So the Minister of State, Adu Boahen called him and said I’ve seen this on Net2, this is entrapment.
He actually met them and snubbed them. They didn’t know it was Anas until I showed the face and connected Ahmed Suale to Anas.
NPP Presidential Aspirant, Kennedy Agyapong has clarified his 'beat him up' comment aimed at late Investigative Journalist Ahmed Suale.
On 16 January, 2019, Ahmed Hussein-Suale was shot dead near his family home in Accra.
His family holds the assertion that Ahmed was assassinated because of his work. It has been four years and the Police are yet to find the culprits of the unlawful acts.
The West Africa Marine Science Community has announced the maiden edition of the West Africa Marine Science Symposium (WAMSS) from 18th to 20th August 2023.
Endorsed by the United Nations Ocean Decade with funding support from the National Geographic Society, WAMSS underscores the commitment to drive transformative change in ocean science in the sub-region through knowledge and best practices exchange and sharing, partnership development, and networking while promoting an understanding of challenges and opportunities in marine research across Africa.
With the theme “Fostering Partnerships to Advance Ocean Science in West Africa”, WAMSS is a collaboration between the College of Basic and Applied Sciences of the University of Ghana, the National Geographic Society, Partnership for Observation of the Global Ocean, Nature Environment Wildlife and Filmmaking, and the Coastal Ocean Environment Summer School in Nigeria and Ghana.
Other represented partners are the United States Office of Naval Research, Mission Blue, Western Indian Ocean Marine Science Association (WIOMSA), UNEP Regional Seas Convention-Abidjan, Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission-Africa, and the UN Ocean Decade Africa Taskforce.
The first day of the symposium, 18th August, will be held at the University of Ghana, with the remaining two days, 19th -20th August taking place at the African Regent Hotel in Accra, Ghana, in a hybrid style.
WAMSS will spotlight effective marine research and conservation models, strategically linking funders with potential grant applicants.
The symposium will focus on six thematic areas critical to advancing marine science and conservation: Promoting Marine Environmental Health, Restoration, Conservation, and Management of Living Marine Resources, Outreach, Science Communication, and Storytelling, Building Coastal Community Resilience Against Coastal Hazards, Community Leadership and Participation in Ocean Knowledge Generation, and Enabling Access to Enhance Critical Understanding of Africa’s Eastern Atlantic.
The hybrid event embraces a format that leverages physical and virtual platforms to accommodate diverse participants, fostering a globally inclusive dialogue on ocean science.
Furthermore, WAMSS recognizes the pivotal role of early-career professionals and youth, spotlighting career paths, funding opportunities, grant writing workshops, and vital networking avenues alongside hosting a side event for Early Career Ocean Professionals.
WAMSS is an unprecedented opportunity for stakeholders to engage collaboratively, share insights, and pioneer innovative solutions for the marine environment in West Africa and beyond.
For further information, kindly send an email to info@wamssmeeting.com, or visit the official WAMSS website (www.wamssmeeting.com).
Flagbearer hopeful for the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Ken Agyapong, has shed light on a remark made by a minister that made him question the said appointee’s competence.
According to the Assin Central MP, while having a dialogue on irrigation and its great impact on Ghana’s agricultural sector, the said minister, whose identity he withheld, made a shocking comment during a meeting at Koforidua.
Prior to the baffling comment, Mr Ken Agyapong said he had praised some squatters around the plains close to Tema-Ashaiman road who had use water from a drainage system to create an irrigation system to grow maize.
“We went to Koforidua for a meeting and I told one Minister that when you cross Tema tollbooth here, just look at the right, the squatters using these pipes for irrigation. The vegetables. Because there is this big gutter they can collect water, 365 days, the (squatters) are growing maize. So we have to irrigate most of our lands in this country,” he recounted.
After pitching the idea of spreading the use of irrigation across the country, the response made by the unknown male minister, Mr Agyapong said, left him shell-schocked.
The male minister is said to have stated that “irrigation is expensive.”
This comment got the Assin Central MP to exclaim “Jesus Christ”.
According to Mr Agyapong, he just packed his files and left.
For the flagbearer hopeful, the Minister’s remarks indicated to him that the measures being put in place to grow the agric sector are for the short term.
“That person who said irrigation is expensive is thinking of the short run and not long run effect,” he said.
Mr Ken Agyapong made this revelation during an interview on TV3’s New Day with host, Roland Walker, on Wednesday, August 16, 2023.
Irrigation
Irrigation is the artificial application of water to land or soil to assist in the growth of crops and vegetation.
It is a critical agricultural practice that involves the controlled distribution of water to plants through various methods such as ditches, pipes, sprinklers, or even by hand.
The primary goal of irrigation is to supplement natural rainfall and provide plants with the water they need to thrive, especially in regions where rainfall is insufficient or unreliable.
A survey conducted by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) in partnership with the Commission on Human Rights and Administrative Justice (CHRAJ) and the Ghana Statistical Service (GSS) has revealed a number of corrupt institutions in the country.
Ghana Police Service came out on top as the most corrupt institution.
Among all public officials, police officers have emerged as the most vulnerable to bribery, exhibiting a concerning prevalence rate of 53.2 percent.
Following closely, officers from the Ghana Immigration Service (GIS) and customs officers from the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) also registered significant positions on the list, with bribery rates of 37.4 percent and 33.6 percent, respectively.
Taking the second position on this list are the members of the judicial system, including prosecutors, judges, and magistrates.
It is, however, important to note that Ghana has set up some institutions to combat corruption in the country.
CHRAJ
Commission on Human Rights and Administrative Justice (CHRAJ) is backed by the 1992 Constitution of Ghana and by its enabling Act, Act 456, in 1993 to investigate all instances of alleged or suspected corruption and the misappropriation of public monies by officials and to take appropriate steps, including reports to the Attorney-General and the Auditor-General, resulting from such investigations.
EOCO
The Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO) is mandated to detect, investigate, prevent, and prosecute all serious economic and organised crimes in Ghana.
OSP
The Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) is an independent specialised agency responsible for performing four (4) main functions.
The OSP is tasked with investigating specific cases of alleged or suspected corruption or corruption-related offences involving public officers and persons who have been entrusted with prominent public functions in Ghana or a foreign country or an international organisation such as senior political party officials, government officials, judicial officials, military officials, a person who is or has been an executive in a foreign country of a state-owned company, a senior political party official in a foreign country, and an immediate family member or close associate of such a person, as well as persons in the private sector involved in the commission of such offences.
The OSP is mandated to prosecute offenders involved in the commission of corruption and corruption-related offences on the authority of the Attorney-General.
The OSP is empowered to recover the proceeds of corruption and corruption-related offences.
The OSP is required to stake steps to prevent corruption.
Financial Intelligence Centre
The Financial Intelligence Centre (FIC) is the national centre for the receipt and analysis of suspicious transaction reports and other information relevant to predicate offences of Money Laundering/ Terrorist Financing and Proliferation Financing (ML/TF&P) and to disseminate actionable intelligence to competent authorities.
The Financial Intelligence Centre (FIC) was established by section 4 of the Anti-Money Laundering Act, 2008 (Act 749) as amended.
Public Procurement Authority
Public Procurement Authority (PPA) is established by the Public Procurement Act, 2003 (Act 663) as a regulatory body responsible for the effective implementation of the Public Procurement Law in Ghana.
The Authority seeks to ensure fairness, transparency and non-discrimination in public procurement in order to promote a competitive local industry and increase the confidence of our varied stakeholders in public procurement processes in the country and beyond.
NCCE
The National Commission for Civic Education is an independent, non-partisan governance institution set up under Article 231 of the Constitution of the Republic of Ghana and the National Commission for Civic Education Act, 1993, Act 452 of the Parliament of Ghana.
The Commission works to promote and sustain democracy and inculcate in the Ghanaian citizenry, the awareness of their rights and obligations, through civic education.
One function of the NCCE is to formulate, implement and oversee programmes intended to inculcate in the citizens of Ghana awareness of their civic responsibilities and an appreciation of their rights and obligations as free people
Police CID Anti-corruption unit
The Police Criminal Investigation Department’s anti-corruption unit probes criminal matters.
Ghanaian historian, Dr Nii Moi Thompson, says it comes as no surprise that President Akufo-Addo has a penchant for renaming significant institutions in the country.
According to Dr Thompson, such “weird obsession” was also portrayed by Joseph Boakye Danquah, whom the president traces his roots to.
The historian made the bold declaration in his article christened “Beware, the tribal supremacists: Myths of J.B. Danquah and the Big Six.”
“Danquah, however, had a weird obsession for naming places, like the president does today,” he wrote.
President Akufo-Addo, during the 75th Anniversary Thanksgiving Service of the University of Ghana on August 11, 2023, announced his intention to rename the University of Ghana after Joseph Boakye Danquah, a founding member of the United Gold Coast Convention.
In 2018, President Akufo-Addo renamed the University of Mines and Technology (UMaT) to the George Grant University of Mines and Technology.
It has emerged that Gold Coast would not have been renamed Ghana if Joseph Boakye Danquah had had his way.
According to Dr Nii Thompson, he had proposed, without any consultations, that the Northern Territories be renamed Fergusonia, after Ekem Ferguson, the surveyor from Anomabo who had done much work in the North.
The idea, he said, was, however, rejected by the British.
Also, JB Danquah sought to rename the Gold Coast Akanland, and later Akan-Ga.
The suggested the latter after he was reminded that there were more Gas than Akans in the colony.
“His most “valiant” name-changing effort was his suggestion after the 1948 riots that he and his relatives be put in charge of the Gold Coast, under the name Ghanaland.
The idea of course was laughed off by the British. He pioneered the tribalism that his inward-looking descendants are now perfecting with national resources. (Remember the president’s statement, “Yen Akanfo” during his desperate struggle to win power – and destroy the country?)” Dr Nii Thompson added.
A former National Service Personnel, Deborah Seyram Adablah, who sued her Sugar Daddy for breach of contract, has alluded to using charms to attract men.
In a video shared by WithAlvin on Twitter, Deborah Seyram Adablah attacked an unidentified lady for making mockery of her.
The lady is said to have teased Deborah for failing to keep her Sugar Daddy despite her expertise in the use of charms.
“I was teaching promise and fail charm and somebody said she thinks I needed it most because I met a man and other things.”
This got Deborah infuriated, who then boasted that “nobody promises me and fails. I know the secret. Nobody promised me and has failed before.”
She confirmed that “My life is sweet, if you don’t know, I am telling you.”
Deborah advised her critics to stay out of her business as she has the right to spend time on whatever she considers valuable
“Whatever I teach is my data, my time, my energy, my knowledge”, she said.
Her statement has won stern criticism from netizens.
Some critics said: “There is no shame in witchcraft anymore”, “The fact that the sugar daddy didn’t marry her is also a failed promise”, “Hmmm, medicine is working on people’s husbands ooo.”
Ghanaian historian and economist, Dr Nii Moi Thompson, is concerned about the narrative seeking to make the Big Six the focal point of Ghana’s history.
The Big Six comprises; Kwame Nkrumah, Ebenezer Ako-Adjei, Edward Akufo-Addo, Joseph Boakye Danquah, Emmanuel Obetsebi-Lamptey and William Ofori Atta.
According to Dr Thompson, his attention has been drawn to the fact that some relatives of Joseph Boakye Danquah also known as JB Danquah are highlighting their forebear as the “alpha and omega of our history.”
Dr Thompson, such notion must not be tolerated as ” Ghana’s history is bigger than the Big Six.”
In his recent article, “Beware, the tribal supremacists: Myths of J.B. Danquah and the Big Six,” the historian shares insight to some influential figures who played major roles to Ghana’s independence.
He notes that when the Big Six were incarcerated, the Ashanti Youth Association (AYA), then chaired by Krobo Edusei in 1948 plotted to storm prison and free them.
However, the governor at the time whisked the Big Six to the Northern Territories, under stricter security, “for fear that the hard-nosed AYA members may still make their way up north.”
Edusei later served nine months in jail for his political activism alongside Nkrumah.
The AYA, in its militancy, Dr Thompson said, had also demanded “‘self-government within the next five years,’ compared to the UGCC’s gradualist approach of self-government ‘in the shortest possible time’.”
He highlighted AYA as part of the youth groups such as the Sekondi Youth Association dragged Nkrumah from the UGCC and forced him to form the Convention People’s Party (CPP), which led Ghana to independence.
“They were the original foot soldiers!,” he emphasised.
According to Dr Nii Thompson, the proposed name for their new party was Ghana People’s Party, but Nkrumah asked that “Ghana” be reserved for independence and replaced it with “Convention” to show continuity, at least in name, from the UGCC.
President Akufo-Addo has been accused of rewriting Ghana’s history in order to suit his personal agenda.
During his first term, the president ensured that Thursday, September 21, which hitherto was marked as Founders Day is now celebrated as Nkrumah Memorial Day in honour of Ghana’s first president, Dr Kwame Nkrumah.
Now August 4 is marked to celebrate Founders’ Day. This move was met with opposition particularly from those in the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC).
A recent move by the President to rename the University of Ghana after JB Danquah has sparked controversy.
The president made this known during the 75th Anniversary Thanksgiving Service of the University of Ghana on August 11, 2023.
He described Joseph Boakye Danquah as the founder of the university, owing to some contributions he reportedly made prior to its establishment.
According to some Ghanaians, President Akufo-Addo should remain focused on providing infrastructural development as well as employment opportunities instead of undertaking such an initiative.
Deputy Ranking Member on Parliament’s Education Committee, Dr. Clement Apaak, has accused the president of trying to give his forebears a prominent place in Ghanaian history.
Amid the realms of journalism and entertainment, Samara distinguishes herself. She has an ambition to contribute to the awareness of the West African state, Ghana, and Africa in general.
In her engagements with celebrities, she often imparts a few words in the local Twi language to them.
With a keen focus on the array of languages, the culinary delights appreciated by the locals, and the captivating tourist destinations, the Ghanaian-American girl leaves no aspect of Ghana unnoticed.
She has extended invitations to prominent figures including singer Usher, Black Panther actress Letitia Michelle Wright, American singer Erykah Badu, sensational vocalist Lauryn Hill, and renowned rappers Ice Cube and Snoop Dogg, among others, urging them to explore the wonders of Ghana.
Currently, Samara Osae-Asare is being encouraged by many, particulary Ghanaians to keep up the good work. Ghanaian rapper, Sarkodie, is of the view that her works are nothing short of beautiful.
The Council of the Ghana Stock Exchange (GSE) has officially appointed Frank Yoofi Mensa Berle as the Deputy Managing Director, a position that became effective on July 11, 2023.
In his new role, Berle assumes the responsibility of providing strategic direction and leadership to the various operational divisions of the GSE.
Having previously served as the Head of Finance and Administration, Mr. Berle brings with him a wealth of experience.
His journey at the exchange commenced in January 2004, encompassing diverse roles that spanned finance, operations, administration, human capital management, surveillance, and clearing and settlement.
A chartered accountant by profession, Frank Berle boasts additional chartered qualifications in areas such as taxation, financial economics, and wealth management.
His affiliations include being a Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Taxation, Ghana; a member of the Institute of Chartered Accountants, Ghana; Association of Certified Chartered Economists, USA; Global Academy of Finance & Management, USA; and the Chartered Institute of Management Accountants (CIMA), UK.
He holds the esteemed status of Chartered Global Management Accountant (CGMA) from the Association of International Certified Professional Accountants (AICPA).
His educational background comprises a Master of Philosophy degree in Economics and a Bachelor of Commerce degree, pursued concurrently with a Diploma in Education, all attained from the University of Cape Coast (UCC).
Taking up this pivotal role at a transformative juncture, Frank Berle steps into his position during the GSE’s demutualization process, a strategic trajectory that will metamorphose the Exchange into a limited liability company.
The Council expressed their best wishes to Berle, foreseeing his significant contributions to the Exchange’s advancement and its successful navigation through this transitional phase.
In a poll conducted by GhanaWeb regarding the upcoming New Patriotic Party (NPP) superdelegates congress, netizens have decided on the five individuals they would want to see contest for the flagbearership position.
The poll, held from Monday, August 7, 2023, to Friday, August 11, 2023, attracted participation from over 70,000.The question posed was, “Who would you vote for in the NPP Super Delegates Congress?”
Among the 70,463 respondents, Member of Parliament for Assin Central, Kennedy Agyapong secured the lead with 18,475 votes, representing more than 26 percent of the total participants.
Former Minister for Trade and Industry, Alan Kyerematen, claimed the second spot with 18,143 votes, which accounted for nearly 26 percent of the respondents.
Notably, energy expert Kwadwo Nsafoah Poku achieved a surprising third place, amassing 17,041 votes, equivalent to over 24 percent of the participants.
This outcome surpassed the expectations, especially as he outperformed Vice President Mahamudu Bawumia, a major contender in the race.
Vice President Bawumia secured the fourth position, garnering 13,131 votes, which constituted almost 19 percent of the total respondents.
Securing the fifth spot, former NPP General Secretary Kwabena Agyei Agyepong garnered support from 2,042 participants, which accounted for nearly 3 percent of the total respondents, surpassing 70,000.
The remaining contenders in the poll, namely former Minister of Justice Joe Ghartey, former Food and Agriculture Minister Dr. Owusu Afriyie Akoto, ex-Member of Parliament for Mampong Francis Addai Nimo, former Minister for Regional Cooperation Dr. Kofi Konadu Apraku, and former Energy Minister Boakye Agyarko, each received less than 1 percent of the total votes cast.
The NPP presidential primaries, scheduled for August and November 2023, will feature 10 contestants.
The NPP’s superdelegates conference is set to take place on August 26, 2023, aimed at narrowing down the contenders to five. Subsequently, the main primaries will occur on November 4, 2023, to determine the party’s presidential candidate for the 2024 elections.
President Akufo-Addo’s ambition to one day rename the University of Ghana, Legon to JB Danquah University will meet stern resistance.
This projection is rightly so, as some Ghanaians have already registered their dissatisfaction with the name change for diverse reasons.
During the 75th Anniversary Thanksgiving Service of the University of Ghana on August 11, 2023, President Akufo-Addo announced his intention to rename Ghana’s premier university after Joseph Boakye Danquah.
He described Joseph Boakye Danquah, as the founder of the university owing to some contributions he reportedly made prior to its formation.
“And for me, the most poignant of those memories is the inestimable work Dr. J. B. Danquah did to mobilize the Ghanaian people to insist on the building of this university. It was the inspired leadership vision of this great scholar and nationalist, who’s described in his lifetime as the doyen of Gold Coast politics, that following the establishment of the Elliot Commission, tasked by the colonial government, to inquire into the possibility of establishing a university in West Africa, enable the Ghanaian people to reject the original decision of the British-colonial government based on the majority recommendation of the Elliot Commission that a single university be established in Ibadan, in Nigeria, for the whole of the then British West Africa, and got it to agree, through a series of passionate interventions in the then legislative council.
University of Ghana to JB DANQUAH UNIVERSITY! "Who knows… one day, it may well happen" – Pres Akufo-Addo pic.twitter.com/TYKxrPKR1t
“And with the enthusiastic support of the founders of Ghana to the creation of a separate university for our country, on the basis on his minority recommendation. How felicitous was that decision and how greatly it’s contributed to the growth of modern Ghana. It would be wholly-appropriate, and not at all far-fetched, to describe Joseph Boakye Danquah, as the founder of this university. A fact, which on the 75th anniversary of its existence, should be vividly recalled by all of us who have been, and are the beneficiaries of his work.
“Indeed, in many other jurisdictions where there is less heat in their politics, and more attachment to the historical records, it would not have been put of place to have this university named after him. Who knows, one day, it may well happen,” he said.
But some Ghanaians believe that the move by the president is misplaced.
An elderly man bitterly complained about how influential Ga personalities have been sidelined despite their tremendous efforts.
He contested that as far as the tertiary institution sits on the territory of the La Traditional Council, the decision to rename the university after an “Akyem” will be fought.
“There are the Gas, Ako Adjeis, Ashini Kois, who made Cocoa Marketing Board what it should be and they have forgotten about it. Their names should be put on the University of Ghana. Ashini Koi, Ako Adjei, they come from La. The University of Ghana is seated on the La Traditional Council land and we shall never agree.”
“Maybe he is dreaming. He was dreaming when he said so. Justice Olenus and others from La. How do you go to Akyem to bring somebody. We will not agree,” he added.
A young man entreated the president to remain focused on providing infrastructural development as well as employment opportunities.
“One thing we need to know is that the most important thing is we fixing the roads, building structures to create employment. There are graduates who are coming out of school who are struggling and finding ways to get a better job. Changing the name of a university doesn’t bring any benefit to us,” he said.
A middle aged man shared similar sentiments. He said: “It will not make the economy better. All the leaders we have had come to meet challenges. None of them was able to solve all the issues. So the name change will not solve any problem.”
A young lady who is currently unemployment urged government not to spend any funds to rename a university. She wants such funds to be used on projects that would be of benefit to Ghanaians.
He should just leave the name. So Presidents have died and we have not used any of those names. He should leave it. The money he will use to change the name can be used for something better. I just completed and I need work so he should use the funds for something better so we can all benefit from it.
Maybe he was dreaming. There are people from La where UG is. How do you go and bring someone from Akyem – Some Ghanaians react to the President's comment on renaming University of Ghana after JB Danquah#MetroNewspic.twitter.com/DA1GlXgSjh
Ghanaian historian and economist, Dr Nii Moi Thompson, has refuted the assertion that the Gold Coast was renamed Ghana by Joseph Boakye Danquah also known as JB Danquah, a member of the United Gold Coast Convention (UGCC).
In an article titled: ‘Beware, the tribal supremacists: Myths of J.B. Danquah and the Big Six’, Dr Thompson highlighted that the name change was brought up by Ghana’s first president, Dr Kwame Nkrumah, who was criticised by JB Danquah for coming up with such a name.
” Only Nkrumah as prime minister in 1957 was in a position to propose that name, and he did. Danquah and the others criticised Nkrumah for choosing the name Ghana, and in his autobiography Nkrumah was forced to defend his choice,” he said as “by 1957 Danquah’s political career was effectively over (he and Ofori-Atta having lost their seats to the CPP in the 1954 and 1956 elections)”
However, he revealed that JB Danquah made a number of proposals for the name change due to his “weird obsession for naming places” – a characteristic Dr Thompson says President Akufo-Addo possesses.
He noted that JB Danquah without any consultations or whatsoever, proposed that the then Northern Territories be renamed “Fergusonia” in honor of Ekem Ferguson, a surveyor from Anomabo, who is said to have done much work in the North. This, suggestion, JB Danquah said, was shot down by the British.
That was not the only thing the British rejected. According to Dr Nii Thomspon, they also rejected some proposed names to replace the Gold Coast.
JB Danquah, who was married to a Ga lady, is said to have sought to rename Gold Coast by “Akanland” and later “Akan-Ga” after he was reminded that “there were more Gas than Akans in the colony.”
“His most “valiant” name-changing effort was his suggestion after the 1948 riots that he and his relatives be put in charge of the Gold Coast, under the name Ghanaland.
The idea of course was laughed off by the British. He pioneered the tribalism that his inward-looking descendants are now perfecting with national resources. (Remember the president’s statement, “Yen Akanfo” during his desperate struggle to win power – and destroy the country?),” Dr Nii Thompson added.
The revelation by the historian stems from President’s Akufo-Addo’s decision to name the University of Ghana after JB Danquah some day. During the 75th Anniversary Thanksgiving Service of the University of Ghana, President Akufo-Addo made this known.
He described Joseph Boakye Danquah, as the founder of the university owing to some contributions he reportedly made prior to its formation.
“And for me, the most poignant of those memories is the inestimable work Dr. J. B. Danquah did to mobilize the Ghanaian people to insist on the building of this university. It was the inspired leadership vision of this great scholar and nationalist, who’s described in his lifetime as the doyen of Gold Coast politics, that following the establishment of the Elliot Commission, tasked by the colonial government, to inquire into the possibility of establishing a university in West Africa, enable the Ghanaian people to reject the original decision of the British-colonial government based on the majority recommendation of the Elliot Commission that a single university be established in Ibadan, in Nigeria, for the whole of the then British West Africa, and got it to agree, through a series of passionate interventions in the then legislative council.
“And with the enthusiastic support of the founders of Ghana to the creation of a separate university for our country, on the basis on his minority recommendation. How felicitous was that decision and how greatly it’s contributed to the growth of modern Ghana. It would be wholly-appropriate, and not at all far-fetched, to describe Joseph Boakye Danquah, as the founder of this university. A fact, which on the 75th anniversary of its existence, should be vividly recalled by all of us who have been, and are the beneficiaries of his work.
“Indeed, in many other jurisdictions where there is less heat in their politics, and more attachment to the historical records, it would not have been put of place to have this university named after him. Who knows, one day, it may well happen,” he said.
Dumelo’s agriculture journey started in 2012. Currently, he owns more than 2000 acres of farmlands scattered across Ghana, producing maize, rice, ginger, mushrooms, cabbage and rearing snails and livestock.
Minister of Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration, Shirley Ayorkor Botchwey, has raised an alarm about the persistent prevalence of extortion and corruption within the Passport Office.
Following a visit to the Passport Office on Monday, August 14, the Minister expressed her astonishment at the unethical practices that applicants have been subjected to by certain individuals within the office.
According to a 2021 report by the UNODC, passport agency officials were identified among the public servants who most frequently accept bribes in Ghana. The report highlighted that 29 percent of Passport officials were involved in collecting bribes, averaging GHS 392 per instance.
The Minister lamented the existence of such extortion and disrespect within an institution that plays a crucial role in facilitating international travel.
As a result, the Minister has instructed employees seconded to the Passport Office not to report for duty starting from Monday, August 21, 2023.
In an interview, she emphasized that a thorough investigation has been launched to address this distressing situation. The inquiry has unveiled the presence of a network operating in collaboration with personnel within the Passport Office.
The Minister expressed her dismay at the common attribution of corruption solely to politicians and her ministry. She highlighted the reality that many instances of malpractice involve civil servants, emphasizing, “It is disheartening that while blame is often laid at the feet of politicians, it is, in fact, some public servants who engage in these wrongful acts, which are then mistakenly ascribed to politicians.”
Notably, she urged those with more than a year’s tenure at the Passport Office to abstain from returning to work as the office undergoes a transformative phase aimed at restoring integrity.
She said, “Everybody who has been here for more than one year, from Monday on, please do not come back because you have been changed We want to restore some sanity. Every time politicians are corrupt, meanwhile, it is some public civil servants who will do things that shouldn’t be done, and then they will be put on politicians”.
The Minister disclosed that the ongoing efforts to streamline operations at the Passport Office through digitization have faced obstacles due to certain civil servants manipulating the online application system for personal gain.
Looking ahead, she conveyed that the impending issuance of the Ghana card to all citizens will render many agencies within the Passport Office redundant, leaving only the essential printing department.
In her concluding statements, Minister Ayorkor Botchwey urged Passport Office personnel to refrain from engaging in extortion practices. She emphasized the importance of maintaining professional integrity, adhering to high standards of work, and treating applicants with utmost respect.
Meanwhile, investigations into the activities of the “goro boys,” who exploit applicants with the involvement of office staff, are ongoing. The Minister highlighted that these external individuals cannot operate independently but require collusion with certain individuals within the Passport Office.
She cautioned that those found responsible will face legal consequences as a deterrent to others.
The Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture has dedicated resources to bolster youth-driven initiatives in the tourism sector, allocating a substantial GH¢100 million.
Revealing this development in Accra on Monday, August 14, Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture, Dr Ibrahim Mohammed Awal, emphasized the government’s commitment to transforming the narrative surrounding tourism, arts, and cultural advancement.
During an interaction with a group of esteemed editors, Dr Awal highlighted the ministry’s plans to enhance the sector by providing comprehensive training to 6,000 young individuals across the tourism value chain, focusing on customer orientation.
Driven by its promising potential, tourism has emerged as the country’s third-largest contributor to the Gross Domestic Product (GDP). In 2021, the sector’s contribution amounted to approximately $3.1 billion. Projections indicate a rise to around $4 billion in GDP contribution by 2025.
The services sector, encompassing tourism, took the lead by contributing 45.8 percent to the GDP at basic prices in the previous year, solidifying its pivotal role.
Dr Awal articulated his office’s aspiration to establish the country as a hub for Meetings, Incentives, Conferencing, and Events (MICE), alongside business tourism. He underscored the potential for leveraging the nation’s tranquility, excellent airport facilities, and connectivity to bolster the tourism industry.
Furthermore, the government is actively advocating the “Destination Ghana Project,” a four-year initiative aimed at drawing in two million international visitors and an equivalent number of domestic tourists, fostering tourism growth and engagement within the country.
“We are going to modernise the Du Bois Centre next year, the Osu Christiansburg Castle and other tourist attractions.
We are doing a lot outside Accra to attract tourists, both domestic and international. The ministry will build new museums across the country and a heroes’ park for the Big Six,” Dr Awal explained.
As part of its endeavors to prioritize tourism, arts, and culture, the Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture emphasized that the ministry has undertaken several interactions with various stakeholders, encompassing the business sector, academia, and the diplomatic community.
On his part, the Minister of Information, Kojo Oppong-Nkrumah, emphasized the importance of forging partnerships with the media to elevate the sector’s prominence.
Referring to the sector as a significant driver of the country’s economic progress, Mr. Oppong-Nkrumah emphasized that the recent interventions have played a pivotal role in advancing the economy. Consequently, he urged the media to raise awareness about the nation’s tourism, arts, and cultural domains by giving them prominent coverage.
In this regard, the Information Minister highlighted the media’s responsibility to report on sector developments, medium-term plans, policies, programs, and also facilitate constructive feedback.
Furthermore, Mr. Oppong-Nkrumah underscored the importance of the media’s role in fostering partnerships and fostering closer collaboration within the tourism, creative arts, and culture sector.
In a presentation titled “Ghana’s Journey in Tourism,” Akwasi Agyeman, the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Ghana Tourism Authority (GTA), highlighted deliberate endeavors to enhance the appeal of tourism product offerings.
Concurrently, there has been a robust marketing campaign over the past five years, bolstered by the introduction of legislation aimed at enhancing the sector’s attractiveness.
Mr. Agyeman also acknowledged the sector’s strides in monitoring and research to enhance various facets of tourism. These endeavors encompass revitalizing and elevating the vibrancy of Accra’s nightlife, revitalizing craft villages, and contributing to the development of a distinctive enclave culture within the nation’s capital, Accra.
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