TIG Post

Author: Andy Ogbarmey-Tettey

  • GRA staff must declare their assets – ISSER on curbing corruption at the ports

    GRA staff must declare their assets – ISSER on curbing corruption at the ports

    The Institute of Statistical, Social and Economic Research (ISSER) has called for Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) staff to declare their assets as part of stringent measures to curb corruption and enhance efficiency at Ghana’s ports.

    In its 2024 Mid-Year Budget Review, titled “A Critical Assessment of the 2024 Mid-Year Budget by ISSER,” the institute highlights the necessity for structural reforms to tackle revenue leakages and improve tax collection.

    ISSER emphasizes the significance of transparency and accountability among GRA staff. To ensure GRA personnel do not engage in or form firms involved in clearing services until five years post-retirement, the review recommends the completion of asset declaration forms by all staff members.

    This measure aims to prevent conflicts of interest and maintain the focus of GRA staff on their official duties.

    “Additionally, GRA staff should complete asset declaration forms and not engage with or establish firms involved in clearing services until five years after retirement. The ports are major sources of revenue, and sealing leakages can significantly shore up the Tax GDP ratio,” the review continues.

    Recognizing the ports as vital revenue sources for Ghana, ISSER argues that addressing inefficiencies and corrupt practices at these entry points can significantly boost the country’s Tax GDP ratio.

    A key recommendation is the harmonization of government agencies operating at the ports to reduce human interaction and, consequently, revenue losses.

    One of the main strategies proposed is the biennial rotation of personnel stationed at the ports to prevent the establishment of corrupt practices.

    The review states, “Harmonize the number of government agencies operating at the ports to reduce the human interface and revenue losses, thus reducing rent-seeking activities by personnel collecting revenues at the port. This can also be achieved by rotating personnel stationed at the ports every two years.”

    By implementing these recommendations, ISSER believes Ghana can enhance its fiscal health and develop a more transparent and efficient port operation system.

    These proposals are part of broader fiscal measures aimed at improving revenue generation and expenditure control to stabilize Ghana’s economy and promote sustainable growth.

  • ‘Agyapadie’ document highlights plans by ‘Kyebi mafia’ not ‘Akyem mafia’ – Fmr Ambassador to US

    ‘Agyapadie’ document highlights plans by ‘Kyebi mafia’ not ‘Akyem mafia’ – Fmr Ambassador to US

    Former Ambassador to the United States under the late John Evans Atta Mills’ administration, Daniel Ohene Agyekum, has asserted that the controversial “Agyapadie” document epitomizes a state capture of resources orchestrated by a select group from Kyebi, rather than the broader Akyem group.

    Speaking at a press conference in Kumasi, Ohene Agyekum underscored the authenticity of the document and described it as a blueprint for the monopolization of Ghana’s wealth by a privileged few.

    Ohene Agyekum highlighted the gravity of the document, which has been a focal point of political discourse in Ghana. He insisted that it represents a dangerous precedent for the country’s future.

    “This document is authentic and it represents a very diabolical scheme by a small group of individuals from Kyebi. My understanding when people talk about the Akyem mafia is that it is wrong because I will argue that it is Kyebi mafia,” he stated.

    The term “Akyem Mafia,” often used in Ghanaian political discourse, refers to a perceived group of influential individuals from the Akyem ethnic group who are believed to have significant control over the country’s political and economic affairs. President Akufo-Addo and his close associates, including family members, are frequently labeled with this tag.

    The “Agyapadie” document, a controversial 38-page manifesto, prominently features the Okyenhene, Osagyefo Amoatia Ofori Panin, President Nana Akufo-Addo, and his late father. It is alleged to outline strategies for a specific family or clan to dominate various sectors of Ghanaian society, including the economy, politics, media, judiciary, telecommunications, and banking.

    Despite President Nana Akufo-Addo’s dismissal of the document’s authenticity, former President John Dramani Mahama has maintained that its contents have been implemented. This divergence in viewpoints has further fueled public debate on the matter.

    Ohene Agyekum criticized the document as more than just an administrative guideline. He argued that it is a deliberate plan for the capture and monopolization of Ghana’s resources by a select few.

    He expressed concern over the implications of such concentrated power, warning that it could undermine the principles of fair governance and resource distribution in Ghana.

    “The document places the nation’s wealth in the hands of a select few,” he remarked.

  • ISSER calls for rotation of personnel at ports to enhance efficiency

    ISSER calls for rotation of personnel at ports to enhance efficiency

    The Institute of Statistical, Social and Economic Research (ISSER) has urged the implementation of stringent measures to address rent-seeking behaviors and improve efficiency at Ghana’s ports.

    Its 2024 Mid-Year Budget Review titled “A Critical Assessment of the 2024 Mid-Year Budget by ISSER,” underscores the necessity for structural reforms to tackle revenue leakages and enhance tax collection.

    ISSER advocates for the harmonization of the number of government agencies operating at the ports to minimize human interaction and revenue losses. This effort aims to reduce rent-seeking activities by the personnel involved in revenue collection.

    One of the main strategies suggested is the biennial rotation of personnel stationed at the ports to prevent the establishment of corrupt practices.

    The review states, “Harmonize the number of government agencies operating at the ports to reduce the human interface and revenue losses, thus reducing rent-seeking activities by personnel collecting revenues at the port. This can also be achieved by rotating personnel stationed at the ports every two years.”

    Furthermore, ISSER highlights the significance of transparency and accountability among Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) staff. The review recommends that GRA personnel complete asset declaration forms to ensure they are not engaging in or forming firms involved in clearing services until five years post-retirement.

    This measure is designed to prevent conflicts of interest and ensure GRA staff remain focused on their official duties.

    “Additionally, GRA staff should complete asset declaration forms and not engage with or establish firms involved in clearing services until five years after retirement. The ports are major sources of revenue, and sealing leakages can significantly shore up the Tax GDP ratio,” the review continues.

    The ports are vital revenue sources for Ghana, and addressing inefficiencies and corrupt practices at these entry points can significantly boost the country’s Tax GDP ratio.

    By implementing these recommendations, ISSER believes Ghana can enhance its fiscal health and develop a more transparent and efficient port operation system.

    The review’s proposals are part of broader fiscal measures aimed at improving revenue generation and expenditure control to stabilize Ghana’s economy and promote sustainable growth.

  • Flashback: JB Danquah was just like Wontumi – Kwesi Pratt

    Flashback: JB Danquah was just like Wontumi – Kwesi Pratt

    Two years ago, Kwesi Pratt Junior, the Managing Editor of the Insight Newspaper, expressed his opinion that J.B. Danquah did not merit the level of celebration that President Akufo-Addo desired for him.

    Mr Pratt argued that J.B. Danquah’s political career did not warrant his recognition as one of Ghana’s founders. He pointed out that Danquah’s highest political achievement was serving as the Eastern Regional Chairman for the UGCC, and nothing more.

    In a video that recently surfaced, he stated, “Do you know Danquah’s true position in the UGCC? Danquah was the Eastern Regional Chairman of the UGCC that’s all. That’s the height he got, Eastern regional chairman. If you are looking for the equivalent in modern politics, it is Wontumi. I am serious. The level that Danquah attained in UGCC has been attained by Wontumi in NPP. He was a regional chairman is Wontumi not a regional chairman?”

    Pratt also highlighted that J.B. Danquah never won an election in his lifetime, adding, “even in his home town Kyebi they voted against J.B. Danquah. He couldn’t even win Kyebi. If J.B. Danquah cannot be the founder of Kyebi his hometown, how can he become the founder of Ghana,” he questioned.

    The video resurfaced after President Akufo-Addo firmly dismissed the notion that a single individual was responsible for founding Ghana, emphasizing that former President Kwame Nkrumah alone was not solely responsible for the country’s independence.

    During his 2024 Founders’ Day address on Saturday, August 3, President Akufo-Addo acknowledged the collective efforts involved in the independence struggle, stating that while Nkrumah’s role was significant, he was not the only figure behind Ghana’s liberation.

    Former President John Dramani Mahama criticized President Akufo-Addo for his remarks regarding Ghana’s founders. Mahama explained that the United Gold Coast Convention (UGCC), which included J.B. Danquah among its members, historically opposed Ghana’s independence.

    In 2019, Parliament passed a law establishing August 4 as Founders’ Day to honor all individuals who contributed to Ghana’s path to independence. Additionally, September 21 was designated as Kwame Nkrumah Memorial Day to specifically honor Nkrumah’s contributions.

    The establishment of Founders’ Day sparked opposition from some individuals and groups who believed in Nkrumah’s unique role in founding the nation. These critics asserted that Nkrumah’s leadership was crucial and deserved exclusive recognition.

  • Ghana is still defaulting on its outstanding Eurobonds – Fitch

    Ghana is still defaulting on its outstanding Eurobonds – Fitch

    The rating agency Fitch has maintained Ghana’s Long-Term Foreign-Currency (LTFC) Issuer Default Rating (IDR) at ‘RD’ (Restricted Default) and Long-Term Local-Currency (LTLC) IDR at ‘CCC’.

    Typically, the UK-based firm does not provide Outlooks for sovereign ratings of ‘CCC+’ or below.

    The ‘RD’ rating for Ghana’s LTFC IDR reflects the country’s ongoing default on its Eurobonds, following the missed coupon payment deadline in February 2023.

    Despite this, Fitch acknowledged that Ghana has made significant strides in its debt restructuring efforts under the Common Framework.

    An agreement on the principal terms for official bilateral debt restructuring with the official creditor committee was reached in January 2024. This was formalized with a memorandum of understanding, including both financial and non-financial terms, in June 2024.

    External Debt Restructuring on Track for Completion by Year-End

    In June 2024, Ghana and bondholders controlling around 40% of the outstanding $3 billion Eurobonds agreed in principle (AIP) on the restructuring terms. This agreement met the International Monetary Fund’s (IMF) debt sustainability thresholds and the Common Framework’s comparability of treatment clause. An earlier AIP in January 2024 was rejected by the IMF for not meeting these thresholds.

    Fitch anticipates that the consent solicitation will be initiated soon, with the Eurobond exchange expected to be completed by September 2024. However, delays might occur due to ongoing negotiations concerning the restructuring terms of the International Development Association (IDA)-partially guaranteed bond. The completion of the external debt restructuring is projected by the end of 2024.

    In the restructuring deal, investors holding the 15 outstanding Eurobonds will be offered new bonds with two options. The ‘disco’ option includes a nominal haircut of 37% on all claims, including past due interests (PDIs). The remaining claims will be restructured into bonds maturing between 2026 and 2035, with coupon rates ranging from 0% to 6%.

    Fitch’s acknowledgment of Ghana’s progress in the restructuring process signifies a step forward in addressing the country’s financial challenges while highlighting the need for continued efforts to meet the terms set by international financial institutions.

  • Nkrumah’s recognition must be extraordinary – Former Snr Governance Advisor at UN

    Nkrumah’s recognition must be extraordinary – Former Snr Governance Advisor at UN

    Former Senior Governance Advisor at the United Nations, Professor Baffour Agyeman-Duah, has asserted that the significant contributions of Ghana’s first President, Dr. Kwame Nkrumah, should not be underestimated.

    Despite having personal disagreements with some of Nkrumah’s domestic policies, Professor Agyeman-Duah believes that Nkrumah’s impact on Ghana’s development warrants full acknowledgment.

    In a recent address on August 3, 2024, President Akufo-Addo rejected the notion that Ghana was founded by a single individual, emphasizing the collective efforts of various figures in the independence movement.

    While acknowledging Nkrumah’s vital role, the President asserted that Ghana’s independence was not the result of one person’s efforts alone.

    During a discussion on the JoyNews AM show, Professor Agyeman-Duah commented, “No matter what you say, Nkrumah stands tall in our politics, and nobody can belittle his accomplishment. Even though personally as I speak, there were certain domestic policies that I never liked and still don’t like, but still, even after discounting all those negativities, Nkrumah is a person that deserves the fullest recognition. After all, he (Nkrumah) was the man of the millennium, and that in itself says it all.”

    Professor Agyeman-Duah emphasized that while many contributed intellectually to Ghana’s founding, it was Kwame Nkrumah who played a crucial role in shaping the nation’s ideological and emotional direction.

    He stressed the importance of recognizing both Nkrumah’s ideological contributions and the significant role of the UGCC (United Gold Coast Convention) in achieving independence.

    He remarked, “After all, they [UGCC] brought Nkrumah; perhaps even if they had not brought him, he was going to come himself. Yet he was brought down to help them achieve independence. How can you take that away?”

  • List of 11-member committee to see to NPP’s manifesto launch

    List of 11-member committee to see to NPP’s manifesto launch

    The New Patriotic Party (NPP) has announced the formation of an 11-member committee tasked with overseeing the launch of its 2024 Manifesto.

    Scheduled for Sunday, August 18, 2024, in Takoradi, Western Region, the manifesto launch is a key event as the party prepares for the upcoming elections.

    The committee, which will handle the planning and execution of the manifesto launch, is chaired by Madam Oboshie Sai-Cofie. The full list of committee members includes:

    • Madam Oboshie Sai-Cofie (Chairperson)
    • Henry Nana Boakye
    • Ms. Abena Asante
    • Hon. Kojo Oppong-Nkrumah
    • Dr. Antoinette Tsibo-Darko
    • Mr. Dennis Miracles Aboagye
    • Hon. Anthony Abayifa Karbo
    • Alhaji Haruna Mohammed
    • Hon. Fati Abubakar
    • Madam Kate Gyamfua
    • Mr. Ndede Siaw

    This announcement was made in a statement dated Monday, August 5, 2024, and signed by the party’s General Secretary, Justin Kodua Frimpong.

    The committee’s role is pivotal in ensuring the successful organization and execution of the manifesto launch event.

  • NPP’s manifesto launch slated for August 18

    NPP’s manifesto launch slated for August 18

    The New Patriotic Party (NPP) has slated the launch of its 2024 Manifesto for Sunday, August 18, 2024, in Takoradi, Western Region.

    This announcement was made in a statement dated Monday, August 5, 2024, and signed by the party’s General Secretary, Justin Kodua Frimpong.

    In preparation for the Manifesto launch, the Party has formed an 11-member committee to manage the planning and execution of the event.

    The committee includes Madam Oboshie Sai-Cofie as Chairperson, alongside members such as Henry Nana Boakye, Ms. Abena Asante, Kojo Oppong-Nkrumah, Fati Abubakar, Anthony Abayifa Karbo, and five others.

    Meanwhile, the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC) has announced that its manifesto, outlining the party’s initiatives to advance the country’s economy, will be launched by the end of August.

    The NDC stated that the launch will take place in the Central Region. This announcement was made on Saturday, July 27, during the official launch of its campaign in Tamale, Northern Region.

    NEW-PATRIOTIC-PARTY-LAUNCHES-2024-MANIFESTO1Download
  • Gov’t misses Treasury Bills target by GHC559m

    Gov’t misses Treasury Bills target by GHC559m

    For the fourth consecutive week, the government has missed its treasury bills target, falling short by GHS 559.19 million due to tight liquidity conditions in the money market.

    Recent data from the Bank of Ghana (BoG) reveals diminished investor interest in T-bills, with total bids amounting to GHS 3.80 billion against a target of GHS 4.36 billion in the latest auction.

    The Bank of Ghana’s figures indicate that the majority of bids were for the 91-Day bill, with investors submitting approximately GHS 2.38 billion for this 3-month instrument, representing 62.7% of the total bids, all of which were accepted by the government.

    Additionally, the government received and accepted bids totaling GHS 1.17 billion for the 182-day bill.

    For the 364-day bill, the government accepted bids worth GHS 243.04 million in full. Despite the government’s efforts, the auction saw an under-subscription of about 12.82%, while interest rates remained relatively stable, averaging between 24% and 27%.

    Market analysts attribute this shortfall to the high auction targets. They also note that liquidity levels have been less robust following the recent Cash Reserve Ratio directive, leading investors to seek diversification options beyond T-bills.

  • July 1 will be a holiday again – Mahama promises Ghanaians

    July 1 will be a holiday again – Mahama promises Ghanaians

    The 2024 flagbearer for the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC), John Mahama, has pledged to reinstate July 1 as a national holiday in Ghana if he wins the upcoming elections.

    July 1, marking Ghana’s transition to a Republic in 1960, was an annual celebration until the Akufo-Addo administration altered its status, making it commemorative and replacing it with the August 4 Founders’ Day.

    During the second day of his tour in the Upper East Region, Mahama criticized President Akufo-Addo’s decision to shift the holiday from July 1 to August 4.

    He accused the current administration of attempting to “rewrite history” by replacing Republic Day with Founders’ Day, a change he vehemently opposes.

    “Apart from destroying the economy, one of the things this government wants to do is to rewrite our history, and we shall not allow them to rewrite our history because the president said he does not accept that one person can be the founder of our nation,” Mahama stated.

    “Nobody can come and rewrite our history. Indeed, for those of you who don’t know it, when the Queen finally agreed to give Ghana independence, the UGCC that Nana Akufo-Addo is fighting to be recognized as founders of Ghana wrote a petition. They sent people to England to tell the Queen not to grant independence because we are not ready yet.”

    This comes in the wake of President Akufo-Addo’s August 3 address, where he reignited the debate by asserting that Ghana was not founded by a single individual.

    Mahama assured that an NDC government would restore July 1 as a holiday to honor Ghana’s republic.

    “July 1 is our Republic Day and we also made it our senior citizens day. They have come to take the holiday from July 1 to August 4 which is the day the UGCC was founded.”

    “When we come to office, we will rectify those things. July 1 will be a holiday again,” he declared.

  • You can’t rewrite Ghana’s history – Mahama tells Akufo-Addo amid Nkrumah’s legacy saga

    You can’t rewrite Ghana’s history – Mahama tells Akufo-Addo amid Nkrumah’s legacy saga

    Former President John Dramani Mahama has criticized President Akufo-Addo for his recent comments regarding Ghana’s founders.

    During his address to the nation on August 3, President Akufo-Addo asserted that Dr. Kwame Nkrumah was not the sole founder of Ghana, stating, “I reject completely the notion that Ghana was founded by one man.”

    He added, “While Kwame Nkrumah’s contributions to our independence are undeniable, it is important to acknowledge for ourselves that the struggle for our nation’s freedom was a collective effort spanning several generations.”

    In response, Mr. Mahama emphasized that Ghana’s history is well-established and should be respected. “We all know the history and will follow our history. When we are elected, as president I promise you, we will reset all,” he asserted.

    Mahama elaborated, explaining that the United Gold Coast Convention (UGCC), which included J.B. Danquah among its members, historically opposed Ghana’s independence.

    “Apart from destroying the economy, one of the things this government wants to do is to rewrite our history, and we shall not allow them to rewrite our history because the president said he does not accept that one person can be the founder of our nation.”

    “Nobody can come and rewrite our history. Indeed, for those of you who don’t know it, when the Queen finally agreed to give Ghana independence, the UGCC that Nana Akufo-Addo is fighting to be recognised as founders of Ghana wrote a petition. They sent people to England to tell the queen not to grant independence because we are not ready yet,” he said.

    In 2019, Parliament enacted a law designating August 4 as Founders’ Day to honor all who contributed to Ghana’s path to independence. This law also established September 21 as Kwame Nkrumah Memorial Day, specifically recognizing Nkrumah’s significant contributions.

    The creation of Founders’ Day has sparked protests from some individuals and groups who argue that Nkrumah’s pivotal leadership deserves singular recognition. They contend that Dr. Nkrumah’s role in founding the country was unparalleled and should be solely acknowledged.

  • Give NPP another chance, we have learnt our lessons – Ken Agyapong to Ghanaians

    Give NPP another chance, we have learnt our lessons – Ken Agyapong to Ghanaians

    Kennedy Agyapong, Member of Parliament for Assin Central, has urged Ghanaians to give the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP) another chance in the upcoming 2024 general elections, assuring that the party has learnt from its past mistakes.

    Speaking at the launch of the NPP Ablekuma South Constituency election campaign, Agyapong emphasized the need for unity within the party and acknowledged the economic hardships currently facing the nation.

    “Let’s go out there with humility, apologise to Ghanaians, and admit your mistakes before you can convince anybody to vote for you. If we ignore the hardships Ghanaians are going through, they will never accept what we are saying,” Agyapong stated.

    “You first have to admit that there are hardships, let’s give NPP another chance, and I know we have all learnt our lessons.”

    Agyapong also stressed the importance of collective effort in supporting Dr. Bawumia, the NPP flagbearer, for a successful election.

    “We are all not going to sit back, we will all support Dr Bawumia to win,” he added.

  • “Let’s go out there with humility, apologise to Ghanaians” – Ken Agyapong tells NPP

    “Let’s go out there with humility, apologise to Ghanaians” – Ken Agyapong tells NPP

    Member of Parliament for Assin Central, Kennedy Agyapong, has called on the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP) to openly address the economic challenges currently facing the nation in their campaign for the 2024 General Elections.

    During the launch of the NPP Ablekuma South Constituency election campaign, Agyapong stressed the importance of party unity to secure a victory in the upcoming December 7 polls.

    “Let’s go out there with humility, apologise to Ghanaians, and admit your mistakes before you can convince anybody to vote for you. If we ignore the hardships Ghanaians are going through, they will never accept what we are saying,” he stated.

    “You first have to admit that there are hardships, let’s give NPP another chance, and I know we have all learnt our lessons.”

    Agyapong further emphasized the collective effort required for success, expressing his support for Dr. Bawumia, the NPP flagbearer.

    “We are all not going to sit back, we will all support Dr Bawumia to win,” he added.

  • Akropong, Wa Methodist Schools for the Blind get ICT labs from Bawumia

    Akropong, Wa Methodist Schools for the Blind get ICT labs from Bawumia

    Vice President Mahamudu Bawumia has inaugurated state-of-the-art ICT laboratories at the Akropong and Wa Methodist Schools for the Blind.

    During the ceremony at the Akropong School for the Blind, Dr. Bawumia also presented 104 specialized laptops to teachers to enhance their instructional capabilities.

    He called on stakeholders to prioritize the educational needs of persons with disabilities (PWDs), emphasizing that it is not only a national duty but also essential for Ghana to meet its international commitments.

    The government, he assured, is dedicated to finding innovative ways to support PWDs, including providing suitable teaching environments and necessary learning aids.

    Dr. Bawumia, known for his compassion towards the vulnerable, reiterated his dedication to aiding the disabled and disadvantaged.

    “As a nation, we aim to prioritize the development of children with special needs, aligning with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) to ensure inclusive and equitable quality education and lifelong learning opportunities for all,” he stated.

    “The ICT Lab we are commissioning today is more than a room of computers; it represents a world of possibilities, fostering creativity and providing hope for visually impaired students to confidently navigate the digital world.”

    “Today’s actions bring us closer to achieving our goal of inclusive education, ensuring access for all children regardless of their abilities.”

    Dr. Bawumia outlined his mission to prioritize special education, aiming to ease the burden on parents and guardians and improve school accessibility.

    “I have proposed and will advocate for the recruitment and training of at least 1,000 additional special education teachers, including training in language and speech therapy, as well as occupational and behavioral therapy,” he said.

    Mr. Sammi Awuku, CEO of the National Lottery Authority, commended Dr. Bawumia’s humanitarian efforts and urged the Ministry of Education, the Ghana Education Service, and other organizations to support special needs schools. He emphasized that children with unique abilities can significantly contribute to national development.

    Additionally, Mr. Awuku, the NPP Parliamentary Candidate for Akuapem North, donated 600 White Canes to the Akropong School for the Blind.

  • Part of KNUST Prempeh II Library catches fire due to faulty socket

    Part of KNUST Prempeh II Library catches fire due to faulty socket

    A fire erupted at the Prempeh II Library of Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST), causing chaos on the third floor due to a malfunctioning electrical socket.

    Firefighters promptly responded and extinguished the blaze, ensuring the safe evacuation of everyone present.

    Order has since been restored, and students have resumed their studies in preparation for the end-of-semester exams, starting tomorrow.

    Master Kane Nana Francis, the KNUST SRC President-Elect, addressed the students, highlighting essential safety measures during a fire and cautioning against overloading electrical sockets. He also stressed the importance of staying calm and avoiding panic in such situations.

    Thankfully, no casualties were reported.

    This incident comes just 10 days after another fire severely damaged a three-story accommodation facility, “Father Hostel,” at KNUST, destroying at least nine rooms and affecting 22 students and three teaching assistants.

  • 2 severely injured in ghastly accident on Taifa highway

    2 severely injured in ghastly accident on Taifa highway

    A vehicular accident on the Taifa Highway has left two individuals severely injured.

    The incident involved a blue Toyota Camry spider, registered as DV 2982 A, which was being test-driven by two mechanics.

    The vehicle was extensively damaged in the crash, which is believed to have been caused by excessive speed. The front seat passenger sustained critical injuries, and the driver was also badly hurt.

    Eyewitnesses at the scene managed to rescue the injured occupants from the wreckage.

    Both victims have been rushed to a nearby hospital for immediate medical attention.

  • Mahama promises quality Free SHS in next NDC govt

    Mahama promises quality Free SHS in next NDC govt

    Former President John Mahama has reaffirmed his commitment to addressing the challenges of the Free Senior High School (SHS) policy without abolishing it.

    Speaking at a rally in Binduri during the first phase of his 2024 election campaign in the Upper East Region, Mahama emphasized that the policy would be maintained but with improved implementation to enhance education quality.

    “Anyone claiming that JM will scrap free SHS is lying. Free SHS is here to stay, but we will enhance its implementation to ensure quality,” Mahama asserted.

    The 2024 NDC Flagbearer outlined plans to invest in completing abandoned school projects and expanding existing facilities to provide the necessary infrastructure for the policy. This initiative aims to eliminate the double-track system and increase contact hours for students.

    “I assure you, we will invest in and complete all abandoned E-Blocks. We will also expand current school facilities to create more access for Ghanaian children. This will help end the double-track system, so our children do not have to stay home for extended periods,” he said.

    Addressing the issue of irregular food supply in secondary schools, Mahama proposed allowing headteachers to procure food locally rather than relying on the national buffer stock. This change aims to ensure quality meals for students and support local economies.

    Additionally, Mahama pledged to create job opportunities for the youth if elected. He urged voters to support him and his parliamentary candidates to secure a majority in Parliament, which he said is crucial for economic transformation.

    Accompanying the former President were Professor Joshua Alabi, his National Campaign Manager, Zebilla MP Cletus Avoka, Bawku Central MP Mahama Ayariga, Binduri Parliamentary candidate Issifu Mahoud, his spokesperson Joyce Bawah Mogtari, and other party executives.

  • Mahama supports Bawku Naba’s request for a new region from Upper East region

    Mahama supports Bawku Naba’s request for a new region from Upper East region

    John Dramani Mahama, the National Democratic Congress (NDC) flagbearer, has unveiled plans to establish a new region from the Upper East Region if he is elected.

    During his visit to the Bawku Naba’s palace, Mahama announced that a proposal has been submitted to the Speaker of Parliament through Bawku’s Member of Parliament, Mahama Ayariga.

    Mahama argued that forming a new region would address critical issues, including the ongoing security crisis in Bawku and the creation of more job opportunities.

    He pointed out that the Bawku area’s land size and population are comparable to or even exceed those of the North East Region, making a compelling case for a new region.

    He stressed that the aim of creating new regions and districts is to decentralize governance and enhance security.

    “I discussed something with him. Your Member of Parliament, I’m aware he has written a letter to the Speaker requesting that another region should be created out of the Upper East Region to cover the six constituencies in the Bawku area,” Mahama said.

    “Bawku Naba raised it with me, and I told him in principle I think it’s a good idea for two reasons. One, for the reason of bringing government closer to the people.”

    He continued, “That’s the principal reason for which we create new regions and new districts. And then the second reason is for security. Bawku is a special security zone because of the issues that have been happening here. And so it would be a good proposal to have a region so that it can be a focus to make sure that we deal with the security issues as well as we can.”

    Mahama further elaborated, “And so, I don’t think it’s out of place because the criteria are dependent on population, they are dependent on land size, and they are dependent on economic viability.”

  • Akufo-Addo’s Jubilee House is the headquarters of misinformation – Mahama

    Akufo-Addo’s Jubilee House is the headquarters of misinformation – Mahama

    Flagbearer of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), John Mahama, has labeled Jubilee House, the seat of government, as the “headquarters of misinformation.”

    He accused the Presidency of fabricating false stories, distorting facts, and spreading these distortions via social media.

    Mahama’s remarks came as a response to President Akufo-Addo’s claims that his political adversaries are running a coordinated misinformation campaign against him and the NPP.

    At the Ghana Report Summit, which focused on tackling misinformation and disinformation in the forthcoming election, President Akufo-Addo cited the ‘Agyapadie‘ document, alleging it was part of an effort to tarnish his image.

    However, speaking to NDC supporters in the Upper East Region, Mahama dismissed these accusations and urged President Akufo-Addo to focus on addressing misinformation emanating from his own office.

    “The President condemned misinformation and cited the ‘Agyapadie’ document as an example. However, what the President might not realize is that his office, the Flagstaff House, is the headquarters of misinformation,” Mahama said.

    Dr. Omane Boamah, the NDC’s Director of Elections, who was also present, responded to the President’s allegations. He argued that the opposition is not responsible for any negative campaign against the government and suggested the

    President reflect on the ‘Agyapadie’ document. Dr. Boamah questioned the accuracy of the document’s predictions about the President’s actions if they weren’t based on observed behavior.

    He stressed that instead of blaming the opposition, the President should consider how his actions have seemingly aligned with the negative predictions in the document.

    “How come I campaigned to protect the public purse? How come I campaigned to develop Ghana? Yet this document is indicating that I came only for my people and for my clan? If I were the president, I’d be more concerned,” Dr. Boamah stated.

    He urged the President to reflect on why people are citing the document as evidence of his administration’s actions. “Instead of the President hastily blaming the opposition party, the President should have a sober reflection about the content of the ‘Agyapadie’ document as people are pushing out there and check how come he has fallen so low to have manifested these things in his government such that today, people who have read a document are saying that ‘ah, that is the evidence’,” he added.

    Dr. Boamah also criticized the President for consistently blaming the NDC for various issues, including the country’s economic challenges.

  • Sammy Awuku aims for 70% votes in Akuapem North

    Sammy Awuku aims for 70% votes in Akuapem North

    Director General of the National Lotteries Authority and the New Patriotic Party (NPP) Parliamentary Candidate for the Akuapem North Constituency, Sammy Awuku, has set an ambitious goal for the December 7 parliamentary elections.

    Mr Awuku aims to secure 70 percent of the total votes, building on the party’s 55 percent win in the 2020 elections under MP Abena Dokua.

    Addressing party faithfuls after the Ofie Mega Walk in Akropong, he expressed confidence in the NPP’s strategic planning, which he believes will outmaneuver the National Democratic Congress (NDC).

    “Today, with the launch of our campaign by Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia in the Akuapem North constituency, we reflect on our 55% parliamentary vote in 2020. As we gear up for the 2024 elections, our focus is on securing 70% of the votes through strategic planning,” he said.

    Mr Awuku attributed the NPP’s anticipated victory to their robust strategy, which he claimed the NDC would not comprehend. He praised Dr. Bawumia’s energy and dedication, urging the youth to prioritize their future and prepare psychologically and strategically for the election.

    “The NPP’s victory will be driven by our solid strategy, which the NDC will not understand. Dr. Bawumia’s energy and dedication inspire us all. I implore the youth to prioritize their future above any other thing,” Awuku stated.

    He further emphasized that the NPP would not be intimidated by the NDC, calling on the youth wing to be ready for the challenges ahead.

    “In Salam Mustapha’s Youth Wing, we have a well-oiled, resourced and competent youth machinery to produce victory in 2024. But this election, the youth wing of the NPP must be psychologically prepared and strategically positioned to ensure victory is achieved. I want to tell the NDC, we will not be intimidated,” he asserted.

    Awuku assured supporters that the election would be conducted fairly and warned that if the NDC lost, they might take the results to court. Drawing from his own legal experience, he expressed confidence that the results would stand firm.

    “This election will be conducted fairly. If they lose, they will, as usual, take it to court. Having experienced contempt proceedings previously, I am well-versed in court matters. Therefore, no one can dispute the results. I want to assure you a vote for Dr. Bawumia is a vote for your future,” Awuku concluded.

  • Southampton reject Liverpool’s offer for Carvalho

    Southampton reject Liverpool’s offer for Carvalho

    Liverpool have turned down a £15 million offer from Southampton for Fabio Carvalho.

    Southampton has shown long-standing interest in the 21-year-old forward, but their bid is far below what Liverpool would accept for a permanent transfer.

    Carvalho has impressed during Liverpool’s pre-season tour in the United States, scoring in victories over Arsenal and Manchester United.

    New Liverpool manager Arne Slot is keen on utilizing Carvalho in his 4-2-3-1 formation unless a significantly higher offer persuades the club to sell.

    Slot, who has had the chance to assess his young players due to the late arrivals of some squad members, has seen standout performances from Carvalho and defender Sepp van den Berg.

    Despite Carvalho’s strong showing, his first-team opportunities might be limited once key forwards like Luis Diaz, Darwin Nunez, and Cody Gakpo return from their extended breaks following the Copa America and Euro 2024.

    Several other clubs have expressed interest in Carvalho, who spent the previous season on loan at RB Leipzig and Hull City. He netted nine goals in 20 games for Hull City, and while another loan move is an option, it would be considered a last resort.

  • I will probe 2023 military brutalities in Garu – Mahama

    I will probe 2023 military brutalities in Garu – Mahama

    Flagbearer of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), John Mahama, has pledged that if he wins the 2024 elections, his administration will investigate the military brutality that occurred in Garu, Upper East Region, in 2023.

    On the first day of his Upper East region tour, Mr. Mahama visited the constituencies of Bawku Central, Pusiga, Timpani, and Garu. His key messages included plans for a 24-hour economy, prioritizing peace in Bawku, and addressing other regional concerns.

    During his visit to the Garu constituency, Mr. Mahama emphasized the NDC’s commitment to justice and accountability. The October 2023 incident resulted in the death of one person after soldiers responded violently to an attack on National Security operatives by a vigilante group.

    Mr. Mahama assured that, if elected, he would ensure justice for the victims of the Garu incident. He presented a monetary donation to the widow of one of the victims.

    “There was an incident where some of our people were brutalized and one was killed. He left a wife and children. This evening, I gave a small donation to be given to his wife to look after the children, but when we come into government, we will conduct an inquiry into it so that it doesn’t happen again,” he said.

    “We must learn the lessons from what happened so that tomorrow it will not repeat itself. And so when we come, we will do an inquiry. The most important thing for us when we come into office is peace in Bawku,“ he added.

    Additionally, Mr. Mahama proposed building dormitory blocks for senior high schools with large catchment areas to help students who struggle with daily commutes.

    “Our policy is that for the community day schools that have a big catchment area where the students cannot commute daily, we will build dormitory blocks so that the students can stay in the school,” he said.

    He also promised to complete the Eastern Corridor Road to improve access between the Northern and Southern parts of the country.

    “If you have to go down south, it is the shortest and fastest way to go to Accra. So I can assure you that when we come, the Eastern Corridor will be one of our priorities. I know the economy is in a mess, but we are going to prioritize so that it is a project that we can achieve in the shortest possible time.”

    At the palace of the chief of Pusiga, Mr. Mahama vowed to eliminate secret recruitment practices in state security agencies.

    “In Ghana, we have one policeman to almost 1,000 people. So it means that there is space for us to recruit more police officers, and we’re not going to do secret recruitment like these people are doing. They don’t advertise, and before you know it, people are training. They pick their own favorites and are training them, and all the other youth don’t get the opportunity. This time, when we’re going to recruit, we will bring the recruiters here to your region. So you don’t have to travel to Accra or anywhere,” he said.

  • Mahama couldn’t visit due to ongoing conflict – Ayariga tells Bawku youth

    Mahama couldn’t visit due to ongoing conflict – Ayariga tells Bawku youth

    Member of Parliament for Bawku Central, Mahama Ayariga, has revealed that the ongoing conflict in Bawku prevented his party’s presidential candidate from visiting the town during a regional tour.

    According to Mr. Ayariga, NDC’s John Mahama was advised by security experts to avoid the conflict zone to ensure the safety of his entourage and the local residents who intended to join his team.

    Speaking on Woezor TV on Saturday, August 3, Mr. Ayariga apologized to the angry youth who subsequently went on a rampage.

    “John Dramani Mahama couldn’t drive through the town yesterday. We had to bypass the town because many youths wanted to follow him, and driving through the town with them posed a risk. My uncle also had difficulties attending the rally, and the youth demanded that John Dramani Mahama come to them. However, the security situation was not promising, and we didn’t want to trigger any incidents. When we decided to avoid the town, the youth were very bitter, and they burned posters of me and John Mahama. It hurts, but we were advised by security experts not to take the risk,” he explained.

    His comments follow viral videos of NDC youth in Natinga burning party paraphernalia, including posters of the parliamentary and presidential candidates.

    Sources indicate that the youth were upset with the NDC flagbearer’s inability to visit the Chief of Bawku and other traditional leaders.

    Apologizing for the oversight, Mr. Ayariga further explained that the entourage faced time constraints.

    “We had already made four stops, exceeding the two allotted, and we had far surpassed the time allocated to Bawku,” he added.

    He assured that Mr. Mahama would visit the town as part of his campaign across the country.

    “We appreciate the love for the party and the desire to host the flagbearer. I assure them that this is just the beginning of the campaign. The flagbearer, H.E. John Dramani Mahama, will surely visit Natinga in due course.”

  • Paris Olympics 2024 medal table

    Paris Olympics 2024 medal table

    Today marks the 9th day of the Paris 2024 Olympics.

    So far, China has the most gold medals, 16, followed by the United States of America, with 14. But the latter has the most medals won in the tournament so far with 64.

    Egypt, Jamaica, South Africa, and Uganda are among the African countries with medals.

    Below is a medal table by BBC Sports showcasing the countries with their respective medals earned so far.

    RankCountryGoldSilverBronzeTotal
    1China1612937
    2United States14252362
    3France12141642
    4Australia128727
    5Great Britain10101434
    6South Korea107623
    7Japan85922
    8Italy68519
    9Netherlands64414
    10Germany55212
    11Canada44816
    12Romania3317
    13Hungary3227
    14Ireland3025
    15New Zealand2417
    16Croatia2114
    17Belgium2024
    17Hong Kong2024
    19Azerbaijan2002
    20Brazil14510
    21Israel1416
    22Sweden1225
    23Georgia1203
    24Spain1157
    25Switzerland1146
    26Kazakhstan1124
    26South Africa1124
    28Ukraine1113
    29Uzbekistan1023
    30Czech Republic1012
    30Guatemala1012
    32Argentina1001
    32Dominica1001
    32Ecuador1001
    32Norway1001
    32Philippines1001
    32St Lucia1001
    32Serbia1001
    32Slovenia1001
    32Uganda1001
    41North Korea0213
    41Mexico0213
    43Greece0134
    43Poland0134
    45Jamaica0112
    45Kosovo0112
    45Turkey0112
    48Denmark0101
    48Ethiopia0101
    48Fiji0101
    48Mongolia0101
    48Tunisia0101
    53India0033
    54Chinese Taipei0022
    54Dominican Republic0022
    54Moldova0022
    54Tajikistan0022
    58Austria0011
    58Egypt0011
    58Grenada0011
    58Indonesia0011
    58Lithuania0011
    58Portugal0011
    58Slovakia0011
    65Afghanistan0000
    65Albania0000
    65Algeria0000
    65American Samoa0000
    65Andorra0000
    65Angola0000
    65Antigua and Barbuda0000
    65Armenia0000
    65Aruba0000
    65Bahamas0000
    65Bahrain0000
    65Bangladesh0000
    65Barbados0000
    65Belize0000
    65Benin0000
    65Bermuda0000
    65Bhutan0000
    65Bolivia0000
    65Bosnia-Herzegovina0000
    65Botswana0000
    65Brunei0000
    65Bulgaria0000
    65Burkina Faso0000
    65Burundi0000
    65Cape Verde0000
    65Cambodia0000
    65Cameroon0000
    65Cayman Islands0000
    65Central African Republic0000
    65Chad0000
    65Chile0000
    65Colombia0000
    65Comoros0000
    65Congo0000
    65Cook Islands0000
    65Costa Rica0000
    65Ivory Coast0000
    65Cuba0000
    65Cyprus0000
    65Djibouti0000
    65DR Congo0000
    65El Salvador0000
    65Refugee Olympic Team0000
    65Equatorial Guinea0000
    65Eritrea0000
    65Estonia0000
    65Eswatini0000
    65Finland0000
    65Gabon0000
    65Gambia0000
    65Ghana0000
    65Guam0000
    65Guinea0000
    65Guinea-Bissau0000
    65Guyana0000
    65Haiti0000
    65Honduras0000
    65Iceland0000
    65Iran0000
    65Iraq0000
    65Jordan0000
    65Kenya0000
    65Kiribati0000
    65Kuwait0000
    65Kyrgyzstan0000
    65Laos0000
    65Latvia0000
    65Lebanon0000
    65Lesotho0000
    65Liberia0000
    65Libya0000
    65Liechtenstein0000
    65Luxembourg0000
    65Madagascar0000
    65Malawi0000
    65Malaysia0000
    65Maldives0000
    65Mali0000
    65Malta0000
    65Marshall Islands0000
    65Mauritania0000
    65Mauritius0000
    65Micronesia0000
    65Monaco0000
    65Montenegro0000
    65Morocco0000
    65Mozambique0000
    65Myanmar0000
    65Namibia0000
    65Nauru0000
    65Nepal0000
    65Nicaragua0000
    65Niger0000
    65Nigeria0000
    65North Macedonia0000
    65Oman0000
    65Pakistan0000
    65Palau0000
    65Palestine0000
    65Panama0000
    65Papua New Guinea0000
    65Paraguay0000
    65Peru0000
    65Puerto Rico0000
    65Qatar0000
    65Rwanda0000
    65Samoa0000
    65San Marino0000
    65Sao Tome and Principe0000
    65Saudi Arabia0000
    65Senegal0000
    65Seychelles0000
    65Sierra Leone0000
    65Singapore0000
    65Solomon Islands0000
    65Somalia0000
    65South Sudan0000
    65Sri Lanka0000
    65St Kitts and Nevis0000
    65St Vincent and the Grenadines0000
    65Sudan0000
    65Suriname0000
    65Syria0000
    65Tanzania0000
    65Thailand0000
    65East Timor0000
    65Togo0000
    65Tonga0000
    65Trinidad and Tobago0000
    65Turkmenistan0000
    65Tuvalu0000
    65United Arab Emirates0000
    65Uruguay0000
    65Vanuatu0000
    65Venezuela0000
    65Vietnam0000
    65British Virgin Islands0000
    65American Virgin Islands0000
    65Yemen0000
    65Zambia0000
    65Zimbabwe0000
  • British trio progress in Women’s 200m at Paris 2024 Olympics

    British trio progress in Women’s 200m at Paris 2024 Olympics

    Great Britain’s Daryll Neita, Dina Asher-Smith, and Bianca Williams all advanced to the semi-finals of the women’s 200m at Paris 2024, following the withdrawal of world champion Shericka Jackson.

    Neita, who narrowly missed out on a 100m podium finish, coming in fourth, clocked 22.39 seconds in her 200m heat. Julien Alfred of St Lucia, who won gold in the 100m, continued her strong performance with a time of 22.41 seconds.

    Asher-Smith, who was disappointed with her 100m result, ran 22.28 seconds, finishing second in her heat behind Nigeria’s Favour Ofili. Williams qualified with a time of 22.77 seconds.

    An emotional Asher-Smith expressed her frustration after the 100m, stating to BBC Sport: “I’m just angry from yesterday to be honest. I was angry but coming down the home straight I was like ‘relax, relax.’ Yeah, I’m very upset,” she added.

    Jamaican sprinter Jackson, the reigning world 200m champion, withdrew from the event, shifting the spotlight to American Gabrielle Thomas, who is now the favourite for gold. Thomas, the fastest woman in the 200m this year, set the fastest time of the first round with 22.20 seconds.

    Alfred, celebrating her historic gold in the 100m, won her 200m heat with a time of 22.41 seconds. Jackson’s withdrawal from the 200m has opened up the competition, especially with reigning champion Elaine Thompson-Herah out due to an Achilles tendon injury.

    Neita, reflecting on her performance, told BBC Sport: “It feels like I went to sleep here [at the track] last night. It has been a quick turnaround. Fourth was so bittersweet. I’ve had a little sleep on it and honestly I’m really proud of myself. It gives me so much confidence and a lot of motivation going into tomorrow.”

    In other events, Lina Nielsen qualified for the women’s 400m hurdles semi-finals with a time of 54.65 seconds, while Jessie Knight will have to go through a repechage after finishing fifth with 55.39 seconds. Femke Bol won her heat with 53.38 seconds, securing a mixed 4x400m relay gold for the Netherlands. Defending champion Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone won her heat in 53.60 seconds, setting up a potential gold-medal showdown with Bol.

    Great Britain’s Elizabeth Bird advanced to the women’s 3,000m steeplechase final with a time of 9:16.46, while Aimee Pratt did not qualify. Jacob Fincham-Dukes reached the men’s long jump final with a qualifying leap of 7.96m, while Miltiadis Tentoglou led the qualifiers with a jump of 8.32m.

  • GHC18m given to National Security Minister quarterly to address Bawku conflict – Mahama Ayariga

    GHC18m given to National Security Minister quarterly to address Bawku conflict – Mahama Ayariga

    Member of Parliament for Bawku Central, Mahama Ayariga, has accused National Security Minister Albert Kan Dapaah of receiving GH¢18 million every quarter to manage the ongoing conflict in Bawku.

    Mr Ayariga claimed that the current administration, particularly the National Security Ministry, is profiting from the ongoing strife in Bawku.

    He criticized the situation as both outrageous and unacceptable, suggesting that the government is capitalizing on the conflict while the local population suffers in poverty and hardship.

    In an interview with Waezor TV on August 4, Mr Ayariga asserted that the GH¢18 million allocated quarterly is meant to support various security operations aimed at restoring peace in the area.

    However, he raised concerns about whether these funds are being effectively utilized or reaching their intended purposes.

    Albert Kan-Dapaah, the Minister for National Security

    Ayariga demanded greater transparency and accountability in the handling of these funds and called for a thorough audit to ensure the resources are being used appropriately to address the conflict.

    “For a long time, Bawku has struggled with insecurity, which I believe stems largely from the NPP’s promises. According to a reliable and credible report I have reviewed, the National Security Minister is allocated GH¢18 million quarterly for managing the Bawku conflict. This equates to GH¢6 million per month, yet the local people continue to endure poverty,” he stated.

    This allegation has generated significant public interest and concern, as the Bawku conflict remains a critical issue for Ghana.

    The National Security Minister is yet to react to the allegation levelled against him.

    The conflict, rooted in ethnic and chieftaincy disputes, has caused numerous casualties and widespread instability in the region.

    Multiple stakeholders, including government agencies, traditional leaders, and civil society organizations, have been involved in efforts to resolve the crisis, but the situation remains precarious.

  • Liverpool beat Man Utd in friendly

    Liverpool beat Man Utd in friendly

    Liverpool wrapped up their three-match tour of the US with a perfect record, capping it off with a convincing 3-0 victory over Manchester United in Columbia.

    Playing before a record crowd of 77,559 at the Williams-Brice Stadium—the largest attendance for a non-US football match—Liverpool took the lead early when Fabio Carvalho capitalized on a defensive lapse by Casemiro to score in the 10th minute.

    Mohamed Salah extended Liverpool’s advantage in the 36th minute. His skillful control and burst down the wing allowed him to deliver a low cross to Curtis Jones, who finished neatly.

    Konstantinos Tsimikas added a third goal in the 61st minute after Andre Onana failed to secure Diogo Jota’s initial shot, allowing Tsimikas to pounce on the rebound.

    New manager Arne Slot, who replaced Jurgen Klopp, will take positive notes from this pre-season success. However, Slot will understand that his real assessment will begin with the Premier League opener against newly promoted Ipswich on August 17.

    For Manchester United, the match was further marred by a serious injury to young defender Will Fish, who had to be stretchered off after a collision with Harvey Blair.

    United’s tour concluded with two defeats to Premier League sides, following a previous loss to Arsenal, although they managed a victory against Real Betis in between.

    Both Liverpool and United will look forward to the return of their key players from Euro 2024 and Copa America as they resume training next week.

  • e-Justice system: 116 additional courts automated, tally now 228

    e-Justice system: 116 additional courts automated, tally now 228

    A total of 116 courts have recently been automated, raising the nationwide count to 228. This initiative aims to enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of recording court proceedings.

    At the third Chief Justice’s Meeting with the Judicial Press Corps (JPC), Mr. Noble Kekeli Nutifafa, Director of ICT at the Judicial Service, reported that as of July 2024, 71,781 cases had been filed through the e-Justice system.

    The e-Justice, also known as Paperless Courts, is part of the government’s e-Transform Programme designed to modernize the court’s manual filing processes.

    The e-Justice system facilitates e-filing of cases, e-payment, and document requests related to court decisions. The initiative is set to be expanded to all high courts across the country. Additionally, an e-bail tracking system has been developed to monitor surety documents and track the movement of documents within the Registries.

    Mr. Nutifafa highlighted the introduction of a Document Management System aimed at improving information retrieval, preservation, data management, cost efficiency, transparency, and disaster recovery.

    Upcoming projects include the implementation of e-signatures/digital signatures, court alerts and notifications, National Transcription Centers, an Electronic Case Management System, a Digitalised Land Database, and a speech-to-text mechanism.

    Chief Justice Gertrude Sackey Torkornoo announced that on August 6, 2024, the Small Claims Debt Recovery Courts would be launched in the Greater Accra and Ashanti Regions.

    These courts will initially operate on a pilot basis and have been established with the support of Quick Credit and Investment Micro-Credit Limited. The goal is to expedite trials and reduce the backlog of cases.

    The Chief Justice also noted that the Judicial Service is focusing on digitizing its operations to address land litigation issues. An expert committee, including judges and surveyors, will be formed to develop strategies aimed at reducing land-related disputes.

  • Street hawkers are a seriously underrated, underutilised marketing and distribution channel – Bright Simons

    Street hawkers are a seriously underrated, underutilised marketing and distribution channel – Bright Simons

    Bright Simons, Honorary Vice President of IMANI Africa, has highlighted the untapped potential of street hawkers as a powerful yet undervalued marketing and distribution channel.

    In a recent post on X, Simons emphasized that street hawkers have emerged as a cost-effective advertising medium for new brands navigating highly competitive markets.

    He stated, “I once wrote about why I feel that itinerant traders (aka hawkers) are a seriously underrated & underutilised marketing & distribution channel. Now, they’ve become a low-cost advertising channel for new brands in competitive cutthroat markets like insurance too.”

    Mr Simons referred to an article titled “Profit-making Idea: Converting Street Hawkers into Powerful Marketing Activators.” He was asked by How we made it in Africa, to identify an untapped business opportunity in Africa and responded with his vision for leveraging street hawkers.

    “Someone has to build a solution that turns hawkers into a far more productive activation force for businesses. Such a solution shall blend micro-incentives, biometrics, peer-to-peer meshes and similar tools to create a much more generalised agency platform, than is the case with the various [multi-level marketing] schemes milling about in urban Africa,” Simons suggested.

    He elaborated on the challenges faced by African business models that rely on large teams for door-to-door activations, noting that these approaches are often costly and inefficient. Simons proposed that companies could benefit from collaborating with an extensive network of experienced micro-entrepreneurs, such as street hawkers, to reduce costs and share risks.

    “The best way out is for companies to share the costs and risks by using an organically formed network of micro-entrepreneurs hardened by experience and relatively skilled in customer interfacing. Converting the teeming hawkers on the streets of Accra, Nairobi, and Lagos into powerful brigades of marketing activators can seriously disrupt many industries, including banking, private health/education, hospitality, insurance, and more, that are currently struggling for their next infusion of animal spirits,” he concluded.

  • Sammy Gyamfi accuses AG of causing financial loss to the state

    Sammy Gyamfi accuses AG of causing financial loss to the state

    National Communications Officer for the National Democratic Congress (NDC), Sammy Gyamfi, has accused Attorney General Godfred Yeboah Dame of inflicting substantial financial loss on the state through his management of the ambulance case.

    Mr. Gyamfi claims that the Attorney General’s primary focus in the case should have been recovering the allegedly lost funds. Instead, he argues that Mr. Yeboah Dame prioritized the prosecution of the first accused, Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson.

    In an interview on Joy FM’s Newsfile, Mr. Gyamfi highlighted that a third party, Big Sea, had initially offered to pay €2 million of the €2.37 million in dispute. However, the Attorney General rejected this offer. According to Gyamfi, this rejection reveals the true intent behind the case.

    “It is clear that Attorney General Godfred Yeboah Dame has occasioned a huge financial loss to the state, because any prosecutor who is prosecuting an offence of willfully causing financial loss to the state, your number one goal ought to be the possible recovery of the loss you alleged has been occasioned,” Gyamfi stated.

    He continued, “So if a third party says ‘without prejudice to the rights of any of the accused, this matter can impact my reputation so I want to pay this money to you,’ your first inclination is to accept that offer. But you see, because the objective of going after Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson was persecution and not prosecution, he was not interested in the recovery of the money.”

    Gyamfi also recounted how Richard Jakpa, the third accused, supported Big Sea’s offer and sought to negotiate a plea bargain, but these attempts were repeatedly dismissed by the Attorney General.

    “Jakpa writes to say, we are adopting the offer, and again AG rejected it claiming the terms are not acceptable. And Jakpa writes again to amend the terms to make it more favourable and Godfred Dame says he is not interested,” Gyamfi explained. “And his reason was that ‘until you convince Ato Forson to join this plea bargain, I am not accepting it.’”

    With the case recently dismissed by the Court of Appeal, Gyamfi believes the Attorney General’s refusal to accept the plea deal resulted in a financial loss for the state and displayed a clear bias against Dr. Forson rather than a genuine effort to address the financial issue.

    “We can confidently say that the person they were targeting was Dr. Forson,” Gyamfi concluded.

  • IMF to hand over new board seat to Sub-Saharan Africa on Nov. 1

    IMF to hand over new board seat to Sub-Saharan Africa on Nov. 1

    The IMF Board of Governors, the highest authority within the International Monetary Fund, has passed a resolution to expand its Executive Board by adding a 25th seat specifically for Sub-Saharan Africa.

    This decision comes in response to a recommendation from the International Monetary and Financial Committee during the 2023 Annual Meetings in Marrakech, which advocated for a new chair to enhance Sub-Saharan Africa’s representation and to improve the overall regional balance on the Board.

    “The Board of Governors have taken an important step towards creating an additional 25th chair at our Executive Board to increase Sub-Saharan Africa’s representation in IMF decision making, to make our Board more inclusive, and to reflect the region’s role in the global economy,” stated IMF Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva.

    To adjust the size of the Executive Board, the resolution required approval from 85 percent of the total voting power of the Fund’s membership. The resolution successfully surpassed this requirement.

    The expanded Executive Board, featuring 25 Executive Directors, will commence its duties on November 1, 2024.

  • Homowo: Ban on noise-making takes effect tomorrow

    Homowo: Ban on noise-making takes effect tomorrow

    The La Traditional Council’s (LTC) noise-making ban in celebration of the annual Homowo festival, which will be observed in the Greater Accra Region, takes effect tomorrow, Monday, August 5.

    The ban is slated to end on Friday, August 30, 2024.

    The Council has issued a notice reminding churches, hotels, restaurants, and other businesses within the La Traditional Area to adhere strictly to these guidelines during this period.

    The Council emphasized that violations will result in penalties.

    The ban affects the following areas; Latownship, Kaajaand, Labone, Cantonments, Flagstaff House Area, 37 Military Hospital Area, Tse-Addo, Burma Camp, Legon, Shiashi, Bawaleshi, Okponglo, Mpenhuasem, Ogbojo, Ashale Botwe, Agbogba, Madina-
    Nkwantanan-Atiman, Adentan, Oyarifa, Teiman, Ayili Mensah, Frafraha, Amanfro, Ashiye, Amrahia, and Maale Jo.

    Homowo Festival is a significant event celebrated by the Ga people that symbolizes “hooting at hunger.”

    The festival is traditionally preceded by a month-long ban on drumming and noise-making to ensure a period of peace and reflection.

    The Homowo Festival is a time of great cultural significance and communal celebration for the Ga people.

    It commemorates their ancestors’ triumph over famine and is marked by feasting, dancing, and other traditional activities.

  • Tinubu wants Nigerian protests against economic hardship to end

    Tinubu wants Nigerian protests against economic hardship to end

    Nigeria’s President Bola Tinubu has called for a halt to protests over the rising cost of living, urging citizens to allow room for dialogue.

    This marks his first public statement since demonstrators began taking to the streets last week.

    Amnesty International reported that at least 13 people were killed in clashes with security forces on the first day of protests on Thursday. Police, however, denied using excessive force and stated that seven people had died as of Saturday.

    The casualties included four individuals killed by an explosive device during a march in Borno state, two struck by a car, and one shot by a guard during a shop looting.

    In a televised address, Tinubu appealed for an end to the violence that has erupted in several states since the protests began, emphasizing his willingness to engage in dialogue.

    “My dear Nigerians, especially our youth, I have heard you loud and clear. I understand the pain and frustration that drive these protests, and I want to assure you that our government is committed to listening and addressing the concerns of our citizens,” he stated.

    Nigerians have been using social media to organize protests against economic hardships and poor governance, demanding reductions in petrol prices and electricity tariffs, among other issues.

    Tinubu, who assumed office in May 2023, defended his economic reforms, including a partial rollback of petrol and electricity subsidies and the devaluation of the naira, as essential steps to address years of economic mismanagement.

    He noted that government revenues had more than doubled to 9.1 trillion naira ($5.65 billion) in the first half of this year, with 68% of revenue now allocated to debt servicing, down from 97% before he took office.

    The president also highlighted increased government spending on infrastructure projects, a new loan scheme for university students, and the construction of thousands of housing units across Nigeria’s 36 states.

    “But we must not let violence and destruction tear our nation apart,” Tinubu cautioned.

  • Network challenge mars EC’s mop-up voter registration exercise in New Juaben South

    Network challenge mars EC’s mop-up voter registration exercise in New Juaben South

    Network signal fluctuations hampered the mop-up voter registration exercise in the New Juaben South Municipality on Friday, leading the Electoral Commission (EC) to reschedule the registration of 12 individuals to Saturday, August 3, 2024.

    Mr. Abraham Dautey, the New Juaben South Municipal Technician for the EC, informed the Ghana News Agency that network issues had been affecting the mop-up exercise since it began on Thursday, August 1.

    “Today the network signal went off as early as 11 a.m. and came back at 2:45 p.m. I can’t say it’s because of the continuous shower of rain because the other station is not facing any network signal loss,” he explained.

    Aside from the network problems, Mr. Dautey reported that the registration process at the three centers was proceeding smoothly, with no incidents of double registration attempts.

    “We have three stations where the registration is ongoing. Two stations at the EC office and one at the Koforidua Technical University. The two stations at the EC office faced the network challenges,” he noted.

    By August 2, 2024, a total of 339 applicants, including students and workers who missed the previous registration period, had been successfully registered as eligible voters.

    Mr. Isaac Minta Larbi, the Eastern Regional Director of Legal Affairs for the National Democratic Congress, criticized the EC for failing to ensure a stable network signal during the registration exercise.

    “We are in a world where the network defeats all weather conditions so if you live in a country where the weather defeats your network then you’re far behind,” he remarked.

    Mr. Larbi emphasized the importance of capturing all eligible voters before the three-day mop-up exercise concluded, stressing that citizens could not afford delays since an extension was not guaranteed.

    Conversely, Mr. Obeng Marnu, the New Juaben South Constituency Organizer for the New Patriotic Party, commended the EC for maintaining a safe and efficient registration process despite the adverse weather conditions.

  • Diver drowns in attempt to fix malfunctioning pontoon engine on Oti River

    Diver drowns in attempt to fix malfunctioning pontoon engine on Oti River

    A 42-year-old diver tragically lost his life in the Oti River while attempting to fix a pontoon’s faulty engine.

    The incident took place at Dambai, where the diver was part of a team working to resolve mechanical issues with the vessel.

    According to reports, the diver was trying to address the engine problem when he suddenly drowned, as recounted by eyewitness Francis Gago Sena to Adom News.

    Although the Ghana Navy rescue team responded promptly, their efforts to save him were in vain.

    The death of the diver, who was not only skilled in his profession but also a cherished husband and father, has left the Dambai community in deep sorrow.

    His body has been taken to the Worawora Government morgue, where an autopsy will be performed.

  • VIDEO: Akufo-Addo tackles Nkrumah’s legacy in Founders’ Day message

    VIDEO: Akufo-Addo tackles Nkrumah’s legacy in Founders’ Day message

    In an address delivered on August 3, 2024, President Akufo-Addo challenged the widely held belief that Kwame Nkrumah single-handedly founded Ghana.

    Speaking on Founders’ Day, the president underscored the collective efforts of various individuals in the struggle for independence, while still acknowledging Nkrumah’s significant contributions.

    This statement comes amid ongoing debates sparked by the 2019 legislation that established Founders’ Day on August 4 and designated September 21 as Kwame Nkrumah Memorial Day.

  • Ghana wasn’t founded by Nkrumah’s efforts alone – Akufo-Addo

    Ghana wasn’t founded by Nkrumah’s efforts alone – Akufo-Addo

    President Akufo-Addo has adamantly dismissed the idea that a single person was responsible for founding Ghana, emphasizing that former President Kwame Nkrumah alone was not responsible for Ghana’s independence.

    He made this remark during his 2024 Founders’ Day address on Saturday, August 3.

    The president made mention of collective efforts that were involved in the independence struggle, stating that while Nkrumah‘s role was significant, he was not the sole figure behind Ghana’s liberation.

    “I speak to you this evening, rejecting completely, the notion that Ghana was founded by one man. While Kwame Nkrumah’s contributions to our independence are undeniable, it is important to acknowledge for ourselves that respect that the struggle for our nation’s freedom was a collective effort spanning several generations,” President Akufo-Addo remarked.

    In 2019, a law was passed by Parliament establishing August 4 as Founders’ Day to honor all individuals who contributed to Ghana’s path to independence.

    Additionally, September 21 was designated as Kwame Nkrumah Memorial Day to specifically honor Nkrumah’s contributions.

    The establishment of Founders’ Day sparked opposition from some individuals and groups who believed in Nkrumah’s unique role in founding the nation.

    These critics assert that Nkrumah’s leadership was crucial and merits exclusive recognition.

    Reports have it that Ghana’s journey to independence was fueled by the rise of nationalist movements and political activism.

    Leaders such as Kwame Nkrumah, J.B. Danquah, and others played crucial roles in advocating for self-determination and an end to colonial rule.

    The formation of political parties, such as the United Gold Coast Convention (UGCC) in 1947, marked a significant step in the organized push for independence.

    The UGCC initially sought constitutional reform within the framework of British colonial rule. However, when their demands for self-governance were not met, the leadership split, and Kwame Nkrumah formed the Convention People’s Party (CPP) in 1949, advocating for complete independence.

    The 1948 Accra riots and the subsequent unrest prompted the British colonial authorities to reassess their approach. The incidents led to increased international attention on the Gold Coast’s quest for independence.

    In response to the unrest, the British appointed the Watson Commission in 1948 to investigate the situation and recommend a course of action. The commission’s report acknowledged the desire for self-government and paved the way for constitutional changes.

    In 1951, the British implemented a new constitution that allowed for a degree of self-government with an elected assembly.

    Kwame Nkrumah’s CPP won the elections, and he became the Prime Minister in 1952.

    The final steps towards full independence were taken, and on March 6, 1957, Ghana became the first sub-Saharan African nation to gain independence from colonial rule.

    Kwame Nkrumah became the country’s first Prime Minister and later its first President.

  • Ghana’s Joselle Mensah grabs 4th place in Women’s 50m Freestyle, exits Paris Olympics

    Ghana’s Joselle Mensah grabs 4th place in Women’s 50m Freestyle, exits Paris Olympics

    Ghana’s Joselle Mensah has been eliminated from the Swimming event at the Olympics after finishing 4th in Heat 5 of the Women’s 50m Freestyle.

    Making her debut on the global stage through a wild card entry, Joselle completed the race in 26.81 seconds, a time that did not place her among the top 16 competitors required to advance.

    Her Olympic qualification was secured with a time of 26.52 seconds at the 13th African Games.

    At 20 years old, Joselle is the second swimmer from Ghana to exit the competition, following Harry Stacey’s earlier departure. She is also the third Ghanaian athlete to be eliminated, with Rose Yeboah’s exit in High Jump on Friday.

    Ghana still has five athletes remaining, who will compete in the 100m and 4x100m track and field events.

  • Sporting Charleroi sign Ghana’s Raymond Asante

    Sporting Charleroi sign Ghana’s Raymond Asante

    Belgian top-flight club Sporting Charleroi has confirmed the acquisition of Ghanaian talent Raymond Asante.

    The 20-year-old forward joins the Jupiler Pro League team on a season-long loan from Serie A‘s Udinese for the 2024/25 season.

    Asante participated in Charleroi’s pre-season training in the Netherlands, where he made a notable impact by featuring in four matches and scoring twice.

    Last season, Asante was a standout player for Udinese’s youth team, leading the U-19 squad to promotion to the Primavera 1. He delivered an outstanding performance throughout the season, racking up 21 goals and 12 assists in various competitions.

    Since joining Udinese’s Primavera team from Young Apostles, Asante has made 53 appearances, scoring 23 goals and providing 13 assists.

    This move to Charleroi marks Asante’s debut in top-flight football. He has been included in the Zebra’s squad for their upcoming match against St. Truidense this weekend.

  • Azamati, Saminu advance to men’s 100m semifinals in Paris 2024 Olympics

    Azamati, Saminu advance to men’s 100m semifinals in Paris 2024 Olympics

    Ghanaian sprinters Benjamin Azamati and Abdul-Rasheed Saminu have both secured spots in the semifinals of the men’s 100m at the ongoing Paris Olympics.

    Azamati, who holds Ghana’s national record for the 100m, clocked in at 10.08 seconds to finish second in Heat 1, just behind Jamaica’s Kishane Thompson.

    The heat was not without drama, as Great Britain’s Jeremiah Azu faced disqualification for a false start.

    Meanwhile, Saminu advanced from Heat 7, crossing the finish line in third place with a time of 10.06 seconds. He was bested only by Nigeria’s Kayinsola Ajayi and the reigning Olympic champion, Marcell Jacobs.

    For both Azamati and Saminu, this marks their first appearance in an Olympic semifinal.

    The men’s 100m semifinals are scheduled for Sunday evening.

  • Ghana can’t imitate Nigeria, Kenya’s protests because we have no youth – Int. Diplomatic Consultant

    Ghana can’t imitate Nigeria, Kenya’s protests because we have no youth – Int. Diplomatic Consultant

    An International Diplomatic Consultant, Farouk Al-Wahab, is of the view that Ghana can not experience the intense and chaotic demonstrations happening in some African countries.

    In recent times, Kenya and Nigeria have seen citizens march the streets to protest against bad governance. These protests have seen demonstrators clash with security services leading to the death of some individuals with dozens sustaining injuries.

    According to Al-Wahab, such kind of protests cannot take place in Ghana due to the absence of the youth. He also noted that the partisan politics in the country would deter such protests from happening.

    Speaking on Oman FM, he said, “There is no youth in Ghana. We have mature adults. The mature adults are divided in two political settings. NPP adults and NDC adults. An unemployed NPP youth would rather prefer to keep it that way than join the opposing side and vice versa.”

    Millions of residents in northern Nigeria have been placed under 24-hour curfews amid nationwide protests against the high cost of living.

    Governments in the states of Kano, Jigawa, Yobe and Katsina have ordered locals not to leave their homes – and therefore not attend protests – on Friday.

    The authorities say the curfew is necessary because “hoodlums” have hijacked the protests in order to loot and vandalise properties.

    There is a heavy security presence around the country with nine more “days of rage” scheduled by the movement’s organisers.

    On the first day, demonstrations in the northern city of Kano drew the largest crowds.

    Police fired live bullets and tear gas – and sprayed hot water – to try and disperse thousands of demonstrators. Three people were shot dead and many others were injured.

    Looters also broke into a warehouse near the Kano governor’s house and police say 269 people have since been arrested with the recovery of many 25-litre groundnut oil cartons and other items taken.

    According to rights group Amnesty International, 13 protesters across Nigeria were killed by security forces on the first day of the protests.

  • NPP’s DRIP initiative was launched by Mahama in 2016 – Dep. Minority Whip

    NPP’s DRIP initiative was launched by Mahama in 2016 – Dep. Minority Whip

    The recently launched District Road Improvement Programme (DRIP) by President Akufo-Addo has sparked a political controversy, with claims from the National Democratic Congress (NDC) that the initiative was originally introduced by former President John Mahama in 2016.

    Deputy Minority Whip and NDC MP for Banda, Ahmed Ibrahim, stated in an interview on Okay FM that the DRIP project was initiated by Mahama, but its progress was hindered by administrative decisions.

    “This DRIP project was something that President Mahama launched in July 2016. President Mahama’s problem was that he dissolved the Ministry of Information and combined it with the Ministry of Communication. So, there were a lot of things that he did but were not communicated,” Ibrahim said.

    Responding to these claims on X, former Deputy General Secretary of the NDC, Koku Anyidoho, criticized the party’s leadership for attempting to attribute the DRIP initiative to Mahama. He expressed his dissatisfaction with the narrative being pushed by some members of the NDC.

    In one of his posts, Anyidoho remarked, “Desperation is NOT good ooo!!! Listen to how this JM puppet attempts to steal the DRIP Initiative for his boss but ends up indicting the policy of merging the Information & Communications Ministries. This is a BIG indictment on JM that’s why he must have a DEBATE with DMB.”

    He further added, “What is happening to my NDC? This is shocking!!! They are now saying that the DRIP Initiative was started by JM. In one breath, the NPP Govt is doing nothing; in another breath, all the NPP projects are JM’s projects. Soon, they will say JM created the world. Haba!”

    President Akufo-Addo officially launched the DRIP at Independence Square on July 31, 2024.

    This initiative, spearheaded by the Ministry of Local Government, Decentralisation and Rural Development, aims to address the critical issue of deteriorating road conditions across the country’s 275 constituencies, which the National Security Ministry has flagged as a major national security concern.

  • A lot of things predicted in ‘Agyapadie’ document are coming true – Leading NPP member

    A lot of things predicted in ‘Agyapadie’ document are coming true – Leading NPP member

    A leading member of the governing New Patriotic Party (NPP), Dr Arthur Kennedy, has expressed difficulty in accepting that the ‘Agyapadie’ document is fictitious and holds no relationship with Ghana’s present situation.

    A controversial 38-page document titled ‘Agyapadie,’ which prominently features the Okyenhene, Osagyefo Amoatia Ofori Panin, alongside President Nana Akufo-Addo and his late father, has resurfaced, reigniting discussions about its contents.

    The document, whose author remains unidentified, is believed to outline strategies for a particular family or clan to establish significant influence and control over key sectors of Ghanaian society, including the economy, politics, media, judiciary, telecommunications, and banking.

    On August 1, 2024, President Akufo-Addo addressed growing speculation about the document, which is purported to be a strategic plan of the Akyem faction within the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP).

    The president and the government New Patriotic Party (NPP) have dismissed the document as a fabrication, attributing its circulation to political adversaries aiming to discredit the party and its affiliates.

    But Dr Arthur Kennedy believes the document carries weight due to certain events in Ghanaian politics that appear to align with its predictions.

    He noted that when he came into contact with the document some years ago, he dismissed it but can no longer do so since recent happenings cannot be left to coincidence.

    “I would have agreed with the president a year ago……but the problem is as time has gone on there are things in the document that have gone on so if it was indeed a fake document, whoever has prepared the document has very good prophetic skills because a lot of the things they are predicting are coming true. So it is very difficult to see these things that are coming true,” he said in an interview on TV3.

    Per the video in circulation, Dr Arthur Kennedy did not provide a list of things that were indicated in the document that have already taken place.

    The Okyenhene, Osagyefo Amoatia Ofori Panin, has also denounced the document as a baseless creation by those intent on sowing discord and inciting animosity towards the Ofori Panin family and the Okyeman community.

    Agyapadie-Download
  • “The job I would be doing, Akufo-Addo has given it to his daughter” – Basintale

    “The job I would be doing, Akufo-Addo has given it to his daughter” – Basintale

    Deputy National Communication Officer for the National Democratic Congress (NDC), Malik Basintale, has expressed his dissatisfaction with the current unemployment situation in the country.

    According to him, he believes nepotism by those in power is preventing qualified Ghanaians from occupying certain positions.

    In an interview on TV3, he noted that jobs that could have been done by the ordinary Ghanaian, including himself has been handed over by President Akufo-Addo to his family members.

    “The job I would be doing, Akufo-Addo has given it to his daughter,” he said.

    The African Development Bank (AfDB) has reported that Ghana’s youth unemployment rate reached 7.16% in 2023, with the issue being particularly severe among those aged 15 to 24.

    This information comes from the AfDB’s updated 2024 Africa Economic Outlook, which underscores a significant gender disparity in youth unemployment rates.

    According to the report, unemployment is notably higher among young women than their male counterparts. Female youth unemployment reached 36.7%, while the rate for males was 29.3%.

    The report also highlights a slight increase in multidimensional poverty, rising from 46% in 2017 to 46.7% in 2022, a trend largely attributed to the lingering effects of the Covid-19 pandemic.

    Rising youth unemployment in Ghana has become a growing concern, leading to calls for intensified structural transformation.

    The AfDB report points out that productivity in the services sector, the largest employer in the country, has stagnated. Meanwhile, gains in industry and agriculture have remained modest.

    The report notes a significant shift in employment shares across sectors. Agriculture’s share of employment fell from 53.9% in 2007 to 29.8% in 2019. In contrast, industry’s share increased from 14.1% to 21.0%, and the services sector saw its share rise from 31.9% to 49.2%.

    To accelerate Ghana’s structural transformation, the AfDB suggests several measures. These include enhancing competitiveness by addressing infrastructure bottlenecks, accelerating agro-industrialization through skills development and value addition, and bolstering private sector growth.

    Additionally, the report emphasizes the need for a robust policy framework to support technology adoption and innovation.

  • ES to the President, Ambassador at Large – Nana Bediatuo holds two positions in Akufo-Addo govt

    ES to the President, Ambassador at Large – Nana Bediatuo holds two positions in Akufo-Addo govt

    The appointment of Nana Bediatuo Asante, President Akufo-Addo’s long-serving Executive Secretary, as an Ambassador-at-Large has received divided reactions from citizens.

    The fact that Mr Bediatuo now holds two positions in the NPP government has left some Ghanaians dissatisfied.

    Deputy National Communication Officer for the National Democratic Congress (NDC), Malik Basintale, is one of the individuals who has concerns over the matter.

    In an interview on TV3, Mr Basintale noted that the work he could have been doing had been given out by President Akufo-Addo to his family members and cronies.

    The announcement was made in June this year during a formal ceremony at Jubilee House, where the President also commissioned nine other diplomats to represent Ghana globally.

    The newly appointed officials include three High Commissioners and five Ambassadors, each entrusted with the crucial task of enhancing Ghana’s international relations. Among them are Vice Admiral Seth Amoama to Nigeria, Mrs. Francisca Ashietey-Oduntun to South Africa, Mr. Ernest Yaw Amporful to Rwanda, Major General Nicholas Peter Andoh to Türkiye, Mr. Henry Tachie-Menson to Belgium and the EU, Mrs. Charity Gbedawo to Morocco, Ms. Abigail Naa Adzoko Kwashi to Norway, Dr. Robert Afriyie to Ethiopia and the African Union, and Nana Bediatuo Asante in his expansive new role.

    President Akufo-Addo tasked the envoys with the mission of elevating Ghana’s status as a beacon of stability and progress. He emphasized the significance of strengthening bilateral ties, attracting investments, and promoting Ghana’s interests on the global stage.

    “These appointments come at a strategic time as the world emerges from the pandemic and faces geopolitical tensions. Ghana must solidify international alliances to overcome these global challenges,” the President stated.

    He further highlighted the importance of engaging the Ghanaian diaspora, whose contributions are vital to the nation’s economy and cultural heritage. He stressed the dual benefit of providing a sense of belonging to overseas Ghanaians while leveraging their potential for national development.

    The diplomats’ agenda also includes addressing global issues such as armed conflicts, terrorism, climate change, and illicit financial flows. The President underscored the necessity of collaborative efforts in tackling these concerns.

    As the envoys embark on their diplomatic missions, they carry the collective aspirations of Ghana. Their effectiveness in advocating for the nation’s interests will play a pivotal role in shaping Ghana’s future and its global standing.

    President Akufo-Addo concluded by urging the diplomats to uphold integrity and excellence, reminding them of the importance of working harmoniously with experienced Foreign Service officers at their respective posts.

    This collaboration, he noted, is crucial to the success of their missions and the broader objectives of Ghana’s foreign policy.

  • UK arrest, drug trafficking, murder of late wife – Akufo-Addo lists ‘propaganda’ from political opponents

    UK arrest, drug trafficking, murder of late wife – Akufo-Addo lists ‘propaganda’ from political opponents

    President Akufo-Addo has expressed his frustration over the pervasive use of fake news in Ghana’s political sphere particularly those against himself and his family.

    Speaking at The Ghana Report Summit in Accra on Thursday, August 1, 2024, he detailed various unfounded claims made against him by his political adversaries.

    Akufo-Addo recounted numerous instances where he had been targeted by baseless allegations.

    “In 2008, there were groundless claims of drug trafficking made against me, along with several rumors about my health, all intended to undermine my capability to serve as president. President Kufuor was also falsely accused in 2008 of having sold all of Ghana’s global reserves,” he recalled.

    The president highlighted how fake news continued to plague his political journey, going as far into his marriage.

    “In the 2012 election, there were false reports of my alleged arrest in London for drug possession and fabricated quotes meant to incite ethnic tensions. In 2016, sympathizers with the opposition claimed that I had killed my late wife,” he said.

    He further revealed that just months before the 2024 elections, a fabricated document titled ‘Agyapadie‘ has emerged, making new allegations against him. Akufo-Addo condemned this document as a malicious attempt by his political opponents to tarnish his reputation.

    “This baseless accusation is yet another example of the malicious tactics used to undermine my credibility and integrity,” he stated.

    President Akufo-Addo urged the public to remain vigilant and discerning about fake news, especially as the December 7, 2024 elections approach. He emphasized the importance of maintaining integrity and truth in the political process, cautioning against the dangers of unfounded propaganda.

  • UG Dean’s alleged interference mars SRC elections

    UG Dean’s alleged interference mars SRC elections

    The integrity of the 2024 University of Ghana Students’ Representative Council (UGSRC) elections has come under scrutiny due to alleged interference by the Dean of Student Affairs.

    In a formal letter dated August 2, the UGSRC Electoral Commission expressed its concerns to the Dean of Student Affairs regarding administrative decisions that contradict established protocols and security advisories.

    Originally, the vetting of candidates was set for July 30, 2024, but it was postponed to August 11, 2024, based on security concerns from Vice Dean of Students Dr. Charles Wiafe Akenten, following advice from the Ghana Police Service and University Security.

    Contrary to this, the Dean of Student Affairs later ordered that the vetting be conducted within 24 hours of an August 1 meeting, ignoring the prior security recommendations.

    Mudasir Braimah, Public Relations Officer of the Electoral Commission, outlined several issues in a statement:

    The abrupt change in schedule caused conflicts, as committee members had planned for the August 11 date, making it difficult for some to attend the newly scheduled vetting.
    The Dean allegedly dismissed suggestions from the Electoral Commission, prioritizing the views of the aspirants during follow-up meetings.
    There is growing concern that the Dean’s actions indicate a vested interest in certain candidates, potentially undermining the integrity of the vetting process.

    In a July 24, 2024, meeting, the Dean reportedly suggested bypassing certain articles of the SRC Constitution, a notion the UGSRC EC firmly rejected, emphasizing the importance of following all legal processes.

    The Electoral Commission stressed that such interference is unacceptable and that the Dean’s office should remain neutral and avoid involvement in student politics.

    The Commission concluded its letter by stating its determination not to support what it perceives as an undermining of lawful processes under the pretense of addressing non-existent issues, thereby betraying its mandate.

    Background
    The UGSRC Electoral Commission had initially set a roadmap for the 2024 elections, with vetting scheduled for July 26, 2024, and results expected by July 29. However, unforeseen financial constraints led to delays.

    The vetting was first rescheduled to July 30, 2024, and then to August 11, 2024, due to the unavailability of the Legon Police. Subsequently, the Dean of Student Affairs instructed the Commission on August 1, 2024, to proceed with vetting on August 2 at 10 a.m.

    The Commission formed a vetting committee and informed the student body, but the vetting did not take place as planned since committee members were only prepared for the August 11 date based on the Legon Police’s recommendation.

    4_5866062067974281308Download
  • Our members haven’t received permanent jobs since 2020 – Pharmaceutical Society

    Our members haven’t received permanent jobs since 2020 – Pharmaceutical Society

    President of the Pharmaceutical Society of Ghana, Pharm Dr. Samuel Kow Donkoh, recently disclosed that the Ghana Health Service has not employed pharmacists since 2020.

    Speaking at the 43rd Annual General Meeting (AGM) of the Society of Private Medical and Dental Practitioners (SPMDP), Dr. Donkoh expressed concern over the unemployment of pharmacists, given that the government is the country’s largest employer.

    “Since the year 2020, pharmacists have not had any permanent employment in the Ghana Health Service. So if the government, being the biggest employer, has not employed any pharmacists into permanent jobs, then it is quite a worrying situation for us,” he stated.

    The four-day AGM, themed “Health Sector Brain Drain to Brain Gain: The Role of the Private Practitioners,” gathered members of the Society along with other associations and unions to discuss sustainable solutions for this pressing issue.

    Dr. Donkoh highlighted the significant mismatch between the number of healthcare practitioners being trained and the available job opportunities, emphasizing the severity of the brain drain problem.

    “Brain drain is quite a worrying situation for all of us. Not just the medical doctors but the entire healthcare professionals,” he remarked.

    With eight pharmacy institutions in Ghana producing about 1,000 pharmacists annually, the lack of government employment for these graduates over the past four years has forced many to seek opportunities abroad, worsening the brain drain issue in the health sector.

    “People would want to stay and work, but the job opportunities are not available, and even when they are here, pharmacists are not adequately remunerated. These are the two factors that are pushing our members out of the country,” he explained.

    To address this issue, Dr. Donkoh urged the government to employ 400 to 500 pharmacists annually to ensure every health facility in the country has a pharmacist.

    “Anywhere medicines are being dispensed, we need to make sure that there is a pharmacist. Not only will pharmacists be available in the pharmacy department, but they will also be at the various wards to provide pharmaceutical services,” he noted.

    Dr. Donkoh also stressed the importance of the private sector in creating job opportunities for pharmacists and called on regulators to facilitate a conducive environment for their engagement.

    “The law states that ‘Anytime a pharmacy is opened, there should be the presence of a pharmacist’. If the regulator insists on that, it will create employment opportunities for our members,” he said. He also suggested that over-the-counter medicine sellers upgrade to full pharmacies to employ more pharmacists.

    “At the time they were granted licenses to operate as over-the-counter medicine sellers, Ghana had only one Pharmacy School, KNUST, which produced about 50 pharmacists a year. Today, we have eight pharmacy schools producing about 1,000 to 1,500 pharmacists annually. With these figures, we shouldn’t be finding over-the-counter medicine sellers in the regional capitals and others. All these people need to upgrade into pharmacies and employ pharmacists to create more job opportunities,” he intimated.

    Perpetual Ofori-Ampofo, President of the Ghana Registered Nurses and Midwives Association (GRNMA), echoed similar concerns about the high rate of nurse emigration, which has created significant gaps in the healthcare system and increased workloads for those remaining.

    “The immigration of our colleagues is a threat to the safety of our patients and our safety as health practitioners. Their departure has caused serious gaps within the health system because the workload of those at post has increased, and this may cause you to make wrong decisions or cause medical errors at one point or another,” she explained.

    Dr. Cecilia Kakraba Quashie, President of the Ghana Dental Association, emphasized the importance of mentorship to combat the effects of brain drain.

    “I strongly believe that intentional mentorship is a crucial element missing in our healthcare profession. I implore each of you to take up the mantle of mentorship, guiding, and supporting at least one young professional in our various fields. By so doing, we can foster a culture of knowledge-sharing, growth, and collective success, and hopefully, this will help some of our young people to stay here,” she said.

  • Kamala Harris clinches Democratic presidential nomination

    Kamala Harris clinches Democratic presidential nomination

    US Vice-President Kamala Harris has officially secured the Democratic presidential nomination through a vote by party delegates.

    During a phone call, Ms. Harris expressed her gratitude, saying she was “honoured to be the presumptive nominee” as the virtual roll call continued ahead of the Democratic National Convention (DNC) in Chicago later this month.

    Ms. Harris has made history as the first black woman and first South Asian woman to be the presidential candidate for a major US political party. If she wins against Donald Trump, the Republican nominee, in November, she will become America’s first female president.

    After President Joe Biden stepped aside last month and promptly endorsed her, Ms. Harris ran unopposed in the virtual roll call. Several other potential candidates followed Biden’s lead in endorsing her.

    On Friday afternoon, Ms. Harris officially became the nominee after securing support from 2,350 delegates, meeting the required threshold.

    “We believe in the promise of America and that’s what this campaign is about,” she remarked briefly by phone upon reaching the benchmark. “We are in this, we are on the road and it’s not going to be easy, but we’re going to get this done.”

    Democrats have stated that 3,923 delegates, or 99% of the participants, intend to vote for her.

    The roll call began on Thursday and will conclude on Monday.

    While presidential and vice-presidential nominees are usually confirmed at their party conventions, the 2024 DNC’s relatively late date poses risks regarding state ballot access laws.

    Ms. Harris, 59, born in Oakland, California, is the first Democratic nominee in the party’s nearly 200-year history from a western state. Her political career advanced from San Francisco district attorney to California attorney general, and then US senator.

    Before his withdrawal, Mr. Biden had easily secured the Democratic primary, facing minimal opposition despite voter concerns about his age and gaining support from 99% of pledged DNC delegates. However, after a poor debate performance against Trump in June, he faced increasing pressure within the party to step down.

    The decision to conduct a virtual nominating process before the 19-22 August convention was made while Biden was still the presumptive candidate. This move was influenced by Ohio’s ballot access rules, requiring candidates for the November election to be officially selected 90 days prior, by 7 August.

    Although Republican leaders in Ohio had indicated they would enforce this law, lawmakers eventually created an exemption, as they have done previously. Democrats decided on an early roll call to avoid any risks of their candidates being excluded from the ballot.

    Delegates do not need to vote on the vice-presidential pick. Ms. Harris is expected to announce her running mate by Monday.

    Some Republicans and the Trump campaign have criticized replacing Mr. Biden with Ms. Harris, claiming she is the first major party candidate to secure the nomination without holding a press conference or sit-down interview, with some labeling the substitution a “coup.”

    However, since Biden’s endorsement, Ms. Harris has actively campaigned, arguing against Trump in numerous rallies and fundraisers across key states.

    On Friday, her campaign announced raising over $310 million in July, with more than two-thirds of donations coming from first-time contributors. This amount is more than double the $138 million raised by the Trump campaign last month, marking the largest fundraising haul of the 2024 election cycle so far.

  • $450m manganese refinery at Nsuta to commence operation soon

    $450m manganese refinery at Nsuta to commence operation soon

    President Akufo-Addo is set to initiate the construction of a $450 million manganese refinery in Nsuta, within the Tarkwa Nsuaem Municipality of the Western Region.

    This announcement was made by the Lands and Natural Resources Minister, Samuel Abu Jinapor, who revealed that the Government had successfully completed negotiations with the principal shareholder of Ghana Manganese Company Limited.

    The new refinery aims to enhance the quality of manganese from 27 percent to approximately 40 percent. This improvement will facilitate the production and export of various refined products, notably battery-grade manganese, a crucial element in manufacturing batteries for electric vehicles and energy storage systems.

    Mr. Jinapor made this announcement in Tarkwa during the 8th Biennial International Mining and Mineral Conference at the University of Mines and Technology (UMaT), Tarkwa.

    The conference focused on “Innovations in Mining and Mineral Processing: Expanding the Frontiers of Mining Technology.”

    Highlighting the government’s commitment to value addition in critical minerals, Mr. Jinapor stated, “We believe this will result in economic diversification and job creation, and position the country to leverage her mineral wealth to drive industrialization and enhance our competitiveness on the global stage.”

    He emphasized the need for comprehensive geological investigations to accurately identify and quantify critical mineral resources, laying the foundation for a diversified, information-based mining sector.

    Additionally, he stressed the importance of investing in infrastructure, technology, and human capital to develop a robust minerals value chain.

    Institutions like UMaT are vital in promoting research and development and implementing skills and training programs essential for building and managing processing plants for added value to critical minerals.

    Mr. Jinapor also underscored the necessity of training individuals to acquire the expertise to locally add value to minerals and develop cost-effective, efficient innovations for value addition.

    The government, he noted, has already established policy and regulatory frameworks to support and incentivize investment in value-added activities.

    “The Green Minerals Policy approved by Cabinet, for instance, provides for incentives for investments as one moves higher on the value chain of the industry. These incentives can only be harnessed if we build the necessary technologies and innovations that make value addition in Ghana competitive and cost-effective,” he explained.

    He called for academic institutions to drive research that fosters innovation and develops products and services tailored to local and global needs. According to Mr. Jinapor, advancing Ghana’s critical minerals industry requires intensified research and development for value addition.

    Greater collaboration is essential among industry regulators, players, universities, research institutions, the private sector, and international partners.

    “Adding value to our critical minerals is not just desirable, but crucial to reaping their full benefits for national development,” he emphasized.

    “These minerals are not just commodities, but enablers of progress. Prioritizing their value addition will enhance our competitiveness in the mining industry, contribute significantly to socio-economic development, and unleash the much-desired prosperity for our people. The Government, obviously, cannot do it alone. Public-private partnership is, therefore, crucial to drive investment in smelting, refining, and manufacturing,” he added.

    Mr. Jinapor urged all stakeholders to collaborate in unlocking the full potential of Ghana’s mineral wealth, ensuring prosperity for all Ghanaians.

    Professor Richard Kwasi Amankwah, Vice Chancellor of UMaT, stated that the conference’s goal was to create a platform for researchers, engineers, academics, and others interested in mining and innovations to discuss their research and present findings.

    He mentioned that the event would feature approximately 20 different presentations on research and ideas aimed at advancing the minerals industry, which is a significant focus for the University.