Benjamin Boakye, the Executive Director of the Africa Centre for Energy Policy (ACEP), has emphasized that shutting down and interrupting the power supply to the national grid is not the appropriate solution to address the debt issues faced by Independent Power Producers (IPP).
He said because the cut in power supply as communicated by the IPP had a revenue loss implication to them as well.
“What has sustained the power and the stability of the grid is that the IPPs preferred to be owed than shutdown and not get paid. Because contractually, once you shut down, then it means you don’t want to get paid, ” he said.
Speaking in an interview, he advised that the larger problem of debt accumulation in the power sector be given priority and resolved as it negatively impacted the fiscal situation of the country.
“The national budget is suffering from the power sector. If you accumulate what we have spent in the past three to four years ago, it is more than $6 billion essentially for power people have consumed and refused to pay,” he stated.
He called for a broader engagement on how the country could produce power, sell, and recover its money efficiently.
Mr Andrew Egyapa Mercer, Deputy Minister of Energy, said that the Government was meeting three Independent Power Producers (IPP) today over the possible cut in power supply due to the about $2 billion debt.
“These are our partners that we have worked with over the years, and we will continue to with going forward. It is important that we engage with them to resolve problems that are there, ” he said.
He said Government’s indebtedness to the IPPs was an albatross due to the pay or take agreements signed.
The IPPs, which produce 2000 megawatts of power are demanding an interim payment of at least 30 percent of their arrears or they will cut power to the national grid on July 01, 2023.
Parents are being encouraged to provide support and assistance to their children with autism in order to unlock and maximize their inherent talents. The focus is on acknowledging and nurturing the unique abilities and strengths that autistic individuals possess. By offering the necessary guidance and encouragement, parents can help their children with autism to flourish and reach their full potential. The emphasis is on empowering parents to create a nurturing and inclusive environment that promotes the development of their child’s unique talents and abilities.
Dr Susana Annan, Specialist Psychiatrist at the Tamale Central Hospital, expressed the need for parents and other caregivers of autistic children to provide their needs to help maximise their hidden potentials.
She said children living with autism had some unique strengths and abilities, which when identified early, could help them lead more productive lives.
She emphasised that “They are able to concentrate and stay focused on their tasks. They have a special eye for detail because of their great observational skills. They do well in learning with cues.”
Dr Annan, who made the call in an interview with the Ghana News Agency in Tamale, said such children could become experts in what they did using methodical approach, analytical, spotting patterns, among others in handling their tasks.
She said, “they are noted for their honesty, loyalty, commitment, tenacity and resilience.”
She advised parents with autistic children to disregard various misconceptions associated with the condition and endeavour to provide their needs to enable them to harness their hidden potential.
Autism in children is a neurodevelopmental disorder, which requires medical attention.
It is often characterised by children avoiding eye contact, inability to respond to their names as well as repetitive movements such as flapping of hands, flicking their fingers and body rocking.
Although there are no readily available statistics of children with autism in Ghana, the World Health Organization in 2021, indicated that about one in 160 children had autism worldwide while in the United States, it is estimated that about one in 59 children had autism.
The Center for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR-SARI) has advised farmers to consider using Open Pollinated Variety (OPV) of maize seed. The organization highlights the need for this alternative option to ensure continued productivity in maize farming. With the scarcity of hybrid seed, farmers are encouraged to explore the benefits of OPV seeds in maintaining their agricultural output. CSIR-SARI emphasizes the importance of adapting to the current situation to sustain maize cultivation and meet agricultural demands.
Mr Haruna Ali, an Agronomist with the Savannah Agricultural Research Institute said the varieties that were produced through crossed pollination of two or more parents were well domesticated to suit the changing local environment like Sanzal sima, Bihilifa, Wangdata and Abeleehi.
Mr Ali’s advice followed the publication by the Ghana News Agency of the shortage of foreign-made maize seed ‘Pioneer’ and Lake, which was affecting the planting of maize in the Sissala enclave.
He stressed that hybrid maize seed was a progeny of two genetically different parents whose performance was supposed to be superior to its parents in terms of yield and genetic purity, and mentioned some to include Lake 601, Lima Grains (LG), paneer, Lake 606, Seedco, Pannar.
He advanced the following reasons why farmers should go in for OPVs of maize that were available on the market for the farmers.
According to him “Modern OPVs varieties were well suited to various locclimatesate and are capable of withstanding dry spells or tolerant to drought as a result of climate change effects than hybrids varieties.”
“They can also be replanted year after year if production guidelines are maintained to enhance purity.
They can give economic yields of an average of 22 to 25 bags per acre with proper good agronomic practices, which makes a difference of eight to 10 bags”, he added.
The Agronomist also said another reason was the production of quality flour that had better flour volume than hybrids maize whilst the seeds did not require any special storage structure as it is done in hybrid maize.
The agronomist espoused that the seed cost was relatively cheaper as compared to foreign hybrid maize varieties and more economical for small-scale farmers to afford.
Mr Ali admitted that the OPVs did not demand high inputs requirements as was the case of hybrid maize and underscored that they were produced by the National Research institutions in the country that had expertise in the field of plant breeding.
The ECOWAS Court and African Court have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) in Arusha, Tanzania. The MOU outlines new initiatives aimed at enhancing the execution of their mandates and promoting collaboration between the two courts.
Both courts agreed under the MOU, which was signed on 24th June 2023 at the end of a three-day judicial dialogue of the judges and officials of both courts, to cooperate through staff exchanges, representation in each other’s programme, undertake joint training, knowledge and information sharing.
The cooperation also extends to the publication of their respective jurisprudence as well as research and capacity building within the framework of their constituent instruments.
The MOU, which succeeds the 2018 inaugural MOU by both courts that lapsed in March 2021, is intended to reinforce the existing good relationship between the courts in the protection of human and peoples’ rights.
During the dialogue, the two Courts discussed a wide range of issues relating to their respective mandates during which a number of presentations were made by their officials followed by discussions on their respective jurisprudence.
This is mainly in the areas of human rights; their overlapping jurisdictions; their structures, appointment procedures and tenure; funding; access to the two Courts, admissibility of cases, challenges on compliance with their decisions and mechanisms put in place for the implementation of their decisions, among others.
Their legal staff also held a working session to share experiences and exchange ideas on matters of common interests, particularly on case management, drafting of judgments, legal aid, enforcement of judgments as well as the challenges and measures taken to resolve the identified challenges.
In addition, they reviewed their inaugural MOU which expired in March 2021 and identified the challenges that impeded the effective implementation of its provisions. They then recommended its renewal and made proposals with a view to ensuring that the successor MOU is more effective and implementable.
The two Courts also adopted a five -year Plan of Action for the effective implementation of the MOU.
The closing ceremony of the dialogue was jointly presided over by the Presidents of the two courts, Honorable Justice Edward Amoako Asante and Honorable Lady Justice Imani Aboud of the ECOWAS and African Courts respectively.
The delegation of the ECOWAS Court, accompanied by some Judges of the African Court, visited the United Nations International Residual Mechanism for Criminal Tribunals (IRMCT) and the East African Court of Justice also based in Arusha, United Republic of Tanzania.
In a recent development, Ghana’s Afropiano sensation, King Vudumane, has expressed strong disapproval of Sarkodie and Yvonne Nelson’s actions, emphasizing that it is both unhealthy and inappropriate to discuss such personal and sensitive matters in the public sphere.
Vudumane’s remarks have garnered significant attention as he delved into the viral controversy surrounding Sarkodie’s response to Yvonne Nelson’s memoir, where she revealed intimate details about her past relationship with the rapper, including the distressing revelation of a terminated pregnancy.
According to the US-based artiste who doubles as a producer, Yvonne Nelson was wrong in detailing her private affair with Sarkodie while condemning the latter for his response.
“It is just unpleasant seeing what is going viral in Ghana. Yvonne Nelson and Sarkodie are two huge influencers and shouldn’t be portraying certain dark secrets and justifying them in their own creative ways,” he stated.
He further stated that Ghanaians should not be encouraging such behaviour and that it is wrong to write about abortion or compose a song talking about certain sensitive issues.
Vudumane’s video has sparked a lot of debate on social media, with many people agreeing with his views while others disagree.
Some people believe that Yvonne Nelson should have the right to tell her story, while others believe that it was wrong for Sarkodie to make a song about it.
In the midst of the ongoing brouhaha between Yvonne Nelson and Sarkodie, media personality George Quaye has penned down his thoughts on the matter.
In a lengthy Facebook post, he began by acknowledging the pain that many women experience in silence, concealed by their smiling faces.
He also addresses the issue of women who are unable to give birth for a variety of reasons, including feticides brought on by bad timing, unplanned pregnancies, rape, and abuse. He also highlights the struggles of women who have loved men who did not reciprocate their feelings and the emotional toll it takes on them.
According to him Yvonne Nelson’s book “I Am Not Yvonne Nelson” has helped a lot of women feel comforted and empowered.
He added that Yvonne and Sarkodie have both narrated the truth the best way they could. “Lady spoke her truth the best way she could . Man spoke his truth the best way he could”
He however, concluded by saying that he couldn’t take sides, because he sees both Yvonne and Sarkodie has family. can only pray they both heal.
Read full post below:
If you had the slightest idea the number of women walking around in pain consealed by shiny smiles…
If you had the slightest idea the number of women crying deep down for years lost loving a man who never loved them back…years they can never regain…
If you had the slightest idea the number of women unable to give birth due to feticides they had to undergo for various reasons…bad timing, unplanned, rape, abuse by close family members, teachers, caretakers, drivers, bosses, spiritual fathers, godfathers, etc.
If you had the slightest idea the number of women screaming in silence, watching men they literally “sacrificed everything for”, totally ignore them in their daily struggles while they (the men) build happy homes with other women and openly flaunt same in their faces, you would probably understand why so many have embraced her book and described it as empowering, liberating, etc.
You see, for many, it is not about the book. It’s about the fact that someone found the voice they could never find to say the things they could never say.
But that is not to say they are all right. It is also not to say they are even slightly wrong.
Lady spoke her truth the best way she could. Man spoke his truth the best way he could. Lady was mostly praised Man is mostly being criticized… I recall reading and hearing statements like… “You cannot tell her how to tell her story…” But wait, you can tell him how to tell his?
How is that fair?
Let us go to Immanuel Kant for a second…
“The categorical imperative is a moral principle which denotes that you should “act only in accordance with that maxim through which you can at the same time will that it become a universal law”,
Simply means that you should act a certain way only if you’re willing to have everyone else act the same way too. In other words, do not change the rod you used when disciplining Takyi when it’s time to discipline Baah.
You accept her style, language, approach, choice of who to mention or not mention, etc but describe his as distasteful, disgraceful, disrespectful, etc? Are they both not telling their stories? How should one truth told the best way possible be any different from the other?
Personally I had hoped he wouldn’t respond. But i also know better than to judge a man if I haven’t walked three feet in his shoes. Why didn’t I want him to respond?
Well, because when you are in the limelight, you are an institution. Everything you say or do is “relevant”. You are someone’s business. You are part of the “raw material” that go into the processing plants of that factory called Mass Media.
People look up to you. So sometimes i think it’s just best to leave certain things alone. But who am I to determine how someone should react when “poked”?
I keep asking myself whether or not we would be here if and only if, like she did with others in the same book, she left his name out but described him and left the rest to our imagination… But who am I to tell someone how to tell her story?
This is hard…
But hey, to all the guys and girls…mostly girls hurting deeply out there, please have faith and just hold on…Find a counselor…talk to someone…get it off your chest…and if it’s not too much to ask, please let it go.
Yvonne is my sister. Sark is my brother.
I cannot take sides… I can only pray they both heal.
If you haven’t read the book, “I am not Yvonne Nelson” yet, please grab your copy from EPP BOOKS @ Legon or online. Follow Yvonne Nelson for details.
If you haven’t heard the song, well, it is also online. Just got to YouTube and type “Try Me”.
Former Absa Bank employee accused of embezzling approximately GHC1.2 million from customers’ accounts has appeared in court for the third time.
According to a newspaper report from the Chronicle on June 30, 2023, it was revealed that the former Absa Bank staff, accused of embezzling around GHC1.2 million from customers’ accounts, made their third court appearance.
As per the report, Emmanuel Sakyi Afriyie, aged 25, along with eleven co-accused individuals, appeared before an Accra Circuit Court on Thursday, June 29, 2023.
The prosecution’s statement to the court, presided over by Her Honour Ellen Ofei-Ayeh, said six of the accused individuals reportedly surrendered themselves to the police after learning about the case through a media report.
The first accused (A1), Emmanuel, together with the others, will make their fourth and third appearances respectively on July 7, 2023.
However, the case was adjourned by the judge, Her Honour Ofei-Ayeh, after the prosecution prayed to the court that it needed more time to amend the charge sheet and the brief facts following the new accused persons who reported themselves.
Based on this development, the prosecution informed the court that they wanted to amend the charge sheet, which should have been done yesterday, but did not happen.
The accused person, Emmanuel Sakyi Afriyie, who is a former employee of Absa Bank and now a businessman, is facing 13 charges of conspiracy to commit a crime, stealing, forgery of other documents and falsification of account.
The other suspects, Cecil Nyamesem Agyakwa (A2), Richard Aikins (A3), Micheal Tweneneboah Oppong (A4), Faoud Mohammed (A5) and Caleb Bandoh (A6), who first appeared before the court with A1, have been charged with stealing and conspiracy commit a crime.
Those who voluntarily reported themselves to the police are Nicholas Nii Sai (A9), Nana Kwasi Gyimah (A10), Benjamin Adoari (A11), Boadu Nana Yaw Adjei (A13), Joseph D Amin (A14) and Othneil Amankwah Darkwa (A17).
The police are yet to arrest Clinton Asamoah (A7), Kwame Owusu Buado (A8), Daniel Osei (A12), Ernest Aryee (A15) and Issace De-Heer(A16).
The report also added that all the persons except A1 have been granted bail in the sum of GH¢200, 000.00 with two sureties for those who are gainfully employed and earning not less than GH¢2,500 a month.
Background
Emmanuel Sakyi Afriyie, a 25-year-old and contract employee of one of Ghana’s biggest banks, Absa Bank, was arrested by security agencies for allegedly stealing about GH¢1.2 million from clients’ bank accounts.
Among the accounts he pilfered are those belonging to a deceased judge and a former Inspector General of Police.
Afriyie is reported to have transferred some of the stolen funds to his personal account in another bank, as well as to the accounts of his 17 accomplices across various banks and their mobile money accounts.
He is also accused of embarking on a spending spree with his loot including using some of the funds to purchase an iPhone 14 Pro Max and a Toyota Camry.
According to the police investigation, the suspect planned to escape with his girlfriend to Dubai in the United Arab Emirates after purchasing an airline ticket.
However, luck was not on his side as security authorities acted swiftly, leaving a trail that led to his arrest at Kotoka International Airport on June 4, 2023.
“On June 4, 2023, A1 together with his girlfriend Ivy Okertchiri, who stood as surety for him attempted to escape from the jurisdiction to Dubai, but he was arrested at the Kotoka International Airport by the Ghana Immigration Service and handed over to the police,” facts of the case as quoted by a report by the Chronicle Newspaper said.
According to reports, Afriyie allegedly obtained his boss’ password by discreetly recording her as she entered it on her mobile phone.
He then used the recorded clip to determine her password and proceeded to carry out the fraudulent transactions from customers’ accounts over two months.
Some of his accomplices were later apprehended, brought before a court, and were remanded in custody before being granted bail.
Afriyie is facing several charges, including conspiracy and theft, along with some of his aides. He also faces additional charges of falsifying accounts and forging documents, bringing the total number of charges against him to 13. He has pleaded not guilty to all charges.
Anita Brown the alleged pregnant sidechick of Afrobeats singer Davido has gotten social media buzzing with a fresh set of allegations.
Anita who is on a secret-spilling rampage, in an Instagram live revealed that Chioma is not Davido’s only wife.
According to Anita, Amanda, the mother ofDavido’s second child, Hailey, is the singer’s first wife and not Chioma.
“Bebe so fine. If they attack you let them know Chioma was also a side chick promoted to second wife, tell them Amanda, Hailey’s mum is David’s first wife,” The individual wrote.
Confirming it, Anita Brown wrote, “They don’t hear u tho”.
The governing New Patriotic Party (NPP) has named Prof Mike Oquaye as the chairman of the party’s Vetting Committee responsible for overseeing the selection process of the party’s flagbearer.
On Tuesday, May 30, the National Steering Committee of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) announced its decision to appoint Prof Mike Oquaye as the chairman of the party’s Vetting Committee for the flagbearership contest.
In a press statement released on Friday, June 30, the General Secretary of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Justin Kodua Frimpong, announced the appointment of Prof Mike Oquaye as the chairman of the party’s Vetting Committee for the flagbearership contest.
As stated in the press release, the appointment of Prof Mike Oquaye as the chairman of the NPP’s Vetting Committee for the flagbearership contest is in compliance with Article 10(3)(F)(ii) of the party’s constitution.
Mr Kodua has subsequently inaugurated the committee. While at that, he urged the members to respect the party’s constitution and be transparent in their dealings.
The New Patriotic Party will elect a flagbearer ahead of the 2024 elections on November 4, 2023.
However, due to the numbers, the party will call a Special Congress on August 26, to prune it down to five.
So far, ten persons have filed their nomination forms to contest for the position.
Due to smoke from the current Canadian wildfires, air quality alerts are in effect for more than one-third of the US population.
According to the US Department of Environmental Protection, there are over 120 million people in the Midwest and East Coast who are exposed to poor air, from Minnesota to Virginia.
A number of dangerous wildfires that have been raging across Canada are the source of the smoke. There are now over 200 fires blazing across all of Canada.
The fires have burned about 30,000 square miles of wilderness – an area roughly the size of South Carolina.
Air pollution is measured by the air quality index (AQI), which determines the average amount of fine particulate matter (PM2.5) in the atmosphere.
AQI ratings between 101 and 150 are considered unhealthy for sensitive groups, such as people suffering from heart or breathing. An AQI above 150 is considered unhealthy for all people.
An AQI of over 300 is considered actively hazardous and likely to effect a region’s entire population.
As of Thursday afternoon, Washington, DC had an AQI of 176, making it the second most polluted city in the world.
On Wednesday, the Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments issued a ‘code red’ warning for the nation’s capital, warning all citizens to avoid long exposure to the air.
The warning extended through Thursday, but will be lifted to a ‘code orange’ on Friday.
‘Air quality in the DC region is expected to improve tomorrow although it will still be unhealthy for sensitive groups,’ the local government said.
Photos from DC show the city’s many monuments and landmarks enveloped in thick plumes of smoke, including the White House and the Capitol Building.
The city with the worst air quality on Thursday was Detroit, Michigan, where the AQI peaked at 202 and was rated ‘very unhealthy.’
Earlier in the week, Chicago, Illinois reported the worst air quality in the world as the index rose above 150.
Some sensors in Pittsburgh and other parts of western Pennsylvania were detecting an AQI as high as 237.
Officials in New York also warned citizens to take caution.
‘Air quality is unhealthy in every corner of the state of New York,’ Governor Kathy Hochul said at a news conference.
Western, central, and northern New York were all placed under air quality warnings. The city of Buffalo saw a high AQI of 159 on Thursday.
New York City Mayor Eric Adams also warned New Yorkers to take precautions on Thursday, and advised citizens to wear masks and avoid exercising outside.
The city and other parts of the Hudson Valley and Long Island reported ‘moderate’ AQI numbers, much lower than when a thick orange cloud of smog enveloped the city three weeks ago.
Governor Hochul said there was ‘no end in sight’ for the Empire State. ‘This is our new reality,’ the governor said.
Other suspicious deaths since the start of Vladimir Putin’s war in Ukraine include that of Russian defence official Marina Yankina, 58, in February this year. Like Ms Baikova, she fell to her death from an apartment window.
As head of the financial support department of the Ministry of Defence, Ms Yankina was a key figure in the funding of the war.
Actress Yvonne Nelson has encouraged her fans and readers to stay focused and not be distracted by what she refers to as diversions or interruptions since the release of her book. She urges them to remain engaged with the essence and message of her book, suggesting that external factors should not deter them from understanding its core themes and insights.
Following the publication of Yvonne Nelson’s book, a number of things have happened that have caused a significant online discussion about its contents.
Yvonne Nelson has been a hot topic for one week and counting, from setting social media trends to dealing with wild attacks.
Despite all the backlash,Yvonne Nelson has urged her fans to remain adamant.
“This BOOK will speak to you. Don’t let anyone distract you. Our young men and women will learn to do better,” she tweeted.
Check out her tweet:
This BOOK will speak to you. Don’t let anyone distract you. Our young men / women will learn to do better. Call / whatsapp 0509993939 / 0243614859 for copies (available in all bookshops ) tap link in bio 🙏🏾 #thetruthsetsyoufreepic.twitter.com/hZweV8Fpx4
After his stag party, a Metropolitan Police officer was found guilty of sexually assaulting a woman in the ocean off Brighton Beach.
On July 17, 2021, in the early morning hours, Sergeant Laurence Knight, 34, is reported to have encountered the woman, a stranger.
According to the prosecution, the two went together to the beach, stripped to their pants, and then ended up in the water, where they engaged in sexual behaviour.
The woman claims that she constantly ordered him to “stop” and reminded him that he was “getting married in two weeks,” the jury was informed.
Knight, of Leyton, east London, was charged with rape and sexual assault following the incident.
He was found not guilty of rape but convicted of sexual assault by a majority of 10:2 after more than seven hours of jury deliberations.
Latest London news
The Met said he has been suspended from duty.
The Oxford University graduate, who was based at Stoke Newington Police Station, north London at the time, denied both charges.
Ms Maryam Syed, prosecuting, said Knight and the complainant were strangers when they bumped into each other in the early hours of July 17 in Brighton town centre.
She said: ‘[The complainant] and her friends were intending to head to the beach area and had been drinking earlier and had bought a bottle of wine and were intending to share it at the seafront.
‘The defendant was in Brighton on his stag night and he was with a group of friends. Earlier in the evening they had been at the Airbnb property where they were staying where they had been visited by some strippers.’
Ms Syed said: ‘[The woman] tells police that when they get to the sea front, the defendant wanted to go into the sea, and she did not wish to do that.
‘But he sought to persuade her, by telling her that it was his stag night, he was meant to be having fun, but it was turning into a rubbish night.
‘She explained to police that he looked like he was going to cry, so she then relented and said yes.
‘She did not wish to get her dress wet, so she went into the water wearing her underwear. She was not touching the defendant nor was he touching her at that point, they were simply treading water in the same area of the sea.’
She said in her interview: ‘I was facing away from the shore and he kind of came up behind me and so we were both facing the same direction and he was behind me.
‘I just remember it being really uncomfortable and it really hurt. I just said to him ‘What’, like, ‘what are you doing, stop’ and he didn’t.
‘He didn’t reply to me at any point. He was just completely silent and I just kept saying, I literally just kept repeating; ‘Don’t’ like ‘What are you doing?’
‘I said, ‘You’re getting married in two weeks’. ‘Just stop, don’t do that’ and he just didn’t stop.’
A member of Knight’s group came up to the complainant and said: ‘oh, Larry [a name Knight goes by] wants me to tell you that he’s sorry.’
Once Knight had left, the complainant told her friends ‘I think I need to call the police. It is an emergency, I don’t really know.’
In his evidence to the jury, Knight claimed the woman first touched his penis.
He told the court he then touched her vagina for a few seconds, thinking it was consensual, before she made the comment about his imminent wedding and they returned to the shore.
Knight, who is attached to Met Detention, the force’s custody command, was arrested on July 28 last year and has been suspended from duties whilst the investigation is ongoing.
Following his arrest, the Met Police made a mandatory referral to the Independent Office for Police Conduct for a misconduct investigation to take place.
Three Coastal communities in the Keta Municipality of Volta Region have been submerged by the roaring sea.
The once thriving hub for fishing activities years ago have now been completely washed away.
Consequently, the inhabitants have relocated to other parts of the country and neighboring West Africa countries in search of jobs and livelihoods.
Agorkedzi, Atiteti, Dzita, Kedzikope, Horvi, Blekusu, Adina and Agavedzi appear to be the next in line to submit to the roar of the Atlantic Ocean.
A colonial relic, Prinzenstein, built in 1784 by the Danes in Keta, which served as a prison, is in ruins on the stretch.
It had served as a transit point for slaves from Accra, Northern Volta, Togo and Dahomey in Benin.
The roof is almost gone, the wooden structures are weak, while portions of the walls have fallen.
Few meters away from the forts is the Saint Michael Cathedral, described as a magnificent worship centre built in 1982 by the Catholic Church.
At high tide, sea water hits the fence walls of the church.
A kilometer from the Cathedral is the residence of Joana Adiku, 60, who has lived in the area all her life.
“For those of us here, we sit on tenterhooks, especially from July onwards. Our situation is like being notified of a pending war but all border exits are closed,” she says in a still voice.
Growing up, she says going to the seashore was quite a distance, but now it is just three feet away.
Mr Joel Degue, 58, a development worker, and an indigene of the area, says the beautiful sandbar between the Atlantic Ocean and the Lagoon Complex is sinking.
Two thirds of Keta have been taken by the sea. It used to be the capital of Volta Region but lost that status in 1986 due to land loss.
“In the 1980’s, Keta used to be one of the most thriving business towns where traders from Togo, Nigeria, Cape Verde, Benin, Niger visited. The sea invasion, which damaged market centres robbed the area of such a mega business status leading to the exile of most talented and exuberant people,” he says.
Mr Deng recalls that although the area had a history of coastal erosion, the rate of intrusion has been rapid in the last four decades.
“I grew up in Keta, specifically Dzelukope and Abutsiakope. I remember crossing a very wide sandy beach before reaching another one, especially around Ghanakpedzi and Lokpodzi beach towards Zomayi beach, Tettekope beach,” he recounts.
“Vividly, I remember seeing a very wide beach around Tegbi-Kpota, Woe Lighthouse, Whuti, Srogbe, Adakordzi, Akplorwotokor as recently as the 1990s. Today, greater portions of those beaches are gone into sea and the communities are precariously exposed.”
He says erosion along the coastland, especially between the Volta Estuary and Aflao is the greatest environmental threat in Ghana besides illegal mining popularly known as “galamsey”.
Causes Multiple factors contribute to the vulnerability of Keta, particularly extraction of sand at the beach, geographical location, depletion of vegetative cover and rising sea level caused by climate change, says Dr Andrews Agyekumhene, Lecturer at the Department of Marine And Fisheries Sciences University of Ghana.
In Ghana, the waves normally move from west to east and Keta, which already is below sea level, is hit by high waves making that section vulnerable.
He explains that naturally, the sea tides flow to the shore with a quantity of sand and takes a quantity back when retreating.
“Once the sand deposit is extracted by the people, the tide has no choice than to take the sand available back, and that causes the shore to erode.”
Dr Agyekumhene says the world is experiencing increase temperature as observed by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), a UN scientific body that provides regular assessments of the scientific basis of climate change, its impacts and future risks, and options for adaptation and mitigation.
This is causing the sea to warm, while the ice cape (glacier) is also melting due to the warming.
The results are an increase in volumes of sea water.
He tells the GNA that Keta may be far from the glacier, but the seas are connected, so happenings elsewhere impact on all.
The quest for a lasting solution
Successive governments have attempted solutions by building defense walls at some sections but the threats still linger.
Mr Emmanuel Gamegah, the Metropolitan Chief Executive of Keta, expresses optimism that the development of the commercial port will help mitigate the effects of the waves.
“From where I sit, I have been part of the process leading to the completion of the port. When that happens, this tidal wave problem will be solved. I am aware that the project will reclaim one kilometer of the land taken by the sea,” he says.
Aside from that, Keta will be benefiting from the second phase of the West Africa Coastal Areas Resilience Investment Project 2 (WACA ResIP 2).
The World Bank in 2022 announced the approval of a $150 million in finance for Ghana to improve ecosystem health and protect communities from erosion, which includes the Volta Delta and Keta Lagoon.
This will be done through the protection and restoration of mangrove forests; nourishment of sandy barriers; dune revegetation; and building of protective infrastructure such as groynes.
For Dr Agyekumhene, building of infrastructure like sea defense helps but the best approach is to use nature-based solutions- planting more mangroves, coconuts and other vegetative plants to solve coastal erosion.
“The structures will fall apart with time like in the case of Ada. The defense wall often shifts the problem from one location to the other…”
The mangrove expert explains that best practice has demonstrated that vegetation holds the soil together preventing sea water from easily taking the soil.
With nature-based solutions, Keta’s frontline communities, including Atiteti, Dzita, and others on the coast of Ghana and those around the world threatened by coastal erosion will be protected.
Ghanaian reggae and dancehall artiste, Samini recently shared insights about his ability to deliver outstanding performances despite facing personal challenges. He highlighted his resilience and commitment to his craft, emphasizing that he strives to provide exceptional experiences for his audience regardless of any personal difficulties he may be going through.
In a Twitter Spaces interview with Kwame Dadzie, Samini revealed that when he takes hold of the microphone, he enters a transcendent state where all his troubles seem to dissipate. He expressed how the power of music allows him to escape from personal challenges and fully immerse himself in the moment, delivering memorable performances to his fans.
According to Samini, the mind is a powerful weapon, and its use determines the outcome.
He explained, “I have a creative box, and nothing negative goes in there. So when it’s time to prepare for a performance or studio recording, and I am in that box, whatever negativity is present has its barriers. It can’t affect me until I’ve completed my task.”
Naturally, even on a regular day filled with activities and stress, Samini revealed that the moment the microphone is handed to him and the band begins to play, a different energy consumes him.
He emphasized that everyone involved in performance carries personal issues but once they step on stage, they release all the negative energy and enter a state of ecstasy.
When asked about concerns regarding repetitive performances on different shows, Samini expressed his desire to introduce new dynamics to his performances to avoid sounding monotonous.
He explained, “As an artiste, you sometimes long for change, something new, something spectacular. This way, even those who have attended one or two of your shows can experience a wow factor.”
Samini further emphasized that regardless of the audience size, he always ensures his stagecraft is top-notch.
He noted, “It’s not really about the number of people or how energized they are. It’s about how I can make them feel before they leave the venue.”
He went on to explain that sometimes an artiste performs in places where they are relatively unknown, and they may not receive the usual enthusiastic reception they are accustomed to in their comfort zones.
For the third consecutive year, Zenith Bank (Ghana) Limited has reaffirmed its dedication to supporting educational excellence in Ghana. The bank has once again sponsored the prestigious Overall Best Candidate award for the 2022 West African Senior School Certificate Examinations.
Alex Opoku Manu, a former student of St. James Seminary Senior High School in Sunyani, was honored as the Overall Best Candidate in the 2022 West African Senior School Certificate Examinations. Mr. Henry Onwuzurigbo, the Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of Zenith Bank, awarded him a cash prize of GHS 30,000 along with a laptop in recognition of his outstanding achievement.
During the 2022 WAEC Distinction Awards ceremony held at the Sakyi-Asare Menako Hall in Cantonments, Accra, Mr. Henry Onwuzurigbo, the Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of Zenith Bank, presented the cash prize of GHS 30,000 and a laptop to Alex Opoku Manu, the Overall Best Candidate in the West African Senior School Certificate Examinations. The event was organized by the West African Examination Council (WAEC).
According to the MD/CEO, “The achievement of Master Alex Opoku Manu is an attestation of extraordinary academic performance. The Bank’s decision to sponsor the award of Overall Best Candidate for the third year in a row is therefore in line with the Bank’s mission.
“To continue to invest in the best people, technology and environment to underscore our commitment to achieving customer enthusiasm.”
Alex Opoku Manu, who is currently pursuing a degree in Human Biology at the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST), was also awarded a cash prize and a certificate by the WAEC Endowment. Additionally, his former school, St. James Seminary Senior High School, received a plaque in recognition of his outstanding achievement.
Mr Benjamin Eyram Nana Kwame Degbey, the second Overall Best Student also a former student of the St. James Seminary SHS in Sunyani and the third-place winner, Abena Afriyie Poku, a former student of Holy Child Senior High School both received a cash prize, laptop, and a certificate each.
Madam Wendy Addy-Lamptey, Head of the National Office, WAEC, said the Excellence and Distinction Awards were instituted by the WAEC Endowment Fund to recognize and publicly acknowledge candidates who perform in the Council’s International and National examinations.
She expressed the Council’s appreciation to some organisations and the Headline Sponsor, Zenith Bank Ghana for coming onboard to reward excellence.
“Let me on behalf of the Council express our heartfelt appreciation to these organisations and our Headline Sponsor, Zenith Bank,” she said.
She announced that two of the winners (Alex Opoku Manu and Benjamin Eyram Nana Kwame Degbey) made Ghana proud and annexed the 1st and 2nd prizes at the WAEC International Excellence Awards during the 71st Annual Council Meeting of member countries of WAEC held in Banjul, The Gambia.”
Dr. Yaw Osei Adutwum, the Education Minister, congratulated the winners for their outstanding performance.
He commended WAEC for organising the awards and tasked school authorities to train critical thinkers.
Zenith Bank has over the years contributed significantly to the provision of financial support for needy but brilliant students across all levels of the educational spectrum.
The Bank currently offers full educational scholarships covering the cost of tuition, books, clothing, accommodation and allowances for underprivileged students who have been placed in schools such as Achimota Senior High School, Achimota Junior High School, Osu Presbyterian Senior High School and Kibi School for the Deaf. Recently, the Bank extended its scholarship scheme to an eight-year-old to enable the child pursue her education at the St. Peters Missions School in Accra.
Over the course of almost eighteen years of operations in Ghana, Zenith Bank has sponsored specific prize categories in schools and tertiary institutions, renovated computer laboratories of some public schools and equipped schools with computers, computer accessories as well as teaching and learning materials.
The Bank, some months ago, donated 24 ceiling fans to the Zagyuri Anglican JHS in the Sagnarigu Municipal Assembly as well as exercise books, textbooks and pens to students of Agbekotsekpo DA Basic School in the Shai Osudoku District of the Greater Accra Region, to enable students study in a more conducive learning environment and fully participate in learning activities undertaken in the schools.
Students of the Sokode Hall of Residence at the University of Health and Allied Sciences were also beneficiaries of two 380-litre deep freezers which the Bank donated to the Hall of Residence.
Zenith Bank Ghana’s Corporate Social Responsibility cuts across the areas of education, healthcare and human capital development. Initiatives embarked on by the Bank have centred on positively impacting the communities in which the Bank operates.
Zenith Bank (Ghana) Limited is a subsidiary of Zenith Bank Plc, head quartered in Nigeria with presence in other West Africa countries, the Middle East, Far East and Europe.
It is a member of the Ghana Deposit Protection Scheme. The Bank’s branding is anchored on a continuous investment in People, Technology and Excellent Customer Service.
Dean of the School of Research and Graduate Studies at the Ghana Institute of Management and Public Administration (GIMPA), Professor Wisdom Akpalu, has restated the importance of the Government‘s commitment to promoting the sustainable utilization of natural resources.
“We should not just go to town spending those (natural resource) monies, but invest them in other forms of capital. Let’s spend them on education, roads, hospitals and other things that can lead us to produce more goods and services rather than consuming them,” he said.
On Thursday, Professor Wisdom Akpalu shared his advice during an Inaugural Lecture held by GIMPA in Accra.
Under the topic “The Complexities of Managing Natural Resources in Developing Countries,” Professor Wisdom Akpalu delivered his speech during the Inaugural Lecture organized by GIMPA in Accra.
The Professor noted that Africa possesses abundant and valuable natural resources, but still faces significant challenges of poverty and destitution.
He identified ignorance or a lack of scientific knowledge regarding natural resource management as a contributing factor to the problem.
Prof Akpalu said the Continent was also faced with corruption and political expediency, and weak bargaining position of leaders with foreign investors over natural resources.
He said renewable resources could be sustained by ensuring that the rate of extraction did not exceed the capacity of the resource to replenish itself.
“We can achieve sustainability through our knowledge of the stock and bioregions of the resource, interaction between the resource and its environment, diversity of the species and interactions among them, reproductive capacity of the resource, relationship between the effort deployed and the harvest or catch.”
He said 60 percent of wild fish stocks in Africa were fully exploited while 30 per cent were over-exploited.
Prof Akpalu said Africa lost over US$38 billion of fishery capital from 2003 to 2008 due to overfishing and the presence of too many fishing vessels.
He said Africa also lost US$2.3billion a year to Illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing whilst Ghana lost over US$200 million every year due to irresponsible fishing practices.
Prof Akpalu, therefore, advised Government and stakeholders to demonstrate strong commitment to enforce regulations over the extraction and management of natural resources.
He also urged them to promote domestic investment in resource extraction for profits to be retained in the country and not go to foreign investors.
Member of Parliament for Assin South, Reverend John Ntim Fordjour, has refuted accusations of distributing money with the intention of influencing voters during the recently concluded Assin North by-election in the Central Region.
He emphasised that he did not participate in any such activities and urged the public to dismiss such allegations.
In a recent Facebook post, the Deputy Education Minister stated that the allegation, purportedly spread by Joshua Akamba, the former National Organiser of the National Democratic Congress, is false.
“My attention has been drawn to a false and malicious allegation made by Joshua Akamba.”
“I wish to state categorically that I never engaged in vote buying nor did I share money or goods before or during the Assin North by-election.”
Claims of the governing New Patriotic Party (NPP) engaging in vote-buying during the by-election have been refuted and dismissed.
The opposition NDC, has accused the governing party of giving out monies to some constituents to woo them to cast their vote for Charles Opoku.
The Director of Communications for the NPP, Richard Ahiagbah says the claims are false.
In response to the allegation made by the NDC’s National Communications Officer Sammy Gyamfi on JoyNews, he said, “Sammy went on a little run there to talk about lies and government inducement or party inducement, you see, those things are just not true”.
He rather expressed worry for future elections if political parties would peddle falsehoods as done by the NDC.
He challenged the NDC to come clean on the supposed lies that the NPP is said to have told during their campaigns.
According to Mr Ahiagbah, the NDC rather peddled lies even in their central campaign message to the constituents.
“I can tell you two grand lies or perhaps three or even four that the NDC peddled. The central proposition to the people was that one – they [NDC] want them to vote for the NDC’s James Gyakye Quayson because government wants to remove him from Parliament so we [NPP] can have a way to legalise LGBTQ in Ghana – blatant falsehood but that was their message.”
In a strong statement, showbiz personality Arnold Asamoah-Baidoo vehemently criticized the perception that entertainment pundits have nothing valuable to do with their lives, labeling it as both stupid and absurd.
This comes at the back of netizens claiming that entertainment pundits have nothing to do with their lives.
Reacting to such comments, the showbiz critic contends that, like representatives of any other reputable profession, entertainment pundits are resource people who are invited to appear on radio and television based on their knowledge and qualifications.
“Those saying that entertainment pundits have nothing better doing with their lives so they just go sit and express their opinion have low IQ. It’s like saying that the seasoned sports pundits who sit on radio or TV to discuss issues relating to sports have nothing better doing with their lives.
“It’s just like when resource persons and political pundits sit on radio and TV to discuss political issues then you say they have nothing better doing. If entertainment pundits are invited for a show based on their experience and the kind of work they do and you say they have nothing better doing what kind of stupidity is that,” he fumed in an interview with Amansan Krakye.
Additionally, Arnold Asamoah-Baidoo emphasized that every profession, including entertainment pundits, has a significant role to play in contributing to important matters within the country. He highlighted the importance of recognizing and respecting the contributions made by individuals in various professions towards the betterment of society.
“What they fail to realize is that in the ecosystem that we find ourselves, everyone has got their part that they play and we don’t sit there as empty heads,” he added.
On Thursday evening, June 30, 2023, it was reported that two vehicles collided near the traffic light in proximity to the Jubilee House.
Visual evidence from the accident scene displayed a red private vehicle that was involved in the collision, flipped upside down.
Two individuals were observed in the act of retrieving an item from the car, although their intentions were unclear as to whether they were assisting the occupants of the vehicle.
It’s very bad. I hope the driver makes it. All because of someone’s negligence to do their work when they are supposed to. 💔💔 pic.twitter.com/8c3WxxUzr9
The other vehicle; a salon car, had its bumper and backside completely smashed.
According to an eyewitness, who shared the audio-visuals, the accident happened because the traffic light in front of the Jubilee House is dysfunctional.
He said that he plies that road daily and the traffic lights there have not been working for weeks.
He indicated that the red car crashed into the salon car which caused it to somersault.
“I pray that the driver (of the red car) survives,” he said.
Artist manager and entertainment critic, George Mensah Britton has denied allegations that artist managers frequently “milk” the talent they sign.
During an interview with Amansan Krakye, George expressed that such comments are typically made by individuals who lack a deep understanding of the entertainment industry or showbiz dynamics.
Expanding on the topic, George Britton shared his insights, stating that many people fail to witness the artist’s journey until they achieve significant success and recognition in the industry. In other words, the public often overlooks the early stages of an artist’s career before they become well-known or “blow.”
He remarked “Most people don’t understand how the music business works and so it’s painful to hear people say that managers and record labels milk their artistes.
“They only see tomorrow when the artiste blossom and becomes so big and successful but they don’t see the beginning of the artiste,” he disclosed sighted by MyNewsGh.com
“So some people speak without experience and so some of them they will talk but it’s up to you to soak all these things and see how to go about it,” he concluded.
The rapid development of roads and other crucial infrastructure in the Assin North Constituency has reportedly come to a standstill prior to the upcoming by-election in the area.
According to reports, a significant number of contractors, who were appointed by the Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo administration, have abandoned the ongoing projects and left the construction sites despite receiving funds from the government.
Peace FM shared a video showcasing an unfinished road development project in Assin Akonfudi, a community within the Assin North Constituency.
While a large portion of the road had undergone grading, only one side had been coated with a black substance, which could be tar or bitumen.
Interestingly, the substance has also been applied directly onto bare sand at certain points without the presence of gravels, unlike other sections of the road.
The residents according to Peace FM have been complaining bitterly about the abandonment of the road.
They are saying that the government was only deceiving them into voting for their candidate in the by-election.
About the Assin North election:
According to the Electoral Commission’s announcement, James Gyakye Quayson garnered a total of 17,245 votes, representing 57.56% of the total votes cast.
His closest contender, Charles Opoku of the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP), received 12,630 votes, accounting for 42.15% of the votes.
Bernice Enyonam Sefenu of the Liberal Party Ghana (LPG) secured 87 votes, which represented 0.29% of the overall tally.
The by-election in Assin North was held to fill the parliamentary seat left vacant following a legal battle that questioned Quayson’s eligibility to hold office due to dual citizenship concerns.
Ego is the conscious mind that determines human beings as people. If someone has too much ego it means they’re very proud and vain. A big ego can make people stay away from you because you’re always bragging and making them feel small. These seven tips can help you be tolerable to people.
Self-awareness: Recognize when your ego is taking control and be mindful of its influence on your thoughts, emotions, and behaviors.
Practice humility: Embrace the understanding that you don’t know everything and that there is always room for growth and learning.
Cultivate empathy: Put yourself in others’ shoes and strive to understand their perspectives and experiences. This helps in building genuine connections and fostering compassion.
Practice active listening: Pay attention to others without interrupting or imposing your opinions. Truly listen and seek to understand before responding.
Accept feedback gracefully: Instead of becoming defensive when receiving feedback or criticism, view it as an opportunity for personal growth and improvement.
Let go of the need for control: Recognize that you cannot control everything and everyone. Allow others to have their autonomy and respect their choices.
Focus on collaboration and teamwork: Instead of seeking to dominate or prove your superiority, strive to work harmoniously with others, valuing their contributions and fostering a cooperative environment.
Remember, controlling your ego is an ongoing process that requires self-reflection, practice, and a commitment to personal growth.
The Ministry of Sanitation and Water Resources (MSWR) has initiated the URBAN-WASH project in Ghana, with support from USAID.
This project aims to strengthen urban resilience by building and applying new evidence in Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) practices.
Launched under the MSWR’s guidance, this USAID-backed initiative seeks to enhance water and sanitation initiatives across urban areas in Ghana.
The URBAN-WASH project holds great promise in addressing critical challenges and advancing sustainable WASH practices in the country.
Spanning a duration of five years (2021-2026), the URBAN-WASH project, supported by USAID, is a research and learning activity designed to generate valuable evidence through practical research.
The primary objective is to foster the implementation of sustainable, equitable, and climate-resilient policies and programs in Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) as well as Water Resources Management within urban and peri-urban regions.
By focusing on applied research, this initiative aims to drive positive change and promote effective strategies in Ghana’s urban water and sanitation sector.
The key objective of the URBAN-WASH project is to fill knowledge gaps among Service Providers and Government institutions in USAID priority countries, including Ghana. It aims to enhance the evidence base necessary for informed decision-making processes.
By focusing on these goals, the project seeks to strengthen the capacity of stakeholders and improve their ability to make well-informed decisions regarding water, sanitation, and hygiene in urban settings.
The research conducted under the URBAN-WASH project will have a dual focus. Firstly, it will concentrate on pro-poor subsidy initiatives in Accra, aiming to identify scalable, financially sustainable, and effective projects that effectively reach the most vulnerable populations.
Secondly, the research will primarily center around water quality, water equity, and non-revenue water in Kumasi and Tamale. This comprehensive approach will contribute to a deeper understanding of these critical areas and facilitate the development of targeted strategies and interventions to address the specific challenges faced in each location.
Mrs. Patricia Sampson, the Director of Administration at the Ministry of Sanitation and Water Resources (MSWR), delivered the keynote address on behalf of the Minister during the project launch.
She highlighted that the research aimed to tackle the various challenges encountered by the country and expressed gratitude for Ghana’s fortunate selection as one of the participating countries.
“Ladies and Gentlemen, I am extremely happy that this project is being implemented now as it will enhance efforts that Government and Partners are already making to provide sustainable water and sanitation services in the country. It also aligns with the Ministry’s WASH Sector Development Programme (GWASHSDP) 2021-2030 launched two weeks ago,” she stated.
She said even though evidence showed that access to basic water services in urban areas stood at 96.4 per cent per the Ghana Statistical Service Population and Housing Census, 2021, there was evidence that some segments of the population within the lower income group still lack access to basic water services.
“The Government of Ghana through the Ministry of Sanitation and Water Resources has made and is still making great efforts to make WASH services accessible to all. Several strategies are therefore being adopted to ensure universal water access,” Mrs Sampson stated.
She expressed gratitude to the USAID, Aquaya and other development partners who have shown their willingness to support the initiative.
Mr Daniel Asseh Allan, Senior Manager Water Utilities Performance Monitoring- PURC in the early 2000s PURC through its social policy study realised that the poor paid more for water than those connected.
“Through various engagement with stakeholders including study tours of some African countries it became clear that the poor were a key and peculiar stakeholder in the urban water value chain.
“Kenya decided to take care of its urban poor by doing pro poor interventions because they realised that if you do not take care of them, they can vandalise your system and still get water while your
costs increase through loss of water and negatively affect water quality in the distribution systems and even reduce pressures and thus ability to serve utility customers,” Mr Allan stated.
He noted: “If the poor do not get water, even if they do not vandalise the system, they are less likely to report when they see bursts and rather capitalise on it to get water.
The Senior Manager said over the years PURC worked with Ghana Water Company Limited to encourage the creation of a Pro Poor unit to help in this endeavour and that “We have been involved with many studies and interventions over the years to promote the progress of these pro poor programs.”
Mr Allan said looking at the sector it had been important to look at the full integrity of the system in terms of not just water and its quality but Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) as well.
“We are very pleased with this study and this launch and ready to contribute to ensure that Ghana’s Water Sector gains from evidence that has been gathered from around the world and for Ghana to share its own knowledge as the sector grows and improves especially with a view to apply new evidence to the progress of the sector.”
Ghana’s Births and Deaths Registry (BDR) has recently introduced an all-encompassing Instruction Manual specifically designed to enhance the process of births and deaths registration in the country. This comprehensive manual aims to provide clear guidelines and procedures, ensuring efficient and accurate registration of births and deaths across Ghana. The BDR’s initiative is poised to streamline operations, improve data management, and promote the integrity of vital statistics in the nation.
Through collaborative efforts with key stakeholders such as the Ministry of Local Government and Rural Development, Ghana Health Service (GHS), National Identification Authority (NIA), and United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (UNECA), the Births and Deaths Registry (BDR) has successfully achieved this milestone. Furthermore, the implementation of the new Instruction Manual was made possible with the valuable technical and financial support provided by UNICEF.
It comes on the back of the passage of the Registration of Births and Deaths Act, 2020 (Act 1027) and the Registration of Births and Deaths Regulations 2021 (L.I. 2436).
During a workshop held in Ejisu, Ashanti Region, from the 22nd to the 24th of June 2023, the Births and Deaths Registry (BDR) unveiled and validated the extensive and valuable document, shedding light on its significant progress in the field of births and deaths registration.
The workshop, supported by UNICEF, brought together stakeholders from various organisations, including the Ministry of Local Government Decentralization and Rural Development, the Office of the Head of Local Government Service, the Local Government Institute, Ghana Immigration Service, the Passport Office, and all 16 Regional Registrars of the Births and Deaths Registry.
In an address, Madam Henrietta Lamptey, Registrar, BDR, said, the collaborative efforts and the valuable inputs from stakeholders had culminated in the development of an instruction manual that “serves as a comprehensive guide for birth and death registrations in Ghana.”
It reflects the best practices and international standards in civil registration and vital statistics, ensuring accuracy, timeliness, and data security.
“The new instruction manual offers several key benefits for both the registry and the citizens of Ghana. Firstly, it aligns the registration processes with the national identification system overseen by the NIA.”
This integration fosters synergy between the two vital components of citizen identification and registration, streamlining administrative procedures and reducing duplication, she said.
According to her, the collaboration with the GHS enabled a seamless transfer of birth and death records from health facilities to the registry. This integration ensures that vital events are promptly captured and recorded, creating a more efficient and reliable system of registration.
“The manual places a strong emphasis on data quality, privacy, and security, addressing the evolving technological landscape and the need for robust data protection measures.
By implementing stringent protocols, the Births and Deaths Registry aims to safeguard the personal information of individuals while providing accurate and reliable vital statistics.”
The Registrar thanked all stakeholders and participants for their invaluable contributions.
“Together, we are forging a stronger and more inclusive civil registration system that will have far-reaching benefits for the people of Ghana.
As we move forward, we encourage all citizens to familiarize themselves with the new instruction manual and engage with the Births and Deaths Registry to ensure their vital events are accurately recorded. “
By doing so, we can collectively strengthen our civil registration system, enhance data accuracy, and empower individuals with the necessary documentation to exercise their rights and access vital services.
The Births and Deaths Registry remains committed to upholding the highest standards of civil registration and vital statistics. We believe that this milestone will pave the way for an improved and more efficient system that will benefit all Ghanaians, Madam Lamptey pledged.
Marketing Consultant, Mr. Ian Tabalor Okwei, encourages youth to utilize social media as a platform to actively connect with existing and potential customers, as well as promote their businesses.
Highlighting the effectiveness of social media platforms like Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and LinkedIn, Mr. Ian Tabalor Okwei emphasised their potential to establish connections with targeted audiences, engage in meaningful communication, and share relevant content with clients, facilitating the achievement of their goals.
During an interview in Tema, Mr. Ian Tabalor Okwei, who holds the position of Protocol and Administrative Officer at TDC Development Company Limited, highlighted the existence of alternative digital channels like email and search engines. These channels can be utilized to connect with customers through text or multimedia messages, thereby enhancing business visibility.
Mr. Ian Tabalor Okwei emphasised that the need for physical queues would soon diminish as people would have the convenience of having their desired items delivered directly to their homes. He further highlighted the widespread availability of delivery services across the nation, making it possible for individuals to access various goods without the hassle of waiting in queues.
Mr. Okwei, who is also the proprietor of Big Joe Organic Waakye, added that having effective digital media strategies was essential for businesses of all sizes because people used the internet to find products and services.
He said having a strong online presence was crucial for businesses of all sizes, adding that social media had helped his enterprises by broadening their audience, and he advised the young people not to wait to start their own businesses until they had jobs.
To enhance brand awareness, drive sales and revenue, and foster customer loyalty, he underlined the need of branding oneself and selecting the appropriate channels and techniques to reach clients.
The marketing representative emphasised the significance of sellers remaining current with emerging trends and strategies to keep one step ahead of the competition and build sustainable success in their company.
The Ghana Armed Forces (GAF) has strongly advised the public to ignore a fraudulent document circulating on social media, falsely claiming that the military is currently conducting enlistment or recruitment activities.
The GAF has categorically stated that the document is entirely fabricated and holds no validity. This cautionary announcement aims to prevent misinformation and ensure that individuals do not fall victim to scams or false promises regarding military recruitment.
To ensure authenticity and avoid falling prey to scams, the Ghana Armed Forces (GAF) has advised individuals interested in joining the military to exclusively rely on the official and authorized channels employed by GAF for announcing enlistment and recruitment activities. By adhering to these verified sources, prospective applicants can safely access accurate information and guidance regarding the military’s enlistment procedures.
A statement issued in Accra by Lieutenant Colonel A Marteye for the Director General Public Relations said the channels were the Daily Graphic and Ghanaian Times newspapers.
It said the fake press release on social media was directing interested applicants who wanted to join GAF to forward their summary report and contact information to a fraudulent email address: ghforces37@gmail.com.
Furthermore, the counterfeit document falsely referenced a supposed press release from the Finance Ministry to the Ghana Armed Forces (GAF) regarding the suspension of new officer recruitment across all sectors due to financial limitations faced by the government. However, it is important to note that this information is entirely fabricated and lacks any official confirmation.
The statement said GAF was not currently conducting any enlistment or recruitment thus, entreated the public to disregard the fraudulent press release.
“The public is urged to report such fake internet links and illicit activities to the nearest Military installation or police station,” it said.
It said the cooperation of the public was also solicited to help curb the menace of recruitment fraud across the country.
Police have reported that a 13-year-old girl from Barnsley who went missing after attending a house party in south London has been discovered safe and sound.
Concerned family members reported Carmelle Hepi missing after midnight on Sunday, June 24.
As a result of an urgent investigation that was started by police on Tuesday, three men, all in their 20s, were detained on suspicion of kidnapping.
While the other three have been released on bond pending additional investigations, one person is still in detention.
In an update, Lambeth borough police tweeted: ‘We’re delighted to say that 13-year-old Carmelle Hepi has been found safe and well.
‘This was a complex and fast-paced inquiry by specialist detectives. We would like to thank everyone who supported our appeals.’
Detectives said they believed she travelled down to London from South Yorkshire by train on Saturday and attended a birthday party in Peckham that evening.
She was understood to have left with another group of people in a car at around 11pm and later attended addresses in Croydon, Lewisham, and Purfleet in Essex.
Wife of rapper Sarkodie, Tracy has finally broken the silence amid her husband’s controversy with Ghanaian actress, Yvonne Nelson.
She posted on her social media a bible verse and many are wondering who the post was directed to.
Her response comes after her husband released the song “Try Me,” which was intended to respond to the accusations made against him in Yvonne Nelson’s book.
Massive reactions welcomed the song which tackled Yvonne’s claims of being impregnated and jilted by the rapper after life-threatening abortion complications.
In the said song, the rapper admitted they had a relationship but refuted several other claims in an approach many have termed ‘immature and disrespectful’.
However, Tracy, who has since been silent on the entire development and in the midst of the wild reactions on social media, has taken to Instagram to write, ‘Proverbs 19:5’.
The Bible verse reads, “A false witness will not go unpunished, and whoever pours out lies will not go free.”
Although it is unclear who the content of the Bible verse was directed to, netizens have linked it to either her husband orYvonne Nelson.
A Presidential aspirant of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Mr Alan Kyerematen, plans to connect with Party delegates through a series of cluster meetings across the nation. This intensive campaign tour aims to gather widespread support for his bid for the presidency.
With the Party’s November 4, 2023 Presidential primaries approaching, the former Trade and Industry Minister, Mr. Alan Kyerematen, has set his sights on engaging each delegate of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) individually. Through these interactions, he intends to provide comprehensive insights into his ambitious Great Transformational Plan (GTP).
A statement issued by Yaw Buaben Asamoa, Press Secretary to Alan Kyerematen, announcing the tour, said the ground-breaking cluster delegates meetings would see the presidential-hopeful engaging with over 200,000 NPP delegates.
The cluster constituency delegate meetings will serve as a platform for Mr. Alan Kyerematen to demonstrate his dedication to collaborative idea-sharing and working in unison with the people. These efforts are geared towards achieving victory in the upcoming November primaries and ultimately in the national elections of 2024.
“This innovation is expected to change the dynamics of Aspirant and Delegate interactions, giving diverse delegates from different constituencies a unique opportunity to meet, fraternize, and share experiences from differing perspectives,” the statement said.
Starting from the Greater Accra Region, the cluster engagements will kick off on Monday, 3rd July 2023, and subsequently expand to cover other regions in the country.
The cluster meetings with delegates is fashioned along constituencies with contiguous borders and common characteristics.
This strategic arrangement aims to maximize interaction and cooperation among party members.
They will help delegates and the presidential hopeful together, “devise winning strategies towards
the A4P goal of building a strong partnership for power between the NPP and the public,” the statement stated.
It added that “participation in the durbars is expected to lift the spirits of the delegates and the rank and file of the Party, renewing hope that ‘Together, We Will Win’ the 2024 General and Presidential Elections to transform the fortunes of Ghana.”
Alan Kyerematen’s profile as a former Trade and Industry Minister adds weight to his bid as a presidential candidate hopeful for the NPP, as majority of party members see him as the best candidate to the 2024 presidential elections.
As the Chair of the Climate Vulnerable Forum’s V20 Group of Finance Ministers, Ghana has urged global leaders to establish a climate-responsive financial system in order to tackle the challenges posed by climate change.
By implementing such initiatives, the aim is to enhance the implementation of climate adaptation and mitigation measures, specifically targeting vulnerable nations.
Additionally, this will facilitate a transformation in the approach towards resolving climate-induced debt challenges faced by countries, while providing crucial support to nations seeking financial resources to enhance resilience and effectively adapt to climate-related issues.
“We must develop powerful coalitions to fight for humanity as we coordinate our efforts to respond positively to the need for the development of a fit-for-climate global financial system,” Ghana’s Finance Minister, Mr Ken Ofori-Atta said.
Mr. Ofori-Atta made these remarks during the New Global Financing Pact summit, a two-day event hosted by the French government.
“It’s critical that we scale up the innovative climate financing mechanisms and speed up climate action to ensure that we maintain the 1.5-degree Celsius temperature limit,” he said.
The V20 Chair further emphasised the importance of enhancing national accountability in addressing climate change issues for the overall global benefit.
The finance minister noted that the world needed, “the kind of leadership the world saw that led to the abolishment of apartheid, the drive behind the civil rights movement and the development of the Breton woods institutions.”
He also reiterated President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo’s call for support for global financial system reforms as advanced by the V20 Group of Finance Ministers of the CVF through the recently launched Accra-to-Marrakech Agenda (the A2M).
The Accra-to-Marrakech Agenda is a roadmap by the V20 to work to cement an international coalition behind a fit-for-climate global financial system, culminating at the Marrakech International Monetary Fund (IMF) and World Bank Annual Meetings in Marrakech later this year.
The New Global Financing Pact summit is to reconsider the global financial architecture and ways to mobilise financial support for developing and low-income countries facing challenges, including global warming, loss of biodiversity, debt, and pandemics.
It is centred on addressing the financing required to meet the global challenges, build solidarity amongst countries and all the critical stakeholders, as governments worked collectively towards a just green transition.
The summit brought together Heads of States and government, leaders of major international organisations, representatives of global financial institutions, and private sector and civil society representatives.
At the end of the summit, there was a call for collective global effort to mobilise additional financial resources from the private sector, including multilateral development banks to support vulnerable countries.
The call for transitioning into a net-zero economy by protecting the planet through shared goods and ensuring clean air, forests and oceans through systematic transformation was also accentuated.
It was noted that there was the need to stand united in international solidarity and win the battle against poverty by alleviating the debt burden of vulnerable countries through adequate renegotiations, restructuring and repayment.
If the government needs to take over Thames Water, the burden of its enormous $14 billion debt will fall primarily on British taxpayers, a Labour MP has warned.
The largest water business in the UK is in negotiations to obtain additional cash to prevent total failure.
Thames Water, which provides services to a fourth of the UK’s population, has “significant issues to address,” including its “financial resilience,” according to water regulator Ofwat.
Following yesterday’s crisis negotiations, the government declared that should the corporation collapse under the weight of its debts, it is prepared for any scenario, including temporary state ownership.
But Labour MP Darren Jones, chair of the business and trade committee, warned the company is ‘too important to fail’ and if it does, ‘the taxpayer is going to have to take it on’.
He told BBC Breakfast: ‘We saw this happen last year with the energy supply companies and we’re now unfortunately seeing it with the water companies.
‘It means that taxpayers will be exposed to the debt and the running costs for a very large company in Thames Water.
‘We saw again with the energy supply companies that we have to take on the cost of running these failed businesses, which is why it’s so galling for taxpayers when they see that regulators and ministers have failed to spot this problem before it all blew up.’
Mr Jones blamed Thames Water’s failures on the way it has distributed its cash and further criticised government ministers and regulators for not taking responsibility sooner.
He said: ‘We can’t just keep having parliamentary committees looking at these issues once everything has gone wrong.
‘We need ministers to take some accountability for the quality of our regulators and the supervision that those regulators have over the executives running these companies.
‘If companies like Thames Water hadn’t indebted itself so much, taken out so much wealth from the business and given it to its overseas shareholders and rewarded its executives so handsomely, whilst not investing in the network, we wouldn’t be in this position in the first place.
‘Ministers and regulators should have known that before everything went wrong.’
Thames Water is at risk of collapse under the pressure of £14bn of debt (Picture: Maureen McLean/Shutterstock)
The Consumer Council for Water (CCW) said Thames Water should be communicating more openly about its finances with customers.
CCW senior director Mike Keil said: ‘Thames Water made a commitment to its customers to make significant improvements through its turnaround plan and people need reassurance that is going to be delivered.
‘The company should be communicating more openly about its finances with its customers, who want to see a marked improvement in Thames’ customer service and wider performance.’
He added: ‘All water consumers should be reassured that there are robust regulatory safeguards in place to make sure people’s taps keep running and their services are protected.’
Tory health minister Neal O’Brien insists the government ‘does have contingency plans in place’ if the worst happens and urged customers not to worry about the situation.
He told Sky News: ‘Absolutely nothing is going to happen in terms of either their bills or their access to water.’
Business secretary Kemi Badenoch said she was ‘very concerned’ about the future of the company and said ‘we need to make sure it survives as an entity’.
Ofwat said Thames Water still has access to funds: ‘It recently received an additional £500m from shareholders and has £4.4bn of cash and committed funding.’
The regulator also said it would continue to keep water companies’ financial resilience ‘under close scrutiny and work with companies to ensure they take action to ensure that they have the financial backing to deliver for customers and the environment’.
On Tuesday Thames Water chief executive, Sarah Bentley, unexpectedly quit after two years in the job.
The company hasn’t given a reason for Sarah Bentley’s departure – though it came weeks after she was asked to give up her bonus over sewage spills.
Social media is buzzing with discussions sparked by a video featuring Nadia Buari and one of her daughters re-enacting a movie scene. In the scene, one character asks another whether she believes a married man would abandon his wife for her.
The video has generated significant conversation and engagement among users on various social media platforms.
The said movie is ‘The Family That Preys’ directed by Tyler Perry. The movie delves into the lives of two families, the Cartwrights and the McGregor’s, whose lives become intertwined through friendship and business. The intricate relationships between families, treachery, greed, and eventually the power of forgiveness are important themes in the narrative.
The re-enacted scene was a dialogue between two women about the possibility of a man leaving his wife and child for another woman.
“Do you really think that man is gonna leave his wife and his child for you?”
“Shut up! Yes, he will. Why is it so hard for you to believe?”
While some have expressed admiration for the acting skills ofNadia Buari‘s child, others have expressed curiosity about the actress’ decision to keep her children’s faces hidden as the shared video, like several others, showcased a profile shot of the child, while Nadia’s face was visible.
“My first tiktok with my lil munchkin and sheeesssshhhh….it was so hard for me to keep a straight face. Just looking at how incredibly adorable she was acting; I had to hug and kiss her in every take,” the caption of her video read.
Meanwhile, some have questioned the timing of the video and have given their interpretations. They have insinuated that it is a subtle reaction to Yvonne Nelson’s issue with Sarkodie.
Yvonne Nelson and rapper Sarkodie have been making headlines in recent days due to Yvonne’s newly published memoir. The actress revealed in her book that Sarkodie allegedly impregnated her in 2010 but did not take responsibility for the pregnancy. Instead, she claims that he influenced her decision to undergo an abortion. These revelations have garnered significant attention and discussion in the media.
The rapper has also reacted with a song titled ‘Try Me’, stressing he was not ready to have a child at the time but told Yvonne to keep it. Regardless, Yvonne, according to Sarkodie, said she was in school and wanted to focus on education.
“So, don’t make it seem I was the one pushing for abortion”, the rapper who is now married with two kids rapped.
A General Practitioner at St Michael’s Specialist Hospital in Lapaz, Dr Catherine Amofa, has urged Ghanaians to make regular visits to healthcare facilities for routine checkups.
Dr Catherine Amofa emphasised that conditions such as hypertension pose a significant risk, silently leading to various complications like organ failure. Consequently, she stressed the importance of regular check-ups to address this potential threat.
During a health screening event aimed at promoting awareness of hypertension, hepatitis B, and diabetes, Dr Amofa provided the advice to attendees. The event was organised by St. Michael’s Specialist Hospital, and Dr Amofa shared her insights on the importance of regular check-ups during the occasion.
She elaborated on the potential consequences of hypertension, highlighting that hypertension can affect vital organs such as the brain, leading to stroke, the heart, leading to heart failure, and the kidneys, resulting in kidney failure.
“It can even give you neuropathic diseases that involve the nerves and blood vessels. It can also even go as far to destroy your eyesight,” she added.
Dr Amofah, hypertension is relatively common among individuals of African descent, including Africans. However, based on the screenings conducted, it was revealed that sedentary lifestyles, poor dietary habits, and inadequate rest were significant contributing factors to the development of hypertension.
She, therefore, encouraged the citizenry to watch their diet, exercise regularly, rest adequately and hydrate properly.
“The Ghanaian diet is tailored in such a way that if you do not take care, you will hardly have a balanced meal, and the fats and oils as well as salt contents of most of our foods as stable foods are actually quite high.
“You do not have to join a gym to exercise. Just a little bit of cardio a few minutes a day makes quite a difference,” the General Practitioner stated.
She said about 50 per cent of the patients who had been screened had hypertension whilst 50 per cent tested positive for Hepatitis B.
Dr Richard Anongura, a Medical Officer at St Michael’s Specialist Hospital, said the screening exercise was to raise awareness about the common chronic diseases that people ignored.
He said Hypertension, Diabetes, Obesity and Hepatitis B were endemic among the populace, therefore, highlighting and raising awareness and providing free screening were important.
Dr Anongura said that over 200 people were screened yesterday and some were referred for further checks.
He said the Hospital would offer free consultation in July for all Ghanaians who would walk to the facility.
Dr Lilian Mpabanti, Acting Medical Director of the Hospital, commended the Health Facility Regulatory Agency (HeFRA), the Okaikwei Central Member of Parliament and the Okaikwei North Assembly for their enormous support of the Hospital.
Fidelity Bank Ghana says it is actively addressing the issues highlighted by the Bank of Ghana (BoG) which has resulted in the temporary suspension of its Foreign Exchange trading license.
The bank in a statement said it is highly committed to upholding stringent operational compliance standards in all aspects of its operations and further assured its esteemed customers that they (Fidelity) will be actively involved in discussions with the Bank of Ghana to promptly resolve the matter at hand.
“As a Bank, we strive to maintain the highest levels of operational compliance across all our business activities, and we reassure all our valued customers that we are actively engaging the Bank of Ghana to resolve the issue as soon as possible,” it said.
Fidelity Bank, in a statement released to the press, stated that its regular operations remained unaffected by the regulatory penalty.
According to a statement signed by Eric Frempong Amponsah, Head of Marketing, Fidelity Bank the Bank has entered into a temporary agreement with its partner banks to facilitate the smooth execution of foreign exchange transactions.
“All Branches, Agent Points and digital platforms continue to provide our customers with the full range of financial services as usual,” it said
It apologised to its customers for the inconvenience caused them following the regulator’s punishment.
The Central Bank Thursday announced that it had fined the First National Bank Ghana Ltd. and Fidelity Bank Ghana Limited a combined 1000 penalty points each for breaching sections 3.4, 3.5, and 3.9 of the Ghana Interbank Forex Market Conduct rules.
Additionally, their forex trading had been suspended for one month, effective June 29.
In an angry tirade against the government’s alleged “apathy” towards environmental issues, Lord Zac Goldsmith announced his resignation.
Just one day after receiving criticism in the wake of the Partygate scandal investigation, he announced his resignation.
After Lord Goldsmith was listed in a report listing those who had “undermined” the probe together with former cabinet members Nadine Dorries and Jacob Rees-Mogg, Rishi Sunak received calls to fire Lord Goldsmith.
However, yesterday the prime minister supported his colleague and declared that he had “confidence” in the minister.
But this morning, it was a different story for Lord Goldsmith and his comments on Mr Sunak.
The Tory peer said the Prime Minister was ‘simply uninterested’ in the environment as he stepped down as a Foreign Office minister.
In his blistering two-page resignation letter, Lord Goldsmith wrote: ‘Prime Minister, having been able to get so much done previously, I have struggled even to hold the line in recent months.
‘The problem is not that the government is hostile to the environment, it is that you, our Prime Minister, are simply uninterested.
‘That signal, or lack of it, has trickled down through Whitehall and caused a kind of paralysis.’
Lord Goldsmith released his letter on the same day Mr Sunak makes a major announcement on the NHS – with some speculating he is attempting to ‘steal his thunder’.
He concluded the letter: ‘It has been a privilege to be able to work with so many talented people in government, in particular my Private Office, and to have been able to make a difference to a cause I have been committed to for as long as I remember.
‘But this government’s apathy in the face of the greatest challenge we have faced makes continuing in my current role untenable.
‘With great reluctance I am therefore stepping down as a Minister in order to focus my energy where it can be more useful.’
Lord Goldsmith’s responsibilities in his role had surrounded overseeing work in overseas territories, the Commonwealth and on energy, climate and environment.
LORD GOLDSMITH’S RESIGNATION LETTER IN FULL
Here is Lord Goldsmith’s resignation letter in full:
Dear Prime Minister,
I became involved in politics above all because of my love and concern for the natural environment. We depend on nature for everything, and we are degrading the natural world at an astonishing speed. Logically, there is nothing more important.
So when you asked me to stay on as minister for the international environment, I of course accepted. I did so with a view to guarding the progress we had seen in recent years on the international environment, and to building on a record of international leadership that has been so warmly welcomed around the world.
The past four years have been an exhilarating experience for me, and I will forever be grateful that I was put in a position where I could do more for the environment than I thought possible in a lifetime.
I’m proud that in recent years the UK has played a critical, indeed defining role – leading powerful coalitions of ambition and securing world-changing commitments over a very wide range of environmental issues.
And even if in the highly polarised political environment here in the UK there is an unwillingness to acknowledge it, that leadership has been recognised and appreciated by civil society and governments around the world.
As a direct consequence of our environmental leadership, we have seen countries previously ambivalent towards the UK stepping up to support us on numerous unrelated issues. We often find ourselves invited to regional environmental summits as the only ‘outsider’ country present.
It is the UK that civil society routinely turns to for help advancing their cause. In many respects, the UK has become the single most important voice for nature globally.
I believe we can be proud of our record. At Cop26 we secured unprecedented commitments from countries, philanthropists and businesses that – if delivered – will put the natural world on the road to recovery. At the time, WWF said “Nature truly arrived at Cop26”.
The Tropical Forest Alliance said “we’ll look back and realise that this was the day we finally turned the tide on deforestation”. Forbes called it a “Paris moment” for forests. In Glasgow, with strong support from the then prime minister, we were able to achieve far more than any of us ever thought possible.
Since then the UK has been the driving force behind successful global efforts. We led calls to protect 30% of the world’s land and ocean by the end of this decade, a goal that was agreed at the Biodiversity COP in Montreal last year where the UK did more than almost any other country to make it a historic success.
Separately we helped galvanise agreement for a new global treaty on plastic pollution. And it was our team of negotiators who – more than any other – secured an agreement for the creation of new laws to protect the high seas.
Our G7 negotiators meanwhile persuaded the main donor countries to align their aid spending not only with the Paris goals, but with nature too.
We have created world-class funding programmes like our new biodiverse landscapes fund, which is creating vast wildlife corridors between countries, providing safe passage for wildlife and jobs for people living in and around the corridors; and our new blue planet fund, which is supporting marine protection, coral and mangrove restoration, and efforts to stop plastic pollution and illegal fishing.
These and other funds are world-class and have leveraged a wave of financial support from other countries and philanthropists.
It has been my privilege to grow our wonderful Blue Belt programme so that today it fully protects an area of ocean significantly larger than India around our Overseas Territories.
The UK has been able to win arguments internationally in part because we were taking action at home. I won’t pretend we have gone nearly far or fast enough, but there is no doubt that since 2019 we have made meaningful progress.
We strengthened our environmental laws, provided more funding for nature, committed to more protected areas, more action on plastic pollution, and the UK is one of the only countries with legal targets to reverse biodiversity loss.
We have committed to restore our peatlands and plant trees on an unprecedented scale and we are transforming our land subsidy system to support the environment. We have also taken steps to address our international environmental footprint, including new laws stopping the import to the UK of agricultural commodities grown on illegally deforested land.
We also made progress on animal welfare. The government signed off an ambitious action plan for animal welfare, which would have represented the biggest shake up of animal welfare in living memory.
As minister responsible I was able to translate it, bit by bit, into law. We increased sentencing for cruelty from six months to five years, we recognised in law the sentience of animals, enacted and extended the ivory trade ban, introduced measures to break the pet smuggling trade and banned glue traps.
Before you took office, you assured party members, via me, that you would continue implementing the action plan, including the Kept Animals Bill and measures like ending the live export of animals for slaughter, banning keeping primates as pets, preventing the import of shark fins and hunting trophies from vulnerable species.
But I have been horrified as, bit by bit, we have abandoned these commitments – domestically and on the world stage. The Kept Animals Bill has been ditched, despite your promises. Our efforts on a wide range of domestic environmental issues have simply ground to a standstill.
More worrying, the UK has visibly stepped off the world stage and withdrawn our leadership on climate and nature. Too often we are simply absent from key international fora. Only last week you seemingly chose to attend the party of a media baron rather than attend a critically important environment summit in Paris that ordinarily the UK would have co-led.
Worse still, we have effectively abandoned one of the most widely reported and solemn promises we have made on this issue; our pledge to spend £11.6 billion of our aid on climate and environment.
Indeed the only reason the government has not had to come clean on the broken promise is because the final year of expenditure falls after the next general election and will therefore be the problem for the next government, not this one.
This is a promise, remember, that has been consistently repeated by prime ministers in the past four years, including by you, and for good reason.
It is the single most important signal of intend for the dozens of small island and climate vulnerable states on an issue that is existential for them. These states, remember, have equal sway in the UN where we routinely seek their support on other issues.
That same promise was also used successfully by the UK as leverage to persuade G7 countries to follow suit, and breaking it would not only infuriate them, along with those small island states in the Commonwealth and beyond – it would shred any reputation we have for being a reliable partner.
Prime Minister, having been able to get so much done previously, I have struggled even to hold the line in recent months.
The problem is not that the government is hostile to the environment, it is that you, our Prime Minister, are simply uninterested. That signal, or lack of it, has trickled down through Whitehall and caused a kind of paralysis.
I will never understand how, with all the knowledge we now have about our fundamental reliance on the natural world and the speed with which we are destroying it, anyone can be uninterested.
But even if this existential challenge leaves you personally unmoved, there is a world of people who do care very much. And you will need their votes.
Every survey and poll – without exception – tells us that people care deeply about the natural world, about the welfare of other species, about handing this world in better shape to the next generation. And as these issues inevitably grow in importance, so too will the gap between the British people and a Conservative Party that fails to respond appropriately.
It has been a privilege to be able to work with so many talented people in government, in particular my private office, and to have been able to make a difference to a cause I have been committed to for as long as I remember.
But this government’s apathy in the face of the greatest challenge we have faced makes continuing in my current role untenable.
With great reluctance I am therefore stepping down as a minister in order to focus my energy where it can be more useful.
Breaking up, whether you’re the initiator or the one being broken up with, can be an incredibly difficult experience that brings about emotional overwhelm. The prospect of causing pain to someone you once deeply cared for can intensify the challenge.
We have all encountered heartbreak and questioned our missteps following a breakup. However, the reality is that certain relationships simply don’t thrive, and parting ways becomes the optimal choice for all individuals involved.
If you’re reading this, chances are you want to end your relationship but don’t want to break someone’s heart in the process.
Here are five kind ways to end a relationship without breaking hearts. These tips will help you navigate through the emotional rollercoaster of a breakup and come out on the other side with your dignity and your ex’s respect intact.
1) Be honest
It’s important, to be honest with your partner about your feelings. Don’t make up excuses or try to sugarcoat the situation. Explain how you feel in a respectful and honest manner. If you’re not happy in the relationship, say so. Being truthful can help both of you move on and heal.
2) Choose the right time and place
Timing is everything. Don’t break up with your partner in a public place or during an important event. Choose a time and place where you can talk things out privately without distractions. This will give your partner the chance to process the news without any added pressure.
(3) Listen to their feelings
It’s important to listen to your partner’s feelings during the breakup. Acknowledge their emotions and try to understand where they’re coming from. This can help them feel heard and respected, which can make the breakup process easier for both of you.
4) Offer support
Breaking up can be tough, and your partner may need some extra support during this time. Offer to be there for them if they need someone to talk to. Let them know that you still care for them as a person, even if the romantic relationship is ending.
5) End on a positive note
It’s important to end the relationship on a positive note. Wish your partner well and let them know that you hope they find happiness in the future. This can help both of you move on and start the healing process.
Breaking up is never easy, but it’s important to remember that it’s a part of life. By ending a relationship with kindness and respect, you’re not only sparing your own and your ex’s feelings, but you also show that you value the time spent together.
Whether it’s a long-term relationship or a casual fling, treating your partners with compassion and understanding during a break-up can make all the difference. So, take these five tips to heart and know that you can end a relationship without breaking hearts.
A jury has been informed that it is “not worthy of belief” that a senior doctor saw nurse Lucy Letby “doing nothing” while a baby girl’s oxygen levels dropped.
In February 2016, when the child was receiving care at the Countess of Chester Hospital’s neonatal ward, Letby, 33, is charged with attempting to murder the child by removing her breathing tube.
According to the prosecution, consultant Dr. Ravi Jayaram halted Letby when he entered the room and found Letby standing by Child K’s incubator with no alarm going off.
Dr Jayaram previously told the court he felt ‘extremely uncomfortable’ at the thought of leaving Ms Letby alone with Child K in February 2016.
‘At this point, in mid-February, we were aware as a team of a number of unexpected and unusual events and we were aware of an association with Lucy Letby,’ he said.
Dr Jayaram told the jury that he went to check on Child K, in the early hours of 17 February 2016, and when he arrived in the nursery he saw Ms Letby ‘standing by the incubator and the ventilator’.
He said he noticed that the infant’s blood oxygen levels were in the 80s and dropping and that Ms Letby was ‘doing nothing’ to respond.
But Ms Letby’s defence barrister Ben Myers KC told the jury that Dr Ravi Jayaram’s evidence about the alleged attack was ‘unbelievable’.
Continuing his defence closing speech at Manchester Crown Court on Thursday, Mr Myers said: ‘The accusation is that Lucy Letby interfered with the tube and interfered with the alarm knowing it would not go off.
‘We say the fact that blame has been directed at Ms Letby by Dr Jayaram, the consultant responsible for (Child K) on that unit, is no mere coincidence – directed long after the time of these events.
‘She doesn’t accept that is anything she ever did.
‘She doesn’t accept she has done anything to harm these children.
‘The allegation relies on the credibility and reliability of Dr Jayaram, as it always has done.
‘We say the most striking feature of this allegation is he did nothing despite what he claimed to the police nearly a year later.
‘That is not worthy of belief, it’s incredible.’
Manchester Crown Court has heard that by this stage Dr Jayaram and head consultant Dr Stephen Brearey had suspicions about Letby’s presence at a number of collapses.
Mr Myers said: ‘If you strip this back to what’s being alleged he would call the police.
‘Dr Jayaram said he didn’t have the training. Well, I don’t know what they teach you at consultant school, but how so many of them were struck silent during the course of these events is amazing.’
The barrister also questioned why Dr Jayaram did not act as a ‘whistle-blower in the NHS’.
Mr Myers said: ‘Let people know. You hardly need a policy for that.
‘How about asking Lucy Letby what happened at the very least?
‘Dr Jayaram and others have a duty to look after children in their care and he did nothing.’
The barrister told the jury of eight women and four men that Dr Jayaram initially told police that Child K was sedated at the time and that was the “primary basis” for blaming Letby.
He said it later emerged the sedation took place after the alleged event.
Mr Myers said: ‘Not for the first time we say the prosecution case simply changes shape to keep the allegation in place. They say Lucy Letby tried to cover her tracks by making it look like she (Child K) had a problem by interfering with tubes twice more on the same night shift.
‘The accusation is unsupportable and makes no sense.
‘If Ms Letby had been caught in the compromising position as alleged she is hardly going to risk doing the same again two more times with Ravi Jayaram and others about.’
Mr Myers said Child K was a ‘very poorly baby’ due to her extreme prematurity and should have instead been treated at a specialist tertiary care unit.
He said she had received ‘suboptimal care’ during her stay at the Countess of Chester.
Letby, from Hereford, denies the murders of seven babies and the attempted murder of 10 others between June 2015 and June 2016.
The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences has announced that Angela Bassett, Mel Brooks, and Carol Littleton will be honored with honorary Oscars at this year’s Governors Awards. These prestigious awards are bestowed upon individuals who have demonstrated extraordinary distinction in lifetime achievement, made exceptional contributions to the field of motion picture arts and sciences, or provided outstanding service to the Academy.
In addition, Michelle Satter from the Sundance Institute will be honored with the Jean Hersholt Humanitarian Award. The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences has recognized these four recipients as trailblazers who have made significant contributions to the film industry and have been a source of inspiration for generations of filmmakers and movie enthusiasts. The awards will be presented to the recipients at the 14th annual ceremony, scheduled for November 18 in Los Angeles, where they will receive their statuettes.
Bassett is getting an honorary Oscar 30 years after she was first nominated. The veteran actress was first nominated for best actress for playing Tina Turner in 1993’s What’s Love Got to Do with It. This year, she earned her second nomination for supporting actress for her role as Queen Ramonda in Black Panther: Wakanda Forever. This made her the first woman and the first Marvel Studios actor to be nominated for a performance in a comic book adaptation. Fans were shocked when she did not win.
The Black Panther star will now hold an Oscar statuette after three decades. Besides Black Panther, Bassett is also famed for her roles in films like Malcolm X, Music of the Heart and Mission: Impossible – Fallout, and Boyz N the Hood.
“Across her decades-long career, Angela Bassett has continued to deliver transcendent performances that set new standards in acting,” Academy President Janet Yang said.
Gyakie’s manager Electro Mirror is “very fine now,” according to artiste manager and businessman George Mensah Britton.
Mr Britton revealed this in a Facebook post on Thursday, June 29, 2023.
He added that “Party continues [champagne and glasses emojis].”
By party, he meant the three-day 2023 Afro Nation concert happening in Praia Da Rocha, Portimão, Portugal.
A video that is currently circulating on social media shows an incident where Electro Mirror, the manager of singer Gyakie, was allegedly subjected to rough treatment by the police during a concert. The video captures the distressing scene of Mirror being pinned to the floor by multiple uniformed security officers, numbering more than three.
A man videoing the alarming scene is heard shouting repeatedly with concern: “You guys are gonna kill him.” It is reported this was George M. Britton.
According to entertainment journalist Olele Salvador, Electro Mirror had wanted to access the concert with his artiste but had been denied said access. Gyakie, his artiste, however, was allowed in. When he insisted on following, the security personnel restrained him and pinned him to the floor.
“Information reaching us from Portugal is that Gyakie’s manager, Mirror, is fine and stable now after receiving swift medical attention at the hospital,” Olele tweeted at 11:16 PM, Thursday night.
Something hitmaker Gyakie performs Friday, June 30, at Afro Nation.
Other Ghanaian stars performing at the concert also are 45 hitmaker Black Sherif and Sugarcane hitmaker Camidoh.
As part of a number of initiatives to enhance the healthcare system, more than 300,000 nurses and doctors are anticipated to be engaged by the NHS.
To address the acute workforce shortages in the NHS, other solutions include the potential for reducing the amount of time doctors spend in medical school, increasing the number of in-house NHS employees, and increasing the number of apprenticeship positions.
The first-ever long-term workforce plan for the NHS is being lauded as a “once-in-a-generation opportunity” to place the service’s personnel on a sustainable foundation for the next 15 years.
It comes as officials warned that, without action, there could be 360,000 vacancies in the health service by 2037.
Health leaders, who have previewed the details of the plan but have not yet released the full document, claim the strategy will help meet challenges of a growing and ageing population while addressing recruitment and retention issues currently leading to severe staff shortages.
There are currently 112,000 vacancies across the NHS in England.
Officials say the plans set out, along with new retention measures, could mean the health service has at least an extra 60,000 doctors, 170,000 more nurses and 71,000 more allied health professionals in place by 2036/37.
Alongside the plan, officials have asked the doctors’ regulator, the General Medical Council (GMC), and medical schools to consult on the introduction of four-year medical degrees, which are five years at present, and medical internships, allowing students to start work six months earlier.
Officials said the new plans include:
Double medical school training places to 15,000 by 2031, with more places in areas with the greatest shortages of doctors
Increase the number of GP training places by 50% to 6,000 by 2031
Almost double the number of adult nurse training places by 2031
Ramp up apprenticeships so students can “earn while they learn” – it is estimated that one in six (16%) of all training for clinical staff, including doctors, nurses and other health professionals, will be offered through degree apprenticeships by 2028, including 850 doctor apprenticeships
A 40% rise in nurse associate training places over five years
New medical schools in parts of the country where there are the greatest staffing shortages.
The workforce plan aims to drive up the numbers of home-grown NHS staff as the international pool of health workers is increasingly being drawn upon by other countries.
Meanwhile, the NHS is to crack down on spending from expensive agency staff, with health leaders ordered to cut the bill by £10 billion by 2036/37.
Nurses will also be allowed to start work as soon as they graduate in May, instead of in September as they do currently.
Officials said the document will also have a ‘renewed focus on retention’ – with more flexible working options and better career development.
It is hoped these plans, which are yet to be seen in full, along with reforms to pension schemes, could mean that up to 130,000 staff stay working in NHS settings longer.
The new plan – which was commissioned and accepted by ministers – has been backed by a £2.4 billion investment by the Government to fund additional education and training places over five years on top of existing funding commitments.
Health leaders have also agreed the plan needs to be revised every two years to accommodate changing needs across the service.
NHS England chief executive Amanda Pritchard said: ‘The publication of our first-ever NHS long-term workforce plan now gives us a once-in-a-generation opportunity to put staffing on sustainable footing for the years to come.
‘As we look to adapt to new and rising demand for health services globally, this long-term blueprint is the first step in a major and much-needed expansion of our workforce to ensure we have the staff we need to deliver for patients.’
Prime Minister Rishi Sunak said: ‘On the 75th anniversary of our health service, this Government is making the largest single expansion in NHS education and training in its history.
‘This is a plan for investment and a plan for reform.
‘In the coming years we will train twice the number of doctors and an extra 24,000 more nurses a year, helping to cut waiting lists and improve patient care.
‘We will do more to retain our brilliant NHS staff and reform the way the health system works to ensure it is fit for the future.
‘This is something no other government has done and will be one of the most significant commitments I will make as Prime Minister – acting as the cornerstone for our vision for a better, more modern healthcare system and putting the NHS on a sure footing for the long term.’
But Labour’s shadow health secretary Wes Streeting claimed the Conservatives were taking ideas from his party.
He said: ‘The Conservatives have finally admitted they have no ideas of their own, so are adopting Labour’s plan to train the doctors and nurses the NHS needs. They should have done this a decade ago – then the NHS would have enough staff today.
‘Instead, the health service is short of 150,000 staff and this announcement will take years to have an impact.’
Mrs-adelz, an Instagram user, has recently made serious allegations against musician Sarkodie. In a post shared on her Instagram account, Mrs-adelz claimed that Sarkodie had engaged in unprotected sexual intercourse with a young woman. When the woman became pregnant, Sarkodie allegedly blocked her on all his social media platforms and pressured her to have an abortion.
On June 29, 2023, Mrs-Adelsz shared a post offering further details about the alleged incident involving musician Sarkodie. In her post, she described the lady involved as dark-skinned, disclosing that her initials begin with ‘F’ and end with ‘A’. The content of the post emphasized the importance of Sarkodie exhibiting maturity and accepting responsibility as a man.
This statement follows Yvonne Nelson’s previous assertion that Sarkodie had also caused her to terminate a pregnancy she had from their past relationship.
The post said Sarkodie’s meeting with the unnamed lady took place in 2016 at Rockstone’s Office, now known as Django Bar.
Yvonne Nelson recently launched her book, “I Am Not Yvonne Nelson,” where she embarks on a personal journey to uncover her unknown father, the actress revealed intimate details about herself, including her encounter with Sarkodie and the alleged abortion she underwent because the musician was not ready to be a father.
Read the post below:
“I wouldn’t have said anything if you had just kept quiet Mr self-acclaimed the best rapper. I usually mind my business but I despise in general, people that refuse to take responsibility and accountability for their actions. Do you remember in 2016 when you sent one of your boys to take the contact info of a chocolate-looking lady whose name starts with an F and ends with A at Rockstone’s Office now called Django Bar?
“You got in touch with her and you had unprotected s*x with her that resulted into pregnancy. You blocked her on all social media platforms, all efforts to reach out to you was in vain and she didn’t want the drama of contacting bloggers to tarnish your image, she got rid of the baby and moved on but the truth is she still carries the guilt even though she’s married now with kids. Or you do not remember because the victims are many?
“But you can forget the location though. I pray you become matured enough to take responsibility and accountability for your actions in the future. Some of us knows who you are. You can’t fool the world world. #MATURITY #THETRUTHSHALLSETYOUFREE @yvonnenelsongh @nkonkonsa @zionfelixdotcom… you are just fortunate i am not chasing clout, I would have recorded a video instead and I’m sure you would remember my face. Irresponsible boy.”
The ‘Blue Punisher‘, a new form of ecstasy pill, has been linked to the deaths of two adolescent females in Germany.
After taking the medication, a 13-year-old girl from Altentreptow in the northeastern state of Mecklenburg Western Pomerania passed away in a hospital on Monday.
After taking it and being discovered on the ground, two further youths, 14 and 15, were admitted to the hospital.
A 37-year-old German has been detained in relation to the passing.
Police are also investigating the death of a girl aged 15 in Rathenow, in the neighbouring state of Brandenburg, who is suspected to have overdosed earlier this month.
An upcoming autopsy will confirm whether she also took the new pill.
The tablet features a skull logo associated with the Marvel comic book character The Punisher.
It is thought the triangular blue tablets can contain up to 2.5 times more MDMA – the psychoactive ingredient in ecstasy – than standard pills.
Neubrandenburg Police spokesperson Claudia Tupeit said in a statement: ‘A 13-year-old child died at the Klinikum Neubrandenburg following the intake of a Blue Punisher ecstasy pill.
‘Another teenager is in a very critical condition. Medical tests have confirmed that she had also consumed the dangerous drug which is nicknamed “Blue Punisher”.
‘We do warn from any consumption of synthetic drugs, especially the Blue Punisher pills which contain high doses of MDMA.
‘Regular consumption can cause irreversible brain damage.’
She added even half a pill could cause life-threatening illness.
Ms Tupeit said: ‘We believe that the pill has been distributed by dealers in the Neubrandenburg area.
‘They sell or give them away for free, especially to children and teenagers.’
A suspected drug dealer aged 29 was arrested on Wednesday after being found carrying 60 Blue Punisher tablets at Fusion Festival, an electronic music event in Lärz.
The interior minister of Mecklenburg Western Pomerania, Christian Pegel, said: ‘I urge all parents of the Neubrandenburg area to warn their children of the acute threat to life.’
Prince Asante, also known as “Alley,” a 36-year-old small-scale miner who stands accused of kidnapping a 27-year-old man, has been remanded by the Accra Circuit Court. Due to the ongoing investigation, the court did not accept his plea, allowing the prosecution to conclude their inquiries.
Adam Abdul Baasit, counsel for the accused, prayed for bail for his client but the prosecution opposed it and prayed the Court to remand the accused person to enable him to lead the Police to the alleged accident scene.
The Court presided over by Isaac Addo, declined the application for bail, and remanded the accused person into Police custody.
The accused is expected to make his next appearance on July 4, 2023.
Prosecuting, Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) Emmanuel Nyamekye, said the complainant was Madam Grace Morgan, a trader.
The prosecution said both the complainant and the accused person, who was also a driver, were residents of Gomoa Fete Kakraba.
It said in 2022, the accused person traveled to Konongo with the complainant’s younger brother Emmanuel Darko aka “Abronuma” (the victim].
The prosecution said the accused person later called the complainant to inform her on their way back, they were involved in a motor accident. resulting in the death of the victim but had since
failed to lead the family to the accident scene or even assisted to trace the whereabouts of the deceased’s body.
It said the accused went into hiding and whenever the complainant called him on phone, he rained insults on her.
The prosecution said on March 21, 2023, the complainant reported the matter to the Police Missing Persons Unit of the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) Headquarters and upon intelligence, a team of investigators arrested the accused person on June 18, 2023, at Fete Kakraba.
It said the accused person told the Police in 2022, he traveled with the victim, Mike and Kwame Asante to Kumasi on a galamsey expedition and on their way back, they were on board his Chevrolet salon car driven by his friend Mike.
“That on reaching a section of the road at Fodua they had a motor accident where the victim died on the spot,” the prosecution added.
It said the accused person in his cautioned statement stated that he fell unconscious but was told by one Mike that the body of the deceased was left in the accident vehicle at the scene.
The prosecution said efforts were underway for the accused person to lead police to arrest the said Mike to assist in the ongoing investigations
In the almost thirty-year-old racist slaying of Black youngster Stephen Lawrence in southeast London, a new suspect has been identified.
The London Metropolitan Police Service (Met) named Matthew White, who passed away in 2021, in a statement on Monday that apologised for a “significant and regrettable error,” which meant that important information concerning White was not adequately followed up on.
The statement claimed that there were far too many “mistakes” in the initial investigation into the murder, which was made in reaction to a BBC report published on Monday detailing the Met’s improper handling of crucial enquiries.
Two men were sentenced to life in jail in 2012 for the murder, but “three or four other killers of Stephen Lawrence (are) at large,” according to the statement from the Met’s Deputy Assistant Commissioner Matt Ward.
Baroness Doreen Lawrence, Stephen’s mother, said in a statement to CNN that there should be “serious sanctions” against police officers who failed properly to investigate the murder of her son.
“Only when police officers lose their jobs can the public have confidence that failure and incompetence will not be tolerated and that change will happen,” she said.
Lawrence, an 18-year-old architecture student, was fatally stabbed at a bus stop by a gang of youths in April 1993. His friend, Duwayne Brooks, was also attacked but managed to escape.
Five teens were identified as being involved and were arrested, but none was successfully prosecuted at the time.
It took years of campaigning by Lawrence’s family until an inquest into his death in 1997 found that he was unlawfully killed in a “completely unprovoked racist attack by five white youths.”
A wave of protests forced the then-government to commission an inquiry into the killing in 1999.
It found that the initial police investigation into the murder had been “marred by a combination of professional incompetence, institutional racism and a failure of leadership.”
In their statement Monday, the police said they had previously misidentified a relative of White who held key information into the killing and apologized for the “significant and regrettable error.”
The statement went on to outline how White was arrested twice, in 2000 and 2013, and stated that on both occasions prosecutors said there was no realistic prospect of conviction.
In February 2020, White was spoken to again by the investigation team but there was “insufficient witness or forensic evidence to progress further,” the statement said. He died in August 2021, months before the police declared the murder investigation inactive and said there were no further lines of inquiry.
In May 2023, the Met commissioned a forensic review into the case.
Ward acknowledged in the Met’s statement Monday that “the impact of the racist murder of Stephen Lawrence and attack on Duwayne Brooks, and subsequent inquiries, continues to be felt throughout policing.”
He added: “On the 30th anniversary of Stephen’s murder, Commissioner Sir Mark Rowley apologized for our failings and I repeat that apology today.”
Baroness Lawrence said: “What is infuriating about this latest revelation is that the man who is said to have led the murderous attack on my son has evaded justice because of police failures and yet not a single police officer has faced or will ever face action.”
“It is too late for me and my family but at least I hope that victims in the future will not go through what we did,” she added.
The Ledzokuku Municipal Assembly has commenced the process of dredging the Sango Lagoon at Teshie in Accra, and they anticipate the project to span over a duration of three months. The primary objective of this endeavor is to eliminate accumulated sediment, garbage, and vegetation from the lagoon, thereby aiming to reinstate its previous depth and overall capacity.
Speaking to journalists, Assembly Chief Executive Mordecai Quarshie stated that the initiative will also help fisherfolk in the area, which is flood-prone and low-lying.
He explained that the contract was awarded to Blessed Field.
“We broke ground for the dredging of the Sango Lagoon because it has not been dredged in a long time, and nobody around seems to remember the last time it was dredged. But it is important for it to be dredged to reinforce our flood prevention measures. We have dredged the entire length of the Sango stream and now at the lagoon, and we are restoring the boundaries of the lagoon to let it hold rain waters. But there is also another reason, which is to enable the fisherfolk to anchor their canoes,” Quarshie said.
Renowned Educationist and member of the Upper East Regional Council of Elders of the governing New Patriotic Party (NPP), Robert Ajene has argued that the right person to lead the party in the 2024 General Elections as flag bearer is Vice President Dr Mahamudu Bawumia.
He stressed that the Vice President has proven that he has the capacity to lead, and is, therefore, the favourite of floating voters whose votes will tilt the scales in the NPP’s favour in 2024.
“Bawumia has distinguished himself that he can do the work. He makes the canvassing easy. I think many delegates believe he is the right person to lead the party in the next election…
“He is somebody who will get all the floating voters who have lined up already waiting for him. And if you say Bawumia, they say: “We know him. This is what he is doing. He is what can do it”.
But if you say the other man, they will say: “Ah! What has he done to deserve this?” Then you’ll be whipping the donkey with the wrong cane so you won’t get it to move,’ he argued in an interview with Bolgatanga-based Dreamz FM’s State of Our Nation programme recently.
Vice President Dr Mahamudu Bawumia and former Trade Minister Alan Kyeremanten are considered front-runners in the flagbearership race of the New Patriotic Party (NPP). But a massive endorsement from various quarters within the party seems to put the Vice President ahead of Mr Kyeremanten.
A special Delegates Conference will be held later in August to prune down the number of aspirants to five given that 10 persons have so far successfully filed to contest.
Russian Gen. Sergey Surovikin may have been a covert VIP member of the Wagner private military corporation, according to documents given only with CNN.
According to the documents, Surovikin had a personal registration number with Wagner, according to the Russian investigative Dossier Centre.
At least 30 other top-ranking Russian military and intelligence personnel who, according to the Dossier Centre, are also VIP Wagner members are mentioned with Surovikin.
Surovikin has not been seen in public since last Saturday, when he released a video pleading for Wagner boss Yevgeny Prigozhin to stop his insurrection. His whereabouts have since remained unknown.
Surovikin is a decorated commander of the Russian Air Force and became nicknamed “General Armageddon” for his ruthless tactics bombing cities in Syria.
Wagner has not answered CNN’s request for a response.
It is unclear what Wagner’s VIP membership entails, including whether there is a financial benefit.
Surovikin was known to have links with the mercenary group, but the documents raise questions about the closeness of senior members of the Russian military and Wagner.
During Prigozhin’s short-lived rebellion, Wagner fighters were able to take over the southern Russian city of Rostov-on-Don, facing virtually no resistance from the Russian army.
Mustapha Gbande the Deputy General Secretary of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), has described President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo‘s congratulatory message to his party and their candidate, James Gyakye Quayson, following their victory in the Assin North by-election as ‘unnecessary’ or ‘unnecessary.’
According to him, the president deliberately ignored to comment on the various attacks on national executives’ members of the NDC in his message.
Mustapha Gbande suggests that the president’s posture was ‘hypocritical’ and must publicly condemn the attacks.
“If he [President Nana Addo] doesn’t condemn the attempt by the government and the NPP to kill the National Youth Organizer of the NDC, the attempt to kill the National Communication Officer of the NDC, the attempt to kill the deputy National Communication Officer of the NDC . . . Nana Addo didn’t see that?” he said in an interview with NEAT FM’s morning show, ‘Ghana Montie’.
” . . We are well prepared, we will return to them the same gesture if the need arise . . . if they shoot one NDC member we’ll also shoot an NPP member, that’s the way to go in 2024,” he added.
Listen to interview
Nana Addo’s message after the election
The NDC’s candidate, James Gyakye Quayson was declared the winner of the by-election by the Electoral Commission (EC), Tuesday evening.
He garnered 17,245 of the total valid votes cast representing 57.56% beating his close contender from the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Charles Opoku who had 12,630 votes representing 42.15 percent.
Reacting to the outcome of the by-election on Wednesday, June 28, 2023, President Akufo-Addo stated:
“Yesterday, Tuesday, 27th June 2023, Ghana’s democratic credentials were strengthened even further, following the conduct of peaceful and credible elections in the Assin North by-election.
I congratulate warmly the Chairperson and Members of the Electoral Commission, again, for a job well done. The security services are to be commended for maintaining law and order during the holding of the elections; as is the media for providing extensive coverage before, during and after the elections.
I congratulate the National Democratic Congress on its victory yesterday.
I urge members of my party, the New Patriotic Party, to keep their heads up, recognising that, in a democracy, there are winners and losers, and that we live to fight another day. We once held the Assin North seat, and I am confident that, sooner rather than later, Assin North will be blue again.
