TIG Post

Author: Chris Kodo

  • Bawumia needs to be fact-checked – Prof Gyampo reacts to Feb 7 address to nation

    Bawumia needs to be fact-checked – Prof Gyampo reacts to Feb 7 address to nation

    President of the University Teachers Association of Ghana (UTAG), University of Ghana Chapter, Professor Ransford Gyampo, has called for a thorough fact-checking of the claims made by Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia regarding digitization achievements, following the NPP presidential candidate’s recent address to the nation.

    In his analysis of Dr. Bawumia’s presentation on February 7, 2024, Prof Gyampo acknowledged the focus on digitization as a central theme of the address, describing the potential impact of digitization policies on development as “indubitable and enormous.” 

    However, the Professor expressed concerns about the manner in which the information was presented to the public.

    He noted that while Dr Bawumia emphasized the achievements of digitization, many of these accomplishments should have been well-known to Ghanaians beforehand. 

    Further, he pointed out that the presentation made these achievements sound new to the audience, raising doubts about the accuracy of the claims.

    Gyampo’s call for fact-checking comes in the midst of heightened political discourse and scrutiny as Ghana prepares for the upcoming elections. 

    With digitization policies forming a significant part of the government’s agenda, Prof Gyampo believes ensuring transparency and accuracy in the presentation of achievements is crucial for informed decision-making by the electorate.

    As a result, Gyampo emphasized the need for thorough fact-checking of the claims made by Dr. Bawumia to ensure their veracity. 

    He suggested that independent verification of the information would be essential to confirm the accuracy of the digitization achievements touted by the NPP presidential candidate.

    “This essentially was an articulation of achievements and vision, fundamentally in the broader area of Digitization and honestly, the various manifestations of this overarching policy, and what it can do to promote development, is indubitable and enormous. No doubt it formed the interwoven central theme of the presentation. 

    “Unfortunately, Ghanaians had to wait to be told more about what digitization has done for them by the man himself, in a manner that makes many of the achievements which should have been long known, sound new. Consequently, there may be the need to fact-check many of the claims in order to be sure. Prof Gyampo made these claims after Dr Bawumia addressed the nation on Feb 7, 2024. Write a news article with a focus on the Fact-check aspect,” he added.

  • Prof Gyampo punches holes in Dr Bawumia’s address to the nation; claims VEEP vindicated critics of govt

    Prof Gyampo punches holes in Dr Bawumia’s address to the nation; claims VEEP vindicated critics of govt

    President of the University Teachers Association of Ghana (UTAG), University of Ghana Chapter, Professor Ransford Gyampo has provided a critical analysis of Dr Mahamudu Bawumia’s recent address outlining his vision for Ghana, shedding light on aspects that raise serious questions about the government’s performance and policies.

    In his analysis, Gyampo highlighted portions of Dr Bawumia‘s presentation that serve as an indictment on the government, of which he is a part. 

    Particularly, Gyampo pointed out Dr Bawumia’s promise to streamline the size of government by limiting ministerial appointments to not more than 50, despite the current administration having over 100 ministers. 

    This statement, according to Gyampo, vindicates critics who have long called for the downsizing of government.

    “Promising to have not more than 50 Ministers when you are part of a government of over 100 Ministers,” he said.

    Moreover, Prof Gyampo noted Dr. Bawumia’s pledge to abolish certain taxes, including the Emissions tax, Gaming Tax, E-Levy, and VAT on electricity consumption. 

    These promises, Gyampo argued, align with criticisms previously voiced by himself and others regarding the burden of these “nuisance taxes” on the populace. 

    He raised the question of whether Dr. Bawumia’s supporters would now hold him accountable for these promises, given his favorable response to criticisms on the size of government and tax policies.

    “…and promising to abolish some taxes like the Emissions tax, Gaming Tax, E-Levy, VAT on electricity consumption etc makes some of us feel vindicated for criticizing and calling for downsizing of government and the abolition of such nuisance taxes. 

    “DMB’s supporters came after us for such criticisms and I am wondering whether they will go after him, now that he’s taken a position that responds favorably to our criticisms on the size of government and nuisance taxes,” he added.

  • Bawumia’s address vindicates critics of Akufo-Addo govt – Prof Gyampo

    Bawumia’s address vindicates critics of Akufo-Addo govt – Prof Gyampo

    President of the University Teachers Association of Ghana (UTAG), University of Ghana Chapter, Professor Ransford Gyampo has provided a critical analysis of Dr Mahamudu Bawumia’s recent address outlining his vision for Ghana, shedding light on aspects that raise serious questions about the government’s performance and policies.

    In his analysis, Gyampo highlighted portions of Dr Bawumia’s presentation that serve as an indictment on the government, of which he is a part. 

    Particularly, Gyampo pointed out Dr Bawumia’s promise to streamline the size of government by limiting ministerial appointments to not more than 50, despite the current administration having over 100 ministers. 

    This statement, according to Gyampo, vindicates critics who have long called for the downsizing of government.

    “Promising to have not more than 50 Ministers when you are part of a government of over 100 Ministers,” he said.

    Moreover, Prof Gyampo noted Dr. Bawumia’s pledge to abolish certain taxes, including the Emissions tax, Gaming Tax, E-Levy, and VAT on electricity consumption. 

    These promises, Gyampo argued, align with criticisms previously voiced by himself and others regarding the burden of these “nuisance taxes” on the populace. 

    He raised the question of whether Dr Bawumia‘s supporters would now hold him accountable for these promises, given his favorable response to criticisms on the size of government and tax policies.

    “…and promising to abolish some taxes like the Emissions tax, Gaming Tax, E-Levy, VAT on electricity consumption etc makes some of us feel vindicated for criticizing and calling for downsizing of government and the abolition of such nuisance taxes. 

    “DMB’s supporters came after us for such criticisms and I am wondering whether they will go after him, now that he’s taken a position that responds favorably to our criticisms on the size of government and nuisance taxes,” he added.

  • Pakistan election: Mobile internet shutdown during contentious polls

    Pakistan election: Mobile internet shutdown during contentious polls

    Pakistan has stopped phone calls and internet on mobile phones while people go to vote for a new government.

    A spokesperson from the government’s interior ministry said the new rule was necessary because of recent terror attacks in the country.

    The election is happening nearly two years after the last prime minister, Imran Khan, who used to be a cricketer, was removed from office in a vote.

    Nawaz Sharif, who has been Prime Minister three times, is running in an election that many experts think is not very reliable.

    Khan went to jail last year for being corrupt and can’t run for office anymore.

    Both phone calls and internet have been stopped, but the wifi is still working.

    One voter told the media that they were surprised by the decision. They said that instead of facing obstacles, voters should be helped.

    Another person said that they thought there would be a complete shutdown.

    A lot of people in Lahore couldn’t book a taxi to go vote because the internet was not working. Also, some people couldn’t talk to their family members to plan when to go to the polling stations.

    The Ministry of Interior said they moved because people have died in recent terrorist attacks and it’s important to keep people safe. Keeping things safe is very important to make sure everything stays peaceful and to handle any possible dangers.

    Two explosions killed 28 people in the Balochistan province on Wednesday.

    Bilawal Bhutto Zadari, the son of the late Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto, criticized the shutdown and demanded that services be restored right away. Bhutto, who is also running for the top job, said that his political party, the Pakistan People’s Party (PPP), has asked the election commission and the courts to help restore services.

    The country is being very careful and has a lot of police at the voting places. The BBC went to a station in Lahore that had guards with guns at the entrance and army officers walking around.

    Pakistan has closed its borders with Afghanistan and Iran to make sure it is safe during the election. No one can cross the border, whether walking or bringing things in, until the election is over.

    In the past, the country has stopped people from using the internet to control what information is spread. This has never happened to this extent before, especially during an election.

    More update on this story soon.

  • Prof Gyampo’s analysis of Dr Bawumia’s address

    Prof Gyampo’s analysis of Dr Bawumia’s address

    1. This essentially was an articulation of achievements and vision, fundamentally in the broader area of Digitization and honestly, the various manifestations of this overarching policy, and what it can do to promote development, is indubitable and enormous. No doubt it formed the interwoven central theme of the presentation.

    2. Unfortunately, Ghanaians had to wait to be told more about what digitization has done for them by the man himself, in a manner that makes many of the achievements which should have been long known, sound new. Consequently, there may be the need to fact-check many of the claims in order to be sure.

    3. It appears DMB is the only one who has a firm grasp over the policy, as the party itself has either been ignorant about the claims about Digitization or has been incompetent in communicating its achievements to fester in the psyche of Ghanaians. Unless the party begins to undertake remedial tutorials about Digitization and its achievements for the purposes of political communication, the work will be difficult for DMB.

    4. Despite what it can do, Digitization is not the sine qua non to development. Other key interventions such as good governance and deliberate efforts to seal the leakages and slippages, fight corruption, exemplary leadership that first tightens its belt, rather than living bourgeoisie, etc should have been emphasized more than being treated nearly as appendages.

    5. Parts of the presentation was an indictment on the government of which he is part, in a manner that raises serious questions and vindicates those of us who have been critics of the government. Promising to have not more than 50 Ministers when you are part of a government of over 100 Ministers; and promising to abolish some taxes like the Emissions tax, Gaming Tax, E-Levy, VAT on electricity consumption etc makes some of us feel vindicated for criticizing and calling for downsizing of government and the abolition of such nuisance taxes. DMB’s supporters came after us for such criticisms and I am wondering whether they will go after him, now that he’s taken a position that responds favorably to our criticisms on the size of government and nuisance taxes.

    6. But the more important question is, why do these great interventions tomorrow, instead of today that they are greatly needed? Does the answer still lie in the claim that he’s not the one in charge? Well, in that case, then karma is not good at all. There was then absolutely no basis for the 170 questions posed to Veep Amissah-Arthur because, he was also a mate and wasn’t in charge.

    7. DMB still blames our challenges on COVID and Russian-Ukraine war and there is no doubt at all that these have had negative effects on many countries including Ghana. But a more convincing explanation could have also focused on an admission of what was done wrong domestically, and a promise to refrain from our own contributions to the challenges. It cannot be entirely accurate for us to blame all other than ourselves for our challenges.

    8. Finally, there were great ideas that were espoused including the need for a national development plan, a move that was initiated by the predecessor government but was jettisoned. All the other contenders in the 2024 elections also have great plans. But it appears great plans wouldn’t really matter. Available empirical survey reports show that many Ghanaians now, do not believe in political promises, as many of them are merely vote garnering gimmicks. What would therefore be the decider in the 2024 elections, would be a side by side comparison of the trustworthiness, credibility and achievements of the various contenders.

    In my next post, I will now offer a sharper focus and properly interrogate some of the policy vision outlined. Where they deserve commendations, we would commend and where they must be fact-checked and critiqued, we will do so.

  • Putin’s opponent disqualified from running for president of Russia

    Putin’s opponent disqualified from running for president of Russia

    Russia’s election committee said no to Boris Nadezhdin, who wanted to run for president and is against the war.

    Mr Nadezhdin has spoken out against Vladimir Putin’s war in Ukraine, but in Russia, not many people are allowed to disagree.

    He tried to prove that the election commission was wrong about more than 15% of the signatures on his application being wrong.

    However, the commission said no to his offer.

    Mr Nadezhdin said on social media that he won’t give up and will take the decision to Russia’s Supreme Court.

    I got over 200,000 people’s names in Russia. We gathered things in a fair and honest way.

    The Election Commission said that Mr Nadezhdin‘s 9,000 signatures were not valid.

    He was very close to getting the 100,000 signatures he needed, but he ended up with 95,587 names, said commission member Andrei Shutov.

    Russia will choose a president between 15-17 March. It’s already known that only candidates approved by the Kremlin are running, so the result is not a surprise.

    A decision on who can participate in the election will be made on Saturday.

  • NPP National Chairman urges unity for Dr Bawumia’s victory in December elections

    NPP National Chairman urges unity for Dr Bawumia’s victory in December elections

    National Chairman of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Stephen Ntim, has rallied party members to unite in their efforts to secure a first-round victory for the party’s flagbearer, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, in the upcoming December elections. 

    Addressing the gathering during Dr Bawumia’s national address on February 7 at the UPSA auditorium in Accra, Ntim emphasized the importance of collective action and cohesion within the party.

    Ntim underscored that achieving victory in the December elections should be the collective goal of every party supporter, urging members to set aside individual aspirations and prioritize the party’s success.

    “I expect all parliamentary candidates and party executives to take immediate action by reaching out to all unsuccessful aspirants and forming formidable constituency campaign teams to guarantee our party retains its majority in the 10th parliament. Failure to do so is not an option. We have to ensure we do away with our differences and come together. Let us bridge every gap, heal every wound, and work together with renewed passion for victory,” Ntim urged.

    He emphasized the importance of inclusivity and collaboration within the party, advising newly-elected parliamentary candidates and party executives to reach out to unsuccessful aspirants and foster a spirit of unity.

    “When we stand united, we are unstoppable. Let’s join hands and march in unity towards a resounding first-round victory on December 7. It’s indeed possible,” Ntim declared.

    Ntim also lauded the selection of Dr. Bawumia as the party’s flagbearer, highlighting his unwavering commitment and diligence. He emphasized that Dr. Bawumia’s leadership exemplifies the party’s embrace of diverse perspectives and inclusivity.

    As the NPP prepares for the December elections, Ntim’s call for unity and collective action underscores the party’s determination to secure victory and continue its governance agenda. With the support and cooperation of party members, the NPP aims to consolidate its position and deliver on its promises to the Ghanaian people.

  • Man in Ireland passes away from measles

    Man in Ireland passes away from measles

    A grown-up who got the measles has passed away in a hospital in Ireland, according to the country’s Health Service Executive (HSE).

    This is the first case of measles confirmed in Ireland this year.

    In 2023, there were four cases of measles, two in 2022, none in 2021, and five in 2020. No one died from measles in any of those years, the HSE said.

    Health experts in Europe and the UK are concerned because vaccination rates are dropping and the number of cases of illness is going up.

    The grown-up person died in a hospital in the Dublin and Midlands health area, which includes the Leinster province. The HPSC in Ireland has been told about something by the HSE.

    The people in charge of public health and the team that handles measles cases said they are doing everything needed to keep people safe.

    Professor Breda Smyth, who is in charge of the health of the country, said she is very worried that there might be a big spread of measles in Ireland. She wants everyone to get the MMR vaccine to protect themselves.

    A video shared on social media on Thursday showed Prof Smyth saying that vaccination levels are now below 90% across the country and less than 80% in certain Irish counties.

    She said that almost everybody needs to get vaccinated to stop the disease from spreading.

    Since 2020, most people in Ireland who got measles had been to countries where there was a lot of measles, according to the HPSC.

    Measles is a very easy-to-spread illness that can make you very sick, no matter how old you are. It spreads when someone coughs or sneezes.

    It usually begins with a bad fever and a rash, which usually goes away in 10 days. But it can also lead to serious problems like pneumonia, meningitis, blindness, and seizures.

    Last year, the World Health Organization (WHO) reported that there were almost 45 times more cases of measles in Europe.

    In 2023, 42,200 people got sick, while only 941 got sick in 2022.

    The MMR vaccine is given twice. The first dose is given when a child is about one year old, and the second dose is given when the child is about three years and four months old.

    The WHO thinks that there are more cases because not as many kids have been getting vaccinated for the disease during the Covid-19 pandemic.

    Vaccination rates for the first MMR shot went down from 96% in 2019 to 93% in 2022 in Europe. The number of people getting the second dose dropped from 92% to 91% during that time.

    That slight decrease in vaccination rates resulted in over 1. 8 million children in Europe not getting the measles vaccine in the last two years.

    Dr Hans Kluge, who works at the WHO, said in December that the only way to keep kids safe from this very serious disease is to get them vaccinated.

    Possible disease cases are increasing in England.

    The UK Health Security Agency is worried about a measles outbreak in the West Midlands.

  • Dr Bawumia’s 70 point Agenda (Vision) for Ghana

    Dr Bawumia’s 70 point Agenda (Vision) for Ghana

    1. A growth mindset curriculum to help students build critical skills such as problem solving, risk-taking, opportunity spotting, and design thinking.

    2. Enhance the repositioning of the education system towards STEM, Robotics, Artificial Intelligence, and vocational skills to cope with the demands of the fourth Industrial Revolution and job creation.

    3. Expand infrastructure at medical schools as well as the Ghana Law School to support an increase in admission for students for medical and legal studies.

    4. Enhance fiscal discipline through an independent fiscal responsibility council enshrined in the Fiscal Responsibility Act, 2018 (Act 982).

    5. Reduce the number of Ministers to 50

    6. The Fiscal responsibility Act will also be amended to add a fiscal rule that requires that budgeted expenditure in any year does not exceed 105% of the previous years tax revenue.

    7. Reduce the fiscal burden on government by leveraging the private sector.

    8. Introduce a very simple, citizen and business friendly flat tax regime. A flat tax of a % of income for individuals and SMEs (which constitute 98% of all businesses in Ghana) with appropriate exemption thresholds set to protect the poor.

    9. Tax amnesty

    10. Electronic and faceless audits by GRA

    11. No taxes on digital payments. The e-levy will therefore be abolished.

    12. No VAT on electricity (if still on books)

    13. No emissions tax and

    14. No betting tax

    15. Tema port will be fully automated.

    16. A new policy of aligning the duties and charges at Tema port to the duties and charges at Lome Port

    17. Spare parts importers duties will be at a flat rate per container (20 or 40 foot).

    18. Collaboration with the private sector, we will train at least 1,000,000 youth in IT skills, including software developers to provide job opportunities worldwide.

    19. Empower the private sector to create modern,  sustainable and well-paying  jobs for the youth.

    20. Reduce the cost of Data by working with industry players in setting clear policy guidelines that will remove any investor uncertainty and difficulties in business planning.

    21. Expeditious allocation of spectrum.

    22. Make it easy for Ghanaians to obtain passports, under my government, any Ghanacard holder will only have to pay a fee for a passport.

    23. an e-visa policy for all international visitors to Ghana to enable visas to be obtained in minutes subject to security and criminal checks.

    24. Attain food security through the application of technology and irrigation to commercial large-scale farming.

    25. Promote the use of agricultural lime to reduce the acidity of our soils, enhance soil fertility and get more yield from the application of fertilizers.

    26. Prioritize the construction of the Pwalugu Dam by using private sector financing to crowd in grant financing.

    27. Adoption of electric vehicles for public transportation.

    28. Partner with the private sector to build large housing estates without the government having to borrow or spend.

    29. National Rental Assistance scheme (which is working so well) will be enhanced to deal with the problem of demands for rent advance of two years and more.

    30. Diversify the generation mix by introducing 2000MW of solar power and additional wind power through independent power producers.

    31. More private sector participation in generation and retail.

    32. No import duty on solar panels.

    33. License all miners doing responsible mining.

    34. As long as miners mine within the limits of their licenses (e.g No mining in river or water bodies), there will no longer be any seizure or burning of excavators.

    35. Fully decentralize the minerals commission as well as Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and ensure that they are present in all mining districts.

    36. Collaborate with the large mining companies, convert abandoned shafts into community mining schemes.

    37. Open more new community mining schemes.

    38. District mining committees should be responsible for reclamation and replanting.

    39. Pension scheme for small scale miners like we have done for cocoa farmers.

    40. Introduce vocational and Skills training on sustainable mining for small scale miners in the curriculum of TVET institutions.

    41. Provide equipment to government authorities in mining communities to undertake reclamation of land.

    42. We will set up state of the art common user gold processing units in mining districts in collaboration with the private sector.

    43. Conduct an audit of all concessions with various licenses and new applications.

    44. Abolish the VAT on exploration services (like assaying) to encourage more exploration.

    45. Establish, in collaboration with the private sector, a Minerals Development Bank to support the mining industry.

    46. Establish (through the private sector) a London Bullion Market Association (LBMA) certified gold refinery in Ghana within four years.

    47. All responsibly mined small scale gold produced will be sold to the central bank, PMMC or MIIF and will be required to be refined before export

    48. Engage exploration experts from the universities and geological Institutions to assist in exploring our seven gold belts.

    49. Provide the Geological Survey Department and our universities with resources annually to undertake a mapping of areas where we have gold reserves.

    50. Build Ghana’s gold reserves appreciably to reach a point when we have sufficient gold reserves to keep our external payments position sustainably strong.

    51. Protect local industry from smuggled imports that evade import duties.

    52. Special Economic Zones ( Free Zones) will also be created in collaboration with the private sector at Ghana’s major border  towns such as Aflao, Paga, Elubo, Sankasi and Tatale to enhance economic activity, increase exports, reduce smuggling and create jobs.

    53. Individualized credit scoring

    54. Digitalization of land titling and transfer

    55. Propose to amend Article 87 of the 1992 Constitution as well as the NDPC Act (Act 479) to mandate political party manifestoes, and consequently Economic and Social policies of governments, as well as budgets, to be aligned to the agreed on broad contours in specific sectors.

    56. Amend the 1992 Constitution with key emphasis on issues such as reducing the power of the President and empower other institutions, ex gratia, the rights of dual citizens, election of MMDCEs to deepen decentralization, among others with extensive public consultation.

    57. Prioritise the creation of incentives for corporate sponsorship as a sustainable module of financing sports development and promotion for our national teams.

    58. Establish the Ghana School Sports Secretariat, which will be an agency under the ministry responsible for sports, in collaboration with other stakeholders such as the GES and sports federations.

    59. Leverage technology, data and systems to improve healthcare.

    60. Expand infrastructure at medical schools and improve human capital development.

    61. Introduce digital and streaming platforms for our artists to make tourism and the creative arts a growth pole in Ghana.

    62. Tax incentives will also be provided for film producers and musicians.

    63. Implement a visa-on-arrival policy for all international visitors to Ghana as has recently been implemented by Kenya.

    64. Recruit 1,000 special education teachers and retrain teachers on how to work with special needs students.

    65. Train more speech and language therapists and occupational and behavioural therapists.

    66. Fiscal and administrative decentralization

    67. Empower the private sector to build roads, hospitals, and schools.

    68. Prioritize the full implementation of the Affirmative Action Act as should hopefully have been passed by January 2025.

    69. After completion of their education, those that can secure jobs would be exempted from national service. National service will no longer be mandatory.

    70. Seek school-level collaboration with international sports bodies like the NBA and NFL to make Ghana a hub for these emerging sports in Africa, to create more opportunities for young people. Collaboration with the private sector, we will train at least 1,000,000 youth in IT skills, including software developers to provide job opportunities worldwide.

  • Siblings remanded for assaulting public officers at Ashaiman District Court premises

    Siblings remanded for assaulting public officers at Ashaiman District Court premises

    Two siblings, Safianu Osumanu and Aishatu Osumanu, have been remanded into police custody by the Ashaiman Circuit Court for verbally assaulting four public officers at the premises of the Ashaiman District Court. The duo, aged 25 and 31 respectively, pleaded not guilty to five counts of assault on public officers, offensive conduct, and disturbance of court proceedings.

    Presiding over the case, Judge Simon Gaga remanded the siblings to police custody until their next appearance on February 8, 2024.

    Prosecuting the case, Chief Inspector Christian Oscar Norgbedzi outlined the charges against the siblings, stating that the complainants included Millicent Zogli, a janitor at the Ashaiman District Court, and three police officers: Inspector Henry Tetteh Nartey, Corporal David Kwame Nyong, and Lance Corporal Rebecca Addo.

    According to Chief Inspector Norgbedzi, the incident occurred on February 1, 2024, when the siblings, accompanying their mother, Hamdiya Inusah, to the court for a civil suit, disrupted court proceedings and verbally assaulted the public officers. The siblings allegedly became agitated following a court judgment against their mother and began making noise, disturbing the proceedings.

    Safianu Osumanu, in particular, was accused of publicly verbally assaulting Millicent Zogli with offensive language. When the police officers attempted to intervene, the siblings reportedly resisted, attacked them, and continued to hurl insults.

    Despite their resistance, the accused were eventually overpowered, arrested, and brought before the court to face charges.

    The incident underscores the importance of maintaining order and respect for the judicial process within court premises. The Ashaiman Circuit Court’s decision to remand the siblings reflects the seriousness of the charges brought against them and serves as a reminder of the consequences of disrupting court proceedings and assaulting public officers.

    As the case progresses, the court will continue to uphold the principles of justice and ensure that all parties involved receive a fair trial.

  • Bawumia vows to enhance free SHS policy if elected president

    Bawumia vows to enhance free SHS policy if elected president

    Flagbearer of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, has reaffirmed his commitment to enhancing the government’s Free Senior High School (Free SHS) policy, pledging to build upon its successes and address existing challenges. 

    Delivering a national address at the UPSA auditorium on February 7, Bawumia highlighted the government’s achievement in achieving historic levels of SHS enrollment and lauded the performance of students in the 2023 West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE).

    “We have also implemented Free SHS with an increase in enrollment from 800,000 in 2016 to 1.4 million by 2022. The year 2023 has recorded the highest-ever level of enrollment in SHS of around 500,000 students,” stated Bawumia.

    He underscored the significance of the Free SHS policy in promoting access to education, achieving gender parity, and improving academic performance, emphasizing that under his leadership, the policy would continue and be further improved.

    “The performance of the students at WASSCE is also the best since 2015, and we have also achieved gender parity. Under my government, Free SHS will continue, and we will improve upon it. Who can you trust to protect and improve Free SHS? Once again, it is Dr. Bawumia,” he affirmed.

    Despite calls for revisions and improvements to the Free SHS policy from various quarters, including groups and individuals, the Akufo-Addo government has maintained its stance on the initiative. However, the government has agreed with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) to reassess the program and its associated costs, signaling a commitment to ensuring the sustainability and effectiveness of the policy.

    Bawumia’s pledge to enhance the Free SHS policy comes at a crucial juncture as Ghana prepares for the upcoming general elections. His remarks reflect the NPP’s dedication to education reform and its vision for advancing access to quality education for all Ghanaian students.

    As the political landscape evolves, the future of the Free SHS policy is expected to remain a focal point of debate and discussion, with Bawumia’s promises adding a new dimension to the discourse surrounding education policy in Ghana.

  • US Supreme Court to decide whether or not Trump can run for presidency

    US Supreme Court to decide whether or not Trump can run for presidency

    The US Supreme Court will decide on Thursday if Donald Trump can still run for president. It’s a new legal issue for them to explore.

    The judges will decide if Colorado is allowed to remove Mr. Trump from its ballot because he took part in the attack on the US Capitol.

    Their choice will also decide if other attempts to prevent Mr. Trump from participating in elections in other states are allowed.

    He is the top choice to be the Republican party’s candidate.

    Unless the judges decide in favor of Mr. Trump, he will probably compete against Democratic President Joe Biden in November.

    This is a very important case that has come to the court. The last time something this big happened was in 2000, when the court stopped the recount of votes in Florida. This decision made George W Bush, a Republican, the president instead of Al Gore, a Democrat.

    The US Supreme Court has made the challenge faster, and there is pressure to make a decision before 5 March, when voters in 15 states – including Colorado – vote in Republican primaries.

    Mr Trump’s name is still on the Colorado ballot, but the court will make the final decision. Maine has also decided to not include Mr. Trump on its ballot. This decision is on hold while the judges think about it.

    The legal issue depends on a law from the time of the Civil War that stops people who have been part of a rebellion from having a certain position or job.
    government office

    This rule has never been used to stop someone from becoming president.

    In December, the Colorado Supreme Court said it knew its decision was really important.

    “We know we must follow the law fairly and without any bias, even if people might not agree with our decisions,” the justices wrote.

    Mr Trump’s lawyers said that the Colorado decision unfairly stopped millions of voters from taking part and could also stop many more in other places.

    The legal officers of 27 states agree with his argument and they say that the decision in Colorado will cause a lot of trouble.

    “Clearly, it creates confusion during an upcoming election. ” – the lawyers wrote. “Furthermore, it disrupts the roles of Congress, the States, and the courts. ”

    Courts in Minnesota and Michigan have rejected attempts to take Mr. Trump off their voting lists, but other cases in states like Oregon are still waiting for a decision.

    The US Supreme Court will decide this case based on how most of the judges understand the 14th Amendment, including the insurrection clause.

    The ex-president’s lawyers have given the court many reasons why he should not be taken off the ballot.

    In one, they say that the 14th Amendment doesn’t apply to people running for president.

    In another argument, they say that Mr. Trump’s behavior during the US Capitol riot on January 6, 2021, was not an insurrection.

    The situation is brought before the Supreme Court, which already has very low support from the public.

    Regardless of what the nine judges decide, it will probably cause a lot of disagreement. Three of the judges were chosen by Mr.

    The highest court has a habit of avoiding politically charged legal issues by focusing on the smallest legal details. This might happen in this case too.

    Mr Trump will not be going to the hearing on Thursday.

    He is dealing with a lot of legal problems. Last month, he was told to give $83. 3 million or $65 million for saying bad things about columnist E Jean Carroll, who he was found to have sexually attacked in a different case.

    The Supreme Court, which has mostly conservative judges, may have to decide on another case involving Mr.

    Earlier this week, a court in Washington DC said that the president can be charged for trying to overturn the 2020 election.

    MrTrump needs to ask the Supreme Court by Monday to stop this ruling.

  • Bawumia promises to reduce cost of public transport between 30-40% if elected president 

    Bawumia promises to reduce cost of public transport between 30-40% if elected president 

    Vice President Dr Mahamudu Bawumia has promised to reduce the cost of transportation between 30 to 40% if given the nod as President.

    He made the remarks while unveiling his plans for the country if elected president of Ghana at the University of Professional Studies, Accra (UPSA). Among other things, the Vice President pledged to introduce electric vehicles (EVs) in Ghana’s transportation sector, aiming to significantly reduce the cost of public transportation if his administration is elected in the 2024 elections. Speaking at a public lecture on February 7, 2024, where he presented his vision as the flagbearer of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Bawumia emphasized the potential of EVs to cut down transportation costs by 30-40%.

    Explaining the rationale behind the initiative, Bawumia highlighted the dominance of fuel prices and spare parts costs in the public transport pricing formula. He emphasized that EVs, which do not rely on petrol or diesel and have minimal spare parts requirements, would lead to stable transport fares and eliminate the frequent and significant fare increases experienced in traditional vehicles.

    “The public transport pricing formula is dominated by two key variables; the price of fuel and the price of spare parts. Electric vehicles do not use petrol or diesel and spare parts are minimal. That is what will bring down the fares for EVs. More importantly, transport fares for EVs will be stable and the constant and large increases in fares will become a thing of the past,” he said.

    In addition to the adoption of EVs, Bawumia pledged to abolish taxes on electronic transactions, gambling, and emissions if elected president. The government had introduced various taxes, including a 10% gambling tax on all winnings, a 15% Value-Added Tax (VAT) on electricity slated for implementation in January 2024, and an emissions levy for engine vehicles starting from February 2024.

    Bawumia’s announcement signals a commitment to leveraging innovative solutions to address pressing economic and environmental challenges in Ghana. The introduction of EVs not only aims to reduce transportation costs but also aligns with efforts to promote sustainability and reduce carbon emissions in the transportation sector.

    As the country approaches the general elections, Bawumia’s proposed policies are expected to feature prominently in the political discourse, shaping public opinion and influencing voter decisions.

  • Bawumia pledges adoption of Electric Vehicles to reduce transportation costs

    Bawumia pledges adoption of Electric Vehicles to reduce transportation costs

    Vice President Dr Mahamudu Bawumia has unveiled plans to introduce electric vehicles (EVs) in Ghana’s transportation sector, aiming to significantly reduce the cost of public transportation if his administration is elected in the 2024 elections. 

    Speaking at a public lecture on February 7, 2024, where he presented his vision as the flagbearer of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Bawumia emphasized the potential of EVs to cut down transportation costs by 30-40%.

    Explaining the rationale behind the initiative, Bawumia highlighted the dominance of fuel prices and spare parts costs in the public transport pricing formula. He emphasized that EVs, which do not rely on petrol or diesel and have minimal spare parts requirements, would lead to stable transport fares and eliminate the frequent and significant fare increases experienced in traditional vehicles.

    “The public transport pricing formula is dominated by two key variables; the price of fuel and the price of spare parts. Electric vehicles do not use petrol or diesel and spare parts are minimal. That is what will bring down the fares for EVs. More importantly, transport fares for EVs will be stable and the constant and large increases in fares will become a thing of the past,” he said.

    In addition to the adoption of EVs, Bawumia pledged to abolish taxes on electronic transactions, gambling, and emissions if elected president. The government had introduced various taxes, including a 10% gambling tax on all winnings, a 15% Value-Added Tax (VAT) on electricity slated for implementation in January 2024, and an emissions levy for engine vehicles starting from February 2024.

    Bawumia’s announcement signals a commitment to leveraging innovative solutions to address pressing economic and environmental challenges in Ghana. The introduction of EVs not only aims to reduce transportation costs but also aligns with efforts to promote sustainability and reduce carbon emissions in the transportation sector.

    As the country approaches the general elections, Bawumia’s proposed policies are expected to feature prominently in the political discourse, shaping public opinion and influencing voter decisions.

  • Gaza ceasefire: Netanyahu of Israel rejects terms Hamas has proposed

    Gaza ceasefire: Netanyahu of Israel rejects terms Hamas has proposed

    Israel’s leader Benjamin Netanyahu said no to Hamas’s offer to stop fighting, and he believes Israel can win the war in Gaza in a few months.

    He was talking after Hamas made a list of things they want in response to a ceasefire plan supported by Israel.

    Mr Netanyahu said that talks with the group were not making any progress and he thought their terms were strange.

    Negotiations are still happening to try to come to an agreement.

    Mr Netanyahu said at a news conference on Wednesday that the only solution is to win completely and finally.

    “If Hamas stays in Gaza, it’s just a matter of time before another attack happens. ”

    Israel was supposed to disagree with Hamas’s counter-offer, but this response is a strong rejection, and Israeli officials clearly see Hamas’s attempt to end the war on its own terms as completely unacceptable.

    Hamas leader Sami Abu Zuhri told Reuters that Mr. Netanyahu’s comments are just showing off and means he wants to keep fighting in the area.

    An Egyptian official told the media that there will be a new meeting on Thursday in Cairo, with Egypt and Qatar helping to make the agreement.

    Egypt asked everyone to be flexible and reach a peaceful agreement, the source explained.

    Mr Netanyahu said no to a plan that he called “delusional,” but Qatar said that Hamas’s response was good. There are very different opinions on the matter.

    Hamas made their own offer for ending the fighting on Tuesday.

    The Hamas document had a list of terms in it.

    First step: For 45 days, there would be a stop in fighting. During this time, Israeli women hostages, boys under 19, old and sick people would be traded for Palestinian women and children in Israeli jails. Israeli soldiers will leave the busy parts of Gaza, and they will start fixing hospitals and places for people who had to leave their homes.

    Step two: the rest of the male Israeli hostages will be traded for Palestinian prisoners and Israeli troops will leave Gaza entirely.

    Step three: Both groups will give back the dead bodies and remains to each other.

    The new agreement would also mean more food and other supplies being sent to Gaza. Hamas said that they would finish negotiating to end the war after 135 days of no fighting.

    Last year on 7 October, around 1,300 people died in the attacks by Hamas in southern Israel.

    Israel started a war and as a result, over 27,700 Palestinians were killed and at least 65,000 were injured, according to the health ministry run by Hamas.

    Israeli soldiers are going into Rafah.

    Mr Netanyahu said on Wednesday that Israeli soldiers have been told to get ready to go into the southern Gaza city of Rafah. Many Palestinians have left Rafah to get away from the fighting.

    UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said that if the conflict spreads to Rafah, it will make the terrible humanitarian situation in the city much worse.

    “We are scared of the attack on Rafah,” said a person who had to leave their home at the Rafah Crossing, close to the border with Egypt, when speaking to the media.

    We are scared when we sleep and when we sit down. There is no food and the weather is cold.

    The Israeli leader’s words are a setback for the US’s efforts to make a deal. Even though the top US diplomat thinks it’s the best way to go, there is still a lot of work to do.

    At a news conference on Wednesday, Mr Blinken said that Hamas had some unacceptable ideas in their counter-proposal. However, he also said: “We believe it gives room for a deal to be made, and we will keep working hard until we reach it. ”

    Sharone Lifshitz’s parents were taken to Gaza after being kidnapped in southern Israel on October 7th. She told the BBC that rejecting Hamas’ ceasefire terms could mean more hostages might be killed.

    Ms Lifshitz’s 85-year-old mother, Yocheved, was let go, but her father, Oded, is still being held captive.

    “My father is 83 years old, he’s weak, and he won’t live much longer,” she said.

    “I don’t know if the prime minister is considering him, or if he expects him to come back in a coffin. ”

    Mr Netanyahu’s position also shows that the US and Israel have very different ideas about what should happen in Gaza in the future.

    He wants Israel to be in charge of security, while local groups in Gaza run things without being connected to Hamas or any other group.

    Washington wants to see a Palestinian state in the future.

    The important question now is if we can save the talks to get more prisoners released and help the people in Gaza by bringing in more aid.

  • Own Up! – Alan calls out Bawumia over claim of being powerless as VEEP  

    Own Up! – Alan calls out Bawumia over claim of being powerless as VEEP  

    Leader of the Movement For Change, Alan Kyerematen, has again lambasted Vice President Dr Mahamudu Bawumia for attempting to distance himself from the failures of the government. Kyerematen emphasized that as the presidential candidate of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Bawumia cannot evade responsibility for the country’s economic challenges.

    During an interview with Citi TV on Wednesday, February 7, Kyerematen underscored Dr. Bawumia’s integral role in the cabinet’s decision-making process, stating that attempts to dissociate from the government’s failures would be futile. 

    He pointed out that President Akufo-Addo had provided ample opportunities for Bawumia to implement his ideas and visions for the nation, likening it to the trust placed in late former President J.E Mills by then Vice President Mahama.

    Kyerematen, who served as Trade Minister until his resignation in September 2023, acknowledged his involvement in the mismanagement of the economy during his tenure. However, he stressed the importance of his capacity as a change agent despite his role in the economic challenges.

    “This theory that if you are vice president you don’t have the leverage to do anything, that is not true. In the case of late former President J.E Mills, he literally gave everything to then vice president Mahama, every opportunity to lead processes. It is the same thing, President Akufo-Addo has also given the vice president [Dr Bawumia] every opportunity to lead processes of governance.”

    Kyerematen’s remarks highlight the growing criticism within the political landscape, as various stakeholders scrutinize the government’s performance ahead of the upcoming general elections. 

    “There’s no doubt about that, how is it even possible to deny that you have been a minister and say that you are not part of a system?

    “But that is not the case, you are talking about being a minister, governments are not run by ministers. It’s about the executive authority at the highest level. You provide the direction as a minister,” he admitted.

  • US drone strike in Baghdad kills militia leader backed by Iran

    US drone strike in Baghdad kills militia leader backed by Iran

    A top leader of a group supported by Iran was killed by a US drone attack in Baghdad.

    A high-ranking member of Kataib Hezbollah and two of his bodyguards were attacked while driving in the eastern part of Baghdad, Iraq. All of them passed away.

    The Pentagon said the leader was in charge of planning attacks on US forces in the area.

    The US believes that the militia was involved in a drone attack in Jordan that killed three US troops last month.

    After the attack, Kataib Hezbollah said it was stopping attacks on American troops to avoid causing trouble for the Iraqi government.

    On Wednesday night, there was a drone attack in the Mashtal neighborhood of Baghdad. It caused many loud explosions.

    A car was hit directly on a busy street and it caught on fire.

    One of the people hurt has been named as Abu Baqir al-Saadi, a leader in Kataib Hezbollah.

    The US Central Command (Centcom) said that at 9:30 pm local time (6:30 pm GMT), they killed the person who planned and took part in attacking US forces in the region.

    “At this time, the Centcom statement says there is no evidence of harm to people or damage to buildings. ”

    When the media team arrived, they saw a lot of people protesting and shouting, “America is the worst. ”

    There were a lot of police and Swat teams from Iraq’s interior ministry.

    The BBC team wanted to get close to the burned car, but the people watching told them to go away because they didn’t want journalists there.

    “You are not from here,” a man yelled, adding “and people like you are causing this problem”.

    The attack happened a few days after the US did 85 strikes in Iraq-Syria border area. This was in response to a drone attack on American soldiers in Jordan on 28th January which resulted in deaths.

    President Joe Biden said the attacks last Friday are just the start of how the US will react.

    The attack by the drone in the capital of Iraq will be seen as a big increase in violence.

    But it was bound to happen that the American plan would focus on attacking not just the buildings and facilities used by the groups, but also their top bosses.

    Soon after the attack on Wednesday, groups in the country wanted to get back at the US.

    Harakat al Nujaba, a group accused of attacking American soldiers, said they will fight back. They also warned that they will punish those responsible for the attacks.

    On January 4th, the US attacked in Baghdad and killed an important leader of Harakat al Nujaba.

    American soldiers have been attacked more than 165 times with rockets and drones since the war between Israel and Gaza started on October 7th.

    According to the Pentagon, there are about 2,500 soldiers in Iraq and 900 in Syria from the US. They are there to fight against the Islamic State terror group.

    The US military has started to attack the Houthi group in Yemen because they attacked commercial ships in the Red Sea.

  • Mahama defends his reputation; refutes claims of economic mess

    Mahama defends his reputation; refutes claims of economic mess

    Former President John Dramani Mahama, the Flagbearer of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), has emphatically rejected assertions by the New Patriotic Party (NPP) that his previous administration left behind an economic mess. 

    Addressing a town hall meeting in Tamale on Tuesday as part of his Building Ghana Tour in the Northern Region, Mahama asserted that the NPP inherited a stabilized economy upon assuming office.

    Mahama refuted claims of economic mismanagement by providing comparative data on key economic indicators. 

    He highlighted that when he left office, the debt-to-Gross Domestic Product (GDP) ratio stood at 57%, which was below the recommended threshold for middle-income countries by the International Monetary Fund (IMF). 

    However, under the current administration, this ratio has soared to over 100%.

    Moreover, Mahama cited inflation rates, noting that during his tenure, inflation stood at 15.5%, while it surged to 54% under the NPP-led government before dropping to 30%. He also criticized the decline in cocoa production, indicating a drastic reduction from 960,000 metric tonnes under the NDC administration to under 500,000 metric tonnes under the current government.

    “When I left office, the debt to Gross Domestic Product (GDP) was 57 per cent and the optimum GDP for middle income countries as recommended by the International Monetary Fund (IMF) is 60 per cent,” he stated.

    “My administration was under the recommended debt to GDP but today, the debt to GDP is more than 100 percent,” he said.

    Highlighting achievements of his administration, Mahama emphasized the establishment of key financial instruments such as the Stabilisation Fund, crucial for navigating economic challenges like the COVID-19 pandemic, and the Ghana Infrastructural Investment Fund, which supported infrastructure development projects such as the Agenda 111 hospital initiative.

    Mahama underscored the strategic acquisition of two new oil fields during his tenure, aimed at tripling oil revenue for the nation. He contrasted this with the NDC’s accomplishments, achieved with only one oil field, the Jubilee field.

    “With all these, how did I leave a mess? The constant talk of Mahama left us a mess is a myth and not true. They created the mess themselves,” Mahama asserted, challenging the narrative propagated by the NPP regarding his administration’s economic legacy.

    The former President’s remarks at the town hall meeting aimed to provide clarity on his administration’s economic record and counter criticisms leveled against him by political opponents.

    As Ghana gears up for the 2024 elections, Mahama’s defense of his economic stewardship sets the stage for a spirited debate on competing visions for the nation’s future.

  • Dr Bawumia declares 2024 elections as battle between future and past

    Dr Bawumia declares 2024 elections as battle between future and past

    Vice President Mahamudu Bawumia, also the flagbearer of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), has set the stage for the 2024 elections, declaring it as a decisive battle between himself and former President John Dramani Mahama, the flagbearer for the National Democratic Congress (NDC). 

    Speaking at the UPSA auditorium on Wednesday, February 7, 2024, Bawumia framed the upcoming contest as a choice between the future and the past, emphasizing that the outcome would shape the trajectory of the nation.

    Bawumia highlighted fundamental questions that Ghanaians would need to consider in making their choice, asserting that entrusting the presidency to him would usher in a new era of innovative and impactful ideas aimed at transforming the country. He underscored his vision for the nation, focusing on key policy areas that he believes will bring about positive change and development.

    “The choice Ghanaians face in 2024 is between Vice President Bawumia and former President Mahama. It is fundamentally a choice between the future and the past.

    “We have to ask ourselves a number of questions in making that choice: If you want someone you can you trust to come up with innovative and impactful ideas to transform Ghana, then it is Dr Bawumia,” he stated, positioning himself as the candidate for progress and innovation.

    He further emphasized qualities such as personal integrity, trustworthiness in fighting corruption, and a proven record in job creation for the youth as attributes that set him apart from his opponent. Bawumia also highlighted his commitment to addressing the needs of the poor, disabled, and vulnerable segments of society, positioning himself as a leader who prioritizes inclusivity and social welfare.

    Additionally, Bawumia articulated his vision for preparing Ghana for the Fourth Industrial Revolution, positioning himself as the candidate with the foresight and commitment to navigate the challenges and opportunities presented by technological advancement.

    “If it is someone with personal integrity who is not corrupt, and can be trusted to fight corruption, then your choice, clearly, is Dr. Bawumia. And, if the person you have in mind is someone you can trust to work hard and tirelessly and selflessly for Ghana, it is Dr. Bawumia.

    “If you want a leader who has a proven record, and who you can trust to create jobs for the youth, it is Dr. Bawumia. A man to trust to take care of the poor, disabled and vulnerable, It is Dr. Bawumia.

    “If you are looking for the man who has the vision and commitment to prepare Ghana for the Fourth Industrial revolution, it is Dr. Bawumia,” he added.

  • Kofi Bentil defends Bawumia over decision not to resign as VEEP despite presidential ambition 

    Kofi Bentil defends Bawumia over decision not to resign as VEEP despite presidential ambition 

    Vice President of policy think tank IMANI Africa, Kofi Bentil, has stepped forward to defend Vice President Dr Mahamudu Bawumia’s decision not to resign as Vice President despite holding opposing views about certain policies and decisions implemented by the current administration led by President Akufo-Addo.

    The Vice President surprised Ghanaians on Wednesday, February 7, 2024, when he announced the abolishing of certain taxes including the E-levy.

    Ghanaians were surprised because E-levy was a major tax implemented by the current administration of which the Vice President is a key player. Critics have persistently argued that Bawumia should have exited the government if he disagreed with certain policies, holding him equally accountable for any perceived failures. However, Bentil’s recent remarks urge for a fair assessment of Bawumia’s position within the government.

    But in a recent Facebook post, Kofi Bentil likened Bawumia’s disagreements with Akufo-Addo to disagreements in a marriage, suggesting that not all disagreements lead to the breakdown of relationships. Drawing parallels, he emphasized that a Vice President cannot simply resign over differences in opinion with the President, just as one does not file for divorce at every disagreement in a marriage.

    “So many people are asking ‘so why didn’t DMB resign if he disagreed with some policies?’ here’s your answer…,” Bentil wrote, underlining the complexities of governance and the importance of waiting for the right time to effect change.

    Bawumia, in his first major speech since being elected as the flagbearer of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), addressed these concerns at a public lecture themed “Ghana’s Next Chapter: Selfless Leadership and Bold Solutions for the Future” on February 7, 2024. During the lecture held at an auditorium in Accra, he presented his vision for Ghana, highlighting the accomplishments of the Akufo-Addo-Bawumia government over the past seven years and outlining his plans for various sectors of the Ghanaian economy if elected president.

    The lecture, which lasted for several hours, provided a comprehensive account of the government’s achievements and outlined ambitious strategies for future development under Bawumia’s leadership.

  • Guinness World Records: Patient with longest survival after heart transplantation

    Guinness World Records: Patient with longest survival after heart transplantation

    The person who has lived the longest after getting a new heart has been given an award by Guinness World Records.

    Bert Janssen, who is 57 years old and from the Netherlands, has been living for almost 40 years with the heart he got from a donor at Harefield Hospital in Uxbridge, north-west London, in the 1980s.

    He was being treated for a heart condition that makes it hard for the heart to pump blood.

    He said he was “very thankful for the amazing gift” his donor gave him.

    Mr Janssen found out he had heart muscle disease after he got sick with symptoms like the flu at 17.

    His heart doctor in his country knew the doctors at Harefield Hospital and the person who started doing heart transplants, Prof Sir Magdi Yacoub. Prof Sir Magdi Yacoub did the surgery on 6 June 1984.

    The operation didn’t happen in the Netherlands yet. Mr Janssen, who was 18 when he had the operation, said: “It all happened very quickly. Just one week after coming to Harefield, two hearts became available from a big car crash in London.

    “I had surgery where they replaced my heart with someone else’s. ”

    Mr Janssen said that he was able to go back to feeling good after the surgery.

    The man is happy to have broken the record for air gliding. He is also a husband and has two children. He feels proud.

    “He said he never thought he would come this far. ”

    I believe the most important thing is to be a good example for others to follow. It has been proven that it is possible to go this far with a donated heart.

    “I think the marker will continue to move even more, and I will be happy if someone else breaks my record eventually. ”

    He was the 107th person to have a transplant at Harefield Hospital.

    Sir Magdi performed the first transplant in 1980, and the center has done thousands more since then. In 2022-23, 54 transplants were completed.

    Dr Fernando Riesgo Gil, a heart specialist at Harefield Hospital, said he is happy to hear that one of their first heart transplant patients is still living a good and happy life many years after the transplant.

    Last week, there were 7,314 adults and 248 kids waiting for a transplant in the UK. This information is from the NHS Blood and Transplant website.

    Out of all of them, 334 people are waiting for hearts.

  • We have constructed more sports facilities than any gov’t since 1992 – Bawumia

    We have constructed more sports facilities than any gov’t since 1992 – Bawumia

    Vice President Dr Mahamudu Bawumia has lauded the efforts of the government in constructing sports facilities. 

    Addressing Ghanaians on February 7, 2024, he Vice President said the current administration is the first to construct many sports facilities in the history of the country. 

    “Our government has constructed more sports facilities than any other government since 1992,” he said.

    Giving a breakdown of the facilities, he noted that: “We have completed six new multipurpose sports stadia and four ongoing each in each of the ten old regions.”

    Among the completed projects is the University of Ghana stadium in Legon, a state-of-the-art facility serving as a hub for sports activities and competitions.

  • ‘Responsible’ Bank of Ghana is unfairly criticised – Bawumia

    ‘Responsible’ Bank of Ghana is unfairly criticised – Bawumia

    Vice President Dr Mahamudu Bawumia commended the Bank of Ghana (BoG) for its prudent measures rolled out in efforts to stabilize the Ghanaian economy during the COVID-19 pandemic. 

    Delivering an address to Ghanaians on February 7, 2024, the Vice President noted that BoG was very instrumental in bringing the economy back on track after the pandemic hit the shores of the country. 

    He noted that the institution had been unfairly criticized despite its pivotal role in pulling the economy back from the brink. 

    “I must at this stage salute and give particular recognition to the Bank of Ghana which has come under unfair criticism for taking the necessary measures which helped pull the economy back from the brink,” he said. 

    Dr. Bawumia particularly lauded the BoG for prioritizing the interests of Ghanaian citizens and providing necessary financing to the government during critical moments.

    “BoG provided needed financing to the government at that critical moment. What the BoG did was very responsible in putting the interest of the good citizens of Ghana first,” he added.

    Dr. Bawumia emphasized that the data available clearly demonstrates the temporary nature of the financing provided by the BoG to the government, with zero financing recorded in five out of the last seven years, including 2017, 2018, 2019, 2021, and 2023.

    Highlighting the context behind the BoG’s financing of the government during specific periods, Dr Bawumia pointed to domestic and global crises, such as the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 and the liquidity crisis in 2022. 

    These challenges, coupled with underperforming revenue and limited access to international capital markets, necessitated support from the BoG to sustain the economy during turbulent times.

    “The data which is available shows that the financing provided to the government by the Bank of Ghana was temporary. The Bank of Ghana has provided zero financing in five out of the last 7 years. Zero financing in 2017, 2018, 2019, 2012 and 2023. 

    “The BoG financing of the government in the COVID-19 year of 2029 and the liquidity crisis year of 2022 was because of the domestic and global crisis with underperforming revenue and no access to international capital markets. Ladies and gentlemen, the good news is that the data shows that the economy is recovering from the crisis we faced,” he added.

  • Bawumia is his own man – Freddie Blay

    Bawumia is his own man – Freddie Blay

    A former National Chairman of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Freddie Blay, has described Vice President Dr Mahamudu Bawumia as “a man of his own.” 

    Weighing in on the Vice President’s candidacy, Mr Blay indicated that Dr Bawumia, despite belonging to a political party, is an independent figure with a unique standing and leadership style. 

    Mr Blay emphasized that Dr. Bawumia is poised to convey this sense of individuality and autonomy if given the nod as President. 

    He made the remarks in the lead up to the Vice President’s February 7, 2024 address to the nation. 

    “Bawumia is going to tell the whole world, particularly Ghanaians and party men, that he is his own man. For he himself is telling you that we are in a pack, he’s part of a team but he’s different,” he noted.

  • Cheddar advocates railways development to revolutionize Ghana’s transport system

    Cheddar advocates railways development to revolutionize Ghana’s transport system

    Aspiring presidential candidate, and founder of #TheNewForce, Nana Kwame Bediako, popularly known as Cheddar, has highlighted the urgent need for infrastructure development in Ghana, particularly emphasizing the expansion of railways as a priority.

    During a media engagement, Cheddar expressed his dismay over the current state of transportation infrastructure in the country, noting that in 2024, the primary mode of transporting goods remains limited to roads. 

    He emphasized the absence of alternative modes such as waterways and railways, which he believes are essential for efficient and sustainable transportation.

    Outlining the projects he intends to implement, he noted that:”We also have infrastructure development and the infrastructure development of course there are  a lot of things that we need to do in this country. Expansion of railways is one of the most important things to me. I don’t see why we are in 2024 and the only way of transporting goods in our country is by road.”

    Highlighting the environmental impact of overreliance on road transportation, Cheddar raised concerns about pollution and emphasized the need for sustainable solutions to modernize Ghana’s transportation system.

    “You can’t even put anything on any water and you can’t move containers by railways. So we can move a 100 containers from the harbor to go to one place but everyone of these containers is going on a truck and is driving on a road and is polluting the environment and it makes us think that we are not thinking to be with the modern world,” he added.

    As Ghana prepares for upcoming elections, Cheddar’s focus on infrastructure development and sustainable transportation solutions adds a unique perspective to the political discourse.

  • PLAYBACK: Bawumia speaks

    PLAYBACK: Bawumia speaks

    Vice President of Ghana and flagbearer of the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP), is addressing Ghanaians in a live streamed event today, February 7, 2024.

    The speech, delivered from the University of Professional Studies (UPSA) in Accra, garnered significant attention from across the country.

    The theme for the speech is Ghana’s Next Chapter: Selfless Leadership And Bold Solutions For the Future.

    Citizens expect the Vice President in this address to outline his plans and vision for the country under his potential leadership as the President of Ghana. 

    With the national elections drawing nearer, Dr Bawumia’s address serves as a platform to touch on his party’s agenda, policies, and strategies aimed at addressing key issues facing the nation. 

  • ECG/VRA reportedly issuing bills to victims of Akosombo dam spillage despite no electricity usage

    ECG/VRA reportedly issuing bills to victims of Akosombo dam spillage despite no electricity usage

    Residents of Mepe in the Volta region are reportedly grappling with an unexpected burden in the aftermath of the Akosombo dam spillage that destroyed their livelihoods.

    According to reports emerging from the area, residents are being issued electricity bills for homes left uninhabited due to the disaster.

    Despite the flooding rendering many homes inaccessible and meters submerged, the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG) in collaboration with the Volta River Authority (VRA) is reportedly issuing bills to affected residents, demanding payment for electricity usage even when none has occurred.

    One resident, who reported the incident on social media, expressed frustration over the situation, stating, “Since this incident occurred till now, some of us have not gained access to our homes again. And this household, both the meter was all drowned in the water and since then till today that I’m talking to you, no one is staying in this house.”

    https://twitter.com/ddhellali/status/1754796935003660707?s=46

    The resident further explained that despite the meters being submerged and rendered inoperative, ECG and VRA have managed to read the meters and billed them for an amount totaling GHs 2,325.98.

    “This months’ bill arrived, meanwhile, the meter is spoiled and nobody is in the house, but they managed to bring this bill to us,” lamented the resident, highlighting the absurdity of the situation.

  • Democrat departs hospital to deliver crucial vote against impeachment

    Democrat departs hospital to deliver crucial vote against impeachment

    A lawmaker from Texas who belongs to the Democratic party went out of the hospital for a short time to vote against impeaching the homeland security secretary.

    Al Green surprised everyone in the House by entering the room in a wheelchair and wearing hospital clothes.

    The 76-year-old’s journey from the hospital emergency room after his stomach surgery was very important.

    House Republicans did not succeed in getting enough votes to impeach Alejandro Mayorkas, with the final vote being 216-214.

    They say it’s Mr. Mayorkas’s fault for more people entering the US border illegally than ever before.

    Mr Green talked to his doctors to see if he could go vote. Later, Democratic Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries arranged for transportation for him.

    Mr Green’s health was checked by a doctor when he got to the Capitol.

    In an interview with the New York Times from his hospital bed, Mr Green said he really wanted to vote but didn’t expect the House to be so split on the impeachment.

    I didn’t think my vote would matter when I came to vote. I came because it meant a lot to me.

    Mr Green, who has been a House representative for the 9th district of Texas since 2005, said he thinks Mr. Mayorkas is a good person and his reputation should not be ruined.

    Critics of US President Joe Biden say Mr. Mayorkas is responsible for the increase in illegal immigration at the US-Mexico border.

    The US House did not vote to remove Mayorkas from his job because of the problems at the border.

    Marjorie Taylor Greene, a Republican from Georgia, started the process to remove a government official from their job. After the vote, she said she would do it again.

    She said Democrats were playing a game by not telling anyone sooner that Mr. Green would vote even though he was in the hospital.

    “They kept one of their team members secret until the last moment. They watched to see how we would vote and tried to confuse us,” she told the media after the vote.

    Three Republicans who usually support their party, also voted “no” like the Democrats in the House. Blake Moore from Utah changed his vote from yes to no as a way to follow procedure.

    MrGreen said he wasn’t playing games and that he was happy to be focusing on his health now.

  • Canadian spy sentenced to 14 years in prison

    Canadian spy sentenced to 14 years in prison

    A person who used to work for the Canadian national police has been sent to prison for 14 years for sharing secret information with people who are believed to be criminals.

    The prosecutors said that Cameron Ortis, who is 51 years old, gave secret government information to criminals who work together in a group.

    Ortis said no and explained that he was working secretly to stop a big danger to Canada.

    He was found guilty in November after a trial that lasted for eight weeks at a court in Ottawa.

    On Wednesday, Judge Robert Maranger said that Ortis will serve seven more years in prison, taking into account the time he has already spent behind bars.

    This was the first time that Canada’s new spy law was used in a trial.

    The lawyers wanted Ortis to go to jail for 28 years because they believe that a shorter sentence would show other countries that Canada can’t keep important information safe.

    But his lawyers said he should only be in jail for seven years because he already spent three years in jail waiting for the trial.

    Lawyer Jon Doody said that his client lost everything during that time, such as his job, friends, and savings.

    Judge Maranger said that the 14-year sentence is a fair and suitable amount of time.

    He said it considers his bad deeds and the tough conditions Ortis faced in prison, including being kept alone during the Covid-19 pandemic.

    Ortis was taken by the police in 2019 and accused of breaking six laws, including ones about keeping the country safe. He was proven to have done the bad things he was accused of.

    When he was arrested, he was in charge of the National Intelligence Coordination Centre, which is a part of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police. It deals with important information and intelligence within the organization.

    He got permission to have access to important information when he started working for the RCMP in 2007 as a civilian.

    Prosecutors said Ortis used his job to give secret information in 2015 to three people in a group that launders money internationally, and to a man named Vincent Ramos.

    US authorities had linked the mobile security company Ramos ran to drug traffickers and organized crime members in the past.

    Ortis asked Ramos for almost $27,500 in exchange for giving him information about police activities, but there is no proof that he actually got any money.

    In court, Ortis said he gave out secret information on purpose as part of a plan to trick people into using encrypted email so that security agencies could read their messages.

    His lawyers said he did what he did to deal with a serious danger to Canada that had to be dealt with.

    The prosecutors said that he shared the information on purpose without his boss’s permission. They said there is no record of his mission in the RCMP archives.

    “His story was just a lie to make you think his selfish criminal acts had a noble and secret reason,” said prosecutor Judy Kliewer in court.

  • Hamas offers 135-day truce in response to offer of ceasefire

    Hamas offers 135-day truce in response to offer of ceasefire

    Hamas wants some things in return for agreeing to stop fighting against Israel. They want to trade hostages for Palestinian prisoners and also want to rebuild Gaza.

    The group with weapons wants all Israeli forces to leave and for the war to stop after three periods of 45 days without fighting.

    The prime minister of Israel is probably not going to like the offer because he wants to win completely in Gaza.

    Can we find a compromise to keep things going.

    Hamas has given a new offer in response to a ceasefire proposal supported by Israel and the US. The proposal is being mediated by Qatar and Egypt, but the details are not known to the public.

    The deal will also bring more food and other help to Gaza. Hamas says talks to end the war will be finished after 135 days without fighting.

    The proposal didn’t get much of a reaction from US President Joe Biden. He said it was “a little too much”. The Secretary of State Anthony Blinken said there’s still “a lot of work to be done” to reach a lasting ceasefire, but he emphasized how important it is to achieve a lasting peace.

    In November, there was a one-week break in fighting. During this time, about 100 people who were held captive were released in exchange for 240 prisoners from Palestine.

    Approximately 1,300 people died in the Hamas attacks on southern Israel on October 7th of last year.

    Israel started a war and many Palestinians have been hurt or killed. The health ministry run by Hamas says at least 27,700 people have died and 65,000 have been injured.

    A high-ranking Israeli official talked to Channel 13 in Israel and said that some of the things Hamas wants may not be possible. The government is deciding whether to say no to the proposal or to ask for different conditions.

    Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu wants to win completely, but Israeli officials say it will be hard and maybe impossible to do with military force.

    Before, a leader of Hamas told the BBC that the group had given a good idea to the proposal backed by Israel, but they wanted to make some changes about rebuilding Gaza and people going back to their homes.

    The US is helping to talk with Israel and Hamas, and they believe that talking is the best way to move forward. They are working with Arab partners to make progress.

    They want to have a break from fighting to focus on making a long-term plan for after the war ends.

    Mr Blinken said it was a very strong plan that would help Gaza get built again, improve the Palestinian government, and eventually create a Palestinian country. It would also make Saudi Arabia and Israel have better relations.

    However, the Israeli army is still trying to ruin the Hamas groups and capture Hamas leaders. Netanyahu is feeling the pressure from his right-wing allies who are threatening to bring down his government if he gives in to any demands. He wants to stay in power, so he needs to be careful.

    Israeli families who have loved ones being held hostage are becoming more and more worried about what will happen to them. This is especially true after finding out that five out of every 130 hostages still in Gaza have died.

    The US and its Arab friends are concerned about the increasing chances of a big fight in the region. Many worldwide organizations are loudly saying that a really bad situation is happening in the Strip and it’s getting worse for people who live there. A lot of clocks are making loud ticking sounds.

  • US Marines missing helicopter carrying five people

    US Marines missing helicopter carrying five people

    Rescue teams are looking for a US Marine Corps helicopter that disappeared while flying to California.

    The helicopter called CH-53E Super Stallion was supposed to come back to Marine Corps Air Station Miramar, near San Diego, but it didn’t come on time on Wednesday.

    Five soldiers were riding in a helicopter that was flying from an airbase near Las Vegas.

    The sheriff’s department in San Diego is helping to look for something.

    The Marines said that the missing Marines were from a helicopter squadron that is part of the 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing, based in Miramar.

    The fire department was told about a missing airplane at 2:20 in the morning. They sent teams to look for it near Lake Morina, California, but they couldn’t find the helicopter.

    Officials said the heavy snow and winter conditions made it difficult for them to search.

    The CH-53E Super Stallion started being used in 1981 and is an important aircraft for the Marine Corps. It is mostly used for transporting things. It can hold 37 people in its regular setup.

    This is a story that is still being made. More information will be shared later.

  • Bawumia is a disgrace to the North, don’t vote for him – Fiifi Kwetey tells Northerners

    Bawumia is a disgrace to the North, don’t vote for him – Fiifi Kwetey tells Northerners

    General Secretary of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), Fiifi Kwetey, has issued a stern warning to the people of the Northern Region against supporting Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia’s presidential ambitions.

    In a stirring address, Fiifi Kwetey branded him as a disgrace to the North. 

    Kwetey’s impassioned plea comes amidst a charged political atmosphere as Ghana gears up for the upcoming presidential elections.

    Addressing a gathering at Tamale, Kwetey minced no words in denouncing Bawumia, asserting that his candidacy would bring shame upon the entire Northern Region. 

    https://twitter.com/castinbillz/status/1755123432520331683?s=46

    “…Northern Region, you owe it to Ghana to make sure that son, that represents not your best image, that son that represents a disgrace to the North should never rise to the leadership of this country because that would be a disgrace to the whole of the Northern Region,” he said. 

    “Northern Region, you need to do everything possible to ensure that that son of yours (Dr Mahamudu Bawumia), who is an absolute disgrace and a humiliation to all of you, never rises to become the President of this country. You have been blessed to have a son who can be trusted (in the person of John Dramani Mahama),” he added. 

    Highlighting the need for regional pride and integrity, Kwetey emphasized that the Northern Region deserves a leader who embodies its values and virtues. He urged the people to reject Bawumia’s candidacy and instead throw their support behind John Dramani Mahama who truly represents their interests.

  • Exposed!: NPP party leaders requested for cars, lands from parliamentary primary aspirants

    Exposed!: NPP party leaders requested for cars, lands from parliamentary primary aspirants

    Majority Leader, Osei Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu, has dropped a bomb shell regarding events leading up to the New Patriotic Party’s (NPP) parliamentary primaries.

    According to the NPP big wig who is also the Member of Parliament for the Suame Constituency, some party leaders requested for cars and lands as prerequisites for allowing party members to contest in Parliamentary primaries. Mr Osei Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu condemned this attitude and entreated the party to address such issues.

    Speaking at a leadership engagement with the Parliamentary Press Corps on Wednesday, February 7, 2024, he noted that, “You have people coming to you to tell you that buy a car for us before we vote for you. Especially the leadership of the parties, they ask for cars before they allow you to contest, even land…we should be real.”

    The Member of Parliament for Suame further recommended that political parties revisit such traditions, proposing a period of introspection to potentially phase out these requirements.

    Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu emphasized the importance of transitioning towards a system akin to those observed in mature democracies or broadening the scope of voting privileges to include all registered party members.

    “My own proposition is that the parties should introspect and perhaps scrap this thing as it is in established democracies…If we want to continue to live with this communist arrangement then, we will perhaps have to go further downstream to enable every card-bearing member of the party to vote,” he said.

    Furthermore, the Majority Leader warned against indifference among Members of Parliament who were unsuccessful in their Parliamentary primaries, underscoring the significance of remaining actively involved in parliamentary affairs.

  • Internet outage in Sudan as civil war rages on

    Internet outage in Sudan as civil war rages on

    Sudan doesn’t have internet anymore. – The paramilitary group engaged in the country’s 10-month civil war is believed to be accountable by the public.

    The Rapid Support Forces (RSF) said they did not do it.

    NetBlocks, a group that watches over internet freedom, reported that the internet in Sudan had stopped working again on X day.

    A group of Sudanese hackers targeted Uganda because they were angry that Uganda welcomed the leader of the RSF, Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo.

    NetBlocks found that some internet providers in Uganda, like Uganda Telecom and MTN, might have had some issues with their services. But a reporter in the capital city of Kampala for the BBC didn’t see any problems.

    In Sudan, some people can’t use the internet since Friday. And now the problem is even worse.

    Government-controlled media have accused the RSF.

    However, according to the Sudan Tribune news site, a RSF official claimed that the army told them to cut off communication in parts of Darfur, Kordofan, Khartoum, and Al-Jazirah states, which are mostly controlled by the paramilitary group.

    On Wednesday, NetBlocks reported that a big phone company in Sudan called Zain was mostly not working.

    Zain posted on Facebook that it is working under tough and dangerous conditions.

    It said that the current network problem is not its fault.

    Two other companies, MTN Sudan and Sudani, were not working on Friday, according to NetBlocks.

    The network not working makes things even harder for a country that is at war.

    The United Nations is asking for $4. 1 billion to help the people in Sudan who are struggling because of the fighting there. They also want to help the people who had to leave their homes because of the fighting.

    The UN says that around 9 million people have been forced to leave their homes, and about 25 million people, which is half of the whole population, need help.

  • Painful loss for Nikki Haley in Nevada Republican primary

    Painful loss for Nikki Haley in Nevada Republican primary

    Nikki Haley lost the Republican primary in Nevada, even though she didn’t have to compete because Donald Trump wasn’t there.

    The Associated Press predicted that she got a lot less votes than “None of these candidates. ”

    The governor suggested voting this way as a protest because Ms Haley will not be at the Thursday caucuses.

    Mr Trump has no one running against him in that vote. He is almost guaranteed to be chosen as the presidential candidate.

    With 86% of the voting areas counted, “None” got 63% of the votes in the primary election on Tuesday, and Ms. Haley got 31%.

    The contest does not have to be followed because the Republican Party has said it is not official.

    All 26 delegates from the state can be won in the caucuses.

    The “none of these candidates” winning in the primary won’t have any effect on the race.

    However, it shows how powerful Mr. Trump is that the negative reaction against Ms. Haley caused her to lose the vote.

    The reason there are two contests is because the Republican Party and Democrats in the state legislature had a disagreement.

    In 2021, the government made a new rule to change from caucus to primary elections because of problems with voting in 2020.

    A caucus is a meeting where people have to go in person at a certain time to vote, while a primary is a regular vote at a polling station that lasts for several hours.

    Ms Haley didn’t campaign in Nevada because she wanted to focus on her home state of South Carolina, where the voting will take place in a little over two weeks. And the criticism from voters didn’t discourage her team.

    “Even Donald Trump understands that the casino always makes money when you play penny slot machines. ” “We didn’t want to play a game that was unfair for Trump,” said Olivia Perez-Cubas, who works for the campaign.

    “We’re moving forward fast in South Carolina and to other places. ”

    According to the New York Times, Ms Haley may still win if only the officially listed candidates are counted by the secretary of state’s office.

    Mr Trump is likely to be chosen as the Republican candidate. He will most likely compete against President Biden in the November election.

    Mr Biden won the Democratic election in Nevada on Tuesday.

  • Pakistan election: Two fatal explosions in Balochistan on day before elections

    Pakistan election: Two fatal explosions in Balochistan on day before elections

    Two bombs exploded in Balochistan province in Pakistan just before the general elections, and it has caused the death of at least 22 people, according to officials.

    The first explosion killed 14 people outside the office of a candidate running on their own in Pishin district.

    Another blast killed eight people in Qillah Saif Ullah district, which is about 150km (93 miles) away. A lot of people got hurt in the two explosions.

    The election was not fair because there was violence and cheating.

    Nobody has said they did the attack in Pishin yet. Pishin is about 50km from Quetta and 100km from the Afghan border. The local government said 25 people were also hurt.

    Pictures on social media display cars and motorcycles destroyed by the explosion. The incident happened outside the election office of a candidate who was meeting with his assistant at the time.

    More information about the second explosion is still coming out. A high-ranking police officer told the AFP news agency that it happened in the main market of Qila Saifullah, and the target was the election office of the JUI-F party.

    In the past week, there have been violent fights in Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa provinces as the voting day on Thursday gets closer.

    The police are trying to find out why the explosions happened and the injured people have been taken to hospitals nearby.

    The Balochistan government said the election will happen as scheduled.

    “We promise to stop terrorists from ruining this important election process,” said Jan Achakzai, the provincial information minister, on X, which was previously known as Twitter.

  • Cheddar is a joke! – Sofo Kyiri Abosom mocks Nana Kwame Bediako’s presidential aspirations

    Cheddar is a joke! – Sofo Kyiri Abosom mocks Nana Kwame Bediako’s presidential aspirations

    Founder and Leader of the Ghana Union Movement, Rev. Christian Kwabena Andrews, popularly known as Osofo Kyiri Abosom, has scoffed at the presidential aspirations of Ghanaian businessman Nana Kwame Bediako, also known as Cheddar.

    In an interview, Osofo Kyiri Abosom described Cheddar’s bid for the presidency as a joke.

    Cheddar, the Leader and Founder of The New Force, recently announced his intention to run for the highest office in the land, citing perceived shortcomings in various aspects of Ghanaian society that he believes he can address.

    In a recent interview, Cheddar appealed to Ghanaians to support his bid, expressing confidence in his ability to effect positive change. “Please give me the chance let me do it I have the energy, I have the time, I have the grace, I have the glory,” he said.

    However, speaking on the Ghana Kasa show on Kasapa 102.5FM, Osofo Kyiri Abosom dismissed Cheddar’s ambitions, labeling them as mere folly. He criticized Cheddar for spending lavishly on billboards, asserting that such actions do not translate to votes.

    “This man is joking, you can’t just enter the political landscape and contest to be President by mounting huge billboards here and there to waste money. Billboards don’t vote, it is huge money he’s throwing away that’s why I say he’s joking,” Osofo Kyiri Abosom remarked.

    He went on to suggest that Cheddar should align himself with political parties that share his ideologies and policies rather than pursuing a solo candidacy. Osofo Kyiri Abosom highlighted the similarity between Cheddar’s statements and the Ghana Union Movement’s (GUM) long-standing positions, implying that collaboration with existing parties would be more effective.

    “We are on the ground, if he thinks he has money to help move this country forward, what you have to do is to sit down and look at parties who have similar ideologies and policies as you do and work with such a party,” he advised.

    In conclusion, Osofo Kyiri Abosom remarked cynically that Cheddar should continue to spend his money as he sees fit, suggesting that Ghanaians should take advantage of his generosity.

  • There is no evidence –  NPP reacts to GJA blacklisting of Yendi MP Farouk Mahama

    There is no evidence –  NPP reacts to GJA blacklisting of Yendi MP Farouk Mahama

    The ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP) has responded to the recent blacklisting of its Member of Parliament for Yendi, Farouk Mahama, by the Ghana Journalist Association (GJA). 

    The Communication Director of the NPP, Richard Ahiagbah, expressed concerns about the decision, citing a lack of evidence to support the allegations against the MP.

    In an interview on Adom FM on Wednesday, February 7, 2024, Ahiagbah emphasized the need for the GJA to provide concrete proof of the alleged abuse before taking any action. He stated, “There is no evidence. And I’m not sure of the position of the GJA, either they are proceeding with some evidence or the comment of the journalist that he was slapped.”

    Ahiagbah further highlighted that the MP has denied the accusations and has requested the journalist to retract his claims. He disclosed that Farouk Mahama intends to pursue legal action if the journalist fails to withdraw the allegations. “The MP has taken the position that he is taking the matter to court. He has given him (the journalist) the opportunity to retract his claim that he abused him. If he does not retract, he will proceed to court,” Ahiagbah stated.

    Moreover, the Communication Director urged the GJA to exercise restraint in its decision to blacklist individuals, emphasizing that such actions yield no benefits. He questioned the rationale behind the blacklisting of Hawa Koomson, another NPP member, and called for clarity on the matter.

    Background:

    The controversy stems from an incident during the New Patriotic Party parliamentary primary in Yendi, where a journalist accused Farouk Mahama of physically assaulting him. Subsequently, the president of GJA, Albert Kwabena Dwumfour, called for the blacklisting of the MP and issued a 10-day ultimatum to the Ghana Police Service and the NPP leadership to take action against Mahama and his associates.

    Dwumfour emphasized the need for swift justice, urging authorities to arrest the perpetrators and bring them before the court. Failure to do so within the stipulated time frame would lead to further action from the GJA and its allied bodies.

    The situation remains tense as both sides await developments in the investigation and potential legal proceedings.

  • NPP asks for proof of assault on Citi FM journalist

    NPP asks for proof of assault on Citi FM journalist

    The ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP) has responded to the recent blacklisting of its Member of Parliament for Yendi, Farouk Mahama, by the Ghana Journalist Association (GJA). 

    The Communication Director of the NPP, Richard Ahiagbah, expressed concerns about the decision, citing a lack of evidence to support the allegations against the MP.

    In an interview on Adom FM on Wednesday, February 7, 2024, Ahiagbah emphasized the need for the GJA to provide concrete proof of the alleged abuse before taking any action. He stated, “There is no evidence. And I’m not sure of the position of the GJA, either they are proceeding with some evidence or the comment of the journalist that he was slapped.”

    Ahiagbah further highlighted that the MP has denied the accusations and has requested the journalist to retract his claims. He disclosed that Farouk Mahama intends to pursue legal action if the journalist fails to withdraw the allegations. “The MP has taken the position that he is taking the matter to court. He has given him (the journalist) the opportunity to retract his claim that he abused him. If he does not retract, he will proceed to court,” Ahiagbah stated.

    Moreover, the Communication Director urged the GJA to exercise restraint in its decision to blacklist individuals, emphasizing that such actions yield no benefits. He questioned the rationale behind the blacklisting of Hawa Koomson, another NPP member, and called for clarity on the matter.

    Background:

    The controversy stems from an incident during the New Patriotic Party parliamentary primary in Yendi, where a journalist accused Farouk Mahama of physically assaulting him. Subsequently, the president of GJA, Albert Kwabena Dwumfour, called for the blacklisting of the MP and issued a 10-day ultimatum to the Ghana Police Service and the NPP leadership to take action against Mahama and his associates.

    Dwumfour emphasized the need for swift justice, urging authorities to arrest the perpetrators and bring them before the court. Failure to do so within the stipulated time frame would lead to further action from the GJA and its allied bodies.

    The situation remains tense as both sides await developments in the investigation and potential legal proceedings.

  • Bernard Avle raises concerns over govt’s fiscal policies; calls for clear leadership

    Bernard Avle raises concerns over govt’s fiscal policies; calls for clear leadership

    Manager of Citi FM, Bernard Avle, has voiced significant concerns regarding the alignment of views within the Ghanaian government concerning fiscal policies.

    Mr Avle has highlighted the apparent dissonance between the ruling party and the government’s stance.

    Avle’s remarks came in response to recent statements from the national organizers of the ruling party, advocating for the reversal of the government’s latest tax initiative on electricity consumption. 

    Speaking on the Citi Breakfast show, Mr Avle noted that, “The party’s views about the fiscal policies and the government’s view of the fiscal policies are not the same.”

    Specifically, he referenced Nana B’s call to scrap the VAT on electricity, which subsequently prompted reports of the government’s agreement to do so. 

    “It’s more like the tail wagging the dog,” he said, emphasizing the unusual dynamic between the ruling party and the government.

    Bernard Avle’s concerns extended to the perceived lack of a central figure asserting leadership within the government. 

    Expressing uncertainty about where responsibility lies, he pondered whether it is the finance minister, the vice president, or the president himself. “Who has the ultimate gravitas in government now?” he asked during the morning show. 

    Highlighting the need for decisive action, Avle emphasized the absence of clear leadership amidst conflicting directives and calls for reshuffles within the government. He urged, “Somebody has to rise to the occasion and say, ‘Look, these kinds of policies are hurting the people.’”

    Avle’s remarks underscore the urgency for coherent governance and decisive leadership to address the challenges facing Ghana’s economy.

  • Where is Dr Bawumia? – Bernard Avle asks as he searches for leader to own up for Ghana’s economic mess

    Where is Dr Bawumia? – Bernard Avle asks as he searches for leader to own up for Ghana’s economic mess

    General Manager of Citi FM nd Citi TV, Bernard Avle, has voiced significant concerns regarding the alignment of views within the Ghanaian government concerning fiscal policies.

    Mr Avle has highlighted the apparent dissonance between the ruling party and the government’s stance.

    Avle’s remarks came in response to recent statements from the national organizers of the ruling party, advocating for the reversal of the government’s latest tax initiative on electricity consumption. 

    Speaking on the Citi Breakfast show, Mr Avle noted that, “The party’s views about the fiscal policies and the government’s view of the fiscal policies are not the same.”

    Specifically, he referenced Nana B’s call to scrap the VAT on electricity, which subsequently prompted reports of the government’s agreement to do so. 

    “It’s more like the tail wagging the dog,” he said, emphasizing the unusual dynamic between the ruling party and the government.

    Bernard Avle’s concerns extended to the perceived lack of a central figure asserting leadership within the government. 

    Expressing uncertainty about where responsibility lies, he pondered whether it is the finance minister, the vice president, or the president himself. “Who has the ultimate gravitas in government now?” he asked during the morning show. 

    Highlighting the need for decisive action, Avle emphasized the absence of clear leadership amidst conflicting directives and calls for reshuffles within the government. He urged, “Somebody has to rise to the occasion and say, ‘Look, these kinds of policies are hurting the people.’”

    Avle’s remarks underscore the urgency for coherent governance and decisive leadership to address the challenges facing Ghana’s economy.

  • Police officer criticizing Akufo-Addo in viral video interdicted

    Police officer criticizing Akufo-Addo in viral video interdicted

    A police officer has landed in trouble after recording himself criticising President Akufo-Addo and sharing the video.

    In the four (4) minutes long video which has now gone viral, the officer who identified himself as Benjamine Doe Kuwornu, was seen at a drinking bar hurling insults of the President.

    Among other things, he said President Akufo-Addo is incompetent, he is a disappointment and does not have the interest of Ghana at heart. Also, she accused the President of running a family and friends government, where the President looked on as his family and friends looted the nation’s wealth.

    The video has caught attention of the Ghana Police Service. ice has taken swift action by interdicting General Corporal Wise Bessey, Badge No. 49187, stationed at the Takoradi District Police Command, following an alleged assault on a member of the public in Takoradi, Western Region.

    The interdiction, announced in a public statement, is a preemptive measure aimed at facilitating a thorough investigation into the incident and assessing the professional conduct of Corporal Wise Bessey in accordance with Police Service Regulations.

    Inspector-General of Police (IGP) Dr George Akuffo Dampare personally contacted the victim, assuring them of necessary police assistance and a comprehensive investigation into the matter.

    The Ghana Police Service emphasized their commitment to upholding professionalism in the discharge of their mandate, stating that the interdiction serves as a demonstration of the service’s dedication to accountability and maintaining public trust.

    In the statement, the Police Service reassured the general public that they will continue to uphold high standards of professionalism, ensuring that the actions of individual officers align with the values of the institution.

    The move comes amidst growing concerns about police brutality and misconduct, underscoring the importance of accountability and transparency within law enforcement agencies.

  • GJA blacklists another NPP MP after attack on journalist during primaries in Yendi

    GJA blacklists another NPP MP after attack on journalist during primaries in Yendi

    President of the Ghana Journalists Association (GJA), Albert Kwabena Dwumfour, has made headlines by blacklisting two prominent members of the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP) within a span of two weeks, following separate incidents of assault on journalists.

    The first case involves the Member of Parliament for Awutu Senya East and Minister of Fisheries and Aquaculture, Mavis Hawa Koomson. On January 4, 2024, journalist David Kobbina of Cape FM was assaulted while covering the vetting of NPP parliamentary aspirants in the Awutu Senya East constituency. Kobbina reported being attacked by individuals allegedly affiliated with Hawa Koomson’s camp, despite his protests of mistaken identity. Despite the minister’s denial of involvement, the GJA President directed the media to blacklist her, citing the lack of justice for the assaulted journalist.

    Speaking at a press conference on January 25, 2024, Dwumfour emphasized, “We are saying all media houses and all journalists shouldn’t report anything about Hawa Koomson even though she wasn’t the one who assaulted the journalist but her people whom she can identify and hand them over.”

    In a similar vein, the GJA President addressed another assault case involving the Member of Parliament for Yendi, Farouk Aliu Mahama, during the NPP’s parliamentary primaries on January 27, 2024. Journalist Mohammed Aminu Alabira of Citi FM reported being physically assaulted by Farouk Aliu Mahama himself while filing a live report amidst chaotic scenes. Dwumfour condemned the assault and subsequently called for a media blacklist against Farouk Aliu Mahama.

    During a press briefing on February 6, 2024, Dwumfour revealed receiving a personal threat from Farouk Aliu Mahama, further escalating tensions between the media and the MP. He stated, “If Honourable Farouk is listening, I see it as a personal threat and I will deal with it as such. We are ready to meet him in court and wherever he wants to take the matter to.”

    The unprecedented move by the GJA to blacklist two high-ranking NPP members underscores the association’s commitment to protecting journalists and holding perpetrators of violence against the media accountable. As the Ghanaian media community awaits further developments, the incidents highlight broader concerns regarding press freedom and safety in the country.

  • Alan Kyerematen vows to scrap E-Levy if elected President

    Alan Kyerematen vows to scrap E-Levy if elected President

    Leader of the Movement for Change and a 2024 Independent Presidential aspirant, Alan John Kwadwo Kyerematen, has made a bold pledge to abolish the controversial Electronic Transaction Levy (E-Levy) if he assumes office as President of Ghana.

    Kyerematen’s commitment to scrapping the E-Levy was announced during his appearance on Asempa FM’s political talk show “Ɛkosii Sɛn” on Tuesday afternoon, February 6, 2024. He emphasized the detrimental impact of the E-Levy on the Ghanaian populace and stressed the importance of encouraging electronic transactions for economic growth.

    The E-Levy, a proposed tax on electronic transactions, has faced significant opposition from various quarters since its introduction. Critics argue that it would impose a heavy financial burden on citizens and hinder financial inclusion, particularly among marginalized communities.

    In contrast, Kyerematen asserted that abolishing the E-Levy would promote electronic transactions and stimulate economic activity. He emphasized the need to prioritize policies that foster economic growth and improve the welfare of Ghanaians.

    Kyerematen’s pledge to abolish the E-Levy aligns with his broader vision of economic reform and development.

    As a presidential aspirant, he has been actively engaged in proposing some solutions to address the country’s economic challenges. In line with this, the leader of the Movement for Change has put forward 152 practical solutions he believes can transform Ghana’s current economic woes. 

    These solutions, formulated by a team of experts assembled by Kyerematen, were unveiled at the National Economic Summit organized by his movement.

    The proposed solutions cover four key areas identified under the Economic Cluster, focusing on macroeconomy, industrial transformation, agricultural transformation, and tourism. 

    Kyerematen expressed confidence that these initiatives would instill hope among Ghanaians and alleviate the prevailing hardships.

    Drawing a contrast with the approach of Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia during his tenure as running mate in the opposition, Kyerematen emphasized his commitment to providing solutions rather than merely raising questions. He highlighted the need for proactive measures to address the country’s pressing issues, underlining his readiness to collaborate with the government in implementing these solutions.

    Speaking on Asempa FM’s political talk show “Ɛkosii Sɛn,” Kyerematen elaborated further on the proposed solutions. He also pledged to abolish the controversial electronic transaction levy (e-levy) if elected as President. Kyerematen criticized the e-levy, describing it as detrimental to the welfare of Ghanaians and arguing that its abolition would promote electronic transactions and stimulate economic growth.

    Kyerematen’s stance on the e-levy aligns with his broader vision of fostering economic development and prosperity in Ghana. With his comprehensive set of solutions and commitment to addressing pressing economic challenges, Kyerematen aims to offer a viable path forward for the country’s economic recovery and growth.

  • Republicans fail to fire US Homeland Security Secretary

    Republicans fail to fire US Homeland Security Secretary

    The House of Representatives, which is mostly led by Republicans, did not vote to remove Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas from his job. This was a very close vote, but it did not pass. The reason for the vote was because of the problems with migrants at the US-Mexico border.

    Four Republicans went against their own party and voted with all Democrats in the room. They voted 216-214 to reject the measure.

    Critics of President Joe Biden say Mr. Mayorkas is responsible for more people entering the US illegally at the border.

    Protecting the border is becoming a major issue in the 2024 election.

    Three Republicans, Ken Buck, Tom McClintjson, and Mike Gallagher, didn’t vote yes on Tuesday night.

    Blake Moore from Utah changed his vote from yes to no as a procedural move.

    Democratic Congressman Al Green from Texas was brought to the floor in hospital clothes to vote no, which got a lot of attention. He went to the emergency room to have an operation.

    Even if the House voted in favor, Mr Mayorkas probably wouldn’t be found guilty by the Democratic-controlled Senate.

    Marjorie Taylor Greene, a Republican from Georgia, started the process to impeach someone. After the vote, she said she will try again.

    “My coworkers who said no, I believe they will get feedback from the people they represent,” she said to the media outside the Capitol building.

    House Speaker Mike Johnson’s spokesperson, Raj Shah, wrote on social media that the Republicans will try to impeach Mr. Mayorkas again when they have enough votes.

    Some Republican members of Congress said the problem won’t affect their own investigation into President Biden’s impeachment.

    Signs that some party members were against voting for Mayorkas had appeared earlier in the day.

    Mr McClintock said Tuesday morning that he will vote against impeachment because he thinks the articles don’t show any crime that Mayorkas did, and they also misinterpret the Constitution.

    Impeachment is a way to remove a government official for doing something really bad. It is in the US Constitution.

    It needs more than half of the House and more than two-thirds of the Senate to pass. The Democrats are in charge of the Senate right now.

    In 1876, the Secretary of War William Belknap was the last cabinet secretary to be impeached, but he quit his job just before the vote.

    A spokesperson from the Department of Homeland Security said that the impeachment is baseless and should not have progressed. Both Democrats and Republicans oppose it, and legal experts say it goes against the constitution.

    She said that if House Republicans really care about protecting the border, they should stop playing political games.

    House Republicans had two meetings in January and accused Mr. Mayorkas of not enforcing immigration rules and lying to lawmakers about the safety of the southern border.

    The secretary did not speak at the hearings.

    Before the vote on Tuesday, Democrat Jim McGovern from Massachusetts said that Republicans wanted to make things chaotic, confusing, and create a problem for Donald Trump in the next election.

    Republican Chip Roy of Texas said that Mr. Mayorkas did not enforce immigration laws properly, which led to the deaths of American citizens and migrants.

    In January, a survey by CBS and the media US partner found that 63% of Americans think the country should have stricter border policies.

    Over 63 million people came into the US without permission since Mr. Biden became president in 2021.

    Around 24 million people came to the US and most of them are waiting for a court date to ask for asylum. The system is very busy and this could take many years.

    This week, a group of US senators from both parties proposed a new law to make borders stronger and help Ukraine and Israel more.

    House Republicans said no to the bill.

    Right after the impeachment vote on Tuesday, the House looked at a different bill from the Republicans. This bill would have given $17. 6 billion to Israel, but it also did not pass.

  • Alan Kyerematen unveils 152 solutions to Ghana’s economic woes

    Alan Kyerematen unveils 152 solutions to Ghana’s economic woes

    Leader of the Movement for Change and 2024 Independent Presidential aspirant, Alan John Kwadwo Kyerematen, has put forward 152 practical solutions he believes can transform Ghana’s current economic woes. 

    These solutions, formulated by a team of experts assembled by Kyerematen, were unveiled at the National Economic Summit organized by his movement.

    The proposed solutions cover four key areas identified under the Economic Cluster, focusing on macroeconomy, industrial transformation, agricultural transformation, and tourism. 

    Kyerematen expressed confidence that these initiatives would instill hope among Ghanaians and alleviate the prevailing hardships.

    Drawing a contrast with the approach of Vice President Dr Mahamudu Bawumia during his tenure as running mate in the opposition, Kyerematen emphasized his commitment to providing solutions rather than merely raising questions. He highlighted the need for proactive measures to address the country’s pressing issues, underlining his readiness to collaborate with the government in implementing these solutions.

    Speaking on Asempa FM’s political talk show “Ɛkosii Sɛn,” Kyerematen elaborated further on the proposed solutions. He also pledged to abolish the controversial electronic transaction levy (e-levy) if elected as President. Kyerematen criticized the e-levy, describing it as detrimental to the welfare of Ghanaians and arguing that its abolition would promote electronic transactions and stimulate economic growth.

    Kyerematen’s stance on the e-levy aligns with his broader vision of fostering economic development and prosperity in Ghana. With his comprehensive set of solutions and commitment to addressing pressing economic challenges, Kyerematen aims to offer a viable path forward for the country’s economic recovery and growth.

  • UK Prime Minister’s Trade Envoy calls for mutual cooperation and growth in UK-Ghana trade relations

    UK Prime Minister’s Trade Envoy calls for mutual cooperation and growth in UK-Ghana trade relations

    The United Kingdom Prime Minister’s Trade Envoy to Ghana, Baroness Catherine Hoey of Lylehill and Rathlin, has emphasized the importance of mutually beneficial cooperation and balance in trade between the UK and Ghana. Speaking at the launch of the INEOS Grenadier, an off-roader 4×4 vehicle, into the Ghanaian automobile market, Baroness Hoey highlighted the need for increased exports from Ghana to the UK and vice versa.

    Total trade in goods and services between the UK and Ghana saw a significant increase, reaching £2.1 billion in the four quarters ending Q2 2023, marking a 44.6 percent rise compared to the previous year. This included £1 billion worth of exports from the UK to Ghana and £1.2 billion worth of imports from Ghana to the UK.

    Baroness Hoey underscored the significance of enhancing trade relations between the two nations, particularly in light of the economic challenges faced globally. She emphasized that increased trade between Ghana and the UK would benefit both countries and strengthen their longstanding relationship.

    Expressing delight at the launch of the British-designed INEOS Grenadier in Ghana, Baroness Hoey commended the innovation and diversification by INEOS Group. She noted that such initiatives not only showcase British design prowess but also contribute to strengthening relations between Ghana and the UK.

    Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia also highlighted the strong trade relations between the UK and Ghana, particularly noting improvements in commerce and construction since the inception of the UK-Ghana Business Council in 2018. He emphasized Ghana’s attractiveness as an investment hub, especially with the presence of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) secretariat in Accra.

    The UK-Ghana Business Council, established to deepen trade and investment and strengthen strategic partnerships, has facilitated investments across various sectors, including agro-processing, garments, pharmaceuticals, and infrastructure development.

    The meeting between representatives from the UK and Ghana aimed to further enhance bilateral economic relations and strengthen strategic partnerships. It provided a platform for discussions on boosting economic and commercial ties, fostering mutual growth, and exploring new avenues for collaboration between the two nations.

  • Chinese anti-fraud app has ability to track Tibetans – Report

    Chinese anti-fraud app has ability to track Tibetans – Report

    A new report says that a Chinese app, originally made to stop fraud, might be used to watch over Tibetans.

    The Tibet research groups found out that the app could spy on people by looking at their texts, internet history, and personal information.

    They also claimed that some Tibetans were being made to get the app.

    Rights groups are saying that rules in Tibet have gotten stricter in the past few years, making an already tightly controlled area of China even more restricted.

    In recent years, the government has increased watching and controlling what people do, especially during the pandemic.

    Regions like Tibet and Xinjiang are being closely watched because they are politically sensitive. Beijing has been worried about regions wanting to break away for a long time. They have started to crack down even more under the rule of Xi Jinping, who has stressed the importance of staying together as a country.

    The new report talks about the National Anti-Fraud Centre app that came out in 2021. It was done by Turquoise Roof and Tibet Watch.

    The report didn’t have proof that the app was specifically trying to track Tibetans. But it did say that the app supports a lot of spying and could help the Chinese government control them.

    The National Anti-Fraud Centre created an app to help stop scams. It can find fake texts and calls and lets people report scams. It also helps people get help from the police fast. China has been working hard to stop internet and phone scams in the past few years.

    Turquoise Roof checked the app and found that some parts of it could be used for spying.

    The app can watch for new text messages and see the calls and websites that have been visited. The spyware can record passwords and take pictures to collect information about the user and their environment.

    The report said that the face recognition feature can also be used to collect a lot of information about Tibetans to keep track of them better.

    One way is by making Tibetans download the app. Last year, a refugee said he was stopped by police on his way home from school and was told to put the app on his phone.

    Issues with the app being downloaded without permission came up shortly after it was released, when it was put on around 200 million phones.

    Some local government offices required their workers to download the app. Others had to use the app to sign their children up for school or get ID cards. The Financial Times reported this.

    The newspaper also talked to people who said the police contacted them because the app showed they had looked at foreign financial news sites like Bloomberg.

    Turquoise Roof found out that the Chinese government is keeping a big list of Tibetan people who they think could cause problems. The database used a software from a company in the US called Oracle.

    They said it was okay to guess that any information collected by the anti-fraud app could be used in this database.

    The report asked the Chinese government to make stronger privacy rules and to look into claims of forcing people to download the app.

    It asked companies and governments around the world to not support China’s mass surveillance programs.


    Beijing has had strong control over Tibet since it sent soldiers in 1950 to enforce its power over the area.

    Some people who work to make changes say that China restricts Tibetans from traveling freely by controlling their passports. China also closely watches how Tibetans communicate with others outside of their country.

    Tibet Watch has recorded many cases of Tibetans getting taken by the police because of what they said on WeChat. They also found that some accounts and words that were seen as too political were shut down or removed.

    China has used a lot of surveillance in Xinjiang to control the Uyghur people, not just in Tibet.

    In 2019, Human Rights Watch discovered that officials were using a system to watch and track where people in Xinjiang were going and what information they were sharing.

    In the same year, some newspapers found out that border police were putting apps on people’s phones to watch them when they visited the area.

  • Video: MPs recite national pledge in Parliament

    Video: MPs recite national pledge in Parliament

    Ghana’s Parliament on Tuesday, February 6, 2024, introduced new Standing Orders, ushering in significant changes to the proceedings. 

    Among the key amendments are the implementation of a roll call of all Members of Parliament (MPs) at the beginning of each sitting, along with the recitation of the National Pledge of Ghana.

    The National Pledge, which states, “I promise on my honour, to be faithful and loyal to Ghana my motherland,” will now be recited at the commencement of every sitting week, following the morning prayers.

    In addition to these changes, several amendments have been made to the structure of parliamentary committees. The Finance Committee, previously consisting of 25 members, has been divided into three separate entities: the Committee on Economy, the Committee on Finance, and the Committee on Planning. Each committee will now focus on specific areas of expertise, such as the economy, finance, and planning.

    Similarly, the Committee of Defence and Interior has also been divided to enhance specialization and efficiency in addressing relevant matters.

    Addressing the House, the Speaker of Parliament, Alban Bagbin, highlighted the importance of these changes in upholding parliamentary procedure and fostering a sense of national unity. He emphasized the significance of reciting the National Pledge as a symbol of allegiance and patriotism to Ghana.

    “Order 69 enjoins the house to recite the National Pledge at the first sitting of every week of a meeting,” Speaker Bagbin stated. 

    Following his remarks, MPs stood up, placing their right hands over their chests, and fervently recited the pledge, affirming their commitment to the nation.

    The implementation of these new Standing Orders reflects the Parliament’s commitment to promoting accountability, efficiency, and national pride in its proceedings. 

    As MPs continue their legislative duties, these changes are expected to contribute to a more organized and cohesive parliamentary environment in Ghana.

  • Parliamentary aspirants spend at least GHS2m to contest in primaries – MP reveals

    Parliamentary aspirants spend at least GHS2m to contest in primaries – MP reveals

    Member of Parliament for Anyaa-Sowutuom, Dr Dickson Adomako Kissi, has attributed his recent defeat in the New Patriotic Party Parliamentary Primaries to his endorsement of the widely supported ‘Ken Must Go’ campaign.

    Advocating for the removal of Finance Minister Ken Ofori-Atta amid the country’s economic challenges, Dr Adomako Kissi lost the primary to Elder Emmanuel Tobbin, with a vote tally of 818 to 566.

    In an interview on Eyewitness News on Tuesday, February 6, 2024, Dr. Adomako suggested that his support for the ‘Ken Must Go’ campaign may have played a role in his defeat.

    He acknowledged multiple factors at play but highlighted his dissenting stance as a potential contributor to his loss.

    “I think that there were many factors. One that comes to mind is you know, having a dissenting mind. What I mean by that is that there have been several cases that I had with a dissenting mind and I think that it may have contributed.

    “For instance, I am one of the few who stood initially, for ‘Ken must go’. I wouldn’t say that is the one key reason but I think it may have contributed,” Dr. Adomako explained.

    He also acknowledged that his support for the Alan Kyerematen movement could have played a role in his failure to secure the candidature to represent the people of Anyaa-Sowutuom in the upcoming December polls.

    Dr. Adomako Kissi’s admission sheds light on the complexities within the New Patriotic Party as members navigate divergent opinions and allegiances within the party. His defeat underscores the significance of internal dynamics and party loyalty in determining candidates for electoral contests, particularly in the context of contentious issues like the performance of key government officials.

    As the NPP prepares for the upcoming general elections, Dr. Adomako’s loss serves as a reminder of the importance of party unity and strategic positioning in securing electoral success.