TIG Post

Author: Chris Kodo

  • Sam George unhappy about electoral challenges in Ningo Prampram

    Member of Parliament for Ningo Prampram Constituency, Samuel Nartey George has expressed concern of an attempt to frustrate electorates in his constituency as verification machines are not working.

    According to him, this is creating tension and could affect the results in his strongholds.

    “Strangely, all the machines are not working, extreme challenges with the verification devices, facial recognition is not working, the fingerprint is not working.

    “What is going on is creating unneccesary backlog and that is begining to agitate the crowd.
    “It is happening across the constituency and that is a stronghold of mine. It is not a funny game and one thing we would insist on is everybody in the queue gets to vote,” he noted.

    Source: 3 News

  • EC removes polling station officers who allegedly tampered with ballot papers

    The Electoral Commission (EC) has identified cases of tampering of presidential ballot papers in some polling stations in Awutu Senya West and Bawku Central constituencies.

    According to the election management body, its checks have identified some polling station officers as being behind the act.

    The EC in a statement said it is “working with the Ghana Police Service, has identified the suspected Officers and removed them from post pending further investigations.”

    It sent a word of caution that all presidential candidates should appear on a thumb-printed ballot paper before it will be considered as valid and counted.

    The commission further charged political parties and candidates agents as well as the general public to be vigilant to ensure free and fair elections.

    Read full statement below;

    Source: citinewsroom

  • Election 2020: Guns blaze at Kasoa polling station, 2 shot

    Two people have been shot at the Church of Christ polling station at Kasoa in the Awutu Senya East constituency of the Central Region in the ongoing general elections.

    The gunshots wrung from a black Toyota Land Cruiser.

    The targets of the shooters were driving in a Kia saloon car.

    The occupants of the two vehicles are yet to be identified.

    The injured victims have been rushed to the hospital for emergency treatment.

    After the shooting incident, there more police and military personnel were deployed to beef up security in the area.

    A similar shooting incident happened in the constituency during the voter registration exercise a few months ago.

    The incumbent MP for the area, Mavis Hawa Koomson, claimed responsibility for pulling the trigger.

    Source: Class FM

  • Akua Donkor casts vote, predicts one-touch win for herself

    Leader of the Ghana Freedom Party (GFP), Madam Akua Donkor, has cast her vote at the D/A JHS at Ejuratia.

    The polling centre has about 535 eligible voters.

    Akua Donkor expressed hope that the election will be as peaceful as it was during the special voting.

    She is also expecting to emerge the winner of the 2020 election.

    “All I want to see is that at the end of the day, I will have a one-touch win,” she said.

    Akua Donkor was named among 12 aspirants who were cleared by the EC to contest the eighth presidential elections of the Fourth Republic.

    The presidential candidate has promised to ensure that Ghanaians enjoy peace and happiness if elected into office on December 7, 2020.

    She explained that she will achieve these two attributes of a good life for Ghanaians by making their lives comfortable.

    Although she has no formal education, she promises to deliver free education from kindergarten to Senior High School as well as free healthcare, water, and electricity under her administration.

    Source: Atinka Online

  • Asantehene Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, wife cast their ballot

    The Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II has cast his ballot at Manhyia in the Ashanti Region.

    The Ashanti king exercised his franchise together with his wife Lady Julia Osei Tutu.

    Pictures from the scene available to GhanaWeb show the king and his wife as well as other chiefs observing the coronavirus protocols while they go through the electoral process.

    Already, a number of dignitaries have cast their ballots. They include President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, First Lady Rebecca Akufo-Addo, Former President and NDC flagbearer John Dramani Mahama as well as his running mate Prof. Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang.

    Meanwhile, the National Democratic Congress (NDC) parliamentary candidate for the Asawase Constituency, Muntaka Mubarak Mohammed, has sparked controversy after he held the hand of a child said to be six years old to thumbprint the presidential and parliamentary ballot papers.

    Visuals from the Peace of God polling station at Aboabo in the Ashanti Region where the incumbent Member of Parliament went to cast his ballot show the legislator and the child believed to be his daughter clad in all-white apparel. Having gone through the process and received a ballot paper, he walked to the designated box for thumbprinting with the little girl and held her hand to thumbprint.

    He later took the ballot paper, folded it, and gave it back to the minor to drop in the ballot box.

    The two showed the victory sign which has now been adopted by the opposition party as the return of John Mahama is 2nd on the ballot paper. Already a section of the public is asking whether his action is within the remits of the law.

    Source: www.ghanaweb.com

  • 86-year-old frail, wheelchair-bound ex-VC of UG votes despite poor health

    A former Vice-Chancellor of the University of Ghana, Professor George Benneh, who is 86 years old, frail, wheelchair-bound, and can hardly talk, insisted on casting his ballot today, Monday, 7 December 2020, in the ongoing general elections.

    His wife, Mrs. Adelaide Benneh, told the media that Prof Benneh, despite his ill health, is very aware of happenings around him and expressed interest in exercising his franchise.

    Mrs. Benneh, who assisted her husband to the polling station, said: “He knows what is going on. He is very clear. He knows everything. He can decide on what to do, so, when he expressed the idea that he wanted to come, I helped him to come”.

    “We all love Ghana, so, we try to ensure that the people we want, rule this country; so that we will all have peace. You know, peace is very important to us.

    “We want peace and we want development. We want a country free of corruption,” she noted.

    Source: Class FM

  • Im hoping that Ghanaians will renew my mandate Akufo-Addo

    President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo has said after voting on Monday, December 7 that he expects to win the elections.

    He hoped that Ghanaians will appreciate the work he has done so far and renew his mandate.

    “I am not at all surprised that the process is moving smoothly and peacefully. My expectation is that it will be so till the end and afterwards,” he said.

    He added, “Ghanaians are aware that not all the problems of our country have been solved these last four years and they have seen the systematic attempt to solving these problems.”

    “I am hoping that they will renew our mandate and endorse the work that we have done in the last four years.”

    Source: 3 News

  • Man attempts beating up Presiding Officer at Lower Manya for allegedly influencing voter

    The timely intervention by a combined security team of Police, BNI officials and Fire Service Personnel averted possible chaos at the Madam No. 2 polling station in the Lower Manya Krobo Municipality of the Eastern Region.

    Confusion erupted when an unidentified male voter threatened to beat up the Presiding Officer of the polling station, Narh Abraham Tetteh whom he accused of taking advantage of the request of an aged voter for assistance to vote to attempt influencing her to vote in a particular direction.

    “An elderly woman came here to vote and requested my assistance. I led her to the screen to take her through the process only for one of the voters to allege that I was telling her whom to vote for, claiming he knows my political affiliation,” narrated the PO.

    The incident which occurred at 9 am temporarily brought voting proceedings to a halt until the arrival of the security team.

    Odumase District Police Commander, DSP Ernest Kojo Dorkenoo said calm had been restored and voting proceedings restored.

    “We were told that some family members were bringing some aged and they were trying to assist them to vote in a particular direction and we came here to talk to them that, it is not the right thing to do,” he said.

    Meanwhile, police reinforcement has been deployed to the scene.

    48 voters had cast their votes as of 9:06 am.

    Some 72,923 people in Lower Manya Krobo are expected to partake in today’s voting exercise which is being keenly contested between the incumbent MP, Ebenezer Okletey Terlabi who’s seeking a third term in office, and Deputy Eastern Regional Minister, Samuel Nuertey Ayertey.

    Source: www.ghanaweb.com

  • Vehicle runs over soldier, ‘okada’ rider going for elections duties

    Information reaching MyNewsGH.com indicates that a military man and an “okada” rider have been killed after they were run over by a vehicle in Accra by an unidentified driver.

    The military man, according to an eyewitness on Angel FM, had his leg chopped off and died on the spot while the okada rider also suffered severe injuries and died moments later.

    The suspect who run over the two men failed to stop despite being signalled by onlookers thus escaping arrest.

    The incident happened in Accra on the Ablekuma High Way traffic light on Monday, December 7.

    Bodies of the deceased persons have been deposited in the morgue according to reports.

    Meanwhile, the Ghana Police Service is yet to officially comment on the matter.

    Source: My News GH

  • Zebilla: One arrested for taking a photo of his thumb printed ballot paper

    One man has been arrested by security officials in Zebilla in the Bawku West District of the Upper East Region for taking a photo of his ballot paper.

    The suspect who had voted in the Presidential election took a photo of his vote for reasons yet unknown and was spotted.

    The security personnel moved in to arrest him and he is currently in custody and was not made to vote in the parliamentary election.

    During the Special Voting on December 1, social media was awash with photos of people’s votes.

    But three persons were arrested for taking photos of their votes.

    The Commission has said that it is illegal for electorates to take photos of their votes awash with photos of their votes.

    Source: My News GH

  • Election 2020: Police arrest cab full of machomen in Fomena

    Police in Fomena has arrested some body-built men at Akrokerri.

    They were onboard a taxi cab when they were arrested.

    Information is still scanty but 3news.com is learning that the arrest occurred around a polling station near the Salvation Army Church in Akrokerri.

    Fomena Constituency is flagged as one of the flashpoints the Ashanti Region.

    More than 17 million Ghanaians are expected to vote in the 2020 general elections.

    https://youtu.be/W6mirMPthzA

    Source: 3 News

  • Leave polling stations after casting ballot EC reminds Ghanaians

    The Electoral Commission, Ghana (EC) has asked all eligible voters to return home after casting their ballot.

    The EC said there was no need to loiter around the polling centres after casting the vote.

    Ghanaians are exercising their franchise to elect a president and Members of Parliament on Monday, December 7.

    Voting started at 7:00 am and is expected to close at 5:00 pm.

    The EC said on Monday that the voters can return after polls close to witness the counting of ballots.

    “Go to your Polling Station with your Voter ID card if you are a registered voter between 7 am and 5 pm to cast your vote then leave quietly. You may return to the Polling Station after 5 pm to observe the counting of ballots,” the elections management body said in a tweet just before polls started.

    Source: 3 News

  • Election 2020: Voting delayed due to uncovered ballot box in Cantonments

    People at the Civil Service Centre Cantonments A Polling station in the Dade-Kotopon Constituency have had some challenges while trying to cast their vote.

    Voting as everyone expects is supposed to start at exactly 7 am but not in the case of the people of Cantonment as their voting had to delay due to an uncovered ballot box.

    This is because one of their ballot boxes did not come with a cover and the quest to find one delayed them in casting their vote.

    Officials at the polling station tried to find a fitting cover for the box but to no avail.

    Few minutes after trying to find another cover for the box, they still could not find a perfect fit so officials at the polling station opted for another ballot box.

    New ballot boxes with fit covers came in around 7:55 am and voting proceeded afterwards.

    Source: e.TV Ghana

  • Ghana Police confirm arrest of a civilian sighted in a police vehicle

    The Ghana Police Service has confirmed the arrest of one Daniel Tibiri Boahen, a civilian sighted driving a Police Nissan pickup vehicle in Sunyani.

    A viral video of the man believed to be the driver of the Member of Parliament for Sunyani West, Ignatius Baffour Awuah has been making rounds on social media.

    According to reports, he was arrested by some youth in the area who were alarmed to see a civilian in a Police vehicle. He has since been handed over to the Sunyani East Municipal Police Station and awaiting investigations.

    A statement by the Ghana Police Service on their Twitter account read: “Sunyani: Police confirm the arrest of one Daniel Tibiri Boahen, a civilian sighted driving a Police Nissan pickup vehicle with registration number GP 3329 on the night of 6th December, 2020 by the youth of Sunyani who handed him over to Police.”

    So far, some constituencies including the Odododiodoo Constituency in the Greater Accra Region have recorded some cases of chaos.

    Source: www.ghanaweb.com

  • Election 2020: Vice President Bawumia votes in Walewale

    Vice President and running mate of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia has cast his ballot at Kperiga Presbyterian Primary polling station A at Walewale in the North East Region.

    He hails from Walewale and has been campaigning in the region throughout the weekend, where he ended his campaign tour.

    On Saturday, 5 December 2020, the vice president inaugurated a state-of-the-art astroturf sports park in Walewale.

    A total of 75,415 people have registered to vote in the Walewale Constituency which was won by the NPP in both presidential and parliamentary elections in 2016.

    Speaking in an interview with the media, Dr Bawumia advised all and sundry to partake in the ongoing elections and was quick to commend the Electoral Commission for a smooth electoral process.

    The NPP led by Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo is seeking a second term in office; the presidential seat is fiercely being contested by the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC) led by John Dramani Mahama.

    Source: www.ghanaweb.com

  • Ayawaso West Wuogon: Electorates agitated over delay in start of voting

    Some voters who have turned up at various polling stations in the Ayawaso West Wuogon Constituency are unhappy with the delay in the start of polls.

    Some of these voters came as early as 5:00 am to form a queue so that they can vote early.

    At the A&C Mall polling station, the delay in the start of voting is due to the non-inclusion of the indelible ink in the electoral materials that were delivered.

    Radio Univers reporters at the Abelenkpe Pentecost Church polling station say the delay in the start of voting is because one of the covers of the ballot boxes has changed. One is black the other is grey. A black car just picked up the security person and they have left to bring the right box.

    At the Pentagon Hostel polling station A, logistics for voting are yet to arrive as of 7:50 am.

    Thermometer gun to check the temperature of voters is also not functioning.

    Meanwhile, voting has started at many other centres across the country.

    Some polling stations witnessed long queues hours before the start of polls.

    Source: universnewsroom.com

  • Voting delayed in Awutu Senya East, Tema Central

    Electoral processes have reportedly been delayed at Awutu Senya East and Tema Central constituencies.

    At Tema Central, electorates especially the aged are seated and are waiting patiently for voting to begin at the Datus Preparatory polling station in Tema Central.

    Over 415 persons are reportedly still waiting for the commencement of the voting process at Real Faith Life Mission Polling station in Amuzukope.

    Electoral materials arrived at 8:20 am Amuzukope in the Awutu Senya East constituency.

    EC officials have refused to speak to the issue, but Atinka news can confirm that the EC officials are busily putting materials together for the commencement of the exercise.

    Source: Atinka Online

  • Hot video: Confusion at Kwabenya Musuku over late start of voting

    Voting has delayed at the Kwabenya Mususku Pentecost Church due to the technical hitches on the side of the Electoral Commission officials.

    The delay has thus caused the voters to register their anger as most of them visited the centre as early as 1.a.m.

    As at 7:50 am, voting has still not started and voters were left in a long queue frustrated.

    Below is a video:

    Source: hotfmghana.com

  • Voter ink challenge in Ngleshie Amanfro

    In an unusual case in the Ngleshie Amanfro constituency, the first 7 voters who cast their ballot at the New Covenant A polling station, used orange ink instead of the prescribed violet that needs to be on the ballot.

    The Electoral Commission officials there explained that there was a mishap in the placement of the ink in the space where voters can cast their ballots.

    The election officials there noticed the irregularity after the voters had left the polling station.

    In a bid to prevent any trouble, party agents and the EC agreed to write an undertaken to include those ballots as valid when counting starts in the constituency.

    Source: 3 News

  • Odododiodoo: Confusion rocks City Engineers polling station as voters break into centre

    There was chaos at the City Engineers polling station in the Odododiodoo Constituency in the Greater Accra Region after some voters budged into the centre despite the presence of security officers.

    The voters who had formed a long queue in front of the main entrance to the centre forced themselves into the polling station.

    Security officers had a difficult time controlling the crowd as they were overpowered by the impatient voters who had been in the queue since the early hours of Monday, December 7, 2020.

    Electoral officials supervising the process were also helpless in calming the crowd.

    However, after forcibly getting to the station, some voters engaged in fisticuffs as they were unable to rearrange themselves into the queues they had already formed outside the main entrance.

    Citi News Nii Ayikwei Okine who was at the scene reported that some disgruntled voters alleged that the EC and security officers were circumventing the process by allowing persons who had not joined the queue into the premises.

    “We came here at dawn to form the queue, but after hours of staying here, the officers will just come and allow some persons in. The police officers are not doing anything about it, they are just here looking on without taking any action. They are not giving us the opportunity to get in that is why we had to force our way in”, one of the voters lamented.

    Source: citinewsroom

  • Election 2020: Voters in the Atebubu-Amantin Constituency queue as at 2am

    Ghanaians today December 7, 2020, are going to the polls to elect new Members of Parliament and a President.

    The exercise which is the 8th time Ghanaians will be exercising their civic rights is taking place in all 275 constituencies in the country.

    It is also the first time, Ghana is going to the polls with the highest number of presidential candidates since the start of the 4th republic in 1992.

    12 people are be competing for the Presidential seat.

    According to the early voters who spoke to GhanaWeb explained they want to get the opportunity cast their ballot early begin so that they can go about their duties.

    To control the spread of the Coronavirus during the election, the EC has affirmed that it will provide face masks to voters in rural communities who come to the polling stations without one.

    Jean Mensah, Chair of the Commission said the move is to ensure that no one is disenfranchised.

    Source: www.ghanaweb.com

  • Election 2020: Kwesimintim residents block roads over poor roads

    Residents of Whindo in the Kwesimintim Constituency in the Western Region Monday morning blocked roads to prevent officials of the Electoral Commission from assessing polling stations as they protest over the poor nature of their roads.

    An eyewitness Emmanuel Afful who reported from the constituency stated that the residents in July this year warned that they will not allow voting to go on in the constituency if their roads are not fixed.

    Afful reports that the timely arrival of personnel of the military and Police managed to disperse the crowd allowing the EC officials to move into the constituency.

    He adds that the residents began to run for their lives after they saw the heavily armed military and police personnel.

    Ghanaians are heading to the polls today Monday, December 7, 2020, to elect a President and 275 Parliamentarians.

    Over 17 million voters are expected to take part in the exercise. The figure is 2 million more than the number of voters who voted in the previous election in 2016.

    The electoral commission has said over 33,000 polling stations have been dedicated for the presidential and parliamentary polls.

    The race is largely between the incumbent President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo of the NPP and former leader John Dramani Mahama of the NDC. Ten other presidential candidates are contesting in the polls.

    Electoral materials have been dispatched to the various voting centres.

    The Electoral Commission says it aims to declare results within 24 hours.

    Source: Starr FM

  • Election 2020: We expect to win NPPs Nana Akomea

    A member of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Nana Akomea, has said his party expects to win Ghana’s general elections.

    The Managing Director of the State Transport Company (STC) said the governing NPP has good records in government, hence Ghanaians, he said, will renew the mandate of President Nana Akufo-Addo in the polls.

    He told TV3 on Sunday, December 6 that, ”many of the independent surveys like the Political Science Department of Legon, if you remember, they predicted four years ago that Nana Addo will win by ten percentage points and he did and they have predicted this year too and Ben Ephson has come out to say we will win by some ten percentage points so we expect to win”.

    Ghanaians go to the polls to elect a president and Members of Parliament.

    The Electoral Commission, Ghana (EC) said on Sunday, December 6 that it was “fully” ready to conduct the eighth successive elections in the Fourth Republic.

    Meeting journalists at the headquarters of the Commission, Chairperson Jean Adukwei Mensa assured that all is set for the polls.

    “As a Commission, you recognize that we are accountable to the citizens of Ghana and I am pleased to inform you that by the grace of God, we are fully ready to conduct successful, credible, fair, orderly, and peaceful elections tomorrow Monday, December 7, 2020,” she said.

    Source: 3 News

  • EC sets up at various polling centres in Navrongo Central

    The Electoral Commission of Ghana (EC) has started preparations in the various polling stations in the Navrongo Central constituency towards the elections today, December 7, 2020.

    Some of the polling stations are the Bonia primary polling station; the Korania primary polling station and the COCOBOD polling station.

    GhanaWeb correspondent from the Upper East Region indicates that there has been a huge turn out of voters at the various polling stations as at 5 am.

    To control the spread of the Coronavirus during the election, the EC has affirmed that it will provide face masks to voters in rural communities who come to the polling stations without one.

    Jean Mensah, Chair of the Commission said the move is to ensure that no one is disenfranchised.

    Source: www.ghanaweb.com

  • No vigilantes embedded among us, no plot to intimidate voters in Volta, Oti Regions – Ghana Armed Forces

    The Ghana Armed Forces (GAF) has denied rumours circulating on social media that it intends using vigilantes embedded within it, to launch a ground offensive from the eastern border.

    The military has also described as false, claims that it is plotting to intimidate voters in the Volta and Oti Regions, strongholds of the biggest opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC).

    A statement signed by Col. E. Aggrey Quarshie, Director of Public Relations of the military, said the rumours were fabrications.

    Read the full statement of the Ghana Armed Forces below:

    GHANA ARMED FORCES RESPONDS TO FALSE INFORMATION IN CIRCULATION

    The Ghana Armed Forces (GAF) finds it necessary to respond to two messages on social media, which impinge its professional integrity. One is an audio recording and the other, a written statement.

    They both make unfounded commentaries on the GAF, which need to be corrected.

    The audio recording by an unidentified male voice, alleges the relocation of “gadgets” from Accra to Ho, to intimidate the people of the Volta and Oti Regions in collaboration with a neighbouring country.

    The fact of the matter is that the GAF has deployed to all the regions of Ghana in connection with the 2020 General Elections.

    The deployment is in support of the Ghana Police Service and this is standard practice. There is no other motive.

    The second is a statement by a purported “Concerned Officers of the Ghana Armed Forces and the Ghana Police Service”.

    This piece is a catalogue of falsehood and fabrications with no scintilla of truth in them.

    Among the allegations are that vigilantes are embedded in the GAF and that there is a planned “coordinated ground offensive” from the eastern border on the night of 6th December.

    This might either be an orchestration or a planted story to cause alarm among the local population.

    All Ranks of the GAF are hereby implored to go about their duties with their usual focus and determination, to ensure the success of the elections.

    The general public must also feel free to cast their ballots when the polls open on 7 December 2020.

    SIGNED

    E. AGGREY-QUASHIE

    Colonel

    Director, Public Relations

    Source: Class FM

  • ECs suspension of Buem Constituency Parliamentary polls proof of its incompetence Kofi Adams

    Parliamentary Candidate for the National Democratic Congress (NDC) Kofi Adams has described the late announcement made by the Electoral Commission with regards to Parliamentary elections in the Buem Constituency as a mark of incompetence.

    According to him, the late announcement will have an adverse effect on the elections to be held today December 7, 2020 in the area.

    Kofi Adams who is seeking power to represent the people in the Buem Constituency who spoke to Accra-based Onua TV said “the last hour decision by the EC to halt parliamentary elections in my constituency shows her gross incompetence”.

    The Electoral Commission of Ghana announced that citizens in the yet to be created Guan Constituency in the Guan District will not be made to partake in the Parliamentary election.

    The people of the Guan Constituency in the Oti Region will only vote in the Presidential election.

    The Guan District was carved out of the Buem Constituency and its Constituency is yet-to-be carved out of Buem hence the decision to leave them out of the Parliamentary election.

    “However as a result of the creation of the Guan District Local Government Instrument 2020 and pending the creation of the Guan Constituency, eligible voters in the Guan District will vote only in the Presidential election but not in the Parliamentary election in the Buem Constituency,” a statement from the Election Management body said.

    Source: MyNewsGh.com

  • US$5 billion saved in energy sector Government touts prudent decisions

    Finance Ministry has said prudent steps taken by the government in the energy sector has saved the sector over US$5 billion.

    In a statement dated December 3, 2020, the Finance Ministry said it made the savings by relocating the Karpowership and securing agreements with CENIT Power Limited.

    “In 2020 alone, this government has paid in excess of US$1 billion to Independent Power Producers. This is on top of GH¢2.7 billion paid by Electricity Company of Ghana Limited,” the Finance Ministry said.

    The statement said the government was committed to undertaking the Energy Sector Recovery Programme (ESRP) in good faith and in partnership with its stakeholders.

    “Government welcomes the collaboration and commitment shown by Independent Power Producers (IPPs) so far and calls for their support in bringing the negotiations to a swift close,” the statement said.

    The IPPs had earlier threatened to withdraw their services over government and ECG indebtedness to them.

    But according to the statement from the Finance Ministry, the energy sector in Ghana is faced with several challenges and many of them were inherited by the current government from the previous administration.

    “While attempting to provide emergency power to address a spate of persistent load-shedding (dumsor) which crippled business and adversely affected GDP growth as a result of signed contracts with IPPs in an uncoordinated and non-competitive manner.

    “Consequently, today, Ghana pays over $500 million a year in excess capacity payments, i.e., payment for power that it simply does not use or need. Despite the challenges, this Government has prioritised making payments to the IPPs to reduce the debts,” the statement said.

    A spokesperson for the ESRP is quoted in the statement as saying: “This Government has successfully kept the lights on over the past four years and intends to continue doing so for the years to come. The electricity produced by IPPs drives the engine of our economy and contributes to sustainable development. The onerous take-or-pay contracts painfully obligate Government to pay over US$500 million a year for power we do not use.

    “This year alone, Government has made payments of $1 billion to independent power producers, all while keeping the power on and prices low.

    “Government will continue to manage the situation by negotiating more balanced contracts, reducing the debt, instituting careful forward planning and proper data-driven analysis, as well as transparent, competitive, energy procurement processes to build a resilient, sustainable energy sector for the good people of Ghana.”

    Government said it remains committed to building an energy sector based on long-term energy security, sustainable investment, and partnerships to bring affordable accessible energy to Ghanaians in line with the vision of a Ghana Beyond Aid.

    “To achieve this vision, Government has taken pragmatic and decisive action to manage the energy sector. In collaboration with the World Bank, Government established the ESRP, identifying the policies and actions needed for financial recovery in the energy sector over a five-year horizon (2019-2023),” the statement indicated.

    The Government Negotiating Team, established under the Energy Sector Recovery Task Force (ESRTF), which is helmed by the Senior Minister, is working bilaterally with IPPs and Gas Suppliers under the ESRP Consultation Process, to secure more favourable and sustainable agreements for both parties, the statement added.

    Source: www.ghanaweb.com

  • HIV antiretroviral drug runs out, 3 patients compelled to share one bottle to survive

    Antiretroviral medications for persons living with HIV have run out in several hospitals across the country forcing medics to ration one bottle of drugs for three patients.

    The Ghana Network of Persons Living with HIV and AIDS (NAP+ Ghana), fears the situation “can cause increased defaulter rates, needless AIDS-related deaths and increased new infections”

    In a statement signed by its National President Elsie Ayeh, NAP+ bemoaned, “Members of our community since July this year, have experienced intermittent shortage resulting in rationing of ARVs being recurrent for clients in the Greater Accra, Eastern, Volta, Central and Ashanti Regions.”

    The statement further pointed out that Ghana will continue to lose out on its UNAIDS target of ensuring that 90% of persons are tested for HIV; 90% of patients are placed on antiretroviral therapy and 90% on ARVs achieve viral suppression.

    “For the Ghana Network of Persons Living with HIV and AIDS (NAP+ Ghana) and all persons living with HIV, the time is running out for us, as we achieved 55:77:68 as against the UNAIDS 90:90:90 Fast Track targets. We cannot afford to sit aloof to watch all the efforts, results and gains in HIV care, treatment and support go down the drain due to lack of political leadership and inefficiencies in our health systems and health financing,” the statement read.

    The team further asked, “GOVERNMENT TO CONSCIENCIOUSLY OWN THE HIV AND AIDS RESPONSE IN GHANA.” THE SHORTAGE OF ARVS FOR BOTH ADULTS AND PEDIATRICS MUST STOP.”

    The situation could affect the lives of some 342, 307 males, females and children living with HIV/AIDS if not resolved with urgency.

    Source: Kasapa FM

  • Ajumako Essiam: One arrested after police find gun, military-style equipment in hotel

    One person has been arrested at a hotel in Ajumako Essiam after a gun and military-style equipment were found in a hotel room.

    On the morning of December 12, police acted on intelligence to raid the hotel room in question which was said to have been occupied by three men who checked in a day earlier.

    Only the suspect, Raymond Quarshie, was picked up during the operation.

    A search in the room revealed a Czech-made pistol loaded with seven rounds of ammunition.

    The pistol is said to have been registered in the name of one Dr. Kwabena Dufour.

    Military camouflage attire, military boots, desert boots, three handcuffs, one jackknife, a hood, a mask, military belt, three bulletproof vests, a black muffler among others were also found in the room of the suspect.

    Raymond Quarshie was subsequently brought to the Regional Criminal Investigations Department office at Cape Coast alongside all the items found in the room for investigations to continue.

    Source: citinewsroom

  • Akufo-Addo is not corrupt, let’s do clean politics – Allotey Jacobs

    Ex-Central Regional Chairman of the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC), Mr Bernard Allotey Jacobs has brushed aside the notion that President of the Republic, Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo is corrupt.

    With few days left for all the political parties to bring campaign activities to an end, the governing New Patriotic Party (NPP) and opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC), have adopted strategies they believe when relied upon, could be used in nailing their opponents down ahead of Monday’s polls.

    For instance, an alleged bribery video involving Nana Akufo-Addo was released earlier this week. The video which shows the President receiving money went viral on the internet, with the NDC capitalizing on it to campaign against the NPP.

    The NDC accused President Akufo-Addo of taking a $40,000 bribe from the wife of the Director of Urban Roads to keep him in office but the NPP in a counter-press conference cleared that he [Nana Addo] was receiving a donation towards the party’s #AriseForChange campaign in 2016.

    Mustapha Hamid, the NPP’s Deputy Campaign Manager who spoke at the presser affirmed that the video was another attempt by the NDC to clamp them down. He said the video was doctored to suit their corruption tag for Mr Akufo-Addo.

    However, Mr Allotey Jacobs of the NDC is certainly unenthused with such strategies where political parties or candidates resort to lies just to destroy their opponents.

    He recalled how people lied that former President John Agyekum Kufour and his appointees had deposited huge sums of money at Prudential Bank in 2008, and therefore called for a “clean politics” this year, to move the country forward.

    He has since thrown massive support for Nana Akufo-Addo using his Facebook page. To Alottey Jacobs, the President is not susceptible to corruption and will never be.

    “HEAR YE ALL

    Nana Akuffo Addo is not corrupt

    He cannot be corrupted

    And will not corrupt

    2008 Campaign about Prez Kufour and Appointees having huge amount of money deposited at Prudential Bank when it is not true, should not be part of this year election

    Let us do clean politics to move Ghana politics forward

    You win you win you lose you lose That’s All,” Allotey wrote on Facebook.

    Source: Ghana Guardian

  • Buffer Stock CEO involved in accident, 5 seriously injured

    Chief Executive Officer(CEO) of National Food Buffer Stock Company Hanan Abdul-Wahab has been involved in an accident.

    MyNewsGh.com sources confirmed that it occurred at Bazua on the Bolgatanga-Bawku road while he was on his way to finalizing campaign activities in the area.

    It is gathered that his vehicle in an attempt to dodge a stray donkey on the highway, run into another vehicle that was ahead resulting in a collision.

    About 5 persons including Hanan Abdul-Wahab who suffered various degrees of injuries have been rushed to the Bawku Hospital for treatment.

    Source: My News GH

  • Dont suppress the voting rights of Voltarians, others Togbe Afede XIV

    The Paramount Chief of the Asogli State in the Volta Region, Togbe Afede XIV is expressing concerns over allegations making rounds about ploys to disenfranchise certain Ghanaians, particularly people from the Volta region and other parts of the country.

    According to a statement issued by the revered Chief, Ghanaians need hope and not fear in the midst of challenges such as the Coronavirus pandemic, joblessness, and generally difficult living conditions, among others.

    “We are very concerned about the allegations making the rounds about all manner of ploys, mayhem and kamikaze tactics being planned to create confusion on voting day December 7, 2020, and make impossible the smooth and fair conduct of voting in certain parts of the country, especially Volta Region,” the statement from the Chief said.

    The statement pointed out that “At this time when unimaginable atrocities are being visited on the black man in various parts of the world, we need to work together to strengthen the peace, and create harmonious living conditions at home so that xenophobic isolation abroad would not be preferred by our people.”

    “So as we prepare to go to the polls on December 7, we ask all Ghanaians to keep in mind our important responsibility to contribute our utmost to ensure free, fair, and transparent elections. We all need, at this crucial time, to remember our “pledge to be faithful and loyal to Ghana, (our) motherland”, it noted.

    Source: My News GH

  • UG Sports Directorate reopens gymnasium, swimming pool

    Management of the University of Ghana Sports Directorate has announced the reopening of its gymnasium and swimming pool until further notice.

    The reopening comes several months after its closure due to the confirmation that a student of the university had contracted the novel Coronavirus disease.

    The Directorate says that it has put in place COVID-19 protocols to ensure the safety of all clients accessing and using the facilities.

    It has also assured that there will be strict adherence to these protocols.

    To limit the number of patrons who will be admitted at a time, the Directorate has prospective clients to book their sessions ahead of time via an online registration link.

    Meanwhile, it has also been announced that offices at the Directorate have been relocated to the UG Stadium.

    According to the Public Affairs Directorate, the offices have been completed with furnishing to make them fully functional.

    The offices include; Director of Sports, Assistant Registrar, Technical Section, Organising Team, General Office, and other Ancillary Staff

    The old building has been designated as a fully functional gymnasium with offices for the following: Fitness Section, Grounds Men and Women, Finance Officer, Physiotherapist.

    Source: universnewsroom.com

  • Dec 7: Akufo-Addo urges parties to accept election verdict

    Flagbearer of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo has urged Ghanaians, especially the various political parties to accept the verdict of the people of Ghana as the country goes to election on December 7.

    He believes that the NPP-government has worked enough and will be rewarded accordingly, therefore urging all to ensure peace during and after the election.

    He made the call at the Third High-Level Meeting of the Presidential Elections Peace Pact 2020.

    President Akufo-Addo also charged the security agencies to ensure the atmosphere is conducive enough to conduct a free and fair election.

    He added that without peace, no political party or leader can deliver on their campaign promises.

    Source: Atinka Online

  • Mustapha Hamid awarded Best Minister and Muslim Politician of the Year

    The Minister for Inner Cities and Zongo Development, Sheikh Mustapha Hamid has been adjudged the Best Zongo Minister and Muslim Politician of the year 2019/2020.

    The National Chief Imam, Sheikh Dr. Osuman Nuhu Sharubutu, presented the award to the Minister at the Ghana Muslim Excellence Awards organized by Muslim Group Ghana.

    The Minister also received the Muslim Heroes award for his great contribution to the Zongo communities through his Ministry.

    Presenting the awards to the Minister, the Coordinator of Ghana Muslim Excellence Awards, Alhaji Halidu Abubakar Galaxy stated that Sheikh Mustapha Hamid has contributed his quota diligently to the people of Zongo.

    He said the Minister has lifted the face of the Zongo community and also brought together all Chiefs under one umbrella.

    He added that the humble and respectful nature of the Sheikh Mustapha Hamid has made his Ministry a place for all Zongos to share their problems.

    This he said has made the Zongo Ministry a very powerful and attractive entity.

    The ceremony was attended by some traditional leaders from the Zongo communities across the Country.

    Source: Faisal Mustapha, Contributor

  • Four children burnt to death at Kotobabi

    Four children have been burnt to death after fire ravaged their wooden-structure home at Temple Gate at Kotobabi in the Tema West Municipality around 10pm Thursday.

    It is unclear what caused the fire.

    The deceased are Enoch Gavor-11, twins, Joyce and Joycelyn Somayi aged 7 years and their little sister Mary Somayi.

    Information gathered indicates that the children who were with their parents at the shop, around 8pm told them they were feeling sleepy hence took the lead home to sleep.

    The father of the deceased Seth Somayi told journalists that around 10:00 he told his wife to pack so they also go home to sleep.

    “In the process of parking the things, I noticed that there was some going on where we sleep. I ran towards home and was shocked to see my house in flames. It was too late to save my children as they were burnt to death,” he recounted crying uncontrollably.

    Eyewitnesses say the poorly spaced out nature of the place made it very difficult for officers of the Fire Service to have their way and douse the fire.

    Meanwhile, an investigation has commenced into the incident.

    Source: Kasapa FM

  • Akufo-Addo inherited ¢131m arrears in education NPP

    The Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo government inherited a total of GHS131,027,453.27 in arrears in the education sector but has cleared them and chalked remarkable achievements.

    This was contained in a brochure showing the New Patriotic Party (NPP)’s achievements in education.

    According to the information on the brochure, the erstwhile Mahama government left bills amounting to GHS33.4 million on progressively Free Senior High School (SHS), GHS36.4 million on feeding grant for Colleges of Education and GHS24.1 million on SHS subsidies.

    The document cited other outstanding arrears, adding that the Akufo-Addo-led government, however, cleared all arrears between 2017 and 2020 since it assumed office.

    The brochure also enumerated various achievements in terms of improvements in basic education, SHS education, tertiary education, Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE) and West African Senior Secondary Certificate Examination (WASSCE).

    The brochure also highlighted restoration of teacher training allowance, construction of educational infrastructure and Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) programmes among others.

    Source: Class FM

  • Nigeria: Six cultists nabbed while fighting over gun deal

    Four Lagos-based suspected cultists and two others have been arrested by men of the Ogun State Police Command in Odogbolu.

    The suspects were arrested while allegedly making arrangements to purchase a locally-made pistol for an operation.

    The Police Public Relations Officer in the state, DSP Abimbola Oyeyemi, disclosed this on Wednesday in a statement.

    Oyeyemi said Oluwadamilare Aboyeji, Matthew Adebiyi, Jacob Solomon and Iliasu Jubril were based in Ikorodu, Lagos State, while Segun Olubanjo and Samuel Olaniyan were based in Odogbolu.

    According to the PPRO, the suspects were arrested on November 27, 2020, in Odogbolu when the four Lagos-based alleged cultists came to meet Olubanjo and Olaniyan to foment trouble as a result of a gun transaction between the two groups.

    Oyeyemi said, “Investigation revealed that the Ikorodu-based suspects contracted Samuel Olaniyan to purchase a locally-made pistol for them, and when the gun was delivered, they discovered that the pistol was not serviceable; hence they came with full force to deal with the Odogbolu-based cultists for betraying their trust.

    “While the pandemonium was going on, a distress call was made to the Odogbolu Division, consequence upon which the DPO, SP Awoniyi Adekunle, quickly led his men to the scene, where the six suspects were apprehended.

    “Recovered from them were one locally-made pistol and two live cartridges.”

    The PPRO added that the Commissioner of Police, Edward Ajogun, had directed that the suspects and exhibits be transferred to the State Criminal Investigation and Intelligence Department for further investigation with a view to charging them.

    Source: mynigeria.com

  • Nigeria parades suspects after photoshopping allegation

    Police in Nigeria have paraded a group of 35 crime suspects during a media briefing to counter allegations that photos they had originally shared on social media were photoshopped.

    On Tuesday, the police shared a picture of a man and a woman accused of involvement in violent crime.

    At first glance the photo appears to show two suspects standing in front of a table of assault rifles.

    Look closely though, and the problems are hard to miss. The two people have blurry white borders around their heads. The guns look badly edited in. There are random reflections in a window behind them.

    The post soon triggered massive reactions online. Thousands of retweets and rising. In the comments below the majority of them castigating the police people pointed out what they said was a bad photoshop job.

    But the police tweeted on Wednesday: “The pictures are authentic and true representation of the suspects and exhibits.”

    They explained that the pictures “were taken separately and merged into one screen for seamless understanding of the story line,” the post said.

    The post added: “The arms showcased in the picture were the exhibits recovered by Police operatives from the suspects.”

    Source: bbc.com

  • Mali names members of interim parliament as army cements control

    Mali’s interim government on Thursday announced the composition of a new legislative body for the West African country’s transition to civilian rule, with the military retaining a key role.

    Young army officers in the conflict-ridden Sahel state toppled president Ibrahim Boubacar Keita on August 18 after weeks of anti-government protests.

    Under the threat of international sanctions, the officers between September and October handed power to an interim government, which is meant to rule for 18 months before staging elections.

    Coup leader Colonel Assimi Goita, who was made vice president of the interim government, was given veto power last month over the appointments to the 121-seat legislative body.

    The move was seen by critics of the military-dominated interim regime as strengthening army control.

    The final list for the new National Transitional Council was published by a decree from the interim president, Bah Ndaw, himself a retired army colonel.

    The list of appointments was read out late Thursday on national television. Members of the defense and security forces received 22 seats.

    The body will meet for the first time on Saturday and will elect its president.

    The opposition June 5 Movement, or M5, last month called for “resistance” after it was announced Goita would have the final say on the MPs.

    As interim vice president, Goita is in charge of security issues in a country that has struggled to quell a brutal militant insurgency since 2012.

    The transitional government’s mandate is meant to last for 18 months with a return to democratic civilian rule.

    The disagreements over the assembly’s composition threaten to derail plans for elections, national reconciliation and the fight against militants in the north of the country.

    Anger over the seemingly endless conflict, as well as over perceived corruption, contributed to the protests which culminated in Keita’s ouster.

    Source: africanews.com

  • Namibia to sell 170 elephants to protect its wildlife

    170 elephants in Namibia will soon be giving-up their homes amid pressure from drought and territorial conflict with humans.

    The Pachyderms on sale would comprise entire herds in order to preserve the important social structure in elephant communities.

    The ministry says the elephants are being sold “due to drought and increase in elephant numbers coupled with human-elephant conflict incidences.”

    – Wildlife Export –

    For export purposes, the buyers must ensure that CITES requirements are met by both exporting and importing states for the trade to be authorised,

    The sparsely-populated semi-arid southern African country has been criticized of recent for shooting elephants to control overpopulation.

    According official estimates, Namibia is home to some 28,000 elephants.

    Last year the government offered for sale around 1,000 animals including 600 buffalo, 150 springboks, 60 giraffes and 28 elephants.

    Source: africanews.com

  • ‘I take the blame for myself’- Hans Sarpei

    Ghana international, Hans Nunoo Sarpei has taken the blame for the second goal conceded against FC Nurnberg despite winning the derby by 3-2 in the Bundesliga II.

    The 22-year old slipped while attempting to clear the ball in his own penalty area, lost his footing and the ball according to the first goal scored by FC Nurnberg against this club Greuther Fürth.

    “I didn’t think of anything,” he remembers that moment a few days apart.”

    “That’s football, it happens, I take the blame on myself,” he says clearly. “I knew we still had time, it just crossed my mind that we had to keep giving everything”, he said after the derby win.

    He explained that the slip happened due to the cleats he wore during the game.

    “I always play with cam shoes,” he said.

    Sarpei was saved from becoming the villain in the derby as his side went on to win 3-2 after the game.

    “That was an important victory for everyone from Fürth. It was important to us to make the fans happy and proud,” said Sarpei.

    Source: Ghana Soccernet

  • Ex-Kotoko star Maxwell Baakoh set to sign for Egyptian side Ceramica Cleopatra

    Former Asante Kotoko winger Maxwell Baakoh has arrived in Egypt to seal a move to top-flight side Ceramica Cleopatra, GHANASoccernet.com understands.

    Baakoh is available on a free transfer after rejecting a contract extension from the Porcupine Warriors.

    His two-year deal with Kotoko run out in October 2020.

    The 25-year-old left Accra on Thursday, 3 December 2020, and could end up playing alongside countryman Kwame Bonsu who close to sealing a move to Ceramica Cleopatra from Tunisian side Esperance.

    Ceramica Cleopatra, a newly-promoted side, have signed some quality players like Mohamed Ibrahim, Mido Gaber, Fonsinho and Ragab

    Source: footballghana.com

  • Hearts of Oak vs Karela United: Kosta Papic names squad for first GPL encounter

    The new head coach for Hearts of Oak, Kosta Papic has named an 18-man squad to face Karela United on Friday as he prepares for his first game in the 2020/2021 Ghana Premier League season.

    The Serbian tactician was appointed as the new head coach for the Phobians on Tuesday and has since taken charge of two training sessions.

    Today, he will be in the dugout when the Phobians take on Karela United on Matchday four of the new Ghana Premier League season.

    Ahead of the game, Coach Kosta Papic has named a strong squad that will have the chance to feature for him. The team has most of the key players except Emmanuel Nettey who is out injured.

    Below is the full18-man squad

    Goalkeepers:

    Richmond Ayi, Richard Attah.

    Defenders:

    Mohammed Alhassan, James Sewornu, Robert Addo, Larry Sumaila, Fatau Mohammed, Raddy Ovouka,

    Midfielders:

    Mamane Lawali, Benjamin Afutu Kotey, Frederick Ansah Botchway, Abdul Manaf Gumah, Michelle Sarpong, Eric Dizan.

    Strikers:

    Kojo Obeng Junior, Patrick Razak, Abednego Tetteh, Isaac Mensah

    Source: footballghana.com

  • Our MASLOC loans were diverted Kente Weavers Association

    The Association of Kente Weavers in the Volta Region has called on President Akufo-Addo to intervene and ensure the disbursement of MASLOC loans they have applied for since August 2019.

    According to the Kente weavers, loan applications for some 425 members which have been approved by Microfinance and Small Loans Center in December, 2019 were diverted by some individuals at the Volta regional office of MASLOC.

    At a press conference held in Ho on Wednesday 2nd November 2020, and addressed by the Vice President of the Association, Mr. Paul Franklin Gbortsyo the Kente weavers expressed resentment at how they were treated.

    He noted that in August 2019, 175 members of the association applied for the MASLOC loans, while the second batch of 250 members put in their applications in December 2019 but never received the monies though their checks revealed that the applications were approved.

    “… while expecting disbursement of the loans before our annual Congress on 13th December, 2019 we invited the CEO, Mr. Stephen Amoah, as one of the dignitaries to the Congress. Though he could not make it himself, he sent a delegation from the Accra head office and the Ho office led by Mr. George Osei-Waree to act on his behalf. In his address, the Volta regional director, Mr. Daniel Wudome confirmed that the loan application of the first 175 members of the association has been processed and awaiting disbursement. In January 2020 we met with the Regional Director at Ho where he mentioned that our loan application has been approved hence, they were only waiting for the cheques,” Mr. Gbortsyo revealed.

    He stated further that in June this year, they found out that their monies were paid but never got to the applicants.

    He said, “During one of the subsequent follow-ups to the MASLOC outfits, we were made to understand that part of our loan applications could not be found hence we should bring the list of all those who applied to enable them to solve the problem, which we complied.

    In June 2020, after another follow up, we learnt that the Volta regional director had been sacked for misappropriation of funds. Further investigation revealed that the director had connived with some staff members at the MASLOC head office and used our approved loan applications to collect checks as if they were collected by us leading to his dismissal,” he added.

    The association said, “We felt cheated when we heard of the negative development, more especially when we heard that some associations in the Ashanti region had the loan for three good times. We are therefore using this medium to appeal to the President, Nana Akufo-Addo for his intervention. It would be recalled that we wrote two letters; one in July and another in October, 2020 to the President without any response.”

    Source: Kasapa FM

  • NBSSI disburses GH¢1.83 million to affected traders of Odawna market fire

    The National Board for Small Scale Industries (NBSSI) has begun disbursement of stimulus packages to traders whose shops were destroyed by fire at the Odawna Market.

    This followed the completion of the registration of the victims of the Odawna fire outbreak on Wednesday, November 25, 2020.

    As at the close of work on Tuesday, December 1, 2020, 625 fire victims had received support from NBSSI with GH¢1.83 million cedis disbursed.

    In all, the NBSSI will take care of 1,000 out of the 2,000 registered traders while MASLOC supports the rest.

    The NBSSI’s registration exercise began on Saturday, November 21 and involved the collection of the details of the affected traders, including the capital they would need to restart their businesses.

    The Executive Director of NBSSI Kosi Yankey-Ayeh, during a working visit to the Odawna market at the time to assess the extent of damages caused by the recent fire outbreak, said the registration exercise was ongoing.

    She said the NBSSI was working with the Odawna Market Traders Association and the Korle Klottey Municipal Assembly to ensure that, the funds were disbursed to victims of the disaster and not imposters.

    “The NBSSI is frantically working to complete all the necessary profiling of the requests from the traders to be able to offer them some loan support,” she said.

    “We started registering them, it is still ongoing; we want to get a good database and get to know the specific needs of the traders. We want to provide the right assistance to each and everyone that registers. Apart from that, the data would help in future planning to meet the needs of the market.

    President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo during a visit to the market on Wednesday, November 18, 2020 directed the NBSSI to make available funds to support traders who had their wares destroyed by the fire.

    President Akufo-Addo said the directive was to help the affected traders recover from their losses.

    He also indicated that the government would undertake a re-wiring of all markets in the Greater Accra Region to forestall such tragic occurrences in the future.

    Source: GNA

  • Songhor Salt Project to create over 600 jobs

    The District Chief Executive (DCE) of Ada West, Mr Adzoteye Lawer Akrofi believes the ratification of the mining leases to the Ada Songhor Salt Project will alleviate poverty among the youth and women by creating over 600 jobs.

    Addressing the press, Mr Adzoteye Lawer Akrofi said poverty which happens to be the biggest problem in the district will be reduced significantly in the area with jobs set to be created for the people.

    “The Songhor salt project certainly offers job opportunities to the youth and the women who will sell around and even those who own lands, the value shall be added to the lands and so all sort of jobs will be created,” Mr Akrofi said.

    Mr Akrofi added that the Songhor salt project has the capacity of producing 2.3million metric tons of salt annually.

    He noted that in the next three years, the project would be able to produce over one million metric tons as compared to the 60 per cent it produces currently.

    “This will mean that all the bi-product like petrochemical as well as caustic soda among others and even in the agriculture sector, the raw salt is being used and therefore it is something that is going to lift up Ada West from the poorest district in Greater Accra to the richest in the region,” he explained.

    He encouraged members of the district to rally around and support Electrochem Ghana Limited to deliver the kind of development the district is lacking to the benefits of all.

    The traditional leaders of Ada had expressed gratitude to President Akufo-Addo and the NPP government for ensuring the ratification of the mining leases to the Ada Songhor Salt Project at the opening ceremony of the project.

    They have noted that their people had been deprived of access to the river for both fishing and salt mining for over decades and lauded the government for bringing a lasting solution to the issue.

    A resident of Songhor, Mr Dodzie Numekevor also expressed satisfaction that the salt project is finally starting.

    “We the youth will get something to do to feed our families, we thank the President for granting our request, as young people, we know this is our time and we will make the best out of it,” he said.

    Source: Business Ghana

  • TOR workers lock up refinery entrance to demand allowances

    Workers of the Tema Oil Refinery (TOR) on Wednesday afternoon locked up the main entrance of the Refinery to back their demands of some allowances.

    Information gathered by the Ghana News Agency indicated that the workers locked the entrance after lunch for about one and half hours to prevent access..

    Their concern was that the General Manager was delaying in signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on some allowances to be paid to them while management was already receiving theirs.

    When the GNA visited the place at about 15:10 hours, calm had returned as the entrance was opened and workers were going about their normal business.

    The GNA learnt the General Manager finally signed the MOU after the action was taken.

    Meanwhile, the Tema District Council of Labour (TDCL) last week, formed a five-member committee to draw a roadmap for engaging government and stakeholders towards the revamping of Tema Oil Refinery (TOR).

    The Committee was tasked to draw a road map in the shortest possible time to enable the Council take up the necessary acceptable actions to drum home their demands for a recapitalization of TOR.

    Source: GNA

  • Probe Benue strange deaths – Senate tells FG

    The Senate on Wednesday urged the Federal Ministry of Health, the National Arbovirus and the Vector Research Centre, to probe the cause of strange deaths in Benue State.

    The resolution was sequel to a motion on the urgent need to deal with the outbreak of a strange ailment suspected to be Yellow Fever, ravaging Epeilo-Otukpa and Itahono-Owukpa communities in Ogbadibo Local Government Area of Benue State.

    The motion was moved by Senator Patrick Abba, who is representing Benue South in the red chamber.

    The Senate also urge the Federal Ministry of Health to urgently mobilise focal persons to the affected areas to complement the efforts of the Benue State Government in ascertaining the nature of the ailment.

    The upper chamber also tasked the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control to promptly put up surveillance to contain the disease and see to the treatment of victims and protect others from further contracting it.`

    It urged the NCDC and the National Primary Health Care Development Agency to synergise and support the people of Benue South Senatorial District and in particular the Epeilo-Otukpa and Itabono-Owukpa communities, to treat, prevent and or reduce the number of cases and deaths.

    The Senate further urged the Federal Ministry of Health to immediately activate and set up a multi-agency yellow fever emergency operatives centre in Benue South, if the result should be positive for yellow fever.

    The Senate demanded the conduct of a mass vaccination and awareness campaigns in Benue South Senatorial District.

    Moro in his motion had noted with grave pain the outbreak of a strange ailment said to be yellow fever in the state.

    He expressed further concerns that the strange ailment has not yet been effectively diagnosed by health authorities.

    He, however, indicated that the Benue State Ministry of Health and Human Services has been able to intervene to some extent having collected samples and sent same to National Reference Laboratory to be able to establish the kind of organism that is causing the ailment and is availing victims of interim treatment.

    He expressed sadness that the affected people in the rural localities are dying on a daily basis in their numbers with Epeilo and ltabono communities recording 20 and 25 deaths respectively.

    Source: punchng.com

  • Damaged roads, airports could slow aid work in Ethiopia’s Tigray

    Aid workers hoping to access Ethiopia’s Tigray region will have to overcome challenges such as the region’s damaged infrastructure to develop tons of relief items for those in need.

    After nearly a month of fighting, the full extent of the damage on roads and airports in the state is only being known now.

    On Wednesday, state TV broadcast images purporting to show Axum airport’s ransacked terminal.

    The Ethiopian army has accused Tigray rebel forces of damaging the facility and access roads in the region to delay its advance.

    More TV footage showed debris strewn on the runaway with sections of it appearing to have been dug up.

    Aid workers given access

    Ethiopia on Wednesday granted the United Nations access to deliver aid to the northern region of Tigray, following weeks of lobbying amid military operations there.

    The agreement, signed by Ethiopia’s peace minister, comes four weeks after Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed sent in troops and warplanes in a campaign targeting leaders of the region’s ruling party, the Tigray People’s Liberation Front (TPLF).

    Food running out

    Before the fighting began, around 600,000 people living in Tigray depended on food handouts, among them 96,000 Eritrean refugees.

    The agreement notes that the region was also home to 42,000 malnourished women and children as well as 100,000 internally displaced people.

    Food, fuel, and cash are in short supply, according to the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs, while the International Committee of the Red Cross says basic medical equipment is lacking.

    On Tuesday the UN refugee agency warned that Eritrean refugees in Tigray were believed to have run out of food, saying concerns for their welfare were “growing by the hour.”

    Meanwhile, communications are returning to parts of Tigray.

    Ethio Telecom, the country’s telecommunications provider, said Wednesday that services had partially resumed in cities including Humera, Dansha, Mai-Kadra, and Mai-Tsebri.

    Source: africanews.com