TIG Post

Author: Persis

  • Ablakwa, Ofosu Kwakye, Jinapor and Mogtari Bawa allegedly took scholarships from GNPC Foundation

    A picture sighted by Ghanatribune.com shows that several NDC MPs and ministers accessed scholarships from the GNPC Foundation during the period of 2012 to 2016.

    The picture; a snapshot of the list of beneficiaries, lists names like John Abdulai Jinapor, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, Felix Ofosu Kwakye, Joyce Mogtari Bawa who all took scholarships from the foundation to fund their study abroad.

    This leak follows the release of the GETFund audit report from the period of 2012 to 2017 which showed some high ranking government officials in the current administration accessed the scholarship scheme primarily meant for the needy but brilliant.

    Hon. Adwoa Sarfo, Dr. Prince Hamid Armah and Education Minister Dr. Matthew Opoku Prempeh were all captured as beneficiaries of the GETFund scholarship.

    This particular leak sighted covers only the 2012-2013 period and more could be revealed in the rest of the list.

    See the picture below

    Source: ghanatribune.com

  • Don Moen is in Ghana

    American gospel musician, Don Moen has been sighted in Accra, Ghana for a private gospel event.

    The renowned gospel singer was seen in a restaurant around Accra hanging out with some of his fans.

    Information gathered by YEN.com.gh indicates that Don Moen was in Ghana over the weekend to minister at a program that took place at the Perez Chapel on Sunday, February 23.

    Don Moen comes to Ghana to minister at gospel events.

    Source: yen.com.gh

  • Government releases GH¢5bn to settle customers of defunct Savings & Loans firms

    Government through the Ministry of Finance has released GH¢5 billion to the receiver of the defunct Savings and Loans and microfinance companies to “fully settle all validated claims due depositors”.

    This was contained in a statement issued by the Ministry on Monday, February 24.

    President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo had hinted in his message on the state of the nation in Parliament last Thursday that measures have been put in place to settle the customers from Monday.

    According to the statement, by the release of the funds “all depositors will now be paid in full”.

    This comes after government spent GH¢6.1 billion to settle customers of up to GH¢20,000 each, pending the sale of assets of the defunct financial institutions.

    So far, a total GH¢17.7 billion has been spent in the settlement of customers since the clean-up of the financial sector.

    The statement disclosed that sale of assets of the defunct institutions has been slow.

    “We expect that the recent accelerated pace of the prosecutions and an intensification of the civil recovery process under the receivership will result in substantial recovery of these monies for the Treasurer.”

    The funds will be disbursed to the customers through Consolidated Bank Ghana (CBG).

    Depositors have been told that the receiver and CBG will provide a detailed plan and procedures on how to settle them.

    Source: 3news.com

  • Teacher allegedly beats 4-yr-old with mop stick into unconscious

    A teacher at Crystal Heights International School at Amasaman, on Friday, 21 February 2020, allegedly beat a 4-year-old kindergarten pupil with a mop stick until the little boy collapsed.

    The teacher got enraged after the little boy vomited while feeding.

    She ordered the child to clean the vomit and while at it, hit the KG1 pupil with a mop stick until the little boy fell unconscious.

    The victim was rushed to the hospital where he was resuscitated after eight infusions.

    The parents of the child have reported the matter to the Nsawam Police Station and are seeking justice.

    Speaking to Benjamin Akakpo on the Executive Breakfast Show (EBS) on Class91.3FM on Monday, 24 February 2020, the father of the victim advised parents to listen to complaints from their children when they return from school.

    The school authorities told producers of the EBS that they are aware of the incident and are currently doing their independent investigation so cannot speak on the matter immediately.

    Source: ClassFMOnline.com

  • Its a big gaffe, I never had any GETFund Scholarship Kennedy Nyarko cries out

    Member of Parliament (MP) for Akim Swedru and Deputy Minister of Agriculture Kennedy Osei Nyarko has rejected the performance audit report of the Ghana Education Trust Fund (GETFund) scholarship that has cited him as having been a beneficiary of scholarship.

    Hon. Nyarko is said to have received the scholarship to study at the SOAS University of London for a Certificate in Environmental.

    But Mr Nyarko has hit back denying that he was ever granted such a scholarship.

    “If I can personally sponsor for the education of peoples wards both local and abroad to further their education from my own personal resources how much more will it be difficult to sponsor my own education.

    This is a big gaffe coming from the Auditor General,” he lashed out.

    The performance audit report has listed a number of high-ranking government officials including the Minister of State in Charge of Procurement Sarah Adwoa Safo who applied and obtained $12,800 in allowances with $17,004 in tuition fees to study at the Harvard Kennedy School.

    Another person captured in the list is the Executive Secretary of the National Council for Curriculum and Assessment (NaCCA), Prince Hamidu Armah also received £38,400 for living expense in addition to £33,000 for tuition fees, While Education minister Mathew Opoku Prempeh, who listed at number 38, is receiving $12,800 for living expenses and $11,200 as tuition fees at security course at Harvard University.

    Source: mynewsgh.com

  • Todays newspapers front pages

    Source: backend.theindependentghana.com

  • Cancel teacher promotion exams to save your image – Africa Education Watch tells GES

    The African Education Watch is calling for the cancellation of the teachers’ promotion examination conducted on February 20 and 21 2020 following the alleged leakage of the examination questions.

    According to the group, the leakage has compromised the integrity of the promotional system and as a result, the examination must be cancelled and rewritten.

    Speaking on Starr FM today, the Executive Director of Africa Watch Kofi Asare said the GES must re-conduct another promotional test that has the credibility to save their image.

    ”Our concern is that first of all the GES is the biggest public institution in Ghana and it is striving for excellence and one of its mantra is to have a highly professional teaching service. Now if you want to high professional teaching service you need to make sure your promotional system are of integrity.”

    “The current situation where teacher promotional exams leak 48 hours prior to the examination cannot have integrity. So, the GES has to cancel the exams and rewrite it to save its own image and enhance the professional image of teachers and also the integrity of services of the promotional system”.

    African Education Watch also called on the Ministry of Education to investigate the circumstances leading to the wide public leakage of the tests conducted by the Institute of Education Planning and Administration of the UCC, for the GES and make its findings public.

    The Education Service announced the first-ever aptitude test for staff promotion which was to replace the hitherto face-to-face interview sessions that were fraught with multiple challenges.

    The Director-General of the GES, Prof. Kwasi Opoku-Amankwa, in an earlier interview said the new promotion process was being introduced to ensure that the about 35,000 GES staff applied for promotion every year went through the process fairly, transparently and based on competence.

    February 20-21 were dates scheduled for the promotion aptitude test of qualified staff of the Ghana Education Service (GES). GES staff participated in the two-day promotion test at 48 centres throughout the country.

    But it emerged from media reports that questions for the examinations set by the Ghana Education Service (GES) as well as the answers for promotion of teachers leaked hours to the examinations.

    Source: primenewsghana.com

  • We can transform Ghana with UCMAS Adutwum

    Deputy Education Minister in charge of Basic & Secondary Education, Dr Yaw Osei Adutwum has encouraged schools across the country to take up UCMAS.

    According to Dr Adutwum, this will not only eradicate the phobia for maths among students but also increase their confidence to help them compete on a global scale.

    Speaking at a congratulatory ceremony for some Ghanaian students who excelled at a global UCMAS competition in Cambodia, Dr Adutwum said the concept of UCMAS is critical to the transformation of education in the country.

    He said: “What you are doing, through UCMAS, is commendable; commendable at several fronts. We are living in a world where education is not a piece of the puzzle when you are talking about transformation, it is the whole puzzle. You either educate or perish…When we have great visions like UCMAS, we can transform our nation, we can transform our communities.”

    For his part, Majority Leader and Minister of Parliamentary Affairs, Osei Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu, whose daughter was one of the award winners, lauded the management of UCMAS, saying it has assumed a significant role in the STEM education which the government is currently championing.

    The General Manager of UCMAS Ghana Limited, Joseph Nunoo, who led the team to Cambodia for the competition, while outlining the numerous benefits of taking up UCMAS, charged parents to allow their wards to partake in the brain development programme.

    “UCMAS competitions are important for all our children and a must for them as it exposes them to a lot of learning and skills development and also challenges their brain. All our competitions are designed to ensure that while they are practising and learning the programme at school or home, they must also exhibit it during their participation in all our competitions,” he stated.

    Source: classfmonline.com

  • Boy, 16, drowns in River Pra

    A 16-year-old has drowned in the Pra River in Twifo Praso in the Twifo Atti-Morkwa District of the Central Region.

    Report gathered by Kasapa FM News Yaw Boagyan indicates that Michael left home Saturday morning for extra classes but after he closed he decided not to go home but accompanied his friends to the river to have fun.

    The deceased reportedly swam in the deep portion of the river with his friends and was not able to come out of the water alive.

    His colleagues after realizing Michael had drowned, rushed home to inform their parents who relayed the information to the Police Commander DSP Charles Addai Boateng who organized his men to the riverside.

    Upon arriving at the scene, the Police retrieved footwear, mobile phone, school bag and Ghana National Identification card bearing the name Michael Gaddah.

    The body has been conveyed to the Twifo Praso Government Hospital for preservation and autopsy.

    The police have commenced investigations into the incident.

    Source: kasapafmonline.com

  • Go Ghana International organise creative art training for Oda Senior High School

    On Friday, February 14, Go Ghana International (GGI) a non-governmental Organization organised a vocational training session at the Oda Senior High School in the Eastern region.

    The training session is part of the organization’s objectives to carry out creative art programs in the country to help High School students learn and start their own business, before furthering to their next level in academia or various fields of study. This will enable them to be productive and not sit idle.

    The school which was established by the first president of Ghana Dr. Kwame Nkrumah in 1961 was to enhance quality education among the second cycle institutions. The school has a student population of 2,500.

    The students were taken through the art of bead making where they were thought the art of making slippers, key rings, belts and bags.

    Students who enrolled in the program embodied not only the creative art department of the institution but also saw in attendance other students from various departments of the school. The facilitator Miss Rebecca Nyamedor a student at the University of Education Winneba was robust and zestful in teaching the student how to produce the artifacts.

    The Headmistress of the school Mad. Philomina R. Boateng who also happens to be an old student of the school and her assistant heads thanked the organization for their supporting role to enhance education in Ghana. She assured the organization that the school’s doors are always opened for such initiatives.

    Mr. Emmanuel Abu Ampong also thanked the school authorities for opening their doors to GGI. He emphasized on the need to enhance creative art and also improve the quality of education in the country. He further stated to the authorities that more programs towards education are underway for the Ghanaian student to benefit.

    Mr. Bernard Andoh, an English teacher was enthralled about the program and helped in taking coverage of the entire training session. He pronounced his support for the organization to help them achieve these objectives in their future programs.

    Other staff members who were happy about the training included Isaac Boateng, Agyeman Attefuah, Believe Gbedoho, Mensah Duah help with supervision.

    The Head of programs for Go Ghana International Mr. Michael Baidoo spoke about the need of forming branches in all second cycle institutions in order to help better coordination of programs and activities.

    Source: Peter Kenney, Contributor

  • Ejisu residents raise concerns over waterway buildings

    Some residents at Ejisu have raised concerns about attempts by some developers to build on waterways between Ejisu and Besease in the Ashanti Region.

    Last year, a proposed market meant to be constructed at the area, was cancelled following flooding that brought business activities in the area to a standstill a situation that affected traders and travellers who ply the Efiduase road.

    A former Assemblyman for the Besease Electoral area, Mr Samuel Dankwa, expressed disappointment about the decision to give the area to an individual developer when it was declared unsafe for the construction of the proposed market.

    Some residents of the area suspect the Ejisu Municipal Assembly (EMA) has sold the swampy land to developers despite its own laws prohibiting building on waterways.

    According to the residents, some unknown people have begun to fill parts of the Odao river a water body that flows through the wetland, adding: “They only work here at dawn”.

    They also accused the Assembly of deliberately overlooking the unlawful practice.

    Farmers who cultivate rice at the swampy area also expressed worry about the development in the area, as the “illegal practice” has debilitated their produce and livelihood.

    The farmers expressed fears that the environs of Besease will flood when it rains if the developers continue building in the wetland, and, so, called on the government and the Assembly to revoke the permits of the developers.

    The former assembly man also urged stakeholders including chiefs to desist from selling waterlogged areas to people for construction purposes.

    Source: classfmonline.com

  • Judge who declared support for Akufo-Addo breached judicial code Prof. Azar

    Professor Stephen Kwaku Asare (Kwaku Azar) has expressed shock over the decision by a superior court judge who doubles as a chief to endorse the candidature of President Akufo-Addo for the 2020 elections.

    Justice Clemence Jackson Honyenuga, who is hearing the ongoing trial of the former Ghana Cocoa Board boss, Dr Stephen Opuni and businessman Seidu Agongo declared support for President Akufo-Addo during his recent tour of the Oti region.

    The state-owned Daily Graphic newspaper quoted Justice Honyenuga as saying, “We wish to congratulate you for the excellent manner you are governing this dear country of ours; it is our hope that with your vision and the gains made in your first term, Ghanaians may consider giving you another four years”.

    Commenting on the development, the US-based lawyer and academician said: “I was utterly surprised to read that a Judge of the Superior court has publicly endorsed a candidate for political office in clear violation of the judicial code of conduct. Of course, we do not take our laws and codes seriously but judges should do a little better”.

    Source: kasapafmonline.com

  • Govts $500 each hit accounts of Ghanaian students in China as they wait for kenkey and shito

    Over 300 Ghanaian students in the Hubei province of China, the epicentre of the coronavirus outbreak have received payments of $500 each from the government of Ghana to help them manage their welfare as they remain lockdown.

    President Akufo-Addo during his delivery of the State of the Nation Address last week revealed that government is committed to ensuring the welfare of Ghanaians in China in the wake of the coronavirus outbreak in the Asian nation.

    He added that whilst government will not relent on evacuating Ghanaians students in China as and when necessary, the embassy of Ghana had so far given each student $500 to help manage their welfare.

    Speaking to some Ghanaian students in China, they confirmed to GhanaWeb.com of having received payments of ¥3,490 (the equivalent of $500) each from the embassy of Ghana in China. An amount which according to the embassy is to help the students “procure items essential for their survival in the interim.”

    The students say with their bank accounts linked to their mobile accounts, they have been able to purchase food and other vital supplies with the amount even though banks remain closed due to the outbreak.

    The students added that they are now waiting on some local Ghanaian foods the embassy is shipping to be supplied to them.

    “All the 300 Ghanaian students in the Hubei province have received the payment and it includes about 70 of us at the Yangtze University. This is very timely because we have been able to restock our supplies with this amount. Now we are waiting on the kenkey and shito which the embassy says has been shipped already.” A Ghanaian student told Ghanaweb.com.

    Since the coronavirus outbreak started in China over a month ago there have been calls for government of Ghana to evacuate its citizens.

    Those making the demand for evacuation include Ghanaian students in China and their parents back home, as well as members of the minority half of parliament.

    But in reaction to these calls, the government of Ghana and its health agencies says it is working in hand with the Chinese government to ensure the safety of Ghanaian citizens in China.

    The government adds that an evacuation of Ghanaians from china is a last resort which will only be considered as and when necessary.

    “The government is in constant touch with experts on this subject who advise that the basic principle of public health is to confide the disease to its area of origin. But we have not ruled out the option of evacuating the students from Wuhan if that becomes necessary.” President Akufo-Addo told parliament on Thursday.

  • GETFund scholarship: Clear my name or I’ll sue you – MP tells Auditor-General

    The Deputy Minister for Agriculture, Kennedy Osei Nyarko has threatened to take legal action against the Auditor-General if he does not clear his name from the list of beneficiaries of the GetFund scholarship.

    The deputy minister who is also the MP for said: “If I can personally sponsor for the education of peoples wards both local and Abroad to further their education from my own personal resources how much more will it be difficult to sponsor my own education.”

    According to him, “this is a big gaffe coming from the Auditor General”.

    The audit report stated that MP received a scholarship to attend the SOAS University of London, UK despite the fact that the cost was not stated.

    Speaking in an interview with Kwabena Agyapong on Frontline on Rainbow Radio 87.5fm, he said he has never benefitted from GetFund scholarship either as MP or a deputy minister.

    It has emerged that some ministers of state have been given scholarships from the GETfund scholarship secretariat to embark on courses abroad.

    The mandate of the GETFund is to grant scholarships to brilliant but needy Ghanaians.

    But reacting to the report, the MP explained that GetFund does not only award scholarships to needy but brilliant students.

    He said the state body is also mandated to award scholarships to persons who are working in the interest of the state.

    The list including some members of parliament and deputy ministers are contained in the audited report of the auditor-general on the Getfund scholarship secretariat.

    The Dome MP and procurement minister, Adwoa Safo applied and obtained $12,800 in allowances with $17,004 in tuition fees to study at the Harvard Kennedy school.

    The Executive Secretary of the National Council for Curriculum and Assessment (NaCCA), Prince Hamidu Armah also received £38,400 for living expense in addition to £33,000 for tuition fees, While Education minister Mathew Opoku Prempeh, who listed at number 38, is receiving $12,800 for living expenses and $11,200 as tuition fees at security course at Harvard University.

    Meanwhile, GetFund has through a statement the Minister for Education Mathew Opoku Prempeh, the Procurement Minister, Sarah Adwoa Safo and the Executive Secretary of the National Council for Curriculum and Assessment (NaCCA), Prince Hamidu Armah were not awarded scholarships under the current administration.

    “the aforementioned persons have not been awarded scholarships by the Fund under the current administration,” adding that its mandate was not limited to serving needy but brilliant students, in line with the GETFund Act 2000.

    “The fund may, per its mandate, also provide support for other educational activities and programmes to serve strategic national interests.”

    Source: rainbowradioonline.com

  • Judge hands over $1 million Kroll Domelovo-Osafo-Maafo case to CJ upon request

    A High Court judge has handed over two dockets containing the $1 million Kroll payment case involving Auditor General, David Domelovo, and Senior Minister, Yaw Osafo-Maafo and four others to the Chief Justice, Kwasi Anin-Yeboah following his request of having them.

    According to the Judge, Doreen Boakye Adjei, the request by Justice Annin-Yeboah follows a petition to the CJ by unknown persons concerning the two cases which are:

    The Senior Minister and the four officials from the Ministry of Finance, namely Michael Ayesu, Abraham Kofi Tawiah, Eva Asselba Mends, and Patrick Nomo appealing against the decision of the Auditor General to surcharge them over the Kroll Associate investigation.

    Subsequently, they cited Auditor General, David Domelovo for contempt of court for his refusal to file a response to their appeal against his decision to surcharge them.

    Although her Lordship did not give further details, she noted that the cases will be on hold until further directives from the Chief Justice.

    Background

    The Auditor General has claimed that the Mr. Osafo-Maafo and the Finance Ministry have colluded to pay UK firm, Kroll and Associates Limited, $1 million for no evidence of work done.

    The UK firm in 2017 was contracted by the Senior Minister to recover assets from identified wrongdoers, among others.

    ccording to the Senor Minister, the firm had done the work it was contracted to do and that there was enough evidence of work done.

    But the Auditor General later claimed that after audit, there was no evidence of work done by Kroll and Associates Limited and yet huge sums of money were paid to the company.

    He subsequently imposed a disallowance and surcharge on the Senior Minister and four others involved in the contract.

    Appeal

    Not satisfied with the decision of the Auditor General to disallow and surcharge him and four others, the appellants filed an appeal against the decision before an Accra High Court.

    They insisted that the determination by the Auditor General that the payment of GH¢4,869,421.87 without approval from Parliament and the Public Procurement Authority (PPA) and thus offended Article 181 of the Constitution violates the appellants rights of hearing as same did not form part of either the audit observations issued to the Ministry of Finance or the final report of the Auditor General laid before Parliament.

    Source: www.ghanaweb.com

  • ECs new voter roll decision ‘makes a lot of sense’ Akufo-Addo

    The decision by the Electoral Commission (EC) to compile a new register of voters ahead of the 2020 presidential and parliamentary elections makes a lot of sense, President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, has said.

    The elections management body is set to commence the compilation of the new register in April.

    The decision has been met with opposition from some political parties including the National Democratic Congress (NDC) and its flag bearer John Dramani Mahama who think the timing is wrong.

    Mr Mahama has personally said the EC must take responsibility for any chaos that befalls Ghana as a result of the decision to compile a new register.

    But speaking at a meeting with the Ghanaian community in Oslo, Norway, President Akufo-Addo said the electoral management body should be allowed to do its work.

    “We are getting ourselves ready for December 7. The Electoral Commission is going to compile a new register. It appears there is now an eight-year cycle for the EC to compile a register.

    “They did so in 2012 and 2004. So with these last three, including this one, are all in the eight-year cycle. I think it makes a lot of sense. The national census itself is done on a ten-year basis.”

    “So, it makes sense that we keep up the EC to admit new people, take out all those who have died, etc. Their intention is to begin in April. We want everybody in Ghana who can vote to register.

    Source: classfmonline.com

  • NUGS calls for investigations into scholarships awarded by GETFund

    The National Union of Ghana Students (NUGS) has called for investigations into scholarships awarded by GETFund between 2012 and 2018 following an audit report from the office of the Auditor-General.

    It has emerged from the office of the Auditor-General that three notable government appointees have been captured as scholarship beneficiaries.

    They include Minister for Education Mathew Opoku Prempeh, Procurement Minister, Sarah Adwoa Safo and the Executive Secretary of the National Council for Curriculum and Assessment (NaCCA), Prince Hamidu Armah.

    According to the Auditor General’s report, the Procurement Minister Adwoa Safo applied and obtained $12,800 in allowances with $17,004 in tuition fees to study at the Harvard Kennedy school.

    The Minister of Education Mathew Opoku Prempeh received $12,800 for living expenses and $11,200 as tuition fees for a security course at Harvard University.

    The Executive Secretary of the National Council for Curriculum and Assessment (NaCCA), Prince Armah also received £38,400 for living expenses in addition to £33,000 for tuition fees.

    Reacting to the latest report from the Auditor General’s office on the GETfund and award of scholarships on Starr FM today, the President of NUGS, Isaac J Hyde said the Union is disappointed

    ”The matter is worrying. As a matter of fact each and every year we have a number of students who are unable to continue their education. People win scholarships and you go to GETfund and they are unable to fund it. And these are people in our security who can pay their school fees and other advancements in education as been beneficiaries of the fund. We are disappointed and hoping further investigations will be conducted into the issue to see the way forward.”

    He added that: ”The purpose of GETfund of which the NUGS champion its ideology in 2000 was to support needy students not people who are parliamentarians and who are eligible to pay their own fees so that is where the problem lies”.

    The President of NUGS also called for transparency into the way and manner scholarship funds are disbursed by the GETfund in the country.

    On his part, anti-graft campaigner Vitus Azeem has stated that public officials who used their positions to obtain GETfund scholarships in the past should be made to pay back the sponsorship fees to the state.

    According to him, even though they could not be blamed for securing the scholarships, they should, out of good conscience, payback since they are not needy students as stipulated by the Act of the scholarship scheme.

    Meanwhile, the Ghana Education Trust Fund (GETFund) in a statement indicated that Mathew Opoku Prempeh, Sarah Adwoa Safo and Prince Hamidu Armah were not awarded scholarships under the current administration.

    Source: primenewsghana.com

  • Dont trade our culture for modernity – Paramount Chief of Talensi Traditional Council

    Ghanaians have been impressed upon to jealously protect the rich cultural heritage and not give room for influx of foreign behaviors to takeover.

    Addressing a durbar to mark the 2020 Timaalungo Lagog at Tongo in the Talensi District of Upper East Region,President and Paramount Chief of Talensi Traditional Council,Tongraan Naab Kugbilsung Nalebg-tang said the rate at which modernity has taken over the indigenous culture was alarming and needed to be curbed.

    The Tongrana lamented that the situation has created disunity among the citizenry which does not represent the core values of the Ghanaian society and must not be allowed to continue.

    He therefore appealed to the people of Talteng and the entire Ghanaian society to rather project rich historical tourists sites to attract international investors into the country.

    “There is the urgent need for us to preserve our culture in the wake of modernization that has come with some abandonment and demonization of our culture. Our culture is our unique identity. Once we identify ourselves as one people, it helps us to be united. As Talensis we must continue to exploit this and eschew conflict. The traditional area is endowed with several historical and tourist sites”

    “These include the Tengzuk Shrines and Caves, the Wakii Caves, the entire stretch of Whistling Tongo Hills and the Home of the first Tongraan now called Gingaung Puhik. The caves were used as hiding places and defence bunkers by our people against slave raiders and British invasions for conscripts into the military for the first and second world wars” He stated.

    The Paramount Chief however called on government to create a convenient environment for the tourism sector to strive.Meanwhile,He also used the opportunity to announce the intention of the Talensi Traditional Council to construct a museum as part of measures to preserve the cultural heritage of the area.

    “We will continue to call for support from government, non-government organizations and private investors to help in developing some of these sites for tourism purposes and to create employment and other related economic activity in the traditional area. To this end, the Talensi Traditional Council has plans to construct a cultural museum” He said.

    Source: a1radioonline.com

  • John Mahama promises ‘one district, one technical school’

    Former President and leader of the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC), Mr John Dramani Mahama, has stated that in the next NDC government, each district would get a technical institute in order to improve upon the human capital of the Ghanaian youth.

    In this regard, he called for the needed attention to be given to technical and vocational training in the country since not everyone could acquire secondary education.

    Former President Mahama, who was speaking at separate rallies at Ahebenso, Afere and Kwasikrom all in the Bodi Constituency of the Western North Region to round up his three days tour of the Region, lauded the free senior high school policy but accused the NPP government of not implementing it properly.

    He indicated that he would cancel the double-track system of the free SHS if the NDC wins the next general elections.

    The former President called for unity among the rank and file of the Party and advised Party faithful to vote massively for the NDC parliamentary candidates.

    Mr Micheal Aidoo, Western North Regional Chairman of the Party, asked the members to remain loyal and committed to the cause of the NDC, since that was the only party that had their interest at heart.

    Source: GNA

  • Amnesty for Boko Haram repentant insurgents is unfortunate PANDEF, Monarch

    The Pan Niger Delta Forum, PANDEF, has described deliberations by the Nigeria Senate on a bill that seeks to establish an agency that would see to the rehabilitation, de-radicalisation and integration of repentant insurgents in the country as unfortunate.

    The bill sponsored by the lawmaker representing Yobe East senatorial district, Senator Ibrahim Gaidam, was read for the first time on the floor of the Senate last Thursday.

    Reacting to the bill yesterday, PANDEF national chairman, AVM Idongesit Nkanga (Retd) while questioning the rationale for the establishment of the agency, warned that the federal government is treating members of the Boko Haram insurgents with kid gloves.

    His advice is coming just as the Ovie of Oghara kingdom in Ethiope West local government area of Delta State, HRM Noble Eshimitan, Orefe III, called for the appraisal of amnesty for Niger Delta agitators and same for repentant Boko Haram insurgents whom he said are fighting for the removal of western education and installation of an Islamic system in Nigeria.

    “If this is really the cause of the insurgents then it is a complex problem in my mind that will be very difficult to solve,” he stated.

    On his part, a former member of the House of Representatives and immediate Chief of Staff to Governor Ifeanyi Okowa, Tam Brisibe, warned against the use of adhoc agencies to deal with issues bedevilling the country.

    He said: “I do not think an agency for repentant Boko Haram insurgents is what is needed. We should stop doing things on a quota bases. Because the amnesty program was done for the Niger Delta people, somebody from that area feels that they should also have that kind of programme for these people who are destroying the lives of people in that environment.”

    “We cannot legislate every single thing in the country and cannot create more Adhoc agencies to deal with things that as a country we should have a system of dealing with and government should be able to address the needs of the people.” AVM Nkanga ON HIS PART, SAID: “It is unfortunate that we are treating the issue of Boko Haram insurgents with kid gloves. There is nowhere in the world that you will go and be begging them the way we are begging.”

    “In other countries, you do not negotiate with them (terrorists), but in our case, tomorrow you will see a governor standing with bandits and taking picture after which they will give them money.”

    “At some point, the government said they are foreigners, are we de-radicalizing foreigners to keep them in Nigeria to do what?”

    “Besides, what is the point in wanting to establish this agency now when the Boko Haram war is still ongoing? If it was at the end of the war when you know you have put in more foundation and them never going back as bandits with the issue not arising again is a different thing, but doing it now, you will just be founding them and that is what we are doing.”

    Source: vanguardngr.com

  • Men who maltreat women live under turbulent curses – Lady Preacher

    Maame Grace, a Christian preacher has said that men will forever live under tyrannical curses if they continue to put women through difficult situations.

    According to the leader of the Global Eagle Revival Outreach, the power of a woman makes her an agent of both blessings and curses — therefore, it’s the attitude of men that determines which of these outcomes will befall their destiny.

    “A woman does not have to openly curse a man after maltreatment. Even her sigh of dispair will unleash dreaded and most turbulent curses on the man” — Maame Grace said in a video sighted on social media.

    According to Maame Grace, these curses may come in many forms through financial, marriage, diseases or death.

    In an era where gender parity advocates are having a difficult task driving home the agenda of equality, Maame Grace’s words of caution come as a testament of the divine responsibility of the male gender to respect and dignify the female.

    The preacher quotes several Bible verses to support her assertion and teachings about the hidden prowess of the woman.

    Maame Grace is a mother of six children and head pastor at the Global Eagle Revival Outreach Ministry. She runs a YouTube channel that helps her to reach out to more people with her teachings.

    Watch the full video below:

    Source: Kelly Nii Mensah, Contributor

  • SONA 2020: Why Rawlings did not join Minoritys walk out

    The NDC MPs immediately after the National Anthem was sung in Parliament during President Akufo-Addo’s 4th State of the Nation Address (SONA), walked out repeating a line in the anthem: “and help us to resist oppressors rule with all our will and might forevermore”.

    However, former President Jerry John Rawlings and his wife, former First Lady, Nana Konadu Agyeman Rawlings who were present in the House sat through the session.

    The question on the minds of critics is why the former President who is the founder of the NDC did not join the minority in their walk out.

    The Minority at a press conference on Thursday answered the question.

    According to Minority Leader, Haruna Idrissu, the boycott was decision of the Minority MP’s and not a collective decision of the NDC.

    He reiterated the unity within the party and said their founder is still an integral member of the party.

    Source: primenewsghana.com

  • Police arrests students involved in ‘bloody’ Oguaa Hall week celebration

    The police has picked up some students at the University of Cape Coast following the break out of violence during the Oguaa Hall week celebration Saturday dawn.

    The cause of the violence on campus is not clear, but school authorities have given assurance that investigations have commenced into the case

    Authorities said they have “observed with deep regret acts of violence and vandalism” which characterised the celebrations.

    Calm has since been restored on campus as police protect lives and properties.

  • After a year you still don’t have a running mate Nana B mocks Mahama

    Henry Nana Boakye, National Youth Organiser of the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP) is wondering why the presidential candidate of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), John Mahama has still not picked a running mate.

    The NDC is yet to choose a running mate. General Secretary of the party, Johnson Asiedu Nketiah says the party will select a vice presidential candidate in due time.

    Meanwhile, Social commentator, Bernard Allotey Jacobs has advised the NDC to select someone who can match up to Vice President Dr Mahamudu Bawumia.

    Speaking on Friday’s edition of Peace FM morning show ‘Kokrokoo’, after President Akufo-Addo filed nomination, Nana B said: “Akufo-Addo is going unopposed and he is going with the Vice President of the Republic but the former President who is an astute politician after one year four months you have still not selected your running mate…”

    According to him, delay for the former President in selecting a running mate shows ‘indecisiveness’.

    Watch video below;

  • Business at Aflao declines as Togo votes

    Commercial activities at the Aflao Border have seen a sharp decline as Ghana’s eastern neighbour, Togo, goes to the polls today to elect the country’s next president.

    As a result, not only was the usual bustle from business and transport operators along the main border absent but human and vehicular traffic was also non-existent as travellers and residents avoided crossing the border.

    Some people the Ghana News Agency (GNA) spoke with during a visit to the border revealed that this was the first time in a long time that the Togo side of the border had remained opened while presidential election was ongoing.

    Madam Kayisan Aguto, a cloth seller, said: “Any time Togolese are voting, nobody can enter Togo from Ghana or come to Ghana from there. It’s a surprise that the border is opened today while they’re voting.”

    “Since that has become the norm, people assumed that the Togo
    Border will be closed and so traders from Kumasi and other parts of Ghana couldn’t come today.”

    Madam Aguto said earlier in the morning, some traders were at the border but went back for the fear of the unknown.

    The various transport stations at Aflao, including the State Transport Company and the Ghana Private Road Transport Union were virtually empty.

    Mr Francis Halolo, who books vehicles for Accra, said business had been slow throughout the day due to the election adding; “The system has really been dry today.”

    Mr Kwasi Amedzro, a forex bureau operator, said: “leaving the Togo border open during elections means a wind of change is about to blow over the country.”

    He noted that he did not open his shop because of uncertainties and hoped the change would translate into free and fair elections that would be accepted by all.

    A total of seven candidates including President Faure Gnassingbe under the banner of Union for the Republic (UNIR) and his two strong opponents, Mr Jean-Piere Fabre and Dr Agbeyome Kodjo, are in the race for the presidency.

    The rest are Professor Tchaboure Gogue, Dr Georges William Kuessan, Mr Mohamed Tchassona Traore and Prof Komi Wolou.

    Source: GNA

  • WHO pledges to support African countries on joint coronavirus disease preparedness

    As the threat of coronavirus disease looms over the continent, the World Health Organisation (WHO) promised to support African Union Member States on a common preparedness and response strategy.

    WHO joined Health Ministers in an Emergency Meeting on the Coronavirus Disease Outbreak, which was convened on 22 February by the African Union Commission in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.

    Dr Matshidiso Moeti, WHO Regional Director for Africa joined H.E. Amira Elfadil, Commissioner for Social Affairs, African Union Commission in welcoming the ministers.

    WHO has conducted a survey with countries to assess their overall readiness for COVID-19 and found the regional readiness level was an estimated 66%.

    “WHO finds there are critical gaps in readiness for countries across the continent,” said Dr Moeti. “We need urgently to prioritize strengthening the capacities for countries to investigate alerts, treat patients in isolation facilities and improve infection, prevention and control in health facilities and in communities.”

    The African Ministers of Health discussed a joint communique on how to prepare for and potentially respond to COVID-19 and expect to conclude their discussions in a few days.

    WHO plays an active role in supporting countries to coordinate preparation efforts and so far has deployed more than 40 experts to ten countries to support coordination, treatment, infection, prevention and control, community engagement, surveillance and laboratory disease control. WHO has assisted countries in building their diagnostic capacity for COVID-19, and currently 26 laboratories are able to test for the new pathogen, up from just two early this month.

    “The threats posed by COVID-19 has cast a spotlight on the shortcomings in health systems in the African Region,” said Dr Moeti. “Countries must invest in emergency preparedness. This investment is worthwhile when you consider the cost of responding to outbreaks, which for the 2014 Ebola outbreak was estimated at close to $US 3 billion. “

    Preparedness efforts which countries already have in place are paying off. For instance, investments in Ebola preparedness for the nine neighbouring countries to the Democratic Republic of the Congo, have yielded some dividends in relation to COVID-19.

    Most of these countries now have partner coordination structures in place, points-of-entry screening has been strengthened (particularly at major airports) and isolation units have been upgraded to manage suspected cases.

    Over the years, WHO has developed a national influenza network of laboratories and health facilities. The laboratories, which are members of the network have been able to scale up their diagnostic capacity quickly and health facilities in the network are monitoring for severe acute respiratory infections and influenza-like illnesses.

    using these conditions as a proxy for COVID-19 as they present with similar symptoms. So far this monitoring has not found any clustering or spike of influenza-like cases.

    As of February 20, 2020, countries reported that since 22 January, countries report that 210 people have been investigated for COVID-10 in the WHO African region. 204 cases have been ruled out and six cases are still pending.

    Source: classfmonline.com

  • Learn from the first lady – Group to Ursula Owusu

    The Concern Women Ghana (CWG) has condemned the Minister of Communication Ursla Owusu Ekuful over her use of “bad language”.

    The CWG believes it is about time the Ablekuma West Member of Parliament availed herself to be mentored by the First Lady Rebecca Akufo-Addo.

    She has received widespread condemnation after she is alleged to have said “the real owners are in power now,” a statement the CWG describes as a “social evil”.

    Mrs Ekuful is well noted for unguarded comment and use of foul language, but the CWG wants the 55-year-old woman “to exercise care in her languages which could mar the beauty of democracy in our country.”

    “We wish to educate the Honorable Minister on the fact that every single Ghanaian possesses a strong feeling of identity and so the ‘y’agye y3 man’ comment which we regard as a social evil, does not sit right with Ghanaians and that has the potential of causing public protest, civil disobedience, abuse by a section et cetera,” it said in a statement.

    The statement, signed by Executive Secretary, Annette Enyo, further called on the Communication Minister to also “retract her comment and willingly apologise to herself and colleague MPs she touted ‘senseless’ for only repeating what she did when she was in their position”.

    Read the full statement below

    CONCERNED WOMEN GHANA (CWG)

    Press Statement

    February 23, 2020

    MRS. URSULA EKUFFUL MUST AVAIL HERSELF TO BE MENTORED BY THE FIRST LADY _______________________

    In recent past, there has been an upsurge in debate over what some tagged “insensitive comment” by the Honorable Ursula Ekufful.

    As women group who have the interest of our fellow women at heart and are more than prepared to defend and support our women, we must confess that we are very much unhappy about the disdainful attacks Mrs. Ekufful is being subjected to. We however wish to tap her on the shoulder and remind her on the need to exercise care in her languages which could mar the beauty of democracy in our country.

    We wish to educate the Honorable Minister on the fact that every single Ghanaian possesses a strong feeling of identity and so the ‘y’agye y3 man’ comment which we regard as a social evil, does not sit right with Ghanaians and that has the potential of causing public protest, civil disobedience, abuse by a section et cetera.

    We touted her credentials as a lawyer/experienced legislator and hoped her position as a minister wills her the power to champion democracy and it’s principles and perhaps accelerate women empowerment but ‘No’, she again deviated.

    History will bear witness to the fact that Honorable Ekufful, a woman for that matter has always ‘worked’ gallantly in pursuit of disregard for the law and disrespect for persons she disagrees with.

    Extreme impunity is gradually eclipsing the non violence nature of our beloved country and languages like the Honorable’s should not be allowed to flourish as they have a very adaptive effect in sociopolitical evolution.

    The country needs women with strong voices but that should be accompanied by some level of sensitivity and respect.

    Our advice as women to a fellow woman, Ursula needs to get off her high horse and avail herself to be mentored by our first lady Mrs. Rebecca Akufo Addo who we accolade for her self respect.

    We hope she would retract her comment and willingly apologise to herself and colleague MP’s she touted ‘senseless’ for only repeating what she did when she was in their position.

    We believe that as a woman, Ursula still has the heart of compassion despite her past history of bad language and disregard for fellow political players. We hope she finds this piece not as crucifixion but as a means to shine the light on the need for her to be circumspect in her utterances and be the mentor that many women would look up to.

    God bless Ghana!

    Signed:

    Executive Secretary

    Annette Enyo

    233 (0) 200951910

    Source: ghanaguardian.com

  • Coronavirus: We were not convinced by Akufo-Addo’s promises – NUGS-China

    The National Union of Ghana Students (NUGS) in Wuhan, China say they were not convinced with President Akufo-Addo’s comment on their evacuation from China during the State of the Nation Address. According to them, they did not get any positive assurance from President Akufo-Addo.

    They have called on the government to evacuate them ever since the deadly coronavirus broke out in China.

    Vice President of NUGS- Wuhan, Michael Adney told Citi News that no concrete assurances were given to restore their hopes.

    “On Thursday, we keenly watched the State of the Nation Address as delivered by His Excellency. Despite the assurance that they are still monitoring the situation and putting in place mechanisms to see if it becomes possible to evacuate us, we feel like the evacuation is not going to happen especially after the financial support and food they are providing.”

    “Because as of now, the situation is at its peak and we believe that the longer we stay here, the more vulnerable we are to possibly get infected with the virus. And the more we stay here, the more difficult it becomes for us to be evacuated. We are basically coming into terms with it. But if the government assesses the situation and they feel they will come for us, we will accept it but we want it to be done in a fast manner,” he pleaded.

    During the SONA, President Akufo-Addo said that government will evacuate Ghanaians students from China if the need arises.

    According to him, the government will evacuate students from China if other options aimed at confining the disease to the area of origin fails.

    “The government is in constant touch with experts on the subject who have advised that the basic principle of public health is to confine the disease to the area of origin but we have not ruled out the option of evacuating the students from Wuhan if that becomes necessary.”

    “We have put in place measures to ensure that if the evacuation happens, it will not lead to the dissemination of fear and panic amongst the general population,” the President said.

    Source: primenewsghana.com

  • A Plus seeks procurement information on 307 ambulances from Minister

    Musician turned political activist Kwame Asare Obeng aka A Plus has made a formal request to the Special Development Initiative Minister, Hawa Koomson, requesting information on the recently purchased and distributed 307 ambulances by the Akufo-Addo government.

    A Plus, acting through his lawyer Nii Kpakpo Samoa Addo, is asking for direct information on the procurement process used for the purchase of the ambulances.

    “We write to request for information in relation to the purchase and insurance of the 307 ambulances purchased by the Government of Ghana through your Ministry.

    “Our client has directed us to request as follows:

    1. What was the procurement process used in procuring the 307 ambulances.

    2. If the government resorted to single-source tendering, we would like to request for a copy of the approval from the Public Procurement Board pursuant to section 40(2) of the Public Procurement Act, 2003, Act 663 and also the bid tendered in by the company.

    3. If the government resorted to sole-sourcing, we would also like to know the company which won the contract.”

    Below is the full details:

  • Minoritys ‘jollof rice’ story attributed to me unfortunate – Majority Leader

    The Majority Leader and Minister for Parliamentary Affairs, Osei Kyei Mensah Bonsu has denied reports making rounds that the Minority came back to Parliament for their jollof rice and drinks popularly referred to as ‘Item 13’ after they walked out from this year’s State of the Nation Address.

    According to him, he never granted any interview to any station after the President’s address in Parliament.

    Speaking on Okay FM’s ‘Ade Akye Abia’ programme, he expressed worry as to why some journalists will be so callous to attribute such a story to him.

    “Where are people taking journalism to in this country . . . I have never said it anywhere, neither did I grant any interview to any Journalist . . . yesterday I didn’t speak to anyone . . . that story attributed to me is most unfortunate,” he told Kwame Nkrumah Tikese.

    According to him he was very busy attending to the President and other dignitaries after the event in the Speakers office and retired to the office to attend to the numerous visitors who had come to see him after the programme.

    Members of Parliament (MPs) from the Minority side on Thursday boycotted the 2020 State of the Nation Address (SONA) by President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo.

    Clad in black, the Minority MPs chanted the National Anthem as they walked out of the chamber shortly after President Akufo-Addo took his seat Thursday morning in the chamber.

    Source: peacefmonline.com

  • Let’s elevate certain State Ceremonies above partisan bickering – Kofi Bentil

    Senior Vice President for IMANI Africa Kofi Bentil says it is about time we move partisan bickering away from State Ceremonies.

    Mr. Bentil believes that the partisan bickering we attach to some State Ceremonies only undermines its importance and make the general public have a different view about politicians.

    This was on the back of the Minority’s decision to walk out of Parliament on Thursday when the President was there to deliver the State of the Nation Address.

    He hit out at the Majority and the Minority and challenged them to rise above partisan politics and respect State Ceremonies which instills some sense of patriotism in Ghanaians.

    “Article 67 of our Constitution says the President shall, at the beginning of each session of Parliament and before a dissolution of Parliament, deliver to Parliament a message on the state of the nation. The President can choose to send Parliament a letter but the Constitution gives you latitude for you to build this ceremony of State. So when the President moves from his seat and comes with a convoy, those Ceremonies of State infuse the rest of us with a sense of patriotism. I think citizens have come to the point where they now see it as a minor irritation that politicians are prone to do, so the walkout does not even surprise many and that is not good at all. So both or one of you can say we won’t do this anymore or at least pick some Ceremonies of State and elevate them and say they will not be affected no matter what,” he spoke on Joy FM’s NewsFile.

    However, the Minister for Information Kojo Oppong Nkrumah says the Minority’s decision to walk out of Parliament during the 2020 State of the Nation Address is unaccepted and undermines our democracy.

    The Minority gave a number of reasons for their action and said the number one reason is oppression by President Akufo-Addo.

    They then referred the Majority to 2013 when they were the Minority and how they boycotted then President Mahama’s State of the Nation Address.

    Mr. Oppong Nkrumah, however, believes that the NPP’s action back in 2013 was on the right path as they were challenging the legitimacy of then-President Mahama.

    Source: primenewsghana.com

  • Bolewura bans minors from riding tricycles

    The Paramount Chief of Bole and President of Bole Traditional Council, Bolewura Sarfo Kutuge Feso (I) in consultation with the council of elders and Ghana Police Service has put a total ban on the ridding of tricycles popularly called “cambu” and motor king by children below 18 years in Bole Traditional Area with effect from Friday, 21 February 2020.

    “Any child who is caught in this illegal riding of tricycles (cambu/motor king) across Bole Traditional Area will have himself to be blame,” a statement signed by the Bolewura said.

    The Bolewura has entreated the police to deal with any minor who is found ridding any kind of tricycle in Bole Traditional Area.

    He encouraged the public to comply with this directive to protect lives and properties.

    The people of the Northern region love their motorcyles and that is the most popular means of transport.

    Meanwhile, in January this year alone, the region recorded nine deaths and 13 injuries from 15 motorbike accidents.

    The Northern Regional Director of the Road Safety Commission, Alexander Ayata, at a stakeholder engagement said the death toll from the use of motorbikes is alarming, therefore, there is the need for massive campaign to reduce the deaths.

    The Catholic Church in the region has, therefore, instituted the “No Helmet No Entry” policy in all Catholic Church facilities in the region to encourage the use of helmet by the people.

    The ban on minors too is expected to reduce the number of accidents.

    Source: classfmonline.com

  • Caterpillar crashes Gari and beans seller, 2 others to death in Kumasi

    A gari and beans seller was among three people who died instantly when a Pee Loader known locally as caterpillar failed its breaks and crashed into hawkers at Aputuogya Nkwanta in Kumasi in the Ashanti Region.

    Several others also sustained varied degrees of injuries in the process.

    The unfortunate incident which occurred around 8:30am has thrown the community into a state of mourning.

    An eyewitness, Kwabena Nuamah narrated that the victims including the injured were rushed to Kuntenase hospital.

    According to him, the caterpillar failed breaks and run into the hawkers killing the three instantly.

    Two out of the three died on the spot; and this included the gari and beans seller who was busily serving her customers.

    The victims are currently receiving treatment.

    Source: Angel FM

  • Promasidor Ghana limited honors best distributors for 2019

    Leading food manufacturing company Promasidor Ghana, over the weekend organized a banquet themed awards night for its distributors.

    The annual event was held at the plush Atlantic hotel in Takoradi to appreciate and also reward deserving distributors for their immense contribution to the growth of Promasidor for the year 2019.

    A total number of 106 individual awards including the national top three best awards were presented to deserving distributors at the exciting night of awards. Awards presented include best performing distributors for Cowbell, Miksi, Yumvita and the Onga family for all regions across the country.

    Speaking in a media interview, Commercial Director for Promasidor Ghana Mr. Samir Sadaoui, expressed his excitement about the event and further thanked the distributors for their contribution to the success of the business for the year 2019.

    He also took the opportunity to congratulate all awardees and also urged the other distributors to strive for awards for the year 2020.

    A total award package valued at four hundred and fifty thousand Ghana cedis (GHS450,000) was presented to various distributors at the event.

    The 3rd and 2nd national best distributor awards went to Giant Traders from Ashanti region and Maaltima from the Northern region. They were both presented with citations and cash prizes.

    Tonifel Enterprise from Greater Accra region walked home with the ultimate prize for the overall national best distributor for the period.

    A special award package was also presented to Jumbolink Ltd as the national fastest growing distributor for the year. Each of the top 4 national best distributors walked home with cash prizes in addition to an all-expense paid vacation to Dubai for the themselves and their partners.

    The awards night was preceded by a conference with the distributors to review and discuss pertinent issues that affect performance of distributors and how best they could be resolved. The business also took the opportunity to introduce new policies and initiatives to bolster the partnership between distributors

    Some distributors took the opportunity to thank the business and expressed their excitement about the event.

    Source: ghanaiantimes.com.gh

  • Teach children their mother tongues Pencils of Promise, World Vision

    Two Non-Governmental Organisations, Pencils of Promise (POP) and World Vision have marked this year’s International Mother Language Day celebration in the Volta region on the theme “Indigenous languages matter for development, peace building, and reconciliation”.

    International Mother Language Day marked 21 February is an annual celebration inaugurated by the United Nations Educational Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) in 1999, aimed to celebrate and project local dialect worldwide.

    The Krachi West Municipal Director of Ghana Education Service, Mrs. Georgina Mensah in her speech during the event held in Ho, indicated that children are fast in understanding lessons when they are been taught in local dialects and show interest and self-esteem in their academic activities.

    She said in her area, literacy among learners has improved at the basic schools because of the use of local dialect to teach the children, hence, its prudent to equip the pupils with their mother tongues.

    “Education especially literacy in the lower grades is very successful, now most children can read…” she said.

    She called on both government and non-government institutions to use the day to promote and outline policies to “support mother language”.

    The Volta regional Chairman of the Ghana Journalists Association (GIJ), Mr. Kafui Bells Kanyi shared his experience using his local dialect (Ewe) as a Journalist and called for the need to always use mother language.

    He encouraged radio stations in the Volta region to do programmes in local languages as a measure to promote and project it.

    A representative from International Child Development Program (ICDP), Ghana, Ms. Joyce Lanyo bemoaned that, foreigners who visit Ghana are always eager to learn indigenous languages but Ghanaians rather feels shy to use the mother tongues.

    “When foreign volunteers come, the first thing they want to learn is the local language why is it that we are throwing that away?” She quizzed.

    She praised musicians who uses their songs to project mother languages and made reference to Amakye Dede and Ofori Amposah as agents to promote the agenda.” Ms Lanyo promised the organisation’s support to promote the use of mother languages.

    The Country Director of Pencils of Promise, Mr. Freeman Gobah, who spearheaded the event in an interview with Class News urged parents to allow their children to speak the local dialect while learning the international ones.

    The celebration was climax with a panel discussion on how to promote the local languages, and ended by encouraging educational institutions, parents and other stakeholders to make use of the local dialects.

    Source: classfmonline.com

  • Endorsing a candidate: Judges should know better Kwaku Azar

    A US-based lawyer and professor of accounting Stephen Asare (Kwaku Azar) has expressed shock that a Judge of the Superior court has publicly endorsed a candidate for political office in violation of the judicial code of conduct.

    His comment comes after Justice Clemence Jackson Honyenuga, who is sitting on the case involving the former Ghana Cocoa Board boss, Dr Stephen Opuni and businessman Seidu Agongo, sparked social media rage over his declaration of support for President Akufo-Addo, during his tour of the Oti and Volta regions.

    The Court of Appeal judge, who is presiding over the case as additional High Court Judge, had declared support for President Akufo-Addo and the New Patriotic Party (NPP), in his capacity as the Paramount Chief of the Nyagbo Traditional Area, Torgbui Ashui Nyagasi V.

    Reacting to this development in a Facebook post, Prof Asare noted that: “Of course, we do not take our laws and codes seriously but judges should do a little better.”

    His full post read: “I was utterly surprised to read that a Judge of the Superior court has publicly endorsed a candidate for political office in clear violation of the judicial code of conduct. Of course, we do not take our laws and codes seriously but judges should do a little better. 128/1820 is a bona fide scam and sham. Da Yie!”

    The state-owned Daily Graphic newspaper, quoted Justice Honyenuga as calling on Ghanaians to give President Akufo-Addo, another term to implement his vision for the country.

    “We wish to congratulate you for the excellent manner you are governing this dear country of ours, it is our hope that with your vision and the gains made in your first term, Ghanaians may consider giving you another four years,” he stated.

    Justice Honyenuga, who made the call at a durbar of chiefs and people of Nyagbo to welcome the President, as part of his three-day tour of the Volta and Oti regions, also implored the President to ensure that the forthcoming elections on December 7, 2020, were peaceful.

  • I will fix broken education system – Mahama

    Former President and leader of the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC), Mr John Dramani Mahama, has stated that in the next NDC government, each district would get a technical institute in order to improve upon the human capital of the Ghanaian youth.

    In this regard, he called for the needed attention to be given to technical and vocational training in the country, since not everyone could acquire secondary education.

    Former President John Dramani Mahama, who was speaking at separate rallies at Ahebenso, Afere and Kwasikrom all in the Bodi Constituency of the Western North Region to round up his three days tour of the region, lauded the free senior high school policy, but accused the NPP government of not implementing it properly.

    He indicated that he would cancel the double track system of the free SHS if the NDC wins the next general elections.

    The former President called for unity among the rank and file of the Party and advised Party faithfuls to vote massively for the NDC parliamentary candidates.

    Mr Micheal Aidoo, Western North Regional Chairman of the Party, asked the members to remain loyal and committed to the cause of the NDC, since that was the only party that had their interest at heart.

    Source: GNA

  • Notorious armed robber shot dead near Adoagyiri

    A man described by the Police as a notorious armed robber has been gunned down in Ntoaso near Adoagyiri in the Eastern Region.

    Identified only as Sheriff, he was said to have engaged in a shootout with a team of personnel from the Police Counter Terrorism Unit (CTU) in the early hours of Friday.

    The team was said to have responded to a distress call at about 3:30am regarding the activity of the suspect who has been on the police wanted list for some time now at Ntoaso.

    A group of armed men numbering about eight, were said to have first opened fire on the police personnel immediately they arrived at the scene.

    The police officers returned fire hitting the suspect in the rib and head, leading to his death.

    His accomplices however managed to escape.

    Police retrieved from the scene items including pump-action gun, cartridges, smartphones and motorbikes.

    The body of the deceased has been deposited at the Police Hospital morgue while the police have intensified efforts to arrest the remaining suspects.

    Source: 3news.com

  • RTI: A-Plus writes to request procurement information on 375 ambulances

    Musician turned political activist Kwame Asare Obeng popularly known as A-Plus has formerly written to the Special Initiative ministry requesting information on the recently purchased and distributed 375 ambulances by the Akufo-Addo government.

    A Plus, acting through his lawyer Nii Kpakpo Samoa Addo, is asking for direct information on the procurement process used for the purchase of the ambulances.

    The development comes in the wake of the decision of the electoral commission to turn down a request by Ashaiman MP Ernest Norgbe who was demanding information on their procurement processes.

    The legislature wantd to know the processes the Commission adopted prior to contracting the services of Dr. Ofori-Adjei, IT Consultant and Mr. A. Akrofi, Procurement Consultant; and whether the said procurement was done in accordance with Part 6 of the Public Procurement Act.

    In a letter addressed to lawyer for the MP Martin Kpebu, the EC said the MP has not paid the necessary charges under the Right to Information law to enable him have access to the Information required.

    Source: starrfm.com.gh

  • 4 grabbed for gang-raping two teenagers

    A joint police operation has led to the arrests of four out of six men who are alleged to have detained two girls and sexually assaulted them in turns.

    The suspects have been identified as Benjamin Mensah, Vincent Avi, Samuel Otoo and Kingsley Chidi, a Nigerian.

    The two, who are currently at large, have been named only as Seth and Senior, according to the police.

    The victims, who are both 15 years old and in primary four, have been handed over to the Social Welfare Department for Counselling after being examined at the Police Hospital and confirming that they were sexually abused by all the suspects.

    The Accra Regional Police Public Relations Officer, Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) Effia Tenge, said on February 8, 2020, parents of the girls reported to the Odorkor police about their disappearance from school.

    She said a publication was made to that effect and it was established that on February 7, an elder brother of one of the victims spotted them at Mallam Junction, Accra, and questioned them as to why they were not in school.

    DSP Tenge said the girls could not give any explanation and they were asked to go back to school.

    She said on February 13, the aunt of one of the victims received a telephone call from one of the suspects, Samuel Otoo, demanding money for the upkeep of the girls.

    “The police were immediately informed and on February 14 around 10:30 pm, a joint operation between the Gbawe Lafa Police and Nyanyano District Police Command led to the arrests of the four suspects from their various hideouts at Kasoa,” she narrated.

    She said police preliminary investigations revealed that the suspects left school on February 7 around 11 am to meet Seth and Senior at McCarty Hills.

    She said Seth and his gang then sent the girls to their Gomoa Nyanyano residence where they kept them and had sex with them in turns.

    It turned out that the examination revealed one of the victims was a virgin.

    “The police operation team grabbed the four suspects and rescued the victims in addition, but two of the suspects managed to escape arrest during the said operation,” she said.

    “The suspects are in our custody and we are still conducting investigations into the case and would apprehend any person involved in this criminal act,” she added.

    Source: Dailyguidenetwork.com

  • Look out for gun wounded persons and report Police

    The public particularly health personnel, herbalists and residents living in and around Ntuaso and Nsawam in the Eastern region, have been entreated to look out for persons with gunshot wounds and report their whereabouts to the nearest Police Station or call 18555 / 191 or 112.

    In the early hours of Friday, 21 February 2020 at about 0230 hours, officers of the Police Counter Terrorism Unit of the Police Headquarters responded to a distress call regarding robbery at Ntuaso.

    The CTU team on arrival at the scene, noticed a group of armed men numbering about eight who upon seeing Police opened fire. The police officers returned fire leading to the death of one of the suspected robbers but the rest managed to escape.

    Police retrieved from the scene items including pump action gun, cartridges, smart phones, motorbikes, dagger, lighter and a Kia Rio with registration number GG 1380-15.

    The body of the deceased has been deposited at the Police Hospital morgue while efforts are underway to arrest the rest.

    The public is, therefore, encouraged to be on the look-out and report any suspicious characters with gunshot wounds.

    Source: classfmonline.com

  • Kennedy Agyapong, 40 other aspirants NPP chase 19 Parliamentary slots in Central Region

    A total of 41 aspirants including Kennedy Agyapong have successfully filed their nominations to contest in the New Patriotic Party (NPP) April 25 Parliamentary Primaries in constituencies with seating MPs in the Central Region.

    According to confirmed statistics released by the Central Regional Secretariat of the NPP sighted by MyNewsGh.com, the contestants include incumbent MPs who won in the 19 constituencies during the 2016 elections.

    Though some of them are first-time MPs, others are going for their third and fourth terms and are seeking the mandate of party delegates
    The details are as follows:

    ASSIN NORTH
    1.Hon. Abena Durowaa Mensah
    2. Mr. Eric Amankwa Blay
    3. Mr. Emmanuel Antwi Bosiako
    TWIFO ATTI-MORKWA
    1. Prof. Francis Owusu- Mensah
    2. Hon. Abraham Dwuma Odoom
    3. Mr Ebenezer Obeng Dwamena
    HEMANG LOWER DENKYIRA
    1. Hon. Bright Wireko-Brobby
    2. Nana Kwame Yamoah Hagan
    GOMOA EAST
    1. Hon Kojo Asemanyi
    2. Mr. Richard Panford
    EFFUTU
    Hon. Alexander Afenyo Markin
    MFANTSEMAN
    1.James Korsah Brown
    2.Hon. Ekow Kwansa Hayford
    AGONA WEST
    1. Mr. Evans Addison Coleman
    2. Hon.Cynthia Mamle Morrison
    3. Hon. Samuel Kweku Obodai
    4. Mr. Yawson Otoo
    EKUMFI
    Hon. Francis Kingsley Ato Cudjoe
    ASIKUMA ODOBEN BRAKWA
    1. Hon. Anthony Effah
    2. Samuel Ofori Ampomah
    3. Francis Ampong-Ansah Banasco
    4. Ernest Kojo Smith
    5. Bright Essilfie Kumi
    6. Hon. Adjei Domson

    ASSIN SOUTH
    1. Hon. John Ntim Fordjour
    2. Joseph Kofi Damtse

    AWUTU SENYA WEST
    1. Hon. Nenyi George Andah
    2. Mr. Joseph Aidoo

    ASSIN CENTRAL
    1. Hon Ken Ohene Agyapong
    2. Eric Baidoo

    CAPE COAST NORTH
    1. Hon. Barbara Asher Ayisi
    2. Mr Lawrence Ampah
    3. Mr Joseph Thomas Baidoo
    4. Mr Philip Longdon

    ABURA ASEBU KWAMANKESE
    1. Hon. Elvis Morris Donkoh
    2. Mr Eric Kobina Nyanteh

    GOMOA WEST
    1. Hon. Alexander Kodwo Kom Abban
    2. Mr Abass Kodwo Acquah

    UPPER DENKYIRA EAST
    1.Hon Nana Amoako
    2. Richmond Nii Duodu
    3.Dr Festus Awuah Kwofie
    4.Charles Afari Mensah

    AWUTU SENYA EAST
    1.Hon Mavis Hawa Koomson
    2. Bernard Ayeh Dankwah
    3. Patrick Kwadu-Amponsem

    UPPER DENKYIRA WEST
    1.Hon. Benjamin Kofi Ayeh
    2. Hon. Samuel Nsowah Djan

    GOMOA CENTRAL
    1.Hon. Naana Eyiah
    2. Dr Nana Ketu Cudjoe

    Source: MyNewsGh.com

  • Akufo-Addo sidelined us during 2020 SONA – Menzgold, Gold Coast Fund Mgt customers

    Customers of Gold Coast Fund Management and Menzgold have accused President Akufo-Addo of sidelining them in the payment of locked up investment.

    President Akufo-Addo during his final State of the Nation Address yesterday announced that all locked up investments of customers of the financial sector cleanup will be paid.

    The President further revealed that payments up to GH¢5 billion are to begin on Monday, February 24, 2020.

    But speaking to Starr FM today, the spokesperson for the Gold Coast Fund Management, Charles Nyame said they are demanding an explanation from the government on what the silence means for payment.

    ”Nana Akufo-Addo, Vice President and the Finance Minister have sidelined we the customers under Gold Coast Fund Management. What they are trying to say is that they will pay customers who falls under Bank of Ghana, not those who fall under Securities and Exchanges Commission, We want the President to come out clear to tell us the reason why he thinks that as a result of his own initiative which is the financial sector cleanup exercise, we have all resulted into this mess and he thinks that those who are under Bank of Ghana can be satisfied to the detriment to those of us who are under SEC. The government should come out and tell us the reason why the think its right to do so and moving forward we are not going to rest, we are going to fight for our rights.”

    On the other hand, the leader of the Coalition of Customers of Menzgold, Fred Forson said they will continue to persist until their locked up funds are retrieved. Adding they are already preparing a demonstration in Kumasi.

    ”I am so disappointed because we have sent a petition to the President and if there was going to be an intervention the customers of Menzgold will be included but not even the mention of Menzgold customers in the State of the Nation Address. We are been discriminated and as for our money, we will take it. We will be going to Kumasi on March 6 to continue our protest”.

    Source: primenewsghana.com

  • Airbus scandal: We need answers! – Youth charges Mahama

    Some concerned youth in the Western Region, have expressed great displeasure at flagbearer for the National Democratic Congress, John Dramai Mahama, over his silence on the Airbus scandal and his alleged involvement .

    The concerned group members demonstrated on the streets of Juaboso holding placards with questions they wish to ask Mahama if given the opportunity to.

    Some of the placards read; Are you Government Official 1? JM, why the long silence on the Airbus scandal? JM and corruption are identical twins, Who is Intermediary 5, among other messages.

    The group, upon learning about Mr John Mahama touring the region, used the opportunity to demand answers from the former President, whose name appears to be the focal point in the Airbus saga.

    Airbus admitted to UK, US and France courts of having paid kickbacks to Intermediary 5, Mr. John Mahama’s brother.

  • Election 2020: Bawumia is my running mate President Akufo-Addo declares

    President Akufo-Addo has announced that he will be running for President in the 2020 elections with the sitting Vice President Mahamudu Bawumia, as his running mate.

    The President made the disclosure at the Headquarters of New Patriotic Party (NPP) when he addressed party faithful after submitting his nomination forms to the Party leadership in fulfilment of the laid down rules in the NPP constitution.

    “Our party regulations says that once a flagbearer is chosen, the flagbearer must choose his running mate. This is not a matter that needs any consideration, once my hands are lifted, I will also lift up the hands of the Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia. He is certainly the one I will be running with” President Akufo-Addo said.

    Voter Registration Exercise

    President Akufo-Addo was quick to suggest to the Party folk to make sure that as soon as the Electoral Commission begins its upcoming “Voter Registration Exercise”, they and their households will go and write their names in order to secure their right to vote in the 2020 elections and beyond.

    General Secretary of the NPP

    General Secretary of the NPP, John Boadu, before he invited the President to address the Party members noted that President Akufo-Addo is the only member of the NPP who has filed his nomination forms to run for the flagbearership position of the NPP ahead of election 2020. He urged the rank and file of the party to get into campaign mode forthwith to ensure that the party wins back to power after the 2020 elections.

    Source: kasapafmonline.com

  • Ghana extends rail line to Burkina Faso Akufo-Addo

    What started as the Tema to Paga railway line project has become Ghana to Burkina Railway Interconnectivity Project, President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo has said.

    Speaking on the rail sector of the economy while delivering his fourth State of the Nation Address on Thursday, 20 February 2020, Mr Akufo-Addo said: “The contractors have assured the government that the Tema to Mpakadan line, which includes a three hundred (300)-meter rail bridge over the Volta River, will be completed in August.

    “Those who travel along the Accra to Akosombo route would testify that this is a reality, as we can all see the work being done. I hope to travel on that line in August. We can safely say that the rail line journey to Paga has begun.”

    He added: “The Tema to Accra line has been operational for two years and the Accra to Nsawam line would soon be operational. The Takoradi to Tarkwa line was inaugurated a few weeks ago and is proving to be very popular and being enthusiastically patronised”, the President said.

    “What started as the Tema to Paga railway line has become the Ghana to Burkina Railway Interconnectivity Project”, he noted, adding: “Approximately eight hundred (800) Kilometers of this rail line will be in Ghana and two hundred (200) kilometers in Burkina Faso.”

    Source: classfmonline.com

  • Police to get choppers Akufo-Addo

    President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo has told Parliament on Thursday, February 20, 2020 that the government is procuring helicopters for the Ghana Police Service.

    He said this forms part of efforts to resource the police service well enough to fight crime.

    Delivering his fourth state of the nation address to Parliament, Mr. Akufo-Addo said the number of police personnel has also been increased.

    “Police numbers have been increased and will be increased further until we meet the recommended ratio. The police has been provided with tools and equipment including over 600 vehicles and incoming helicopters.

    “The government will continue to work with the management of the police service to ensure that there is proper and adequate training in modern policing methods and equipping of the service to enable them deal with crime.”

    Mr Akufo-Addo further charged the top hierarchy of the police service to work hard to restore public confidence in the law enforcement body.

    He said: “Government is committed to improving the conditions of service of all security personnel, including the police, but, nevertheless, I think it is my duty also to put out that the public perception of the police continues not to be the best.

    “We must make a comprehensive effort to restore confidence among the public. We cannot run a country of law and order without a well-trained and accomplished police service that has the respect and confidence of the people.

    Source: classfmonline.com

  • Farouk Aliu Mahama files nomination forms amidst massive crowd

    Yendi township was brought to a standstill as constituents poured in their huge numbers to support Alhaji Farouk Aliu Mahama file nomination.

    The huge crowd comprising of party delegates, party members and youth cheered him from his residence to the constituency party office to officially seal his nomination documents.

    Responding to cheers from the large numbers of elated NPP members and sympathisers who thronged the party office to show support for his candidature, he reiterated his commitment to leading a united party in the constituency, as he believes that is the necessary condition for securing victory in the 2020 General Elections.

    He assured the constituency executives, opinion leaders and elders of the party that he will abide by the rules and regulations of the primary, as set out by the party, and will also ensure that his supporters do likewise

    The submission was climaxed by a rally to officially set the tone for his campaign. Addressing supporters gathered at the grounds he emphasized that he could be trusted to serve the constituency well, stressing and he had the vision, network and experience to inspire and lead the Yendi NPP to victory in 2020.

    Farouk Aliu Mahama reiterated his appeal to the party in the constituency to be united into to retain President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo Addo.


  • ‘Don’t exchange our color television for black and white’ Sammy Awuku tells Ghanaians

    Ghanaians have been admonished not to mortgage their future by voting for the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC) in the 2020 general elections.

    According to the National Organizer of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), a vote for former President John Mahama is a vote for the kingdom of darkness.

    He made the comment while addressing NPP members at the 20th anniversary of the Tertiary Students Confederacy (TESCON) of the party at Ho Technical University in the Volta region.

    “2020 elections is going to be a battle between kingdom of God on one side and the kingdom of darkness on another side so let no one deceive you to exchange your colour television for black and white” Sammy Awuku charged.

    He maintained that, the December general elections will be won on the hard work of the youth in the party.

    “It is obvious the NDC does not have campaign message so we need to work hard to retain the NPP in power” the NPP National Organizer stated

    Sammy Awuku urged the youth to be focused and not allow the NDC to define them with propaganda.

    Source: GHBeyondPolitics.com

  • Ghana Institution of Surveyors swears in new members

    The Ghana Institution of Surveyors (GHis) has inducted newly qualified members into its professional body.

    The GHis which marked its 50th anniversary, is made up of three groups of professionals: the Valuation and Estate Surveyors, the Quantity Surveyors, and the Land Surveyors.

    President of GHis and chairperson of the induction ceremony, Mrs. Maame Ama-Edumadze Acquah admonished the new members to exercise professionalism in their work.

    “Let me sound a word of caution, that the surveying profession comes with rules, regulations, code of ethics, and all these ought to be followed by you. You also have to act in a manner that will enhance the integrity and dignity of the profession,” she said.

    According to Mrs. Acquah, the newly inducted surveyors should embrace and learn how well to use survey technology in order to contribute their quota to national development.

    “We all acknowledge that the rapid changes we see in technological development; be it automation, artificial intelligence, virtual reality and augmented reality would all play major roles in the future of surveying, thus it is imperative that we find ways of embracing and mastering them … surveyors in Ghana have no option but to move with the technology if we want to be in business and remain relevant in the market, particularly if we want our contribution to the national development to be felt,” she said.

    Inductees who performed exceptionally well in their academics were given special awards and recognition.

    Source: www.ghanaweb.com