President Akufo-Addo has pledged to ensure that any political party or presidential candidate found in breach of the law ahead of the December elections faces the appropriate consequences.
Addressing attendees at the commissioning of The Law House in Accra on Monday, June 10, President Akufo-Addo reiterated his administration’s commitment to zero tolerance for legal violations by political entities or presidential hopefuls.
He emphasized his dedication to upholding the rule of law and preserving order in Ghana, particularly as the nation approaches the December polls.
Akufo-Addo stressed that consistent application of the law is vital to safeguarding the peace, security, and stability of the country against any disruption stemming from the ambitions of political parties or presidential candidates.
Using the platform to reassure the Ghanaian populace, the President assured that law enforcement agencies, including the Office of the Attorney General, will exert every effort to uphold law and order throughout the country, especially during this crucial election year.
“I want to use the opportunity on this platform to reassure the Ghanaian people that a law enforcement agency of the state, including the office of the Attorney General, will do all within their power to ensure that law and order prevail in the country at all time, especially at this critical election year.”
“We will not allow the peace, security and stability of the nation that makes Ghana a beacon on the African continent, to be compromised on the alter of the ambitions of any political party or presidential candidate. It will not happen.”
The Law House, standing tall at ten stories and located next to the High Court complex, was officially inaugurated by the President. It is designated as the new headquarters for the Attorney General and Ministry of Justice.
Commencing its construction in 2001, the project was revitalized in January 2023. It now showcases contemporary amenities, comprising conference rooms, office spaces, parking lots, and a dining area.
The Flagbearer of the main opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC), John Dramani Mahama, has pledged to establish a dedicated paid television channel exclusively for creative arts events.
This commitment came during his engagement with talents from the Ghanaian creative industry in Accra, where discussions centered on the substantial potential of the creative arts sector in generating millions of employment opportunities for the youth.
“We can unlock countless opportunities for our talented young people.” That is why according to him, if elected President in the December 7 polls, he and his government will be committed to renewing support for the creative arts in the country again and fostering an environment where artists can thrive.
“As part of our plans for the creative arts industry, we intend to set up a paid television channel specifically for creative arts events. We want to provide a platform for our talented artists to showcase their work and reach a wider audience, “he promised.
Recognizing the pivotal role of a vibrant creative industry in unleashing opportunities for talented young individuals, the former President emphasized the importance of placing the sector on a solid foundation.
He affirmed that, if elected President in the December 7 polls, his administration would prioritize revitalizing support for the creative arts and nurturing an environment conducive for artists to flourish.
As part of his vision for the creative arts industry, Mahama outlined plans to establish a paid television channel dedicated to showcasing creative arts events. This initiative aims to provide a platform for talented artists to exhibit their work and connect with a broader audience.
Furthermore, Mahama disclosed a comprehensive agenda comprising over 20 policy proposals for arts and tourism. These include initiatives such as refurbishing Centers of Arts and Culture, promoting Ghanaian films at international film festivals, and offering tax incentives to creative artists registered with Tax Identification Numbers (TIN).
Expressing confidence in the transformative potential of the right policies, investments, and support, Mahama asserted that elevating the creative arts industry would empower youth to pursue their passions while contributing significantly to the nation’s economic development.
Supporters and MPs surprised Vice President, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia at his residence in Kumasi as he geared up to kickstart his campaign tour in the Ashanti region.
Dr. Bawumia was greeted with enthusiasm on June 10 as a sizable crowd gathered at his Ahodwo Daban residence.
They accompanied him to Tru Vine Hotel in Nhyiaeso, the venue for his first scheduled meeting.
Leading the procession was Regional Chairman, Chairman Wontumi, joined by Minister for Education Osei Adutwum, Campaign Coordinator for the Middle-Belt and MP for Effiduase Asokore, Dr. Ayew Afriyie, and Deputy Minister of Finance Dr. Steven Amoah.
The welcoming committee set a vibrant mood, resonating with cheers and applause.
In a widely circulated video, the Vice President was seen smiling and interacting with the exuberant crowd, showcasing the robust backing he commands in the region.
Dr. Bawumia’s campaign tour spans three days in the Ashanti region, encompassing engagements with party members, door-to-door canvassing, and meetings with various organized groups and religious bodies.
Furthermore, he plans to extend a courtesy visit to the Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, at the Manhyia Palace.
The Greater Accra Regional Minister, Daniel Nii Kwartei Titus-Glover, has led a taskforce to dismantle a structure situated on the waterways at the Sakumono Ramsar site.
This action follows the Minister’s recent declaration of all Ramsar sites within the Tema Metropolitan, Tema West Municipal, Ablekuma West Municipal, and the Weija-Gbawe Municipal Assemblies as security zones.
Despite the Minister’s directive, some individuals persist in erecting illegal constructions, posing a threat to the site’s integrity.
Titus-Glover, the former Tema East Member of Parliament, expressed his commitment to enforcing strict compliance and reclaiming these lands.
In an interview on Adom FM’s morning show Dwaso Nsem, Titus-Glover recounted receiving information about unauthorized construction within the wetlands, prompting immediate action.
Accompanied by the Municipal Chief Executive (MCE) and supported by the Police, they demolished the structure.
He emphasized the need to halt such impunity, questioning the rationale behind acquiring land in a wetland.
Titus-Glover cautioned that Teshie Sango would be his next focal point, asserting his determination to address the issue without succumbing to political or other external pressures.
Moreover, he revealed plans to adopt a roadmap initiated by his predecessor, Henry Quartey, in collaboration with the Forestry Commission, to address the ongoing challenges effectively.
The Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, has pledged GH¢500,000 to an educational endowment fund in the Ga State, aimed at supporting the region’s children.
This commitment was made during a durbar held in his honor at the Ga Mantse Palace on Sunday, as part of his historic visit to King Tackie Teiko Tsuru II, the Ga Mantse.
Following a similar courtesy visit by the Ga Mantse to the Manhyia Palace during the Asantehene’s 25th anniversary celebration, the visit underscores the longstanding relationship between the Asantes and the Gas.
Notably, Otumfuo Agyemang Prempeh II’s visit to the Ga State 78 years ago on July 25, 1946, remains significant.
Addressing the gathering through his linguist, the Asantehene emphasized the importance of traditional rulers uniting for national development, highlighting the shift from chieftaincy as a symbol of conquest to a driver of progress.
Expressing gratitude for the warm reception during his Silver Jubilee celebrations, the Asantehene reiterated his commitment to strengthening ties between the Ga State and the Asante Kingdom. He assured continued support for King Teiko Tsuru II’s reign.
The Greater Accra Regional Minister, Mr. Daniel Nii Kwartei Titus Glover, praised the Asantehene’s reign as a beacon of peace and leadership, affirming the Ga State’s eagerness to benefit from his wisdom.
In response, King Tackie Teiko Tsuru II thanked the Asantehene for the financial assistance and stressed the importance of unity for the Ga State’s progress.
He urged political parties to ensure peaceful elections in December.
The event, characterized by a blend of Ga and Asante cultures, witnessed the presence of dignitaries from various sectors, showcasing rich traditions and cultural displays.
Among them were government officials, religious leaders, and members of the diplomatic corps.
Accra came to a standstill on Sunday, June 9, 2024, as Asantehene Otumfuo Osei Tutu II visited the Ga State at the invitation of Ga Mantse Nii Tackie Teiko Tsuru II.
In honour of the Asantehene, a special durbar was held at the Ga Mantse’s Palace, attracting numerous dignitaries who paid homage to the two traditional rulers.
Among the notable attendees were members of the East Legon Executive Club, one of Ghana’s most exclusive associations, consisting of some of the country’s most successful and wealthy business tycoons. They announced their presence with a grand convoy of luxurious cars.
A viral video showcased a lineup of several high-end automobiles driven by the club members to the event. The impressive collection included various editions of the Mercedes G-Class (G-Wagon) series, several Rolls Royce cars, a Bugatti Veyron, Cadillac Escalade, and other Mercedes models.
Led by Dr. Osei Kwame Despite, owner of the Despite Media Group and Companies, the club members paid homage to both the Asantehene and the Ga Mantse during the durbar.
Watch video below:
How East Legon Executive Club Members lined up in the streets of Accra to welcome the Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II.
According to them, not even the President can move them to do this. Only the Asantehene can do this.
In 2018, Busy Internet was a company in severe distress. As an internet service provider struggling against industry giants, it faced dwindling revenue, increasing liabilities, and growing staff discontent.
Adding to its troubles, the company owed millions of cedis in unpaid taxes and social security contributions.
It seemed imminent that the company might shut down. At this critical juncture, staff were informed that Busy Internet had been acquired by Aguila Holdings.
A few weeks later, they were further astonished and delighted to learn that Busy Internet had secured a major government contract to supply Wi-Fi services to secondary schools and Ghana Education Service offices nationwide.
This contract was particularly surprising because Busy Internet should not have been eligible to bid. With its significant tax liabilities and unpaid social security contributions, the company lacked the necessary tax and Social Security and National Insurance Trust (SSNIT) clearance certificates, mandatory for bidding on government contracts.
Despite these clear disqualifications, Busy Internet secured the multi-million government contract through a sole-sourcing arrangement.
A former staff member of Busy Internet, intimately familiar with the contract but requesting anonymity, stated, “What I know for sure is that during that time we did not have a SSNIT clearance certificate nor a GRA tax clearance certificate,” to The Fourth Estate.
Moreover, Busy Internet was not registered with the Public Procurement Authority (PPA) as a supplier, contrary to PPA procurement rules, as confirmed by searches on the PPA website.
The five-year contract was awarded without the required parliamentary approval under Ghana’s Public Financial Management Act.
“It was good news,” says a former employee of Busy Internet who wishes to remain anonymous for fear of victimisation. “At the end, we were all of this conviction that the MOE [Wi-Fi] contract was going to end the woes of Busy Internet. We were sinking as a company and salaries were not being paid.”
The parent company of Busy Internet and Lifted Logistics, CEO of Aguila Holdings, Horpe Omotayo-Ojo, assured staff that their jobs were secure and efforts would be made to pay off Busy Internet’s debts and restore profitability. However, these promises were unfulfilled, and many employees were laid off as the company began installing internet connectivity devices in senior high schools across the country.
Despite being considered more suitable than industry leaders like MTN, which had just been licensed to provide 4G internet services, and Surfline Ghana Limited, another 4G internet service provider, Busy Internet secured the contract.
The Free Senior High School Coordinator, William Darkwa, explained that the major players were not interested due to concerns about delayed government payments.
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After securing the contract, Busy Internet subcontracted MTN Ghana and AirtelTigo to provide the services it had agreed to supply. Initially, the Wi-Fi system worked, and some schools had internet access. However, connectivity issues soon arose. The Fourth Estate found that out of 50 schools visited in 2023, 48 had been without internet for several months. Complaints to Busy Internet’s customer service were largely unaddressed, leaving schools frustrated and angry.
The investigation revealed that Busy Internet, despite being unqualified, was awarded a major government contract through sole-sourcing. The initial contract cost between Busy Internet and the Ministry of Education was GHS84.4 million, with the Ministry also obligated to pay a monthly recurrent cost of GHS6.4 million for internet connectivity to schools and educational offices.
The Wi-Fi for schools project fulfilled a 2016 manifesto promise by the governing New Patriotic Party to provide free Wi-Fi for senior secondary and tertiary institutions nationwide. As of February 2024, over 1,000 institutions were connected to the internet under this contract.
The Fourth Estate’s investigation revealed that internet services to these schools and offices were unreliable, with many lacking internet for months, while the Ministry of Education paid GHS56 million for services barely provided.
In May 2023, the PPA approved a name change from Busy Internet to Lifted Logistics Ghana, although Lifted Logistics was not a licensed internet service provider at the time. The PPA also approved an increase in the monthly recurring cost from GHS6.5 million to GHS11.5 million, nearly doubling the government’s cost for a poorly delivered service.
“If it is a joint venture and there is a new entity borne out of this joint venture, you need to have the mandatory requirements,” Mr Sarpong said. “There is a clause that if you are subcontracting any portion of this contract, you need to inform the principal so that due diligence is done on the subcontractor to check if everything of theirs is good.”
Former employees raised concerns about the transfer of Busy Internet’s license to another entity, but the NCA confirmed in March 2023 that Busy Internet’s license had not been transferred or reassigned. Procurement Consultant Collins Agyemang Sarpong noted that sub-contracting to an unregistered internet service provider raised further questions about the arrangement’s legitimacy.
The Fourth Estate contacted the PPA for clarification on approving a multi-million contract for an unqualified company and the subsequent increase in monthly costs but received no response.
The Ga Mantse, Nii Tackie Teiko Tsuru II, hosted a grand durbar to honor the Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II.
The event showcased a variety of cultural performances, celebrating the historic visit of the Asantehene to the Ga state.
During his speech at the Ga Mantse Palace, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II announced a donation of five hundred thousand Ghana cedis to an education fund supporting underprivileged children in the Ga community.
He highlighted that his visit aimed to foster unity between the Ga and Asante people and to dispel the notion of rivalry between the two tribes.
Nii Tackie Teiko Tsuru II expressed his heartfelt gratitude to the Asantehene for his generous support.
He also urged the public to uphold peace and harmony before, during, and after the upcoming elections.
The public has urged to take caution with the animal products they consume to safeguard their health, as the Veterinary Services Directorate (VSD) of the Ministry of Food and Agriculture (MOFA) highlights its challenges in ensuring product safety.
Speaking at the launch of this year’s Food Safety Month in Accra, the Greater Accra Regional Veterinary Director, Dr. Joseph Kofi Abuh, emphasized the importance of being mindful of the quality of animal products purchased, especially given the ongoing resistance faced by the VSD and resource limitations.
“You are what you eat so when buying food, especially animal products and you are told this animal is not in good condition, it’s not from recognised sources, it unhealthy for consumption and you buy because it’s cheap, it’s your own health you are putting at risk.
“We are the authority for animal health and veterinary public health but we are constrained in terms of finances, human resources, and logistics among others.
“…Our officers on the ground are sometimes physically abused, we don’t always have the full cooperation of the police to enforce the law. Some of these butchers also have political backings, if not, slaughterhouses in Accra, like Tulaku, Avenor and Jamestown should have been closed down by now because we have raised alarm several times of the unhealthy practices at these places,” the Greater Accra Regional Veterinary Director, Dr Joseph Kofi Abuh, cautioned.
Under the theme “Food Safety: Preparing for the unexpected,” this year’s awareness campaign aims to underscore the proactive measures needed to manage food safety risks, particularly those related to animal health.
Dr. Abuh stressed the significance of empowering the VSD fully to prevent foodborne illnesses and maintain the integrity of the food value chain, despite constraints in finances, human resources, and logistics.
Highlighting the need for legislative support, Dr. Abuh called for the prompt review of the Diseases Animal Act 1961 to enact the Animal Health Bill, which would delineate stakeholder roles along the animal production value chain.
“We believe the Animal Health Bill is very critical for food security and public health. The bill has been undergoing review since 2010 and is currently with the Attorney General’s office. We want them to speed it up to move it to parliament so it can be passed into law.”
Echoing these sentiments, Deputy Chief Veterinary Officer, Dr. Yaw Fenteng Danso, reiterated the VSD’s commitment to ensuring the safety of animal-derived food products for public consumption.
Throughout the month-long campaign, activities such as food safety campaigns at slaughterhouses and abattoirs, educational programs in schools, and cooking competitions will be organized by the VSD.
The initiative comes amid alarming statistics from the World Health Organization (WHO), which reports that contaminated food causes illness and death for millions annually, with many diseases originating from animal sources.
The Director of Legal Affairs for the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC), Edudzi Tameklo, has disclosed that the Greater Accra Regional Police Commander had no knowledge of the detention of the party’s Parliamentary Candidate for Awutu Senya East, Phillis Naa Koryoo Okunor, by the police.
Phillis Naa Koryoo Okunor was apprehended in connection with her possession of a firearm on the dawn of Sunday, June 2, 2024.
However, Delali Sewarkpor refuted any involvement in the stabbing, asserting that she was not present at the scene of the incident.
Edudzi Tamakloe described his experience at the Cantonments police office, stating,“in fact, to the point when we got to the Cantonments police office, I went to one of the offices and said, I’m begging permit me just to have a look at her (Naa Okunor) and just speak to her.
“They had to make calls whether I should be permitted to go… back and forth, back and forth, the Regional Police Commander himself [DCOP Arhin Kwasi Annor] came and said he wasn’t well but when he heard it he had to rush to this place. And that he is not aware of what is happening,” he added.
Naa Koryoo was reportedly detained after the Police Criminal Investigations Department (CID) of the Ghana Police Service summoned her on Friday, June 7, 2024, concerning a gun possession issue.
She was initially arrested following the discovery of a firearm in her car after a clash at the district office of the Electoral Commission of Ghana in Kasoa.
Confirming ownership of the gun found in her vehicle in Kasoa, she emphasized that the registered firearm was for self-defense against the area’s MP, Mavis Hawa Koomson.
The Ashanti Regional Coordinating Council intends to take action against cattle responsible for damaging trees in the region, especially those planted outside reserves.
The Regional Minister, Simon Osei Mensah, highlighted the destruction of royal palms in urban areas caused by cattle, leading to significant losses for the state.
He emphasized the council’s zero-tolerance policy towards such destruction and vowed to apprehend the cattle and fine their owners before releasing the animals.
In addition to addressing the cattle issue, Mr. Mensah condemned illegal mining activities that are wreaking havoc on lands and reserves, urging an end to these detrimental practices.
Mr. Mensah made these statements during the Green Ghana Day event in Kumasi, where the goal of planting 2.5 million trees in the region was announced.
The Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, joined schools, churches, and various non-governmental organizations in the tree-planting initiative.
The General Secretary of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Justin Kodua Frimpong, has confidently stated that the NPP possesses the expertise and personnel required to stabilize the Ghanaian cedi amidst ongoing economic challenges.
Speaking on the Kokrokoo Show, Mr Frimpong emphasized the party’s commitment to addressing the depreciation of the cedi, which has been a significant concern for both businesses and the general populace.
“When the cedi started depreciating last year, we were able to put things in place to stabilize it. Even though it has started depreciating again, I can assure you that we have the competent men to deal with it.”
Frimpong outlined the party’s approach, which includes leveraging the skills of seasoned economists and financial experts within the NPP to develop and execute policies aimed at bolstering the cedi.
He highlighted the importance of restoring investor confidence and improving the overall economic climate as critical steps in achieving currency stability.
The General Secretary also pointed to the NPP’s track record, citing previous successes in economic management during their tenure.
He reassured Ghanaians that the party is fully equipped to navigate the current economic challenges and bring about a more stable and prosperous financial landscape.
According to Forbes.com, $1 equals Ghc14.972961 as of June 09.
The Child Health Department at Korle Bu Teaching Hospital (KBTH) in Accra has recorded Ghana’s first case of Wilson’s Disease in a 13-year-old boy.
Wilson’s Disease is a rare, fatal genetic disorder, affecting about one in 30,000 people in developed countries. The boy was diagnosed after his mother noticed his deteriorating handwriting, prompting medical investigation.
Professor Ebenezer Badoe, head of the Neuro-Developmental Clinic at KBTH, confirmed the diagnosis following extensive testing.
What is Wilson’s Disease? Wilson’s Disease is an inherited disorder causing excessive copper accumulation in the body’s organs, particularly the liver, brain, and eyes. The condition results from the body’s inability to eliminate copper properly, leading to toxic buildup that can be life-threatening. Symptoms typically emerge between ages 12 and 23 and include swelling, fatigue, abdominal pain, and poorly coordinated movements.
In this case, the boy’s symptoms were atypical, as he had not experienced jaundice, a common initial sign.
Instead, his condition had progressed to affect his brain and motor skills, causing noticeable changes in his handwriting and gait. Further symptoms included Kayser-Fleischer rings, gray rings around the cornea caused by copper deposits in the eyes.
Treatment and Costs Lifelong treatment is required to manage copper levels in the body. Professor Badoe noted that the boy’s treatment costs GH¢450 per month, which could enable him to live a normal life. However, stopping treatment could lead to acute liver failure and potentially death.
Genetic Testing and Inheritance Wilson’s Disease is inherited through autosomal recessive inheritance, meaning both parents must carry the gene for the child to be affected. Advanced genetic testing, funded by the NGO Reg Disease Ghana and conducted in the United States, confirmed both parents as carriers, verifying the boy’s diagnosis.
Appeal for Support Professor Badoe has appealed to the public for financial support to sustain the boy’s treatment. Despite improvements after two months of medication, continuous treatment is essential to prevent relapse and fatal complications.
He emphasized the importance of early detection, urging teachers and caregivers to report any unusual changes in children’s behavior or abilities. He also commended the boy’s mother for her attentiveness, which led to early medical intervention.
The boy’s mother recounted noticing her son’s reluctance to complete homework and his slow progress in class, which led to consultations with a nurse and subsequent referrals to specialized medical facilities, culminating in the critical diagnosis at KBTH.
To contribute to the boy’s ongoing treatment, please contact the Child Health Department at Korle Bu Teaching Hospital. Your support can make a significant difference in the life of this young boy and his family.
Ghana’s mining sector is poised for significant growth in 2024, driven by an increase in gold production.
Gold output is anticipated to range between 4.3 million and 4.5 million ounces, thanks to higher production from both large and small-scale producers.
Large-scale gold mining firms are expected to contribute 3.4 million ounces. New projects, such as Newmont’s Ahafo North and Cardinal Resource’s Namdini Gold Mine, are set to bolster this growth.
This announcement was made by the president of the Ghana Chamber of Mines, Mr. Michael Akafia, at the Chamber’s annual general meeting in Accra.
He highlighted the promising outlook for the mining sector in 2024.
The Chamber also projected manganese production to reach 5 million tonnes, and bauxite production to range between 1.2 million and 1.5 million tonnes.
Diamond exports are expected to increase to an estimated 220,000 to 250,000 carats.
“This growth is a testament to the sector’s resilience and potential for expansion. However, some large-scale mines may experience a reduction in output due to life-of-mine-related factors,” he observed.
The growth in gold production, along with increases in manganese, bauxite, and diamond production, is expected to significantly boost Ghana’s economy. In 2023, the mining sector made a substantial contribution to Ghana’s foreign exchange supply, with mineral export receipts rising from US$6.8 billion in 2022 to US$7.8 billion in 2023. Gold alone contributed US$7.6 billion to this total.
The sector also spent US$7.29 billion within the local economy, surpassing mineral revenue, with significant expenditures on non-energy goods and services, electricity, diesel, salaries, taxes, and corporate social investment.
Akafia emphasized that, contrary to media reports, a large portion of mineral revenue (59.1%) was paid to the state, higher than the 25.8% recorded in 2022. He commended member companies for their resilience amid economic, fiscal, and legal challenges.
“The mining sector is crucial to Ghana’s economy, and the Chamber is committed to ensuring sustainable growth through strategic stakeholder engagements and communication initiatives,” he assured.
He further emphasized that the sector aims to be a model of best practices in sustainable and responsible mining across the continent, significantly contributing to Ghana’s economic growth.
The New Patriotic Party’s (NPP) 2024 Parliamentary Candidate for Essikadu-Ketan Constituency, Charles Cromwell Nanabanyin Onuawonto Bissue, has pledged that the Eshiem road will see major rehabilitation before the end of the year.
Mr Bissue noted that with the government’s plan to equip Metropolitan, Municipal, and District Assemblies with road construction machinery, the Sekondi-Takoradi Metropolitan Assembly is well-prepared to address the Eshiem road’s condition.
Located in the Sekondi-Takoradi free zone enclave, the Eshiem Road serves a bustling industrial hub with over fifteen large-scale manufacturing and import companies.
Despite its economic importance, the road, which runs through more than 20 farming communities, is one of the region’s most deteriorated.
Over the past three years, frustrated residents have held six protests, but the road’s condition remains poor despite repeated assurances from officials.
Aware of these unmet promises, Charles Bissue firmly stated, “My word is my bond,” and committed to ensuring the road’s rehabilitation.
During a visit to communities along the Eshiem Road, Bissue expressed empathy for residents dealing with the daily hardships of using the road.
He highlighted that the government has procured road construction machinery for all MMDAs, with vetted operators ready to start work soon.
“On several occasions, I have had to use the road myself, and I must say, the experience is not a pleasant one. That is why I am committing to ensuring it is worked on.”
“The government has procured road construction machines for all MMDAs, and all operators have been vetted and will soon commence work. I can say for certain that one of the top priority roads to be worked on is the Eshiem Road.
In the 2020 general elections, the New Patriotic Party saw a significant drop in votes in Essikadu-Ketan, partly attributed to the poor condition of the Eshiem Road, as noted in a post-election analysis.
Bissue’s renewed assurance to improve the Eshiem Road could significantly impact his electoral prospects.
Residents of Enyan Asempanyin in the Ajumako Enyan Essiam District of the Central Region were devastated on Friday evening after two Okada riders tragically died in a motorcycle crash during their colleague’s funeral.
Reports indicate that the two riders, along with their peers, were riding through Enyan Asempanyin after retrieving their colleague’s corpse from the mortuary.
In an interview with Kasapa News’ Yaw Boagyan, eyewitnesses recounted how the riders were performing stunts with their motorbikes, despite repeated warnings from local elders, including the former assembly member, to stop their reckless behavior.
Eyewitnesses also revealed that the leader of the Okada riders’ group had promised a reward of money and alcohol for the rider who could win a race and perform the best stunts.
During the contest, one rider, known as Rasta, was lying on his motorbike while speeding, while another rider, Kwesi, was racing from the opposite direction.
Tragically, they collided, and Kwesi died instantly.
Rasta succumbed to his injuries while being transported to the Ajumako District Government Hospital.
Their bodies have since been deposited in the mortuary.
Ironically, their deceased colleague, 23-year-old Daniel Nyarkoh, whose funeral they were attending, also lost his life in a motor accident.
As Ghana advances in adopting cutting-edge technology, addressing power supply issues and developing digital public infrastructure (DPI) is essential, according to the Africa Centre for Digital Transformation (ACDT).
The 5G network promises ultra-fast speeds, massive connectivity, and ultra-low latency, enabling innovative new applications and services. However, the ACDT emphasized that robust DPI is necessary to fully leverage these benefits.
The ACDT noted that the success of 5G relies heavily on the capacity and resilience of underlying DPI, such as broadband networks, data centers, and advanced computing resources.
In this context, the introduction of 5G services presents both opportunities and challenges amid Ghana’s ongoing power crisis. The ability of NextGen InfraCo, the company tasked with rolling out 5G, to navigate these challenges should be a concern for all.
ACDT’s concerns arise amid periodic power outages across the country due to infrastructural limitations and supply-demand imbalances. These interruptions impact the seamless operation of the 5G network, which requires a consistent and reliable electricity supply.
ACDT’s Executive Director, Kwesi Atuahene, highlighted that to cover a defined geographical area, a 5G network will require more base stations than a 2G/3G/4G network.
“While the deployment of 5G technology holds immense potential for enhancing connectivity, driving innovation, and fostering economic growth, it also necessitates a robust and resilient power infrastructure to effectively support its operation.
“A constant supply of electricity will be necessary for the operation of 5G base stations and data centers. Power outages can cause network downtime and service interruptions, which have an impact on user connectivity,” he said.
Thus, the current power crisis means the 5G network will also need additional backup power.
“While the deployment of 5G technology holds immense potential for enhancing connectivity, driving innovation, and fostering economic growth, it also necessitates a robust and resilient power infrastructure to effectively support its operation.
“A constant supply of electricity will be necessary for the operation of 5G base stations and data centers. Power outages can cause network downtime and service interruptions, which have an impact on user connectivity,” he said.
He added that 5G is designed to support fast networking speeds for Internet of Things (IoT) devices, some of which power critical equipment like medical devices. Power outages affecting these devices can be disastrous.
“The current power outages will degrade the quality of service for 5G users, resulting in slower data speeds, dropped calls, and communication disruptions. This can have an impact on a range of sectors dependent on 5G connectivity, such as healthcare, manufacturing, and transportation,” he highlighted.
The ACDT emphasized that for 5G to transform industries and communities, gaps and vulnerabilities in DPI must be addressed. It calls on policymakers and industry leaders to make strategic investments to fortify this critical foundation and unleash the full potential of 5G.
Key priority areas include upgrading and expanding electricity infrastructure to improve reliability and reduce power outages, exploring renewable energy solutions like solar and wind power, and enhancing the power grid’s resilience.
Other measures include strengthening backup power systems for 5G infrastructure, deploying advanced battery technologies and efficient generator systems, and expanding high-speed broadband access to unserved and underserved areas.
“We recognize the importance of addressing the power crisis to ensure a successful implementation of 5G telephony services by NextGen InfraCo. Therefore, we seek to draw the attention of Ghana’s government to immediately prioritize the following, or else it will be another avenue for ‘create, loot and share,’” ACDT cautioned.
It called on all stakeholders – including government agencies, private sector entities, civil society organizations, and the general public – to address the power crisis first before fully unlocking the transformative power of 5G for Ghana’s sustainable development.
This call follows the government’s announcement to roll out 5G network services within the next six months.
The presidential candidate of the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC), John Dramani Mahama, has pledged to the fishing industry stakeholders that he will work towards depoliticizing the distribution of premix fuel and other essential logistics in the country.
Addressing fisherfolk at the Tema Fishing Harbour during his “Ghana We Want” tour, the former President highlighted the politicization of premix fuel and outboard motor distribution under the Nana Akufo-Addo government.
He criticized the involvement of middlemen in the distribution process, which has escalated the cost of these commodities.
Mahama also outlined plans to implement an efficient monitoring system, involving the Navy in surveying the ocean to combat illegal trawlers that contribute to the depletion of fish stocks.
Furthermore, he expressed his commitment to abolishing the closed season for artisanal fishers, aiming to bolster their trade and livelihoods.
Popular Ghanaian magician, Professor Hindu, famously known as Kwaku Addae, has opened up about the astonishing methods behind his remarkable magic displays.
Known for his close spiritual association with the late Nigerian Afrobeat legend Fela Kuti, Hindu’s magic acts left audiences both mesmerized and mystified for decades.
One of his most talked-about performances involved the dramatic act of killing and bringing people back to life.
“I am the sole individual bestowed with the power to sever someone’s head and restore it within three days. It’s a divine gift,” Professor Hindu declared.
Recounting an incident where he inadvertently caused death during a magic show, he explained, “I failed to revive the individual because it was their destined time to depart. However, I have also successfully brought someone back to life within an hour. I possess a unique ability unmatched by any other.”
A few years ago, an English journalist, Suzanne Moore dedicated a column in the New Statesman to recounting a remarkable event hosted by Fela Kuti in London.
The venue was a small club in Belsize Park, where Fela’s favored sorcerer, Professor Hindu, was performing extraordinary feats. Inside, Hindu was slicing his own tongue, while outside, men were digging a grave.
Suzanne Moore did not return for the resurrection two days later but learned about it from the wonderful Vivien Goldman, who wrote her own account in NME.
Not only had she been there, but she’d gone back to see the dead man raised. He’d jumped out of the grave in a suit all covered in earth and propositioned her. “Being buried alive makes you horny,” he exclaimed. That makes sense, when you think about it.
Goldman, not only attended the event but returned to witness the resurrection. She described the dead man jumping out of the grave in a suit covered in earth and propositioning her, saying, “Being buried alive makes you horny.” It made sense when you thought about it.
Fela’s death and resurrection show debuted at his Lagos club, the Shrine, in May 1981. According to Michael E. Veal’s book “Fela: The Life and Times of an African Musical Icon,” during Professor Hindu’s first appearance at the Shrine, the magician reportedly slashed one man’s throat and fatally shot another.
On Wednesday 6th of May 1981 (at) 10 P.M., Professor [Kwaku] Addaie [a/k/a Professor Hindu] shot and killed a man at the Shrine. The body is buried right in the Shrine, you can go there and see; the body is still in the tomb. At 7 P.M. today Friday the 8th of May, 1981, the body will be resurrected by Professor Addaie himself. We hereby invite all press, doctors, Police, C.I.D. [Central Intelligence Division], N.S.O. [National Security Organization], Presidential Guards, etc. to come and see true Afrikan powers with their own two eyes. With this, there is no Jesus—THERE IS AFRIKA.
In both cases, the victims were revived after seemingly spending days and nights buried underground. Veal includes the text of an ad Fela placed in the Nigerian newspaper Punch, showcasing Hindu’s abilities:
These events occurred during a tumultuous period in Fela’s life. Only a few years earlier, General Obasanjo’s troops had attacked his commune, the Kalakuta Republic, brutalizing its inhabitants, raping, and stomping on them. They even threw Fela’s 78-year-old mother from a second-story window and burned down the house. Fela’s defiant response to these attacks is captured in his album “Coffin for Head of State.” Later in 1981, soldiers again attacked Fela, beating him with gun-butts and leaving him for dead in the gutter.
After this latter assault, Fela credited his survival to Professor Hindu, though there were skeptics. His son, Femi Kuti, quoted in Veal’s book, expressed doubt about the sorcerer’s claimed powers.
Watch video:
Ghana's all-time greatest magician, Kwaku Addae, popularly known as Professor Hindu, reveals how he was able to carry out extraordinary magic displays, especially killing and resurrecting people.
The Ga Mantse, Nii Tackie Teiko Tsuru II, has unveiled his significant connection to Asanteman.
During a recent segment of JoyNews’ Personality Profile program, the Ga Mantse disclosed his profound ties to Asanteman, stemming from his formative years spent in Kumasi, the capital of Asanteman, where he initiated several business ventures.
He recounted the tenure of his father, Dr. Ebenezer Nii Armah Tackie, as a senior lecturer at the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST), emphasizing the close rapport his father maintained with the Manhyia Palace, the residence of the Asantehene.
Dr. Tackie, an architect and development expert, held esteemed positions as the former Dean of the Faculty of Environmental and Development Studies and the Head of the Department of Architecture at KNUST.
He played an integral role in designing the iconic Kumasi Kejetia market and was engaged as a consultant for the project.
“It was my father who was working for Manhyia. My father did a lot of development work in Manhyia with former Asantehene, Opoku Ware II.
“… my father designed the Kejetia Market project,” Nii Tackie Teiko Tsuru II said.
He added, “I was hired by (sic) to represent the company as a consultant on the Kejetia Project”.
The Ghana Police Service has refuted claims made by the Chairman of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), Johnson Asiedu Nketia, that senior police officials, including the Accra Regional Police Commander, CID Director-General, and Inspector-General of Police (IGP), stated that the arrest of three individuals with firearms in Ofaakor was directed by higher authorities.
In a statement, the police revealed that they had received a video in which Asiedu Nketia asserted that certain senior officers informed him the arrest was ordered from above.
The police have labeled Asiedu Nketia’s accusations as “false and baseless,” emphasizing that the arrest was a straightforward enforcement of the law with no external influence.
According to the police, the suspects were detained at the Electoral Commission offices in Ofaakor, found in possession of a Pump Action gun and ammunition.
The police also clarified that none of the senior officers mentioned by Asiedu Nketia had made any such statements.
Addressing the media after the release of the NDC’s parliamentary candidate for Awutu Senya East, Phillis Naa Koryoo Okunor, from police custody, Asiedu Nketia cautioned the police and security agencies to be vigilant ahead of the 2024 elections, insisting that no laws should be used to intimidate citizens.
Find below the statement
The attention of the Ghana Police Service has been drawn to a video in which Mr Johnson Asiedu Nketia is heard claiming that the Accra Regional Police Commander, the Director-General of the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) and the Inspector-General of Police had indicated to him that the arrest of some three persons for possession of firearms at Ofaakor in the Awutu Senya East Constituency was based on an order from above.
We would like to categorically state that the claims are false and without any bases. None of the officers mentioned in the video has at any point in time made any such pronouncement.
We wish to emphasize that all three suspects were arrested when a Pump Action gun with four rounds of ammunition was found in their vehicle at the offices of the Electoral Commission at Ofaakor in the Awutu Senya East constituency of the Central region. They have subsequently been cautioned and granted bail.
The Chief Executive Officer of the National Pensions Regulatory Authority (NPRA), John Kwaning Mbroh, has urged contributors to remain calm despite concerning projections from a recent International Labour Organisation (ILO) report on the Social Security and National Insurance Trust (SSNIT).
According to the CEO, the Trust is secure and will continue to be so for many years.
Kwaning Mbroh clarified that the ILO report’s projection is not a certainty; instead, it aims to forecast future scenarios to enable stakeholders to take proactive measures to ensure the scheme’s sustainability.
“The report is forward-looking. ILO has always projected potential outcomes if certain actions are not taken. This means we need to continue improving to ensure the financial sustainability of the scheme over the long term,” he said.
To reassure contributors of the safety of their contributions, Kwaning Mbroh mentioned measures already implemented to safeguard the scheme’s financial health.
These include reducing administrative expenses and implementing an investment policy to guide how SSNIT invests contributions.
“They review the current investment asset classes to ensure they are economically viable and inject life into the scheme. This is crucial. Additionally, they have worked on rationalizing administrative expenses and other expenditures. Trust me, they have made significant efforts in this area,” the NPRA CEO said.
The #DumsorMustStop campaigners have called on President Akufo-Addo to prioritize addressing the ongoing erratic power supply in the country.
They argue that the issue, commonly known as ‘Dumsor,’ is significantly affecting various sectors of the economy.
In their petition to the President, the campaigners emphasized the need for both immediate and long-term solutions to this problem. The petition, seen by 3news.com, highlights the urgency of the situation.
The petitioners began their protest at the University of Ghana and gathered at the Tetteh Quarshie interchange.
They wielded placards with inscriptions such as, “Napo, Dumsor is killing our dreams,” “Dumsor Kills Businesses,” “Electricity is a right” and “Dumsor no more, we deserve better,” among others.
Comedian DKB addressing journalists
“Your Excellency, Mr. President, and Dr. Prempeh, we urge you to prioritize this issue with the urgency it demands. We need transparent and effective solutions to ensure a stable and reliable power supply for all Ghanaians. We implore you to take the following actions:
Immediate Measures; Implement short-term strategies to mitigate the current power shortages and provide relief to affected areas.
Long-term Solutions: Develop and communicate a comprehensive plan to upgrade and expand our power infrastructure, incorporating sustainable energy sources to prevent future occurrences of Dumsor.
Accountability: Ensure transparency in the management of our energy resources and hold those responsible for inefficiencies accountable,” parts of the petition read.
The protesters emphasised that “Ghana has the potential to be a beacon of progress and development in Africa, but we cannot achieve this if we are constantly hindered by power crisis. We are confident that with decisive action and commitment, we can overcome this challenge and build a brighter future for our nation. Thank you for your attention to this urgent matter. We look forward to your prompt response and to seeing tangible improvements in our power supply situation.
They listed sectors which are most affected by Dumsor as follows:
Healthcare: Our hospitals are struggling to provide adequate care, especially during critical moments such as childbirth. The lack of reliable power supply puts both mothers and newborns at risk, undermining our healthcare system and endangering lives.
Businesses; Entrepreneurs and businesses, from small vendors to large enterprises, are experiencing significant operational challenges due to the inconsistent power supply. This is leading to financial losses, layoffs, and, in some cases, the closure of businesses. Our economy cannot thrive under such conditions.
Daily Life: The constant power outages are disrupting the daily lives of Ghanaians, affecting education, productivity, and overall well-being. It is a source of frustration and despair for many, eroding the trust and confidence that citizens have in our leadership.
Award-winning broadcaster, Bridget Otoo, has shed light on the financial struggles faced by Ghanaian journalists, revealing that many receive meager salaries at the end of each month.
As an anchor for Metro TV, Otoo lamented the significant decline in the quality of journalism in the country, attributing it to the inadequate compensation received by media professionals.
Otoo urged media house owners to recognize the value of quality journalism by offering competitive salaries that motivate their employees to excel.
In a candid admission, Madam Otoo revealed that she pays her cement shop attendant a higher wage than what many journalists earn from their respective media organizations.
“In 2024, offering a journalist a basic salary of GH₵3,000 would be considered reasonable. However, the reality is far from that. I can personally attest that I pay my cement shop staff even more generously than what some journalists receive,” Otoo emphasized, underscoring the critical role of financial remuneration in the journalism profession.
She stressed the importance of fair compensation in motivating journalists to perform at their best, highlighting the need for media organizations to prioritize the financial well-being of their employees to ensure a vibrant and high-quality journalistic landscape in Ghana.
The Majority Leader in Parliament, Alexander Kwamina Afenyo-Markin, has advised the Ghanaian business community against hastily converting their cedis to US dollars.
Addressing the media in Parliament, Afenyo-Markin labeled negative remarks about Ghana’s economy as “unreasonable.”
“If a politician who does not understand business comes out just for politics, the market will respond. It is a result of, I wouldn’t say reckless, but unreasonable comments that seem to be affecting the business environment,” Afenyo-Markin said.
He recounted how the dollar rose to GH¢15.5 in 2022, but through the efforts of the then Minister of Finance, it fell to as low as GH¢8.00.
He urged the Ghanaian business community to ignore the pessimism being spread and expressed confidence that the Cedi’s situation will improve.
“I would have to urge businessmen not to change their cedis into dollars because the rate will be coming down. When it happened in 2022, a lot of people lost money because they were responding to the pessimism of the NDC at that time, believing that the Ghanaian economy was collapsing and there was no future for the economy, and rushed to change their dollars at the rate of 14 and 15 Ghana cedis.
“When the dollar rate dropped to 8 Ghana cedis, here we were; they had lost huge sums of money. So, I would encourage Ghanaian businessmen individually not to rush to respond to the pessimism. They should be optimistic,” the MP advised.
He further added that investing in Treasury bills is a better option than buying US dollars, as the government is working diligently to lower the cedi-to-dollar rate.
The New Patriotic Party (NPP) parliamentary candidate for Amenfi East, Ernest Frimpong, has been caught on video urging the assault of soldiers and other security officials who might attempt to interfere with the activities of small-scale miners.
In the video, Mr Frimpong addresses a group of small-scale miners, asserting that operations such as “Operation Halt” and “Galamstop” have been officially terminated, and soldiers no longer have the authority to conduct such operations.
“Operation halt, galamstop, whatever, whatever, soldiers that ambush you, we have cancelled all those operations and officially they do not have permission to run such operations again.
“So, if anyone comes to your site, you have the right to question him on his mission there,” he told the miners in the Twi language.
“If he says he is on patrol, then that is good because the patrol by the police and the security services protects you and reduces the incidents of robbery. So if from your own will you part ways with 3 million, 5 million or 10 million for him to use for fuel, you are just helping him and I won’t speak against it.”, he added.
“But if anyone comes around and says because he is a soldier, leave the site and dismantle your machines, don’t be moved by the uniform he is wearing, if he beats you, equally beat him. Fight him, I will come to your defense,” he charged the miners to a rousing applause.
He advised the miners to question anyone who shows up at their site about their mission. If the response is that they are on patrol, he suggested it is a good thing as it offers protection and reduces robbery.
He even mentioned that if miners willingly offer money for fuel to these patrols, it is a form of assistance and he would not oppose it.
Ghana has been struggling with the impacts of rampant illegal mining, known as galamsey, which has led to the destruction of water bodies and forest cover in recent years.
ITA Airways has successfully launched its commercial flight operations at Kotoka International Airport (KIA).
The inaugural flight landed at approximately 7:39 PM, greeted by a water cannon salute from the Rescue and Fire Fighting team of the Ghana Airports Company Limited.
In her welcome address, Managing Director of Ghana Airports Company Limited, Mrs. Yvonne Nana Afriyie Opare, congratulated the ITA Airways team on the successful launch.
She noted that the commencement of flights on the Rome/Accra/Rome route demonstrated strong confidence in Ghana’s aviation sector and bolstered efforts to position Ghana as a premier aviation hub and leader in airport business in West Africa.
Mrs. Opare highlighted that the direct flight route introduces a new era of convenience and efficiency for travelers, offering more options and seamless connectivity between Rome and Accra for both business and leisure.
She also mentioned the recent commissioning of Tamale International Airport and Prempeh I International Airport in Kumasi, urging airlines to explore the opportunities in these markets.
She assured that the Ghana Airports Company Limited, as the operator and manager of all airports in Ghana, is committed to supporting ITA Airways to achieve high on-time departure and arrival performance.
‘’Our expectation is that ITA Airways will go the extra mile to deliver exceptional customer service, ensuring a seamless travel experience to passengers’’ she said.
Mrs. Opare called on stakeholders to continue supporting the Ghana Airports Company Limited in its efforts to achieve its vision, aligning with the broader government vision for the aviation industry.
Other speakers at the event included Pierfrancesco Carino, Vice President Sales of ITA Airways; H.E. Merena Botsio Benyah, Ghana’s Ambassador to Italy; H.E. Daniela d’Orlandi, Ambassador of Italy to Ghana and Togo; and Reverend Stephen Wilfred Arthur, Director of Economic Regulations and Business Development at the Ghana Civil Aviation Authority.
With the arrival of ITA Airways, it becomes the 24th international airline to operate at Kotoka International Airport. The airline will offer four weekly flights from Italy to Accra on Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays.
Following her release from detention, the National Democratic Congress’ (NDC) Parliamentary Candidate for the Awutu Senya East Constituency, Phyllis Naa Koryoo Okunor, conveyed her arrest as a symbol of triumph.
Addressing a spirited crowd at the NDC headquarters in Accra on June 8, she proclaimed, “This is the beginning of our victory. We will deliver the seat,” she said to an enthusiastic crowd of party faithful at the NDC’s headquarters in Accra.
“This is the beginning of our victory. We will deliver the seat,” she said to an enthusiastic crowd of party faithful at the NDC’s headquarters in Accra.
Expressing profound gratitude to the party members for their unwavering support during her incarceration, Naa Koryoo remarked “I am grateful to you all”.
The recent events harken back to the arrest of Phyllis Naa Koryo Okunor, along with Mustapha Mohammed and Abdul Aziz Musah, the previous week.
The trio was apprehended while traveling in a Honda CRV saloon car with registration number GX-2044-19 near the Electoral Commission (EC) Office at Ofaakor. They were discovered in possession of a firearm associated with a stabbing incident involving Ato Koomson, the son of the current MP and Minister for Fisheries and Aquaculture, Mavis Hawa Koomson.
The incident reportedly occurred near the EC Office at Ofaakor in the Central Region. The police retrieved a pump-action gun with four rounds of ammunition from the vehicle, as outlined in their statement.
Naa Koryoo, however, clarified that the firearm in question is lawfully registered and justified her possession, “I have every right to protect myself because the happenings at Kasoa necessitate that I do so”.
A businessman and Ashanti royal with connections to the Manhyia Palace, Barima Osei Mensah, has been implicated in allegations of proposing love to a 16-year-old girl at his project site in Abuakwa, Kumasi, in the Ashanti Region.
Per reports the distraught mother of the girl, whose identity remains confidential, urged Barima Osei Mensah to keep away from her daughter.
The Adinkra Pie CEO, who reportedly boasts about being the next Asantehene after Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, warned the mother not to speak his name disrespectfully, citing his direct ties to the Manhyia Palace.
Barima Osei Mensah, who has ten children with ten different women, has faced accusations from some of these women for neglecting his paternal responsibilities.
In this particular case, the mother of the 16-year-old girl, who attends a school in Kumasi, insists that she only wants the royal to stay away from her daughter.
“I sell at site Barima Osei Mensah Adinkra’s work site. I sell banku there. One of my daughters is in school and she came. She is the eldest so I go with her to sell at his site. So my daughter told me the man who is the boss here using this particular car says he loves me and wants us to date.” the mother cried.
“So I asked my little girl again what exactly he Adinkra said. She said ‘he says he loves me and I should do my mind well and allow him to date me and do to me whatever he wants’. So I told my daughter when you meet him again and he repeats it tell him that I, Yaa, I said he should never say that to you again. He kept approaching her and my daughter will cry and come to me” the mother sadly narrated.
“If you see him, please tell him my little girl whom he proposed to at site he should stop that. She is a little girl he should not do that. He has approached my daughter three times. I sell at his site. I respect him and all I do when I see him is to greet him. I know him very well… He warned me he is from the Palace so they don’t mention his name by heart.
“My daughter is now afraid. When she sees his car approaching she gets afraid something
It remains unclear whether the Manhyia Palace, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, and the Ashanti royal family are aware of these alleged actions by individuals associated with the palace.
Reports indicate that Barima Osei Mensah is also involved in a legal dispute with his ex-wife, who accuses him of extortion and blackmail.
Child’s Right International Ghana, the Domestic Violence and Victim Support Unit (DOVVSU), the Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection, and the Paediatric Society of Ghana (PSG) are expected to be petitioned to investigate the matter.
The National Democratic Congress (NDC)’s National Communication Officer, Sammy Gyamfi has accused the Ghana Police Service and the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP) of colluding to unlawfully determine their party’s parliamentary candidate for the Awutu Senya East Constituency, Phillis Naa Koryoo Okunor.
She was re-arrested for a firearm found in her vehicle.
In a statement shared on social media on Saturday, June 8, 2024, the NDC communication officer alleged that Naa Koryoo is now detained due to a supposed inconsistency in her gun registration license.
“Comrades, it is very clear that the NPP-controlled Police Service has no reasonable or justifiable cause to be detaining the NDC Parliamentary Candidate for the Awutu Senya East Constituency.
“The claim of a discrepancy in her first name is totally false,” Sammy Gyamfi wrote on X.
He refuted claims of a discrepancy in her first name and accused the NPP-controlled Police Service of unjustified detention.
“What then is Naa Koryoo’s crime? Is it now a crime to procure and register/license a gun in your name for personal protection? A gun she has not fired at anybody? What did the NPP-controlled police do in the case of Hawa Koomson, who actually fired a gun at a voter registration center?” he quizzed.
He added, “This same Hawa Koomson has threatened Naa Koryoo at gunpoint on four (4) different occasions, according to her lawyers. This is why she was compelled to buy and register a gun in her name for her protection.”
The National Disaster Management Organization (NADMO) has declared that the Accra-Cape Coast highway, which collapsed on Wednesday, June 5, 2024, is now accessible to motorists.
On that day, motorists traveling on the Accra-Cape Coast road found themselves stranded due to the Okyereko Bridge’s collapse over the River Ayensu in the Gomoa East district of the Central Region.
The bridge reportedly gave way due to heavy rainfall and the diversion of the River Ayensu by the road contractor.
To aid travelers during the day, the Ghana Highway Authority announced alternative routes.
However, in an interview with Accra-based Asaase Radio on Friday, the Gomoa East District Director of NADMO, Robert Nana Hackman, disclosed that the road is now open to motorists.
He mentioned that after conducting engineering work on the road, it was reopened on Thursday, June 7, 2024.
“Yesterday, with the help of the district engineer and the contractor himself, we were able to fix the road, and it was opened around 9:34 pm.”
“Currently, the road diversion has been closed, and motorists and passengers plying Kasoa to Winneba, Apam, and Mankessim Takoradi Cape Coast can now use the old road,” he said.
The Electoral Commission (EC) has announced plans to conduct a mop-up voter registration exercise from August 1 to 3, 2024.
According to a letter signed by the Deputy Chairman in charge of Operations, Mr. Samuel Tettey, the exercise will take place at all district offices of the Commission across the country, as well as in prison centers.
“This comes to inform you that the Commission will conduct a Mop Up Voter Registration Exercise at all the District Offices of the Commission throughout the country,” a part of the letter read.
“The Registration will also be extended to the Prison Centres. This exercise will take place from Thursday, 1st August to Saturday, 3rd August, 2024,” the letter further stated.
“The modalities for the Exercise will be discussed at an IPAC meeting to be held in due course, ” it concluded.
In a compelling plea to fellow citizens, a Ghanaian woman has called on voters to reject the flagbearer for the National Democratic Congress (NDC), John Dramani Mahama, in the upcoming December election.
In a viral video circulating on social media platforms, she passionately argued that Mahama’s competence remains questionable, suggesting that he lacks the ability to effectively manage the affairs of the state.
Citing Mahama’s previous tenure, she emphasized that the former president brought significant hardship to the Ghanaian populace and has yet to present any innovative ideas to improve upon his past performance.
“John Mahama promised a lot and failed. He has also admitted that he failed as president. He failed us for 4 years and he still wants us to give him another 4 years to fail again. He has already said he can’t do much in 4 years. As a youth, think about your future and vote against Mahama. Don’t forget he once made things tough for the Ghanaian youth. Mahama doesn’t deserve a second chance,” she stated.
The video has sparked intense debate among Ghanaians, with many expressing agreement with her sentiments, while others voiced their support for Mahama.
Mahama, who served as president from 2012 to 2016, is seeking re-election in the upcoming December election.
His campaign promises focus on addressing key issues such as unemployment, healthcare, and education.
Meanwhile, Mahama’s has reiterated his commitment to addressing the concerns of Ghanaians and implementing policies that will improve the lives of citizens.
needed to be consulted before government announced free renal treatment
A member of Parliament’s Health Committee, Elizabeth Ofosu-Adjare, has criticized the government for not coordinating with health facilities before announcing free dialysis treatment for renal patients.
Her comments came after patients at Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital reported that they still pay for dialysis because the hospital hasn’t received official communication to cease charging.
In an interview on Joy FM’s Top Story on June 7, Ofosu-Adjare emphasized that engaging with health facility management beforehand could have prevented these issues.
To ensure the continuous and prompt funding for hospitals providing free renal treatment, Ofosu-Adjare mentioned that the committee is working with the Controller and Accountant General’s Department and other stakeholders.
She also proposed that the COVID-19 fund be redirected towards healthcare delivery instead of supporting government budgets.
“You see dialysis is a life support procedure and we all know that it is difficult for people to pay. I know there are patients who get help from family, once the announcement is made people will be reluctant to help them. So, I am also of the opinion that the preparation should have been adequate. There should have been a discussion with the health facilities as the modalities for the procedure to be done free of charge,” she said.
“…We are still taking the Covid Fund. It should be directed at our health and not to support government budget because this fund is for health …
“I am of the opinion that government should be looking at funding the National Health Insurance Authority and so we should look at funding so that these people can be catered for,” she said.
The National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) launched a six-month free dialysis support program for renal patients from June to December 2024. According to a statement from the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA) dated June 1, the program will benefit two categories of patients: vulnerable groups (those below 18 and above 60) and individuals aged 18 to 59.
Delali Sewarkpor, the personal assistant to Phillis Naa Koryoo Okunor, the National Democratic Congress (NDC) parliamentary candidate for Awutu Senya East, has described her detention as political persecution orchestrated by elements within the New Patriotic Party (NPP).
According to Sewarkpor, supporters of Phillis Naa Koryoo Okunor and NDC sympathizers have not been informed of the reason for her detention.
In an interview with Selorm Adonoo on The Big Issue on ChannelOne TV, Sewarkpor claimed that the parliamentary candidate’s arrest was orchestrated by either the Presidency or the Minister for the Interior.
“The only information we are getting is that it is an order from above for her to be arrested, and it is only the president or the Interior Minister who can call for her arrest. This is purely political persecution,” he stated.
“Since her arrest on Friday, June 7, we have yet to know the reason for her detention except for some speculations. Yesterday, she was invited by the Kasoa Divisional Police Command when they found a gun in her car. They asked for the documents about the gun, and she produced all the documents to prove she has the right to possess the gun. The gun was not even found by the police but by some NPP thugs,” Sewarkpor explained.
Phillis Naa Koryoo Okunor is suspected of having been arrested in connection with her possession of a gun and the stabbing of the son of the Member of Parliament for Awutu Senya East, Mavis Hawa Koomson, on Sunday, June 2, 2024.
However, Sewarkpor denied her involvement in the stabbing, stating that she was nowhere near the scene of the incident.
“She [Phillis Naa Koryoo Okunor] was not even at the scene when Hawa Koomson’s son was stabbed, and she only went to the police station in the company of Mustapha Gbande to help calm down tempers in the constituency. ”
The Bank of Ghana (BoG) is still struggling to convince Ghanaians o the costs associated with its open market operations, which significantly contributed to the Bank’s loss position in the audited 2023 financial statements.
According to the Central Bank’s annual report and financial statements, the cost of open market operations was GH¢8.3 billion, leading to an overall loss of GH¢10.5 billion for the 2023 financial year.
Open Market Operations (OMO) is a central bank’s tool for influencing the money supply and managing interest rates in an economy.
Despite this huge expenses, leading rates in Ghana still is outrageously high running between 35% to 50%, one of the highest on the Africa continent.
Director of Communications at the BoG, Mr. Bernard Otabil, explained that the loss does not reflect a loss of policy effectiveness.
“First, central banks pursue national welfare and not profits”, Otabil said, adding: “From December 2022 to December 2023, headline inflation decreased from 54.1 percent to 23.2 percent and that has come with a huge cost. However, the long-term benefits of low and stable inflation always outweigh the costs incurred in the short term to bring it down”.
“Compared to the GH¢1.7 billion cost of open market operations in 2022, the almost fivefold increase in mopping up liquidity from the economy to reduce inflation is significant”, Mr Otabil explained.
He continued, “Central banks can make losses, get into negative accounting equity and function completely successfully. Therefore, central banks are not expected to compromise policy objectives to report handsome profit.”
Mr Otabil noted that compared to the GH¢1.7 billion cost of open market operations in 2022, the nearly fivefold increase in efforts to reduce inflation by mopping up liquidity from the economy is substantial.
“Our strong actions to control inflation reinforce our credibility and commitment to our mission. Showing that we can effectively manage inflation, boosts confidence both domestically and internationally. This trust is vital for attracting foreign investment and maintaining favourable trade conditions,” the BoG Director of Communications noted.
On Wednesday, June 5, 2024, Minister for Roads and Highways, Francis Asenso-Boakye (MP), signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Korea Expressway Corporation, South Korea’s state-owned entity for expressway construction and operation.
The signing ceremony, held at the Westin Josun Hotel in Seoul, aimed to enhance collaboration and development in the road and transportation sectors of both countries.
The MoU focuses on bolstering cooperation between Ghana and South Korea in areas such as road and traffic policy, planning, operation, maintenance, and traffic management.
Minister Asenso-Boakye’s visit to Korea was part of his participation in the Korea-Africa Infrastructure Forum, organized by the Korean Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, and Transport during the ‘2024 Korea-Africa Summit’.
The Ghanaian government anticipates that this agreement will significantly contribute to economic growth and improve regional connectivity.
By effectively managing major road and transportation projects, Ghana aims to enhance access between urban and rural areas, fostering comprehensive national development.
Asenso-Boakye expressed optimism about the MoU, highlighting the opportunity to leverage South Korea’s innovative technologies, expertise, and experiences.
He noted that the agreement would also facilitate exchange programs for technical experts, enhancing their capacity in their respective duties.
Ham Jin-Gyu, President of the Korea Expressway Corporation, remarked, “This agreement strengthens the friendly relations between our two countries and lays the groundwork for our business ventures in Africa. We will continue to pursue advancements in overseas road and transportation infrastructure projects.”
This collaboration marks a significant step for Ghana in improving its road and transportation infrastructure by utilizing international expertise to drive national progress.
Project Coordinator of the Food System Resilience Programme (FSRP), Mr. Osei Owusu Agyeman, has announced on Friday that Ghana’s poultry industry is experiencing a significant revival, aimed at building sustainable businesses within the value chain to reduce the country’s food deficit.
Speaking to the Ghana News Agency, Mr. Agyeman highlighted the recent delivery of about 130,000-day-old chicks to selected commercial poultry farmers in the Ashanti Region as part of the first phase of the Poultry Intensification Scheme under the West Africa Food System Resilience Programme (FSRP).
This initiative, implemented by the Ministry of Food and Agriculture, seeks to rejuvenate the broiler industry in Ghana.
Other regions set to receive day-old chicks under the scheme include Bono, Eastern, Greater Accra, Central, and Volta, contributing to the mission of the MOFA-FSRP to revive the poultry sector.
The Poultry Intensification Scheme, funded by the World Bank, is being rolled out in phases.
Beneficiaries receive input credit, including around 160,000 day-old chicks, 180,000 kilograms of feed, and supplies of vaccines in the initial allocations. Additionally, farmers receive training in best modern practices and climate-smart technologies within the poultry industry.
Participants in the scheme will also have access to matching grants for procuring equipment to support post-production processing and cold storage. The programme aims to produce approximately two million broiler birds annually, supported by a $12.5 million World Bank facility.
Under this programme, 22 commercial anchor farmers across the nation will be selected and supported to produce, process, and market two million birds annually over the next three years.
To qualify, applicants must have been involved in poultry (broiler) production, processing, and marketing for at least the last five years, be registered with the Registrar General or another statutory body, and have linkages with smallholder farmers.
Commercial farmers must also be listed in the databases of their respective District Directorate of Agriculture, include at least 10 percent women and 10 percent youth in both upstream and downstream activities of the value chain, and comply with the requirements of regulatory bodies such as the Environmental Protection Agency, Ghana Fire Service, Food & Drugs Authority, Ghana Standards Authority, and the World Bank.
The scheme aligns with the PFJ 2.0 initiative, targeting poultry self-sufficiency output of 400,000 metric tonnes per year by 2028. Mr. Agyeman emphasized the project’s themes of sustainability, ownership, and public/private engagement, aiming to sustain the broiler value chain.
He also mentioned efforts to revive local hatcheries and implement youth incubation programmes to build and sustain businesses within the value chain.
Dr. Abdul Razak Okine, Deputy Director of the Animal Production Directorate at the Ministry of Food and Agriculture, stated that the project, in line with the Government’s Planting for Food and Jobs 2.0, is generating excitement among farmers nationwide. He noted that it is attracting many young people and women and is expected to help close the food deficit gap.
The West Africa Food System Resilience Programme (FSRP) is a World Bank-funded initiative championed by ECOWAS, involving participating countries such as Burkina Faso, Mali, Niger, Chad, Sierra Leone, Togo, and Chad. In Ghana, the project focuses on the intensified production, marketing, and consumption of rice, maize, broiler poultry, tomatoes, and soybeans for the poultry industry.
The Medical Laboratory Professional Workers’ Union (MELPWU) has announced a nationwide strike scheduled to commence on the 17th of June 2024.
Citing prolonged and stalled negotiations as the primary reason, the Union deemed the strike necessary.
In a notice, the Union stated, “Without prejudice to the directives given by the National Labour Commission on 30th May 2024, we recognize that the Fair Wages and Salaries Commission and the Ministry of Finance are deliberately frustrating the efforts of a rather peaceful union that is ensuring that Labour-Management relationship does not suffer,” the Union indicated in a notice.
The notice continued, “To prevent a rather explosive situation that cannot be easily managed by the union, the National Executive Council at an emergency meeting, approved the demands of membership to proceed on a full-blown industrial strike action effective Monday 17th June 2024 to enable them to press home the needed attention and importance to be given to the concerns of the union.
“Thus, services provided by our members in all medical laboratories, blood banks, pathology laboratories, and selected mortuary facilities will be impacted.”
“In light of the escalating situation, the National Executive Council, during an emergency meeting, sanctioned the membership’s demands to initiate a full-scale industrial strike action starting Monday, the 17th of June 2024. This action aims to draw attention to the concerns of the union.”
The strike is expected to affect services provided by members in medical laboratories, blood banks, pathology laboratories, and selected mortuary facilities.
Preliminary investigations by the Ghana National Fire Service (GNFS) into yesterday’s fire incident near the Odaw drain and railway line, Circle indicate that it was caused by an unattended gas stove.
The fire, which broke out late Wednesday afternoon in an area known as ECOMOG, destroyed 300 of the 450 structures, with firemen managing to save 150 structures.
“Our team is currently at the scene to continue with investigations to ascertain the actual cause of the fire but preliminary investigations suggest that somebody was cooking and left the gas stove unattended to and that led to this fire,” the Deputy National Public Relations Officer (PRO) of the GNFS, Divisional Officer (DO III), Desmond Ackah, said.
The incident caused a power outage in Adabraka, New Town, and surrounding communities.
This marks the second fire in this area in two years, following a similar incident in February 2022 that led to an unsuccessful evacuation order.
Mr Ackah stated that the service received a distress call around 3:35 p.m. and quickly deployed fire engines, arriving at the scene at 5:43 p.m. By then, the fire was already out of control, necessitating the deployment of four additional fire engines.
“During the fire fighting, we received information that some people could not be accounted for and, therefore, we had to do a thorough search to ascertain that but as of this morning, we are getting reports that they have not been able to find one person so our team is on the ground to continue with thorough investigation,” he told
Despite these challenges, firemen were able to douse the fire around 10:57 p.m. the same night.
Although there were no casualties, one person remains unaccounted for.
The fire has displaced many people. Ackah urged authorities to assist the victims and consider relocating them to safer shelters. He also called for increased security in the area to prevent future incidents, noting that illegal activities and connections are prevalent.
Greater Accra Regional Minister Titus Glover has visited the site to assess the situation and issued a stern warning against rebuilding structures.
He stated that anyone attempting to rebuild would be arrested and assured that enforcement measures would be in place.
“We don’t want to have any third fire; therefore, they should prepare to leave. We will make sure we put men on the ground to ensure nobody lives here. Anyone who tries to rebuild a structure here will be arrested,” he cautioned.
Preliminary investigations by the Ghana National Fire Service (GNFS) into yesterday’s fire incident near the Odaw drain and railway line indicate that it was caused by an unattended gas stove.
The fire, which broke out late Wednesday afternoon in an area known as ECOMOG, destroyed 300 of the 450 structures, with firemen managing to save 150 structures.
The incident caused a power outage in Adabraka, New Town, and surrounding communities.
This marks the second fire in this area in two years, following a similar incident in February 2022 that led to an unsuccessful evacuation order.
Ackah stated that the service received a distress call around 3:35 p.m. and quickly deployed fire engines, arriving at the scene at 5:43 p.m. By then, the fire was already out of control, necessitating the deployment of four additional fire engines.
In a recent conversation with Lexis Bills on Joy FM, the Ga Mantse, Nii Tackie Teiko Tsuru II, shared a revelation about his contribution to the creation of several iconic jingles.
The Ga Mantse revealed his past work as a voice-over artist, contributing to the branding of several prominent media outlets and advertising campaigns.
“I used to do voice overs, there was a fine boy at Gama Studios, now TV3, called Bediako. He used to train voice for TV presenters. I had to study voice, and in doing that, I did jingles for Adom FM, Kasapa, Nhyira FM, Ghana Most Beautiful, Ghana Most Strongest, etc,” Nii Tackie Teiko Tsuru II disclosed.
His voice-over work extended beyond just radio and TV jingles.
The Ga Mantse mentioned that several companies, including IK, invested in his talent by purchasing his voice over services for extended periods.
“IK bought my voice over for a year, he used to fly me all over the place just to make voice overs and adverts,” he said.
The Ga Mantse has earned widespread admiration following a display of his keyboard prowess. In a now-viral video, the esteemed King showcased his musical talents by playing a selection of his favorite tunes on the piano. Among the pieces performed was the well-known Christian hymn ‘How Sweet The Name of Jesus Sounds’, alongside other melodies.
In a recent conversation with Lexis Bills on Joy FM, Nii Tackie Teiko Tsuru II, the Ga Mantse, shared a revelation about his contribution to the creation of several iconic jingles.
The Ga Mantse revealed his past work as a voice-over artist, contributing to the branding of several prominent media outlets and advertising campaigns.
“I used to do voice overs, there was a fine boy at Gama Studios, now TV3, called Bediako. He used to train voice for TV presenters. I had to study voice, and in doing that, I did jingles for Adom FM, Kasapa, Nhyira FM, Ghana Most Beautiful, Ghana Most Strongest, etc,” Nii Tackie Teiko Tsuru II disclosed.
His voice-over work extended beyond just radio and TV jingles.
The Ga Mantse mentioned that several companies, including IK, invested in his talent by purchasing his voice-over services for extended periods.
“IK bought my voice over for a year, he used to fly me all over the place just to make voice overs and adverts,” he said.
The Ga Mantse has earned widespread admiration following a display of his keyboard prowess. In a now-viral video, the esteemed King showcased his musical talents by playing a selection of his favorite tunes on the piano. Among the pieces performed was the well-known Christian hymn ‘How Sweet The Name of Jesus Sounds’, alongside other melodies.
Member of Parliament for North Tongu, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, has released new information regarding the legal dispute involving the children of former Chairman of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) and lawyer, Freddie Blay.
The litigation centers on the Polo Beach Club, with Loic Devos Junior and Kwaw Worsemao Blay as the main parties involved.
In a post on X, Mr. Ablakwa detailed the developments, stating, “I have been poring over some additional 600 pages of court documents including rulings and exhibits in the Loic Devos Junior and Kwaw Worsemao Blay Polo Beach Club litigation.”
The documents reveal intricate details of alleged “treachery, betrayal, and backstabbing,” which Mr. Ablakwa described as “chilling” and likened to a Hollywood blockbuster. He expressed sympathy for Loic Devos Junior, who he claims was “crudely hounded out of the deal by the Blay brothers.” However, he emphasized that Labadi Beach Hotel deserves the most sympathy.
The court documents highlight a bitter dispute over substantial sums of money generated from business activities on Labadi Hotel’s encroached beachfront. Despite these proceeds, Labadi Beach Hotel reportedly received no share, following the alleged breach of a joint venture agreement by Kwaw Worsemao Blay and Kwame Edenkema Blay.
Key financial details from the litigation include:
Gross revenue for the 2019 event: GHS 4,337,113.59
Corporate sponsorship from Pernod Ricard West Africa for the 2020 event: GHS 457,833.87 (€65,000)
Payment made to an individual named “Small God”: US$50,000.00
Amount withdrawn for Mr. Affutu: GHS 25,000.00
Payment made to a company owned by Kwaw Blay for alleged social media platform management services during the 2020 event: GHS 75,000.00
Amount allegedly fraudulently paid by Kwaw Worsemao Blay to himself: GHS 300,000.00
Credit balance on the Company’s momo account as of February 2021: GHS 244,124.32
Monies paid from the Company’s Stanbic Bank account on 23rd January 2023 to one Aminu Adam Zanz: GHS 357,595.00
Amount paid from the Company’s Stanbic Bank account on 23rd January 2023 to Kwaw Worsemao Blay: GHS 100,000.00
Loic Devos Junior is demanding that the funds spent by Kwaw Worsemao Blay without his consent as director of Gold Coast Expo Ltd be refunded with interest.
Meanwhile, Mr. Ablakwa has warned, that “these marauding encroachers and their enablers in high places should prepare to meet us in Parliament soon.”
I have been poring over some additional 600 pages of court documents including rulings and exhibits in the Loic Devos Junior and Kwaw Worsemao Blay Polo Beach Club litigation.
The documents provide further details of treachery, betrayal and backstabbing which are indeed… pic.twitter.com/q0oFMrFv3W
— Sam Okudzeto Ablakwa (@S_OkudzetoAblak) June 7, 2024
The topic of the value of possessing a Dutch passport has been under discussion for a while now.
The conversation gained momentum after a Ghanaian-born individual who recently renounced his citizenship to become Dutch, asserted that his Dutch passport holds more value than a PhD from the University of Ghana (UG).
Kofi Gabs, also known as Mr. Happiness, shared on the X platform that his Dutch passport provides him with effortless opportunities.
According to the Henley Passport Index for 2024, the Netherlands holds the third most powerful passport globally, granting its citizens visa-free access to 192 countries.
This index annually scrutinizes data on 199 passports and 227 travel destinations to determine which nationalities can access the most countries without requiring a visa.
Utilizing data from the International Air Transport Authority (IATA), the index awards one point to each passport for every country its holders can visit without a pre-departure visa, while countries necessitating a pre-arranged visa receive zero points.
While the official ranking is released in January, the Henley Passport Index updates quarterly to incorporate changes in immigration legislation.
In 2024, the Dutch passport secured joint third place alongside Ireland, Denmark, and Austria, an improvement from fourth place last year.
Dutch passport holders only need pre-departure visas for 34 countries, including Russia, Ethiopia, Afghanistan, India, and Azerbaijan.
The most powerful passports, jointly ranking first, belong to France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Singapore, and Spain.
Conversely, the least powerful passports belong to Afghanistan, Syria, Iraq, Pakistan, and Yemen. Below are the top 10 most powerful passports in 2024, according to the Henley Passport Index.
According to the Henley Passport Index, these are the top 10 most powerful passports in 2024:
France (Joint first place) Germany (Joint first place) Italy (Joint first place) Japan (Joint first place) Singapore (Joint first place) Spain (Joint first place) Finland (Joint second place) South Korea (Joint second place) Sweden (Joint second place) Austria (Joint third place)
Even AI recognizes the power of a Dutch passport over a PhD in Ghana. Kofi Gabs never lied. 😎 pic.twitter.com/8P4dbRmfhm
Ghanaian author, Akosua Bame has issued a thought-provoking critique of Ghana’s democratic system, suggesting that citizens have been misled about the true nature of their political freedom.
She said this while speaking at a public lecture held on Thursday, June 6, 2024, at the British Council on the theme “Looking Beyond the Fourth Republic Towards Nation-Building,” the author of “The Mindset Revolution”
“For decades, Ghanaians have been programmed not to think for themselves; They have been deceived with the ideology of democracy perceiving that because they can insult a leader on a radio or televised programme they are truly enjoying the benefit of democracy,” she stated.
Madam Bame argued that this perceived freedom to criticize leaders on public platforms gives a false sense of democratic participation.
She believes that such actions are often seen as the hallmark of democracy, yet they do not translate into meaningful political change or accountability.
The author highlighted that even empowering declarations, like “be citizens and not spectators,” quickly lose their impact once those in power achieve their goals.
According to her, these slogans are designed to placate the public and fade away as soon as political objectives are met.
“They are truly enjoying the benefits of democracy even when declarations such as be citizens and not spectators are made; they fizzle out immediately that the power is attained. What has been the response when issues have emerged with the current government?
She questioned the current government’s response to public dissent, particularly when significant issues arise.
She referenced the widespread calls for the resignation of the then-Minister of Finance, a demand that was largely ignored.
Instead of being removed, the minister was “rewarded with another portfolio” on January 10, 2023.
Following the resignation of Alan Kyerematen, the Finance Minister was appointed as the caretaker minister of the Ministry of Trade and Industry.
When Ghanaians asked the then honorable minister of Finance to resign or be sacked by the president he was recently rewarded with another portfolio on 10th January 2023 as caretaker minister of the Ministry of Trade and Industry following the resignation of Alan Kyerematen”.
She emphasized the need for genuine democratic engagement where public opinion leads to substantial action and accountability from leaders.
For decades, Ghanaians have been programmed not to think for themselves; They have been deceived with the ideology of democracy – Akosua Bame. #JoyNewspic.twitter.com/Zw5SYxRWN1
The Ga Mantse’s office has announced a historic visit by Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, the Asantehene, scheduled for Sunday, June 9, 2024.
This visit, a first for an Asante monarch, aims to strengthen the ties between the Ga and Asante nations.
During a press briefing at the Ga Mantse’s Palace on Thursday, June 6, Nii Boi Abbey, head of the planning committee for the visit, revealed that the event will culminate in a grand durbar.
Nii Tackie Teiko Tsuru II, the Ga Mantse, will host this significant cultural event at the palace’s forecourt in Kaneshie, Accra, beginning at 11 am.
This visit follows the Ga Mantse’s participation in Otumfuo’s 25th-anniversary celebrations and seeks to renew the enduring friendship between the Ga and Asante communities.
Nii Abbey highlighted the longstanding history of exchange between the Ashantis and Gas, encompassing governance, cultural practices, and traditions.
“The Office of the Ga Mantse, therefore, invites all to witness this great moment in Ghanaian traditional history at the forecourt of the Ga Mantse’s Palace in Kaneshie, Accra, at 11 am on Sunday, June 9,” he announced.
Kumasi-based road contractor, Kofi Job Gyebi, has filed a defamation lawsuit against Frank Kwaku Appiah, also known as Appiah Stadium, in the Kumasi High Court.
The CEO of Kofi Job Company Limited is seeking GH₵5 million in damages, alleging that video content circulated by Appiah Stadium has tarnished his reputation and caused significant embarrassment.
According to the court filing, Kofi Job claims that Appiah Stadium’s false publication on social media platforms, including TikTok, has negatively impacted his business and personal reputation.
In addition to monetary compensation, Kofi Job is demanding a retraction and a public apology from the defendant, along with legal costs.
Appiah Stadium, a known supporter of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), is accused of disseminating false information about Kofi Job’s road construction company.
The court case aims to uncover the truth behind these allegations, with Kofi Job determined to restore his name and protect his business reputation.
This legal battle has garnered significant attention in the Kumasi community, with many closely following its developments.
The outcome of this case may set a crucial precedent for defamation lawsuits in Ghana, underscoring the importance of responsible speech and the protection of individual reputations.
Watch video below:
Road contractor Kofi Job has filed a defamation lawsuit against Frank Kwaku Appiah, popularly known as Appiah Stadium or John Mahama Ba, at the Kumasi High Court seeking GHS5 million in damages for video content circulated by Appiah Stadium that allegedly harmed his reputation… pic.twitter.com/zwfxJChERs
The Central East Regional Police Command has arrested ten land guards and seized cutlasses and axes during an operation in Asabaham, Ga South Municipality.
The suspects include Ali Razak, 34; Mohammed Salis, 41; Mohammed Amin, 30; Yussif Yakubu, 31; Manam Mubarak, 30; Habib Abdullai, 31; Samuel Ametrona, 26; Abdul Madid Adam, 35; Iddrissu Yakubu, 30; Nii Attoh Emmanuel, 42; and Isaac Boadu, 43. Most of the suspects are farmers from Atoma, with Boadu being a taxi driver from Freetown, Kasoa.
On May 23, 2024, a complainant reported to the Central East Regional Police in Kasoa that Morton City Real Estate owns 49.640 acres of land in Asabaham, which they sell to clients for development.
Recently, their clients have been attacked by men carrying cutlasses and guns who seize workers’ tools and demand money or force them to leave the site.
An intelligence-led operation on June 6, 2024, resulted in the arrest of the suspects at Asabaham. The police also impounded their Toyota 4Runner with registration number GW 4420-X and found cutlasses and axes on them.
Investigations revealed that the suspects frequently visit the lands, including those owned by Morton City, to seize tools from workers employed by developers to build houses. The threats and intimidation have caused many workers to abandon the site out of fear.
In an interview with Adom News, Benjamin Awuzu, the owner of the land, commended the Central East Regional Police Command for their swift intervention. Awuzu also mentioned that the land guards had attacked a pregnant woman after she refused to give them money.
The Ghana Police Service has deployed a specialized team to Bole and its surrounding areas in the Savannah Region to aid the Regional Police Command in investigating three cases of unnatural deaths reported over the past six months.
This team comprises Crime Scene Management Experts, Forensic Specialists, Intelligence Officers, and Homicide Investigators who will collaborate with the Regional Command on these cases.
To enhance security, police visibility and patrols have been significantly increased, with additional operational officers stationed in the town and neighboring communities.
In a statement, the Service revealed their active collaboration with local traditional and religious leaders, as well as community members, to address this troubling situation.
“We wish to assure the public, especially the affected communities to remain calm since the Police are committed to pursuing the perpetrators of this heinous crime.”
