TIG Post

Author: Phoebe Martekie Doku

  • Afenyo-Markin officially confirmed as Majority leader

    Afenyo-Markin officially confirmed as Majority leader

    The New Patriotic Party’s National Council has officially endorsed Member of Parliament (MP) for Effutu, Alexander Afenyo-Markin as the new Majority Leader effective today, February 23.

    This change aligns with recent parliamentary procedures and the Speaker’s ruling on the selection process.

    The confirmation of leadership changes took place during a meeting chaired by the General Secretary of the NPP, Justin Kodua Frimpong.

    The meeting, which included members of the Majority Caucus, considered recommendations from the National Executive Committee (NEC) regarding the reshuffle.

    The General Secretary presented the recommendations, along with the Majority Caucus’ concurrence letter, to the National Council, gaining approval at a meeting held at the Alisa Hotel in Accra.

    This process adheres to Order 6 of the Standing Orders of Parliament (2024), as interpreted by Speaker Alban SK Bagbin.

    The Speaker’s interpretation emphasized the crucial role of parliamentary caucuses in leadership selection, balancing internal party democracy and parliamentary norms.

    The official announcement of leadership changes will be made on the parliamentary floor by the Speaker, following the receipt of a detailed letter from the NPP General Secretary confirming the changes.

    Outgoing Majority Leader, Hon. Osei Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu, will bid farewell in a symbolic act, marking the end of his tenure.

    In a ceremonial transition, Kyei Mensah Bonsu and Adansi Asokwa MP, KT Hammond, will install Alexander Afenyo-Markin as the new Majority Leader, who will then articulate his vision and commitments in his inaugural address.

    The newly appointed Majority Front Bench leadership team, as per NEC’s recommendations, includes Alexander Afenyo-Markin as Majority Leader, Patricia Appiagyei as Deputy Majority Leader, Frank Annoh Dompreh as Majority Chief Whip, Habib Iddrisu as First Deputy Majority Chief Whip, and Alex Tetteh Djornobuah as Second Deputy Majority Chief Whip.

    The reshuffle, in accordance with the Speaker’s interpretation and the Standing Orders, marks a pivotal moment in harmonizing democratic and legal principles in Ghana’s parliamentary leadership. This transition is anticipated to usher in a new era of parliamentary operations, with the refreshed NPP team leading legislative proceedings and national development initiatives.

  • Reshuffling of Majority leadership was needless – Political analyst to NPP

    Reshuffling of Majority leadership was needless – Political analyst to NPP

    A political science lecturer at the University of Ghana, Dr. Kwame Asah-Asante, has contended that the turmoil surrounding the reorganization of the Majority Caucus leadership in Parliament was unwarranted.

    He suggested that engaging in discussions between the party and the MPs before the reshuffling could have addressed concerns and prevented the recent upheaval.

    In an interview with Citi News, Dr. Asah-Asante emphasized the importance of the party addressing outstanding issues ahead of the December 7 elections.

    “At this point in time, you would expect that a party that wants to break the 8, a party that is struggling to make sure it is able to administer to the satisfaction of its people, a party that is struggling in terms of how it can honour the numerous promises that it has given to its people, and at this point in time, will reconcile. This is the party that the odds are against, so it doesn’t need it [the reshuffle]. It is needless so to speak, but I don’t think it is a daunting task because if they really need to address this problem, let them bury their differences and there will not be any problem,” he stated.

    Dr. Kwame Asah-Asante acknowledged that although some damage has been done, it is not too late to convene a meeting between the party and the caucus to foster unity.

    “They can still call a meeting between the party and the caucus and then decide. Once they do that, there shouldn’t be any problem. Any problem that they find themselves in is different. It is true that they are in a difficult situation to go and campaign given the economic mess we find ourselves and some of them attributed to them,” he added.

  • Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu was forced by Akufo-Addo to resign – Political analyst alleges

    Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu was forced by Akufo-Addo to resign – Political analyst alleges

    A political analyst, Dr. Richard Amoako Baah, has alleged that President Akufo-Addo compelled Osei Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu to step down from his role as the leader of the Majority Caucus in Parliament.

    During an interview on Accra-based Radio Gold, Dr. Amoako Baah expressed his concerns, asserting that the president is the sole authority capable of removing the former Majority Leader, leaving no room to disavow any involvement in Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu’s resignation.

    The abrupt resignation occurred following a pivotal meeting between Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu and some NPP leadership figures at the Jubilee House on Wednesday, February 21, 2024.

    Dr. Amoako Baah also questioned the legal basis for the president’s actions, stating, “If he has been forced to resign, then the president forced him to resign from the position of Minister of Parliamentary Affairs because that is the only position he can be forced to resign from. You cannot force him to resign as Majority Leader.”

    He continued, “If he has been forced to resign, then the president forced him to resign from the position of Minister of Parliamentary Affairs because that is the only position he can be forced to resign from. You cannot force him to resign as Majority Leader.

    “So if anybody forced him to resign, it must be the president. Nobody else has that power except the president and so he cannot deny that he forced him to resign.

    “I am not blaming the president, he is the one who did it because he is the one with that power. If you have the power and you exercise it, it is not blame and the person has no choice because he has appointment powers and removal powers and he has exercised one.”

    Following his resignation, Osei Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu was appointed chairman of the NPP’s manifesto committee, and Alexander Afenyo-Markin was subsequently announced as Majority Leader.

  • New Majority leadership has a lot to offer – Suhuyini

    New Majority leadership has a lot to offer – Suhuyini

    The Member of Parliament for Tamale North, Alhassan Suhuyini, is optimistic about the new Majority leadership’s capability to effectively fulfill its responsibilities.

    Following Osei Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu’s resignation, Alexander Afenyo-Markin, the Deputy Majority Leader and MP for Efutu, has been appointed as the new Majority Leader by the New Patriotic Party (NPP).

    Patricia Appiagyei, the MP for Asokwa, will serve as Afenyo-Markin’s deputy, and Frank Annoh-Dompreh, the MP for Nsawam-Adoagyiri, will retain the position of Majority Chief Whip.

    Habib Iddrisu, MP for Tolon, has been named Deputy Majority Whip, while Alex Tettey Djonobuah, MP for Sefwi Akontombra, is now the Second Deputy Majority Whip.

    Expressing confidence in the new caucus leader, Alexander Afenyo-Markin, Alhassan Suhuyini wished him and his team the best of luck.

    Having entered Parliament alongside Afenyo-Markin in the Sixth Parliament, Mr Suhuyini highlighted Afenyo-Markin’s demonstrated leadership abilities.

    He also acknowledged Annoh-Dompreh’s leadership experience and commended Habib Iddrisu’s quick learning, foreseeing smooth operations within the Majority Caucus in Parliament.

    Mr Suhuyini conveyed his best wishes to the new leadership, noting Afenyo-Markin’s significant contributions to the growth and stability of the caucus, attributing many successful initiatives to his effective leadership in challenging situations.

    “I came to Parliament with Afenyo-Markin in the Sixth Parliament, and he has demonstrated his ability to be able to do what is supposed to be done by a leader. I think that [Frank] Annoh-Dompreh has been a leader for some time now. Habib [Iddrisu], even though he came first, he is learning very fast, and I think there won’t be much problem as far as the Majority Caucus in Parliament is concerned.”

    “I wish the new leadership the very best of luck. Afenyo-Markin has contributed immensely to the growth and stability of his caucus. Many of the things that they have been able to push through can be attributed to his ability to lead the charge when there seems to be no way.”

  • Afenyo-Markin assumes Majority leadership role

    Afenyo-Markin assumes Majority leadership role

    The New Patriotic Party’s National Council has officially endorsed the new leadership of the majority caucus in Parliament, with Alexander Afenyo-Markin, MP for Effutu, set to assume the role of Majority Leader effective today, February 23.

    This change aligns with recent parliamentary procedures and the Speaker’s ruling on the selection process.

    The confirmation of leadership changes took place during a meeting chaired by the General Secretary of the NPP, Justin Kodua Frimpong.

    The meeting, which included members of the Majority Caucus, considered recommendations from the National Executive Committee (NEC) regarding the reshuffle.

    The General Secretary presented the recommendations, along with the Majority Caucus’s concurrence letter, to the National Council, gaining approval at a meeting held at the Alisa Hotel in Accra. This process adheres to Order 6 of the Standing Orders of Parliament (2024), as interpreted by Speaker Alban SK Bagbin.

    The Speaker’s interpretation emphasized the crucial role of parliamentary caucuses in leadership selection, balancing internal party democracy and parliamentary norms.

    The official announcement of leadership changes will be made on the parliamentary floor by the Speaker, following the receipt of a detailed letter from the NPP General Secretary confirming the changes. Outgoing Majority Leader, Hon. Osei Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu, will bid farewell in a symbolic act, marking the end of his tenure.

    In a ceremonial transition, Kyei Mensah Bonsu and Adansi Asokwa MP, KT Hammond, will install Alexander Afenyo-Markin as the new Majority Leader, who will then articulate his vision and commitments in his inaugural address.

    The newly appointed Majority Front Bench leadership team, as per NEC’s recommendations, includes Alexander Afenyo-Markin as Majority Leader, Patricia Appiagyei as Deputy Majority Leader, Frank Annoh Dompreh as Majority Chief Whip, Habib Iddrisu as First Deputy Majority Chief Whip, and Alex Tetteh Djornobuah as Second Deputy Majority Chief Whip.

    The reshuffle, in accordance with the Speaker’s interpretation and the Standing Orders, marks a pivotal moment in harmonizing democratic and legal principles in Ghana’s parliamentary leadership. This transition is anticipated to usher in a new era of parliamentary operations, with the refreshed NPP team leading legislative proceedings and national development initiatives.

  • Give us posting immediately – Trained teachers tell govt

    Give us posting immediately – Trained teachers tell govt

    In a collective expression of frustration and disappointment, a group identifying as the Coalition of Unemployed Trained Teachers (CUTT) has voiced concerns over the prolonged delay in their postings by the government.

    The group, comprising individuals who have completed their four-year Bachelor of Education (B.ED) program, mandatory National Service, and licensure exams, expressed dismay at the lack of assurance regarding their employment timelines.

    As pioneers of the four-year B.ED program in colleges of education, the group emphasized their commitment to positively transforming the country’s human resource through acquired skills, knowledge, and competencies.

    However, they lamented being left in uncertainty without concrete information on when their postings would be executed.

    “Having been the pioneers of the four-year Bachelor of Education (B.ED) programme in the colleges of education, completed our one-year mandatory National Service as well and successfully passed our licensure exams, it saddens our hearts, joy and pride that we, pioneers of a programme that seeks to positively transform the human resource(students) of our country through the requisite skills, knowledge and competencies that we have been equipped with, are being left to our fate and there is no news as to when exactly our postings will be done for us,” the group stated.

    Despite successfully passing licensure exams and being issued licenses by the National Teaching Council (NTC) set to expire in 2025, the group remains unemployed. This discrepancy, according to them, is unfair, particularly considering their role as the first batch of teachers trained under the new B.ED program and the Common Core Program aimed at enhancing education quality.

    The group posed critical questions about the realization of the successes or failures of the new B.ED program when its pioneers are left unemployed. They called on the Ministry of Finance, the Ministry of Education, and the Ghana Education Service to expedite the financial clearance process and open the recruitment portal by the first week of March.

    Highlighting the urgency of the matter, the group emphasized the need to prevent the waste of the skills, knowledge, competencies, and resources invested in their training by the state.

    “We, therefore, call on the Ministry of Finance to grant us financial clearance and the Ministry of Education as well as the Ghana Education Service to expedite actions by opening the portal for us to be recruited by the first week of March so that the skills, knowledge, competencies and the resources the state has invested in training us do not go in vain,” the statement concluded.

    The introduction of the 4-year Bachelor of Education curriculum in colleges of education and their subsequent upgrade to fully-fledged universities in 2018 marked a significant shift in teacher training in Ghana.

  • Coup plotters’ death sentence doesn’t guarantee their execution – Martin Kpebu explains

    Coup plotters’ death sentence doesn’t guarantee their execution – Martin Kpebu explains

    Renowned private legal practitioner Martin Kpebu has clarified the potential fate of the six individuals recently convicted to death by hanging for their involvement in plotting to overthrow the government of Akufo-Addo.

    While acknowledging the severity of the death sentence, Kpebu pointed out that its execution is not imminent, and there are two significant impediments to its realization.

    Firstly, he highlighted the longstanding trend of successive governments abolishing the death penalty through various white papers. President Akufo-Addo himself has signaled his intention to present bills to parliament, amending the Criminal Offences Act, 1960 (Act 29), which mandates the death sentence for offenses like treason and murder.

    “… We have decided as a nation that we want to do away with the death penalty so no president will ever issue any order for their execution. Remember that the (sic) administration issued a white paper after the Constitution Review Commission finished its work, and then JM’s administration issued a white paper accepting the abolition of the death penalty.

    “That white paper is binding on President Akufo-Addo. And President Akufo-Addo also even signed Act 1101, the abolition of the death penalty in Act 29. So, you know that currently, murders, piracy and the other offences in the Criminal Offenses Act that used to attract the death penalty, all of those have been cancelled. They’ve been cancelled so they no longer attract the death penalty,” he explained.

    He added, “So, all of this shows that once we abolished some of the laws and President Akufo-Addo himself has committed he will now send bills for the abolishment of the death penalty in the Armed Forces law, this shows that nobody is going to kill them.”

    The second hurdle, Kpebu indicated, is that the sentencing would be carried out after several years of appeal.

    “And these people, before you even contemplate killing them, they must first finish all their appeals and that’s not going to be within the next two years. So, killing them off is totally off the table. Yes, we’ve moved past that,” he stressed the point.

    The second obstacle, according to Kpebu, involves a prolonged legal process. Before any contemplation of execution, the convicted individuals must exhaust all avenues of appeal, a procedure expected to extend over several years. Kpebu emphatically stated, “So, killing them off is totally off the table. Yes, we’ve moved past that.”

    This elucidation by Martin Kpebu provides insights into the legal complexities surrounding death sentences in the context of Ghana’s evolving legal landscape and the protracted nature of the appeals process.

    Background:

    In January 2024, the six individuals implicated in a coup plot were sentenced to death by hanging.

    Among the convicted individuals were Donya Kafui, alias Ezor, a blacksmith, and Bright Alan Debrah Ofosu, a fleet manager, found guilty of conspiracy to commit treason and treason. Johannes Zikpi, a civilian employee of the Ghana Armed Forces, was convicted of conspiracy to commit high treason.

    The trio of soldiers—Warrant Officer II Esther Saan Dekuwine, Lance Corporal Ali Solomon, and Corporal Sylvester Akanpewon—were found guilty of conspiracy to commit high treason.

    The judgment, handed down on November 22, 2023, followed the submission of written arguments by all parties involved.

    Initially charged on April 24, 2021, Dr. Frederick Yao Mac-Palm, the late Chief Executive Officer of Citadel Hospital, and ACP Dr. Agordzo, along with eight others, faced charges of conspiracy to commit high treason, abetment to high treason, and high treason. All ten accused individuals pleaded not guilty and were granted bail.

    However, the demise of Dr. Mac-Palm led to the removal of his testimony from the records following confirmation of his death during the trial.

  • Oti SECTECH students abandon class, hits the streets for water

    Oti SECTECH students abandon class, hits the streets for water

    The Oti Secondary Technical School (SECTECH) is currently grappling with a severe water crisis, forcing numerous boarding students to venture into nearby neighborhoods in search of water.

    As reported by the Ghana News Agency, many students were observed carrying containers while searching for water even during scheduled lesson hours.

    Expressing their frustration, some students, who chose to remain anonymous, conveyed their concerns to the GNA, stating, “We have been experiencing water crisis since school resumed and this is adversely affecting our academic activities.“By the time we get to our classrooms, we are already tired, and we cannot even concentrate, so we sleep in class” a student lamented.

    In an appeal to authorities, including the government, the Krachi East Municipal Assembly, and individuals, the students urged for assistance to alleviate the water crisis.

    Municipal Chief Executive (MCE) Mr. Bernard Aborkugya Mensah assured the students of his dedication to promptly address the acute water shortage.

    He mentioned that engineers were diligently working to find a lasting solution to the challenge, pledging to restore water supplies.

    The Ghana News Agency highlighted that the school has been grappling with water scarcity for an extended period, adversely affecting the quality of teaching and learning as students expend valuable contact hours in the pursuit of water.

  • Kufour plays a role in NPP’s woes – Arthur Kennedy

    Kufour plays a role in NPP’s woes – Arthur Kennedy

    A prominent member of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Arthur Kennedy, has asserted that former President, John Agyekum Kufour failed the party by not resisting the Akyem influence on its leadership.

    According to Kennedy, Kufour had the authority to prevent it but chose not to intervene, which is a cause for concern.

    Kennedy expressed his belief that Kufour should have utilized his political influence to safeguard the NPP from being controlled by external forces.

    He emphasized that, in his post-presidential years, Kufour’s inaction contributed to various issues within the party, such as the takeover and controversial removal of figures like Afoko and Kwabena Agyepong.

    Speaking critically about Kufour, Kennedy remarked, “Talking about Kufour, I’ve always liked him. Very personable, very fine gentleman. But in his post-presidential years, he let the NPP down.” Kennedy believes that Kufour’s failure to intervene allowed certain factions, referred to as the “Kyebi mafia,” to exert control over the party.

    Kennedy noted, “The person who could have stopped that was Kufour, who refused to spend his political capital doing that.”

    He mentioned Kufour’s decision as particularly disappointing given Kufour’s amiable nature and the potential to prevent many of the issues that unfolded.

    However, Kennedy also acknowledged that Kufour’s lack of support for Alan may stem from the belief that Bawumia is a more suitable candidate.

  • We will be forced to boycott areas that attack our men – GNFS

    We will be forced to boycott areas that attack our men – GNFS

    The Ghana National Fire Service (GNFS) has issued a stern warning of potential boycotts or blacklisting of specific areas following a surge in attacks on firefighters.

    The alert was prompted by an incident on February 10 in Konongo, where irate residents assaulted fire officers, blaming them for a delayed response that led to the destruction of a fire engine.

    In an interview on Citi TV, GNFS Public Relations Officer ADO 1, Alex King Nartey, revealed that outdated equipment is a significant factor contributing to delayed response times.


    Mr Nartey emphasized the concerning age of the majority of fire engines, ranging from 15 to 20 years old.

    “The unfortunate thing is that we always say that our logistics are very lacking. Most of our fire tenders are between 15, getting to 20 years old, a very worrying situation. As I speak to you now, Kasoa and Weija, their tender fighting is out of commission so if there’s any fire at Kasoa, the appliance will either have to move from Anyaa or Budumburam, that’s very bad.

    “So it means that if there is any fire within the Budumburam area, and one of the Budumburam probably attended to that fire, it means we have to call a much further appliance probably from Dansoman to attend to it. So you see the little appliances that we have left, we are trying to salvage it.”

    “So it becomes very appalling when they turn to put their frustration on us. So what we are deciding to do is to embark on a boycott of areas that are known to always want to attack our men because as we speak, a few days after this report was made, another attack happened to our men at Ahafo. Three or Four have been hospitalized, and I’m even hearing at Nkawie, another issue has happened,” he said.

    He highlighted the impact of non-functional equipment in specific areas, such as Kasoa and Weija, emphasizing that their fire tender fighting is currently out of commission.

    This results in the need to deploy appliances from more distant locations, exacerbating response delays.

    Expressing frustration, Nartey explained the potential consequences: “So it becomes very appalling when they turn to put their frustration on us. So what we are deciding to do is to embark on a boycott of areas that are known to always want to attack our men.”

    Mr Nartey urged the government to invest in new equipment and advocated for the establishment of additional fire stations in communities.

    He also called on Assembly members to actively engage in educating residents about fire safety to address the root causes of these challenges.

  • GHS150m not enough to fix potholes in Ghana – Contractors to govt

    GHS150m not enough to fix potholes in Ghana – Contractors to govt

    The Ghana Chamber of Construction Industry is urging the Ministry of Roads and Highways to release a minimum of GH¢2 billion to compensate road contractors for their completed projects.

    While acknowledging the allocation of GH¢150 million to address potholes nationwide as a positive step, the Chamber emphasized that this amount falls significantly short of the GH¢15 billion owed to its members.

    CEO Emmanuel Cheery expressed appreciation for the government’s effort but highlighted the inadequacy of the allocated funds to address the pothole situation, especially in Accra.

    Cheery stated that the funds were insufficient, particularly as neglected potholes had transformed into manholes and gullies.

    “In as much as we commend the government for releasing such an amount, we are pleading that the money should be increased in view of the nature of the work,” Mr Cheery said.

    The Ministry of Roads and Highways had earlier announced the allocation of GH¢150 million for routine pothole patching activities on major roads during the dry season.

    The aim is to reduce accident risks and extend the lifespan of the country’s road infrastructure.

    “They are manholes and some of them are gullies.If they were to be these normal potholes that we see, they could be treated differently, but the current ones have been left unattended to for so long and so they have deteriorated into manholes and gullies,” the CEO emphasised.

    Mr. Cheery expressed optimism that the minister-designate for Roads and Highways would address concerns and allocate additional funds for road construction. Additionally, he urged the government to clear its debt to contractors, which exceeds GH¢15 billion.

  • Majority Leader’s resignation shows all is not well with NPP – UDS Lecturer

    Majority Leader’s resignation shows all is not well with NPP – UDS Lecturer

    The resignation of the Majority Leader, Osei Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu, from his position in Parliament is indicative of underlying challenges within the New Patriotic Party (NPP), according to Dr. Alidu Bukari, a political science lecturer at the University for Development Studies (UDS).

    According to him, it’s possible that Mr. Osei Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu was pressured by the party’s leadership to resign as Majority Leader in Parliament.

    Dr. Bukari suggests that recent leadership changes within the Majority reveal internal issues in the NPP, prompting corrective actions ahead of the 2024 general elections.

    He characterizes these changes as a form of personalized politics, with the party showcasing individuals qualified for specific roles, possibly driven by the upcoming elections.

    In discussing Osei Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu’s resignation on 3FM’s mid-day news, Dr. Bukari emphasizes the indication that not all is well within the party.

    “Remember that earlier we got the news that those changes were made but they came and dismissed the idea and said that it was not true and that no leadership had been changed in the NPP in Parliament, so for the Majority leader to now come out resigning gives an indication that all is not well in the party.

    “Of course, leadership is a cost. Probably, the party is gearing toward the 2024 elections and they know what it takes for them to break the 8, so I will say that what the NPP is doing now is politics of personification i.e they are trying to show Ghanaians who is qualified or fit to be where and at what point in time especially when we are having just less than seven months to the election. So I am not surprised. It gives credence to the fact that all is not well at the party and now they are trying to put things together and match up to the opposition.”

    “For them to now justify why the change, probably the gentlemen, Honorable Osei Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu was forced to resign,” he stressed.

    He speculated that the move aligns with the party’s preparations for the 2024 elections, implying that the decision to resign may not have been entirely voluntary.

    Osei Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu, one of Ghana’s longest-serving lawmakers, announced his resignation during a meeting at the Jubilee House on February 21, 2024. He cited his dedicated service to the NPP since entering Parliament in 1997 and emphasized the need for unity within the party, particularly in pursuing the ‘Breaking the 8 Agenda.’

  • Bawumia’s claim to create 2.1m jobs a fabrication – NDC communicator

    Bawumia’s claim to create 2.1m jobs a fabrication – NDC communicator

    A member of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), Ayisha Alhassan, has challenged the job creation claims of New Patriotic Party (NPP) flagbearer Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, stating that his assertion of generating approximately 2.1 million jobs since 2017 contradicts official unemployment statistics from the Ghana Statistical Service (GSS).

    Alhassan, speaking on TV3, questioned the credibility of Vice President Bawumia’s figures, pointing to the GSS report indicating 1.3 million unemployed youth aged 15–35. She labeled Bawumia’s job creation narrative as inconsistent and fabricated.

    “If you lie about creating 1.2 million jobs, the unemployment rates will expose you. The Ghana unemployment rate went up from 1.2 to 1.3 million, yet Alhaji Bawumia says he has created 2.1 million jobs,” she remarked.

    “When you lie about creating 1.2 million jobs, the unemployment rates will expose you. The Ghana unemployment rate went up from 1.2 to 1.3 million, yet Alhaji Bawumia says he has created 2.1 million jobs.

    “As for the stories about job creation, I don’t even want to go into the inconsistencies because previously, it was 5.3, then it moved to 2.3, and now we have 2.1 million jobs. I don’t know if they concoct those figures to come and announce to us,” she stated.

    Ayisha Alhassan argued that genuine job creation would manifest in economic improvements such as enhanced economic growth, reduced interest rates, and increased tax revenues.

    Contrary to this, she highlighted the current economic challenges of high inflation, debt, and fiscal deficits.

    “If you have created 2.1 million jobs, it should reflect in the economy, as it will mean that a lot of economic activities will be going on. There would be a beef up in economic growth. Your interest rates would positively reflect it. Unfortunately, all economic indicators are pointing down south. They do not support any of these rhetoric,” she added.

    Vice President Bawumia had proclaimed the creation of around 2.1 million jobs, covering both formal and informal sectors, during a lecture on February 7.

  • Mahama will one day rename Peace FM to Asomdwee FM – Kwamena Duncan mocks

    Mahama will one day rename Peace FM to Asomdwee FM – Kwamena Duncan mocks

    A member of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Kwamena Duncan, has mocked Former President, John Dramani Mahama‘s proposal to rename schools when he wins the upcoming December 7 elections.

    According to him, he will someday want to rename Peace FM to Asomdwee FM as he  lacks comprehensive policies for the country.


    Speaking on Peace FM Kwamena Duncan, questioned Mahama’s vision for Ghana, suggesting that renaming entities will not address the broader issues the country faces.

    In contrast, he highlighted Vice President Mahamudu Bawumia for his emphasis on policies with broader impacts, particularly in the areas of food, transportation, power, and energy.

    He added that Bawumia’s approach, as outlined in recent speeches, appears to be focused on addressing critical sectors that affect the daily lives of Ghanaians.

    “ Mahama said he will rename Peace FM to Asomdwee FM. Mahama has no plans for Ghana. Renaming is part of his policies. Bawumia identified which impacts generally, Food, transportation, power and energy while introducing his policies,” he added.

    Mahama has recently announced his plan to reverse the names given by President Nana Akufo-Addo to certain public universities if he assumes power later this year.

    Speaking to party supporters, chiefs, and students in Zuarungu, Upper East Region, the NDC flagbearer criticized the NPP government for renaming universities established by the NDC government after their own political figures. Mahama questioned the rationale behind renaming existing universities, especially when the NPP had not initiated the construction of any universities themselves.

    Upon taking office, President Akufo-Addo initiated the renaming of several public universities. Notably, the Wa campus of the University for Development Studies (UDS) became Simon Diedong Dombo University of Business and Integrated Development Studies (SDD-UBIDS) in the Upper West Region, and the C.K. Tedam University of Technology and Applied Sciences (CKT-UTAS) in the Upper East Region. In 2018, the University of Mines and Technology (UMaT) was renamed George Grant University of Mines and Technology.

    Mahama has pledged to revert these name changes should he win the upcoming election. 

    He emphasized the importance of naming specific university facilities after individuals while highlighting that the overall names of public universities should align with their core purposes.

    “We are going to rename the universities. Ghana has many heroes, and not only the heroes of the NPP tradition.

    Mr Mahama added, “And so we will restore the original names, and the names that they have given them will be given to significant infrastructure in the universities.

    “And we will add other people and name the infrastructure in the universities after them. But if the university is the University for Development Studies, that is its core mandate. It will be called the University for Development Studies.”

  • Nature of new Parliamentary Standing Orders is causing problems – Ossei Aidooh

    Nature of new Parliamentary Standing Orders is causing problems – Ossei Aidooh

    Former Majority Leader, Abraham Ossei Aidooh has raised concerns about Parliament’s new standing orders, indicating potential challenges for political parties in selecting parliamentary caucus leaders.

    This comes in the aftermath of Osei Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu’s resignation from the Majority Leader position on February 21, 2024.

    Previously, Speaker of Parliament Alban Bagbin had declared that the appointment of caucus leaders should involve political parties.

    However, in an interview with Citi News, Mr. Ossei Aidooh, the former NPP Tema West MP, contested any interpretation allowing political party participation in the selection process, deeming it legally incorrect.

    “The way it is carved creates problems for everybody. You cannot imagine some parliamentary caucus choosing a leader without consulting the political party.

    “For instance, the Majority Leader has also been a minister, which is an elevation and so certainly there must be some consultations. How can you choose someone the president is not prepared to make a minister?

    “Legally, the Caucus can choose a leader without consulting the party, even though that may never happen, but in case they do it, they will not be wrong.”

  • EC, KNUST launch dashboard for electoral transparency

    EC, KNUST launch dashboard for electoral transparency

    To foster and boost engagement in electoral governance, the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST) has collaborated with the Electoral Commission and various stakeholders to introduce an easily accessible electoral information system.

    Termed the ‘Electoral Dashboard,’ this online platform aims to deliver prompt, dependable, and current information related to elections.

    Developed by professors from KNUST’s Faculty of Social Sciences, the platform is their contribution to fostering inclusivity and transparency in the electoral process within the country.

    Professor Gift Dumedah, the Lead Researcher for the Electoral Dashboard, expressed the belief that providing information to the Ghanaian public would stimulate participation in the electoral process, ultimately enhancing transparency and the legitimacy of elections.

    The Electoral Commission anticipates that this platform will simplify and bring transparency to their work.

    Benjamin Bannor-Bio, the Ashanti Regional Director of the Electoral Commission, emphasized the significance of information, transparency, and fairness in elections.

    He sees the online platform as a one-stop-shop for all election-related information, contributing to increased transparency and public confidence in the electoral system.

    “We felt that by giving information to the Ghanaian public, will stimulate our participation in electoral process. This in return will provide transparency and enhance the legitimacy of our elections. The online electoral dashboard that we’ve provided is to help with that conversation”, Lead Researcher for the Electoral Dashboard, Professor Gift Dumedah said.

    “This innovation is going to enhance the work of the Electoral Commission. Elections is about information, transparency, and fairness. Being a one-stop-shop for all information regarding elections, the online platform is going to make our work more transparent. This will enable us to build the needed confidence in our electoral system. The academia has now come in to support our electoral system and this is a plus to all of us. We as a Commission will support it to ensure that our electoral activities and processes are made open and transparent to the general public, so that when results are declared everybody will accept it as the true reflection of the desire of those who voted”, Ashanti Regional Director of Electoral Commission, Benjamin Bannor-Bio observed.

    The National Peace Council welcomes the academic community’s involvement in contributing to the electoral process.

    The Electoral Dashboard will be continuously updated with verified information from the Electoral Commission, the media, and other independent bodies, ensuring easy public access to all election-related information and updates on election day.

  • Ghanaians with higher credentials are the most unemployed – GSS

    Ghanaians with higher credentials are the most unemployed – GSS

    A recent study by the Ghana Statistical Service (GSS) has revealed that despite their availability and willingness to work, a significant portion of well-educated Ghanaians struggle to secure employment.

    According to the Ghana 2023 Annual Household Income and Expenditure Survey (AHIES), spanning from January 2022 to September 2023, approximately 22.3% of individuals who experienced unemployment for a continuous 21-month period held tertiary education qualifications.

    Additionally, nearly 48% of those facing unemployment had completed secondary education.

    The Government Statistician, Professor Samuel Kobina Annim, shared these labor statistics, emphasizing that around 200,000 individuals encountered unemployment spells lasting at least 12 months during this period.

    Notably, the issue was more prevalent among females, urban residents, individuals with secondary education, and those aged between 15 and 24 years.

    “This number reduces to about 752,000 persons who as of the third quarter of 2023 had not been employed.

    The survey differentiated unemployment spells by tracking individuals unemployed for two quarters (six months) between the second and third quarters of 2023, those jobless for nine months from the first quarter to the third quarter of 2023, and those unemployed for the entire 21-month period from the first quarter of 2022 to the third quarter of 2023.

    The study highlighted that the total number of people unemployed for six months in the second and third quarters of 2023 was approximately 1.3 million, decreasing to 752,000 by the third quarter of 2023. Professor Annim stressed the significance of addressing youth unemployment, which constituted over three-quarters of the total unemployed population of 1.85 million.

    The report indicated a year-on-year increase in the unemployment rate, with specific regions experiencing notable variations. The Director of Research, Statistics, and Information Management at the Ministry of Employment and Labour Relations, George Amoah, emphasized the government’s reliance on such statistics for planning and expressed a commitment to leveraging the report to promote decent work for the population.

  • Pregnant woman decides to sell unborn son

    Pregnant woman decides to sell unborn son

    A pregnant Ghanaian woman has revealed her intentions to exchange her unborn baby for money.

    In an interview with Crime Check Tv, the woman, identified as Godsway, explained that she has decided to sell the baby for 1.5 million Ghana cedis to meet the financial needs of the child and her existing four children, as she is a single mother.

    Godsway’s heartless decision stems from her concerns about her inability to support the baby before and after birth.

    After confiding in someone about her predicament, she was advised to visit Korle Bu Teaching Hospital, where doctors could recommend her to individuals interested in buying babies.

    “Facing financial hardship, I considered selling my unborn son to ensure his well-being. At Korle Bu, I encountered individuals who were willing to refer me to a doctor and provide financial assistance after childbirth. Advised to speak with a doctor about my situation, I declined the offer of free delivery and was directed to another department.

    “In this department, a doctor offered to pay me 1.5 billion Ghana cedis, but I expressed dissatisfaction, understanding that the usual payment for a boy is 4 or 5 billion, and for a girl, it’s 2.5 billion cedis. Despite the financial strain and my initial willingness, my firstborn threatened to disown me if I proceeded with such a decision.

    “Being the sole caregiver for my children, this pregnancy has hindered my ability to work as before. The fear of being unable to provide for my baby and his four siblings weighs heavily on me, especially considering my husband’s neglectful role as a father dealing in PoP.”

    Despite being offered free delivery by a female doctor at the hospital, Godsway declined, stating that she wouldn’t be able to care for the baby after birth,” She added.

    She was then referred to another doctor who agreed to accept her offer but demanded 1.5 billion Ghana cedis.

    The desperate woman reluctantly agreed to the amount, even though she wasn’t satisfied, revealing that individuals purchasing babies typically do not pay less than 5 billion Ghana cedis.

  • Bechem SHS: Court awards GHS100K to 5 final year students who gang-raped 15-year-old girl

    The Duayaw-Nkwanta Circuit Court has granted GH¢100,000 bail with two sureties each to four students from Bechem Presbyterian Senior High School (PRESEC) who are accused of gang-raping a 15-year-old form one student at the school.

    Two additional suspects, Hamida Kyeremaa and another individual whose name is withheld, charged with aiding and abetting the crime, were also granted GH¢100,000 bail with two sureties, one to be justified.

    This decision was made by the court presided over by Justice Akosua Serwaa Sarfo.

    While proceedings were held in camera on Monday, it was learned that the court ordered suspects Agyem Frimpong, Emmanuel Ankama, Osman, Hamida, and the other suspect to remain in police custody until they meet the bail conditions.

    Police are actively searching for another suspect in the case, believed to be the gang’s ringleader.

    DSP Daniel Gadzepke, the prosecutor, stated in a telephone interview with the Ghana News Agency (GNA) that a case management conference would be held in the next hearing for the plea of the suspects to be taken.

    They are scheduled to reappear before the court on Monday, March 18, 2024.

    As of the report filing, DSP Gadzepke mentioned that none of the suspects had been able to meet the bail conditions, and he indicated that they would be remanded to prison if unable to fulfill the terms.

    The alleged gang rape incident occurred on Saturday, February 10, 2024, around 2130 hours, involving five final year students. The victim was reportedly assaulted in a dilapidated structure on the school’s compound after accomplice Hamida lured and handed her over to the perpetrators.

    A medical report from the Duayaw-Nkwanta St John of God Catholic Hospital, as seen by the GNA, confirmed the victim had been raped.


  • Chairman of the Health Committee is obstructing Covid-19 expenditure investigation – Minority

    Chairman of the Health Committee is obstructing Covid-19 expenditure investigation – Minority

    The Minority in Parliament has alleged that Dr. Ayew Afriyie, the chair of the Health Committee, is intentionally impeding a parliamentary investigation into the government’s COVID-19 expenditure.

    Alban Bagbin, the Speaker of Parliament, assigned the Finance and Health Committees the responsibility of promptly examining the use of COVID-19 funds. This directive was issued in response to perceived irregularities in the management of COVID-19 funds, as highlighted by the Finance Minister on June 22, 2022.

    On February 21, the Minority Leader, Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson, expressed concerns on the floor of Parliament, accusing the MP for Effiduase/Asokore of obstructing the investigation. According to Dr. Forson, the chairman of the joint committee, Ayew Afriyie, has not convened a meeting to address the matter, creating a sense of sabotage.

    Dr. Forson stated, “The chairman of the joint committee, Ayew Afriyie, has not called a meeting to sit on the matter. The ranking member cannot obviously call a meeting and it is only the chairman who can call the meeting. So we are sensing some form of sabotage.

    “There was a sub-committee that the joint committee formed and developed a guideline, and submitted it to the joint committee, which it accepted and as we speak, this matter has been delayed for almost eight months, and we cannot continue like this.”

  • Stop contacting MoMo vendors to access our services – ECG warns customers

    Stop contacting MoMo vendors to access our services – ECG warns customers

    The Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG) has issued a warning to customers, advising them against making payments to specific mobile money accounts falsely claiming association with ECG services.

    ECG management disclosed that certain individuals have been reaching out to customers, requesting payments to a designated MoMo number under the guise of facilitating access to ECG services.

    In response to this issue, ECG released a disclaimer on Thursday, February 22, 2024, urging customers to disregard such calls.

    The organization emphasized that it does not require payments for its services through phone transactions.

    “The attention of the Electricity Company Ghana (ECG) has been drawn to activities of fraudsters who call ECG customers in the name of ECG to make payments to certain mobile money accounts to access

    “Customers should please note that ECG does not demand payments for services through phone calls. Customers are strongly advised,” parts of the disclaimer added.


    ECG explicitly cautioned customers against responding to these solicitations and strongly recommended making payments exclusively through the official ECG Power app or the provided short code.

    Concurrently, ECG management is actively addressing the situation and encourages customers to report any such incidents to the nearest security agency or ECG office for appropriate action.

    Attached is the full statement

  • Wontumi cannot be stopped from becoming national chairman for NPP – Prophet

    Wontumi cannot be stopped from becoming national chairman for NPP – Prophet

    Leader of Nyametease Ampa Prayer Ministry in Kumasi, Prophet Kusi Appiah, has endorsed Bernard Antwi Boasiako, also known as Wontumi, as the future national chairman of the New Patriotic Party (NPP).

    During an interview on Wontumi TV/Radio in Kumasi, the prophet commended Wontumi for his steadfast support of NPP’s presidential candidate, Vice President Mahamudu Bawumia.

    He characterized Wontumi’s dedication as a righteous endeavor, paving the way for his eventual rise to the NPP’s national chairmanship.

    Prophet Kusi emphasized that Wontumi’s commitment aligns with divine timing, asserting that no amount of intimidation or falsehoods can alter his predetermined path to becoming the NPP’s national chairman.

    He stated, “God’s time is the best, and this is the right time. No amount of intimidation, lies, propaganda, or evil schemes can thwart that. If God decrees it, who can oppose it?”

    In addition to his prophecy regarding Wontumi, Prophet Kusi revealed a divine insight into the upcoming victory of Dr. Bawumia in the 2024 presidential elections.

    According to the prophet, Bawumia’s triumph is divinely orchestrated, showcasing his unique capability to lead the nation towards prosperity.

    “God has told me that Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia will assume the seat of the presidency and nothing can change that. God is the one bringing him because he is the only person who can change the fortunes of the nation and no one else,” he stated.

  • Will 24-hour economy policy be advantageous to churches? – Pastor quizzes Mahama

    Will 24-hour economy policy be advantageous to churches? – Pastor quizzes Mahama

    The leader of Nyametease Ampa Prayer Ministry in Kumasi, Prophet Kusi Appiah, has raised concerns about the potential impact of former president John Dramani Mahama’s proposed 24-hour economy on the Christian community.

    The religious leader has challenged Mahama to outline the specific benefits that the 24-hour economy would bring to churches, highlighting that the Christian community is already active around the clock.

    During an interview on Kumasi-based Wontumi TV/Radio on February 21, 2024, Prophet Kusi Appiah suggested that the inspiration behind the proposed 24-hour economy might stem from the continuous operations of churches.

    He emphasized that many religious institutions are already engaged in round-the-clock activities.

    Prophet Kusi Appiah expressed his belief that Vice President Mahamudu Bawumia, the New Patriotic Party (NPP) flagbearer, could offer more substantial support to churches through his digitalization agenda compared to the 24-hour economy.

    “I am already working 24 hours, so your 24-hour economy was even learned from us. What would the 24-hour do for churches?

    “If you want me to change my mind or stop praying for Bawumia, they should come out and convince me that the 24-hour will add value to my church.

    “But when it comes to digitalization, even as an illiterate, I can point out about three or four benefits of digitalization to the churches,” he stated during the interview.

  • Woman allegedly hires pragya driver to pour acid on boyfriend

    Woman allegedly hires pragya driver to pour acid on boyfriend

    A man, believed to be in his late twenties, has suffered severe facial burns in an acid attack allegedly orchestrated by his girlfriend.

    The victim, preparing to return to Canada, fell victim to the attack carried out by a hired tricycle (pragya) rider, as reported.

    Recounting the incident on GHPage TV, the victim described being near food vendors when someone, appearing to pass by, suddenly poured a substance on his face.

    Experiencing an immediate burning sensation, he cried for help, and a bystander took him to Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital (KATH).

    “I was standing around some food vendors when suddenly, someone whom I perceived was also passing, poured something on my face. Instantly, I felt a burning sensation all over and I began shouting for help. A good samaritan came to my aid and took me to Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital (KATH),” he stated.

    In his statement, the victim implicated his girlfriend, Abigail, citing recent issues with her. Convinced she was responsible, he mentioned her name and asked if he had wronged her.

    Eyewitnesses later identified the attacker as a pragya rider, revealing that the tricycle had a modified license plate. A thorough police investigation exposed the suspect’s attempt to conceal his involvement by falsely reporting the tricycle as stolen.

    “At the time the incident happened, I had no idea who poured the acid on me. But quickly I mentioned my girlfriend’s name [Abigail] and asked if I had wronged her in any way. Because she was the only one I was having issues with, few days for me to return to Canada and on top of that, she was the only one who knew where I stayed.

    “When my parents came to me at the hospital, I told them that I was sure it was Abigail, so, they should go and arrest her,” he continued.

    The victim clarified that the pragya rider had parked near his place the night before the attack. Eyewitnesses observed the rider picking something from the tricycle’s bucket before the assault.

    The tricycle’s license plate, initially 888, was covered with black tape, reading as 000. Eyewitnesses reported the incident to the police, instructing them to arrest anyone claiming a missing tricycle.

    “The person who poured the acid on me I was told was a man, who was riding a tricycle popularly referred to as pragya. They explained to me that the night before, the rider parked around my place. Some of the eyewitnesses who were at the scene when it happened told me that before he poured the acid on me, they saw him picking something from the bucket of the tricycle only for them to realise that I was screaming for help. After the incident, they also took the pragya to the police station as the rider escaped.

    “The tricycle had the license plate 888 but they had covered it with black tape so it read as 000. They reported the incident to the police and told them that if anyone came there to complain of a missing tricycle, they should arrest him as a suspect,” he added.

    “… Fortunately, the guy later went to the police station to complain about his missing tricycle. He told the police that he was attacked by a group of armed men during the night and they seized his tricycle and he heard it had been brought to the police station so he was coming to take it. After interrogating him, they realised that he was the one behind the crime,” he added.

    Fortunately, the rider went to the police station, claiming an attack by armed men who seized his tricycle. After interrogation, it was revealed that he was the perpetrator behind the acid attack.

  • Mandatory consultation needed to reshuffle parliamentary leadership – Dr Rasheed Draman

    Mandatory consultation needed to reshuffle parliamentary leadership – Dr Rasheed Draman

    The Executive Director of the African Centre for Parliamentary Affairs (ACEPA), Dr. Rasheed Draman, has underscored the significance of consultations in the reorganization of parliamentary leadership.

    Instead of outright resignations, Dr. Draman notes that parliamentary leaders are typically reshuffled through extensive consultations.

    His comments come in the wake of the resignation of Majority Leader and Minister for Parliamentary Affairs, Osei Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu, on February 21. Dr. Draman expresses concern that the absence of such consultations could diminish the motivation of parliamentarians to fully contribute to their parties.

    Quoted by 3news.com, Dr. Draman states, “It is sad for our parliament but most importantly, it is not a motivation for others to give their all in terms of their contributions to their party and so on.”

    Emphasizing the importance of broad consultations within both the New Patriotic Party (NPP) and the National Democratic Congress (NDC), Dr. Draman highlights the need for inclusivity when contemplating changes in parliamentary leadership.

    “The party has every right, as the leader has said, in terms of making decisions but the keyword is consultation and carrying everybody along,” he says.

    Dr. Draman contended that such consultations would dispel the perception that party leadership does not consider the views and suggestions of its members before making decisions.

    He also asserted that parliamentary caucuses deserve better treatment from their party leadership.

    Reflecting on past events, Dr. Draman notes dissatisfaction among caucus members during previous reshuffles due to a lack of consultation being the primary issue.

    “The party has every right, as the leader has said, in terms of making decisions but the keyword is consultation and carrying everybody along,” Dr. Draman said.

    He also believes that such consultations would dispel the notion that party leadership does not heed the views and suggestions of its members before making decisions.

    Dr. Draman further asserted that parliamentary caucuses deserve better treatment from their party leadership.

    Reflecting on past events, he said there are dissatisfactions among caucus members during previous reshuffles because of a lack of consultation as the primary issue.

    He explained, “When the NDC thing [reshuffle] happened, there were a lot of members of the caucus who were very angry, not because of the change but because of the process and how most of them were not consulted.”

  • Covering up majority leadership reshuffle waste of time – Allotey Jacobs to Joe Wise

    Covering up majority leadership reshuffle waste of time – Allotey Jacobs to Joe Wise

    The former Central Region Chairman of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), Bernard Allotey Jacobs, has raised concerns about a recent press conference conducted by the First Deputy Speaker of Parliament, Hon Joseph Osei-Owusu, commonly known as Joe Wise.

    Speaking on Peace FM, Mr, Jacobs criticized the event, labeling it as politically tactless and potentially disruptive to the party’s unity and focus.

    He expressed dismay at the trend within the New Patriotic Party (NPP) of publicly announcing internal matters.

    He suggested that such announcements should be handled discreetly without unnecessary public disclosure.

    “The press conference by JoeWise was politically tactless and potentially disruptive of the party’s cohesion and focus.
    “I would like to offer a suggestion to the leadership of the NPP: internal matters should be handled discreetly without unnecessary public announcements.

    “Take, for instance, the recent announcement that Bawumia would introduce his campaign team. Unfortunately, the NDC’s press conference, ‘The Moment of Truth,’ seemed strategically aimed at overshadowing Bawumia’s presentation,”he added.

    On Tuesday, February 20 Joe Wise organised a press conference contrary to media reports, which suggested a change in the leadership of NPP lawmakers in Parliament ahead of the December 7 general elections.

    Mr Osei-Owusu clarified that no such changes had been implemented.

    During his press address in Parliament, JoeWise clarified that he was unaware of any external attempts to reshuffle the leadership of the current Majority side of Parliament.

    Joe Wise emphasized that the new Standing Orders of Parliament give the caucus exclusive power to change the leadership of both the Majority and the Minority, with no external interference permitted.

    He affirmed that no decision had been made to alter the current leadership of the Majority.

    “We are here to inform you that the publications that are going around are not true, it is false.

    “The majority caucus has not made any changes in its leadership, the majority caucus has not contemplated making any changes to its leadership and we will tell the world and Ghana to ignore any such publication.

    “We want to assure you that we have confidence in the leadership and the status quo shall remain, we are aware that upon the nomination of one of the Deputy Whips as a minister, a replacement will be made, that replacement will be made by the caucus when weaved the opportunity  and the time to consider the appropriate replacement, this is all the information we have to share,” he said.

    He reiterated, “The leadership of the Majority has not changed, we have not contemplated changing and we have no intention to effect any change in the leadership of the majority caucus. The Parliament of Ghana has adopted standing orders that place the selection and change or otherwise of leadership in the hands of the caucus and not anybody inside parliament.”

  • Bawumia’s campaign team is divided; it will be difficult for him to win 2024 elections – Movement For Change

    Bawumia’s campaign team is divided; it will be difficult for him to win 2024 elections – Movement For Change

    Spokesperson for the Movement For Change (MFC), Solomon Owusu, has voiced his concern about the potential electoral performance of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) Flagbearer, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, .

    According to him, it will be difficult for Bawumia to secure more votes in the upcoming December 7 polls with the current composition of his campaign team.

    He highlighted internal division within the party, particularly the exclusion of followers of Ken Agyapong from the campaign team.

    ”If the NPP uses this campaign team to secure even 12% of the national votes in the 2024 general elections, I will be shocked and be disappointed in Ghanaians. This campiagn team is already divided and this shows that there’s nothing like unity in the party. Ken Agyapong was Bawumia’s contender in the party’s Presidential primary but none of the people who followed Ken Agyapong was selected as member of the campaign team. Ken Agyapong’s followers have been left out in the campaign team. What the Bawumia people are saying is that the party belongs to us and we’ve taken it.

    ”The NPP cannot secure 12% of votes in the coming election. Mahama in 2016 with inflation at 15.4% secured 44% and Akufo-Addo -Bawumia government inflation stands at 23.5%. Work out the simple proportion and see the percentage of votes Bawumia will secure come December 7 election. Mahama’s debt to GDP was 57% or so, even that one Ghanaians gave him 44% of votes cast but Akufo-Addo – Bawumia’s debt to GDP is over 70%, how many percentage of votes do you expect Ghanaians to give him,” Solomon Owusu asked?

    During his appearance on the Ghana Kasa show on Kasapa 102.5FM, Mr Owusu stated that if the NPP secures12% votes in the 2024 general elections, it would be a shocking and disappointing outcome.

    The NPP National Executive Committee and National Council meetings appointed members for the Presidential campaign team on Monday, February 19, 2024, including figures like Justin Kodua Frimpong, Henry Nana Boakye, and Dan Botwe, Owusu expressed doubt about the team’s ability to secure victory.

  • Awutu Senya West: Assembly members vote against DCE Nominee

    Awutu Senya West: Assembly members vote against DCE Nominee

    The nominee for District Chief Executive in the Awutu Senya West constituency, Moses Arhinful Acquah, fell short of the required threshold for election.

    Among the 35 votes cast, Moses Arhinful Acquah secured 19 “Yes” votes and 15 “No” votes, failing to meet the two-thirds majority.

    Regional Minister Marigold Assan, along with key assembly members, is currently in a meeting to discuss the next steps.

    The Regional Minister encouraged assembly members to prioritize the development of Awutu Senya West over partisan politics and emphasized the President’s commitment to the region’s progress.

    “When you go back to your homes, please think about the development of Awutu Senya West and the various electoral areas so that we can come together and champion the cause of Awutu Senya West. Let’s do away with partisan politics and do what is necessary. There are 22 MMDAs in the Central Region, so one should not be an obstacle at all. The President has the development of Awutu Senya West at heart, and so we must ensure that the DCE nominee gets one hundred percent endorsement,” the Central Regional Minister said.

    “As an assembly, they are much responsible for bringing both sides together. The former executives failed to do that, but I think there should be a bit more cooperation going forward to ensure that we work together as a team,” Gizella Tetteh Agbotui said.

    MP Gizella Tetteh Agbotui, present at the endorsement ceremony, called for cooperation to ensure effective functioning of the assembly, emphasizing the need for unity and teamwork.

  • Unemployment rate in Ghana reaches 14.7% – GSS

    Unemployment rate in Ghana reaches 14.7% – GSS

    In the initial three quarters of 2023, the nation witnessed a surge in the average unemployment rate, reaching 14.7 percent.

    Corresponding data extracted from the Ghana Statistical Service’s Annual Household Income and Expenditure Survey Quarter Three Labour Bulletin revealed that the number of unemployed individuals aged 15 to 35 increased from approximately 1.2 million to over 1.3 million during this period.

    Notably, the unemployment rate was consistently higher among females than males.

    The survey findings also highlighted a temporary decline in youth unemployment during the second quarter of the preceding year, 2022.

    However, the sharp rise in the unemployment rate among females between the fourth quarter of 2022 and the first quarter of 2023 resulted in a broader gender gap in unemployment in 2023 compared to 2022.

    The labor force saw an influx of about 440,000 individuals between the first and third quarters of 2023, with more than 60.0 percent of them securing employment.

    Interestingly, throughout both 2022 and 2023, more females than males found employment, with the gender difference in employment figures averaging around 600,000 in 2022 and 900,000 in 2023.

    While the number of employed individuals in urban areas remained relatively constant in the first three quarters of 2023, rural areas experienced a continuous increase in employment for five consecutive quarters from the second quarter of 2022.

    However, there was a decline in rural employment in the third quarter of 2023. The disparity in unemployment rates between urban and rural areas consistently widened in the first three quarters of 2023, with the urban unemployment rate being almost twice that of rural areas in the second and third quarters of 2023.

    The overall average unemployment rate for the first three quarters of 2023 stood at 14.7 percent, with females consistently experiencing a higher rate than males. The gender gap in unemployment widened due to a significant increase in the unemployment rate among females from the fourth quarter of 2022 to the first quarter of 2023.

    Although the labor force participation rate exhibited a notable increase between the fourth quarter of 2022 and the first quarter of 2023, it remained stable throughout the first three quarters of 2023. Concurrently, the labor market’s ability to absorb individuals seeking employment, as indicated by the absorption rate, consistently improved from the second quarter of 2022 to the third quarter of 2023.

  • Two-day national policy dialogue to be held by NDC

    Two-day national policy dialogue to be held by NDC

    The National Democratic Congress (NDC), led by H.E. John Dramani Mahama, in collaboration with the party’s leadership and the NDC Social Democracy LAB, a policy think tank, is set to host a National Policy Dialogue.

    This event aims to discuss and deliberate on the NDC’s policy priorities for the upcoming 2024 Presidential and Parliamentary Elections in Ghana.

    Scheduled to take place from February 22nd to 23rd in the Eastern Region, the Policy Dialogue will specifically center on the theme of the 24-hour economy.

    The focus is to generate and prioritize policy proposals geared towards the transformation and reconstruction of Ghana.

    The participation of 200 experts is anticipated, representing diverse areas including Party structures, the Minority Caucus of Parliament, and the Social Democratic LAB thematic groups, which cover Human Development, Finance and Economy, and Governance.

    In a press release dated February 21, the NDC emphasized that the Policy Dialogue serves as a crucial step in the preparation for the development of the 2024 Manifesto.

    The objective is to lay the groundwork for a strategic, efficient, and streamlined government, effective from January 2025.

    “The Dialogue will focus on the 24-hour economy, and prioritize policy proposals to transform and rebuild Ghana. 200 experts will participate in the Policy Dialogue. They are drawn from the Party structures, Minority Caucus of Parliament and the Social Democratic LAB thematic groups; comprising Human Development; Finance and Economy; and Governance,” a press release dated February 21 said.

    “The Policy Dialogue is in preparation towards the 2024 Manifesto development process and will propel grounds for a strategic, efficient and lean Government come January 2025,” the NDC noted.

    The release added that, “The Dialogue will be addressed by the Flagbearer H.E John Dramani Mahama on Friday, 23rd February, 2024.”

  • US govt investigates Ahmed Suale’s death; accesses his Whatsapp, photos, video etc

    US govt investigates Ahmed Suale’s death; accesses his Whatsapp, photos, video etc

    The locked iPhone and Huawei phone of investigative journalist, Ahmed Hussein-Suale have been successfully unlocked by the United States (US) government.

    Thousands of images, texts, audios, videos, and WhatsApp messages are under analysis by police investigators.

    Ahmed Hussein-Suale was assassinated near his family home in Accra on January 16, 2019, believed to be linked to his investigative work.

    Justice Minister Godfred Yeboah Dame revealed the collaboration, stating that no docket for prosecution has been submitted regarding the murder.

    US collaboration involved unlocking Suale’s phones, revealing “millions of documents” analyzed by Homicide and Cybercrime Units.

    Minister Dame emphasizes ongoing efforts to bring the perpetrators to justice and explores alternative motives for the murder.

    Investigations include satellite imagery, sketches from witness descriptions, and telecommunications analysis.

  • Dual report on military involvement in 2024 elections shows you are a coward – Security policy expert to IGP

    Dual report on military involvement in 2024 elections shows you are a coward – Security policy expert to IGP

    Security policy expert Anthony Acquaye has criticized Inspector General of Police (IGP) Dr. George Akuffo Dampare for the police service’s response to comments made by Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCOP) Gabriel Prince regarding security arrangements for the 2024 general elections.

    Mr Acquaye views the police service’s disassociation from DCOP Gabriel Prince’s comments, stating that the Ghana Armed Forces would not be involved in election security, as a display of cowardice and weakness on the part of the IGP.

    The police service released a statement on February 20, 2024, distancing itself from the senior officer’s remarks made in a television interview on February 19, 2024.

    The comments were deemed unfounded, and the police subsequently initiated internal disciplinary processes against DCOP Gabriel Prince.

    In response, Mr Acquaye expressed that Gabriel’s comments resonated with the aspirations of many Ghanaians, who prefer the military not be involved in electoral activities due to recent electoral violence.

    He pointed to the successful police supervision of by-elections in Kumawu and Assin North without military involvement as evidence of confidence in the IGP’s leadership.

    “Mr IGP, I must tell you in your face that this statement from your outfit has exposed your cowardness, for not being the man you portray yourself to be, your inability to stand firm by the guiding principle and upholding the golden rule of oneness in the service, by sacrificing a fellow senior most officer whose statement gave hope and assurance to Ghanaians on how prepared and capable your institution is, ahead of the forthcoming 2024 general election.

    “Mr IGP, the statement from your outfit is not only unfortunate but also demoralised the spirits of your men and women and exposes the weakness of your leadership,” part of the statement read.

    “Mr IGP, I am by this write-up challenging the Ghana Police Service under your leadership to come out and explain to Ghanaians what is factually wrong with the statement made by DCOP Gabriel Prince Waabu which has warranted him to be subjected to an internal disciplinary process.

    “Mr IGP, I need answers to these questions, Is it not factually correct that the 1992 constitution mandates the police institution as the custodian of the country’s internal security operations in maintaining peace, law and order? Again, which part of the 1992 constitution states that the decision by the police not to involve the military in election security in Ghana is unconstitutional?” he questioned.

    What DCOP Prince said in the interview that warranted the disassociation and discipline by the Ghana Police Service

    “Like how we organized all those elections within last year and whatever happened in 2022, a lesson has been learned out of it. We are not maybe going to involve the military, as it were, because it was not even the police that came up with this issue.

    “So, it’s going to be only the police, prisons, fire and immigration that is going to conduct these elections. They are going to support us; it is our baby, it is the police’s baby, but we will want to co-opt in our sister security to help in one way or the other,” he explained.

    Read Anthony Acquaye’s full statement below:

    OPEN LETTER TO THE IGP OF THE GHANA POLICE SERVICE

    Dear Mr IGP,

    I write about a letter released under your command and control dated 19th February 2024 with reference number and heading; PAD/PRESS/VOL4/1/93 and POLICE STATEMENT ON COMMENT BY DCOP MR GABRIEL PRINCE WAABU ON ELECTION SECURITY respectively, where the Police Service claimed to disassociate itself from a comment made by DCOP Gabriel Prince, during a panel discussion on JoyNews, that the Police Service had learned lessons on ensuring peaceful elections, which means it will exclude the military from this year’s election.

    Mr IGP, I am putting it to you that the statement made by DCOP Gabriel Prince Waabu has been the aspiration of many Ghanaians looking forward to seeing you achieve it, as one of your strategic goals going into the 2024 general election after parading your gallant men and women to successfully supervise two crucial by-elections at Kumawu and Assin North without the direct involvement of the military which made some of us have the confidence in your leadership to fully ensure that the authority given to the Ghana Police Service by the 1992 constitution is strictly exercise without any fear or favour.

    But Mr IGP, I must tell you in your face that this statement from your outfit has exposed your cowardness, for not being the man you portray yourself to be, your inability to stand firm by the guiding principle and upholding the golden rule of oneness in the service, by sacrificing a fellow senior most officer whose statement gave hope and assurance to Ghanaians on how preparedness and capable your institution is, ahead of the forthcoming 2024 general election.

    Mr IGP, the statement from your outfit is not only unfortunate but also demoralises the spirits of your men and women and exposes the weakness of your leadership.

    Mr IGP, I am by this write-up challenging the Ghana Police Service under your leadership to come out and explain to Ghanaians what is factually wrong with the statement made by DCOP Gabriel Prince Waabu which has warranted him to be subjected to an internal disciplinary process.

    Mr IGP, I need answers to these questions; Is it not factually correct that the police institution is mandated by the 1992 constitution as the custodian of the country’s internal security operations in maintaining peace, law and order? Again, which part of the 1992 constitution states that the decision by the police not to involve the military in election security in Ghana is unconstitutional?

    Mr IGP, learning from the 2020 General Election, where eight citizens were killed by soldiers, with one of their justifications linked to how they are trained in handling civilian matters born fundamentally out of the military doctoral framework, I would expect that, if your administration has in its election security strategy to involve soldiers at the front line in the forthcoming 2024 general election, Ghanaians should by now know the explicit role of the military and how you are going to address the command and control friction that emerges between the police and the soldiers during joint security operation, and moreover, how soldiers can be educated on the basic law enforcement practices and policing culture to avoid some of this unfortunate incident that occurred during the 2020 general election.

    Signed

    Anthony Acquaye

    Mr Acquaye criticized the police’s U-turn on the matter, asserting that it contradicts the IGP’s previously respected leadership. He accused the IGP of exposing weakness and demoralizing the police force with the handling of this situation.

    The security expert challenged IGP Dampare to explain to the public what factual inaccuracies in DCOP Prince’s statements warranted internal disciplinary action.

  • Your actions show you’re against anti-LGBTQ+ bill – Speaker to Afenyo-Markin

    Your actions show you’re against anti-LGBTQ+ bill – Speaker to Afenyo-Markin

    The Speaker of Parliament, Alban Bagbin, has issued a veiled message directed at Deputy Majority Leader, Alexander Kwamina Afenyo-Markin, in relation to the anti- LGBTQ+ bill.

    Bagbin’s remarks came after Afenyo-Markin proposed engaging the flagbearers of the leading political parties on the bill and suggested amendments replacing imprisonment with community service.

    However, Bagbin has urged Afenyo-Markin to align his actions with his words, emphasizing that the time for stakeholders’ engagement had passed.

    He stressed that actions speak louder than words, and the House must continue its authorized proceedings without further delays.

    Bagbin stated, “We have gone past that, we have done the second reading, this is not the time to call for stakeholders’ engagement; there is no such practice in our proceedings. Please, actions speak louder than words; take note of that. It is not a matter of getting up and saying I am not opposed to the bill; I am in complete support of the bill, meanwhile, your actions are speaking differently from the words you are using.

    “This House must continue to consider and do what it is authorized to do. After that, anybody else can decide on what to do. I can no longer extend this grace for a delay in the processing of this bill”.

    In response to the lack of support for his proposed amendments, Afenyo-Markin withdrew all suggested changes to the anti-LGBT+ bill.

    Initially moving a motion for the amendment of 20 clauses, he faced opposition during a voice vote, leading to the withdrawal of his proposals. Despite suggesting a secret vote, the Speaker instructed him to withdraw a similar proposed amendment, which he complied with.

  • Education Minister must be invited over SHSs’ debts owed to ECG – NAGRAT

    Education Minister must be invited over SHSs’ debts owed to ECG – NAGRAT

    The National Association of Graduate Teachers (NAGRAT) has urged parliament to summon the Education Minister, Dr. Yaw Osei Adutwum to address recent power outages in schools nationwide.

    This call follows the disconnection of Accra Academy from the national power grid due to outstanding arrears amounting to approximately GHs480,000 owed to the Electricity Company of Ghana.

    NAGRAT Vice President, Jacob Anaba, highlighted that Accra Academy is not the sole institution affected, citing Sunyani Senior High School and St. James Seminary in the Bono Region, which have encountered similar issues, including water challenges.

    Mr Anaba contended that parliamentary intervention could lead to improvements in teaching and learning conditions within second-cycle institutions.

    He expressed concern about the Ministry’s lack of proactiveness, emphasizing outstanding arrears for the third and fourth quarters.

    Speaking on the Super Morning Show on Joy FM, Mr. Anaba stated, “The Ministry has not been proactive. For us to be owing the third quarter and fourth quarter, and we are not even talking about this year, then there is a serious problem. I will urge Parliament to invite the Minister to Parliament to explain to the Ghanaian public what is actually happening for us to get understanding”.

    In response, the Education Ministry’s spokesperson, Kwasi Kwarteng, cast doubt on claims of power outages in some Bono Region schools. He suggested that NAGRAT should verify information before making such claims on a national platform like Joy FM.

    Additionally, Kwarteng explained discrepancies in the Electricity Company of Ghana’s (ECG) accounting structure as a potential cause for Accra Academy’s disconnection.

    He mentioned that payments, made at the national level, might not have been properly communicated to local offices, leading to the power cutoff on Monday, February 19.

  • Ministry of Finance allocates €7m to complete Kumasi International Airport

    Ministry of Finance allocates €7m to complete Kumasi International Airport


    The completion of the Kumasi International Airport, initially delayed due to funding constraints, has received a boost as the Ministry of Finance released €7 million out of the remaining €9 million.

    The project, originally slated for completion in June 2023, faced setbacks due to a lack of funds, prompting the newly appointed Finance Minister, Dr Mohammed Amin Adam, to expedite payments.

    Dr Amin Adam expects the contractors to finalize the project within two months and emphasized the urgency of overcoming the financial challenges.

    About 90 percent of the project is already complete, with the outstanding tasks including the runway extension and control tower.

    The Finance Minister, after inspecting the facility, announced that the remaining €2 million would be disbursed within a week to ensure uninterrupted progress.

    Additionally, Dr Amin Adam examined the state of the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital Mother and Child Health project, which had stalled at 35 percent completion since January 2023.

    In response to financial challenges affecting various government projects, including the hospital initiative, the Minister disclosed that €14 million had been released to facilitate the contractors’ remobilization and resumption of work.

    Acknowledging the impact of incomplete projects on maternal mortality rates, the Chief Executive Officer of Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital, Professor Otchere Addai-Mensah, expressed optimism that the completion of the 500-bed capacity facility would enhance the quality of healthcare services provided to patients.

    The President’s directive to secure funds for project completion reflects a commitment to addressing critical infrastructure needs across the country.

  • My intent is not to delay the passage of anti-LGBT bill – Afenyo-Markin

    My intent is not to delay the passage of anti-LGBT bill – Afenyo-Markin

    Deputy Majority Leader in Parliament, Alexander Afenyo-Markin, has denied accusations of attempting to obstruct the passage of the anti-LGBT bill.

    He underscored his intent to replace imprisonment, as outlined in the bill, with community service.

    In a House session on Wednesday, Afenyo-Markin clarified, stating, “Mr Speaker, I need to emphasize that no attempt whatsoever is being made by me to stall this important bill.”

    He expressed a desire for the bill’s passage to reflect unity and consensus among members.

    Contrary to accusations, Afenyo-Markin aims for collaborative decision-making within the House.

    Previously, he filed a motion for a second consideration of the bill, proposing an amendment to substitute imprisonment with community service.

    During a session on February 21, the House proceeded to amend approximately thirteen clauses.

    However, when a question was posed about support for the proposed amendment, the majority voted against it.

    Following this outcome, Speaker Alban Bagbin instructed Afenyo-Markin to withdraw a similar proposed amendment, which he complied with.

  • Kalpohin SHS housemaster under scrutiny for student’s death

    Kalpohin SHS housemaster under scrutiny for student’s death

    The Senior Housemaster at Kalpohin Senior High School in Tamale is facing allegations of negligence resulting in the tragic death of a 17-year-old student.

    The incident, reported to the Northern Regional Police Command, unfolded when the student, entrusted to his peers’ care, was supposed to be taken to the hospital with an exeat signed by the senior housemaster for medical attention.

    The 17-year-old student, who tragically passed away on Sunday night, had been witnessed vomiting by Moses Baffoe, a Tamale resident, at the school’s entrance while on his way home.

    Despite two unsuccessful attempts to alert the senior housemaster to the situation, the housemaster arrived on the third attempt, only to find that the student had already been taken to the Tamale Teaching Hospital for medical attention.

    Upon discovering that the student had lost his life before reaching the hospital, Mr. Baffoe reported the senior housemaster to the police for negligence.

  • Afenyo-Markin makes u-turn on proposed amendments in anti-LGBT bill

    Afenyo-Markin makes u-turn on proposed amendments in anti-LGBT bill

    The Deputy Majority Leader in Parliament, Alexander Afenyo-Markin, has retracted all amendments he had put forth for the anti-gay bill after failing to garner support for approval from the House.

    Afenyo-Markin had initiated a motion to amend 20 clauses in the anti-LGBT bill.

    However, during Wednesday’s session, a question was posed to the House about their stance on the proposed amendments, with the majority voting against them.

    Facing resistance, Afenyo-Markin suggested a secret vote to gauge support, expressing the belief that his colleagues were hesitant to openly endorse his proposals.

    Despite his recommendation, the Speaker disregarded it and instructed Afenyo-Markin to withdraw a similar proposed amendment, which he complied with.

    Afenyo-Markin’s opposition primarily centers around a provision that could lead to the imprisonment of individuals accused of engaging in or promoting LGBT activities.

  • Replace 200 nurses who left in 2023 – KATH CEO to govt

    Replace 200 nurses who left in 2023 – KATH CEO to govt

    The Chief Executive Officer of the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital (KATH), Professor Otchere Addai-Mensah, has revealed that more than 200 nurses and other health professionals departed the hospital in 2023, negatively impacting its operations.

    During a facility tour with Finance Minister Mohammed Amin Adam, Professor Addai-Mensah urged the government to authorize the replacement of the departed staff for improved service delivery.

    “In the past year, we have had over 200 nurses leave Komfo Anokye. Every day, I have had to approve three to five applications for either leave of absence or resignation, mostly nurses, radiographers, and medical laboratory scientists, and so we are praying that we should be allowed to replace these people who are leaving so that we can continue with the care that we are supposed to be giving to our patients.”

    The hospital is also grappling with a severe equipment deficit, prompting a plea from the CEO for the government to commit to retooling various departments.

    “One of the major things we are facing is the retooling of the hospital. We are aware of the difficulties that the government has had concerning COVID-19 and others. Still, we believe that it is also possible for some help to be extended [to us] as far as retooling is concerned, especially given the fact that we are serving twelve regions.”

  • Even Akufo-Addo’s salary won’t be sufficient for you! – Hawa Koomson chides disgruntled nurse

    Even Akufo-Addo’s salary won’t be sufficient for you! – Hawa Koomson chides disgruntled nurse

    The Minister for Fisheries and Aquaculture Development, Mavis Hawa Koomson, has encouraged the public to maintain a positive outlook despite the economic challenges in the country.

    During an interview on Onua TV’s morning show on February 20, 2024, Hawa Koomson, who also serves as the Member of Parliament for Awutu Senya East, acknowledged the economic difficulties but emphasized that Ghana is comparatively better off than many other nations.

    Responding to a nurse’s complaint about inadequate salary, the minister attributed such concerns to the healthcare worker’s evolving needs. She clarified that even if the nurse’s salary were increased, it might still be deemed insufficient due to a corresponding rise in her requirements.

    “… as a Member of Parliament and where I reside, Kasoa, I know what is in the system. But when you compare Ghana to other countries, Ghana is doing far better. Let us not paint a picture to the world that indicates that Ghana has been destroyed completely.

    “One woman, a nurse, is saying that the government should come for her money… I thank her. It is true, I know that the money is not enough, but Nana Yaa (the host of the show), even if we give her the money of Nana Addo, it would not be sufficient for her,” the minister said.

    She added, “If we swap and give this nurse Nana Addo’s salary, that money would not be sufficient for her. Because the more she gets the money, the higher her priority, the higher her needs.”

  • SHS student at Akim Swedro dies after he was denied exeat to go home

    SHS student at Akim Swedro dies after he was denied exeat to go home

    The parents of a 19-year-old final-year student at Akim Swedro Senior High School have pointed fingers at the school management for the tragic death of their son.

    According to the grieving parents, their son, Keater Vadje, was denied an exemption despite his request for leave due to illness.

    They alleged that Keater had sought permission to go home for medical care, but his plea was rejected, prompting him to call his father for assistance.

    Rainbow Radio’s Prince Collins Bening, reporting from the area, revealed that Keater approached the housemaster, explaining his sickness and requesting an exam exemption.

    However, the school management dismissed his request, questioning the seriousness of his illness.

    Unable to secure an exeat after multiple attempts, Keater contacted his father, who promptly arrived at the school, took his son home, and rushed him to the Akimdan Government Hospital. Unfortunately, the facility was unable to provide adequate treatment and advised the father to seek help elsewhere.

    Subsequently, Keater was taken to the Akwatia St. Dominic Hospital, where he tragically passed away in the evening.

    The grief-stricken parents firmly hold the school responsible for their son’s untimely death, arguing that if he had been granted leave, he might have survived.

    As the family prepares for the funeral, they have scheduled the burial for February 16, 2024.

  • Provisional results of 37,825 WASSCE private candidates released

    The West African Examinations Council (WAEC) has unveiled the preliminary outcomes of the 2023 West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) for private candidates – Second Series, indicating a total of 37,825 participants.

    Among the candidates were 17,389 males, 20,725 females, and an additional 16 visually impaired candidates.

    However, 1,231 registered candidates were reported absent during the examination.

    In a statement released in Accra and signed by John Kapi, the Head of Public Affairs at WAEC, it was disclosed that the results of 289 candidates were withheld due to allegations of involvement in various forms of examination malpractice, including collusion, impersonation, and bringing unauthorized materials into the examination hall.

    The release of these results is subject to the conclusion of investigations into the reported cases of malpractice.

    WAEC cautioned against scammers attempting to deceive candidates with promises of result upgrades for a fee payable through mobile money transfers.

    Candidates were reminded of the secure protection of WAEC’s results database, and all results can be authenticated.

    Institutions and organizations were advised to verify results directly from WAEC through the official website or utilize the online confirmation/verification service.

    The Council expressed gratitude to all those who contributed to the successful conduct of the examination, including school heads, supervisors, invigilators, and examiners.

  • US Embassy in Ghana to list surplus properties for sale

    US Embassy in Ghana to list surplus properties for sale

    The US Embassy in Ghana has announced plans to auction surplus properties, including vehicles, to the public.

    In a post shared on X on Wednesday, February 21, 2024, the embassy revealed that the online auction is scheduled to run from Monday, February 26, 2024, to Wednesday, February 28, 2024.

    According to the announcement, interested individuals can participate in the auction by submitting bids online at https://online-auction.state.gov.

    Bidding will commence at 8:00 am on February 26, 2024, and conclude at 8:00 pm on February 28, 2024.

    “The US Embassy will conduct an online auction of surplus properties and vehicles. Bidding opens at 8:00 am on Feb 26, 2024, and closes at 8:00 pm on Feb 28, 2024.

    “All bids must be submitted online at https://online-auction.state.gov. Instructions for bidding and the lots available for purchase can also be viewed on this site,” part of the post reads.

    The embassy also mentioned that physical viewing of the auction items, including vehicles, will be possible at its Accra premises on Thursday, February 22, and Friday, February 23, 2024, from 9:00 am to 12:00 pm each day.

    It emphasized that there is no warranty for all auction items and encouraged inquiries to be directed to accraonlineauction@state.gov.

  • Akosombo Dam spillage: Lost ID cards, passports of victims must be replaced immediately – Ablakwa to govt

    Akosombo Dam spillage: Lost ID cards, passports of victims must be replaced immediately – Ablakwa to govt

    The Member of Parliament for North Tongu, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, has urged the government to promptly replace all lost national identity cards, passports, and other documents for individuals affected by the Akosombo dam spillage.

    Ablakwa contends that replacing essential identity documents such as birth certificates, health insurance cards, voter ID cards, passports, and Ghana cards is crucial on humanitarian grounds to alleviate the difficulties faced by the victims.

    Addressing the Parliament on Tuesday, Ablakwa stated, “I’m calling on the government to replace thousands of lost Ghana Cards, Health Insurance Card, Voter ID Cards, Birth Certificates, and Passports for victims of far-reaching catastrophic consequences of the September 5, 2023, spillage from the Akosombo and Kpong dams by the Volta River Authority.

    “The time has come for the relevant public institutions to carry out a special and comprehensive exercise in all affected constituencies to immediately replace these important documents.”

    He expressed gratitude to Ghanaians for their support in helping the victims overcome the situation.

    However, in response, the Deputy Majority Leader, Alexander Afenyo-Markin, suggested that the appeal should be directed to the relevant institutions for resolution.

    “The call should be made to the EC, National Health Insurance Authority, and others. We cannot narrow everything to the government, and we may not be getting the solution.

    “Let’s move from our offices beyond the talk on the floor of the house and move there; they are our colleagues. Let’s direct this appropriately so that we get solutions.”

  • Ashanti Region: Woman allegedly takes her life over boyfriend’s infidelity

    Ashanti Region: Woman allegedly takes her life over boyfriend’s infidelity

    Nafisatu Latif, identified as the woman who tragically took her own life in Nkawie Toase in the Ashanti Region, due to an alleged broken heart.

    According to information gathered by EDHUB on X, Nafisatu was struggling with doubts about her relationship, suspecting her boyfriend of infidelity.

    In an attempt to assess his loyalty, she confided in a friend, hoping for clarity in her tumultuous situation.
    Unfortunately, her friend reportedly failed to provide any feedback, intensifying Nafisatu’s fears and leading to a month-long period of heated arguments with her boyfriend.

    The narrative indicates that the tension reached its breaking point on Saturday, February 17, 2024, when overwhelmed by despair, Nafisatu made the extreme decision to ingest a poisonous substance, seeking an end to her emotional torment.

    Reportedly, Nafisatu did not succumb immediately. She was rushed to the Nkawie Government Hospital on Saturday evening and later transferred to the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital.

    Tragically, her fight for life came to an end in the early hours of Monday morning, according to the narrative.

  • Ghanaian shot in Canada: Victim was ‘utterly innocent’ – Police

    Ghanaian shot in Canada: Victim was ‘utterly innocent’ – Police

    In a tragic incident on February 17 in northwest Toronto, a 39-year-old Ghanaian bystander lost his life at a bus stop, becoming the unintended target of a lone gunman.

    Adu Boakye, a father of four who had recently relocated to Canada, succumbed to gunshot wounds upon reaching the hospital. Another unnamed teenager, also shot by the same assailant, remains hospitalized.


    Supt. Andy Singh from 31 Division conveyed to the media that both victims were “completely and utterly innocent,” a statement he emphasized as a “big part of what has caused alarm in this community.”

    The incident unfolded around 3:05 p.m. on Saturday, February 17, 2024, in the Jane Street and Driftwood Avenue area.

    Despite immediate life-saving measures, Boakye could not overcome the injuries sustained during the shooting.

    Detective Phillip Campbell, offering additional information, confirmed that investigations have uncovered no relationship between Mr. Boakye and the individual responsible for the shooting.

    “It is reported that: the victim was located with gunshot wounds. Life-saving measures were performed, and the man was transported to hospital. The man succumbed to his injuries at the hospital and was pronounced deceased,” it added.

    “The victim has been identified as Adu Boakye, 39, of Ghana,” the February 20 statement released by the Homicide and Missing Persons United confirmed.

    Detective Phillip Campbell also gave further details on the matter, disclosing to the media thus:

    “Our investigation thus far has revealed there is no relationship between Mr. Boakye and the individual, or individuals, who shot him.

    “And like the victim shot the day before, Boakye was innocently going about his business [when he was shot],” he added.

    Mr Boakye, much like the victim from the preceding day, was merely going about his daily activities when confronted by this senseless act of violence.

  • Toronto police shares image of suspect who killed Ghanaian man in Canada

    Toronto police shares image of suspect who killed Ghanaian man in Canada

    Image of the primary suspect in the murder of Adu Boakye, a 39-year-old Ghanaian father of four, who fell victim to a random shooting incident in Canada, have been released by the Toronto Police.

    In a press release dated February 20, 2024, the police shared information and pictures of an individual suspected to be the perpetrator behind the fatal shooting in Toronto.

    The suspect is described by the police as a slim-built, black male believed to be between the ages of 18 and 25.

    According to the police release, the suspect was spotted through video canvassing, wearing a black coat, a white hoodie, black pants, black shoes, a black face covering, and possibly a white surgical mask.

    “Through video canvassing, a suspect has been identified. The suspect is described as male, black, 18-25 years old, with a thin build.

    “He was wearing a black coat, a white hoodie, black pants, black shoes, a black face covering and possibly a white surgical mask. Images of the suspect have been released,” parts of the release reads.

    The police also indicated that the suspect used a stolen vehicle to commit the atrocity.

    “The involved suspect vehicle, a stolen black Acura RDX, was located in Hamilton. Anyone who may have seen the vehicle, or who has video or dashcam footage, is asked to contact police,” it said.

    Additionally, it was revealed that the suspect utilized a stolen black Acura RDX as part of the criminal act. The stolen vehicle was later found in Hamilton, and the police are seeking information from anyone who may have seen the vehicle or possesses relevant video or dashcam footage.

    Background:

    Adu Boakye, who had relocated to Canada just three months ago, became one of the victims in a shooting incident that occurred in the North York area of northwest Toronto.

    Responding to a shooting call on Saturday, February 17, 2024, around 3:05 p.m. in the Jane Street and Driftwood Avenue area, the police found the victim with gunshot wounds. Despite life-saving efforts and transportation to the hospital, Adu Boakye succumbed to his injuries and was pronounced deceased.

    Detective Phillip Campbell, in a subsequent media interview, disclosed that Adu Boakye and another unnamed 16-year-old boy were both “shot indiscriminately” within 24 hours while waiting for a bus in the Jane Street and Driftwood Avenue area. Det. Phillip Campbell emphasized that there was no apparent connection between Mr. Boakye and the assailant(s), and both victims were innocently going about their activities when shot.

  • J.B. Danquah-Adu was killed by ‘Sexy Dondon’ – Police investigator to court

    J.B. Danquah-Adu was killed by ‘Sexy Dondon’ – Police investigator to court

    Retired Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) Daniel Nkrumah, who served as an investigator, testified in an Accra High Court that Daniel Asiedu, also known as Sexy Dondon, was responsible for the murder of the former Member of Parliament for Abuakwa North, J. B Danquah Adu.

    ASP Nkrumah asserted during cross-examination by Mr. Yaw Dankwa, the defense counsel for Asiedu and Vincent Bossu (aka Junior Agogo), that there was conclusive evidence placing Asiedu at the crime scene.

    Daniel Asiedu is currently held on charges of allegedly murdering the former Abuakwa North MP at his Shaishie residence in Accra in 2016. Asiedu has pleaded not guilty to charges of murder and robbery.

    Both Bossu and Asiedu face charges of conspiracy to commit robbery, with Bossu entering a not guilty plea.

    During cross-examination, ASP Nkrumah refuted the defense counsel’s suggestion that he failed the accused individuals and the Ghanaian public in determining J.B Danquah Adu’s killer. He maintained that Asiedu was the perpetrator based on their investigations.

    Dismissing claims that he was present during the MP’s death, ASP Nkrumah continued to attribute the crime to Asiedu.

    “I am in court to tell the truth. It was the first accused person (Daniel Asiedu) who killed J.B Danquah Adu. Per our investigations, the killer was found, and it was no other than the first accused person (Asiedu).”

    He also contested the defense counsel’s assertion that linking Asiedu to the MP’s death prevented chaos within the Ghana Police Service.

    ASP Nkrumah informed the court that Assistant Commissioner of Police Daniel Abandoe led a team to the crime scene when the murder was reported. Despite being the main investigator, ASP Nkrumah also served as the recorder at the crime scene, explaining the various roles played by the team in the deceased’s house.

    While unable to specify the time the deceased’s body was taken to the mortuary, ASP Nkrumah mentioned that the deceased arrived home between 11:00 and 11:50 p.m. on the day of the incident. The defense counsel presented conflicting information from a security officer, Apraku, stating that the deceased arrived home at 1:00 a.m. ASP Nkrumah defended the credibility of the witness, emphasizing that these differences did not undermine the overall integrity of the testimony.

    He further informed the court that when the team transported the MP’s body to the mortuary, a relative of the late MP identified it to the police. The court, presided over by Mrs. Justice Lydia Osei Marfo, has adjourned the proceedings to Thursday, February 22, 2024.

  • Your messages must be clear and convincing if you want to win 2024 elections – Politicians told

    Your messages must be clear and convincing if you want to win 2024 elections – Politicians told

    A political scientist from the University of Ghana Legon, Dr. Kwame Ansah-Asante, has emphasized the importance of politicians establishing a connection with the public to understand and address their needs.

    He asserted that this connection is crucial for gaining the trust and votes of the electorate.

    During the February 19 episode of Ghana Tonight on TV3, Dr. Ansah-Asante highlighted the necessity for politicians to convey convincing messages to the Ghanaian people.

    “They need to be able to convince Ghanaians that look, the economic situation they find themselves, in no time it will be resolved. Plans regarding their means of livelihood, employment, should be packaged and sent to the people to convivence them. The issue of even growth of the economy and all that’’ he stated.

    He emphasized the importance of addressing economic challenges, livelihood, and employment issues, and ensuring that plans for resolving these concerns are effectively communicated to the public.

    In his analysis, Dr. Ansah-Asante stressed that politicians must craft messages that resonate with the public, tackling issues that impact the general population.

    “The message must touch and resonate with those listening, address the public issues confronting the general public, and address the ongoing challenges faced,” he added.

    According to him “for election, you need to have your human resource material which they will have, your strategy, you need to have manifesto and message’’.

    He added that “the promise they made, they make sure by the time it gets to the December 7, they will have enough to stand on to campaign.”


    He underlined the significance of addressing ongoing challenges and discussing governance indicators that influence political outcomes.

    Furthermore, he pointed out that politicians need a well-prepared human resource material, a strategic plan, and a comprehensive manifesto to effectively campaign for elections.

    According to Dr. Ansah-Asante, politicians must fulfill the promises they make, ensuring that they have substantial grounds to campaign on by the time the elections arrive on December 7.

    He concluded by stating that discussions on governance indicators should also focus on whether politicians genuinely possess effective solutions to the challenges faced by the nation.

  • Video: The moment a thief was forced to dance after he was caught and beaten to pulp

    Video: The moment a thief was forced to dance after he was caught and beaten to pulp

    A young Ghanaian man identified as Akwesi Sean Paul found himself in the spotlight after being apprehended for theft in his neighborhood.

    In a viral video, Akwesi Sean Paul, experienced an immediate response from irate community members who opted for an unconventional form of justice.

    After the accused thief was beaten by his neighbors, he was compelled to dance.

    Watch video below: