To eliminate the desk deficit in public basic schools and provide learning desks for approximately 2.3 million pupils in primary and junior high school (JHS) levels across the country, the government would need an estimated GH¢330 million, according to a report by the education think tank, Eduwatch.
The study, titled “Scoping study on the impact of desk deficits in public basic schools,” disclosed that 80 percent of pupils in the northeastern region alone had to resort to writing on their bellies or the bare floor due to the shortage of desks.
The report attributed the desk deficit to the Pre-tertiary Education Act, which mandated district assemblies to provide infrastructure to public basic schools without the necessary financial capacity.
Divine Kpe, Senior Programmes Officer at Eduwatch, stressed that addressing the backlog would require GH¢330 million.
At the current investment rate of GH¢18 million per year, it would take approximately 18 years to clear the deficit. Additionally, an annual investment of GH¢19 million is needed to provide 54,800 desks for the growing number of pupils.
Key drivers of the desk deficit were identified as resource and deficit issues, evidenced by the awarding of new school building contracts without including desk provision.
Delays in securing funds for desks often led to community pressure for schools to become operational.
The study also noted that GETFUND, the primary revenue source for educational infrastructure, did not fully allocate funds to top infrastructure projects and exhibited a lack of gender responsiveness in budget allocations from 2021 to 2023.
The study recommended allocating 70 percent of GETFUND to infrastructure, prioritizing infrastructure at the basic education level, and adopting a policy to ensure that no basic school infrastructure contract is awarded without the full inclusion of school furniture, including desks and chairs.
Eduwatch initiated the study in 2021 with support from the Foreign Commonwealth Office (FCDO) and Star Ghana Foundation, aiming to explore innovative ways to address the impact of desk deficits in public basic schools.
The Majority Leader, Osei Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu, has aligned himself with President Akufo-Addo’s position on why he cannot endorse the Witchcraft and Ghana Armed Forces Bill.
In an interview with TV3’s Beatrice Adu on December 20, he stated, “I agree with the president on the financial toll argument.”
President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo provided additional reasons for his inability to assent to the Criminal Offences Amendment and the Ghana Armed Forces Bills.
Despite Parliament passing the bills on July 25, the President, in a letter to Parliament, cited financial implications on the consolidated fund as a key reason for not signing the bills.
The letter highlighted a thorough review of relevant constitutional legislative frameworks, specifically Article 108 of the Constitution and Section 100 of the Public Financial Management Act 2016, Act 921.
It emphasized that the bills, introduced as private member’s bills by Francis-Xavier Sosu, Member of Parliament for Madina Constituency, did not conform with constitutional provisions.
The bills, which avoid the death penalty and criminalize the activities of witch doctors, were deemed to retain substantial financial obligations on the Consolidated Fund and other public funds of Ghana.
“Upon a thorough review of the relevant constitutional legislative frameworks specifically Article 108 of the Constitution and Section 100 of the Public Financial Management Act 2016, Act 921, it is evident that the bill is introduced as private member’s bills by the honourable member of Parliament for Madina Constituency, Francis-Xavier Sosu do not conform with the provisions of the Constitution.
“These bills which avoid the death penalty and criminalise the activities of witch doctors retain substantial financial obligations on the Consolidated Fund and other public funds of Ghana due to the projected cost related to imprisonment, sustenance and healthcare for those who will be convicted under the days when they become law.”
“Therefore, in light of this significant fiscal impact, these bills should not have been introduced with the fiscal impact analysis. Access to such an analysis precludes these bills from being properly classified as private member’s bills. The legislative power entrusted to parliament comes with responsibilities to ensure that all enacted laws comply with the constitutional provisions safeguarding the nation’s fiscal integrity and avoiding the principles of governance.”
“Mr Speaker, it is for the above reasons that I, in preserving the sanctity of the legislative process refuse to assent with yours. I take this opportunity to reiterate my support for the contents of the bills and my intention for them to be reintroduced in Parliament on my behalf in due course. Yours sincerely, Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo,” he stated.
These obligations include projected costs related to imprisonment, sustenance, and healthcare for those convicted under the proposed laws.
The President emphasized the significant fiscal impact, stating that the bills should not have been introduced without fiscal impact analysis.
Refusing to assent in order to preserve the sanctity of the legislative process, he expressed support for the bill’s contents and indicated his intention for them to be reintroduced in Parliament on his behalf in due course.
The President had initially raised constitutional concerns regarding the bills in a letter to Parliament on December 4.
The concerns revolved around the bills being introduced as private members’ bills rather than being presented by him or on his behalf. He emphasized the need to ensure that the bills are enacted in line with established constitutional and legislative processes.
As the Christmas holiday approaches, officers of the Parliamentary Service have been informed that there might be a delay in the payment of their December salaries.
The Parliamentary Service has not yet received the transfer notification for December salaries as of December 20, 2023.
In a notice signed by Daniel T. Chirawura, Director of Finance, officers were notified that the salaries for December may not be disbursed before the Christmas holidays.
However, the Parliamentary Service has made financial arrangements to provide support to officers, and this assistance will be available before the House rises on December 22, 2023.
The notice expresses appreciation to the officers for their patience and understanding during this period.
“Consequently, Officers of the Service may not be paid their salaries for the month of December before the Christmas holidays.
“Given the circumstances, the Service has made the necessary financial arrangements to cushion Officers during the Christmas holidays. The support will be made available to Officers before the House rises on 22nd December 2023,” a notice signed by Daniel T. Chirawura, Director of Finance said.
The Bui Power Authority (BPA) achieved a record annual electricity generation of 1,547 GWh in 2022, marking its highest output since the commencement of commercial operations.
This led to a notable 50.48 percent increase in net evacuation to the National Integrated Transmission System compared to the previous year.
The upsurge in electricity generation significantly contributed to a 44 percent boost in the company’s revenues, reaching US$158,802,301 in 2022 compared to the previous year’s US$110,290,403 with 1,156 GWh.
The company’s CEO, Samuel Kofi Ahiave Dzamesi, attributed this revenue surge to favorable inflow into the Bui Reservoir, heightened power demand, and effective cost control measures implemented by management.
“The Authority’s strong financial performance in 2022 is testament to the hard work of our employees and the sound management of its resources. The Authority is well-positioned to continue to generate significant revenues and profits in the years to come,” Mr. Dzamesi stated at the company’s 2022 annual general meeting in Accra.
The financial success continued with a remarkable profit after tax of US$79,218,134, representing a substantial 97 percent increase from the US$40,220,491 recorded in 2021.
BPA’s net worth also experienced a significant rise of 15 percent, reaching US$620,107,912 in 2022 from US$540,889,778 in 2021.
However, despite these positive financial outcomes, the receivables position worsened, increasing from US$518.4 million to US$626.0 million, indicating a net increase of 20.8 percent.
During the company’s 2022 annual general meeting in Accra, Mr. Dzamesi expressed confidence in the Authority’s financial performance, stating that it reflects the hard work of employees and the effective management of resources.
He emphasized the Authority’s well-positioned status to continue generating significant revenues and profits in the coming years.
On the downside, the Authority’s Board Chair, Kwasi Ameyaw-Cheremeh, acknowledged challenges, particularly the “financial debt overhang” resulting from the Electricity Company of Ghana’s inability to pay for the power supplied.
Mr. Dzamesi highlighted the Authority’s commitment to renewable energy, mentioning progress in the 250MWp Hydro-Solar-Hybrid (HSH) project.
He outlined completion rates for phases 2 and 3 of the Bui HSH scheme and detailed plans for Solar PV projects in various locations.
Looking ahead to 2023, Mr. Dzamesi outlined the Authority’s goals, including overcoming receivables challenges, transforming the business model, and establishing BPA as a leader in renewable energy in the subregion.
He emphasized the need to maintain focus on performance, source investment partners, and advance solar projects responsibly.
The final farewell for the late Minister of Defence, Lieutenant General Joseph Henry Smith, is scheduled for Saturday, December 23, 2023.
The burial service will commence at 7:00 am at the Al-Azziz Mosque, situated in Burma Camp, Accra.
Ambassador Victor Smith, representing the family, released a statement on Wednesday confirming the details of the ceremony.
In adherence to Muslim traditions, the former Army Commander and Ambassador to the United States will receive a full Military burial.
Lt General Smith, who passed away on Tuesday, December 19, after a brief illness at the age of 78, served as Minister of Defence during the presidency of John Evans Atta Mills.
His extensive career also included the role of Ghana’s Ambassador to the USA.
The resilient Rastafarian student who garnered national attention after being denied admission by Achimota School in 2021 due to his dreadlocks, Tyrone Iras Marhguy, emerged triumphant in the 2023 West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE).
As he contemplates his future academic endeavors, Marhguy is setting his sights on pursuing studies in either Computer Science, Computer Engineering, or Electrical Engineering.
In an exclusive interview with Citi TV, Marhguy outlined his preferences, stating, “In Ghana, it’s Ashesi, Academic City, and in terms of courses, it will be Computer Science, Computer Engineering, or Electrical Engineering. I am also exploring opportunities at prestigious international institutions such as Columbia, Harvard, MIT, and Cornell.”
Reflecting on the social challenges he encountered amid the admission controversy, Marhguy shared insights into his personal growth. The initial hurdles led to a transformation from an extroverted individual to a more introspective one.
Despite the initial difficulties, he found acceptance within the Achimota community for who he truly is.
“Within the school, one thing I couldn’t do was go to the dining hall. I grew into the Achimota community because we see you, and yes, we acknowledge, unlike initially when I was labeled as ‘the Rasta guy.’ I am not an introvert,” he affirmed, highlighting the evolving dynamics of his social integration.
The National Democratic Congress (NDC) has raised concerns about potential chaos in the 2024 Presidential and Parliamentary Elections, warning that failure by the Electoral Commission of Ghana (EC) to build consensus and learn from precedents could lead to chaos.
Mustapha Gbande, Deputy General Secretary of the NDC, criticized the conduct of the recent district-level elections, citing lapses, delays, and technical hitches.
Mr Gbande accused EC Chairperson Jean Mensa of incompetence and a lack of preparedness to learn from past experiences, emphasizing the importance of consensus-building.
Mr Gbande stated, “We[the NDC] followed keenly as far as the district assembly elections are concerned. The situation that we find ourselves in as a nation is largely because we have an electoral commissioner who does not believe in consensus-building, and does not want to learn. We would have avoided this situation if she had engaged stakeholders and had been willing to do what was right…What is more shocking is that six hours before the election, the commissioner did not envisage that inventory might not have reached the centres. And she did not even check to ensure that they were in order.
The district-level elections on December 19, 2023, faced challenges such as malfunctioning Biometric Verification Devices (BVDs), delays in voting material distribution, and errors on some ballot papers, leading to postponed voting in certain areas.
The Coalition of Domestic Election Observers (CODEO) criticized the EC for not being proactive, while the EC defended itself, attributing the challenges to the nature of district-level elections.
Security and safety analyst, Dr. Adam Bonaa, has criticized the Electoral Commission’s recent decision to eliminate the use of indelible ink in the upcoming 2024 general election.
Dr. Bonaa argued that the decision appears to lack careful consideration, emphasizing that indelible ink plays a pivotal role in ensuring the integrity of the electoral process.
Speaking in an interview with GhanaWeb, Dr. Bonaa highlighted the prevailing issues of mistrust, distrust, and suspicion that often surround public elections in the country.
He expressed concerns that abandoning indelible ink, a widely recognized tool for preventing double voting, might escalate tensions on election day.
“It looks like the policy is not a well thought through policy. If you look at the issues we have when it comes to public elections in this country, they are issues to do with mistrust, distrust and suspicion.
“You don’t want a situation where you are going to have an all-out confrontation amongst the citizenry vis-a-vis the EC officials and the security officers who are supposed to be manning the polling centres.
“So to say that the indelible ink is not going to be used again is almost saying you are calling for an all-out war on election day because looking at the issues going into election 2024, there is suspicion everywhere.
“NPP is telling us it wants to break the 8, NDC says it is staging a comeback and you already have some former officers or members of the NPP going independent and also threatening to win the elections. So if anybody tells you that 2024 elections is going to be quiet, that person probably does not understand what they are saying,” he stated.
Dr. Bonaa cautioned against underestimating the potential for confrontations between citizens, Electoral Commission officials, and security officers responsible for managing polling centers.
He suggested that signaling the discontinuation of indelible ink could be interpreted as inviting chaos, particularly given the heightened political atmosphere leading up to the 2024 elections.
The Electoral Commission recently announced at a press conference that indelible ink would no longer be required, as a biometric authentication system would replace it. The system is being piloted during the ongoing district elections.
EC Chairperson Jean Mensa expressed confidence in the new system, stating that once a voter is verified, they cannot come back for a second attempt.
Despite the EC’s assurances, Dr. Bonaa argued that the decision might complicate the work of security agencies on election day. He called for the Electoral Commission to reconsider its stance and emphasized the importance of conducting extensive stakeholder engagement before making decisions with significant security implications.
Dr. Bonaa acknowledged the EC’s independence but urged them to prioritize comprehensive discussions with relevant stakeholders to maintain public trust in the electoral process.
The young Rastafarian, Tyrone Marhguy, who faced significant controversy after being denied admission to Achimota School due to his dreadlocks, has demonstrated remarkable resilience and academic commitment.
On the 19th of December, Tyrone achieved outstanding success in the West African Senior Secondary School Examinations (WASSCE), securing an impressive 8 As.
This notable accomplishment is the culmination of a challenging journey that attracted widespread attention due to the highly publicized rejection of his school admission.
The incident sparked a nationwide debate on discrimination and, ultimately, resulted in a landmark court victory not only for Marhguy but also for his fellow students.
In an enlightening interview with Caleb Kudah on Citi TV, Marhguy shared insights into his mindset during the admission rejection.
He emphasized that he refused to be discouraged and focused on the potential for positive change.
“I don’t know if it was supposed to [be] but what I told myself was that, that was not the time. Because I know that certain things can be changed. If you sit around telling yourself this and that, do you want to cry or what? That was one. And I also think that the support from my parent and family was very essential.”
“We kind of pride ourselves on the schools we went to so they will come and tell you some guy from my school that Bencher got 8As. So they came to call me and when I went, they were all ready and cameras were on.”
“Even in the BECE I kind of write the scores I think I will get and then hope to get because I wrote it. So to be honest I got 7As there was a B somewhere, English.”
“Within the school, one thing I couldn’t do was go to the dining hall. I grew into the Achimota community because we see you and yes we acknowledge unlike first who is the rasta guy. I am not an introvert.”
“In terms of Ghana, it is Ashesi, it is Academic City. In terms of courses, it is Computer Science or Computer Engineering or Electrical Engineering. I also like Columbia, Harvard, MIT and then Cornell.”
Tyrone acknowledged the crucial role played by the unwavering support of his parents and family in navigating the adversity.
Reflecting on the moment he checked his results, Marhguy expressed a mix of emotions, considering the challenges he had overcome.
His school community, recognizing his achievements, took pride in his success, creating a sense of accomplishment. Cameras were ready to capture the celebratory atmosphere, highlighting the significance of his academic triumph.
Even during the Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE), Marhguy maintained a proactive approach, setting expectations for his grades and then working towards achieving them.
While achieving an impressive 7 As, he acknowledged a slight setback in English with a B grade.
Addressing the adjustments in his social life resulting from the admission controversy, Marhguy shared that he transitioned from being an extroverted person to more of an introvert.
However, he conveyed that over time, the Achimota community gradually accepted him for who he was, moving beyond initial perceptions as “the Rasta guy.”Looking ahead to tertiary education, Marhguy expressed interest in pursuing fields such as Computer Science, Computer Engineering, or Electrical Engineering.
He mentioned several prestigious institutions, including Ashesi and Academic City in Ghana, along with internationally renowned universities like Columbia, Harvard, MIT, and Cornell.
Despite the challenges he faced, Marhguy’s story reflects not just personal triumph but also the broader societal discourse on inclusivity and diversity in educational institutions.
Three individuals, posing as police officers, have been apprehended and placed in police custody for patrolling polling stations during the district assembly and unit committee elections in Asawase, Ashanti region, held on Tuesday.
The suspects, identified as 37-year-old Zakari Yakubu, 24-year-old Godsway Fiakodzo, and 26-year-old Ibrahim Zack, were allegedly seen at Sawaba New Site polling stations A and B, falsely presenting themselves as officers monitoring the electoral process.
Law enforcement officials disclosed that the accused persons were attired in black outfits, equipped with body jackets, pepper sprays, jack knives, and five pairs of handcuffs.
Acting on suspicion of impersonation, the police promptly detained the three individuals, who were wearing bulletproof vests, and impounded two motorcycles associated with them.
Inspector Frank Osae, the investigator, along with his superiors, ensured a swift court appearance for the suspects following their arrest.
The trio, facing charges of “falsely pretending to be public officers,” appeared before the Prempeh Assembly Hall District Court and has been remanded into police custody.
The case is scheduled to reconvene on January 6, 2024.
Recent provisional figures from the Ghana Statistical Service (GSS) has revealed a 2.0% expansion in the economy during the third quarter of 2023.
This growth rate is lower than the pre-pandemic 2022 average GDP growth rate of 5% and the 2.7% recorded.
The Agricultural sector witnessed a 5.9% expansion, while Services grew by 2.0%.
However, the Industry sector contracted by 4.3%.
In Agriculture, all sub-sectors except Forestry and Logging experienced a 6.9% expansion, with Crops leading at 7.0% growth.
The Services sector saw growth in all 10 sub-sectors, with Information and Communication at the forefront with a GDP growth rate of 17.3%, followed by Accommodation and Food Services Activities at 11.2%.
Contrarily, the Industry sub-sectors recorded negative growth rates, with Construction at -8.3%, Mining and Stone Quarrying at -8.1%, Electricity at -1.8%, and Manufacturing at 2.1%.
The Services sector remains the largest, constituting 42.1% of the economy, followed by Industry and Agriculture with shares of 33.0% and 24.9%, respectively. The nominal GDP estimate for the third quarter of 2023, at current prices, is GH¢212.36 billion.
The European Union (EU) has unveiled an additional €32 million investment to enhance Ghana’s vaccine manufacturing capabilities.
This initiative, termed the ‘special measure,’ aims to foster an enabling environment and a thriving ecosystem for developing a skilled workforce in the domestic vaccine production sector.
It also seeks to facilitate technology transfer and the exchange of best practices between Ghana and EU member-states.
Supported by €1 billion from the EU budget and European development finance institutions, such as the European Investment Bank (EIB), under the EU’s Global Gateway, this initiative is part of the Team Europe initiative on manufacturing and access to vaccines, medicines, and health technologies in Africa (MAV+).
The EU Ambassador to Ghana, Irchad Razaaly, highlighted the commitment to work together with Ghana to ensure optimal quality in vaccine production.
“This is one of several mechanisms the EU is rolling out in Ghana and across Africa to support local manufacturing of vaccines. The EU’s focus is to work together with Ghana to ensure optimal quality in the production of vaccines, and we have been delivering on this promise.”
The EU’s previous support includes a €5 million seed grant to the vaccine-manufacturing unit at DEK Vaccine Limited and a project, in collaboration with the German Development Cooperation, to upgrade the vaccine licensing capacity of the Food and Drugs Authority.
Razaaly emphasized the EU’s ability to adapt to emerging needs, showcasing the impact of strong government commitment in attracting additional support from development partners.
The EU plans to build on existing initiatives, support manufacturers, strengthen the regulatory environment, create partnerships on research and development, and facilitate the transfer of knowledge and technology.
He commended Ghana’s progress in achieving vaccination goals outlined in its ambitious roadmap, expressing optimism that, with the support of Team Europe and other key partners, the country’s goal to graduate from Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, by 2029 will become a reality.
Supporters of the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Ghana Library Authority, Hayford Siaw, have claimed that their candidate has faced hindrances in his bid to contest against the incumbent MP, Frank Annoh-Dompreh.
According to citinewsroom.com, NPP executives in the constituency are accused of denying Mr Siaw and others access to nomination forms, potentially favoring the incumbent MP, Frank Annoh-Dompreh.
Abraham Adarkwah, a delegate and Youth Organizer for Sabon Zongo, expressed frustration over the lack of cooperation from constituency executives, claiming it is a deliberate act to allow the incumbent MP to run unopposed.
Mr Adarkwah called on the National Executive Committee to intervene, warning of potential negative consequences for the party’s popularity in Nsawam-Adoagyiri if such issues persist.
“Today is the day the party has opened nominations and we decided to go and pick a form for our candidate, Hayford Siaw.
“But we went there this morning from 8 o’clock till 12 o’clock, then nobody was talking to us. Nobody was there. The Chairman was not there, and the Secretary was not there.
“It was the deputy secretary who was there. And he was also telling us that he has no form for us. He is not in charge of the form. But before that, we called the Chairman, first, he picked up and we told him we were coming. The nominations were supposed to be opened at 8 o’clock, but at 8:30, and 9, the office was closed so we called the council of elders.
“This is clear sabotage because initially, they said they wanted unopposed”, he said.
This development follows previous support for Frank Annoh Dompreh from local chiefs who appealed to NPP leadership to allow him to continue serving without facing contestation.
The chiefs cited the MP’s outstanding performance in health, education, road infrastructure, and ongoing projects as reasons to support his unopposed candidacy.
Today, Thursday, December 21, the Electoral Commission (EC) is set to conduct elections in district assemblies where the polls were previously postponed.
Approximately 40 districts in the Ashanti and Eastern Regions experienced delays due to errors on ballot papers, challenges in the distribution of voting materials, and malfunctions of Biometric Verification Devices (BVD).
Following the setbacks in the District Level Elections held nationwide on Tuesday, December 19, stakeholders, including the Coalition of Domestic Election Observers (CODEO), expressed disappointment in the challenges encountered.
CODEO attributed the issues to the EC’s failure to fulfill its responsibilities and called for improved performance in subsequent polls.
The National Democratic Congress (NDC) issued a stern warning to the EC, urging the commission to rectify technical challenges and avoid repeating the same issues in the upcoming 2024 polls.
The party emphasized the need to prevent any untoward incidents and called for a more effective electoral process.
Supreme Court Justice nominee Anthony Henry Kwofie, during his recent vetting by the Appointment Committee of Parliament, underscored the need for the judiciary to establish a robust public relations department.
He emphasized that effective communication is crucial in addressing corruption perceptions and rebuilding public trust in the judiciary.
Mr Kwofie acknowledged the challenges associated with combating the perception of corruption, citing previous seminars conducted by the judiciary on corruption and ethics.
“Communication in this age is extremely important…probably we need to look at our communication department. It is something I have personally been advocating for that we need a very strong communications or public relations department,” he added.
He also mentioned the existence of a complaint unit within the judiciary. However, he noted the limitations judges face in dispelling corruption perceptions through press conferences.
To tackle this issue, Mr Kwofie emphasized the paramount importance of communication in the contemporary age.
He urged a reevaluation of the judiciary’s communication department, personally advocating for the creation of a strong communications or public relations department.
According to him, such a department would play a pivotal role in promoting transparency and effectively managing the judiciary’s public image.
“The perception about corruption is a mind issue and perceptions are difficult to deal with. There have been several seminars not by the association but by the judiciary on corruption, on ethics and as I said we also have a complaint unit…Almost every year we do it.
“The perceptions of corruption, some of them are unfounded. Somebody goes to court, he loses a case, and there is corruption. Somebody goes to court, he misconducts himself, there is an issue, there is corruption. Unfortunately, we as judges cannot sit and make press conferences and say that this is this,” he said.
“Communication in this age is extremely important…probably we need to look at our communication department. It is something I have personally been advocating for that we need a very strong communications or public relations department,” he added.
Amit Kumar Aggarwal, Director of Agromach Engineering Limited, a prominent Rice Mills manufacturer in India, believes Ghana has the potential to achieve self-reliance in rice production and become a net exporter to West African nations.
Mr. Aggarwal, on a recent visit to assess Ghana’s agricultural landscape, highlighted the vast and fertile lands, along with ample water reserves for irrigation, as key factors. He stressed the need for providing farmers and millers with the right technology and knowledge to process high-quality rice, meeting both domestic and international standards.
Despite Ghana’s substantial expenditure on rice imports, exceeding GH¢6.8 billion last year, Mr. Aggarwal advocates for increased investment in processing technology.
With total rice consumption reaching 1.4 million metric tonnes in 2022, there is a significant opportunity to reduce import costs by enhancing local processing capabilities.
Addressing the media in Accra, Mr. Aggarwal emphasized the importance of stakeholders investing in machinery and receiving proper training to unlock the full potential of Ghana’s rice sector.
Beyond rice, he highlighted the additional benefits of oil and animal feed derived from rice byproducts, contributing to a holistic and sustainable approach.
In line with this vision, Agromach has established its West African office in Accra, aiming to supply rice milling machines (ranging from 500kg/hour to 12 tonnes/hour) to farmers and millers across various production scales.
This initiative seeks to empower every rice farmer with efficient processing means, thereby enhancing the overall quality and competitiveness of locally produced rice.
In response to the tragic demise of a 22-year-old man in Yorogo, a suburb of Bolga Central in the Upper East Region, the Ghana Police Service has taken one person into custody.
Preliminary reports indicate that the suspect, identified as Abotiyareba Aduko, allegedly stabbed the victim, Asobire Akuta, during a confrontation on the evening of December 19, 2023, around 6:30 pm.
Following the incident, immediate action was taken, and the injured Asobire Akuta was swiftly transported to the hospital for urgent medical attention. Regrettably, despite the tireless efforts of medical authorities, he was pronounced dead upon arrival.
The suspect, Abotiyareba Aduko, is currently in Police custody, actively cooperating with law enforcement as they diligently investigate the circumstances surrounding the fatal altercation.
The Police are committed to conducting a thorough and comprehensive inquiry to bring clarity to this tragic incident and ensure that justice is served.
Community members and the public are urged to remain vigilant and provide any relevant information that may aid the ongoing investigation.
The Ghana Police Service is determined to uphold the rule of law and safeguard the well-being of citizens, ensuring that such incidents are thoroughly addressed and the perpetrators held accountable for their actions.
The Minority caucus in Parliament has alleged that the Electoral Commission (EC) is violating the constitution by discarding the use of indelible ink in upcoming elections.
This accusation comes in response to the EC’s announcement of plans to eliminate the use of indelible ink, a traditional method applied to voters’ fingers to prevent multiple voting.
The EC, led by Chairperson Jean Mensa, intends to replace indelible ink with more “modern” verification methods in district-level elections and subsequent polls, aiming to enhance the electoral process.
However, during a debate on the budget estimate for the EC in the coming year, the First Deputy Minority Whip, Ahmed Ibrahim, and Member of Parliament for South Dayi, Rockson Nelson Dafeamekpor, argued that the EC’s action goes against the regulations passed by Parliament for the effective performance of its functions.
“The issue of the non-use of the indelible ink breaches the law…Mr Speaker, you cannot come to Parliament with an instrument where protocols have been outlined and you as an administrative fiat decide that you won’t go according to the protocol.
“The use of indelible ink is part of the regulations that we put in the instrument for the effective performance of the Electoral Commissioner so, you cannot decide that you would not apply it. She must do things that will help her perform effectively.”
The Council of Elders of the Convention Peoples Party (CPP) has reiterated its support for Nana Akosua Frimpongmaa Sarpong Kumankumah, affirming her position as the party’s chairperson.
In response to factional attempts to remove national leaders, the Council of Elders has condemned such actions as unconstitutional. The party witnessed internal strife leading to the resignation of the General Secretary, Nana Yaa Jantuah.
Nana Akosua Frimpongmaa Sarpong Kumankumah has faced pressure from a faction within the party to resign, citing alleged breaches of the party’s constitution.
The Council of Elders has criticized these removal efforts, attributing them to the unconstitutionality and accusing figures like the 2020 flagbearer, Ivor Kobina Greenstreet, of instigating internal discord.
Despite these challenges, the Council of Elders has urged Nana Akosua Frimpongmaa Sarpong Kumankumah and other national leaders to continue fulfilling their mandates as stipulated in the party’s constitution.
The Council has revoked the purported decision by certain National Executive Committee (NEC) members to establish an Interim Council after concluding NEC business.
Additionally, they are aware of legal actions initiated by former secretary Subiri Isah against the Chairperson and leaders, urging Isah to withdraw such legal actions and emphasizing the importance of internal resolutions to safeguard the party’s fortunes.
“The council’s aim is to restore stability of the party as a prerequisite for the forward march of the CPP. Given the above, the supposed decision by some members of NEC to set up the Interim Council after all business of the NEC is unconstitutional and is hereby revoked. The attempts to force the current Chairperson and leader of office is also unconstitutional,” part of the statement read.
In conclusion, the Council of Elders has called for calm among factional and aggrieved members, encouraging the chairperson and leader to convene a central committee meeting promptly for remedial actions.
They stressed the need for a constitutional approach to resolve issues within the party.
“The council of elders have also become aware of the involvement of its former secretary, comrade Subiri Isah in a fresh uncalled for legal action against the chairperson and leaders of the party, supposed to have been triggered by the party, to force her to resign her position unaccountably. Comrade Isah is therefore urged to immediately withdraw this unnecessary latest suit from court.
“In view of this situation, the chairperson and leader is hereby urged to convene a central committee meeting to take quick remedial action pursuant to stemming the further deterioration of the fortunes of the party,” the statement added.
…”Finally, given the very constitutional manner per article 82(f) of the party’s constitution, in which affairs of the party appears to have been handled at the NEC meeting as reported by our representative at the said meeting (Senior Comrade Christian Yao Zigah), the Council of Elders hereby respectfully orders all faction and aggrieved members to stay calm at the moment for the singular sake of our dear party, CPP for all issues to be resolved strand by strand.”
Supreme Court nominee, Anthony Henry Kwofie has dismissed the notion of political bias within the judiciary, cautioning against labeling judges in such a manner.
Responding to a question from Minority Leader Cassiel Ato Forson he asserted, “There are no political judges. It is dangerous to describe a judge as political this, political that. It is a very dangerous thing for even a judge to allow himself to be described that way. If a judge has to act according to his conscience and according to the oath that he takes, there are no political judges”.
Additionally, Justice Kwofie advocated for a reassessment of the judiciary’s communication department, stressing the need for a robust communications or public relations department to address public concerns and enhance transparency.
Dealing with perceptions about corruption proved challenging, with Justice Kwofie acknowledging the difficulty in dispelling unfounded notions tied to legal outcomes.
Despite past efforts, such as seminars on corruption and ethics conducted by the judiciary and the existence of a complaint unit, judges face limitations in countering baseless perceptions through press conferences.
“The perceptions of corruption, some of them are unfounded. Somebody goes to court, he loses a case, and there is corruption. Somebody goes to court, he misconducts himself, there is an issue, there is corruption. Unfortunately, we as judges cannot sit and make press conferences and say that this is this.”
Recognizing the paramount importance of communication in the modern age, Justice Kwofie advocated for a comprehensive review of the judiciary’s communication department, expressing a personal commitment to the establishment of a robust communications or public relations department.
Controller and Accountant-General, Kwasi Kwaning-Bosompem has obtained nomination forms while still holding office, sparking concerns about a potential breach of the Civil Service Act and the established code of conduct.
Despite the apparent violation, Kwaning-Bosompem continues to occupy his position, following the footsteps of his brother, Joseph Ampomah Bosompem, who previously represented the same parliamentary seat from January 2008 to January 2013, losing it in 2012 to Kennedy Osei Nyarko.
Background on Kwasi Kwaning-Bosompem:
With a distinguished 34-year career in Ghana’s Public Service, Kwasi Kwaning-Bosompem has showcased extensive senior management and leadership skills across various governmental institutions, agencies, local authorities, and private organizations.
His service record includes notable roles in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Controller and Accountant-General’s Department (CAGD), Ghana Cement Works, Accra Metropolitan Assembly (AMA), and Driver and Vehicle License Authority.
As a Chartered Management Accountant with 29 years of post-qualification experience, Mr Kwaning-Bosompem holds an MBA in Strategic Management from the Paris Graduate School of Management.
A member of the Institute of Chartered Accountants, Ghana, he has pursued additional courses in Management and ICT.
Mr Kwaning-Bosompem is renowned for his expertise and dedication to Public Sector Reforms and Institutional Restructuring.
What the code of conduct states
Relationship with Political Parties/Association
i. The Constitution of Ghana confers rights on all citizens of Ghana, including Civil Service staff to join any political party or association of their choice. However, by virtue of the traditional role of the Civil Service to serve the Government of the day loyally, and to maintain the confidence of any future administration, A Civil Service staff shall not: a) Accept any office paid or unpaid, permanent or temporary, in any political party or organization; b) Declare himself openly as a registered member of a political party or association; c) Indicate publicly his support for any party, candidate or policy; d) Make speeches or join in demonstrations in favour of any political person, party, or, propaganda; e) Engage in activities which are likely to involve him in political controversy; f) Act in a way that is determined by party political considerations; g) Use official resources for party political purposes; h) Allow his personal political views to determine his policy advice or actions; Contest for elections for political party office or hold political party office. ii. A Civil Service staff shall remain politically neutral during his or her term of employment. iii. Notwithstanding, A Civil Service staff is entitled to his views in political matters, and, if so qualified, may vote at elections.
The Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST) has issued a reminder to potential students, notifying them that the online application portal for the academic year 2023/2024 will close on Friday, December 22, 2023.
In light of the recent release of the 2023 West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) results, all applicants are strongly encouraged to access the KNUST application portal and meticulously review their submitted information.
Applicants are urged to pay special attention to the accuracy of details such as their full name, date of birth, and examination records.
The KNUST Academic Affairs Division has reiterated that applications for the 2023/2024 admissions remain open.
Individuals interested in applying can obtain e-vouchers through one of the following methods:
– At designated Ghana Post Offices
-By dialing 447160# on any mobile network and following the prompts
The Ghana Ports and Harbours Authority (GPHA) has inaugurated two state-of-the-art tugboats to enhance its fleet and optimize vessel turnaround time at the port.
These Azimuth Stern Drive (ASD) high-performance tugboats, weighing 80 tonnes each, are equipped with cutting-edge navigation technology. Officials believe that this upgrade will not only improve port operations but also bolster safety and environmental efficiency.
Procured from Damen Shipyards in Vietnam and driven by twin diesel engines, these tugboats boast a free-running speed of 12 to 15 nautical miles per hour.
They are specifically designed to escort larger vessels with a cargo capacity ranging from 5,000 to 14,000 Twenty-Foot Equivalent Units (TEUs).
Tugboats play a crucial role in guiding larger vessels to their berths and serve as essential components in emergency response and pollution control, ensuring port safety.
These newly commissioned tugboats are equipped with firefighting systems, including pumps, monitors, and firefighting foam, enhancing their ability to respond to emergencies at sea.
Additionally, they feature advanced technology with integrated navigation and communication systems, closed-circuit television (CCTV), and remote-control capabilities.
The tugboats have been named in honor of Group Capt Edward Alexander Awuviri (retd), the first Director-General of the authority, who oversaw the 1986 merger of the Ghana Ports Authority, the Ghana Cargo Holding Company, and the Takoradi Literage Company.
The other tugboat is named after Nestor Percy Galley, who served as Director-General from March 2009 to February 2012.
Highlighting the relevance of these acquisitions, Deputy Minister of Transport Alhassah Tampuli emphasized their necessity in securing the movement of larger vessels hosted at the MPS Terminal Three facility. He stated that these infrastructure investments are strategic for driving growth, ensuring safety, and solidifying the country’s regional maritime prominence.
GPHA Director-General Michael Luguje emphasized the continuous influx of large container vessels and dry bulk at the ports, necessitating advanced equipment.
He commended the GPHA’s commitment to innovation, citing the deployment of modern crafts to meet the growing demands of the maritime industry, thereby strengthening the country’s position as a preferred port in the sub-region.
Isaac Osei, Chairman of the Board of Directors of GPHA, described the tugboats as more than vessels, characterizing them as a testament to the organization’s unwavering dedication to positioning the ports as the preferred choice for regional trade.
Renowned YouTuber, Panda Marie has recently shared a harrowing experience resulting in her eviction from a hostel after a heated altercation with the roommate of her ex-boyfriend.
The incident transpired on a Sunday, originating from unresolved tensions stemming from a disagreement the day before.
Panda recounted her unsuccessful attempts to locate her ex-boyfriend, prompting her to visit his hostel.
“So, this all took place on a Sunday. It kind of started from Saturday, the previous day. Saturday, I just had a little argument with my ex. That was what happened on Saturday, basically. Then the next day was Sunday, and we go to the same church. But he wasn’t in church that day. When I came back from church, I went to the hostel and knocked on his door. I went to his room to check if he was around, just to, you know, see what’s up. Like, are we good? We cool? What’s up, UB? So, I went there”.
Instead of finding him, she encountered his roommate, Rico, with whom she has had a strained relationship.
Describing Rico as an individual she had previously tolerated, Panda revealed that his actions that day had triggered an emotional response she found difficult to control.
Upon confronting Rico and inquiring about her ex-boyfriend’s whereabouts, Panda was met with unexpected hostility.
“He wasn’t there, but his roommate was there. So, I knocked on the door, and his roommate opened the door. Before I told his roommate to check up on him, I called him and asked him if he found him. I ended up talking to him and figuring out where he was. Because he had gone somewhere after the arguments. He was like, no, he didn’t do that. I was like, “Oh, but you, why? He’s your friend. He’s your roommate. Like, you should check up on him.” That type of thing you do, Bob. The thing about this guy, let’s call him Roo. Roo is actually a very annoying person. Like, no lie. He’s just very annoying from the start,”.
Despite attempts to discuss the matter and extend apologies for past misunderstandings, Rico slammed the door mid-conversation.
Unperturbed, Panda resorted to persistent knocking, accompanied by loud music blaring from inside the room in an attempt to drown out the commotion.
He has been annoying, and I tolerated him for some time. But after some time, I just stopped tolerating him. So, that’s how the relationship between me and him was like. Sometime ago, there was this fallout before we were cool. We were all right, and there was this fallout. So, we stopped talking to each other. I had already gone to him about two times to apologize. The first time, I texted him. The second time, it was face to face. I was telling him about how I just want to apologize for what happened between the both of us. Right now, see, the guy is your roommate.
“He’s your friend. He’s also my friend. So, if anything, you probably be seeing me around. And we’re all in the same hostel. So, let’s just try and maintain some respectful relationship for the sake of my ex and you. The first time, I just texted him. Then, I didn’t get a reply. So, the second time, when I said, he was like he doesn’t care what goes on between me and him. That’s between us. He doesn’t want anything to do with it. And I’m like, “Yeah, I know you don’t care. And right now, I’m not saying it’s about me and him. Right now, it’s about me and you. I’m trying to make us cool.
Adding a concerning layer to the confrontation, Panda admitted to holding a knife during the altercation.
She also detailed her frustrated attempt to break a window, contemplating the potential damages and consequences of such actions before ultimately stopping herself.
As tensions escalated, Panda’s friends intervened, expressing genuine concern for her well-being and successfully removing her from the room and the hostel premises.
I’m trying to be the bigger person here. I’m literally apologizing to you.” And he was still going on about him. “Yeah, I don’t care. Whatever happens is between you two. So, don’t even blah, blah, blah.” And I was like, “Bro, this is between me and you. I am trying to apologize to you, not to anybody else, to you. So, let us talk about what is happening between us, not what is happening between me and somebody else.” I was still talking, and this is the part that just makes me. I was still talking to him, trying to explain to him the fact that I’m trying to be cool with him. And he shut the door in my face. Like, I was talking mid-sentence, and this boy just slammed the door right in front of my face. I was confused. I was confused out of my mind. So, now I was just like, “Okay, sure. But let me just go back to my room.” So, I was going back to my room, then I stopped midway.
“I just stopped in my tracks. I was like, “Nah, because let me tell you why. Because the first time I apologized to him face to face, he also shut the door in my face. So, this was my second face-to-face apology, and this was my second door-slamming experience thingy. You get me?” So, then I just stopped there in my tracks, and I was like, “Hold up. No, I’m not going to allow this boy to disrespect me like that.” Then I walked back and knocked on the door. He knew it was me, so he didn’t open. Then I kept knocking. Then I started banging like, “Boom, boom, boom, boom, boom.” I was banging on the door, and they were playing music. So, they turned up the music louder. Then I turned up my banging louder. Then I stopped. I was like, “I bet. I bet you come out.”
“So, I was shouting through the windows like, “Oh, I think you come out soon. You come out when you come out. Then we’ll see what’s up.” So, I was just standing outside, waiting. And one of their friends came around, and he was also knocking. But because I was still standing over there, they couldn’t open the door. So, then he was knocking, was like, “Oh, BR is me.” And he was like, “Yeah, he can’t open the door because of me.” So, then the guy was laughing. Then I was just staring at him like this. And our hostel, we had this shed place thingy where you could sit around and thing. So, the guy went to sit there, and their room was on the top floor. So, he was sitting downstairs, and I was on the top floor. Then I turned, and this guy was looking at me. Like, he was looking up at me, and I was looking down at him. And he was looking at me, then I was looking at him.
“I was like, “Yeah, you better turn your head.” That’s what was going on while I was still trying to get into the room. Then time passes by, and I hear them getting ready to leave the room. And I’m like, “Oh, yeah. It’s time. This is it.” I started knocking on the door again, and they were opening me up. And I was like, “Oh, okay. Me, I will stay here. I have all day.” This was a Sunday. I’ve closed from church. Imagine. I’ve closed from church. I have nothing better to do,” she added.
However, hostel authorities, represented by the hostel manager, responded by deciding to evict Panda from the accommodation.
So, I was like, “If you want me to sit here and wait all day, me, I can do that. To me, I have time. I have time. I will sit at the back of your door and wait for you to open me.” Then it got to a point I even took off my shoe. The door had some window at the top. So, I took my shoe and I’d jump and I’d tap the window. I’d jump. Then I’d tap the window. I was so close to almost breaking the window because I was so angry at this point.
On a recent episode of Confessions, a revealing program on Accra-based TV3, an anonymous young woman shared a desperate story that led her to engage in unsettling activities for financial prosperity.
The woman, married for five years, exposed the struggles in her marriage, including severe financial difficulties that rendered basic necessities unaffordable.
In her confession, the woman detailed her encounter with an old university mate who had achieved financial success and a luxurious lifestyle. Desperate for solutions, she confided in her friend, who introduced her to a money ritual facilitated by a spiritualist.
The shocking revelation included the condition set by the spiritualist – to sleep with fresh dead bodies twice a month for financial gain.
“One time, I bumped into a friend and she was looking all good, you know in a flashy car and all that so I was like how did she make it because we went into the same university and even, I was more intelligent than this girl in school, and this my friend is making it in life.
“So, I asked that she should show me the way, and she took me to a place, a certain man who was a spiritualist and the man agreed to offer me help but on the condition that I would sleep with fresh dead bodies twice in a month…make love with the dead bodies and that was what is going to generate the money,” she said.
Despite the unsettling nature of the instructions, the woman complied, and her life took a turn for the better. She now enjoys a life of affluence with cars, houses, and luxuries that were once out of reach.
However, the story took a darker turn as the woman disclosed that her husband discovered her involvement in the money ritual. He is now threatening to divorce her, leading her to seek counseling on the televised platform.
The woman expressed her reluctance to return to the hardships of the past and the fear of potential consequences on her marriage.
Shocking story of a young woman who sleeps with dead bodies twice a month for money 😳
Her ritual has allowed her to live a dazzling and beautiful life, but her husband wants to divorce her despite knowing about her ritual.#Confessionspic.twitter.com/TLfcDImhWv
The Okpelor Dzin Sowah family, custodians of a vast 1,793.231-acre expanse in the Nmai-Dzorn area of the Greater Accra Region, has issued a resolute caution to certain government officials who, purportedly under the pretext of maintaining security, are allegedly pursuing personal interests on their ancestral land.
In an official press statement signed by David K. Ametefe, the legal representative for the Okpelor Sowah Din Family of Teshie and Nmai-Dzorn, the family provided a historical backdrop, highlighting their enduring ownership of the land for over two centuries.
Furthermore, the family emphasized that this ownership has been consistently affirmed through numerous court rulings over the years.
The family underscored that there appears to be a deliberate attempt to link the Nmai-Dzorn land to an ongoing legal dispute involving two real estate companies, Empire Builders and Trasacco Estates Development Company Limited, and Topkin Company.
They cautioned against the creation of such an impression and asserted that any such endeavors to intertwine their land with external disputes would be staunchly opposed, with the full weight of legal recourse.
According to the family, it has come to their attention that certain government officials, ostensibly acting to ensure security in the context of the dispute between the real estate companies, are actually pursuing their personal interests in the Nmai-Dzorn land. The family firmly warned against any such attempts, asserting their readiness to confront and challenge these pursuits within the ambit of the law.
The press statement specifically addressed the purported moves made by certain personalities and public officials who, under the guise of their official roles, allegedly deployed state institutions such as the Regional Security Council (REGSEC), police, and other security personnel to create a façade of insecurity in Nmai-Dzorn. This contrived atmosphere, labeled as a “Security Zone,” was seen as an attempt to legitimize their interests and deter the rightful landowners, their families, grantees, and potential investors.
The Okpelor Sowah Din Family exposed what they perceived as a strategy by these public officials to manipulate security forces to protect their interests and intimidate the genuine landowners. The family stressed that the beneficiaries of this security deployment are the very officials and their proxies, including the aforementioned real estate companies, aiming to exploit extra-judicial methods to seize private land. The family concluded by affirming their commitment to upholding the rule of law and resisting any attempts to infringe on their land rights in the Republic, governed by a constitution and laws.
The Deputy General Secretary of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), Mustapha Gbande, has attributed the disruptions during Tuesday’s assembly and unit committee elections in some voting centers across the country to the inadequate leadership skills of Ghana’s Electoral Commissioner (EC).
In an interview on Eyewitness News on Citi FM, Gbande expressed the NDC’s close scrutiny of the election processes to prevent the recurrence of electoral mistakes in the upcoming 2024 general elections.
“We are very interested, and we have been very much interested in the activities of this election because it has a bearing on the next elections that will be organized. So, we followed keenly as far as the district assembly elections are concerned.”
“The situation that we find ourselves in as a nation is largely because we have an electoral commissioner who does not believe in consensus building and does not want to learn. We would have avoided this situation if she had engaged stakeholders and had been willing to do what was right.”
Mr Gbande emphasized that the nation’s current situation is primarily due to having an electoral commissioner who lacks belief in consensus building and is unwilling to learn.
He suggested that the challenges could have been avoided through engagement with stakeholders and a commitment to doing what is right.
He further warned that if the electoral commissioner does not improve her leadership skills, the 2024 elections may face negative consequences.
“What is more shocking is that six hours before the election, the commissioner did not envisage that inventory might not have reached the centers, and she did not even check to ensure that they were in order. This clearly tells us that we are dealing with Jean Mensa, who is largely incompetent and has demonstrated low experience in terms of elections management. It is dangerous going into 2024, particularly if the same personality is still going to be our electoral commissioner.”
An intriguing incident unfolded at the Methodist Church polling station in the Ga-North constituency of the Greater Accra Region during the district-level elections.
Despite being identical twins, a voter was denied the right to vote as the biometric system identified her as having already voted, even though her twin sister had successfully gone through the identification process earlier.
The Presiding Officer at the polling station characterized this as an unprecedented occurrence, suggesting it could be an attempt at double voting or a minor system glitch.
Residents, who were familiar with the twin sisters, expressed surprise at the system’s failure to distinguish between them.
One concerned resident raised questions about the potential challenges posed by such incidents, pondering if similar situations would arise with numerous sets of twins.
Stressing the need for the Electoral Commission to address this minor challenge, the resident noted that the twin who was denied voting refrained from complaining due to the nature of the district-level election.
The Electoral Commission’s decision to eliminate the use of indelible ink in this election and subsequent polls came under scrutiny following the incident. Traditionally, indelible ink is applied to voters’ fingerprints to prevent double voting and indicate those who have exercised their franchise.
The Commission’s rationale, as explained by EC chair Jean Mensa, was centered on the robust identification system provided by biometric technology, making it difficult for a verified voter to cast a second vote.
Kwame Asare Obeng, widely known as A Plus, has defended the Special Prosecutor’s request for armored vehicles, as outlined in a 2021 application seeking clearance for specific vehicles.
Recently, the Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP), headed by Mr. Kissi Adjabeng, faced criticism online after a document addressed to the finance ministry, detailing the request for armored-plated vehicles and soft or light-body vehicles, surfaced.
The request, totaling GH₵29,952,000 for four types of armored-plated vehicles and 12 types of soft or light-body vehicles, has stirred backlash, with figures like Blakk Rasta expressing opposition, deeming it as outrageous and insensitive.
However, A Plus has argued that armored vehicles are a necessary requirement for the Special Prosecutor, who has faced multiple assassination attempts.
He also criticized what he sees as a recurring pattern of frustrating anti-corruption leaders by the current NPP-led administration, citing instances involving Charlotte Osei, Domelovo, Martin Amidu, Dr. Anyah, and Abdul Malik Kwaku Barko.
“You want to assassinate someone. You have made five attempts on his life this year alone, but you are angry he has requested bulletproof cars which is a requirement under the law that set up his office.
“Did the special prosecutor set up the OSP? Should I release the photos of all the attempts or you’ll shut up over there and allow the man to do his job? Like, he should avail himself for k!ln abi? I’m surprised he didn’t even request for bulletproof bulldozers. You have children but every day you want to k!l somebody. If you like, ask police to invite me for questioning. Like the things I’ll say ɛh! I’m calling your bluff!” he wrote in a long Facebook post.
“Me I no dey see any of you ooo, You people did same to Charlotte Osei, you did same to Domelovo, you did same to Martin Amidu, you did same to Dr Anyah, just to mention a few, and Abdul Malik Kwaku Barko ooo sɛ Kwaku One too,” he added.
The trial of Nana Appiah Mensah, also known as NAM1, the CEO of the defunct gold dealership firm Menzgold, commences today, Wednesday, December 20, 2023.
‘The prosecution is set to present the first of its 11 witnesses in the case.
The presiding judge, Justice Ernest Owusu-Dapaa, a Justice of the Court of Appeal sitting as an Additional High Court judge, has expressed the intention to deliver judgment by March 2024, providing this assurance after the successful completion of the Case Management Conference (CMC).
The prosecution is set to present the first of its 11 witnesses in the case.
The presiding judge, Justice Ernest Owusu-Dapaa, a Justice of the Court of Appeal sitting as an Additional High Court judge, has expressed the intention to deliver judgment by March 2024, providing this assurance after the successful completion of the Case Management Conference (CMC).
NAM1 entered a plea of not guilty to 39 counts on an amended Charge Sheet filed by the prosecution on November 16, with charges ranging from selling gold contrary to section, operating a deposit-taking business without a license, and inducement to invest.
The charges also include 22 counts of defrauding by false pretenses, seven counts of fraudulent breach of trust, and seven counts of money laundering.
While the latest Charge Sheet resembles the previous one, the total sums involved have reduced from GHc1.6 billion to GHc340 million.
Justice Owusu-Dapaa mentioned that the court is open to the option of Plea Bargaining if the parties wish to explore that avenue. The prosecution’s testimonies from all 11 witnesses are anticipated to last for a total of 35 hours.
A digital payment system introduced by the Northern Electricity Distribution Company Limited (NEDCo) to provide customers with convenient power purchase options has faced setbacks and failed to meet expectations.
Launched in February 2022, the system, managed by Broadspectrum Digital Payments Ltd (BDP), aimed to offer prepaid users a self-service solution at any time, including odd hours.
However, nearly two years later, customer frustrations have mounted, with reports indicating that the only efficient feature of the digital system is the payment function.
NEDCo, responsible for electricity distribution in various regions, introduced the digital infrastructure to streamline operations and reduce the need for physical visits to their offices.
Customers, however, have voiced dissatisfaction, describing the system as problematic. Issues include delayed power restoration after payment through digital platforms, leading some customers to prefer in-person transactions at NEDCo offices.
Customers like Opong Kyekyeku and Kofi Bekoe highlighted their negative experiences with the digital platforms, citing payment-related challenges and delays in power restoration.
NEDCo’s Public Relations Officer, Maxwell Kotoka, acknowledged initial challenges but stated that progress has been made in addressing platform performance issues.
While Kotoka admitted to a reduction in the number of failed transactions, customers remain skeptical and cautious about the reliability of the digital payment system.
This report is part of the DPI Africa Journalism Fellowship Programme by the Media Foundation for West Africa and Co-Develop.
The New Patriotic Party (NPP) is kicking off its nomination process today for potential parliamentary candidates in constituencies where the party currently has incumbent Members of Parliament (MPs).
The nomination window, concluding on December 25, 2023, precedes the final phase of the internal election slated for January 27, 2024.
A lineup of contenders, including Michael Oquaye Jnr., Roni Nicol, Hayford Siaw, Alois Mohl, and Bice Osei Kuffuor, known as Obour, has declared their intention to compete for the party’s representation in constituencies like Dome-Kwabenya, Ablekuma West, Nsawam-Adoagyiri, Nandom, and Asante Akyem South, respectively.
Other aspirants, such as Kwasi Kwaning-Bosompem, Commissioner of Police (retd) Alex Mensah for Bekwai, and Raphael Agyapong for Bantama, are also gearing up for the internal contest.
A focal point of interest is the Fomena constituency, where the incumbent, Andrew Asiamah Amoako, secured victory as an independent candidate after departing from the NPP. This situation sparks curiosity about the number of sitting MPs seeking re-election.
In anticipation of the nominations, a statement by the NPP’s General Secretary, Justin Frimpong Kodua, stressed that no aspirant should face obstacles in obtaining nomination forms. Those encountering challenges at the constituency level can acquire the forms at the regional secretariat or download them from the party’s website.
Nomination forms will be priced at GH¢3,000, accompanied by a non-refundable filing fee of GH¢35,000. Women, Persons with Disabilities, and youth (aged 18-40) will enjoy a 50% rebate on the filing fee.
Additionally, aspirants must remit a non-refundable Development Fee of GH¢40,000, with all payments made via Banker’s Draft to the NPP National Headquarters in Accra.
A National Parliamentary Appeals Committee will handle appeals from disqualified aspirants from January 10 to January 12, 2024, with the deadline for appeal submissions set for January 9, 2024.
The consulting firm Mercer recently conducted a global ranking of cities based on the quality of life.
Covering 241 cities across five continents, the survey assessed the cost of living versus quality of life and sustainability measures implemented by the cities.
Seven out of the top 10 cities were in Europe, two in Oceania, and one in North America. Notably, safety considerations influenced rankings, with most of the cities at the bottom located in Africa and the Middle East.
The U.S. State Department advises against travel to many of these cities due to concerns about military conflict, crime, and civil unrest.
Among the 19 American cities assessed, all made it into the top 100. San Francisco ranked the highest at 37th place, followed by New York City at 40, Boston at 41, and Honolulu at 42.
Detroit was the lowest-ranked American city, securing the 76th position.
The top 10 cities for expats, according to the Mercer ranking:
Vienna, Austria: Ranked as the most livable city by the Economist Intelligence Unit in 2022 and 2023.
Zurich, Switzerland: Known for its colorful buildings and quiet cobblestone alleyways.
Auckland, New Zealand: Offers diverse attractions, including restaurants, wine tasting, and scenic landscapes.
Copenhagen, Denmark: Forbes ranked Denmark as the sixth-best nation in the world to raise a family in 2020.
Geneva, Switzerland: Home to Lake Geneva and headquarters of the United Nations and Red Cross.
Frankfurt, Germany: Located in Western Germany next to the Main River.
Munich, Germany: Famous for hosting Oktoberfest, the world’s largest beer festival.
Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada: The only North American city in the top 10, known for its parks, gardens, and dining options.
Sydney, Australia: Australia’s largest city, renowned for its beaches and seafood.
Düsseldorf, Germany: Located in Western Germany, praised for green spaces, public transit, and cultural scenes.
The 10 worst cities for expats:
Khartoum, Sudan: Ranked as having the worst quality of life, affected by ongoing conflict in the nation.
Baghdad, Iraq: Post-9/11 conflict has been deadly, with threats of terrorism from groups like ISIS.
Bangui, Central African Republic: Warned for violent crimes, civil unrest, and election-related issues.
Sanaa, Yemen: Civil war has made the nation dangerous for visitors, impacting essential services.
Port-Au-Prince, Haiti: Still recovering from earthquakes, plagued by poverty, gang activity, and crime.
N’Djamena, Chad: Risks include terrorism, crime, civil unrest, and kidnapping.
Damascus, Syria: Widespread safety concerns, with “No part of Syria is safe” according to the U.S. State Department.
Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso: Risks include crime, terrorism, and kidnapping, with limited assistance for Americans.
Tripoli, Libya: Risk of kidnapping for ransom, civil unrest, terrorism, and violent crimes.
Brazzaville, Congo: Vigilance needed for violent crime, armed robbery, and assault, as per the U.S. Department of State.
On Thursday, December 21, President Akufo-Addo will inaugurate the assessment of Ghana’s inaugural National Anti-Corruption Action Plan (NACAP) at the Jubilee House.
NACAP serves as Ghana’s comprehensive framework for advancing anti-corruption initiatives and fostering national development. The plan comprises strategic action items formulated and endorsed through nationwide consultations involving various stakeholders.
This development comes on the heels of the successful execution of NACAP, aligning with Ghana’s commitments under the United Nations Convention Against Corruption (UNCAC), the 1992 Constitution, and the President’s steadfast dedication to combating corruption.
According to a press release from the Ministry of Information’s Public Relations Unit, having executed the plan, the subsequent phase involves evaluating the strides made in the battle against corruption under NACAP.
The efficacy of NACAP lies in its integration, as the action plans seamlessly become part of the National Development Planning, thereby incorporating them into the routine annual activities of public institutions, including ministries, departments, and agencies (MDAs).
The formulation of NACAP involved a collaborative effort of experts and anti-corruption practitioners organized into a working group.
Representatives from institutions such as the Commission on Human Rights and Administrative Justice, Office of the President, Internal Audit Agency, Parliament of Ghana, Judicial Service of Ghana, Office of the Attorney General and Ministry of Justice, National Development Planning Commission, and the Public Services Commission played integral roles.
Other contributors to the formulation included the Ministry of Finance, Africa Peer Review Mechanism, Economic and Organised Crime Office, Ghana Integrity Initiative, Ghana Anti-Corruption Coalition, Ghana Centre for Democratic Development, the Justice and Human Rights Institute, African Parliamentarians Network Against Corruption, and Development Partners.
The event will be broadcast live on the state broadcaster and other private media platforms at 10 am.
Appeals Court, Judge Henry Anthony Kwofie has assured the judiciary’s readiness to confront challenges associated with Artificial Intelligence (AI).
This affirmation came during his vetting by Parliament’s Appointment Committee, where concerns were raised about the 2023 WASSCE results being withheld due to AI-generated answers and allegations of legal professionals using AI in ways detrimental to cases.
Justice Kwofie, speaking confidently on December 20, emphasized the judiciary’s capability to handle such issues. He pointed to the E-Justice program as one of the tools in place to address concerns related to emerging technologies.
He stated, “What we are doing to try to catch up is to deal with the issue via the issue of E-Justice, computerisation. Those are the areas. But with respect to other areas, as and when the law changes the judiciary will move in tandem with the movement of the law.”
“We will not be at a standstill because we ourselves are also part of society,” he added.
He reassured that the judiciary would not remain stagnant and would adapt to societal changes, emphasizing their active role within society.
Justice Kwofie is among the three new judges nominated by President Akufo-Addo for the Supreme Court. Following his vetting, the committee will engage with the other two nominees, Yaw Darko Asare and Richard Adjei-Frimpong, both serving on the Court of Appeal.
The Appointments Committee, chaired by First Deputy Speaker Joseph Osei Owusu, will oversee the process and submit a report to the plenary for consideration.
Former President John Mahama has affirmed his dedication to remunerate Assembly Members once elected into office.
The former President, who exercised his civic duty by casting his vote at the Bole District Assembly polling station, emphasized the collective responsibility to contribute to the improvement of Ghana’s decentralization system.
In a tweet, Mahama addressed the elected Assembly Members nationwide, urging them to play an active role in refining the decentralization framework.
“I remain committed, when voted as the President of Ghana in 2024, to begin paying allowances to all Assembly Members to help them carry out their duties,” he declared.
The visionary pledge reflects Mahama’s dedication to fostering local development and ensuring that Assembly Members are adequately supported in their responsibilities.
Meanwhile, the National Democratic Congress (NDC) in the Eastern Region has raised concerns about the handling of the District Assembly elections by the Electoral Commission (EC).
“I exercised my civic responsibility as a Ghanaian by voting in Tuesday’s district-level elections at the Bole District Assembly polling station.
“Congratulations to all who participated in the exercise. And to our newly elected Assembly Members across the country, let me remind you that we all have a responsibility to contribute and ensure that we get our decentralization right,” Mr. Mahama stated.
He continued: “I remain committed, when voted as the President of Ghana in 2024, to begin paying allowances to all Assembly Members to help them carry out their duties. Together, we shall build our local economies and make them work 24 hours to generate well-paying jobs.”
The NDC’s Eastern Regional Secretary, Jamal Konneh, expressed dissatisfaction, citing information indicating that a significant number of districts in the region might not have conducted their elections as planned.
The party fears that unfavorable decisions by the EC could have a ripple effect on the 2024 elections.
In a press release, Konneh highlighted the disruptive challenges faced during the elections, particularly in the New Juaben South Municipality.
The late arrival of voting materials and subsequent calls off the elections raised frustrations among voters, with many leaving polling stations in disappointment.
The NDC emphasized that such issues should be addressed promptly to maintain the integrity of the electoral process.
“Although this election is not partisan, we are stakeholders in elections, and whatever bad decision the EC takes may have a trickle-down effect on the 2024 elections.
“According to our intel, only 16 districts out of the 33 districts in the Eastern Region may have their elections today. This means that 17 districts or more are not going to have their elections today,” the Eastern regional secretary of the NDC, Jamal Konneh stated in press release.
In an astonishing turn of events, the late Assembly Member for the Tebrebe Electoral Area in the Tarkwa Nsuaem Municipality of the Western Region, Manasseh Addison Sackey, has posthumously secured victory in the District Level Elections by a mere one vote.
The news of this unexpected triumph has reverberated throughout the community, leaving residents in a state of disbelief and wonderment at the peculiar circumstances surrounding this electoral outcome.
Manasseh Addison Sackey, who also served as the headteacher of Aboponiso MA School, tragically met his demise while campaigning on Tuesday, December 5, 2023.
En route from Tebrebe to Mile 10 and a half, the canoe he was traveling in, one of several he had recently donated to the community, capsized, resulting in his drowning and that of another passenger.
The untimely loss of the incumbent assembly member had cast a pall over the political landscape. However, the unexpected victory has injected a renewed sense of vitality into Sackey’s legacy.
The solitary vote that secured Sackey’s triumph has become a focal point of community discussion, with speculation running rife about the identity of the voter.
Residents, grappling with a range of emotions from disbelief to admiration, find comfort in the unforeseen continuation of Sackey’s influence.
One resident succinctly captured the prevailing sentiment, stating, “It’s as if he is still with us, guiding our community from beyond.”
Operational disruptions and discontent are becoming apparent at the La Polyclinic in Accra, as nurses at the facility raise issues about challenging work schedules and alleged management indifference.
Approximately 25 nurses from the Out Patients Department (OPD), Emergency Room (ER), and Treatment Room are reportedly advocating for a return to a schedule that allows for two days off while maintaining their 40-hour work duties.
The concerned nurses argue that recent changes in their schedules, known as “timetable differentials,” are taking a toll on their well-being and could impact health delivery if nurses are not in the right frame of mind during their shifts.
Sources within the facility’s management mentioned that a meeting took place in June with the disgruntled nurses and district-level officials. However, no concrete agreement was reached, except for an advisory to reconcile and start afresh.
This issue arose due to a change in the “timetable differential,” proposed by the Deputy Director of Nursing Services (DDNS) at the facility, Ms. Veronica Momo Blabi.
The nurses, in a petition, explained that they had initially agreed to a different schedule that allowed them at least two days off within a week, which did not affect their service delivery.
“The DDNS wanted us to run our shift with just one day off in a week, which is not favourable to us, so at the unit level, with the knowledge of our in-charges, we agreed and designed a different timetable that enabled us to have at least two days off within a week.
The nurses requested management to consider restoring the previous schedule, providing them with two days off each week to refresh both body and mind for work. However, they alleged that this plea resulted in tension between the nurses and the DDNS.
In a follow-up petition, the nurses expressed concerns about experiencing stress and fear, which could negatively impact their professional performance, mental well-being, and overall social health.
They also questioned the lack of action from hospital management regarding verbal abuse, threats, and excessive working hours.
When contacted by the Ghanaian Times, management did not provide specific comments on the matter, stating that doors were open for nurses to discuss their grievances and find lasting solutions.
Parliament has called upon the Finance Ministry to reconsider the allocation of funds within the education sector, urging a redirection of resources from the non-formal education sector to address challenges facing Special Education in the country.
Expressing dissatisfaction during a debate on the approval of 29.5 billion Ghana Cedis for the Education Ministry, Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson, the Minority Leader, highlighted the inadequacy of the GHS600,000 funds allocated for special schools, including the Akuapim School for the Deaf and the Akropong School for the Blind.
“Even though the ministry has been allocated GHS29.5 billion, only GHS673,429, which is under 1 million, has been allocated to special education. Mr. Speaker, special education is something that we need to take quite seriously as a country,” he emphasized.
Dr. Ato Forson urged the Ministry of Finance to consider reallocating funds to ensure adequate coverage for schools catering to students with special needs.
The Majority Leader, Osei Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu, echoed these concerns, appealing to the government to prioritize special education over non-formal education.
“I don’t want to believe that it is a typo error. We need to spend more on the special schools, not the non-formal education. So I will want to plead that if we can do a reallocation from the non-formal education to the special schools, it should be done,” he stated.
The transparency of the Akufo-Addo/Bawumia government has been brought into question by the Member of Parliament for North Tongu, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, regarding financial assistance for the victims of the Akosombo Dam spillage.
In a tweet, Mr Ablakwa shared intercepted documents from the ECOWAS Commission, revealing that Ghana had received a substantial amount of US$200,000.00 (GHS2.4 million) in support from ECOWAS.
This information, according to the MP, was not disclosed to Parliament or the Ghanaian public.
Expressing his concerns, Mr Ablakwa questioned why the government concealed its additional application to ECOWAS for financial support for the Akosombo Dam spillage flood victims.
“Why has the Akufo-Addo/Bawumia government concealed from Parliament and the Ghanaian people that they had additionally applied to ECOWAS for financial support for the Akosombo dam spillage flood victims?”
The intercepted documents from the ECOWAS Commission disclosed the approval of financial aid following Ghana’s application, adding complexity to the government’s financial narrative.
“When Finance Minister, Ken Ofori-Atta, presented the 2024 Budget on November 15, 2023, he only disclosed government’s applications to the World Bank and the Global Shield Against Climate Risk Fund,” the MP remarked.
Ablakwa pointed out a timeline discrepancy in the government’s disclosures, noting that during the presentation of the 2024 Budget on November 15, 2023, Finance Minister Ken Ofori-Atta only mentioned applications to the World Bank and the Global Shield Against Climate Risk Fund, omitting the ECOWAS application.
Referring to specific sections of the budget, Ablakwa highlighted paragraphs 29 and 30 on page 5, which exclusively mentioned the World Bank and the Global Shield Against Climate Risk Fund.
He emphasized that the ECOWAS application had been made two weeks before the budget presentation, as evidenced by the intercepted documents. Ablakwa assured that the National Democratic Congress (NDC) Caucus in Parliament would demand full disclosure and total accountability on all government requests for funding submitted to international organizations.
The Western North Regional branch of the Food and Drugs Authority (FDA) has taken action to confiscate and destroy unwholesome items sourced from various shops across the nine districts in the region.
In a bid to eliminate contaminated, expired, and unauthorized products from local markets, the FDA in the Western North Region initiated an inspection exercise targeting shops throughout the area.
Albert Ankomah, the Western North Regional Director of the FDA, revealed that the confiscated items amounted to a total weight of three tonnes. The products encompassed post pills, aphrodisiacs, milk, ‘ekikime,’ herbal mixtures, biscuits, schnapps, and other items.
The condemned goods were subjected to incineration at the Sehwi Wiawso dumping site.
Emphasizing the importance of consumer awareness, Albert Ankomah advised the public to exercise vigilance, particularly during the festive season, in scrutinizing the food and drugs they choose to consume.
The Sehwi Wiawso Municipal Environmental Officer, Francis Kwasi Asuade, lauded the FDA’s efforts, recognizing the exercise as a crucial preventive measure against the consumption of unsafe products.
The Paramount Chief of Goaso Traditional Council in the Ahafo Region, Nana Kwasi Bosomprah, has clarified that his critique of the government is not indicative of animosity towards the New Patriotic Party (NPP).
He made this statement during a visit to his palace by Asunafo North MP and Deputy Sports Minister, Evans Opoku Bobie, along with party executives and sports journalists.
Nana Kwasi Bosomprah asserted that his criticisms aim to ensure accountability for developmental progress in his community.
He emphasized the importance of prioritizing Ghana’s interests and urged fellow traditional leaders to advocate for community development rather than aligning solely with a political party.
In an interview with Adom News, Nana Kwasi Bosomprah explained, “I do not hate the government. You know what I am saying is the truth, and when I’m speaking the truth I do not fear anyone except God. Let us think of Ghana first. Everyone looking at me today can see how happy I am because my expectations have been met. I have the park I wanted.”
Encouraging other traditional leaders to speak up for community development, he expressed contentment with the progress made, particularly the construction of an Astroturf in Goaso.
During the visit, Evans Opoku Bobie assured that the funds for the Astroturf project are secure, and there will be no delays in completing it.
He highlighted the positive impact of sports infrastructure on talent development, expressing gratitude to the Akufo-Addo-led government for its support. Opoku Bobie mentioned that the Astroturf, scheduled for completion within six months, aims to unearth football talents in the Ahafo Region.
Dormaahene Osagyefo Osaedeeyo Agyemang Badu II has made a compelling plea to the government, urging the suspension of Ghana’s inaugural lithium mining agreement.
The traditional leader voiced concerns about the existing terms of the agreement, emphasizing their lack of alignment with the nation’s best interests.
Speaking at the Bono Regional House of Chiefs’ year-end review meeting in 2023, Dormaahene aligned himself with various calls from civil society groups, experts, and the public, urging further clarity or a halt to the contractual terms with Barari DV Limited, a subsidiary of Atlantic Lithium—an Australian mining company.
In a video posted by JoyNews, Dormaahene stressed the importance of a careful reconsideration of the mining contract’s terms to ensure a fair and equitable distribution of benefits to citizens.
He underscored the potential risk of losing control over valuable resources.
“Government has to suspend the contract and re-look at the terms because the mining company [Atlantic] has been given the license to mine not just lithium but any other resources it discovers within the concession area.”
“We are not kicking against any mining of natural resources, but we must ensure that the gains are shared equally, and so government authorities must carefully re-look at the terms of the deal to bring peace among all stakeholders,” he added.
The Ghanaian government had previously signed the deal with Barari DV Ghana Limited to tap into extensive lithium deposits in Ewoyaa, Central Region.
However, the agreement faced public backlash due to concerns about its nature and potential implications.
Independent presidential hopeful, Dr. Sam Ankrah, has unveiled his commitment to revolutionize government operations, presenting a bold plan to limit the number of ministers to 20 if elected as president.
In an interview, Dr. Ankrah delved into his vision for a more streamlined, efficient, and cost-effective administration.
“This is how we are going to run this administration. We are talking about only 20 ministers, no regional ministers,” he stated.
Dr. Ankrah emphasized the critical need to decentralize political power, asserting that the current political landscape fails to resonate at the grassroots level.
In line with this, he proposed the election of District Chief Executives (DCEs) to ensure a more accountable and responsive governance structure.
“We will make sure DCEs are elected. The intent is to ensure that politics is felt at the grassroots because, at the moment, it is not, and people are not benefiting. So, we want to make sure that the DCEs would run their districts under a local government and rural development ministry, which will oversee all the DCEs across the nation, excluding regional ministers. We are looking for only 20 solid ministers to run this nation,” he outlined.
Addressing concerns about the size of the government budget, Dr. Ankrah stressed the imperative of sustainability and efficiency in public expenditures.
He expressed reservations about the current government budget, drawing comparisons with the UK, which, despite having a larger population, maintains a significantly smaller payroll.
“Our current government budget is huge and not sustainable. The UK, with a population of about 65 million, has only about 350,000 people on their payroll. Ghana with only 31 million has over 1 million people on our payroll and the shenanigans of sitting allowances, per diems, Land Cruisers and all these things are huge and not sustainable.”
“We need to cut the government size drastically and we intend to do so, minimum by 50% and other programmes that when we get there we will talk about,” he added.
The Ghana Nurse-Midwife Trainees Association (GNMTA) is on the verge of staging a protest due to outstanding arrears that remain unpaid, claiming that the government has not fulfilled its commitment to disburse allowances to its members.
The GNMTA’s National President, Adumbisa Pascal, and General Secretary, Blessing Ampofo, issued a statement expressing their discontent, revealing that they had formally petitioned the Ministry of Health on November 25, 2023, regarding the unpaid arrears.
Despite the Ministry of Finance’s financial clearance for a two-year backlog, the trainees have only received payment for two months, leading to growing concern and dissatisfaction.
The statement emphatically demanded an immediate resolution to what they perceive as a severe injustice, emphasizing the critical importance of addressing the matter urgently and with utmost seriousness to safeguard the future of nursing and midwifery in Ghana.
“Our reservoir of patience and tolerance has been exhausted. We demand immediate redress for this egregious injustice. The fate of nursing and midwifery in Ghana lies precariously in the balance, highlighting the indispensability of addressing this matter with the profound urgency and unwavering gravity it commands” the statement added.
Read the full statement below:
PRESS STATEMENT ON RESOLUTION OF NURSE-MIDWIFE TRAINEES’ ARREARS
We, the Ghana Nurse-Midwife Trainees Association (GNMTA), pen this message with heartfelt disappointment and sorrow. Our previous appeals, efforts, and the issuance of an ultimatum have all been in vain. Despite our unwavering dedication and commitment to our noble profession, we are consistently met with the unjust negligence of our rightful entitlements.
Since the release of our letter on November 25, 2023, where we beseeched the Ministry of Health to address the long-overdue payment of our outstanding allowances, we have only been met with empty promises and false assurances. Out of the two years’ worth of arrears and the seven months’ clearance received from the Ministry of Finance, we have merely received payment for two months. This stark disparity leaves us bewildered, undervalued, and profoundly wounded.
The perplexity we face lies in the fact that, despite obtaining financial clearance from the Ministry of Finance, we are continuously denied our rightful remuneration. Our patience, understanding, and cooperation throughout this arduous ordeal have been met with indifference and disregard. We are frequently presented with excuses involving data validation and administrative obstacles, none of which justify the withholding of our hard-earned compensation.
The enduring delay in payment has inflicted severe burdens upon our lives, resulting in financial strain, emotional upheaval, and impediments in our academic pursuits. We embarked upon this noble journey with an unyielding belief that our contributions to society would be acknowledged and rewarded as befitting. Regrettably, we now find ourselves disillusioned, drained, and doubting the integrity of the established systems.
The ramifications of this inequitable treatment upon our education, careers, and personal well-being cannot be overstated. As frontline healthcare providers, we forsake our own comforts in order to serve our communities and safeguard the health and well-being of our fellow citizens. Yet, we are disregarded, treated as an afterthought, and burdened with financial instability.
We now demand immediate action. We firmly state that we are giving the Ministry of Health an ultimatum of one Week, if the said time elapses without any positive feedback we will have no choice but to take to the streets in a massive peaceful protest to express our displeasure.
With utmost urgency and sincerity, we implore the Ministry of Health, the general public, and all compassionate Ghanaians to stand in unwavering solidarity with us. We beseech you to amplify our voices and demand justice for the devoted trainee nurses and midwives who deserve timely and equitable compensation for their unwavering service.
Our reservoir of patience and tolerance has been exhausted. We demand immediate redress for this egregious injustice. The fate of nursing and midwifery in Ghana lies precariously in the balance, highlighting the indispensability of addressing this matter with the profound urgency and unwavering gravity it commands.
Our aspirations, dreams, and unwavering dedication should never be belittled or dismissed.
In conclusion, we earnestly beseech the Ministry of Health and all relevant stakeholders to accord the welfare and rights of trainee nurses and midwives the utmost priority. Let us forge a healthcare system that exudes empathy, fairness, and respect for its nursing and midwifery professionals. For failure to do so not only undermines the pivotal roles we play but also tarnishes the esteemed reputation of our cherished profession.
We stand united, our hearts brimming with hope and our voices resolute, as we fervently advocate for justice and uphold the intrinsic integrity of our noble profession. Let our collective strength and undying spirit serve as a steadfast reminder that we shall not be silenced or overlooked. Together, we can forge a future where our contributions are duly recognized, valued, and fairly compensated.
Ghana’s Trainee Nurses and Midwives plan peaceful protest if arrears remain unresolvedGhana’s Trainee Nurses and Midwives plan peaceful protest if arrears remain unresolved
The resounding beats of tradition filled the air as the Asaman community inaugurated the annual Obuodwan Festival with a captivating ceremony.
Osabarima Adu Darko III, adorned in majestic war regalia, led a procession to Asuokaw – the ancestral home of Asaman – where a significant encounter with the chief and people of Asuokaw unfolded.
At the core of the ceremony was the revered ‘Obuodwan,’ symbolized by fire and a sacred stone, brought by Asuokawhene and presented to Asamanhene.
Serving as the heart of the festival, the ‘Obuodwan’ embodies the spiritual and cultural significance of the community, bridging past and present generations.
In a profoundly symbolic gesture, Asamanhene received the ‘Obuodwan’ with deep respect and gratitude, symbolizing the unity and shared heritage between Asaman and Asuokaw.
The sacred item was then ceremoniously conveyed to the palace, officially marking the commencement of the Obuodwan Festival celebrations.
Renowned for its distinctive blend of spiritual and cultural elements, the festival is poised to unfold in the coming days.
Asamanhene expressed gratitude for the ongoing preservation of this rich cultural heritage, highlighting the importance of unity and collective celebration.
The festival not only serves as a celebration of cultural identity but also as a time for reflection, gratitude, and unity within the Asaman community.
Parliament is gearing up for a public hearing vetting to consider nominees appointed by the President to fill vacant positions on the Supreme Court bench.
In a communication addressed to the House, the President put forward three justices currently serving on the Court of Appeal for elevation to the Supreme Court. The nominated justices are Henry Anthony Kwofie, Yaw Darko Asare, and Richard Adjei-Frimpong.
The Appointments Committee, led by the First Deputy Speaker of Parliament, Joseph Osei Owusu, will oversee the vetting process and present a report to the plenary for further consideration.
President Akufo-Addo, in a letter to Parliament dated October 11, 2023, underscored the urgency of filling the vacancies resulting from the retirement of some members on the bench.
A former Minister of Defence and distinguished Army Commander of the Ghana Armed Forces (GAF), Lieutenant General Joseph Henry Smith, affectionately known as JH Smith, has been confirmed dead.
Sources from the family have indicated that he succumbed to a brief illness on the morning of Tuesday, December 19, 2023.
Ambassador Victor Smith, the younger brother of the late Lt Gen JH Smith, shared the solemn news of his passing.
According to a report from 3news.com, details of funeral arrangements, following Muslim traditions, will be announced in due course.
Beyond his remarkable military career, the 78-year-old served as the Minister of Defence during the tenure of the late President John Evans Atta Mills from 2009 to 2013.
He also held the esteemed position of Ghana’s Ambassador to the United States under the administration of former President John Dramani Mahama.
In a recent development, a group of Members of Parliament (MPs) has urgently appealed to the government to review the current price regime for cashew nuts, citing concerns over its impact on the industry.
Speaking to the media, the spokesperson of the group, who also serves as the MP for Jaman North, Frederick Yaw Ahenkwah contended that cashew farmers are facing financial losses under the current farm gate price of GHS7, citing high inflation and production costs as contributing factors.
According to the MPs, the producer price for cashews has significantly dropped from the original GHS10 to GHS7 this year, adversely affecting the farmers’ ability to sustain production.
“The Tree Crop Development Authority in 2022 set a price for cashews, and they began with GHS10. The following year, they increased it, and now, this is the third year. In the first two years, the farmers saw an appreciable increase in the price. So, we thought that as the years advanced, the government would continue to set a good price for the farmers. But, to our surprise, the price, which was GHS8.50 last year, has been reduced to GHS7 this particular year, and we know that there is inflation in the system.”
“Prices of farm inputs are high; fuel and other things are skyrocketing. So, these factors go into production. They are all factors of production. By the end of the day, if these farmers bear these high prices and are then unable to pay for the costs they have incurred, I think virtually they are running at a loss….So, we are appealing to the government to, as a matter of urgency, try and review the price. At least GHS9 or GHS10 would make them happy with it,” he said.
MP for Jaman North emphasized the need for a price increase to at least GHS9 or GHS10 per unit,
According to them, the farmers have expressed their dissatisfaction with the current pricing structure, hence the urgent need to resolve the issue.
“We need it very important to draw the attention of the government although the price regime has come to stay but we are appealing to the government as a matter of urgency to try and review the price, at least GHS9 OR GHS10 for the farmers they would be happy with it. As we speak to you, since the price came out we have been receiving a lot of calls from our constituents and we cannot sit down unconcerned, it is our mandate to draw the government’s attention to what is happening there.
According to the farmers, the existing price regime, although established, is causing tension and agitation within the industry.
They argue that the government’s attention is crucial at this point, especially considering the recent approval of a loan aimed at boosting the production of cashew and other crops.
The MPs stressed that their constituents have been reaching out, expressing their discontent with the current prices.
“There’s tension there, there’s agitation. Just last week a loan was approved here to boost the production of cashew and other crops. If government has this good intention to expand the production of cashew and the very industry players who will help the industry to expand are treated this way, do you think they will have the energy to continue the production,” they added.
They highlighted the importance of addressing this issue promptly to ensure the sustainability of cashew production.
They added that the tension within the industry poses a threat to the government’s goal of expanding cashew production, as industry players may lose the motivation to contribute to the sector’s growth.
As discussions surrounding the cashew industry continue, farmers await government intervention to review and potentially adjust the pricing structure, aiming for a resolution that satisfies both producers and industry sustainability goals.
The government declared a reduction in cashew prices for the upcoming 2024 crop season, effective from January 2024.
According to the Chief Executive Officer of the Tree Crop Development Authority, Hon. William Agyapong Quaittoo, the new minimum price for a kilogram of cashew will be GHC7, down from the initial price of GHc8.5.
Despite the calculated figure being GHC6.76 per kilo using the current formula, the government has chosen to round it up to GHC7.
The announcement was made during a meeting with cashew farmers and buyers in Kintampo, Bono East region, on Friday, December 16, 2023.
The primary reason cited for the reduction is the decline in the quality of Ghanaian cashew in the international market, causing Ghana to fall from the second position to the third in West Africa. This decline in quality has resulted in a decrease in the price per ton from USD 1,080 to USD 880.
Additionally, the value of the Ghanaian currency plays a role in the downward revision of the cashew price.
However, Hon. Quaittoo mentioned that the announced figure is subject to review after two months if the quality of Ghanaian cashew improves. Steps are being taken, including training farmers and stakeholders and regulating traders in the cashew industry, to enhance quality.
Ghana is a major exporter of cashew in West Africa, expecting to export about 350,000 metric tons of Raw Cashew Nut (RCN) in 2024. Cashew farmers, particularly in the top-producing regions of Bono, Ahafo, Bono East, and Savana, have consistently expressed concerns about losses due to low market prices after harvest.
In recent years, the government has regularly announced minimum cashew prices, with the 2023 crop season’s GHC8.50 being the highest. Farmers, anticipating an increase for the 2024 season, appeared visibly disappointed with the announced GHC7 per kilogram.
Cashew pricing: We demand an increase of a kilogram of cashew to either GHS9 OR GHS10 – Group of MPs. #JoyNewspic.twitter.com/ttDOIDgpl8
