The Electoral Commission (EC) has rescheduled the district-level elections in select electoral areas in the Ashanti and Eastern Regions, citing technical challenges with the printing of ballots by the EC’s contractors.
As reported by JoyNews in the Ashanti region, districts such as Bantama, South Sontreso, Atwima Nwabiagya, Atwima Mponua, Dadeso, and Santasi will not participate in the current exercise due to delays in the delivery of voting materials by the Electoral Commission.
In a statement signed by the Acting Head of Public Relations for the EC, Michael Boadu, the affected areas are now scheduled to partake in the elections on Thursday, December 21, 2023.
The overall exercise was anticipated to cover 6,215 electoral areas across 216 metropolitan, municipal, and district assemblies, excluding the Nkoranza North and South in the Bono East Region.
With over 66,000 individuals competing for District Assembly and Unit Committee positions in the District Level Elections, the EC’s data reveals 18,755 assembly member candidates and 47,502 unit committee member candidates, totaling 66,257 candidates.
Among the assembly candidates, 17,474 are males (94%), while females are 1,106 (6%). For unit committee candidates, 40,923 are males (88%), and females are 5,413 (11.6%).
Despite the increased number of candidates compared to previous years, voter enthusiasm remains low, consistent with the historical trend of voter apathy in the District Level Elections since its inception in 1988. Data shows varying voter turnout percentages over the years, with a notable decline in participation in some periods.
Furthermore, the participation of women in these elections has been consistently low, presenting a challenge to achieving balanced representation.
Finance Minister Ken Ofori-Atta has lauded the successful collaboration between the Treasury and the Bank of Ghana, resulting in a significant reduction in inflation from a peak of 54.1% to 26.4%.
Speaking at the Bank of Ghana’s End-of-Year Cocktail, Ofori-Atta expressed pride in the collective effort to reset the financial architecture.
Despite facing challenges over the past three years, he emphasized that the country has turned the corner toward a more resilient and transformed economy.
“Together, we have strived to reset our financial architecture”.
“And despite the challenges over the last three years, I am proud that we have ‘turned the corner’ toward a more robust and transformed economy”, he added.
Mr Ofori-Atta said: “Indeed, amidst these trials, our united front in managing the Bank of Ghana’s balance sheet has been nothing short of heroic.”
“More importantly, the Ghana Statistical Services (GSS) reported that inflation has slowed down to 26.4% in November 2023 from 35.2% in October 2023”, he pointed out, adding: “In effect, the Bank and the Treasury’s collaborative efforts have halved inflation (from 54.1% in December 2022) in under 12 months”.
The Finance Minister acknowledged the heroic efforts in managing the Bank of Ghana’s balance sheet amidst trials.
He highlighted the positive impact of the collaborative efforts, stating that inflation has halved from 54.1% in December 2022 to 26.4% in November 2023, as reported by the Ghana Statistical Service.
While welcoming the news of slowing inflation, Mr Ofori-Atta acknowledged that many people still face severe cost-of-living pressures.
He emphasized the need to stay the course and continue working towards reducing inflation to single digits as quickly as possible.
Looking ahead to 2024, the Finance Minister called for pushing boundaries, working with equanimity, and dispelling any sense of nihilism.
He expressed confidence that, despite the ongoing journey, Ghana will not only prevail but also move towards a more prosperous future with economic freedom and social mobility for all.
The West African Examinations Council (WAEC) has provided clarification regarding the withholding of certain results from the 2023 West African Senior School Certificate Examinations (WASSCE).
In an announcement on Monday, December 18, WAEC stated that subject results from 235 schools are under scrutiny due to candidates employing answers generated by artificial intelligence.
In addition to this, subject results for 4,280 candidates and the entire results for 1,005 candidates are being withheld due to suspected offenses.
The examination body has annulled the subject results of 3,647 candidates who introduced foreign materials, such as prepared notes, textbooks, and printed materials, into the examination halls.
Furthermore, the results of 839 candidates have been invalidated for possessing mobile phones during the examinations.
Decisions approved during the 35th meeting of the Ghana Examinations Committee on Wednesday, December 13, 2023, include:
Cancellation of Subject Results for 3,647 candidates who brought foreign materials into the examination halls.
Cancellation of Entire Results for 839 candidates caught with mobile phones in the examination halls.
Withholding of Subject Results for 4,280 candidates and Entire Results for 1,005 candidates for various suspected offenses, including collusion and the use of AI-generated answers.
WAEC has also taken measures against 4,878 candidates by blocking their results for failing to return learning support materials provided by their respective schools. Candidates affected by this action are advised to contact their schools for further guidance.
Check below for full details:
Read the statement by WAEC below
RELEASE OF PROVISIONAL RESULTS FOR THE WEST AFRICAN SENIOR SCHOOL CERTIFICATE EXAMINATION (WASSCE FOR SCHOOL CANDIDATES, 2023
The West African Examinations Council wishes to inform its numerous stakeholders that it has released provisional results of candidates who sat for the WASSCE for School Candidates, 2023 (Ghana Only Version). The Council will make available login details to heads of school to enable them access the results of their candidates.
The results have been hosted online and candidates who so desire may access their results at the Council’s website www.waecgh.org.
The results of 4,878 candidates have been blocked for failing to return learning support materials supplied to them by their schools. Such candidates are to contact their schools.
The Council would like to caution all its stakeholders to be wary of fraudsters who promise to upgrade results for a fee. Candidates are to note that WAEC results are secured and can be authenticated using its results verification system. The WAEC QR code can be downloaded and used to verify results.
PERFORMANCE STATISTICS A total number of 448,674 candidates made up of 212,453 males and 236,221 females from 975 schools entered for the examination. This figure is 5.8% higher than the 2022 entry figure of 422,883. A total number of 3,404 (0.75%) were absent from the examination.
The performance of candidates with respect to the four Core Subjects is shown in the tables below.
Trading activities on the Ghana Stock Exchange (GSE) witnessed a bullish performance in November this year, showcasing the sustained and robust growth in the Ghanaian economy throughout the last three quarters.
According to the GSE’s Summary of November 2023 market activities, both the volume and value of shares traded on the Accra bourse experienced significant increases, with a rise of 1,009.7% and 807.7%, respectively.
On the equities market, the volume of shares traded surged to 131,714,300 in November, a notable increase compared to the 11,869,147 recorded previously.
Simultaneously, the value of shares soared to GH¢172,371,708.48, demonstrating a substantial growth from GH¢18,990,316.20 in October.
Key contributors to the market’s performance in November included EGH, which saw an 18.64% increase in its share price, GLD with a price gain of 2.58%, MTNGH experiencing a 2.19% increase in its share price, CAL with a growth of 2%, and FML recording a 0.33% increase in its share price.
The GSE reported a 0.67% increase in total market capitalization, reaching GH¢74,234.96 in November, up from GH¢73,736.96 in October. The GSE–CI, reflecting year-to-date performance from January to November 2023, saw an impressive increase of 29.71%, a stark contrast to the 11.69% loss recorded during the same period last year.
The GSE Composite Index (GSE CI) registered a rise of 44.28 points compared to the previous month, contributing to the year-to-date return of 29.71%. Additionally, the GSE Financial Stock Index (GSE-FSI) gained 17.52 points during the month, reducing the year-to-date loss to 2.71%.
In the Fixed Income Market (GFIM), the GSE noted an increase in trading volumes, reaching 12.78 billion in November, reflecting a notable 32.16% increase compared to the previous month’s volume of GH¢9.67 billion.
Long-term Government securities transactions constituted 50.33% of market activity, marking a significant rise from the 41.43% recorded in the preceding month.
Several electoral areas in the Ashanti Region will be excluded from today’s district-level elections due to logistical challenges. Notable areas affected include South Suntreso, Bantama, Atwima Nwabiagya, Atwima Mponua, Dadieso, and Santasi.
Some residents arriving at polling stations found them empty, lacking electoral officers and necessary logistics for the voting process.
Residents reported receiving public announcements in the early hours, advising them not to visit the centers as the voting had been rescheduled.
Despite this setback, citizens are prepared to fulfill their civic duty and cast their votes the following day once logistical challenges are resolved.
Contrastingly, in other parts of the region, the electoral process has commenced smoothly, with electoral officers expecting significant voter turnouts.
The Speaker of Parliament, Alban Bagbin, has responded to President Akufo-Addo’s letter justifying his refusal to assent to the Criminal Offenses Amendment Bill 2023.
In the letter, the president cited a violation of Article 108 of the constitution and the potential financial burden on the state’s consolidated fund as reasons for his decision.
However, Bagbin, while reading excerpts of the letter to the House, criticized its content as “irregular, wrongful, and unconstitutional.”
“Vehemently, we disagree with the position taken by the president. The president has gotten it tragically wrong and I will submit in the form of a statement under Article 53 my position in this matter and allow members of the House to make comments so that we can take a clear position in this matter.”
“And I will do so during the course of this week. The president has not been properly advised. The president has not been properly informed about the processes this bill has gone through. So I will submit a detailed write-up on it for members to make their comments but I am very clear that this message and the contents are irregular, wrongful and unconstitutional,” he added.
The Speaker asserted that the president lacks a comprehensive understanding of the bill and emphasized the necessity for him to thoroughly review it.
Bagbin pointed out that it is not within the president’s authority to determine the “constitutionality” of a bill that has been presented and considered by Parliament.
He underscored that the mandate to make such determinations rests solely with Parliament and cannot be usurped by any external authority.
“The responsibility to decide whether a bill should come from a private member or not rests on the person presiding. The procedure in the act clearly states what the president is expected to do. It is not for the president to decide on the constitutionality or otherwise of a bill that has been presented and considered by parliament. This power of parliament will not be taken away by any exempt authority,” he said.
The Criminal Offences Amendment Bill 2023 which is sponsored by Francis Xavier Sosu addresses various issues, including the prohibition of declaring, accusing, naming, or labeling an individual as a witch, among other related matters.
Despite parliamentary approval, the President’s hesitance to sign these bills revolves around constitutional considerations.
In July, Parliament approved the Armed Forces Bill, which aiming to amend sections of Act 29 and the Armed Forces Act, 1962 (Act 105), with the intent of replacing the Death Penalty with life imprisonment.
President Akufo-Addo justifies his decision not to agree to the Criminal Offenses Amendment Bill 2023.
According to him, it's a violation of Article 108 of the constitution and will have a heavy financial impact on the state's consolidated fund as well. pic.twitter.com/MCVZgxidXg
The Ghana Immigration Service has nullified the residency permit of the spokesperson for the New Force, Shalimar Abbuissi, ordering her repatriation scheduled for later today.
Shalimar Abbiussi was arrested by the NIB on Monday, December 4, 2023, on charges of allegedly obtaining a student permit in Ghana through false declarations.
After her arraignment at the Kaneshie District Court, she was remanded into lawful custody on Friday, December 8.
The charges were initially brought by the Ghana Immigration Service (GIS), leading to an ongoing legal dispute.
The court granted the prosecution a brief period to conclude their investigations, scheduling her to reappear on Monday, December 11, 2023.
She was later granted bail in the tune of GHc20,000 by the Court.
Meanwhile the New Force has accused the government of attacking the movement by going after its members and initiatives aimed at making it the third force in the country’s political space
Stay tuned for further updates.
New Force Spokesperson, Shalimar Abbuissi re-arrested by Ghana Immigration Service after the state prosecutors dropped charges against her in court. #JoyNewspic.twitter.com/Nb6TizvdDt
A historic moment unfolded at Manhyia Palace in Kumasi as His Lordship Justice Emmanuel Ankamah, a 45-year-old Justice of the Court of Appeal, took the oath of allegiance to Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, Asantehene, marking his ascension as the new Omanhene of Sampa Traditional Area.
In a significant ceremony at the last session of the Asanteman Council at Manhyia, Justice Ankamah, now Nana Samgba Gyafla II, made history by becoming the highest-ranking member of the judiciary and the public service concurrently serving as a paramount chief in Ghana.
The induction ceremony saw Nana Gyafla II being escorted to Manhyia by a substantial contingent of Sampa kingmakers, including Nana Siedjo Patazin II, Mansihene, Nana Kwadwo Magsa, Adontenhene, Nana Yeboah Asiamah, Tufuhene, Nana Woli Kofi Twentwan II, Kyidomhene, Nana Sei Kofi Ajaro, Kontihene, Nana Allah-Kaboe, Wrempehene, Nana Nyua Kofi, Aduanahene, Nana Takyi Poku, Akyeamehene, and Nana Kwadwo Akomea, Akyempimhene.
The induction was met with warm welcomes from all member states of Asanteman, with the collective encouragement for the new Omanhene to dedicate his efforts to fostering peace and development among his people.
This unprecedented dual role exemplifies the intersection of judicial and traditional leadership, adding a distinctive chapter to the history of Sampa Traditional Area.
The electoral process in Lower Manya, Eastern Region, has encountered a setback as reports indicate the cancellation and subsequent postponement of the assembly and unit committee elections.
The decision to reschedule the elections was reportedly prompted by a shortage of ballot papers, a crucial component for the smooth conduct of any election.
Sources have revealed that the information regarding the cancellation reached stakeholders an hour after the scheduled commencement of the elections, conveyed by the Municipality’s Electoral Commission Director.
The absence of adequate ballot papers led to a swift response, resulting in the decision to defer the elections to a later date, which is yet to be communicated.
While Lower Manya grapples with this unexpected development, other parts of the country are actively engaged in the electoral process. Across Metropolitan, Municipal, and District Assemblies (MMDAs), citizens are participating in the crucial task of electing assembly members and unit committee representatives.
The broader context of this local electoral undertaking involves over 66,000 individuals vying for various positions within the assembly and unit committees.
According to statistics from the Electoral Commission, this figure encompasses 18,755 assembly member candidates and 47,502 unit committee member candidates, creating a dynamic electoral landscape across 6,215 electoral areas spread throughout 216 MMDAs.
The Bank of Ghana’s Interbank forex rates for today, December 19, 2023, reveal the trading values of the Ghana Cedi against various foreign currencies.
Against the US Dollar, the Cedi is listed at a buying price of 11.6373 and a selling price of 11.6489.
However, at a Forex bureau in Accra, the dollar is being bought and sold at slightly different rates, with a buying rate of 12.10 and a selling rate of 12.25.
Moving to the Pound Sterling, the Cedi’s buying price is 14.7258, and the selling price is 14.7417. At a Forex Bureau in Accra, the Pound Sterling is being bought at a rate of 15.10 and sold at 15.50.
For the Euro, the Cedi has a buying price of 12.7122 and a selling price of 12.7248. Meanwhile, at a Forex Bureau in Accra, the Euro is being bought at a rate of 12.80 and sold at 13.30.
The South African Rand trades at a buying price of 0.6247 and a selling price of 0.6252. In Accra’s forex bureau, it is bought at a rate of 0.40 and sold at 1.10.
The Nigerian Naira has a buying price of 68.6630 and a selling price of 69.0770. In Accra’s forex bureau, it is bought at a rate of 9.00 Naira for every 1 Cedi and sold at 15.00. Lastly, for the CFA, the buying price is 51.5495, and the selling price is 51.6006. At a forex bureau in Accra, it is bought at a rate of 17.30 CFA for every 1 Cedi and sold at 19.80 CFA for every 1 Cedi.
The ongoing voting process is taking place nationwide to elect assembly members and unit committee members.
A total of over 66,000 individuals are vying for positions as assembly and unit committee members in these local polls.
As per the Electoral Commission’s recent statistics, there are 18,755 candidates contending for assembly member roles and 47,502 candidates for unit committee membership, summing up to 66,257 candidates.
This electoral contest spans 6,215 electoral areas, covering 216 Metropolitan, Municipal, and District Assemblies (MMDAs).
The Upper West Regional Manager of the Public Utility Regulatory Commission (PURC), Cassiel Eghan Asiedu, has announced that the Commission received 781 complaints from utility consumers, of which 771 were successfully resolved.
The majority of the complaints centered on service quality, with power outages being the primary concern for the Electricity Company, while complaints against the Ghana Water Company included reduced water flow and burst pipelines.
Mr Asiedu revealed these details during the end-of-year gathering of the PURC in Wa, bringing together representatives from the Northern Electricity Distribution Company (NEDCo), Ghana Water Company Ltd, PURC staff, and stakeholders, including members of the Consumer Service Committee in Tumu, Sissala East Municipality.
He described 2023 as a “Year of Operational Efficiency” for the PURC, marked by engagement with various stakeholders on the Commission’s operations. Asiedu credited the year’s successes to the collaborative efforts and support received from stakeholders, including utility service providers and consumers.
Looking ahead to 2024, Asiedu outlined the Commission’s strategic positioning, terming it a “Year of Strategic Impact” with a focus on four key areas known as “STEP” – Self-improvement, Transparency, Enforcement, and Proactiveness.
These areas will emphasize staff capacity building, stakeholder engagement, law enforcement, and proactive service delivery through technology-enabled complaint mechanisms.
Daniel Awortwe, the Upper West Regional Area Engineer of NEDCo, commended the PURC as a significant stakeholder and expressed optimism about continued collaboration.
He highlighted NEDCo’s commitment to leveraging technology to enhance operations, ensuring reliable and high-quality power supply to consumers.
The Upper West Regional Chief Manager of the Ghana Water Company Ltd, Kwasi Abebrese, assured consumers of quality service while acknowledging the workload on staff. He appealed for understanding from consumers as his outfit works to address complaints and challenges.
The Electoral Commission (EC) has declared that the use of indelible ink will be obsolete in the upcoming district-level election and subsequent polls.
Indicating a departure from traditional methods, the EC Chair, Jean Mensa, stated during a press conference ahead of the December 19 district-level election that this decision is part of the Commission’s efforts to enhance the electoral process and establish a robust identification system.
Jean Mensa emphasized that with the introduction of biometric technology, the need for indelible ink has diminished.
In the absence of indelible ink, the biometric identification system becomes pivotal in preventing double voting.
“The issue of indelible ink, the question is when we were not doing biometric we were basically using your face, your card. We look at your face and we say this picture looks like you.
“The biometric technology makes it difficult for a person who has been verified and cast their vote to come a second time. So, there is no need for indelible ink. Once you have been verified, it goes into the system and you cannot come back a second time,” she said.
She explained that once a voter has been verified and cast their vote, the system records the information, making it impossible for that individual to vote again.
Previously, facial recognition and card verification were employed, but the advent of biometric technology has significantly enhanced the security and efficiency of the electoral process.
The biometric system effectively identifies and flags any attempts at multiple registrations, ensuring the integrity of the voting system.
Expressing confidence in the efficacy of the new system, Jean Mensa challenged anyone attempting to vote twice to test the system’s capabilities, noting that such actions would be deemed electoral offenses.
She reiterated that the biometric technology recognizes facial features and fingerprints, making it foolproof against attempts at casting multiple votes.
Electoral Commission (EC) is set to introduce new technologies during today’s District Level Elections (DLEs), offering a glimpse into the strategies anticipated for the 2024 elections.
Chairperson Jean Mensa highlighted the implementation of an advanced verification system aimed at thwarting double voting and electoral fraud.
With a staggering 66,000 individuals vying for positions in District Assemblies nationwide, the technological upgrade is positioned as a crucial safeguard.
Mrs. Mensa emphasized the efficacy of the biometric technology in preventing duplicate votes, urging voters to comply with electoral regulations.
“The biometric technology makes it difficult for a person who has been verified and cast their vote to come a second time. Because once you have been verified, it goes into the system, and you cannot come back a second time.”
“So you can try it if you wish at this election. Of course, it will be deemed an electoral offence, but because of biometric technology, your facial features are recognized, or your fingerprints are recognized, you cannot go a second time,” she said.
As the District Level Elections unfold, the incorporation of these advanced technologies marks a significant step toward modernizing Ghana’s electoral infrastructure and fortifying the democratic process against malpractices.
Minister of Finance, Ken Ofori-Atta, has quashed rumors of his resignation from the position within the governing New Patriotic Party (NPP) administration.
Speculations circulated on Monday, December 18, suggesting his departure from the role of Minister of Finance and Economic Planning.
In a tweet shared via the X handle of the Office of the Finance Minister, Ofori-Atta, who participated in a thanksgiving event with ministry staff, hinted at his readiness to continue leading the Ministry of Finance into 2024.
“I am assured that the Lord will continue to lead and guide us in 2024. Our testimony is indeed victory on every side! Humbled to be leading the brilliant and resilient TeamMoF,” read the post.
Ken Ofori-Atta, who recently presented the last budget of the Akufo-Addo administration in November, received a guard of honor from Ministry of Finance staff.
As the longest-serving finance minister in the 4th Republic of Ghana, he has faced criticism from members of the governing NPP and the public for the management of the Ghanaian economy, currently under an IMF program.
“Today I joined the staff of @MoF_Ghana in thanksgiving for God’s mercy & preservation in 2023. I am assured that the Lord will continue to lead and guide us in 2024. Our testimony is indeed victory on every side! Humbled to be leading the brilliant and resilient #TeamMoF #Nissi.”
Today I joined the staff of @MoF_Ghana in thanksgiving for God’s mercy & preservation in 2023. I am assured that the Lord will continue to lead and guide us in 2024. Our testimony is indeed victory on every side! Humbled to be leading the brilliant and resilient #TeamMoF#Nissipic.twitter.com/hQb652Whbh
— Office of the Finance Minister-Ghana (@oofmghana) December 19, 2023
Preparations are complete for the District Level Elections (DLEs) scheduled for today, Tuesday, December 19, 2023.
A staggering total of 66,257 candidates are set to compete for assembly and unit committee positions in this local electoral event.
The Electoral Commission’s statistics break down the numbers into 18,755 assembly member candidates and 47,502 unit committee member candidates.
The electoral stage spans 6,215 electoral areas, encompassing 216 Metropolitan, Municipal, and District Assemblies (MMDAs).
Dr. Sereboe Quarcoo, the Director of Electoral Services at the EC, has affirmed that thorough preparations have been undertaken to ensure a well-organized and successful election.
He reassured the public that all necessary materials, except for ballot papers, are readily available, and measures are in place to address any potential shortages promptly.
“With the exception of ballot papers, all the materials are there, and when we are going, we don’t go with partial delivery; we go with full delivery, so we are not expecting to have shortages. All things being equal, in case there are shortages, the district office will respond to such shortages,” he added.
The Attorney-General and Minister for Justice, Godfred Yeboah Dame, participated in a high-level panel discussion at the 10th Session of the Conference of States Parties to the United Nations Convention against Corruption (COSP 10) in Atlanta, USA.
During the discussion, Mr. Dame highlighted research findings indicating that women in Ghana are less susceptible to corruption than men.
The Attorney-General advocated for the empowerment of women as a crucial tool in combating corruption.
Under the topic “The Power of Gender Equality and Inclusion to Combat Corruption,” Mr. Dame presented insights from the first corruption survey in Ghana, conducted in 2021 by the Commission on Human Rights and Administrative Justice (CHRAJ) and the Ghana Statistical Service (GSS) with UNODC assistance.
The survey, involving 15,000 respondents, revealed that women in Ghana are less prone to corruption, with male public officials being twice as likely to solicit bribes as their female counterparts. The survey indicated that men are three times more likely to accept bribes than women, even though corruption disproportionately affects women.
Mr. Dame emphasized the positive impact of women’s empowerment on public institutions, efficiency, and corruption reduction.
He cited examples within Ghana, including the representation of over 90% women among state attorneys in the Office of the Attorney-General and Ministry of Justice, contributing to efficiency and minimal corruption.
He also highlighted instances where women heading public institutions, such as the Judiciary, led to increased efficiency and reduced corruption.
The Attorney-General called for the promotion and advancement of women in all aspects of public life, emphasizing the direct correlation between gender equality and the fight against corruption.
Drawing from Ghana’s experiences, Mr. Dame announced the nation’s co-sponsorship of a resolution on the gender dimensions of corruption at the UN Conference on Corruption in Atlanta.
The resolution, aimed at addressing gender-related aspects of corruption, received support from the States parties to the UN Convention against Corruption during the conference.
The panel discussion featured insights from various participants, sharing experiences and perspectives on gender equality’s role in combating corruption across different countries and continents.
In a shocking revelation at the High Court in Accra, Pathologist Dr. Osei Owusu-Afriyie from the Ghana Police Hospital testified that 10-year-old Ishmael Mensah Abdullah, killed in Kasoa for alleged money rituals, was buried alive.
According to the pathologist, the victim died from a “severe head injury from blunt trauma,” and the cause of death was “asphyxiation (inability to breathe).”
Witness Testimony in Kasoa Ritual Killing Trial Assistant Commissioner of Police, Dr. Osei Owusu-Afriyie, serving as the 7th Prosecution Witness in the trial, detailed the findings of his post-mortem examination on Ishmael Mensah Abdullah.
The witness revealed significant injuries, including a massive external swelling on the right side of the head, fractures in the right side’s bones, bleeding, and swelling over the right side of the brain.
The pathologist emphasized that Ishmael was buried alive, as the “blueing” of the body and hyper-inflated lungs indicated he was not dead at the time of burial.
Two adolescents, a 15-year-old juvenile and an 18-year-old young offender, both unnamed, are facing charges in connection with the death of Abdullah, who is reported to be their acquaintance.
While the 15-year-old confessed to the offense during the plea-taking process, the court, following legal requirements, entered a not guilty plea on his behalf, leaving the final decision to be determined by the jury during the full trial.
Conversely, the 18-year-old, jointly charged with the 15-year-old for conspiracy to commit murder, consistently denied the allegations.
Evidence-in-Chief
During his testimony led by Senior State Attorney Dorcas Felli, the witness asserted, “I concluded that he had a severe head injury from blunt trauma.”
“My lady, the significant findings are massive swollen on the right side of the neck and right side of the head with fracture of the bones on the right side of the head, with blood and swelling over the right side of the brain. My lady, there were also hyper-inflated lungs and ‘blueing’ of the body.
“My lady, I concluded that he had severe head injury from blunt trauma.
“The ‘blueing’ of the body and hyper-inflated lungs suggest that at the time of placing him or burying him, he was not dead.
“My lady that is the significant findings of my report,” the Pathologist told the Criminal Division of the High Court in Accra presided over by Justice Lydia Osei Marfo.
The Ghana Armed Forces (GAF) has reported that the Ada Foah Detachment of the Riverine Command of the Ghana Navy successfully intercepted a canoe transporting parcels of substances believed to be marijuana in the Agorkpo general area.
The operation took place in the early hours of Saturday, December 16, 2023, between 3:00 am and 8:00 am, based on intelligence gathered during night foot patrols on Friday, December 15, 2023.
In an official statement released on Monday, December 18, GAF disclosed that the Detachment strategically laid an ambush at two locations from 3:00 am, anticipating the movement of the canoes.
Around 4:00 am, the first Ambush Team spotted three canoes engaged in illegal activities, speeding past their location. However, the suspects deviated from the expected direction, leading the first team of three men to pursue and intercept the third canoe.
Upon interception, the three suspects on the third canoe jumped into the river and managed to escape after a scuffle with the naval personnel, abandoning the canoe and its contents.
The remaining two canoes fled towards the estuary and evaded capture by the main Ambush Team during a subsequent chase.
The Detachment seized 45 sacks of suspected marijuana, which are yet to be officially weighed and valued. The confiscated items have been transported to the Naval Base at Tema for further investigation.
Ghana has adjusted its timeline for securing the second tranche of the IMF bailout to January 11, 2024, as reported by Joy Business.
The shift comes as the nation engages in negotiations with the Official Creditor Committee (OCC) to finalize terms for a debt exchange program with its external creditors.
Insiders familiar with the OCC negotiations reveal significant headway, especially in discussions with key player China regarding the debt swap.
Originally, Ghana was slated to meet with the IMF Executive Board in November 2023 to finalize an agreement with external creditors, paving the way for the disbursement of the $600 million second tranche loan facility.
Ghana had sought financial assistance from the IMF on July 1, 2022, in response to significant economic challenges in 2022. The primary goals were to restore macroeconomic stability and provide support for the balance of payments.
The first tranche of the $3 billion IMF Extended Credit Facility, amounting to $600 million, was successfully secured on May 17, 2023, after meeting all stipulated conditions.
Ghana is anticipated to remain under the IMF program for a three-year period as it addresses economic challenges and works toward sustained stability.
Bice Osei Kuffour, widely known as Obour and currently serving as the Managing Director of Ghana Post, is gearing up for a second attempt at securing a parliamentary seat in the Asante Akyem South constituency of the Ashanti Region.
Having contested the NPP parliamentary primary in the same constituency in 2020 and narrowly losing to the incumbent Member of Parliament, Kwaku Asante-Boateng, Obour expressed his intention to contest again during a recent interaction with journalists in Kumasi.
In his pursuit of the parliamentary seat, Obour emphasized his commitment to the NPP’s “breaking the 8” initiative, aiming to secure a victory in an area traditionally strong for the party.
He outlined his determination to contribute to the party’s success, particularly by regaining the seat from the three-term incumbent, Kwaku Asante-Boateng.
Obour’s candidacy centers on themes of creativity and hard work, with a specific focus on generating employment opportunities for the youth in the constituency.
He intends to implement skills training programs and advocate for developmental projects through his extensive networks.
Highlighting the untapped potential of the Asante Akyem South constituency, Obour pledged to leverage the area’s high-profile personalities and talented individuals for overall constituency development.
He committed to collaborating with chiefs and opinion leaders to facilitate progress.
The NPP has scheduled the final phase of its internal elections for parliamentary candidates, including constituencies with sitting MPs, on Saturday, January 27, 2024.
The nomination period for aspiring parliamentary candidates in these constituencies opens on Wednesday, December 20, 2023, and concludes on Monday, December 25, 2023.
“I am committed to ‘breaking the 8’ and determined to contribute to its success. It is unacceptable for the NDC to perform better than us in our stronghold at Asante Akyem South.”
Obour said “breaking the 8” is not just a slogan but an attainable goal the NPP has set as a political party and “I am totally committed to working very hard to make it happen. It will be a great history to be a part of, and I am leaving no stone unturned to help achieve that”.
The Bank of Ghana (BoG) has released data indicating a significant surge in tourist arrivals, recording 304,171 individuals in the third quarter of the current year.
This marks a notable increase from the 258,246 visitors recorded in 2022, reflecting an impressive annual growth rate of 17.8%. The central bank attributes this rise to a boost in tourism-related activities during the specified review period.
In contrast, a recent report from Joynews reveals a decline in international trade at Ghana’s principal harbors, Tema and Takoradi.
The decline is specifically observed in laden container traffic for both inbound and outbound containers during the third quarter of 2023.
The total container traffic witnessed a decrease of 2.1%, dropping from 158,514 in the second quarter of 2023 to 155,146.
“Total container traffic for inbound and outbound containers decreased by 2.1% to 155,146, from 158,514 recorded in Q2 2023,” the news portal said.
Analysts link this downturn in port activities to subdued international trade dynamics and point to ongoing geopolitical tensions as additional contributing factors during the review period.
Dr. Clement Apaak, the Member of Parliament for Bulsa South and Ranking Member of Education in Parliament, has urged senior high school headteachers to strictly adhere to guidelines set by the Ministry of Education (MoE) and the Ghana Education Service (GES).
He emphasized the importance of refraining from imposing unapproved fees, echoing this sentiment in response to the suspension of certain headmasters in seven senior high schools nationwide by the GES for violating directives against charging additional fees to parents.
Dr. Apaak endorsed the plea made by the National Association of Graduate Teachers (NAGRAT) leadership, supporting their call for headteachers not to independently procure logistics and to await government provisions.
NAGRAT President Angel Carbonou emphasized compliance with regulations and the prompt reporting of deficiencies, allowing relevant authorities to intervene.
The Ghana Education Service took decisive action by suspending headmasters in seven senior high schools in the Ashanti Region due to unauthorized fund collection from candidates.
The affected schools include Kumasi Girls, Asanteman, Kumasi Manso Adubia, Agric Nzema Community, Nkawie, and Collins Senior High School.
Addressing graduates at Valley View University’s commencement ceremony, the Member of Parliament for Assin Central, Kennedy Agyapong, underscored the pivotal role of honesty and hard work in shaping the future of young professionals.
Mr Agyapong, who served as the guest speaker, went beyond the traditional emphasized on academic achievement, asserting that degrees alone don’t guarantee success in the evolving landscape.
In his speech, Mr Agyapong shared insights into the diverse paths to success, citing examples of individuals who thrived despite not achieving top academic accolades.
He urged the graduates to recognize that their academic certificates would truly become valuable assets when coupled with a steadfast commitment to hard work and honesty.
“I have gone through the mix, I have seen some students making it with third class. I want to assure you that whether you are third class, second class upper or even lower, in the school of life, your first class is just two letters which I call H and H; that is honesty and hard work.
“These two will determine your success in the future. It is not the degree you acquire today that will work towards the future. If you don’t work towards the future, your certificate will be in your room forever,” he stated.
He continued: “Today, we are all happy for you as parents, teachers and all. Your parents are happy because you are no longer going to be their burden. The moment you go home and remove the gown, they will say to you, the world is waiting for you. They are not happy because you’ve gone through four years of first degree and another two years of masters and that is the end of life. The real part of life lies ahead of you.”
Expanding on this theme, the Assin Central MP delved into the broader concept of success, emphasizing that the journey ahead is shaped not only by the degrees earned but by the character, dedication, and principles instilled in individuals. He challenged the graduates to view their commencement as a launchpad, not a final destination, and to recognize the profound influence of qualities like honesty and hard work in navigating the complexities of life.
Moreover, Mr Agyapong articulated three fundamental qualities—patriotism, honesty, and discipline—as essential for survival, particularly in the local context.
He motivated the graduates to become catalysts for positive change by transforming their mindsets, attitudes, and perceptions of life. Emphasizing that change begins with individual responsibility, he urged them not to limit their aspirations to academic achievements but to embrace personal development and societal contribution.
“Three things we need to survive, especially in this part of the world, is to be patriotic. We need to be honest and we need to be disciplined. I know you all are calling for change but the change is you. You need to change first, not only do politicians have to change.
“You need to change your mindset, attitude and the way you perceive life. When you take this advice, you will be a different human being. When they mentioned my name, you all applauded now, I entreat you all to take your destiny into your own hand. Don’t let the gown be the end of your life and think you have achieved everything,” he stated.
Despite Agyapong’s political endeavors, including a bid in the New Patriotic Party (NPP) presidential primaries, where he contested against Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, his message at Valley View University transcended political boundaries.
It focused on instilling values and principles that extend beyond academic realms, offering the graduates a broader perspective on the journey that lies ahead.
Osagyefo Amoatia Ofori Panie has elevated Barima Kwaku Dua, formerly Etwienana Hene of Kyebi, to the esteemed position of Twafohene.
The Twafohene stool, vacant for 58 years following the passing of the late J. B. Danquah—an accomplished lawyer, anthropologist, and traditional ruler—now has a new occupant.
Okatakyie Ababio Boakye Danquah II, known privately as Isaac Emmil Osei-Bonsu, serves as a senior partner at the law firm Minkah-Premo & Co.
He also holds key roles as the Board Chairman of the National Communication Authority (NCA) and the honorary consul of Jamaica.
Specializing in real estate and company law, he provides consultancy services to various international and local organizations.
During the installation ceremony at the Ofori Panie fie over the weekend, Osagyefo Amoatia Ofori highlighted that the Twafohene stool had been unoccupied for 58 years as Nananoon deliberated on a successor capable of matching the caliber of the late J. B. Danquah.
He expressed confidence that Okatakyie Ababio Boakye Danquah would serve Okyeman with humility and dignity, offering wise counsel.
In the traditional context, the Twafohene serves as the chief advisor to the Okyenhene and plays a vital role in his cabinet.
Additionally, Barima Bedumgya Asante was installed as the new Atwienana Hene of Kyebi.
The Flagbearer of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), John Dramani Mahama, has announced plans for his next government to establish cocoa processing factories in cocoa-growing regions across the country.
This initiative is part of a broader policy aimed at revitalizing what he describes as an ‘ailing’ cocoa industry.
Mr. Mahama envisions that the processing of cocoa beans within these regions will significantly enhance earnings derived from cocoa cultivation.
Emphasizing the potential benefits, he noted, “We want to build factories in cocoa-growing areas. The white man is able to earn more than five times our earnings after processing the cocoa.”
The announcement was made during the final town hall meeting held in the Bia East District of the Western North Region. Throughout these meetings, concerns raised by cocoa farmers in the cocoa-growing areas have been a focal point of discussion.
Cocoa farming, a critical contributor to both employment and the national economy, has faced challenges, including the government’s struggle to secure a syndicated loan of $800 million for the industry.
Mr. Mahama expressed particular worry about the deteriorating performance of the Produce Buying Company (PBC) under the current government.
Reflecting on the historical significance of PBC, Mr. Mahama stated, “From the days of Dr. Kwame Nkrumah, Produce Buying Company has been working. In my time as President, the company did well. They were making profit. Now, workers have not been paid for six months. It should tell you that the company has collapsed. Others are buying the cocoa beans as I speak but PBC isn’t able to buy”.
“When we were in power, PBC was buying it’s own trucks but today the trucks are not working. We will revive the industry” he added.
The proposed policies and initiatives discussed during the tour are expected to be detailed in the NDC’s manifesto for the upcoming 2024 elections.
The Electoral Commission (EC) has announced the exclusion of voters in Nkoranza North and South Districts from the upcoming district Assembly elections.
Dr. Serebour Quaicoe, the Director in charge of Electoral Services, revealed this information during an interview on Adom FM’s morning show, Dwaso Nsem, on Monday.
The EC is scheduled to conduct the elections in 6,215 electoral areas spread across the 216 Metropolitan, Municipal, and District Assemblies (MMDAs) on Tuesday, December 19, 2023.
However, Dr. Quaicoe clarified that the two districts did not meet the four-year threshold for the electoral process. The last district-level election occurred on December 17, 2019, while the two districts held theirs on April 16, 2021, due to specific reasons.
Consequently, Dr. Quaicoe announced that the elections for the two districts would take place in 2025.
Nevertheless, the EC has affirmed its preparedness for the overall exercise, indicating that electoral materials have already been deployed to some electoral areas, with ongoing deployments in others.
The 2023 West Africa Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) provisional results have been unveiled by the West African Examination Council (WAEC).
Candidates can access their results online by visiting www.waecgh.org, as announced in a statement signed by the Head of Public Affairs, John Kapi.
However, 4,878 candidates who failed to return provided learning support materials are unable to access their results online. WAEC has blocked their results, and affected candidates are advised to contact their respective schools.
WAEC reported the cancellation of subject results for 3,647 candidates due to the offense of “bringing foreign materials into the examination hall.”
Additionally, the entire results of 839 candidates were cancelled for possessing mobile phones during the examination.
Furthermore, the subject results of 4,280 candidates and the entire results of 1,005 have been withheld for various suspected offenses.
Results from candidates in 235 schools are also under scrutiny for collusion and the use of artificially generated answers through artificial intelligence.
The statement indicates that these cases are currently under investigation, and the release or cancellation of the withheld results will depend on the investigation outcomes.
The Ghana Pentecostal and Charismatic Council (GPCC) has endorsed the Proper Human Sexual Rights and Ghanaian Family Values Bill, 2021,(anti LGBT bill), presently under consideration in Parliament.
Calling on all parliamentarians to collaborate and ensure prompt unanimous passage, the GPCC emphatically expresses its complete support for the ‘Proper Human Sexual Rights and Ghanaian Family Values Bill 2021.’
The largest ecumenical group, GPCC, aligns with the Coalition for the Promotion of Proper Human Sexual Rights and Ghanaian Family Values, urging the swift enactment of this crucial legislation.
GPCC, comprising over 260 registered Pentecostal and Charismatic churches, urges consensus-building among parliamentarians for the timely passage of the bill.
With a conservative estimate of eight to 10 million members across these churches, GPCC, as an ecumenical council, significantly represents a sizable portion of the Ghanaian population.
Apostle Eric Nyamekye, President of GPCC, notes the council’s keen observation of recent parliamentary deliberations on the bill. The bill, introduced in August 2021, aims to criminalize activities related to LGBTQI, advocating for strict measures against such actions.
Having played a pivotal role in supporting the bill through the Coalition for the Promotion of Proper Human Sexual Rights and Ghanaian Family Values, GPCC underscores the bill’s alignment with Ghanaian societal values.
The council emphasizes its commitment to upholding collective sexual and family values, safeguarding communities from influences that could disrupt the established family and social system.
Apostle Nyamekye reaffirms that the bill is not discriminatory but aims to protect time-tested family and social sexual values. While acknowledging existing laws that criminalize certain LGBTQIA+ activities, the bill seeks to comprehensively address identified gaps and ambiguities.
GPCC pledges continued advocacy, compassion, and support for LGBTQIA+ individuals willing to transition away from what it terms “deviant social disorders.” The council commits to protecting the rights of all Ghanaians, ensuring freedom from intimidation, discrimination, and violence.
Acknowledging economic and financial threats used to influence parliamentarians against the bill, GPCC denounces such tactics as unacceptable. Apostle Nyamekye urges Ghanaians to stand firm against compromising traditional and religious values, citing the biblical Jacob and Esau story.
Commending MPs for their courage amid external pressures, GPCC expresses openness to engaging with interested parties, individuals, or groups of parliamentarians to facilitate understanding.
In a reminder, GPCC emphasizes that parliamentarians represent the people and urges them to prioritize the sovereign will of Ghanaians.
The council commends Speaker of Parliament Alban Sumana Kingsford Bagbin for his resolute stance and calls for collective support to pass the bill before the December 22, 2023 deadline.
Five individuals from the Duta Electoral Area in Ketu South have submitted an interim injunction seeking to prevent the Electoral Commission (EC) from holding the upcoming District Level Elections in the region.
The ex parte motion specifically bars the EC, its agents, and employees from any involvement in the organization of the District Level Elections in the Duta Electoral Area on December 19, 2023.
This order remains in effect for ten (10) days.
The petitioners further extend the injunction to include all 24 candidates and registered voters in the Duta Electoral Area.
The petitioners stated, “We also filed a Motion Exparte for an interim injunction to restrain the Electoral Commission from having anything to do with the conduct of the District Level Elections in the Duta Electoral Area on the 19th day of December 2023.”
The High Court in Ho, under the authority of His Lordship Yaw Owoahene–Acheampong, has generously approved the Motion Exparte, restraining the Electoral Commission, its agents, employees, etc., from participating in the District Level Elections in the Duta Electoral Area on the 19th day of December 2023.
This order is valid for ten (10) days.
DISTRICT-LEVEL ELECTIONS IN THE DUTA ELECTORAL AREA INJUNCTED
1. This is to inform the general public, especially all registered voters in Duta Electoral Area, all citizens of Duta at home and abroad and all residents within the Duta Electoral Area that we have successfully filed a Petition against the Electoral Commission and some four candidates in the District Level Elections in the Duta Electoral Area.
2. We also filed a Motion Exparte for an interim injunction to restrain the Electoral Commission from having anything to do with the conduct of the District Level Elections in the Duta Electoral Area on the 19th day of December 2023.
3. The High Court, Ho presided over by His Lordship Yaw Owoahene –Acheampong graciously granted the Motion Exparte and restrained the Electoral Commission, its assigns, workmen, etc. from having anything to do with the conduct of the District Level Elections in the Duta Electoral Area on the 19th day of December, 2023. The Order shall be valid for ten (10) days.
4. We humbly write to notify the general public especially all the Twenty – Four (24) candidates, and all registered voters in the Duta Electoral Area that the District Level Elections in the area have been injuncted.
5. We serve notice and notice is hereby served that there will be NO Assembly member and Unit Committee member elections in the Duta Electoral Area on Tuesday 19th day of December 2023.
5. We are deeply sorry for any inconvenience this may cause you.
6. It is in the interest of the sovereignty of Ghana, the integrity and sanctity of public elections in Ghana and the collective interest of the DUTA ELECTORAL AREA.
7. Please bear with us.
Dated 18th day of December 2023.
MARCUS AGBORBIA for and on behalf of the Petitioners. 0243211572
The Agbogbomefia of the Asogli State, Togbe Afede XIV, has urged Members of Parliament (MPs) in Ghana to prioritize the creation of laws that foster development and contribute to the nation’s overall growth.
Emphasizing the importance of legislation that enhances living standards and addresses challenges such as poverty and unemployment, Togbe Afede XIV spoke at the Public Forum commemorating 30 years of uninterrupted parliamentary democracy under the fourth republic at the Technical University Auditorium in Ho.
“We all desire democracy, good governance, effective governance, but what we desire most as a people is development. Development that brings incomes to the people enhances living standards, and improves basic necessities of life, including job opportunities for our graduating students,” he stated.
Highlighting the significance of quality, development-oriented laws over quantity, the Agbogbomefia stressed that the ultimate goal is to ensure that the economy is well managed to maximize development and elevate the living standards of the people, aligning with the principles outlined in the 1992 constitution of the Fourth Republic.
The theme of the 30-year celebration of Ghana’s parliament is “30 Years of Parliamentary Democracy under the Fourth Republic: the Journey Thus Far.” The Public Forum brought together MPs, Parliamentary Service staff, political parties, academics, Civil Society Organisations (CSOs), security services personnel, traditional leaders, religious leaders, students, and the general public.
The Progressive People’s Party (PPP) has advocated for the separation of the Office of the Attorney-General from the Ministry of Justice as a crucial step in the fight against corruption in the country.
In a released statement, the PPP also proposed the transformation of the Office of the Special Prosecutor into the Office of the Attorney General, with the Minister serving as an advisor to the President.
Expressing alignment with those supporting the PPP’s longstanding stance on the complete segregation of the roles of the Minister of Justice and the Attorney General, the party urged the separation of the two entities and the conversion of the Office of the Special Prosecutor into the Attorney General’s Office (AGO).
“We are clearly in agreement with those echoing the PPP’s long-held position of a total separation of the Minister of Justice from the Attorney General. Attorney General for the people and the Minister of Justice as an advisor to the President. Hence, we ask for the separation of the two and convert the OSP to the Attorney General’s Office (AGO).
“The powers of the OSP are unfortunately embedded in the Minister of Justice and Attorney General as per the OSP (Act 2017), Act 959 that created the Office. The OSP has been seeded some powers of the AG which is, in itself, problematic.”
The PPP criticized the creation of the OSP as a mere fulfillment of a propaganda campaign, asserting that it was used to give the illusion of addressing corruption without substantial action.
“The OSP has been used to fulfil a propaganda campaign message just to deceive Ghanaians into believing something is being done about corruption. This new Attorney General Office (AGO) must have a budget that is built on the percentage of the National Budget. Access to its funding must be enshrined in the constitution.”
The CEO of Margins ID Group, Moses K. Baiden, has announced Ghana’s upcoming launch of a digital version of the national ID, the Ghana Card, alongside the existing physical card.
The electronic ID profile, akin to the e-passport feature, is already integrated into the card and is slated for activation in the coming year.
When activated, the digital ID will allow users to transfer all Ghana Card information from the card’s chip to the owner’s mobile phone via an app.
A digital replica of the Ghana Card, complete with a bar/QR code for digital verification, will be generated on the phone.
Baiden emphasized the importance of retaining the physical card, citing the prevalence of mobile phones and the lack of infrastructure for widespread digital ID verification.
Despite the ongoing progress, he noted that the country is not ready to entirely discard physical cards in favor of digital ones.
The Ghana Card, often subject to jokes about its payment capabilities, actually features a payment application among its 18 segments.
Baiden highlighted the need for legislation and funds to activate all segments, clarifying that Margins, by law, must pre-finance and prove functionality before government payment.
Margins, as a locally-owned company, has been instrumental in developing Ghana’s ID system.
The Ghana Card’s digital version aims to provide convenience, especially in cases where the physical card is unavailable.
Additionally, the company has saved the state over $1.5 billion, addressing a 50-year-old problem with the reliable issuance of universal national ID cards.
Despite the advancements, human behavior hurdles remain, as some individuals and institutions still require physical appearances for service delivery.
Margins has also developed NFC card-readers for online/offline verification, contributing to the efficiency of Ghana’s ID system.
Baiden believes the Ghana Card is the “master key” for precise and effective development planning, ensuring no citizen or resident is left behind.
The University Teachers Association of Ghana, University of Ghana Branch (UTAG-UG), has urged Parliament to conduct a thorough examination of the lithium deal between Ghana and Barari DV Ghana Limited upon its presentation to the House for ratification.
Various civil society organizations and entities have already voiced concerns, advocating for a reevaluation of the agreement.
In its statement, the teacher union accuses the government of neglecting the essential scoping study, which should assess the economic advantages of downstream lithium concentrate conversion within Ghana.
“A scoping study is expected to be undertaken to evaluate the economic benefits of the downstream conversion of the concentrate in Ghana, predicated on which a chemical plant is expected to be established by the company for refinery of the concentrate in Ghana.”
“It also appears that the deal was rushed and signed without proper due diligence and consultations and sensitization of the local community and Ghanaians as a whole. Hence, there are suspicions, local agitations, and civil society criticism of the deal as being inimical to the development of the country.”
It suggests that the government hastily entered into an agreement with Barari DV.
The statement reads, “A scoping study is expected to be undertaken to evaluate the economic benefits of the downstream conversion of the concentrate in Ghana, predicated on which a chemical plant is expected to be established by the company for the refinery of the concentrate in Ghana.”
The union raises concerns about the rushed and inadequately scrutinized nature of the deal, asserting that proper due diligence, consultations, and sensitization of local communities and Ghanaians at large were lacking. This has led to suspicions, local opposition, and criticism from civil society, with doubts about the deal’s contribution to the country’s development.
UTAG-UG also calls for a deceleration of mining processes in the country and insists on engaging stakeholders before finalizing any mining lease or agreement.
“We call on the government to slow down the pace of the mining process and commence another round of sincere and detailed nationwide public consultations with experts, civil society, chiefs, people and community leaders, with a view to ensuring that Ghana benefits from her lithium.”
“We call on the government to slow down the pace of the mining process and commence another round of sincere and detailed nationwide public consultations with experts, civil society, chiefs, people and community leaders, with a view to ensuring that Ghana benefits from her lithium.
“We add our voice in calling on Parliament (as representatives of the good people of Ghana) to assert its role in rigorously scrutinizing whatever deal is laid before it, in the interest of Ghana.”
The National Ambulance Service has expressed concern over inadequate fuel supply and frequent fuel price fluctuations, stating that these challenges are hampering the seamless delivery of its services.
In an appeal to the government, the Ambulance Service is requesting a dedicated source of funding to ensure the efficient provision of its vital services.
This plea was communicated to the Health Committee of Parliament during the review of the Health Ministry’s budget estimates for 2024.
The Ranking Member on the Health Committee, Kwabena Mintah Akandoh, emphasized the need for the government to promptly release the allocated budget to enable the National Ambulance Service to fulfill its mandate.
Quoting from paragraph 9.1.1, Akandoh highlighted the Service’s struggle to obtain budgetary releases, revealing that out of the GH¢67.5 million allocated, only GH¢20.1 million was received.
He emphasized the urgency of addressing the funding gaps, citing the impact on ambulance operations and the deteriorating condition of a significant number of vehicles.
He stated, “Mr. Speaker, let me take you to paragraph 9.1.1, and with your permission, I read: the National Ambulance Service indicated to the committee that despite their vital role, they still struggle to get releases for their budgetary allocations. For example, out of the GH¢67.5 million allocated to them, they only received GH¢20.1 million. In 2022, the National Ambulance Service recorded not less than 41,000 cases; in 2023, as at the time they appeared before us, they had recorded only 27,000 cases.”
“Mr. Speaker, as I have read from the report, out of about GH¢67 million in allocation, they have received only GH¢20 million. Mr. Speaker, out of the 307 ambulances that were imported into this country in 2020, about 79 have completely broken down and are not in operation, and about 12 have been involved in accidents. All in all, about 91 of the ambulances are not in operation, and if we continue this way, four years from now, we will not have any ambulances left in the fleet.”
The Ranking Member on the Health Committee of Parliament, Kwabena Mintah Akandoh, has recently revealed a concerning state of affairs regarding the operational status of ambulances in Ghana.
Out of the 307 ambulances imported and commissioned by President Nana Akufo-Addo in 2020, a staggering 91 are currently non-operational.
Mr. Akandoh explained that the majority of these ambulances, approximately 79, have experienced complete breakdowns, while an additional 12 have been involved in accidents, rendering them unfit for service.
The disclosure came during a budget estimates debate for the Ministry of Health, where Mr. Akandoh expressed deep concern over the insufficient funding allocated to the National Ambulance Service.
“In 2022, the National Ambulance Service recorded not less than 41,000 cases; in 2023, as at the time they appeared before us, they had recorded only 27,000 cases.”
“Mr. Speaker, as I have read from the report, out of about GH¢67 million in allocation, they have received only GH¢20 million. Mr. Speaker, out of the 307 ambulances that were imported into this country in 2020, about 79 have completely broken down and are not in operation, and about 12 have been involved in accidents. All in all, about 91 of the ambulances are not in operation, and if we continue this way, four years from now, we will not have any ambulances left in the fleet.”
Despite a surge in emergency cases in recent years, the service is grappling with financial constraints, as highlighted by the parliamentarian. In 2022 alone, the National Ambulance Service recorded a substantial 41,000 cases, and by the time of the debate in 2023, this figure had reached 27,000 cases.
During his statement, Mr. Akandoh drew attention to the budget allocation discrepancy, emphasizing that out of approximately GH¢67 million allocated, the National Ambulance Service had only received GH¢20 million.
The parliamentarian underscored the urgency of addressing this financial shortfall to ensure the effective functioning of the ambulance fleet.
He warned of a potential crisis in the coming years if the situation persists, with the possibility of the entire fleet being rendered inoperative.
The revelation raises critical questions about the sustainability and reliability of emergency medical services in Ghana.
As the nation faces the challenge of maintaining a functional ambulance fleet, stakeholders are urged to prioritize adequate funding and resources to address this vital aspect of public health and safety.
Bank of Ghana (BoG) Governor Dr. Ernest Addison has expressed confidence in the economic outlook for 2024.
Speaking at the BoG’s end-of-year cocktail event, Dr. Addison highlighted his optimism, anticipating a “significant improvement in the operating environment for businesses” in the coming year.
He affirmed that the policy mix under the IMF-supported Post COVID-19 Programme for Economic Growth (PC-PEG) is yielding positive results.
Dr. Addison noted that despite inflation reaching a peak of 54.1 percent in December 2022, it declined to 26.4 percent in November 2023, emphasizing that the high inflation in 2022 was a temporary anomaly.
He also pointed out improvements in the country’s external sector position, with the build-up of foreign exchange reserves contributing to forex market stability.
“As you are aware, there has been considerable noise from our detractors who have celebrated the high inflation recorded in 2022. Today, we are vindicated that inflation in 2022 was just a blip and we are quickly returning to where we were before the crisis,” he stated.
The Governor highlighted positive signals from high-frequency economic indicators, suggesting a likelihood of surpassing GDP growth projections for 2023.
He emphasized the evolving role of central banks in the face of global challenges and credited the economy’s progress to effective collaboration between the BoG and Ministry of Finance.
Dr. Addison reassured attendees about the stability of the financial sector, noting that banks’ profitability remained robust through October 2023, and the industry’s capital adequacy ratio exceeded the revised prudential minimum.
In November, the BoG’s Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) maintained the benchmark policy rate at 30 percent, citing indications of greater macroeconomic stability.
Finance Minister Ken Ofori-Atta also spoke at the event, highlighting achievements such as the establishment of the Consolidated Bank of Ghana and the Development Bank raising US$10 billion in Eurobonds.
He expressed confidence in continuing policies to ensure economic freedom and social mobility in 2024.
Effective January 2024, Kenya will eliminate visa requirements, opening its borders to all foreign nationals.
Africans planning to visit Kenya will no longer need visas but will instead require advance electronic travel authorization.
Kenyan President William Ruto, in his announcement on December 12, 2023, emphasized that the country is transitioning to a visa-free status, eliminating the need for individuals to go through the visa application process before visiting.
Ruto stated, “This is to echo a message to humanity to welcome everyone home…this is why the government of Kenya has abolished the requirements of visas for all visitors,” he noted.
“To implement this policy, we have developed a digital platform to ensure that all travellers to Kenya are identified in advance on an electronic platform.
Consequently, all travellers will obtain electronic travel authorization as they come to Kenya,” President Ruto added.
To implement this policy, a digital platform has been developed to identify all travelers in advance on an electronic platform.
Consequently, travelers will obtain electronic travel authorization before coming to Kenya.
President Ruto initially announced the visa-free initiative in October 2023, highlighting that visa requirements were hindering trade, tourism, and overall development.
He emphasized the impact on business people and entrepreneurs when travel is restricted.
“When people cannot travel, business people cannot travel, entrepreneurs cannot travel, we all become net losers,” President Ruto earlier said.
Kenya’s move mirrors a recent visa waiver agreement between Ghana and South Africa.
Both countries declared that Ghanaians and South Africans can travel to each other’s countries without a visa, effective from November 1, 2023.
In yet another unfortunate incident, the Race Course market has become the latest victim of a destructive inferno, occurring just a week after the devastating fire in the French Line section of the Kumasi Central Market.
The blaze, which ignited around 7 am on Monday, wreaked havoc on over 70 shops, primarily metal container stores specializing in local spices, cowhide, and second-hand clothing.
Responding promptly to the emergency, the Ghana Fire Service deployed four fire engines to the scene, working diligently to suppress the flames and prevent further damage.
Thankfully, no casualties were reported; however, the aftermath has left numerous traders grappling with the emotional toll of losing their livelihoods.
Speaking to the media, the Ashanti Regional Commander of the Ghana Fire Service, ACFO Henry Giwah, voiced concerns about safety practices within the market. Notably, he pointed out that some traders utilize stoves and gas cylinders for on-site cooking.
In response to the incident, authorities have launched an investigation to uncover the root cause of the fire and evaluate safety measures within the market.
Today, on December 18, 2023, the Bank of Ghana has released the Interbank forex rates, revealing the current exchange rates for various currencies against the Ghana Cedi.
The Ghana Cedi is trading against the United States Dollar (USD) at a buying price of 11.6373 and a selling price of 11.6489 according to the Interbank rates. In Forex bureaus in Accra, the dollar is being bought at a rate of 12.05 and sold at 12.25.
Against the Pound Sterling (GBP), the Cedi is trading at a buying price of 14.7933 and a selling price of 14.8093. At Forex Bureaus in Accra, the pound sterling is being bought at a rate of 15.00 and sold at a rate of 15.40.
For the Euro (EUR), it is trading at a buying price of 12.7079 and a selling price of 12.7206. In Forex Bureaus in Accra, the Euro is being bought at a rate of 12.80 and sold at a rate of 13.30.
The South African Rand (ZAR) is trading at a buying price of 0.6362 and a selling price of 0.6367. In Forex bureaus in Accra, the South African Rand is being bought at a rate of 0.40 and sold at a rate of 1.10.
The Nigerian Naira (NGN) is trading at a buying price of 68.2069 and a selling price of 68.2396. In Forex bureaus in Accra, the Nigerian Naira is being bought at a rate of 9.00 Naira for every 1 Cedi and sold at a rate of 15.00.
As for the West African CFA (CFA), it is trading at a buying price of 51.5665 and a selling price of 51.6180.
In Forex bureaus in Accra, the CFA is being bought at a rate of 17.30 for every 1 Cedi and sold at a rate of 19.80 for every 1 Cedi.
These rates are provided by Afriswap Bureau De Change in Osu, Accra.
In the era of Ghana’s first president, Dr. Kwame Nkrumah, a slew of industrialization projects were launched with the goal of boosting local production, manufacturing, and creating avenues for export.
Within a mere six years of gaining independence in 1957, Ghana swiftly transformed into a manufacturing hub for boats, car tires, television sets, refrigerators, and various other products catering to both domestic needs and international markets.
A survey featured in the state-owned Daily Graphic, dated November 30, 1962, shed light on the flourishing state of Ghana’s local industries under Nkrumah’s leadership.
The survey highlighted Ghana’s self-sufficiency in producing safety matches, paints, alcoholic beverages, biscuits, canned fruits, roofing materials, cooking utensils, meat, and fish within the short span since gaining independence.
The newspaper clippings, titled ‘Made in Ghana: A Survey of Local Industries,’ also revealed the establishment of Ghana’s own chemical factory dedicated to producing insecticides and various chemicals.
The report proudly stated, “We also have a brewery, a milk processing plant, and a lorry and bicycle assembly plant. Overall, we can take pride in over ninety industries thanks to the government’s comprehensive industrial program. This program comprises five main sectors: state-owned enterprises, enterprises owned by foreign private interests, enterprises jointly owned by the state and foreign private interests, cooperatives, and finally, small-scale Ghanaian enterprises.”
See the full list of items Ghana was producing locally below:
President Akufo-Addo has highlighted a potential historic achievement if his Vice President, Mahamadu Bawumia, secures victory in the 2024 presidential elections.
Akufo-Addo pointed out that a Bawumia presidency would result in Ghana having its first Zongo First Lady, referring to the Muslim-dominated inner-city areas scattered across the country.
During a speech in Nima, a suburb of Accra, Akufo-Addo declared, “If, by the grace of God, Mahamadu Bawumia wins the presidency in December 2024, we will have a Zongo First Lady in Ghana.”
The individual in question is the current Second Lady, Samira Bawumia.
In addition to acknowledging the historic significance of Samira Bawumia’s potential rise to the position of First Lady, Akufo-Addo also spoke about his personal connection with Nima during a speech at the coronation of a new paramount chief for Nima, Mohammed Saini Farl, also known as Nii Futa.
The President, who has a private residence in the Nima enclave, emphasized his ties to the area and recounted spending some of his happiest days as a young person in the Muslim-dominated community.
He expressed the importance of the day, which had been designated as Nima Day by the new paramount chief, coinciding with his mother’s birthday on December 17.
“Nii Futa has chosen this day to be henceforth known as Nima Day, it is a very important day in my life because it is the birthday of my mother, the 17th of December, and she was a big maghajia of Nima as you know.
“I grew up here, I came here when I was 12 years old, our father moved us here. I don’t think there is any part of this area that I don’t know, I know this area like the back of my hand. I enjoyed some of the happiest days of my youth right here in Nima.
“So it is important that I be here on such a day because I am one of you, because I, too, I am a Nima boy,” he stated to applause from the gathering,” Akufo-Addo shared.
Bawumia, elected as the New Patriotic Party (NPP) flagbearer on November 4 for the 2024 polls, will face former President John Dramani Mahama in the upcoming elections.
Mahama, making his fourth consecutive bid for the presidency, won his first attempt and lost the second and third to Akufo-Addo.
In a passionate address to fisherfolk in Axim, the Flagbearer of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), John Dramani Mahama, expressed deep concern over the alleged diversion and mismanagement of premix fuel under the New Patriotic Party (NPP) government.
He specifically accused the government of politicizing the distribution of this vital commodity, asserting that it has reached a peak under the current administration.
Reflecting on the NDC’s track record, Mahama highlighted the establishment of the landing beach committee during their time in power, emphasizing the judicious distribution of premix fuel.
In contrast, he lamented the current situation, characterizing it as a peak in fuel diversion and mismanagement.
Assuring the fisherfolk of positive change if elected in the 2024 general elections, Mahama pledged to overhaul the fisheries sector.
Central to this commitment is the promise to appoint a competent and effective fisheries minister who will work tirelessly to address the challenges facing the industry.
“When we were in power, we set up the landing beach committee, and at that time, anyone could be a member. The premix was distributed judiciously. But now, fuel diversion and mismanagement of the distribution of premix fuel appear to have reached its peak. The NPP government is politicizing the distribution,” he lamented.
He added that, “I know that by God’s grace, the NDC will win the elections, and I promise to improve the fisheries sector if elected in the 2024 polls. I will give you a sector minister who will perform better.”
Meanwhile, the government has responded to concerns by introducing a new digital system aimed at streamlining the process of acquiring premix fuel.
The innovative approach involves providing fisherfolks with digital Canoe Identification Cards linked to their vessels.
This new system, characterized by its efficiency and transparency, seeks to eliminate issues such as stress and hoarding associated with traditional methods.
The digital cards enable fisherfolks to directly access the required quantity of premix fuel at the pumps.
The data generated through this system plays a crucial role in enhancing delivery efficiency, as it allows for real-time tracking of orders, transportation, delivery, and fueling transactions.
The initiative is part of ongoing efforts by the Ministry of Fisheries and Aquaculture to modernize and improve the fisheries sector.
As part of the technological upgrade, 31 landing beaches have already been equipped with the necessary pumps, and work is underway to extend this system to other locations.
This holistic approach aims to create a transparent and accountable process in the distribution of premix fuel, addressing the challenges faced by the fishing community.
The Member of Parliament for North Tongu, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, has firmly declared his refusal to support any secessionist group despite the challenges faced by flood victims in his constituency.
This statement follows the receipt of a letter from the Western Togoland secessionist group a few days ago.
Mr Ablakwa emphasized his opposition to the group’s activities and expressed embarrassment at receiving their letter. He highlighted his previous stance, making it clear that he does not endorse any treasonable activities.
“This group everybody knows I have been perusing and told them in clear language that what they are doing is not the best. The secessionist group, Papavi, and his people, the ringleaders are from my constituency everybody knows. I said no we are not going to support these things, we are all Ghanaians and we would not engage in any treasonable enterprise.
“Now they have written to me, that ‘you were opposing us, you were fighting us. Do you really think you are also Ghanaian, after what Akufo-Addo has done to you? How do you feel now, you said we are treasonable characters. We are bad guys. You people were doing good things in the Ghanaian Parliament. You will not serve in our future so-called Western Togoland Parliament’,” Mr. Ablakwa narrated.
The secessionist group, particularly the ringleaders from his constituency, had written to him, questioning his Ghanaian identity and expressing disappointment in his opposition.
While finding it challenging to respond to the letter, Ablakwa reiterated his commitment to the Ghana Project, emphasizing the shared stake in the nation’s development.
He underscored the importance of unity and rejected any endorsement of divisive or segregationist agendas, even in the face of challenges posed by the Akufo-Addo government’s treatment of flood victims.
“But you see, I remain committed to the Ghana Project and I think we have an equal stake. Where will Ghana be without Ephraim Kɔku Amu, where will Ghana be without our Volta River? The Akosombo Dam, I mean we have an equal stake and I will be for the nation and Ghana project.
A prominent on-air personality with Peace FM, Kwabena Marfo, has leveled accusations against the Chairperson of the Electoral Commission (EC), Jean Mensa.
Mr Marfo contends that Jean Mensa is operating within the EC in an autocratic manner, making decisions unilaterally without seeking advice or considering potential consequences.
He drew attention to Mensa’s previous role as the Executive Director at the Institute of Economic Affairs (IEA), where she had critiqued certain decisions made by the EC chair at that time.
In a candid statement during an interactive session on Neat FM’s morning show on December 15, 2023, Marfo expressed his reservations regarding the proposed changes by the EC to eliminate the use of indelible ink during elections.
He argued passionately that indelible ink, a traditional feature of the electoral process, serves as a crucial safeguard against double voting.
According to Marfo, “The Electoral Commission, it seems like they don’t like peace, and when there is peace, they don’t want it. Jean Mensa was criticizing a lot of issues during her time at the IEA platform; she used to talk as an angel. But the same issues she used to criticize, she is now doing those 10 times as the EC chair, autocratic leadership.”
His concerns are primarily centered around the perception that the EC, under Mensa’s leadership, is making decisions without due consideration for potential conflicts or heeding the advice of others.
Mr Marfo strongly emphasized the importance of indelible ink, a long-established element of the electoral process, in preventing fraudulent activities such as double voting.
“Nobody advises her; she does as she pleases. If she is doing something that might cause chaos or conflict, she doesn’t care,” he asserted.
“It is better to use the ink, how much at all is the ink, she cannot give any guarantee to show that one cannot double vote. Her explanation doesn’t make sense, now if she wants to do things differently on her own, she will also see things differently,” he lamented.
The EC, in response to these concerns, has announced its intention to cease using indelible ink on voters’ fingers during elections.
The rationale provided by the EC is based on the efficiency of the biometric verification system in preventing instances of double voting.
Director of Electoral Services at the Electoral Commission, Dr. Serebour Quaicoe, clarified that the biometric system, coupled with strict voter register controls, renders indelible ink unnecessary.
He explained that the biometric verification process ensures that each voter is verified only once, thereby eliminating any possibility of multiple voting.
For decades, the world’s wealthiest individuals opted to secure their assets in various overseas havens, ranging from the Cayman Islands and Switzerland to the British Virgin Islands.
However, there is a notable shift in this trend as a new wealth hub gains immense popularity among billionaires—the towering skyline of Abu Dhabi.
Prominent figures like cryptocurrency’s wealthiest man, Zhao Changpeng, India’s Adani family, hedge fund billionaire Ray Dalio, and Russian steel magnate Vladimir Lisin are among the numerous high-net-worth individuals establishing special purpose vehicles (SPVs) in Abu Dhabi’s international financial center this year, as reported by Bloomberg News after reviewing hundreds of corporate filings in the United Arab Emirates.
The number of SPVs in Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM) has surged to over 5,000 from just 46 in 2016, as per data compiled by M/HQ, a leading wealth advisory firm specializing in their establishment.
While the specific details of where billionaires relocated their assets, the reasons behind the move, or the contents of each SPV remain undisclosed, the substantial increase in wealth flowing into Abu Dhabi reflects a broader global shift in how the world’s affluent individuals safeguard their fortunes.
“ADGM is a great place to set up SPVs and it’s increasing sharply,” said Mr Bhaskar Dasgupta, a corporate adviser who previously worked for the Abu Dhabi free zone. “We’re seeing more high-net-worth individuals moving from the BVI (British Virgin Islands), Caymans, Mauritius and Singapore to here.” Billionaire arrivals
SPVs, popularized by junk-bond king Michael Milken in the late 1980s, serve as separate legal entities and have become the preferred structures for high-net-worth individuals aiming to compartmentalize their financial risk.
Abu Dhabi positions its SPVs as holding companies managing wealth, with the flexibility to encompass diverse assets such as property and equity.
This influx of financial activity to the UAE signifies a new role for its US$509 billion (S$684 billion) economy as the ruling Al Nahyan family endeavors to diversify away from oil dependence.
Abu Dhabi’s prosperity in this regard coincides with increased scrutiny faced by low-tax jurisdictions like the British Virgin Islands and the Cayman Islands from officials worldwide, leading to a decline in new corporate registrations.
Bhaskar Dasgupta, a corporate adviser with previous experience in the Abu Dhabi free zone, attests to ADGM’s appeal, stating, “ADGM is a great place to set up SPVs, and it’s increasing sharply. We’re seeing more high-net-worth individuals moving from the BVI (British Virgin Islands), Caymans, Mauritius, and Singapore to here.”
The emirate’s attractiveness extends beyond its financial benefits, encompassing factors such as geopolitical stability, residency incentives, and the presence of sovereign wealth funds and influential private investment firms. Abu Dhabi’s strategic positioning and comprehensive regulatory framework contribute to its success in luring more SPVs.
The allure of the Middle Eastern business hub lies in its ability to safeguard assets from foreign jurisdictions and leverage the UAE’s double tax treaty network, as disclosed by individuals familiar with the matter.
The UAE’s double tax treaty facilitates tax minimization for affluent individuals with companies housed within the SPV, contingent on agreements between the Gulf state and the additional countries where they conduct business.
Wealth advisers and international investors, who spoke anonymously, highlight several advantages offered by the emirate. Abu Dhabi and nearby Dubai have evolved into thriving global cities, offering long-term residency and, in some instances, UAE passports to those making substantial investments.
Additionally, Abu Dhabi boasts sovereign wealth funds overseeing assets exceeding US$1 trillion and influential private investment firms. The UAE, in recent years, has served as a haven for those navigating regulatory challenges overseas.
Prominent figures like Zhao, the former CEO of Binance, found Dubai appealing, citing its pro-crypto policies. Despite legal issues leading to guilty pleas for anti-money laundering and US sanctions violations in November, Zhao established multiple SPVs in Abu Dhabi in 2021, holding both UAE and Canadian citizenship.
The international financial free zone, inaugurated in 2015, has gained attractiveness due to the UAE refraining from sanctioning countries like Russia while Western nations increased restrictions.
Simultaneously, countries like Switzerland, Britain, and certain Caribbean nations have tightened scrutiny on individuals linked to countries facing sanctions.
Abu Dhabi’s structures are gaining favor, even among the royals. Subsidiaries of Royal Group, controlled by National Security Adviser Sheikh Tahnoon bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the UAE President’s brother and a prominent dealmaker, have established several ADGM SPVs in the latter half of this year, according to filings and insiders.
The success of Abu Dhabi in attracting more SPVs is attributed, in part, to the strategic utilization of its golden visa and passport programs over the past few years, fostering a trend of billionaires making the Gulf state their more permanent abode.
Armand Arton, founder of citizenship firm Arton Capital, notes this trend, emphasizing that as billionaires feel welcomed and secure, they increasingly consider relocating both their businesses and assets, with ADGM emerging as a preferred destination.
The Ghana Meteorological Agency (GMet) has cautioned drivers to exercise care during the harmattan season.
According GMet, the country is yet to experience the peak of this weather phenomenon.
Joseph Portuphy, the Head of Forecasting at the Agency, stressed the importance of drivers adopting safe practices during this period.
He highlighted the potential for reduced visibility, indicating, “The worst of the season is yet to come. This is just the preliminaries because visibility has not dropped yet.”
Mr. Portuphy advised drivers to be especially vigilant during foggy mornings, stating, “We expect a lot of fog in the morning, and when you get fog, you cannot see ahead of you. So, this is the time we should be using our fog lights in the morning and also reduce your speed so that when there is an object ahead of you, you can easily avoid it.”
Frederick Cudjoe, a Senior Meteorologist, echoed the need for precautions to prevent accidents during the harmattan season. He recommended the use of fog lights and adhering to speed limits, particularly when visibility is poor early in the morning and at dawn. Additionally, he advised those venturing to farms to take necessary precautions to avoid fire outbreaks.
Mr Cudjoe also highlighted the presence of particles in the atmosphere during the harmattan season, suggesting the use of nose masks to prevent inhaling excessive particles into the respiratory system.
He explained that the dry continental wind from the Sahara and Sahel regions would bring dust conditions accompanied by winds from the northern part of the continent into Ghana.
The agency anticipates these conditions to persist throughout December.
The Ghana Health Service (GHS) has disclosed that a total of 3,688 healthcare professionals have emigrated in the past three years in search of better opportunities abroad.
This exodus includes both professional and critical caregivers.
Some of these departing health professionals cite unfavorable working conditions in Ghana as the primary reason for leaving their posts in pursuit of more favorable prospects overseas.
In response to the growing concern, the Ghana Health Service has implemented measures to address the issue.
In 2021, they revised and doubled study leave for unprofessional nurses.
The service expects that by the middle of the next year, many of these nurses taking advantage of the initiative will have qualified to fill the resulting staffing gap.
However, during the parliamentary debate on the Health Ministry’s 2024 budget, Majority Leader Osei Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu suggested that the government should consider increasing remuneration to counteract this trend.
In his words, “Mr. Speaker, I think that we should look at the remuneration [of nurses]. If we look at the compensation, it was over and above what was allocated, and if people have left, the compensation should then climb up. We should do a proper audit of the nurses who have left to know the deficit and should be able to employ to replace those who have exited.”
The Dormaahene, Osagyefo Oseadeeyo Agyeman Badu II, has commented on the recent injunction preventing his attendance to the final funeral rites of the Berekumhene in November 2023.
Addressing an event in the Bono Region, the Dormaahene, known for his mysterious persona, expressed astonishment that someone like him would be subjected to an injunction for attending a public event.
He remarked, “Ever seen a chief who is not mysterious, yet becomes the subject of an injunction before a funeral can be held? I am the very one who such can be done to and by extension the people of Bono.”
He went on to lament the chieftaincy-related disturbances in Sampa, another town in the Bono region, where the installation of a new paramount chief led to litigation.
As a sitting High Court judge, he detailed a sequence of events that resulted in court intervention at Manhyia after an initial process at the Bono House of Chiefs failed.
The Dormaahene explained that the failure to follow the proper legal process, seeking court approval after the resolution at Manhyia, was problematic.
He associated this oversight with the unfortunate incidents of death and gunshot wounds during the coronation of the new chief in Sampa.
Regarding the ban from the Berekumhene’s funeral, Agyeman Badu II stated that he would always remember how Berekum banned him.
A Sunyani High Court had issued a restraining order on him attending the funeral, citing the potential for a breach of peace, especially with the presence of Asantehene Otumfuo Osei Tutu II on the same day.
The court order resulted from an application by a member of the Berekum Traditional Council, Osabarima Kyere Yeboah Darteh II.
The Speaker of Parliament, Alban Bagbin, has lauded the 8th Parliament of Ghana under the 4th Republic as unparalleled, citing its unique dynamics that prevent the dominant imposition of policies.
Speaking at a public forum in Ho to commemorate the 30th anniversary of the parliament, Bagbin highlighted the distinctive nature of the hung parliament, where the New Patriotic Party and the National Democratic Congress share equal representation.
He commended the balance between majority and minority forces, asserting that this prevents the unilateral imposition of decisions and encourages consensus-building.
“This hung parliament is not like the other parliaments, and I would want to urge all of you to let us continue along this path, and with time you will see the difference. We take time to take decisions, but we build consensus in taking the decision. We don’t push it down the throat of many people.
Bagbin stressed the importance of maintaining such equilibrium, urging voters to consider the advantages of a hung parliament where decisions are carefully deliberated and not forcefully pushed through.
He cautioned against the idea of having a single party with a significant majority, emphasizing his own experiences and the benefits of a collaborative approach to governance.
The Agbogbomefia of the Asogli State, Togbe Afede XIV, chaired the event and used the occasion to reflect on the national goals outlined in the 1992 constitution.
Expressing concern about the unfulfilled dreams of the founding fathers and the challenges faced by the country, he urged Parliament to assess its role in facilitating development, improving living standards, and supporting local businesses.
The forum provided a timely opportunity for introspection and evaluation of Parliament’s contributions to national progress over the past 30 years.
“There are several graduates of six years standing who are still looking for jobs. What it means, therefore, is that we have not achieved the objectives of our people. You’ve not realized the dreams of our founding fathers, and of course, we have not realized the aspirations that are enshrined in our 1992 constitution”, he stressed.
“This forum would not have been happening at a better time than now, time to take stock, time for parliament to look back and ask, how much have we done to facilitate the development of the country? How much have we done to raise living standards? How much have we done to bring business to our people? That is the essence”, he added.
