Author: Phoebe Martekie Doku

The river that claimed the life of the incumbent Assemblyman for the Teberebie electoral area in Tarkwa, Western Region, has now yielded another body.

Manasseh Addison Sackey, also known as Teacher Obour, the head teacher and sitting assemblyman seeking re-election, reportedly drowned in a river connected to Aklika while en route to campaign in nearby villages.

Notably, there’s a haunting parallel with the past, as reports suggest that a former assembly member, who had contested against Manasseh, met a similar fate two weeks before the elections four years ago.

The late assemblyman, who also served as the deputy constituency secretary for the NDC in the Tarkwa Nsaem constituency, has prompted the party to suspend all activities for the next three days to mourn his tragic loss.

The NDC Constituency Secretary for Tarkwa Nsuaem, Stephen Ayombisa, conveyed that the party will resume activities after the mourning period.

During this time, they plan to collaborate with the family to finalize details regarding the burial and funeral rites.

Mr Ayombisa shed light on the unfortunate circumstances, revealing that life jackets were unavailable when they reached the riverbank. Manasseh, unable to swim, succumbed to the tragic incident.

“He is the constituency deputy secretary, therefore the party has decided to mourn him for the next three days, hence the decision to suspend all party activities so that after three days we sit with the family, and then we can come out with details of the burial and funeral rites.”

“Unfortunately, I think at the time they got to the bank of the river, those jackets were not available and as for life jackets, they are there just that at the time they got there they were not available.”

“More so, he doesn’t know how to swim so that also led to his timely death. There were five people in the boat when the boat capsized. Three of them were able to swim ashore, but two of them unfortunately couldn’t make it. On Wednesday morning, the other body has been retrieved.”

Out of the five people in the boat, three managed to swim ashore, while two, including Manasseh, tragically did not survive. The latest update reports the retrieval of the second body on Wednesday morning.

The National Democratic Congress (NDC) is urging religious leaders, Civil Society Organisations (CSOs), and other influential figures to openly oppose the proposed Legislative Instrument (LI) aimed at restricting the importation of specific items into Ghana.

The suggested LI would mandate importers of 22 specified items, such as poultry, rice, sugar, diapers, and offal, to obtain licenses from a committee established by the Minister of Trade and Industry, KT Hammond.

However, the opposition party contends that if the current draft document is approved by Parliament, it could lead to corruption within government ranks.

During a press briefing as part of the party’s ‘Moment of Truth Series’ in Accra on December 6, the Minority Leader in Parliament, Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson, emphasized, “We also call on the Trades Union Congress (TUC), Civil Society Organisations (CSOs), traditional authorities, the clergy, and all progressive forces to speak up and join us to reject these obnoxious import restriction regulations, in the supreme interest of Ghana.”

He further urged the government to retract the regulations promptly and expand its consultation with all key stakeholders.

“Already, importers and the business community have amply demonstrated how these regulations lack broad consultation and consensus. We, therefore, call on the government to withdraw these regulations immediately and broaden its engagement with all key stakeholders.”

On November 26, six business associations, collectively known as the Joint Business Consultative Forum, submitted a petition to Parliament opposing the proposed legislative instrument.

The groups include the Ghana Union of Traders’ Associations (GUTA), Food and Beverages Association of Ghana (FABAG), Importers and Exporters Association of Ghana, Ghana Institute of Freight Forwarders (GIFF), Chamber of Automobile Dealership Ghana (CADEG), and Ghana National Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GNCCI). They argued that the enactment of the LI would severely impact their businesses.

“Already, importers and the business community have amply demonstrated how these regulations lack broad consultation and consensus. We therefore call on government to withdraw these regulations immediately and broaden its engagement with all key stakeholders.

Read below the statement by the NDC

MOMENT OF TRUTH PRESS CONFERENCE ON THE PROPOSED “RESTRICTIONS ON THE IMPORTATION OF SELECTED STRATEGIC PRODUCTS REGULATIONS”, HELD ON 6TH DECEMBER, 2023 AND ADDRESSED BY DR. CASSIEL ATO FORSON, LEADER OF THE NDC MINORITY CAUCUS IN PARLIAMENT

1. Friends from the media, I would like to extend our warm compliments to all of you, for your presence here this afternoon.

2. This engagement has been necessitated by discussions surrounding a Legislative Instrument (LI) that the Akufo-Addo/Bawumia NPP government is desperately attempting to introduce in Parliament, which has very far-reaching implications for Ghanaians.

3. The said LI, the Export and Import (Restrictions on Imposition of Selected Strategic Products) Regulations, 2023, seeks to give the Minister of Trade and Industry, the sole prerogative and unfettered power to grant licenses to any person desirous of importing into the country, some essential items numbering twenty-two (22).  These items are:

• Rice
• Guts, bladders, stomach and intestines of animals
• Poultry
• Frozen cuts and offal of fowl
• Animal, vegetable, coconut and palm oil
• Margarine
• Fruit juices
• Soft drinks
• Mineral water
• Ceramic tiles
• Corrugated paper and paper board
• Mosquito coil and insecticides
• Soaps and detergents
• Motor cars
• Iron and steel
• Diaper
• Polymers (plastic and plastic products)
• Fish
• Sugar
• Clothing and apparel
• Biscuits
• Canned tomatoes
• Aluminium products.

4. As expected, these ill-conceived regulations have faced stiff resistance from the NDC Minority in Parliament. Indeed, we have not been alone in this endeavour, as the business community and other well-meaning Ghanaians have joined us in opposing these restrictions which clearly do not bode well for our country.

5. Indeed, the Joint Business Consultative Forum, comprising reputable associations such as:

• the Ghana Union of Traders’ Associations (GUTA),
• Food and Beverages Association of Ghana (FABAG),
• Importers and Exporters Association of Ghana,
• Ghana Institute of Freight Forwarders (GIFF),
• Chamber of Automobile Dealership Ghana (CADEG), and
• Ghana National Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GNCCI)

argue that the LI if enacted, would have serious detrimental effects on their businesses.

6. Let me make it clear, that in principle, the NDC is not against any legal regime or policy that seeks to protect indigenous businesses by regulating imports. What we are vehemently against, is a law that confers unfettered discretionary power on a single individual, in this case a Minister of Trade, to issue import licenses and to restrict the quantity of certain imports into the country, without any checks and balances.

7. Such laws often breed corruption and cronyism, and can easily be abused to create a monopoly for some few individuals. As it is often said, power corrupts, but absolute power corrupts absolutely.

8. Simply put, the proposed Import Restrictions Regulations of the failed Akufo-Addo/Bawumia NPP government, seeks to grant unchecked discretionary power to the Minister for Trade, to solely determine whether or not, to issue an import license to a person and to restrict the quantity of certain imports into the country, as he deems fit.

9. The regulatory framework proposed by the LI is not only opaque, but can lend itself to arbitrariness and abuse. This clearly, is going to be an avenue for extortion and corruption if allowed to stand.

10. Also, the proposed Regulations seek to impose both an application fee and a license renewal fee on prospective importers. This will in no doubt, impose an additional burden on businesses which are already wobbling under so much pressure from the several draconian tax measures and bad policies of the insensitive Akufo-Addo/Bawumia government.

11. Even after one has fulfilled these requirements and paid the necessary application or renewal fees, the decision to issue or renew an import license, rests solely with the Minister of Trade, who can potentially use such unfettered powers to frustrate businesses of perceived political opponents.

12. Additionally, under the proposed regulations, a Minister of Trade and Industry will constitute himself into a judge in his own cause, in the sense that the same Minister who seized with the power to grant, renew or cancel an import license, is equally clothed with the power to unilaterally determine a review application against his own decisions. This arrangement is clearly against natural justice.

13. It is instructive to note that, currently, Ghana does not have any significant local capacity to produce some of the “strategic products” listed under the First Schedule of the proposed LI such as sugar, among others. Neither has the government outlined any specific interventions or incentives to promote the local production of such products. This completely belies the government’s claim that the proposed regulations are intended to promote local production of the affected products and conserve foreign exchange.

14. More importantly, the proposed Regulations gravely offend some international trade treaties and protocols that Ghana is a party to. For instance, the regulations in their current form, contravene the World Trade Organisation (WTO) trade facilitation agreement, particularly on quantitative restrictions. This could lead to serious retaliatory action by our trade partners and eventually, affect exports from Ghana.

15. It should be obvious to any discerning mind, that the excessive discretionary powers that the law grants a Minister for Trade, will afford him the opportunity to subject the issuance and renewal of import permits to crony or state capture. If this law is allowed to pass, a Minister of Trade will be handed a blank cheque to deny those who are not in his good books, licenses and create powerful trade cartels who will monopolise the importation of these essential commodities. This has the potential to create supply disruptions and shortages of certain goods in the economy with its concomitant effects on inflation.

16. The NDC holds the view that the right to import essential commodities into the country cannot be limited to the whims and caprices of a Minister of Trade and Industry, his deputy or a certain Import Permit Committee, which will be constituted by the Minister under Regulation (2) of the proposed regulations.

17. The alternative view of the NDC on this matter is that:

• Where credible data exists to show that Ghana has adequate domestic capacity to produce a particular product, or where the consumption of a product has been proven to be injurious to public health or safety, government can simply place a ban on the importation of such products into the country.

• However, where a particular product has not been proven to be harmful to public health or safety, and there is no credible data to show that adequate domestic capacity exists to fully meet the demand for that product, government can regulate the importation of that product in two main ways:

I. One of the ways is to introduce a transparent quota system for the importation of certain products, as was done by the erstwhile NDC/Mahama administration in the poultry sector.

A quota system requires a prospective importer of a particular product to first show proof of utilizing existing local capacity by procuring a certain percentage of his intended import volume, locally.

When the erstwhile NDC/Mahama government realized that the local poultry industry had capacity to meet about 20% of total domestic consumption, the government introduced the 40% rule in the year 2014, which required poultry importers to purchase at least, 40% of their total stock from local poultry farmers.

This policy was implemented alongside the Ghana Broiler Project and the provision of incentives for local poultry farmers, aimed at enhancing the domestic production of poultry.

II. Another mechanism that can be used to regulate imports with the aim of protecting indigenous industries, is the imposition of tariff and non-tariff measures on certain products to encourage the patronage and consumption of locally-produced commodities.

18. It is a known fact that trade volumes at our ports have dropped drastically under the failed Akufo-Addo/Bawumia NPP government due to high duties and taxes. Similarly, smuggling of goods out of Ghana to other neighbouring countries has intensified due to the porous nature of our borders. This obnoxious Legislative Instrument will exacerbate these problems and negatively impact livelihoods and the economy as a whole.

19. As you may be aware, the insensitive Akufo-Addo/Bawumia NPP government is also seeking to introduce a new raft of draconian tax measures on the already-impoverished Ghanaian public, on the back of the 2024 budget which is yet to be approved.

20. These tax measures which are currently before Parliament include;

i. Imposition of VAT on non-life insurance such as:

• Motor or car insurance
• Marine insurance
• Fire insurance
• Building insurance
• Goods-in-transit, etc.

ii. Imposition of 5% VAT flat rate on residential and commercial real estate. Ghanaians should get ready to pay 5% VAT anytime you buy a house from an individual or a real estate company.

iii. Imposition of VAT on:

• Textbooks,
• Exercise books,
• Newspapers,
• Publications,
• Architectural plans,
• Scientific and technical works,
• Magazines,
• Periodicals,
• Calendars,
• Trade catalogue,
• Price list,
• Diaries,
• Stationery etc.

iv. Imposition of VAT on domestic air travels.

v. Imposition of VAT on the domestic transportation of passengers by road, rail and water.

vi. Increase of stamp duty rates across board.

vii. A new Excise Duty Amendment Bill, which seeks to increase the excise duty on Cider beer from 20% to 47.5% of ex factory price.

The bill also seeks to introduce excise duty of GHS100 per annum for all petrol and diesel vehicles i.e internal combustion engines. This new tax applies to;

• Private cars,
• Trotro,
• Uber,
• Taxis,
• Motorcycles,
• Aboboyaa
• Pragyia
• Okada
• “Mahama can do”, etc.

This particular tax is regressive since all vehicles will pay the same amount of GHS100 per year whether you are using V8, articulator or an uber car.

Further more, the bill seeks to introduce excise duty of GHS100 per tonne of carbon dioxide emissions by industries.

Also contained in the bill, is a 20% excise duty on Akpeteshie.

21. It is the considered view of the NDC, that the proposed import restriction regulations are regressive, counter-productive and have the potential to breed corruption just like the days of “essential commodities” and “price control”. The law is completely unwarranted and unwelcome.

22. Already, importers and the business community have amply demonstrated how these regulations lack broad consultation and consensus. We therefore call on government to withdraw these regulations immediately and broaden its engagement with all key stakeholders.

23. We also call on the Trades Union Congress (TUC) , Civil Society Organisations (CSOs), traditional authorities, the clergy and all progressive forces to speak up and join us to reject these obnoxious import restriction regulations, in the supreme interest of Ghana.

SIGNED.
HON. DR. CASSIEL ATO FORSON
(Member of Parliament for Ajumako Enyan Essiam and Leader of the NDC Minority Caucus of Parliament)

Geoffrey Kini, the Member of Parliament for Nkwanta South, has disclosed that eleven individuals were reported dead within the initial 24 hours of the conflict that erupted in the Nkwanta township.

The dispute, arising from disagreements over the Akyodes’ 2023 annual yam festival rites, has led to numerous injuries and property damage, forcing many residents to flee the area.

During his address to Parliament, MP Kini expressed deep concern about the conflict’s adverse impact on education and farming activities. He called on all stakeholders to collaborate in restoring peace and normalcy to the region.

“Within the first 24 hours of the outbreak of hostilities, eleven people were officially reported dead. The usually vibrant and boisterous town degenerated into a ghost town with hundreds taking flight to near and distant towns and villages, with others barricading themselves and their families in their homes to escape from being killed.

“Mr. Speaker, let me commend the security agencies comprising a combined teamwork of police and soldiers for their swift response, which helped to stop the carnage. But for their intervention, the fighting would have reached a more catastrophic proportion and claimed more precious lives.”

Minister of Interior, Ambrose Dery, added that many individuals have faced prosecution for violating the imposed curfew in Nkwanta township, emphasizing that the curfew remains in effect.

“Let me inform the House that the curfew is being imposed and enforced, and a number of people who have breached it have been sent to court, convicted, and fined, so there has been some calm. However, we also have to admit that because the case is a land matter, we cannot take it for granted.”

The Managing Director (MD) of the Ghana Publishing Company, David Asante, has officially declared his candidacy for the New Patriotic Party (NPP) parliamentary primaries in Nkawkaw.

Taking to Facebook on Tuesday, December 5, Mr Asante revealed that his decision to contest follows extensive consultations with party stakeholders in the constituency.

With a strong commitment to delivering quality leadership, Mr. Asante aims to elevate Nkawkaw to its rightful position in Ghana’s political landscape.

Expressing optimism about his chances in the primaries, he expressed his dedication to serving the constituency with integrity and sincerity.

“After broad consultations with the leadership of the New Patriotic Party at the polling station, constituency, regional, and national levels, I have decided to contest the parliamentary primaries in the Nkawkaw Constituency.

“I am hopeful that, this time, with the support of the delegates, I will be successful and will be allowed to serve my people in all honesty and sincerity.”

This marks David Asante’s second attempt at securing the parliamentary slot, following an unsuccessful bid in 2020.

The NPP’s National Executive Committee (NEC) has set the parliamentary primaries for constituencies with sitting lawmakers on January 20, 2024.

The nomination period for interested candidates will be open from December 20 to December 22, 2023, with detailed guidelines provided for the conduct of the primaries.

The party looks forward to the full cooperation of all stakeholders in the process and extends best wishes to aspiring candidates.

The current MP for Nkawkaw is Joseph Fempong.

“After broad consultations with the leadership of the New Patriotic Party at the polling station, constituency, regional and national levels, I have decided to contest the parliamentary primaries in the Nkawkaw Constituency.

“I am hopeful that, this time, with the support of the delegates, I will be successful and will be allowed to serve my people in all honesty and sincerity.”

The Chairperson of the Electoral Commission, Jean Mensa, has expressed deep concern over the alarming threats of violence against citizens during elections in Ghana.

She highlighted that such violence is deliberately instigated by power-hungry individuals who are willing to go to any lengths to attain authority.

Addressing the issue during a meeting with the Inspector General of Police, George Akuffo Dampare, and the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) in Accra on Tuesday, December 5, 2023, Jean Mensa noted a shift from historical causes of election-related violence to a more premeditated and well-orchestrated strategy.

This strategy aims to unleash violence before, during, and after elections, with the specific intent of undermining the credibility and integrity of institutions such as the Electoral Commission, the Police, and other security agencies.

Jean Mensa acknowledged that the pursuit of power in contemporary politics has led to the use of brute force by Ghanaian politicians and their supporters, putting the lives of ordinary citizens at risk.

“We are aware of the security threats we face today when elections are coming. The evidence of threats to our security confronts us daily. Indeed, elections have become the lifeblood of our society, people eat, drink, and breathe elections 24 hours a day. We do witness the dialogues on our radio and TV on a 24-hour basis, the quest for power today has become so fierce.

“In the bid to capture power, our politicians and their supporters use all manner of methods to achieve their goal. In the wake of this, our security and safety are not spared. Today, we witness a mysterious and targeted approach by sections of our society to destabilize the peace of our nation and threaten lives, all in a bid to control power and the resources that come with it,” Jean Mensa concluded.

She emphasized the daily evidence of security threats faced in the lead-up to elections, with a growing trend of orchestrated efforts to destabilize the nation’s peace and endanger lives for the sole purpose of gaining control over power and associated resources.

Deputy Attorney General Alfred Tuah-Yeboah has officially confirmed that the Guan Constituency, set to be created, will gain representation in Parliament following the 2024 elections.

While residents eagerly anticipate participating in the upcoming District Level Elections (DLEs), the significant revelation is that they will have to wait until 2025 to elect their Member of Parliament (MP).

This delay is rooted in constitutional limitations preventing the establishment of new constituencies during the term of a sitting Parliament.

“It’s clear that SALL will have a constituency. The CI has been prepared and submitted for Parliamentary approval. While residents can vote in the DLEs, they will need to wait until December 2024 to elect their MP,” Mr Tuah-Yeboah explained in an interview on Face to Face on Citi TV on Tuesday.

Tuah-Yeboah shed light on the procedural aspect, stating that a Constitutional Instrument (CI) has been meticulously prepared and submitted for Parliamentary approval.

He outlined the crucial timeline, emphasizing that residents must be patient until December 2024 to exercise their democratic right in electing an MP for the newly formed Guan Constituency.

The Deputy Attorney General elucidated on the constitutional constraint, underscoring that the creation of new constituencies is prohibited while the current Parliament is in session. However, he provided a nuanced perspective, clarifying that in the event of an MP’s resignation or demise, a bye-election could be conducted.

In tandem with this development, the Electoral Commission (EC) has officially announced that the District Level Elections (DLEs) in the Jasikan and Guan Districts are slated for December 19, 2023.

This comes after the passage of a Constitutional Instrument (CI), granting the EC the authority to carry out the electoral exercise in these specific districts.

The significance of these elections is heightened as the CI was pending during the nominations for the November DLEs, leading to the exclusion of these districts from the earlier electoral process.

The criminal case involving Alexander Kwabena Sarfo-Kantanka, the Juaben New Patriotic Party constituency chairman, has been adjourned to January 23, 2024.

Sarfo-Kantanka faces 26 corruption charges, accused of offering bribes to assembly members in the area to secure approval as the Municipal Chief Executive for Juaben, following his nomination by the president.

The Office of the Special Prosecutor initiated investigations after a viral video showed Sarfo-Kantanka seeking a refund of alleged payments to assembly members to facilitate his approval after facing rejection for the second time.

The full trial at the Kumasi High Court began on October 20, 2022, with six witnesses called by the prosecution.

The Office of the Special Prosecutor, in an update, revealed that the prosecution has concluded its case.

The Republic v Alexander Kwabena Sarfo Kantanka

Ruling on submission of no case by lawyers of Mr. Sarfo Kantaka adjourned to 23 January 2024.

Prosecution has closed its case in the trial of the MCE nominee for Juaben in the Ashanti Region for corruption in respect of a public…

— Office of the Special Prosecutor-Ghana (@ospghana) December 6, 2023

The previously rejected nominee pleaded not guilty to all charges and was subsequently granted bail of GH¢90,000.

A group of alleged witches have expressed their discontent with President Akufo-Addo’s decision to withhold approval for the anti-witchcraft bill passed by the Parliament.

Protesting at a so-called witch camp on Tuesday, December 5, 2023, the victims were seen holding placards with messages expressing disappointment over the president’s refusal.

“Mr President assenting to the anti-witchcraft bill should be a priority to protect women,” one of the placards the women were holding reads.

“Stop the tragedy: End witchcraft accusations! Human rights for all. Justice, not superstition!” another placard reads.

An elderly woman’s placard urged, “Government action needed: Protect lives, stop witchcraft accusations! Enforce justice, safeguard human rights.”

MP Francis-Xavier Sosu shared pictures of the protest on X, condemning Akufo-Addo’s actions as undemocratic and a violation of the rights of vulnerable women.

“The President’s action is an infringement on our democracy and a violation of the rights of these vulnerable women,” he wrote on X.

Background:

President Akufo-Addo declined to assent to three significant bills, including the Criminal Offences Amendment Bill 2023, which seeks to criminalize attacks on alleged witches.

The Speaker of Parliament, Alban Bagbin, criticized the president for not communicating his position on the bill.

The presidency refuted having received the bill until November 27, 2023.

In a letter to Parliament on December 4, President Akufo-Addo informed the House of his inability to assent to the bills until associated constitutional matters are resolved, without specifying the exact issues.

View the post plus pictures from the protest below:

The Convention People’s Party (CPP) has undergone a significant transformation following the decision made during its National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting held on December 5, 2023, in Kumasi.

In an official statement released by Interim Secretary Kwame Nkrumah Botsio, the entire national leadership of the CPP has been dissolved, and an Interim Council (IC) has been appointed to manage the party’s affairs.

The statement highlighted that the removal of all National Executive Officers was a result of the NEC meeting’s deliberations and decisions.
According to the CPP’s constitution, the NEC delegates wielded the necessary authority to make such changes and appointed an Interim Council to guide the party through this transitional phase.

Among the notable figures affected by this restructuring are the General Secretary, Nana Yaa Jantuah, and the National Chairperson, Nana Akosua Frimpomaa Sarpong-Kumankumah. This decision reflects a significant shift in the leadership dynamics of the CPP.

The statement did not only confirm the removal of these key figures but also emphasized the establishment of an Interim Council to take charge of the party’s administration during this period of transition.

“The Convention Peoples Party (CPP), on Tuesday 5th December 2023, held its National Executive Council (NEC) meeting in Kumasi. At the said meeting, all National Executive Officers were removed from power. At the selfsame meeting, the delegates of NEC, clothed with the requisite power under the Party Constitution, appointed an Interim Council (IC) to steer the affairs of the Party,” the statement said.

The Interim Council is composed of the following members:

1. Alhaji Ali Adamu

2. Gallo Emmanuel

3. Godwin Opare Addo

4. Semefa Mawutor

5. Eben Agbenya

6. Alhaji Issah Sibiru Islam

7. Abdul Salam Issah

8. Mariam Munkaila Futa

9. Ebenezer Tetteh

10. Dr. Akwesi Bosompem Boateng

11. Elijah Adams

12. Kose Dedey

13. Kwame Nkrumah Botsio

The CPP now looks to this interim leadership to navigate and reposition the party for the future.

It’s worth noting that there is a reported disassociation from the CPP by Nana Yaa Jantuah, while Nana Akosua Frimpomaa Sarpong-Kumankumah maintains her position as the National Chairperson of the party.

The dynamics within the CPP are evolving, and the interim leadership faces the responsibility of steering the party through these changes and ensuring its continued relevance and impact in the political landscape.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=98tx5wCDBZM

On Tuesday, December 5, 2023, the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) and the Media Foundation for West Africa (MFWA) entered into a significant four-year Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), solidifying their commitment to mutual collaboration and cooperation.

The historic MoU, signed by H.E. Dr. Omar Alieu Touray, President of the ECOWAS Commission, and Sulemana Braimah, Executive Director of the MFWA, outlines a comprehensive framework for joint efforts in fostering democratic values, media freedom, development, human rights, and peace in the West African region.

Key areas of collaboration outlined in the MoU include building media capacity to strengthen democratic norms, countering narratives of violent extremism, polarization, radicalization, misinformation, and hate speech.

Additionally, the partnership aims to promote media freedom, freedom of expression both online and offline, access to information, and coordination with regional media partners to enhance citizens’ awareness of ECOWAS and its activities across Member States.

During the signing ceremony, Ambassador Abdel-Fatau Musah (PhD), the ECOWAS Commissioner for Political Affairs, Peace, and Security (PAPS), underscored the strategic importance of MFWA as a trusted partner capable of addressing critical regional challenges.

He emphasized the pivotal role of the media in shaping public opinion in favor of democratic values and combating the rise of anti-democratic narratives in the region.

Commissioner Abdel-Fatau Musah highlighted the MoU’s significance in advancing ECOWAS‘ vision for 2050, emphasizing “ECOWAS of the peoples: peace and prosperity for all.”

Sulemana Braimah, the Executive Director of the MFWA, expressed his satisfaction with the formalization of relations between the two organizations. He highlighted the partnership’s potential to create synergies and leverage resources, effectively addressing the critical challenges confronting the region.

The signing ceremony was attended by senior ECOWAS officials and key staff members of the MFWA, signifying a united commitment to the shared objectives outlined in the MoU.

Stephen Blewett is set to become the new Chief Executive Officer of MTN Ghana, effective March 2024.

Mr Blewett takes over from Selorm Adadevoh, who has also been appointed as the Chief Commercial Officer of MTN Group.

Mr Blewett rejoined MTN in July 2023 as the Operations Executive for Markets.

He will be responsible for MTN’s smaller West and Central Africa markets and provide broader operations support across the region.

Mr Blewett, formerly the Chief Operating Officer of Digicel, has a history with MTN, serving as CEO for MTN Benin and MTN Cameroon for seven years.

In a statement, MTN Ghana Board Chairman, Dr. Ishmael Yamson, expressed confidence in both appointments, stating, “We welcome Stephen into the MTN Ghana family and look forward to working with him to move the company forward to achieve our Ambition 2025 strategy and beyond.”

Selorm Adadevoh’s move to the role of MTN Group Chief Commercial Officer was announced as part of a leadership succession plan. Adadevoh, who has been with MTN since 2018, led the transformation of MTN Ghana and played a crucial role in driving the new Ambition 2025 strategy for the company.

The Board of Directors expressed gratitude to Selorm for his contributions and wished him success in his new role.

They also welcomed Stephen Blewett to the MTN Ghana family and anticipated collaborative efforts to achieve the company’s strategic goals.

Below is MTN’s full statement.

Announcement of Scancom PLC (“MTN Ghana”) CEO promotion to the new role of MTN Group, Chief Commercial Officer

As part of our work to ensure orderly leadership succession, MTN Group announces the appointment of MTN Ghana CEO, Selorm Adadevoh, a Ghanaian, to the new role of MTN Group, Chief Commercial Officer, taking over from Jens Schulte-Bockum who steps down as Group Chief Operating Officer at the end of his contract term in March 2024.

At the same time, Stephen Blewett, MTN Operations Executive, Markets, will assume the role of CEO of the important MTN Ghana subsidiary.

Selorm will become a member of the MTN Group Executive Committee. Jens will step down from his executive role on 31 March 2024 but will remain a non-executive director on the boards of major subsidiaries – MTN South Africa, MTN Nigeria and Bayobab.

“We congratulate Selorm on his new appointment and thank him for successfully leading the company and steering it through challenging times, and for his hard work and commitment to MTN Ghana over the past five and a half years. We have no doubt that he will excel in his new role,” said MTN Ghana Board Chairman, Dr. Ishmael Yamson.

Selorm joined MTN in 2018 as CEO of MTN Ghana. Prior to that, he held key roles at Caribbean mobile network operator, Digicel, as well as with Millicom in Africa, in addition to several roles in the USA, UK and Latin America at various stages in his career.

Since joining MTN, Selorm has led the transformation of the MTN Ghana business and has been instrumental in driving the new Ambition 2025 strategy for MTN Ghana towards becoming a platform player. His influence and impact on major industry initiatives have been significant.

Stephen re-joined MTN in July 2023 as the Operations Executive for Markets, with executive responsibility for the Group’s smaller West and Central Africa markets and for providing broader operations support across that region to the Group’s Senior Vice President for Markets.

Prior to that, he was Chief Operating Officer of Digicel. Before that, he spent seven years at MTN in the role of CEO for MTN Benin and then MTN Cameroon.

“We welcome Stephen into the MTN Ghana family and look forward to working with him to move the company forward to achieve our Ambition 2025 strategy and beyond,” Chairman Yamson added.

The Board of Directors of MTN Ghana and its subsidiaries would like to take this opportunity to express their gratitude to Selorm for his immense contribution to the company during his tenure as CEO, and we wish him every success in his new role as MTN Group Chief Commercial Officer. We welcome Stephen to the MTN Ghana family and look forward to welcoming him to the business in the months ahead.

The Krobo District of the Electricity Company of Ghana plans to extend its prepaid meter installation to other areas within the District during the second quarter of 2024.

Ing. Christopher Apawu, the District Manager, shared this information during a media briefing at the office premises in Somanya on December 4, 2023.

While the ongoing prepaid meter installation is still in progress in the Yilo and Lower Manya Krobo areas, the District Manager revealed that customers in Akrade and Atimpoku will soon have the actual prepaid meters installed.

The initial steps, including pre-installation surveys and education on meter functionality, have already commenced. Similar processes will soon be carried out in Akuse and Asutsuare, both falling under the Krobo District.

The District Manager emphasized that over 10,000 meters will be installed in these areas at the expense of ECG, with no cost incurred by customers for the replacement. He clarified that meter replacements differ from new service requests, which involve fees.

Ing. Apawu cautioned customers against installing unauthorized meters, emphasizing that it is illegal.

He stated that all meters slated for replacement are already documented, and any unauthorized additions will be identified and dealt with accordingly.

Regarding the working relationship between the District and customers, Ing. Apawu highlighted a cordial and improved partnership.

He expressed optimism about revenue improvement and hoped for continued enhancement of customer services for better experiences.

He urged customers and the public to support ECG and contribute to the protection of the company’s installations.

The Governor of the Bank of Ghana (BoG), Dr. Ernest Addison, has emphasized the success of the three-year financial sector reforms (2017-2019) that led to the closure of several domestic banks, including unibank, UT, Capital, Beige Bank, and Heritage Bank.

The comprehensive exercise involved raising the minimum capital requirement for banks, revoking licenses of insolvent institutions, and revamping regulatory and supervisory frameworks.

Dr. Addison highlighted that as a result, the sector became better capitalized, more liquid, profitable, resilient, and operationally efficient, with sufficient capital buffers.

While acknowledging the difficulty and pain associated with the closure of defunct banks, Dr. Addison noted that the measures, supported by the government’s assumption of payments due to depositors, prevented the total collapse of the banking sector and, by extension, the entire financial sector.

Speaking at the Chartered Institute of Bankers 2023 Governor’s Day in Accra, Dr. Addison emphasized that the full benefits of the clean-up exercise would be realized with the expedited completion of legal proceedings, including over 1,300 civil and 21 criminal cases currently pending in various courts.

Addressing the recent economic challenges, Dr. Addison underscored the country’s strong economic fundamentals, stable financial sector, and advanced payment system architecture. Despite facing an unprecedented global shock in 2020 due to the pandemic, he commended the government’s swift response and clear public policy initiatives that effectively managed the consequences.

To finance pandemic-related expenses, the Bank of Ghana, the IMF (through the Rapid Credit Facility), and the World Bank intervened.

Dr. Addison highlighted the successful purchase of GHS10 billion of the Government’s Covid-19 bonds by the Bank of Ghana, which bridged the exceptional financing gap and helped contain the pandemic’s effects.

However, he pointed out that the fiscal cost associated with pandemic containment, coupled with spillovers from the Russia-Ukraine war in 2022, led to widened sovereign spreads on Ghana bonds and downgrades by Credit Rating Agencies.

This situation hindered Ghana’s access to international capital markets, causing the country to miss planned external borrowing of about US$3 billion.

Dr. Addison highlighted the importance of external borrowing to manage debt liabilities, including energy-related payment obligations, as Ghana faced annual external debt service payments and energy payments ranging from 3 to 4 billion US dollars annually as of 2020.

The Minister for Parliamentary Affairs, Osei Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu, has called for the enactment of the proposed Property Rights of Spouses Bill into law.

This move aims to govern the distribution of spousal property during divorces or separations.

Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu made this call in Accra during the Ministry of Parliamentary Affairs engagement with Parliament’s core leadership, addressing challenges and seeking support for the re-laying of the Bill in the next session.

The Property Rights of Spouses Bill, 2009, initially introduced by the Ministry of Justice, seeks to address issues faced by divorcees, especially women, regarding the sharing or distribution of property. Despite being laid before Parliament, the bill has faced challenges in passing.

The engagement included discussions on collaborative efforts to overcome challenges hindering the bill’s passage.

Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu emphasized the constitutional mandate in Article 22(2), directing Parliament to protect spousal property rights, underscoring the need to fulfill this obligation soon.

Expressing concern over the absence of such legislation, Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu highlighted the role of the courts in making judgments that have become guidelines for property distribution in the absence of a law.

He stressed the importance of legislation to ensure equity,

especially for those in polygamous marriages.

The Minister shared statistics from the 2021 Housing and Population Census, revealing over 950,000 marriages in Ghana are either divorced or separated out of approximately 8.4 million married Ghanaians.

He emphasized the urgency of passing the Property Rights of Spouses Law and commended the depth of provisions in the Land Act 2020 but stressed that it couldn’t replace the need for a comprehensive law.

Alhaji Mohammed Mubarak Muntaka, a National Democratic Congress MP, highlighted cultural, ethnic, marriage, and religious differences as impediments to the bill’s passage.

He called for a thorough review of the bill to incorporate societal variations.

Nana Otubea, the President of the Queen Mothers Association in Ghana, expressed concern about women being ejected from matrimonial homes in specific areas when their husbands pass away, urging Parliament to expedite the passage of the Property Rights of Spouses Bill to protect women’s rights in marriages.

In the upcoming District-Level elections in the Akatsi South Municipality of the Volta Region, a notable shift is evident as six women have submitted their candidacies for various Electoral Areas, challenging the prevailing ‘all-male dominance’ in the current assembly.

These female aspirants, hailing from different Electoral Areas, aspire to represent their communities and potentially alter the gender dynamics within the assembly.

Madam Patience Agozi, vying for the Live Electoral Area (EA), expressed optimism about securing a significant victory to amplify the voices of her constituents.

The list of female aspirants includes Madam Happy Justine Akorlor for Anyidzime-Zuta electoral area, Davordzi Angela for Agbedrafor electoral area, Akpalu Charity Sherry for Gefia electoral area, Comfort Afi Gorni for Kpevi-Gornikope electoral area, and Ahiabu Diana for Dzogadze electoral area.

Alongside these aspiring women, a total of 96 male candidates have entered the race, according to information from the Electoral Commission in Akatsi South.

Figures also reveal that 21 females are vying for Unit Committee slots, while a total of 217 males have submitted their candidacies from the 28 Electoral Areas within the Municipality.

The Electoral Commission has scheduled December 19 for the District-Level Elections, encompassing 6,252 electoral areas and 38,672 polling stations nationwide.

The Finance Minister, Ken Ofori-Atta, has revealed that the government plans to invest over GH¢400 million in the rejuvenation of the tourism sector next year.

The allocated funds will be utilized for the establishment of new tourist attractions, including museums, and the rehabilitation and enhancement of existing sites such as the Monkeys Sanctuary at Shai Hills, Mole National Park, Cape Coast, and Elmina Castles.

Speaking at the Ghana Tourism Investment Summit 2023 in Accra, the minister emphasized the necessity of increased funding to support sustainable tourism practices and modern infrastructure.

The move aligns with the government’s commitment to positioning the tourism sector as a significant contributor to socio-economic development.

“At a more micro-level, next year, the government, in conjunction with our development partners, will commit over GH¢400million to provide new tourist attractions in addition to renovating existing ones,” the minister announced in his keynote address at the Ghana Tourism Investment Summit 2023 held in Accra.

The tourism sector, encompassing arts, culture, and hospitality, is crucial to Ghana’s economy, providing sustainable jobs and ranking as the third contributor to the country’s GDP.

With the government emphasizing transformative change, the minister acknowledged the importance of private partnerships in fostering growth, emphasizing that tourism is government-led but private-sector-driven.

The Finance Minister stated, “Achieving success will require the engagement of all stakeholders,” emphasizing collaboration and partnerships in creating a sustainable and resilient tourism sector. The government is open to working with potential investors for community-based tourism initiatives, providing training, and fostering cultural preservation.

The Minister of Tourism, Culture, and Art, Dr. Ibrahim Mahammed Awal, emphasized the need for further efforts to attract and deepen the sector’s growth. With a target of two million tourists next year, the sector could potentially generate around US$6 billion, given an average tourist spend of US$3,000.

The summit, designed to showcase Ghana’s tourism investment opportunities, featured discussions on various projects, including the development of the Centre of the World Project, Air Charters and Chopper Services, Big Tree Tourist Site, Virtual Tourism Platforms, Akwamu Gorge, Assin Manso Slave River, Accra and Kumasi Zoos, and Tourism Taxi Service.

The Ghana Tourism Development Company (GTDC) highlighted its diverse portfolio of potential investment opportunities for the private sector.

A violent altercation that erupted last Friday in Denkyira Bibianiha, situated in the Upper Denkyira East Municipality of the Central Region, has tragically led to the loss of another life.

According to reports, a pestle dealer known as Twataye allegedly enticed a 19-year-old woman with GHc300, luring her into Bibianiha school with the intention of engaging in sexual activities.

The alert headteacher, who was still on the premises, raised an alarm, drawing the attention of the community’s youth.

Upon arrival, the mob attempted to assault the accused, but he was fortunately rescued and taken to the palace.

In the chaos, the aggressive group also made an attempt to seize the GHc300 reportedly given to the young lady.With the police responding slowly to the call for assistance, the town’s chiefs summoned ‘Macho men’ to intervene.

The resistance from the youth resulted in a gunshot being fired, leading to the tragic death of an individual identified as Alhaji.

The incident left several others injured. Alhaji, a married man with two children, has been identified as the victim of the fatal gunshot.The situation is currently under investigation by the authorities.

Ghana’s Finance Minister, Ken Ofori-Atta, has called for a strategic reevaluation of the ongoing discourse surrounding the construction of the National Cathedral, emphasizing its potential as a key driver of economic growth.

Addressing the Ghana Tourism Investment Summit 2023, Ofori-Atta underscored the cathedral’s role as robust infrastructure capable of significantly enhancing the tourism sector.

“As we look at something like the Cathedral that has economic benefits beyond what we see…In Africa, we have some 600 million people who are Christians so imagine Ghana as the new Jerusalem and these 600 million people floating through with $3,000 to spend, it is a very different reality.”

He envisioned the cathedral becoming a pilgrimage destination for millions of Christians across Africa, projecting substantial economic benefits with an estimated average spending of $3,000 per visitor, thereby contributing significantly to the country’s economy.

Despite the ongoing debates and controversies surrounding the cathedral project, Ofori-Atta advocated for a more constructive approach. He suggested that the government carefully consider the cathedral’s potential to contribute to Ghana’s economic development.

The Finance Minister also reiterated the government’s commitment to transforming the tourism and arts industry, recognizing its immense economic potential to drive growth and generate employment opportunities.

He acknowledged the multiplying impact of the tourism sector, stating that it can positively influence other industries and boost overall economic well-being.

“Even as we contend with it and fight about it, let’s think of this triangle and find a reason why we should also add that as part of the infrastructure base as we build a society with a strong, resilient, and robust future,” he emphasized.

Finance Minister Ken Ofori-Atta has suggested that the National Cathedral should be perceived as a catalyst for economic growth, emphasizing its potential to generate millions of dollars in revenue and positioning it as an economic venture.

Ofori-Atta urged a strategic reconsideration of ongoing debates surrounding the cathedral, highlighting its capacity to boost the government’s initiatives aimed at fostering tourism growth in Ghana.

Addressing the Ghana Tourism Investment Summit 2023, Ofori-Atta underscored the National Cathedral’s role in establishing robust infrastructure conducive to economic advancement.

He argued that the project’s significance extends beyond its religious and cultural aspects, envisioning economic benefits comparable to international pilgrimage sites.

In his remarks, Ofori-Atta stated, “This whole issue about the National Cathedral, in my mind, is the third leg of this triangle because how do you build a society in which you are clear in defining who you are politically? How do you build a society in which the economic engine is growing, and how do you contain that within the spiritual realm that ensures stability in the ages to come? And so, even as we look at something like the National Cathedral that has economic benefits beyond what we see, both in Israel and the Hajj, they realize about $6 billion to $8 billion a year and in Africa, we have some 600 million people who are Christians and so imagine Ghana as the new Jerusalem. It will be a different reality.”

Drawing parallels with global pilgrimage destinations like Israel and the Hajj, he highlighted their substantial economic impact, ranging from $6 billion to $8 billion annually.

Ofori-Atta envisioned Ghana, with its significant Christian population, becoming a symbolic hub akin to the new Jerusalem, presenting a distinct reality.

Expressing the government’s commitment to revitalizing the tourism and arts industry, Ofori-Atta emphasized their pivotal role in the country’s economic landscape.

He stressed the aim of increasing international tourist arrivals to enhance Ghana’s economic prospects, noting that tourism and the creative sectors are poised to contribute significantly to job creation in the future.

“We are looking at increasing Ghana’s international tourist arrivals, and so the Ghanaian economy is going to continue to significantly depend on tourism and the creative sectors to provide literally two out of the ten jobs that will be created going into the future.”

The Member of Parliament for Effutu, Alexander Afenyo-Markin, has denied the allegations circulating about the purported sale of the sacred forest in Winneba to investors for mining purposes.

The forest is specifically used for deer hunting during the Aboakyire festival.

Recent protests in Winneba were sparked by claims of the Ramsar site being handed over to investors for lithium mining, leading to public outcry.

Addressing the media, Afenyo-Markin categorically refutes the accusations, deeming them baseless and urging the public to disregard such unfounded claims.

He directly points fingers at the National Democratic Congress (NDC), accusing them of orchestrating and disseminating false information to tarnish his reputation and that of the government.

In an effort to provide clarity, Afenyo-Markin cites information from the Minerals Commission, stating that there is no record of receiving any application for mining activities in the sacred forest.

He underscored that no approval has been granted to any company for lithium mining in the said area.

The Effutu MP emphasizes the need for responsible communication and urges the public to verify information before accepting it. As the controversy unfolds, efforts to dispel the allegations and uphold the sanctity of the sacred forest continue.

“The NDC in my constituency has come out with serious allegations to the effect that government officials, including my office, sat unconcerned and allowed people to buy the sacred forest of Effutu where we go for deer hunting for the mining of lithium and I simply want to say that this allegation is false.”

“In fact, the Minerals Commission two years ago stated the effect that such an application has not even been received by them, not to mention approving a company to mine lithium in that sacred forest, and so I want to put it on record that there is no such thing.”

The Second Lady, Samira Bawumia, has shared the charming story of how Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia proposed to her before their marriage ceremony.

Recounting their journey, she revealed that they were introduced by mutual friends, which marked the beginning of their connection.
Samira emphasized that Dr. Bawumia fell in love with her at first sight during their initial meeting.

She clarified that she met Dr. Bawumia four years after completing her studies at Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST) and was already working.

In an interview with Asempa FM Samira Bawumia expressed happiness in their sixteen-year marriage, which has blessed them with four children.

During the interview, a listener asked where Dr. Bawumia proposed to her, drawing a comparison with Barack Obama proposing to Michelle at a restaurant. Samira laughed and responded, “But do Ghanaian men intentionally propose? We have been married for sixteen (16) years. The marriage ceremony was held on 14th February 2004. I went to school early so I completed Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST) in 2000. So I married after four years of completion.

“We did not meet right after I completed University; it was after some years. We met through mutual friends who introduced us. Immediately he [Dr. Bawumia] saw me, he realised I was the right fit for him. Now we have four children, three girls, and one strong boy.”

She clarified that they didn’t meet immediately after her university studies, and their introduction happened through mutual friends.

The second lady added humorously that when Dr. Bawumia saw her, he knew she was the right fit for him. The couple now has four children, three girls, and one strong boy.

Samira Bawumia’s marriage has been notably free of controversies, setting an example for others.

Meanwhile, Dr. Bawumia, currently the flagbearer of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), aims to achieve his presidential ambitions by winning the 2024 general elections.

Deputy Attorney General Alfred Tuah-Yeboah has provided clarification on the legal basis for the prison sentence and fine imposed on Chinese galamsey queen, Aisha Huang.

The Accra High Court recently sentenced Huang to four years in prison and fined her for illegal mining operations and unauthorized re-entry into Ghana.

Tuah-Yeboah addressed critics, including former Minister of Lands and Natural Resources Inusah Fuseini, who deemed the sentence lenient.

He explained that Huang was convicted based on laws from 2015 and 2017, emphasizing that sentencing is determined by the laws applicable at the time of the crime.

Tuah-Yeboah addressed critics, including former Minister of Lands and Natural Resources Inusah Fuseini, who deemed the sentence lenient.

He explained that Aisha Huang was convicted based on laws from 2015 and 2017, emphasizing that sentencing is determined by the laws applicable at the time of the crime.

Under the amended Minerals and Mining Act (Act 703) in 2015 and Act 900 in 2017, the punishment for engaging in illegal mining was specified as a fine of 3,000 penalty units and a minimum imprisonment of five years.

Tuah-Yeboah stressed that the court applied the laws in force during the period of Huang’s offenses.

“I think Inusah Fuseini got it wrong, because when it comes to punishment, it is so clear that when a person is convicted and is about to be sentenced or punishment, the law applicable is the law which was in existence at the time the crime was committed,” he said.

“Now if you look at the Minerals and Mining Act (Act 703)) it was amended in 2015, Act 900 amended that Act, under Act 900, the punishment for engaging in illegal mining was stated as a fine of 3,000 penalty units and an imprisonment of five years minimum.

“And so, having arrested her, and having claimed by our charge sheet that she committed these offences except the immigration offence, between 2015 and 2017, the only punishment that could be exacted on her is the punishment sanctioned under Act 900,” Tuah-Yeboah said.