Author: Phoebe Martekie Doku

The Health Committee’s Ranking Member, Kwabena Mintah Akandoh, has urgently called for an investigation into the closure of the Renal Unit’s Outpatient Department at the Korle Bu Teaching Hospital.

His appeal is prompted by mounting concerns surrounding the denial of vital healthcare services and the financial burdens faced by patients in need of life-saving dialysis treatments.

Addressing the parliament, Akandoh stated,”I, therefore, call on this house, with your guidance, to call the Minister Responsible for Health to come to this house and clarify why the outpatient department of the Renal Unit of Korle Bu Teaching Hospital remains closed and what measures have been instituted to ensure that the facility is reopened as soon as possible”.

He further implored the government to contemplate either fully subsidizing the cost of dialysis for Ghanaian patients or, at the very least, bridging the financial gap between the current fee of GHS380 and the planned increased charges.

His argument rested on the belief that such measures would alleviate the financial strain on patients and ensure their unimpeded access to essential life-saving dialysis treatments, thereby upholding the government’s commitment to delivering accessible and affordable healthcare services to all citizens.

Akandoh emphasized,”The Minister of Health and the hospital’s administration must, as a matter of priority, address this situation.

“The denial of essential healthcare services is a severe violation of patients’ rights and a breach of public trust. We implore the government to work diligently with the hospital to rectify this situation and uphold its commitment to providing accessible and affordable healthcare services to all citizens.

“The prompt reopening of the Renal Unit’s outpatient department and the provision of essential subsidies are crucial to ensure that healthcare services remain accessible and affordable for all citizens.

In conclusion, he fervently prayed that the Parliament of Ghana would demand a swift, transparent, and equitable resolution to this issue.

He believed that such a resolution would provide relief to the patients who have endured this ordeal and restore faith in Ghana’s healthcare institutions.

The Chief Executive Officer of Afribiz Group and founder of Jane’M Salon and Spa, Janet Sunkwa-Mills, initially found the idea of working as a salesperson at Nestlé Ghana unattractive because she aspired to a more prestigious role.

Having recently earned a master’s degree in Marketing, she had hoped for a position like Brand Manager, but was offered a sales role, which she initially considered beneath her.

However, she changed her perspective based on advice from Nestlé’s Managing Director in Ghana, who emphasized the importance of understanding the practical aspects of consumer engagement through sales.

“I’m like, sales? I didn’t feel like it was lofty. You have to go and sell Ideal milk and Maggi? I was like, oof! Alright”, she divulged.

According to her this experience was pivotal in her journey to becoming a successful marketer.

Despite her initial reservations about the sales role, she recognized the significance of learning to connect with consumers through face-to-face interactions, which theory alone could not provide.

“He said, until you learn how to sell a tin of milk, you cannot be in marketing, i.e. you can do the education part of it, but the practicality of the solution brings you face to face with your consumer”, she disclosed.

She faced challenges related to driving, but she was encouraged to learn, as it was a fundamental skill for her sales position.

The experience of driving a large car while engaging in sales taught her resilience and adaptability.

Janet stressed the importance of valuing salespeople, as they are essential in generating revenue for companies. She noted that without salespeople, marketers would have no role, highlighting the critical nature of sales in any organization.

She encouraged individuals with master’s degrees in marketing to consider starting their careers as salespeople, as it provides valuable insights into consumer behavior and practical marketing solutions.

“So when I went to the interview, there was a lady there who asked me, do you know how to drive? And I said no, I don’t know how to drive. And she said, go and learn how to drive. So immediately after school when I started working, they enrolled me in the then McAshley Driving School. So I learned how to drive through a driving school”, she revealed.

“In my first job as a salesperson at Nestlé, I was given a huge car, an American Chevrolet, and when I sat in it, you wouldn’t even see that I was in it. It was that big. But you know, it was challenging yet so exciting, because you’re sitting in the car, nobody is seeing you, yet you’re honking and driving through everything. It taught me how to be tough”, she shared.

Janet’s journey at Nestlé began as a salesperson and later progressed to a sales administrator, offering her an understanding of business aspects such as profit margins and distribution costs.

This experience was foundational for her role as a Brand Manager, which was her ultimate goal.

In conclusion, Janet emphasized the importance of starting as a salesperson when pursuing a career in marketing, as it offers a well-rounded perspective and enhances one’s ability to succeed in loftier positions like Brand Manager.

The Leader of the Movement for Change, John Alan Kyerematen, has stated that Ghana is in need of a transformational leader, not just another political party.

Speaking to the media he emphasized that it’s time for Ghanaians to shift their focus away from affiliations with traditional parties like the NPP and NDC.

Instead, he encourages the selection of leaders who possess a vision and practical ideas to lead the country towards a better and safer future.

Mr Kyerematen’s decision to run as an independent candidate in the 2024 general elections is aimed at uniting individuals from diverse professional, educational, religious, ethnic, and other backgrounds who are committed to the vision of transforming the nation for the benefit of future generations.

He discusses his objective to establish a platform for a power-sharing arrangement through a government of national unity under his leadership during the ‘first volunteer activation forum’ in Kumasi.

The forum’s purpose is to educate and train young people on how to engage new members in the movement and secure their votes in the upcoming general elections.

Over four thousand youth volunteers from the Ashanti region attended the forum, demonstrating their eagerness to support John Alan Kyerematen’s Movement for Change campaign.

Mr Kyerematen, who presented his ideas clad in a yellow T-shirt featuring the monarch butterfly logo, emphasizes his commitment to transformational and unifying leadership.

He points to his past achievements as evidence that he is well-positioned to become the next President of Ghana, highlighting his contributions to the country’s development during his tenure as Trade Minister in President Kuffour’s government.

Mr Kyerematen believes that involving ordinary citizens in decision-making is crucial, as it has been lacking in the country’s governance. He envisions an inclusive decision-making process during his presidency.

He calls attention to the fact that despite thirty years of rule by the NPP and NDC, there has been minimal improvement in the lives of the people.

He urged Ghanaians to carefully evaluate the current state of the country, look beyond party affiliations, and select leaders capable of reshaping the nation’s fortunes.

Mr Kyerematen announced plans to replicate the ‘volunteer activation forum’ in all 16 regions to cultivate a group of young men and women who are forward-thinking and dedicated to creating new leadership for the next generation.

A midwife at the Dormaa Presbyterian Hospital, Madam Regina Amponsah, has cautioned women against placing mobile phones near their breasts, as this practice may contribute to an increased risk of breast cancer.

She emphasized the potential dangers of this habit, as the vibration from the phone could generate heat in the breast area, which, if prolonged, might lead to the development of breast cancer.

Madam Amponsah shared these insights during an interview with the media in Dormaa Ahenkro, Bono Region, following an event marking the culmination of Breast Cancer Awareness Month in October at the hospital.

The event was a collaborative effort between the hospital and the George Gyewu Family Foundation, aimed at raising awareness about breast cancer, screening, and examination services.

Madam Amponsah also highlighted other risk factors for breast cancer, such as excessive alcohol consumption, smoking, obesity, and the use of anti-aging pills containing hormones, particularly among women.

She expressed concern about the lack of a mammogram at the hospital, making it challenging for women in the area who need screening for suspected cases of the disease. They must be referred to the Regional Hospital in Sunyani for accurate detection, confirmation, and diagnosis.

She appealed to individuals and Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) to support the hospital in acquiring a mammogram to provide quality services to the local population.

Additionally, she stressed the hospital’s commitment to expanding breast cancer education through various channels, including churches, community gatherings, local radio stations, and one-on-one interactions, to disseminate information and reduce the number of breast cancer cases.

Madam Amponsah urged women to be vigilant for signs and symptoms of breast cancer, such as hardened lumps, unusual discharge, and rashes on the breast or nipples, and seek prompt medical attention and treatment if any of these warning signs are detected.

The National Democratic Congress (NDC) has expressed its reservations about the Electoral Commission’s decision to conduct the recent limited voter registration exercise at the district level. However, the party has stated that it does not oppose the upcoming exhibition of the voters’ register.

The Electoral Commission recently announced its plans to exhibit the provisional voters’ register from November 3 to November 7 at all 38,622 polling stations across the country.

During an interview with the media, the Deputy Secretary of the NDC, Mustapha Gbande, remarked, “It is not about being happy. Why centralize registration for people to go through stress? The EC made the registration cumbersome.”

Despite these concerns, Mr Gbande emphasized that the NDC does not intend to engage in further disputes with the Electoral Commission regarding the voter register exhibition exercise.

Instead, the party is determined to focus on understanding the electoral landscape to secure victory in the upcoming elections.

“That is the NDC’s position as far as this exercise is concerned. We have no objections to the exhibition they want to do. We will follow through, get people verified, and then we can move on to the district assembly elections.”

The General Secretary of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Justin Kodua Frimpong, has emphasized that the NPP’s track record in reviving and enhancing Ghana’s economy is unparalleled.

During a press conference held to discuss the logistics for the NPP’s presidential elections on November 4, Kodua highlighted that in terms of economic management, the NPP outshines the National Democratic Congress (NDC).

He remarked, “When it comes to managing Ghana’s economy, our opponents do not have a comparable record. It is the case that today, the NDC feels emboldened because COVID-19 and the Russia-Ukraine War have eroded the gains we made immediately upon taking over on 7th January 2017.”

“When it comes to managing Ghana’s economy, our opponents do not have a comparable record. It is the case that today, the NDC feels emboldened because COVID-19 and Russia-Ukraine War have vanquished the gains we made immediately upon taking over on 7th January 2017.”

Mr Kodua also commended the economic and managerial acumen of former President Kufuor and the current President, Akufo-Addo.

Under President John Agyekum Kufuor, from 7th January 2001 to 7th January 2009, the NPP pulled Ghana’s economy out of the stagnation the NDC left. Again, under President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, we grew the economy on average 7 percent from another NDC stagnation for three consecutive years before the disruptions of the Covid-19 pandemic and Russia’s War in Ukraine. The truth is that we are fixing the economy, and soon, the hardships of today will be history. The assurance to Ghanaians that we will regenerate the economy is manifest in our record.”

A prominent member of Kennedy Agyapong’s flagbearer campaign, Alex Tetteh, has urged the Electoral Commission (EC) and party leaders to guarantee a just and transparent process in the New Patriotic Party’s (NPP) flagbearer election set for November 4, 2023.

During an interview on Okay FM on November 2, 2023, he stressed the importance of conducting the election without irregularities, warning of potential consequences if the process is marred by problems.

Mr Tetteh highlighted the significance of upholding the NPP’s reputation, as it serves as an example to other political parties of a peaceful and democratic election.

He stated, “When NDC voted, they didn’t record any form of violence, and others are looking up to us and NPP, so they should let the voting process become smooth for us to unite afterward. Because if it doesn’t go smoothly, we will never agree, and Ken’s team will not allow such things to happen.”

He continued “When Ken wins, we need Bawumia, and similarly, Bawumia also needs Ken, so they shouldn’t do things that will bring division among us. If they want the thing to be fair, all of us will agree, but if they do not want it that way, we will never agree because everyone has his or her preference.

“We should make it fair play for everyone to go and vote and go home, but if you try to tamper with the results, that won’t be possible. Ken has said that if they joke, what will come will be worse, and they know him already,” he added.

He went on to emphasize the interdependence of both Kennedy Agyapong and Vice President Dr. Bawumia, suggesting that their cooperation is crucial for the party’s unity. Tetteh urged for a level playing field for all voters and cautioned against any attempts to manipulate the results.

The NPP has scheduled November 4, 2023, for the election of a new leader to succeed President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo. The race includes four contenders: Kennedy Agyapong, Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, Dr. Owusu Afriyie Akoto, and Francis Addai-Nimoh.

The Majority Chief Whip in Parliament, Frank Annoh-Dompreh, has revealed that a substantial 95 percent of New Patriotic Party (NPP) Members of Parliament have pledged their support for Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia in the upcoming Presidential election.

The elections, scheduled for Saturday, November 4, 2023, will involve over 200,000 delegates from across the country.

This highly anticipated exercise will select a flagbearer to represent the NPP in the 2024 General Elections and will be conducted in each constituency across all 16 regions of the country.

Expressing his confidence in Dr. Bawumia’s victory in an interview, Annoh-Dompreh stated, “We know it is a foregone conclusion; Dr. Bawumia is going to win hands down. It used to be around 80 percent, but now it’s even higher, hovering around 95 percent. Our focus now is to ensure that after Saturday, we progress into a united front.”

The NPP presidential primaries on November 4 will feature four aspirants, including Dr. Bawumia and Assin Central MP, Kennedy Agyapong, who are the frontrunners.

A recent poll conducted by the Institute of Research, Innovation & Development at Kumasi Technical University indicates that Dr. Bawumia stands a strong chance of securing victory in eight regions, with 71.1% of NPP delegates believing he has a higher likelihood of breaking the eight-year cycle.

The other two contestants are former Agriculture Minister Dr. Owusu Afriyie Akoto and former MP for Mampong, Francis Addai-Nimoh.

The aspirants have collectively agreed not to resign from the party if they lose the primary, as decided in a meeting with the National Council of Elders.

A member of Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia’s campaign team, Frederick Opare-Ansah, has contradicted claims that Alan Kyerematen was a favored candidate of former President John Agyekum Kufuor.

During an interview with Umaru Sanda Amadu on Citi TV’s Face to Face program, Opare-Ansah clarified, “Alan is not a Kufuor loyalist, not in the way people have assumed since 2007.”

He went on to elaborate that in the 2007 NPP flagbearer race, Papa Owusu-Ankomah was considered the establishment candidate, and Kyerematen entered the scene later.

Mr Opare-Ansah firmly maintained that Kufuor remains a steadfast member of the NPP and does not endorse Kyerematen’s departure from the party.

“I have always been Kufuor, I served under Kufuor. I have not served in Nana Addo’s government,” Opare-Ansah said. “I am an Akan and I know millions like me in NPP who are not following Alan anymore. No, I don’t believe so. Kufuor is a true true elephant person.”

Opare-Ansah also asserted that Kyerematen left the NPP because he was dissatisfied with his third-place finish in the party’s super delegates conference.

He regarded Mr Kyerematen’s allegations of unfairness as exaggerated and pointed out that it was Mr Kyerematen’s agents who initiated a disturbance at one of the conference centers.

“From what I heard, he was unhappy about the position he received, but that, in my opinion, shouldn’t have been the way he chose to exit the NPP,” Opare-Ansah said. “I have also listened to what happened, and in fact, the attack was initiated by his agent going out of his way to take on a function that is not his own.

“For example, if someone shows his ballot, it is not the responsibility of an agent to stop him from putting it in the box; it is a matter for the EC and the police who are there.”

Kwabena Kwakye, a member of Kennedy Ohene Agyapong’s campaign team, who is vying for the New Patriotic Party (NPP) flagbearer position, has alleged that former Suhum MP, Frederick Opare-Ansah, parted ways with their campaign after certain demands he presented were rejected by their candidate.

As part of a series of revelations aimed at discrediting Opare-Ansah’s recent criticisms against their candidate, Ken’s team has released images and information suggesting that Opare-Ansah’s motivations are rooted in bitterness.

Kwabena Kwakye disclosed that Opare-Ansah played a pivotal role in the early stages of Ken’s campaign, particularly during the strategy development phase.

He recounted an initial meeting at Ken Agyapong’s residence in Assin Fosu, where Opare-Ansah delivered a presentation on his laptop, outlining reasons why Ken would be a strong contender for the presidency and highlighting his advantages over other candidates.

“When Hon Ken decided to contest for the presidency, the first brainstorming meeting we attended at his home in Assin Fosu … you Hon Opare-Ansah were the one who did the presentation on your laptop in one of the halls of Hon. Ken Agyapong.

“You did a presentation outlining why he would win including his advantages. You stated that Bawumia is not his equal,” Mr Kwakye stated during a presentation his Boiling Point program on Ken Agyapong’s Oman FM.

During this presentation, Opare-Ansah had notably emphasized that Vice President Bawumia was not on par with Ken Agyapong.

However, following the brainstorming session, Opare-Ansah reportedly made certain demands, including a monthly salary of $10,000 and a Toyota Land Cruiser, which were rejected by Kennedy Agyapong.

Subsequently, Opare-Ansah disengaged from the campaign and eventually aligned himself with Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia’s campaign.

“We had not even setup a team and you went to ask for your salary of $10,000 a month plus a land cruiser as a campaign team member,” he alleged.

Kwabena Kwakye pointed out that they had noticed Opare-Ansah’s disengagement from their campaign platform, which led to his removal. Two weeks later, Opare-Ansah was heard on radio praising Dr. Bawumia.

This rift between Opare-Ansah and Ken Agyapong had been ongoing, with Ken Agyapong alleging that Opare-Ansah harbored bitterness after not being appointed as campaign manager for the MP.

Opare-Ansah has been vocal in recent interviews, expressing strong criticism of Agyapong and asserting that Ken’s threats hold no weight, further predicting Ken’s loss in the NPP primaries on November 4.

Opare-Ansah had also made allegations that Ken Agyapong had requested $500 million in annual contracts to support Dr. Bawumia’s candidacy, an accusation that Ken Agyapong vehemently denied, claiming instead that he was offered $800 million to withdraw from the race.

Kennedy Agyapong is running for the NPP flagbearer position alongside three other contenders: Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, Dr. Owusu Afriyie Akoto, and Francis Addai-Nimoh.

The NPP has scheduled the primary elections for November 4, 2023, to select the successor to Akufo-Addo as the party’s leader.

A contender in the New Patriotic Party’s (NPP) presidential race, Kennedy Agyapong, has stated that religion has done more harm done good to Ghana’s development.

In an interview uploaded on Dan Kwaku Yeboah TV on Youtube, he pointed out that certain behaviors and actions of individuals affiliated with Christian, Muslim and religious bodies have needlessly introduced pressure and drama to the country.

Mr. Agyapong highlighted that people often criticize politicians for failing to act in the country’s best interest. 

According to him, politicians are engaging in inappropriate or unethical behavior without being held accountable as a result of the decline in moral values within religious bodies.

However, he emphasized the need to shift this narrative and place responsibility on “Christians, Muslims, and religious bodies” as the initial source of blame for enabling certain political actions.

He argued that there was a time when religious teachings instilled a fear of involvement in corruption and immoral activities.

“I will blame politicians but I will blame Christians or religious bodies first. Feel free to vote for me or not; just as you hold politicians accountable for their perceived failures, it’s essential to acknowledge that Christians, Muslims, and religious bodies have also fallen short in their contributions to the country.

“The teachings and values that once guided our lives have evolved, and the moral compass of today is quite different from what it used to be. Therefore, if you are critical of politicians, it’s equally important to muster the courage to scrutinize the role of Christians and religious institutions.

“In the past, serving a man of God was a source of great joy and a means to spiritual guidance. However, today, that sentiment has waned due to the decline in the quality of religious teachings,” he added.

Mr. Agyapong contended that a significant number of Ghanaians remain unemployed because they have relied solely on prayers, neglecting the pursuit of employment due to beliefs propagated by certain religious leaders.

The Member of Parliament for Assin North further asserted that it is high time these religious leaders  prioritize living in accordance with biblical teachings and to steer clear of personal interests.

A group of traders at the Agona Swedru Market have called on Ghanaians to rally behind Vice President Dr Mahamudu Bawmia, in the upcoming New Patriotic Party’s (NPP) presidential contest.

The market women emphasized that Dr. Bawumia has unequivocally demonstrated his superiority as the most qualified candidate among the contenders, and they firmly believe he is the only individual capable of achieving a more prosperous Ghana.

They stressed the need for Ghanaians to cease criticizing the Akufo-Addo-led government for not doing enough for the country.

They pointed out the significant impact of the Free SHS program introduced by Akufo-Addo, highlighting that it has allowed many children attend school for free as well as lightened the financial burden on parents.

Furthermore, the market women commended Akufo-Addo’s assistance to Ghanaians during the COVID-19 pandemic.

“People who claim that Akufo-Addo has achieved nothing, who introduced free education? Akufo-Addo supported Ghanaians during the Covid-19 crisis. We, the women of Agona Swedru Market, pledge our votes for Bawumia. Fellow Ghanaians, please vote for Bawumia this Saturday because he truly comprehends the challenges facing our nation. He possesses all the essential qualities to make Ghana a better place,” they stated.

The market women pledged their support for Bawumia and urged all Ghanaians to vote for him in the upcoming election, emphasizing his understanding of the citizens’ needs and his capability to make Ghana a better place.

During his address to delegates in the Upper East Region, Dr. Bawumia asserted his suitability to lead the party through the 2024 General Election.

Addressing delegates in the Upper East Region, Dr Bawumia stated that is  the ideal leader to guide the party through the 2024 General Election.

He encouraged delegates and his enthusiastic supporters to follow his lead in the flagbearer election, highlighting his extensive experience as President Akufo-Addo’s running mate in two prior successful elections, making him the most appropriate candidate to secure victory in the 2024 general election for the NPP.

Dr. Bawumia emphasized his extensive experience as President Akufo-Addo’s running mate in two successful past elections, making him the most suitable candidate among the flagbearer aspirants to secure victory in next year’s general election for the NPP.

“President Nana Akufo-Addo and I have won two elections. First, we won the 2016 election, and then we also won the 2020 election. So if you need someone to break the 8 then you need the aspirant who knows how to win.

“In the upcoming days, there will be lies upon lies. But let’s ignore the lies and go and vote for me to become the flagbearer for us to break the 8,” Dr Bawumia said.

The NPP will choose its flagbearer for the forthcoming 2024 elections on Saturday, November 4, with four prominent party members competing for the position.

The election will be conducted across all 16 regions of the country, representing a significant milestone in the party’s democratic process.

The presidential primary features a spirited competition among four candidates, each vying for the NPP’s coveted nomination.

These contenders are Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, the Member of Parliament for Assin, Dr. Owusu Akoto Afriyie, former MP for Mampong, Francis Addai-Nimoh, and Kennedy Ohene Agyapong, who hails from the Central Region.

Vote massively for Dr. Bawumia to continue social intervention programs – Agona Swedru Market women #UTVNews pic.twitter.com/gI4DuPWGzA

— UTV Ghana (@utvghana) November 1, 2023

The Chairman of the New Patriotic Party’s Council of Elders, Hackman Owusu-Agyemang, has expressed his deep concerns about the current state of affairs within the party in the lead-up to the presidential primary scheduled for Saturday, November 4, 2023.

During his opening address at the Council of Elders’ meeting held at the Alisa Hotel, Mr. Owusu Agyemang candidly conveyed his apprehensions that personal interests may be taking precedence over the party’s shared objectives.

The NPP is set to choose its flagbearer for the forthcoming 2024 elections on Saturday, November 4, with four prominent party members competing for the position. In a statement that resonated with many within the party, Mr. Owusu-Agyemang remarked, “We’ve allowed our personal interests to overshadow our common goal of party unity.”

Mr. Owusu-Agyemang, a seasoned figure in Ghanaian politics and a former Member of Parliament for New Juaben North, stressed the importance of party members remembering the broader goal of securing electoral victory. He called upon them to prioritize the enduring principles and values that have historically guided the NPP, rather than personal ambitions.

He acknowledged that the race for the flagbearer position had, at times, sparked passionate debates and disagreements within the party and among supporters of the presidential candidates.

Nevertheless, he urged all presidential aspirants to avoid division and strive for unity after the presidential primary on Saturday.

A subchief who confessed to selling a piece of land to two different individuals has publicly been reprimanded by Asantehene Otumfuo Osei Tutu II.

The first buyer, one of the two victims, brought the chief to the Otumfuo’s Palace, where the chief faced severe questioning outside the regular royal court session. In a video that has been circulating on social media, Otumfuo is seen in his courtyard, surrounded by his subjects and aides.

The chief, accompanied by his entourage, and the complainant are being questioned directly by the Asantehene. It is not currently clear when this incident took place.

At various points in the video, Otumfuo’s voice becomes stern as he addresses issues related to injustice and abuse of power by the chief.

He warned the chief, “If you misbehave, I will destool you immediately. If you sell a land and make a reentry but fail to inform the first owner, why allow someone else on the same parcel? Now the matter is being thrashed, what are insinuating? That you are wiser than everyone else? Is someone not on the land?”.

The original landowner stated that the issue was brought to Manhyia in 2014, and she took the chief to court because he refused to comply with the outcome of the Palace arbitration.

However, the chief denied that the matter had been heard at Manhyia when he was summoned by the courts.

In recent months, Otumfuo has announced his intention to crack down on chiefs involved in illegal small-scale mining (galamsey) and the double sale of land.

Several chiefs have been warned of possible destoolment for their involvement in these activities.

Drama unfolded in Parliament on Wednesday, November 1, 2023, as Members of Parliament (MPs) representing constituents affected by recent military brutality in Garu shared their harrowing accounts.

Among them was Mahama Ayariga, the MP for Bawku Central, who detailed the events that led to the Ghana Armed Forces personnel assaulting innocent residents in Garu, Tempane, and Bugri.

Ayariga disclosed that the trouble began when some residents noticed an unfamiliar vehicle behind a local church in their community.

Suspicious of the occupants, they interrogated them and subsequently decided to take them to the Garu police station for verification. It was at this point that the situation escalated.

Upon reaching the police station, it was confirmed that the occupants of the vehicle were two men who had identified themselves as national security operatives.

However, due to past incidents involving national security officers, the residents insisted on searching the vehicle.

Mr Ayariga explained, “When they searched, they found automatic rifles, they found pestles, they found armor, they found bulletproof vests in the vehicle. So, the residents naturally became apprehensive, given previous incidents allegedly involving national security officers.”

The residents expressed their unwillingness to release the said national security operatives until a thorough investigation had been conducted to verify their identities. Later, unknown gunmen suddenly opened fire at the police station, prompting everyone to flee.

Ayariga further recounted that, upon learning of the incident, he contacted the Minister for National Security, Albert Kan-Dapaah, who confirmed that the individuals in police custody were indeed national security operatives.

He advised the residents to allow the operatives to continue their work, and a group of soldiers from Bawku arrived to escort them.

The MP then continued to describe how, in the days following the departure of the national security operatives from Garu, a group of soldiers returned to the community and surrounding areas, causing havoc.

Approximately 40 soldiers, according to Mr Ayariga, launched an attack on the communities at 3:00 a.m., moving from house to house in groups of four. They besieged Garu, Tempane, and Bugri, subjecting residents to beatings and ransacking homes.

Ayariga’s narration shed light on the disturbing events that transpired in the affected areas, sparking discussions and calls for accountability within the parliament.

The Member of Parliament for Ablekuma North, Sheila Bartels, has criticized a flagbearer aspirant in the upcoming New Patriotic Party (NPP) presidential primaries, Kennedy Agyapong, for his recent actions.

Kennedy Agyapong, who also serves as the Member of Parliament for Assin Central, has been publicly addressing issues within the NPP and making allegations against fellow party members.

In October 2023, he accused the Greater Accra Regional Minister of being involved in the illegal sale of lands in Accra.

In a video that has gained widespread attention on social media, Kennedy Agyapong claimed that he himself was a victim of such an illegal land sale, as a piece of land he had purchased near UPSA for $200,000 had become a subject of litigation and was now in court.

Mr Agyapong also asserted that he had played a significant role in securing influential positions for Henry Quartey, who is both the Member of Parliament for Ayawaso Central and the Greater Accra Regional Minister.

“Henry Quartey, because of the big positions I secured for him, today he claims he is a regional minister with all the lands he has stolen in Accra.

He accused Quartey of benefiting from these positions and of engaging in land-related misconduct in Accra.

Furthermore, Kennedy Agyapong alleged that Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia’s campaign team had attempted to bribe him to accept an offer to be his running mate, but he had declined the offer.

He also accused Dr. Bawumia of engaging in actions that could potentially harm the party, claiming that Bawumia and his team were intimidating party members who did not support his candidacy.

In an exclusive interview with the media, Sheila Bartels expressed her concerns about the falsehoods being spread by Kennedy Agyapong, stating that they were damaging the party’s reputation.

She emphasized the importance of party unity for the 2024 elections and criticized Agyapong for his divisive rhetoric.

Sheila Bartels added that the NPP needed to avoid the negative impact of the misinformation and unverified claims that Agyapong had been making.

She stressed the importance of responsible communication within the party and the need to present a united front for the upcoming elections.

“To think the untruth, the lies that he is putting out are killing us because the thing is, there are people that are always vulnerable and when they support you, they will always take whatever you say hook, line and sinker. You don’t go to platforms and say things that you know are untrue and then come back and apologise. When you do that, people who do not hear the apology will continue to see the party in a bad light,” Sheila Bartels added.

Today, Thursday, November 9, 2023, the Minister of National Security, Albert Kan-Dapaah, will provide a parliamentary briefing concerning the alleged military actions that affected the residents of Garu and Tempane in the Upper East Region on the early morning of Sunday, October 29, 2023.

This development comes in response to mounting criticism surrounding the incident, which has led to the parliament summoning the minister to provide an explanation.

In the town of Garu, residents endured harsh treatment when some military personnel from the Ghana Armed Forces reportedly carried out a retaliatory assault, resulting in numerous victims requiring hospitalization.

The military’s actions were purportedly in response to a confrontation involving national security operatives who were in the region for a counterterrorism mission.

This move comes after Members of Parliament (MPs) expressed concerns about the military’s actions in the constituency.

Following their concerns voiced on November 1, 2023, during parliamentary proceedings, Andrew Amoako Asiamah, the Second Deputy Speaker of Parliament, issued a directive to the Minister of National Security.

The Deputy Speaker called for the minister to appear before the entire House to provide an update on the situation on November 9, 2023.

“At the moment, what I want to do is to invite the Minister to appear before the entire House, come and brief us. Probably what we are hearing is different from what the Minister has at his sleeves. So let us invite the Minister to appear before the House, he will come and brief the House, and we will take it on from there.

“So I am asking that the Minister appear before the house on Thursday, the 9th of November 2023, to brief the House concerning issues related to happenings at Garu and Tempane,” the Second Deputy Speaker said.

The Member of Parliament for Bolgatanga Central, Isaac Adongo, has expressed his belief that John Dramani Mahama will offer the best solution to Ghana’s economic challenges if he becomes president.

Mr Adongo argued that the mismanagement of Ghana’s economy, which necessitated an IMF bailout during President Akufo-Addo’s tenure, can only be significantly improved with the victory of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) flagbearer in the 2024 presidential election.

Adongo emphasized that Ghana is at a critical juncture, having been led into a difficult situation by the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP).

He stated, “Our country is at a crossroads and the next government to be formed by the NDC is going to be a government of solutions. If there is anybody with the experience, the humility, and the tenacity of purpose to deliver and solve those problems and bring our country back on track, it is His Excellency John Dramani Mahama.”

“Ghana is not ready to gamble with another try-and-see. When they came and said they knew how to manage the economy, they took us to 54%. We have filed for bankruptcy. Around the world, we are now being teased and we’re now being compared with Suriname and Sri Lanka,” he added.

Isaac Adongo made these remarks at a unity walk in Bolgatanga, where he argued that the struggles to restructure Ghana’s debt are indicative of a struggling and insolvent economy.

While government spokespeople have attributed the country’s economic challenges to the Russia-Ukraine War and COVID-19, Adongo believes it is primarily a result of mismanagement.

Isaac Adongo is seeking a third-term bid to represent his constituency in parliament.

In the aftermath of the legal dispute between former Black Stars player Asamoah Gyan and his ex-wife Gifty, it has been revealed that she presented impostors as her parents during their marriage ceremony.

According to the lawyer for the former Black Stars striker, Edwin Kusi Appiah, this revelation came to light during the testimony of witnesses presented by Asamoah Gyan during the three-year trial.

“When we went to court, people familiar with the woman who testified in court said that the people the woman brought to witness the marriage as her father and mother were actually not her father and mother and they are the people she introduced to Asamoah as her parents,” the lawyer said in an interview UTV on Wednesday, November 1, 2o23.

On October 31, 2023, an Accra High Court passed judgment in the protracted divorce battle between the former Ghana international and his ex-wife, Gifty. The court annulled the marriage that was contracted in 2013, and in the process, made consequential decisions regarding the paternity of the couple’s three children.

Gyan had initially denied paternity, leading the court to conduct a DNA test, which confirmed that he was indeed the father of the children.

Dennis Law, in their report of the case, addressed the paternity issue, stating, “Initially, Asamoah Gyan had denied paternity of their three children, seeking an annulment of their marriage.

He added that however, the court, in its decision on October 31, 2023, established that the three children are indeed the progeny of Asamoah Gyan.

Furthermore, the court made consequential directions concerning the children’s upkeep after the dissolution of the marriage, which included a monthly payment of 25,000 Ghana cedis from Asamoah Gyan to Gifty Gyan.

This stipend is designated for the welfare and upbringing of the three children, excluding expenses such as school fees, medical and dental care, flight tickets, and various other childcare-related costs.

Parents Introduced by Asamoah Gyan's Ex-Wife During Their Marriage Were Not Her Biological Parents – Asamoah Gyan's lawyer Edwin Kusi-Appiah reveals#UTVSports pic.twitter.com/I27cwP9QQG

— UTV Ghana (@utvghana) November 1, 2023

A member of Kennedy Agyapong’s campaign team, Oliver Amoako, believes that Agyapong’s vision and personality strongly resonate with the Ghanaian people.

Mr Amoako emphasized that Agyapong’s strength lies in his grassroots connections, making him a suitable candidate to lead the New Patriotic Party (NPP) and the country.

In an interview with the media, Mr Amoako expressed confidence that Agyapong is the kind of leader needed during challenging times to guide the nation towards improvement.

He stated, “Kennedy Agyapong belongs to the grassroots, and for him, that is where his strength is. So for us, we are just waiting for November 4. Where we are as a country, the personality of Kennedy Agyapong and his vision resonate with the youth and the masses.”

On the other hand, Dr. Owusu Afriyie Akoto, another NPP flagbearer hopeful, is confident about securing the mandate of delegates to lead the party into the 2024 general elections.

The NPP is set to elect its flagbearer on Saturday, November 4, with over 200,000 delegates casting their votes among four candidates.

The former Agriculture Minister, Dr. Akoto, pledged to unite the party and appealed to delegates to vote for him.

He stated, “Our monitoring and independent research confirm that victory is on the horizon, and the emerging trends in the mood of the delegates encourage me to make a passionate appeal to the undecided to vote for me on Saturday.”

The National Association of Graduate Teachers (NAGRAT) has issued a warning, stating that it may instruct its members to take breaks from work if the government does not engage in discussions about reverting to the trimester system for the academic calendar.

This response comes in light of the recently released academic calendar, which has form 2 and form 3 students under the single-track system commencing their academic year on November 1 and concluding on March 6.

Form two students under the double-track system are expected to begin on March 8 and continue until May 9, allowing minimal rest periods for teachers.

In an interview with the media, the President of NAGRAT, Angel Carbonu, expressed concerns about the confusion surrounding the current education system.

He emphasized that the Ministry of Education and the Ghana Education Service (GES) cannot provide a timeline for resolving the confusion.

Mr Carbonu suggested a solution by not admitting first-year students into the double-track program for the 2023/2024 academic year.

This move would ensure that, within three years, all schools would return to normal operations.

However, he asserted that teachers would not continue working without adequate rest periods, and there might come a time when they decide to take such breaks independently, without relying on management.

“They are more confused than anybody. Because I can assure you, the Ministry of Education and the Ghana Education Service (GES), cannot tell you when the confusion will end. If we were serious, we should not admit the 2023/2024 first years into any double-track programme.

“Then we can say certainly that within three years, all schools will come back to normal if we can discipline ourselves and say we want to end the double track in the next three years.

“Let us not admit form ones into the double track, then I can say within the next three years in 2026, we will all end the double track for schools to run normally. But one thing I can assure everybody is that we will not continue to be working without rest periods. And a time will come when we take the rest period for ourselves, without resorting to management.” Angel Carbonu said.

A civil society organization, Environment Report Ghana, has called on Newmont Africa to cease all exploration operations in the Tano North District until the concerns of farmers impacted by the mining company’s activities are addressed.

In a statement dated Thursday, November 2, 2023, the organization cited data collected from five communities, revealing that Newmont Africa had, among other issues, encroached upon farmlands, including those embroiled in legal disputes.

“Following our three days evidence-gathering visit to five communities in the Tano North District of the Ahafo Region where Newmont Africa is developing a new mining site, we recommend that, the mining company temporarily halt its exploration activities,” the statement read.

The Environment Report listed several reasons for this recommendation, including the destruction of farmlands and fishponds, which has deprived farmers of their livelihoods.

“As a mining company that prides itself on having due regard for the human rights of all persons affected by its mining projects, we recommend that, Newmont Africa temporarily halt all exploration activities at the Ahafo North Project to address the concerns of the farmers, especially the 84 members of the Concern Farmers Association whose land are under litigation as well as the affected fish farmers.

“We also urge Newmont Africa to quickly withdraw all court cases against some members of the Concerned Farmers at Terchire for amicable settlement through a mediator,” the environment advocacy group stated.

A video featuring the Member of Parliament for Okaikwei North Constituency in the National Democratic Congress (NDC), Theresa Lardi Awuni, has recently gone viral.

In the 31-second video, MP Awuni is seen addressing a gathering, expressing her displeasure towards a branch executive, believed to be from her party.

This executive had questioned her about the use of the District Assembly Common Fund allocated to the constituency on a shared platform they both belong to.

Awuni explained that the executive questioned her regarding the fund, and she responded by saying, “I used it to buy kebabs for your mother and father… is the Common Fund personal money given to us? I haven’t even received it directly.”

The District Assembly Common Fund (DACF) is established to provide resources for the development activities of local government in Ghana. It is sourced from various revenue streams, including a percentage of national tax revenue, income from fund investments, and donations.

The DACF aims to ensure equitable distribution of national resources for development across the country, improving housing, sanitation, primary healthcare, education, and supporting community policing.

The fund is administered by the DACF Administrator, who proposes an annual allocation formula, distributes the fund to various Municipal and District Assemblies (MMDAs), and reports to the Ministry of Finance on its utilization.

Despite the benefits of the DACF, it faces challenges such as delayed disbursement, government interference, inadequate funding, misappropriation, and over-reliance on the fund by some district assemblies.

The Administrator of the Common Fund is required to submit an annual financial report to Parliament, detailing the distribution and usage of the fund’s monies.

In summary, the video of MP Awuni highlights her response to questions about the use of the District Assembly Common Fund, a crucial resource for local development in Ghana.

The DACF is designed to promote equitable distribution of resources and support various development projects. However, it faces challenges, and the fund’s financial activities are subject to annual reporting.

The Abossey Okai Spare Parts Dealers Association in the Greater Accra Region has postponed their scheduled sit-down strike, which was originally planned for November 1 to 3, 2023.

This choice is a result of the actions taken by the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) in response to the concerns raised by the association regarding the implementation of the Electronic Value Added Tax (E-VAT) and the compliance exercise.

The association communicated this decision during a press conference convened in Accra on November 1, with the Head of Communications, Takyi Addo, speaking to the press.

Below is the full statement:

Abossey Okai Spare Parts Dealers Association Calls Off Sit-Down Protest Against GRA’s Compliance and Manual-Policing Exercise

For Immediate Release: November 1, 2023

The leadership of the Abbosey Okai Spare Parts Dealers Association wishes to inform the public about the cancellation of our sit-down strike against the Ghana Revenue Authority’s (GRA) compliance and monitoring exercise.

The issues that led to our planned demonstration and temporary closure of shops were related to the GRA’s implementation of the Electronic Value Added Tax (E-VAT), which our association perceived as intimidating and lacking in respect.

In light of the concerns raised, the GRA has taken steps to withdraw its personnel from our members’ shops.

Our members have always been law-abiding citizens of Ghana, living in peace and providing services to our fellow citizens.

We, therefore, found it perplexing that the GRA would implement a policy without consulting our association.

It is important to clarify that we do not oppose the E-VAT policy itself but rather the manner in which it was being enforced.

We were baffled by the daily presence of GRA officers monitoring our activities, which seemed to be excessive in the name of revenue generation for the government.

Today, we are pleased to announce that the closure of our shops, which was intended to send a message to the government and the GRA, has been suspended indefinitely.

This decision follows engagements with the GRA and the Customs division, resulting in an agreement to withdraw officers from our shops. Furthermore, the Customs officers stationed along the Accra-Kumasi highway will also be recalled to their respective stations.

We take this opportunity to commend the government for heeding the concerns of our association, and we would like to express our gratitude to all Ghanaians for their support during our protest against the policy.

May God continue to bless our beloved motherland, Ghana.

Signed,

Head of Communications

Takyi Addo

A flagbearer hopeful of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Kennedy Agyapong, has unveiled the details of his remuneration from Ghana Gas in lieu of sitting allowances.

Ken Agyapong, who serves as the Board Chairman of the state-owned enterprise, has faced scrutiny for his critical stance towards the government of President Akufo-Addo, despite holding an official appointment within the administration.

During an interview with the media on November 1, 2023, Mr Ayapong shared that he was previously unaware of the exact amount of the allowance he received, as he had recently inquired about it in response to the criticisms leveled against him.

“I don’t even know how much Ghana Gas pays me, I heard Alex Tetteh, Akontombra MP saying I am Board Chair for Ghana Gas. I’m paid an allowance of 2,600 cedis,” Ken disclosed adding that sometimes the meetings are held once in three months.

“Imagine me, Kennedy Agyapong, 2,600 cedis with all the workers I have, he (Alex) should come for the role. My sitting allowance is 2,600 cedis. The funny thing is that, it was when the accusations were flying around that I went to ask the (board) secretary how much the allowance was,” he added.

The aspirant, who also currently serves as the Member of Parliament for Assin Central, had previously expressed his intention to step down from his position months ago. He cited the appeals made by other board members and the energy minister as the reasons he decided to remain.

However, Ken announced that following the November 4 primaries, if he loses the contest, he will resign from his role.

“I have informed board members that I want to step down, but I take pride in the fact that the board is urging me to stay, much like NAPO,” he remarked.

Kennedy Agyapong will compete for the flagbearer position alongside three other candidates, including Dr. Bawumia, Dr. Owusu Afriyie Akoto, and Francis-Addai-Nimoh.

The NPP has scheduled November 4, 2023, for the election to choose the next leader of the party as President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo’s successor.

Two suspects have been brought before an Accra Circuit Court on charges of defrauding an American citizen of $1,205,000.

The alleged scheme involved making false promises to supply the victim with seven 20-foot containers filled with money.

The accused, Dzam Abotsi, a car dealer, and Nana Kwame Yanka, a businessman, are facing charges of conspiracy to commit fraud and defrauding under false pretenses.

The court has granted the accused persons bail in the amount of GHC1 million cedis, with three sureties, one of whom must be justified, and the case has been adjourned to November 23, 2023.

An accomplice identified as Alhaji Tanko, a businessman facing the same charges, is currently at large.

The prosecution revealed that the complainant, Gary Bernsten, is an American Asset Recovery Officer, who was informed about a stash of United States Dollars stored in about 20 containers in Ghana.

Bernsten traveled to Ghana to recover the money and met with Abotsi, the first accused person, who showed him United States dollars concealed in approximately seven containers.

Abotsi charged Bernsten $100,500, in addition to $200,000 for rent and security for the containers, which were paid through cryptocurrency and wire transfers.

However, when Bernsten later visited the warehouse to move the containers to Tema Harbour, he found it empty, leading to the arrests of Abotsi and Yanka.

The prosecution is making efforts to apprehend other individuals who remain at large.

A total of 203,439 delegates will participate in the New Patriotic Party‘s (NPP) presidential elections, slated for Saturday, November 4, 2023.

This election aims to select a flagbearer to represent the party in the upcoming 2024 general elections and will be conducted in various constituencies across all 16 regions of Ghana. A total of 436 delegates will cast their votes at the party’s headquarters in Asylum Down, Accra.

The Ashanti Region is set to have 34,987 delegates participating, while the Ahafo Region will see 4,204 delegates voting. In the Greater Accra Region, 39,134 delegates will exercise their voting rights, and the Volta Region is expected to have 11,995 delegates taking part in the elections. The polling stations within the constituencies have also been disclosed.

The lead-up to this election has witnessed some controversy, with counter-accusations between the camps of Kennedy Agyapong, the Member of Parliament for Assin Central, and Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia.

Mr Agyapong has accused Bawumia of attempting to bribe him to withdraw from the race.

The presidential race features four candidates: Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, MP Kennedy Ohene Agyapong, former Minister of Agriculture Dr. Owusu Akoto Afriyie, and former MP Francis Addai-Nimoh of Mampong.

In a noteworthy development, former Minister of Trade and Industry, Alan Kwadwo Kyerematen, withdrew from the NPP in September following the Special Delegates Conference.

He declared his intention to run as an independent candidate, citing intimidation of his supporters as a major reason for his decision.

Flagbearer aspirant of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Kennedy Agyapong, has stated that he has made a conscious decision to refrain from responding to the recent comments made by the Second Lady, Samira Bawumia.

Speaking to the media, he stated that countering her remarks could potentially have a detrimental effect on her marriage

“I have vowed not to comment. You heard what Mrs. Bawumia said about me but I didn’t reply her because if I reply her, her marriage will collapse,” he stated. 

Mr Agyapong’s comment comes in the wake of a recent campaign by Samira Bawumia in Amansie constituency.

The Second Lady encouraged delegates not to vote for a candidate who had threatened that the New Patriotic Party (NPP) would face defeat in the event of his loss in the flagbearer contest.

However, Mr Agyapong believes that Samira Bawumia was indirectly referring to him when she advised against candidates who sought the downfall of the NPP.

She emphasized the importance of party unity and criticized those who were campaigning with anger and advocating for the NPP to go into opposition if their favored candidate did not win.

“It is imperative that our words reflect the gravity of this election for our party, and, for this reason, we must avoid making mistakes and present a unified front. Therefore, we should all unite behind a candidate with the potential to lead us to victory. However, those who engage in campaigning with bitterness and anger, suggesting that we should accept going into opposition if our preferred candidate is not successful, is that a stance we are willing to embrace,” she added. 

In response to these comments, Ken Agyapong noted that those who argued that the Second Lady did not mention any names in her speech would be the first to accuse him of insulting women if he were to respond without explicitly naming individuals.

The statement Kennedy Agyepong makes here about Samira Bawumia is very serious.

Let's beg him, on behalf of Samira not to continue. pic.twitter.com/uEMlVGWmsE

— General Marcus! (@marcusadampah) November 1, 2023