Author: Phoebe Martekie Doku

The Chairperson of the Electoral Commission (EC), Jean Mensa, is set to appear before Parliament on November 8, where she will provide updates on the recently completed limited voter registration exercise.

The Majority Leader, Osei Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu, revealed this information and mentioned that the EC boss would address the House the following week regarding electoral matters.

He stressed the importance of allowing the EC to present its side of the story before forming judgments.

“Mr Speaker, [Alban Bagbin] pursuant to order 44, the leadership of the business committee proposed that the Chairperson of the Electoral Commission, be invited to attend upon the house [on] November 8, 2023, at a close sitting to brief members of the house on matters arising from the recently held limited voter registration exercise undertaken by the commission and other related matters.

“Of course, it wasn’t necessary to castigate the EC when you have not heard from them, it was unnecessary,” the Majority Leader said.

During the registration exercise, over 600,000 new voters were registered, commencing on September 12 and concluding on October 2.

Criticism arose from the Minority in Parliament, who disapproved of the EC’s decision to restrict registration to district offices, arguing that this imposed an additional financial burden on Members of Parliament.

The EC’s choice to limit registration centers to district offices faced public criticism, including from the opposition NDC and civil society organizations, who called for more accessible registration locations.

Nevertheless, the EC maintained its approach and completed the registration at district offices by October 2, 2023, without an extension.


The EC’s choice to limit registration centers to district offices faced public criticism, including from the opposition NDC and civil society organizations, who called for more accessible registration locations.

Nevertheless, the EC maintained its approach and completed the registration at district offices by October 2, 2023, without an extension.

The EC’s choice to limit registration centers to district offices faced public criticism, including from the opposition NDC and civil society organizations, who called for more accessible registration locations.

Nevertheless, the EC maintained its approach and completed the registration at district offices by October 2, 2023, without an extension.


The EC’s choice to limit registration centers to district offices faced public criticism, including from the opposition NDC and civil society organizations, who called for more accessible registration locations.

Nevertheless, the EC maintained its approach and completed the registration at district offices by October 2, 2023, without an extension.

In a bold move aimed at cleansing Ghana’s media landscape, the Nation Media Commission (NMC) and the National Communication Authority (NCA) have implemented proactive measures to combat the infiltration of money doublers, ritualists, and charlatans into the nation’s airwaves.

This initiative, part of a comprehensive campaign to improve the quality of broadcast content in the country, was officially unveiled on Tuesday, October 31, 2023.

At the core of this effort is the establishment of the Broadcasting Monitoring Center, a specialized facility responsible for overseeing and regulating offensive media content.

Furthermore, a toll-free hotline has been activated to enable vigilant media consumers to promptly report instances of objectionable media content.

Speaking at the launch event, Kojo Oppong Nkrumah, the Minister for Information, commended the collaborative efforts of the NMC and the NCA in setting up this center.

He praised their effective utilization of national resources and stressed the importance of finding a balance between regulatory functions and the right to freedom of expression.

Minister Kojo Oppong Nkrumah remarked, “First, I want to congratulate both the NMC and NCA for this collaboration. It is an efficient use of the scarce national resources that we have. In many places, you see an attempt to duplicate, but you have collaborated and you’re saving all of us some money, and I want to congratulate you for that.”

Background:

The decision by the NMC and NCA to tackle the dissemination of objectionable content in the media followed a significant stakeholders’ consultative meeting held in 2021. During this meeting, all participants unanimously agreed that regulatory action was necessary due to the increasing presence of unscrupulous individuals on the airwaves.

Prominent figures from Ghana’s media landscape were present at the launch, including Joe Anokye, Director General of the NCA; Yaw Boadu-Ayeboafoh, Chairman of the NMC; George Sarpong, Executive Secretary of the NMC; and Albert Kwabena Dwumfour, President of the Ghana Journalists Association. Representatives from various media umbrella organizations also attended.

Joe Anokye expressed his satisfaction with the establishment of the state-of-the-art center, emphasizing that it will greatly assist regulators in monitoring and swiftly addressing offensive media content, which has been on the rise for some time.

Boadu-Ayeboafoh explained that given the increasing prevalence of objectionable broadcasting content, it was essential to establish standards, and this was the purpose of the NCA and NMC in creating the Monitoring Center.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I3v9zaZfQj0

Pollster and Managing Editor of the Dispatch Newspaper, Ben Ephson, has expressed skepticism about Kennedy Agyapong’s departure from the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP) after the November 4, 2023 flagbearer race.

Mr Ephson’s doubt is based on his belief that Vice President Mahamudu Bawumia is likely to win the party’s primaries on that date.

Speaking on Morning Starr with Francis Abban, Ephson suggested that Ken Agyapong would remain with the NPP if there is fairness and no attempts to marginalize or threaten his supporters.

He noted that Bawumia is perceived as the establishment candidate and mentioned past incidents where NPP members openly supporting a different candidate faced consequences.

Ephson emphasized the significant number of supporters that an establishment candidate can gather and the challenge of controlling and silencing them. In this context, he cited that Akufo-Addo faced such challenges when he was not the establishment candidate.

“I think that if there is fairness, if there are cases of intimidation I think that Ken will be on board. During his campaign obviously, he has made those slogans that if there is fairness there would be no problem. I doubt if there will be an attempt to try and marginalize any of his supporters or threaten any of his supporters.

“Everybody will realize that Bawumia is obviously the establishment candidate. In 2007, the numbers were not so huge but Alan Kyerematen lost. In 2007 Ministers of State who were seen openly supporting Akufo-Addo were dismissed. It was that blatant,” Mr. Ephson stated.

He continued: “Akufo-Addo being a victim of strong handedness of the establishment I think have avoided that. Peter Amewu is still at post. The female deputy Finance Minister is still at post as we speak is still at post. I mean 200,000 is a lot of numbers for an establishment candidate to be able to control and gag all of them.”

Former Member of Parliament for Suhum, Frederick Opare-Ansah, has disclosed that the New Patriotic Party’s (NPP) presidential aspirant, Kennedy Ohene Agyapong, has secured contracts worth more than GHC700 million from the Energy Ministry.

During a media interaction, he emphasized that Mr. Agyapong’s substantial benefits have arisen due to his affiliation with the party. 

Mr Opare-Ansah further highlighted that most of Mr. Agyapong’s achievements can be attributed to the party’s support, and he could provide an extensive list of these accomplishments.

He emphasized the party’s significant contributions to Mr. Agyapong’s success and advised him to demonstrate gratitude rather than making disparaging remarks about the party.

“When discussing individuals who have benefited from the NPP, your name is at the top of the list. You have been awarded numerous contracts, including one from the Energy Ministry amounting to 700 million. Your contracts extend to various sectors, including Cocobod, GAPOHA, and supplies to TVET, among others,” he added.

Mr. Opare-Ansah further disclosed that Kennedy Agyapong had requested an astonishing $500 million worth of contracts annually from Vice President Bawumia with the condition that he would not contest the party’s presidential slot.

According to Mr. Opare-Ansah, Mr. Agyapong approached the Vice President with this proposal, hoping that if Dr. Bawumia consented, and he would withdraw from the race.

However, Vice President Bawumia reportedly rejected the demand, prompting Kennedy Agyapong’s decision to enter the presidential race.

These revelations follow Kennedy Agyapong’s recent assertions that some party leaders had offered him bribes to step aside and clear the way for the Vice President.

Mr. Opare-Ansah further cautioned the Assin Central Member of Parliament against disseminating falsehoods about the Vice President and himself. 

He also warned Kennedy Agyapong against assuming he is the sole influential figure within the NPP, emphasizing that he cannot intimidate anyone in a future government led by Bawumia.

“You think you are the only one with information? Kennedy Agyapong shouldn’t think he can destroy the NPP.

If he harms anyone in Assin Central, he will see our response,” he added.

Nobody has benefittted from this current system that Kennedy Agyapong criticises more than Kennedy Agyapong. pic.twitter.com/tB0qEDlBtd

— Albert Nat Hyde (@BongoIdeas) October 29, 2023

Member of Parliament (MP) for Bawku Central, Mahama Ayariga, has lodged a complaint with the Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) to initiate an investigation into the procurement process for the Bank of Ghana’s (BoG) new headquarters building in Ridge, Accra.

In his letter to the OSP, dated October 30, 2023, Mr. Ayariga alleged that corruption had tainted the procurement process and that the project’s cost had surged from $121.8 million to $222.7 million, an increase of about 84%, without a corresponding expansion of the project’s scope.

Mr. Ayariga claimed that he had sought project information from the BoG’s Governor under the Right to Information Act but had been denied access to the full details on grounds of national security.

The MP expressed his willingness to provide testimony based on the facts he had gathered in this matter. He believed that the OSP could obtain all necessary details regarding variations in project design and cost to reach a conclusion.

In his letter, Mr. Ayariga identified the suspects in the case, including the Governor and Deputy Governors of the BoG: Dr. Ernest Addison (Governor), Dr. Maxwell Opoku-Afari (1st Deputy Governor), and Mrs. Elsie Addo Awadzi (2nd Deputy Governor).

He also called for an investigation into the Board of Directors’ involvement. Additionally, Mr. Ayariga mentioned the Chief Executive Officer of Goldkey Properties Ltd, the project’s contractors and supervising consultants, as a suspect in the matter.

Pregnant and nursing women have been advised to exercise caution when consuming seafood, including shrimp, lobsters, and fish like tuna.

The reason for this caution is that these types of seafood may contain elevated levels of mercury and other heavy metals, which have the potential to negatively impact the cognitive development of infants.

Professor Richmond Aryeetey, who serves as the Dean of the University of Ghana School of Public Health, highlighted that a study conducted by the University has indicated that nearly all Ghanaians are currently exposed to mercury found in water bodies.

This mercury is subsequently absorbed by fish and seafood, which are widely consumed.

“At present, there is no policy concerning fish and mercury. However, there is evidence that when smaller fish consume methylmercury, they are consumed by larger fish, which accumulate even higher levels of mercury. Therefore, I would advise pregnant women to consume smaller fish,” he stated.

In an interview with the media, Professor Aryeetey expressed his concern over the significant release of mercury into the environment, soil, and river sediments without proper containment efforts. This is especially worrying, as children exposed to mercury may experience severe neurological effects.

Prof. Aryeetey emphasized that the harm caused by the introduction of heavy metals into the bodies of babies during pregnancy and breastfeeding at their developmental stages is irreversible.

“Mercury is a metal, but when it’s burned and released into the air and water, it is transformed into a poisonous substance called methylmercury. This substance is then consumed by fish and other seafood. Smaller fish cannot accumulate as much methylmercury as larger fish, which subsequently consume the smaller fish,” he explained.

He further elaborated that around 81 tons of mercury are released into the environment each year, primarily as a result of amalgamation and the burning of amalgam. Illegal mining activities also release toxic chemicals that pose long-term health risks, affecting miners and communities in close proximity.

“Heavy metals generated during mining, when the earth is excavated, affect various parts of the body, including the nervous system, lungs, skin, kidneys, brain, and reproductive organs. This increases the public’s risk of hypertension, heart attacks, and kidney failure,” he cautioned.

Mercury is a naturally occurring element found in air, water, and soil. Even minimal exposure to mercury can lead to severe health problems and pose a threat to a child’s development during pregnancy and early life.

Mercury can have toxic effects on the nervous, digestive, and immune systems, as well as on the lungs, kidneys, skin, and eyes. The World Health Organization (WHO) classifies mercury as one of the top ten chemicals or groups of chemicals of significant public health concern.

Methylmercury, an organic compound, is the primary form of exposure for people who consume fish and shellfish.

Inhalation of mercury vapor can result in harmful effects on the nervous, digestive, and immune systems, as well as on the lungs and kidneys, and it can be fatal. Inorganic mercury salts can be corrosive to the skin, eyes, and gastrointestinal tract and may induce kidney toxicity if ingested.

Various neurological and behavioral disorders may manifest following inhalation, ingestion, or dermal exposure to different mercury compounds.

Symptoms can encompass tremors, insomnia, memory loss, neuromuscular effects, headaches, and cognitive and motor dysfunction.

The Ghana Police Service has announced its intention to pursue legal action against motorcycle riders who exploit pavements and zebra crossings as shortcuts to evade traffic congestion.

This illegal practice, where motorbike riders use pedestrian walkways and crossings, particularly in urban areas like the capital, has prompted safety concerns.

In discussions with the Trades Union Congress, the Inspector-General of Police, Dr. George Akuffo Dampare, affirmed that riders involved in such conduct would initially receive warnings urging them to desist from these actions before facing prosecution.

“I also want to use this opportunity to tell them to stop driving on the pavements. They should also stop crossing at zebra crossings because they are not meant for them.

We will take measures to apprehend them, provide them with education, and issue warnings. We will document their infractions, and if necessary, we will bring them to court,” cautioned the Inspector-General of Police.

The Chairman of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) in the Savannah Region, Alhaji Iddrisu Sulemana, known as Professor Kalamonia, has expressed his confidence in Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia’s overwhelming support within the region, predicting that he will garner over 95% endorsement in the upcoming NPP presidential primaries scheduled for November 4.

During the inauguration of the Savannah Region NPP Office complex in Damongo on Saturday, October 28, 2023, the Regional Chairman announced that the newly established office would serve as Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia’s campaign headquarters and a hub for various party-related activities.

He stressed that everything is in place for Dr. Bawumia’s victory, and the office would be instrumental in collating the election results.

Professor Kalamonia extended his gratitude to various individuals, including Hon. Samuel A. Jinapor, the Member of Parliament for Damongo and Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, and the Managing Director of Ghana Water Company Limited, as well as Ing. Dr. Clifford Braimah, for their support in acquiring the office complex for the party.

He urged party members to remain united before, during, and after the impending presidential election on November 4, 2023.

The Campaign Coordinator for Dr. Bawumia in the Savannah Region, Alhaji Dr. Sulemana Achanso, also expressed strong support for the Vice President, stating that Ghana as a whole, including the Savannah Region, endorses Dr. Bawumia.

He emphasized the possibility of breaking the eight-year cycle with Dr. Bawumia, touting the NPP’s remarkable accomplishments in the region during the past seven years.

Dr. Achanso highlighted the achievements of MP for Damongo, Hon. Samuel Abu Jinapor, and other government appointees in the development of the region, comparing their performance favorably with that of the former President John Dramani Mahama, a native of the Savannah Region.

He assured the region’s residents of improved infrastructure and development under Dr. Bawumia’s leadership.

The Savannah Regional Women’s Organizer of the NPP, Miss Mohammed Fatahia, encouraged the women in the region to vote for Dr. Bawumia, expressing the aspiration for him to become the first Northerner to lead the NPP and potentially Ghana’s first Muslim President in 2024. She emphasized Dr. Bawumia’s potential to break the eight-year cycle for the NPP and urged delegates to vote overwhelmingly in his favor.

The event was attended by various NPP dignitaries, including the Savannah Region NPP Council of Elders Chairman, Hon. Yakubu Zakaria, Regional Executives, Constituency Chairmen and their executives, as well as members of the Movement For Bawumia, NPP Loyal Ladies, and polling station and electoral area coordinators in the Damongo Constituency.

The victims of the Akosombo dam spillage disaster in the three Tongu districts of the Volta Region persist in their plea for a lasting resolution to their predicament.

Since the dam overflowed, displacing over 30,000 residents, including children, in the region, it has resulted in the cessation of businesses, disruption of education, and severe damage to livelihoods.

These victims have been appealing to the government for a proper resettlement plan.

In the North Tongu district alone, approximately 12,000 individuals have been uprooted from their homes.

Addressing their dire situation, Togbe Mankrado Borbordzi VII of Battor in the Tongu traditional area reiterated the call for the government to consider a relocation plan. He threatened that if the government doesn’t act within two weeks, he would mobilize his people to occupy the abandoned Saglemi housing project.

“I am making a demand to the government that by two weeks, the government has to come out with plans for we the Voltarians along the river areas, the affected people along the affected areas. After two weeks if we do not hear anything, we are going to mobilise VIP buses and move all our people to Saglemi,” he said.

He made this statement on Sunday after a visit by Tobinco, during which pharmaceutical products and relief items were donated to the victims.

He also disclosed that there is a significant parcel of state land in Aveyime, which was acquired by Dr. Kwame Nkrumah for future development.

He suggested that the government should allocate a portion of this land for the resettlement plan.

The chief drew a parallel with the Apeate explosion incident, emphasizing that the displaced Apeate community was reconstructed, and therefore, the flood victims should receive similar treatment.

“They’ve given them (Apeate residents) a quarter, and we deserve more than that,” he added.

Mankrado Borbordzi urged his subjects not to return to their homes even if the water subsides, as experts have warned that the buildings are now perilous, and the flood may have compromised their structural integrity.

In an effort to enhance adherence to road safety regulations and reduce road accidents and associated fatalities, the Building and Road Research Institute of the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (BRRI-CSIR) has urged the Ghana Police Service to increase their visibility on the roads.

A study conducted by the John Hopkins International Injury Research Unit, with support from the Bloomberg Philanthropies Initiative for Global Road Safety, has attributed the rising number of road accident fatalities to low compliance with road safety rules and regulations, particularly among motorists in Kumasi.

The available statistics indicate that approximately 34% of road traffic fatalities involve occupants of cars, buses, and trucks, with one of the primary risk factors being the failure to use seatbelts.

The research discovered that only 15% of vehicle occupants in Kumasi wear seatbelts, while in the case of helmet usage among riders, only 44% use them correctly.

Proper helmet usage can result in a 42% reduction in the risk of fatal injuries and a 69% reduction in the risk of head injuries.

During a Bloomberg stakeholders Data Use Workshop in Kumasi, former engineer and researcher at BRRI-CSIR, Ing. Francis Afukaar expressed concern about the inadequate compliance with road safety regulations.

“Indeed, if you look at what is happening, the data is explicitly telling us that a number of things are not being done right. Poor use of helmets, seatbelts, and excessive speed is common. The National Safety Authority has been speaking on some of these things, and they also collaborate strongly with the police. But the police presence is not felt on all the roads. According to the study, motorists comply with the safety rules when they see the police. They move within their speed limit and put on the seatbelt/helmet. As for the human beings, if you don’t enforce a law, they’ll flout it”, Ing Afukaar observed.

This workshop represents a collaborative initiative involving Bloomberg Philanthropists, John Hopkins University, and BRRI-CSIR. Its purpose is to partner with relevant institutions and groups, providing them with knowledge and expertise to contribute to the reduction of road accidents and the associated fatalities and injuries.

The Bawumia Campaign Team has strongly refuted the allegations made by Kennedy Agyapong, a fellow contender in the NPP flagbearership race, who claimed that he was offered $800 million to withdraw from the presidential primary contest.

In response to this claim, the Bawumia Campaign Team emphasized that Kennedy Agyapong’s assertion does not align with the facts.

It should be noted that Kennedy Agyapong had alleged that certain party leaders had offered him $800 million to step down from the race in favor of the Vice President.

Kennedy Agyapong, however, declined this offer, citing his affection for the Ghanaian people and his aspiration to lead the party into the 2024 general election as the reasons for his decision.

In an official statement, the Spokesperson for the Vice President, Gideon Boako, categorically denied any involvement in such an offer and provided a detailed response to address the allegations.

The statement clarified that there had been no private meetings between Vice President Dr. Mahamadu Bawumia and Kennedy Agyapong since the latter entered the presidential race, contradicting Kennedy Agyapong’s claims.

Furthermore, the statement stressed that they had neither authorized nor participated in any negotiations or discussions, whether directly or through representatives, concerning Kennedy Agyapong’s withdrawal from the competition. Consequently, the claim was dismissed as entirely unfounded, showing a lack of respect for the intelligence of the Ghanaian people.

The statement also highlighted Dr. Bawumia’s confidence in winning the contest through the grace of God and stated that there had never been any desire for Kennedy Agyapong to step down from the race. Additionally, the statement pointed out that Kennedy Agyapong had previously made similar baseless allegations, which were publicly denied in September 2023.

The Bawumia Campaign Team characterized the Vice President as a candidate of modesty, committed to running a respectful campaign free from personal attacks and insults.

“The Vice President is a man noted for his modesty, and he remains committed to his life-long values of serving people with his intellect.

“While urging the public to disregard such outrageous lies, directed subtly at the Bawumia Campaign, we also reiterate Dr. Bawumia’s commitment to running a decent campaign devoid of personality attacks, lies, and insults to preserve the unity of our great party,” the group added.

They called on the public to disregard such false accusations, which were subtly directed at the Bawumia Campaign, and reiterated Dr. Bawumia’s dedication to maintaining a campaign focused on issues, free from personal attacks, falsehoods, and insults to preserve the unity of their party.

The New Patriotic Party (NPP) is gearing up for its National Delegate Conference on November 4, 2023, to select its flagbearer for the 2024 general election.

The four candidates in the race include Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, Kennedy Agyapong, Dr. Afriyie Akoto, and Francis Addai-Nimoh.

The Member of Parliament (MP) for Ningo-Prampram, Sam Nartey George, has issued a stern warning to President Akufo-Addo regarding the deteriorating condition of roads in his constituency, particularly those in Dawhenya.

He has made it clear that he is prepared to halt the president’s motorcade whenever it traverses the road in question, giving President Akufo-Addo a firsthand experience of the deplorable state of the roads in the Ningo-Prampram constituency.

Expressing his frustration at the lack of progress despite ongoing appeals for road improvements, Sam George revealed that he and his constituents have been calling on the government for the past seven years, but their pleas have fallen on deaf ears.

“The people of Ningo-Prampram and the people of Afienya deserve good roads. What is the meaning of this? I think I need to organise my people. Let me serve notice, Mr. President, the next time you are going to Akosombo, I will block you in Afienya. Or the next time you are going to the Volta Region, I will block you in Dawhenya and make you walk on the roads to see.

“We also pay taxes; what is this? We begged for seven years; is it because it is Sam George?” he questioned.

Describing the severity of the road craters, the MP emphasized that while the President ensured that all the roads in his hometown were well-constructed, he turned a blind eye to the conditions of other roads in the country.

“In Akufo-Addo’s hometown, even the cemetery has asphalt. But look at the road to his wife’s father’s house. These are not potholes; even Akufo-Addo’s bed and Cecilia Dapaah’s bed can fit inside these holes with the $1 million under it,” he indicated.

Furthermore, Sam George underscored the challenges they face in getting the Road Minister and Finance Minister to address the road construction issues.

“We have complained about this road, we have complained and even the minister of roads literally said he has given up. Because we don’t know whether the problem is the road minister, or if the one whole is always wearing white and quoting bible but killing all of us and refusing to release money.

“A contractor has been put on this road, Semen Ghana, for seven years and counting. I heard two weeks ago that they are coming to remove the covert. I am waiting for them, they should come again,” he challenged.

Member of Parliament for Ningo-Prampram threatens to block convoy of President Akufo-Addo over the deplorable state of roads in his constituency pic.twitter.com/9hE5eIeUm2

— Serwaa Amihere, Esq (@Serwaa_Amihere) October 30, 2023

The Volta River Authority (VRA) has launched a significant disinfection and fumigation operation in communities impacted by the controlled spill of the Akosombo Dam.

The process of disinfection commenced in Mepe, located in the North Tongu District of the Volta Region, as it is the area with the highest concentration of affected residents.

The VRA’s Emergency Preparedness Coordinator, Ing. Kwame Osei Mensah Darkwa, stressed the organization’s commitment to ensuring the safety and habitability of homes, public spaces, and the entire community after the flooding.

He explained, “The VRA has engaged Zoomlion to conduct fumigation and decontamination procedures in areas where the water has significantly receded, with the goal of making them safe for reoccupation. We have assembled a team consisting of a safety officer from the local assembly, a representative from the traditional council, and a Chief Executive. Our intention is to focus on the areas we have already inspected and ensure they are dry and ready for decontamination.”

When asked if all other districts affected by the flooding would also be subjected to fumigation, Ing. Dankwa replied, “Certainly, when it becomes necessary. For today, our primary focus is the Mepe area.”

The District Chief Executive of the North Tongu Assembly, Divine Osborne Fenu, commended the VRA for its prompt response with the disinfection operation. He expressed satisfaction with the Authority’s consistent and rapid actions in addressing the needs of the affected individuals.

Nevertheless, he encouraged residents to exercise patience and wait for the completion of the fumigation before returning to their homes, stating, “We are appealing to all of them to remain calm, to stay where they are currently. Until those places are fumigated and the structural engineering inspection is done to ensure that the buildings are safe before they move in.”

In the wake of the severe flooding that ravaged parts of the Eastern, Greater Accra, and Volta Regions, GCB Bank PLC has expressed its condolences to the affected residents.

Leading a visit to the impacted Tongu Districts in the Volta Region, Mr. John Adamah, the Executive Head of Retail Banking at GCB Bank, presented donations worth GH¢200,000 as part of the bank’s relief efforts for the affected communities.

The donated items encompassed 100 bags of rice, 50 cartons of cooking oil, 50 tins of mackerel fish, 1,000 bags of sachet water, 100 mattresses, 100 blankets, 200 sponges, 100 towels, and 24 boxes of washing powder.

Additionally, there were 25 boxes of carbolic soap, 100 rubber buckets, 100 cartons of sanitary pads, 25 cartons of mosquito coils, 50 packs of T-rolls, 100 washing bowls, and 180 regular bowls.

“The Bank has been greatly troubled by the disaster that has struck some communities and displaced some of our countrymen and women. The bank is here to commiserate with them and also offer some assistance to ameliorate the suffering of the people,” he said.

He added that, “When disasters like this strike, there are a number of things that the people need to keep body and soul together, and so the things we have brought include food items and other relief items.”

The Executive Head of Retail Banking, Mr. John Adamah, expressed the bank’s commitment to enhancing the well-being of the affected individuals during their challenging times.

He emphasized that GCB Bank acknowledges the plight of the communities hit by the disaster and aims to provide essential assistance to alleviate their suffering.

According to Mr. Adamah, when disasters occur, various essentials are required to sustain individuals. Therefore, the items donated will aid in mitigating the hardships faced by the residents in the Tongu districts who suffered due to the spillage of the Akosombo and Kpong Dams.

The District Chief Executive for North Tongu, Divine Fenu, who received the donations on behalf of the three districts, expressed deep appreciation to GCB for extending crucial support to the flood victims.

A conflict among the Adele, Challa, and Akyode tribes in Nkwanta, Oti Region, has forced hundreds of residents to flee their homes.

The dispute revolves around differences in performing ritual rites related to the Akyodes’ 2023 annual yam festival.

Many individuals have suffered gunshot wounds and are presently receiving medical care at the Nkwanta South Municipal Hospital and St. Joseph Hospital in Nkwanta.

Concerns have been raised by residents regarding their safety amid the conflict, and they are appealing for the intervention of security agencies to restore order.

The turmoil stemmed from a disagreement concerning the venue and the type of rites to be conducted as part of this year’s annual yam festival celebration.

The incident has led to numerous injuries, with reports of one individual in critical condition due to an alleged stabbing. Additionally, some houses and shops were targeted and damaged.

The Ghana National Petroleum Corporation (GNPC) has refuted allegations of causing the recent power supply issues in the country, emphasizing that it has settled its debts with the West African Gas Pipeline Company Limited (WAPCO).

According to GNPC it has taken proactive measures to prevent gas supply disruptions on multiple occasions.

In an official statement released on October 30, 2023, GNPC clarified its role as a counterparty to the Gas Transportation Agreement (GTA) with WAPCO, directly invoicing GNPC for gas transportation services.

The corporation characterized any assertions suggesting that GNPC was accountable for unpaid funds to WAPCO, resulting in gas supply interruptions and subsequent power supply challenges, as “inaccurate and misleading.”

Below is the full statement from the GNPC

Statement: GNPC not responsible for power supply challenges

Accra, 30th October 2023: The attention of the Ghana National Petroleum Corporation (GNPC) has been drawn to false comments put out by some misinformed individuals depicting themselves as energy analysts regarding last Thursday’s power supply challenges. They alleged that GNPC, its Board and CEO are to blame for failing to pay debts owed to West Africa Gas Pipeline Company Limited (WAPCO).

This information is not accurate, and GNPC clarifies as follows:
GNPC is counterparty to the Gas Transportation Agreement (GTA) with WAPCO for the transportation of gas to power plants, as per the OCTP Gas Sales Agreements (GSA) requirements therefore, WAPCO directly invoices GNPC.

The gas is transported to the Independent Power Producers (IPPS) to generate power that ECG distributes to consumers as electricity. Ultimately, monies received by ECG after the sale of electricity is utilized to pay, either directly or indirectly, all the electricity service providers downstream of the value chain, including WAPCO.

Traditionally, ECG pays for gas transportation invoices through the Cash Waterfall Mechanism (CWM). However, funds received by GNPC from ECG have not been sufficient to pay for the WAPCO invoices, especially in recent times. Between July and October this year, GNPC has explored every avenue possible to get ECG to honor the overdue payments to no avail this is documented in numerous letters to ECG and the Minister for Energy, requesting for payments, and highlighting the potential consequences of curtailment of gas transportation services.

Following no response, a timely letter dated 16th October 2023 was sent to the Minister of Energy seeking his urgent intervention on this matter to avoid power supply challenges.

Thereupon, as the issue remained unresolved, WAPCO curtailed gas transportation services leading to the power supply challenges.

It should be noted that GNPC is not responsible for the power supply challenges that occurred in the country on Thursday but has rather stepped up on many occasions to prevent gas supply interruptions by paying for gas transportation at the expense of its core operations.

The GNPC CEO and senior management have proactively engaged WAPCO several times this year to successfully negotiate feasible payment arrangements that have prevented the curtailment of gas transportation services.

It is, therefore, incorrect and misleading for anyone to conclude that GNPC was responsible for the non-payment of monies to WAPCO leading to the curtailment of gas supply, resulting in the unfortunate power supply challenges.

————–ENDS—————

Issued By:
The Corporate Affairs Department, Ghana National Petroleum Corporation,
Petroleum House, Harbour Road, PMB, Tema.

The Electoral Commission (EC) has expressed its willingness to embrace public scrutiny and criticism of its work as the country approaches a crucial 2024 election.

However, addressing members of the Ghana Journalists Association (GJA) EC Chairperson, Mrs. Jean Mensa, emphasized that such criticism must be conducted objectively and candidly to ensure national peace, security, and the sustainability of democracy.

Speaking at the 27th GJAAwards event, which had the theme “Leveraging Media Freedom to Sustain the Democratic and Security Architecture: The Litmus Test of Election 2024,” Mrs. Mensa acknowledged that the stakes for the 2024 election were high and that it could either promote or jeopardize peace and security.

She urged journalists to understand the delicate role they play in safeguarding Ghana’s democracy, peace, and harmony, emphasizing that the 2024 Election would be a test of the nation’s resilience.

“We at the EC are not above scrutiny. Scrutinise and critique our work as your role requires but do so with objectivity. Criticisms laced with insults and falsehood should be beneath you,” she stated.

Mrs. Mensa stressed the importance of responsible journalism, upholding the truth, and avoiding the spread of propaganda and misinformation.

Mrs. Mensa also called on the National Media Commission to enforce media ethics, set standards for truth and respect, and penalize those who violate regulations.

She encouraged citizens to demand the truth from the media and emphasized the power of fact-checking.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CUNNDB-08Vo

The Vice-Chancellor of Sunyani Technical University, Ing. Prof. Kwadwo Adinkrah-Appiah, has called for the reinstatement of corporal punishment in schools. He attributes the rising student indiscipline to the Ghana Education Service’s 2017 ban on all forms of corporal punishment.

During the 63rd Speech and Prize-Giving Day at Sunyani Senior High School, Prof. Adinkrah-Appiah expressed concerns about the lack of discipline in many schools nationwide, linking it to unchecked deviant behaviors among students, such as smoking, alcoholism, armed robbery, and hooliganism.

He stated, “The current situation is not helping very much because when the government took away or withdrew corporal punishment from the school system, there has been laxity in the system. And the children may do anything and go scot-free. So I believe that the government should look at corporal punishment again. I’m sure many people have mentioned it in the past.”

“But the government needs to reconsider its decision on corporal punishment and bring it back but monitor it so that it should become the last resort. Bad characters are due to peer pressure. How do we monitor and guide the children in school before they complete?” he added.

In 2019, the Ghana Education Service (GES) issued a directive banning teachers from using corporal punishment.

The ban called for the adoption of a new disciplinary toolkit and alternative sanctions as measures for correcting students, citing the physical and emotional harm caused by corporal punishment.

The subject has sparked mixed reactions among Ghanaians and education stakeholders.

The National Association of Graduate Teachers (NAGRAT) advised its members to adhere to the GES directive, while the Methodist Bishop of Accra warned against a total ban on caning, fearing it would lead to a breakdown of discipline in schools and society.

A distinguished statesman and the founder of the African University College of Communications (AUCC), Kojo Acquah Yankah, has advocated for a national dialogue aimed at proposing reforms to Ghana’s education system.

Yankah asserts that the current educational system is outdated, colonial in nature, and unsuitable for driving the much-needed development in Ghana. He delivered a paper on October 26 during the 8th R.T. Orleans-Pobee Memorial Lectures, addressing the theme “Is Today’s Education Relevant? A New Look at Adisadel.”

In his presentation, Yankah stressed the necessity for Ghana to revamp its educational system, as the existing one, a legacy of British colonialism, primarily aimed at reshaping the African child.

He referenced the scholarly work of individuals like Mark Malisa, highlighting the deliberate design of the curriculum to produce Africans with an inferiority complex in their interactions with Europeans.

Additionally, these educated Africans were intended to be content serving European interests and ensuring the continued subjugation of other Africans when placed in positions of authority.

Yankah pointed out that the colonizers’ educational objective was to expose Africans to what they perceived as a superior culture, with the belief that education would bring Africans into the modern world and elevate them to a higher level of civilization.

“The curriculum, often imported from either Britain or North America, was intentionally designed to produce Africans who would have an inferiority complex when it came to their interaction with Europeans. In addition, such educated Africans were to be content working for Europeans, and when placed in positions of authority, would ensure that other Africans continued to serve the interests of the colonizer.”

“The colonizer’s educational goal was to expose Africans to a superior culture. Colonizers thought education would bring Africans into the modern world and elevate them to a higher level of civilization.”

He further bemoaned what he refers to as an abandonment of Ghanaian culture and values.

“We are not proud of our rich indigenous cultures and values (religion, language, dress codes). Until recently, we used to pour libations at national events; now, even in some of our homes and traditional palaces, we have abandoned or banned our ancestors whom God gave us to give birth to us and sustain us throughout our lives until they passed on.”

He also expressed concern about the abandonment of Ghanaian culture and values, lamenting the loss of pride in indigenous cultural aspects such as religion, language, and traditional dress codes.

He cited the discontinuation of practices like pouring libations at national events and the neglect of ancestral heritage, which he sees as integral to Ghanaian identity and continuity.

An expert in energy and the environment, Professor Ing. Eric Ofosu Antwi, has urged the government to establish a panel of specialists to carry out simulations and propose solutions for averting future disasters stemming from the Akosombo Dam spillage.

Speaking to the media, Mr Antwi, who also serves as the director of the Regional Centre for Energy and Environmental Sustainability, emphasized that every liter of water discharged from the Akosombo Dam represents a loss of revenue that could have been harnessed for power generation and sale to other West African nations.

Instead, this water spillage has inflicted damage on communities in the Volta, Eastern, Greater Accra, and Northern Regions.

Antwi further advocated for the government to assemble a team of experts to engage in comprehensive simulations.

He highlighted the potential for exporting excess electricity through the West Africa Power Pool, thus offsetting the losses incurred during Akosombo Dam spillage and reducing the downstream damage.

He stressed the necessity for rigorous integrated power sector analysis to devise preventative measures.

Mr Antwi underscored the significance of addressing the potential for recurring flooding and the substantial investments made downstream.

He called for the implementation of expert recommendations on the installation of suitable equipment and the optimization of the dam’s operations.

“The amount of water we have spilled is lost money for Ghana. We could have used that to save a lot of money that we use to import crude oil and other things to generate electricity from the thermal plants, and also reduce the climate change that we are causing.”

“The government must bring together a panel of experts to begin serious simulations for us,” Antwi added. “Fortunately, we have the West Africa Power Pool, where we can even export power to other countries. So, in a situation where we anticipate that the Akosombo will be spilling, we could generate more electricity and sell it to other countries at a cheaper rate, reducing the damage we are seeing downstream.”

“We need to do serious analysis, integrated power sector analysis to ensure that we can prevent this because at the downstream end, people have settled there and we cannot fight water and these levels of flooding we are seeing will come back and the investments downstream are huge and so we have to look at what we can do to prevent this in future and we have the expertise in Ghana to ensure that and come out with recommendations on the kind of equipment to install to help in advising on how the Dam’s operation should take place,” Ing Antwi further added.