Singer Adele has made the decision to abstain from alcohol. During her recent Las Vegas performance, as she engaged with a concertgoer who was enjoying a beverage, the singer disclosed to her audience that she had “quit drinking some time ago.” This revelation was captured in a video shared on social media.
“It feels like forever,” she said, revealing that this new chapter began “maybe three and a half months ago.”
She went on to lament, “It’s boring. Oh my god, it’s boring.”
“I mean, I was literally a borderline alcoholic for quite a lot of my twenties,” she said.
The “Hello” singer told her audience she has also stopped drinking caffeine.
Adele has previously opened up about her complex relationship with alcohol. In a conversation with Oprah in 2021, she humorously mentioned that she was likely “keeping the alcohol industry alive” following her divorce from entrepreneur Simon Konecki.
Adele and Konecki publicly announced their separation in 2019 and have a shared child, Angelo, who was born in 2012.
While Adele didn’t divulge the specific reasons behind her recent decision to abstain from alcohol, she did encourage the concert attendee to savor their whiskey sour during their interaction.
Host of “Good Evening Ghana” on Metro TV, Paul Adom-Ochere, has claimed that former Minister of Environment, Science, Technology, and Innovation, Professor Kwabena Frimpong-Boateng, was in tears when President Akufo-Addo informed him that he would not be reappointed.
In one of his television broadcasts, Adom-Ochere disclosed that he acquired this information while present at the Jubilee House, where he was in the process of gathering details pertaining to the ministerial appointments to be made by President Akufo-Addo.
Adom-Ochere mentioned that on occasions when he visited the Jubilee House, he overheard conversations about Prof. Frimpong-Boateng breaking down in tears upon receiving the news from President Akufo-Addo.
“I’m going to show you some way that’s some way what it means I’m going to show you in documents and therefore a decision was taken that our friend should not continue as minister of environment this is where the matter begins and ends.
“When the senior man was invited to be told that he cannot continue as Minister people who saw him at the Jubilee House remember that he was in tears I didn’t see him but so many people have testified that was crying said how did I didn’t I wasn’t there no because that time because we’re looking for story every day we go to Jubilee House you’re looking for story about who is going to minister of what.
“If you remember our social media page were speculating this going to that’s how you get the story from I go to Jubilee House and you talk sniff around and you get the information so every day journalists were there and I’ll go there too I don’t remember seeing Frimpong Boateng but then everyone said oh he was crying well that’s the matter that he was unhappy that he was not going to be part of the ministerial staff”.
He alleged that the former minister’s removal was largely instigated by certain individuals within the government.
These individuals, he claimed, were uncomfortable with how Prof. Frimpong-Boateng was managing the fight against illegal mining (galamsey), as it could potentially expose them.
“So what is Frimpong-Boateng, what is the real meaning behind the story. So it begins like this in 2000 elections occurred by the time elections were occurring there were a lot of concerns expressed about galamsey particularly the efforts of Akufo-Addo’s government to stop galamsey was appeared to be creating some difficulties in the hinterland.
“The government sat in Accra, Frimpong-Boateng was in charge of the committee and plenty problems were happening now as a result of all of these problems my understanding is that the president met with Frimpong-Boateng at some point in 2021 when he was reviewing his ministers and all that you know the president had the monitoring and evaluation department people think they didn’t work, Akoto Osei did a good job.
“Akoto Osei was monitoring and reporting to the president when other ministers didn’t know that was reporting to them so the government was concerned that this whole Frimpong Boateng thing and the galamsey thing is becoming some way,” he added.
Prof. Frimpong-Boateng served as the Minister for Environment, Science, Technology, and Innovation from 2017 to 2021.
He was the then Chairman of the now-dissolved Inter-Ministerial Committee on Illegal Mining (ICIM)
He is a well-known cardiothoracic surgeon and the founder of the National Cardiothoracic Centre.
Host of “Good Evening Ghana” on Metro TV, Paul Adom-Ochere, has claimed that former Minister of Environment, Science, Technology, and Innovation, Professor Kwabena Frimpong-Boateng, was in tears when President Akufo-Addo informed him that he would not be reappointed.
In one of his television broadcasts, Adom-Ochere disclosed that he acquired this information while present at the Jubilee House, where he was in the process of gathering details pertaining to the ministerial appointments to be made by President Akufo-Addo.
Adom-Ochere mentioned that on occasions when he visited the Jubilee House, he overheard conversations about Prof. Frimpong-Boateng breaking down in tears upon receiving the news from President Akufo-Addo.
“I’m going to show you some way that’s some way what it means I’m going to show you in documents and therefore a decision was taken that our friend should not continue as minister of environment this is where the matter begins and ends.
“When the senior man was invited to be told that he cannot continue as Minister people who saw him at the Jubilee House remember that he was in tears I didn’t see him but so many people have testified that was crying said how did I didn’t I wasn’t there no because that time because we’re looking for story every day we go to Jubilee House you’re looking for story about who is going to minister of what.
“If you remember our social media page were speculating this going to that’s how you get the story from I go to Jubilee House and you talk sniff around and you get the information so every day journalists were there and I’ll go there too I don’t remember seeing Frimpong Boateng but then everyone said oh he was crying well that’s the matter that he was unhappy that he was not going to be part of the ministerial staff”.
He alleged that the former minister’s removal was largely instigated by certain individuals within the government.
These individuals, he claimed, were uncomfortable with how Prof. Frimpong-Boateng was managing the fight against illegal mining (galamsey), as it could potentially expose them.
“So what is Frimpong-Boateng, what is the real meaning behind the story. So it begins like this in 2000 elections occurred by the time elections were occurring there were a lot of concerns expressed about galamsey particularly the efforts of Akufo-Addo’s government to stop galamsey was appeared to be creating some difficulties in the hinterland.
“The government sat in Accra, Frimpong-Boateng was in charge of the committee and plenty problems were happening now as a result of all of these problems my understanding is that the president met with Frimpong-Boateng at some point in 2021 when he was reviewing his ministers and all that you know the president had the monitoring and evaluation department people think they didn’t work Akoto Osei did a good job.
“Akoto Osei was monitoring and reporting to the president when other ministers didn’t know that was reporting to them so the government was concerned that this whole Frimpong Boateng thing and the galamsey thing is becoming some way,” he added.
Prof. Frimpong-Boateng served as the Minister for Environment, Science, Technology, and Innovation from 2017 to 2021.
He was the then Chairman of the now-dissolved Inter-Ministerial Committee on Illegal Mining (ICIM)
He is a well-known cardiothoracic surgeon and the founder of the National Cardiothoracic Centre.
The host of “Good Evening Ghana” on Metro TV, Paul Adom-Ochere, has expressed his astonishment at the alleged misinterpretation of the legal term “200 penalty units” by Joy FM in relation to the UTV invasion incident.
The 16 accused persons who invaded the United Television (UTV) studios at Tesano in the Greater Accra Region on October 7, 2023, were convicted and sentenced to a fine of 200 penalty units each which amounts to GH₵ 2,400.00, and in default 3 months imprisonment by the Achimota District Court.
During one of his shows, Adom-Ochere raised questions about the level of comprehension within the Joy FM newsroom, underscoring the necessity for a clear understanding of legal concepts when reporting on such matters.
He revealed his embarrassment when the Joy FM newsroom suggested that the fine of 200 penalty units per individual equates to 200 Ghana Cedis. He mentioned engaging in a discussion with a lawyer friend due to these assertions made by the multimedia group.
Adom-Ochere stated that he found it perplexing that these individuals were fined only GHS 200 for the disruption they caused at UTV.
“Sometimes when you listen to radio, you will ask the question that how do they pay broadcasters. Look what happened the other day, I was so terribly embarrassed. The whole Joy FM newsroom, they don’t understand 200 penalty units, all of them sitting there.
“They couldn’t call Samson Lardi the host of News File to ask him. They went on a tangent to broadcast to the nation an important radio station like Joy FM. They broadcasted to the nation that at the court the judge said that the thugs who invaded UTV should pay GHS 200.
“I started getting confused so I called one of the lawyers and said boss you people the people who invaded UTV the court find them GHS200 per person? He said Paul I don’t believe this. I said what don’t you believe? I said the thing is on Joy Fm and you don’t believe what, I was actually harsh on the phone,” he indicated.
The individuals who are affiliated with the New Patriotic Party (NPP) stormed the UTV studios during the live broadcast of its entertainment program, United Showbiz, shortly after it commenced.
The show then abruptly went off air while commercials filled the screen. The group trooped in to demand the removal of musician Kwame A-Plus, from the programme for tearing up a letter said to be from the communication wing of the NPP.
Videos of the incident went viral on social media with many condemning the intrusion, while others questioned the state of security at the media house.
Hours later, the Police in a statement announced that it had arrested 16 persons involved in the incident.
They were subsequently charged with being on the premises for unlawful purposes and arraigned before court October 16, 2023.
The accused persons pleaded guilty to the charge against them. They were, therefore, convicted on their own pleas and sentenced to a fine of 200 penalty units each which amounts to GH₵ 2,400.00, and in default 3 months imprisonment.
They were also ordered by the Court to sign a bond to be of good behaviour for 6 months in default 6 months imprisonment.
In a heartwarming moment at the 60th Call to the Bar Ceremony, Chief Justice Gertrude Torkornoo had the privilege of presenting her biological daughter a law certificate.
A video capturing the event quickly went viral, showcasing the Chief Justice’s radiant joy as she handed her daughter the certificate.
This 60th enrollment onto the Roll of Lawyers, organized by the General Legal Council, marked the induction of over 1,000 newly trained lawyers into the Ghana Bar.
Each year, the GLC holds a formal gathering to enroll and admit candidates who have successfully passed their professional law examination conducted by the Ghana School of Law, following the certification of their results.
These freshly certified lawyers are granted the authority by the GLC to commence their legal careers within the country.
Distinguished members of the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP) were also in attendance at the 60th enrollment and induction into the Ghana Bar, held at the Accra International Conference Centre on Friday, October 20, 2023.
Chief Justice, Her Ladyship Gertrude Torkornoo, beams with smiles as she awards a Law Practicing certificate to her own daughter at the 60th Call to the Bar Ceremony. pic.twitter.com/EDxAHt4Nhw
The head pastor of Believers House of Worship International, Apostle Abraham Lamptey, has criticized the Christian Council for not addressing President Akufo-Addo’s remarks, where he said, “you don’t vote for me,” to flood victims caused by the spillage of the Akosombo and Kpong dams in the Volta Region.
Apostle Lamptey expressed his disappointment in the president’s comments, deeming them unfortunate, and he lamented the absence of condemnation from the moral society.
Speaking in a video shared on social media on October 19, 2023, the pastor characterized Akufo-Addo’s statements as unbecoming of a president and called for their condemnation.
He expressed his sadness at the silence of the Christian Council and the Peace Council.
Lamptey went on to emphasize the importance of speaking out against wrongdoings in the country, stating, “… I’m saddened by what is going on. The Christian Council is quiet. I’m a Christian so I would say Christian Council, do I even belong to that? The Peace Council is quiet.
“When your stomach leads you, your destination would be the toilet. You can imagine God saying, excuse my language, because our brothers and sisters who are in Islam are not Christians so he would not supply them with the air to breathe.
“Would we have people to win for him?,” he asked.
President Akufo-Addo on Monday, October 16, paid a visit to Mepe, one of the areas severely affected by the Akosombo Dam spillage in the Volta Region.
During his address to local chiefs and residents, he acknowledged that they had not supported his political party but emphasized his presence as the President of the nation.
“When these things happen and government acts, politics does not come into the matter at all. When I took the oath of office as president, I took the oath as president for every single individual in Ghana, all people in Ghana, all districts and whether they voted for me or not, once I have taken the oath, I am the President of all the people so Togbe, I want the people here, beginning with you, and the elders to understand that when something like this happens and Government acts, Government is acting for Ghanaians, all Ghanaians.
“I came here because Ghanaians are having difficulties and are suffering, and it is my responsibility to try and help. Because, if it is a question of counting who votes for me and who doesn’t vote for me, then I shouldn’t be here, because you don’t vote for me. But that is not my concern. And, in any event, one day you will vote for me and my party,” the President said among other things.
Some analysts and critics say it was out of place for the President to talk about the people of the Volta Region not voting for him and his New Patriotic Party at such a critical time when they have been devastated by a human-induced disaster. Some people say it was a lighthearted comment gone wrong while others say it was simply a reckless one,” he added.
He further cautioned that Ghanaians who remain silent in the face of wrongdoing are jeopardizing Ghana’s future.
National Security Minister, Albert Kan-Dapaah, has emphasized the serious implications of disinformation and fake news on the country’s peace and security.
He highlighted the significant threat that the spread of false narratives via social media platforms poses to Ghana’s security.
Kan-Dapaah delivered these remarks during a conference addressing the Impact of Disinformation on Electoral Integrity, Peace, and Security in Africa.
He shed light on the challenges linked to disinformation, particularly in light of recent events, such as the coup in Niger.
Kan-Dapaah remarked, “following the coup in Niger, certain individuals in academia, civil society, and the media, as you may have observed, have been spreading false narratives in support of a coup or military rule.”
He emphasized the gravity of the situation by stating, “and let me reiterate today, from my current position, I can confidently say that handling this information is one of the major security challenges I face on a daily basis.”
The proliferation of false information through various channels has become an increasingly worrisome concern, especially in the context of national security.
A ten-year-old girl has tragically lost her life after allegedly falling into a septic tank.
This sorrowful event took place on October 17, 2023 within the Berekum East Municipality in the Bono Region.
According to Kwame Adez, who shared the incident on Nayankonton Mu Nsem on Rainbow Radio 87.5 FM, the child’s mother had instructed her to retrieve a chamber pot that was placed on the septic tank.
Unbeknownst to the girl, a section of the tank had developed cracks, and when she stepped on it to reach the pot, she fell into the tank.
Upon realizing that her daughter had been gone for an extended period, the mother went to check and was met with the distressing sight of the damaged SOAK-AWAY pit. She called for assistance upon this discovery.
The local residents made efforts to rescue the young girl, but regrettably, their attempts were unsuccessful, and the girl tragically passed away.
The girl’s body was transported to the Berekum Holy Family Hospital mortuary, where it will remain pending investigations and burial arrangements.
Two individuals have been apprehended by the Ashanti Region police in connection with the demise of a 27-year-old man who was reportedly stabbed by unknown assailants in Tafo-Pankrono, Ashanti Region.
Owusu Banahene lost his life on October 18, upon reaching the hospital after he was discovered near a public restroom in the vicinity.
While the police are conducting an investigation into the precise cause of his demise, the deceased’s family suspects that the incident may be linked to a long-standing conflict between rival youth from Adabraka and Pankrono.
The passing of the 27-year-old, who had intended to travel abroad on Friday, has incited outrage within the Pankrono community.
The deceased’s brother, Anokye Clinton, has urged the police to expedite their inquiry and ensure the apprehension of the culprits.
However, there has been a substantial police presence, along with intensified patrols, in order to prevent potential retaliatory actions.
“It’s the youth who have been having problems with Pankrono. They always come here, either to steal or fight. If something happens, they don’t know how to resolve their issue. They always come and fight, and it has been going on for centuries, when they come, and we call the police, they come to arrest the person, and the next day the person is walking freely.
“We will not let it slide unless one of them dies too, the deceased was set to travel today to Canada, and every documentation was ready. And the next day, you guys just stabbed him. I was called that someone has stabbed him to death over area fight,” he narrated.
He added, “I expect the police to arrest anyone involved or else actions that do not concern the police will take place. We will not sit down and allow our brother to be murdered just like that, if they don’t arrest all of them, action will be taken”.
The Minority in Parliament has criticized President Akufo-Addo for his remarks made during a visit to the Volta Region following the damage caused by the spillage of excess water from the Akosombo dam.
During his visit, President Akufo-Addo stated that he had come to express sympathy with the residents, regardless of their political affiliation, whether they voted for the New Patriotic Party (NPP) or not.
Nevertheless, the Minority has expressed anger and disappointment over his comments, accusing him of insensitivity and divisiveness.
The Minority Leader, Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson, has called on the President to apologize to the victims for his “ill-considered statement.”
“It shows the government doesn’t really care that much about the people of Volta Region. On behalf of the people of Ghana, the National Democratic Congress Minority in Parliament wants to apologise to the people of the Volta Region for the statement made by President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo.
“We consider that statement very unfortunate, and this statement should not come from the father of the land in times like this. It surprises us, and we are really disappointed in the statement coming from H.E. the President. We call on him to also apologise to the people of Volta Region, in particular for what he said,” he said.
The General Secretary of the NDC, Meanwhile, Fifi Fiavi Kwetey, has also urged the government to provide compensation to the victims of the spillage.
“We came here to offer relief items to you and ensure you are not left in want. We believe that all those affected will benefit from this. We believe that the Volta Region Authority should have notified us before the spillage.
“In certain instances, the VRA should have carried out the spillage in a way that did not harm communities and livelihoods. What we expect from the government now is to compensate the impacted communities. Livelihoods, farms, and homes have been affected, and we call on the government to address the compensation for those affected,” Fifi Kwetey expressed.
The New Patriotic Party (NPP) has rescheduled the closing date for proxy application submissions regarding its forthcoming November 4, 2023 primaries to Monday, October 23, 2023, by 5:00 p.m.
This extension was granted in response to concerns expressed by potential applicants, with the aim of providing all stakeholders in the forthcoming presidential elections with ample time to fulfill the application requirements.
Initially, the party had set Friday, October 13, 2023, as the deadline for the submission of proxy applications pertaining to the flagbearer race scheduled for November 4, 2023.
To successfully complete a proxy application, applicants are required to provide evidence of their absence or the reason they cannot be physically present at the voting center.
“This extension is in response to concerns raised by prospective applicants and is intended to afford all stakeholders in the upcoming presidential elections ample time to meet the application requirements,” it added.
This includes supporting documentation in the form of an affidavit or declaration from a Commissioner of Oath for each proxy application.
Proxy applications can be submitted either in person at the NPP Headquarters in Asylum Down, Accra, or directly to the Secretary of the Presidential Elections Committee via email at yamolliam@yahoo.com or through WhatsApp at +233 540466684.
The Secretary of the Presidential Elections Committee of the NPP underscored that the proxy list will be publicly accessible for verification, and any suspected false declarations may be challenged and referred to the appropriate national institution for further investigation.
It’s essential to note that only delegates eligible to vote in the main Congress on Saturday, November 4, 2023, will have the right to cast their votes by proxy.
Akua Kesewaa, aged 57, and her son, Emmanuel Aboagye, 26, are currently subjects of an investigation conducted by the Oda Police in connection with the lynching of a 56-year-old farmer in Akyem Manso, Eastern Region.
The Oda Municipal Police Commander, Chief Superintendent Daniel Amoako,has disclosed that the incident occurred around 12:30 p.m. on October 12, 2023.
Kesewaa had just returned home after a one-week observance of a deceased relative in Manso. Upon her arrival, a dispute over water erupted between her and a relative named Kwame Poakwa.
This seemingly minor water dispute escalated into a violent confrontation. Kesewaa, driven by anger, initially attacked Poakwa with a club. Subsequently, she summoned her son, Aboagye, to join her in the assault on the farmer.
Chief Superintendent Amoako reported that the mother and son continued to beat Poakwa with clubs until he lost consciousness. A witness to the incident, Michael Assuming, who was awakened from sleep to intervene, also sustained multiple injuries during the altercation.
As a result of the severe beatings, Poakwa lost consciousness and was swiftly taken to the Oda Government Hospital by Good Samaritans.
Unfortunately, medical personnel at the hospital declared him deceased upon his arrival.
Following the incident, Assuming filed a complaint with the Manso police, leading to the apprehension of Kesewaa and Aboagye. They are presently in police custody, awaiting the conclusion of the investigation.
Chief Superintendent Amoako has conveyed that once the investigation process is completed, the two suspects will be brought before the court.
The body of the deceased has been transferred to the mortuary at the Oda Government Hospital for postmortem examination and preservation.
A former Minister of Finance, Seth Terkper, has admitted that he granted his deputy, Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson, authorization to compose a letter to the Bank of Ghana (BoG) requesting the issuance of Letters of Credit (LCs) in favor of Big Sea General Trading Ltd for the procurement of 30 ambulances.
During his testimony on the previous day in a court presided over by a Court of Appeal judge with additional duties as a High Court judge, Justice Afia Serwah Asare-Botwe, Mr. Terkper explained that he approved this action in response to the legal advice from the Attorney-General and the Ministry’s Legal Unit.
He stated, “The letter to the Bank of Ghana requesting the setup of the LC originated from the Ministry of Finance and had my full authorization.”
Mr. Terkper clarified that this decision was made to prevent potential government liability in accordance with the guidance provided by the Attorney-General at that time.
In a different context, Dr. Forson, the Minority Leader, along with Richard Jakpa, a private entrepreneur, and Sylvester Anemana, a former Chief Director of the Ministry of Health, are facing allegations of causing a €2.37 million financial loss to the state in connection with the procurement of ambulances.
All three have pleaded not guilty to charges of deliberately causing financial loss to the state, aiding and abetting the willful causing of financial loss to the state, violating the Public Procurement Act, and intentionally misappropriating public assets.
The Attorney-General contends that Dr. Forson directed the LCs to be charged to the Ministry of Health’s budget, contrary to the parliamentary approval for the ambulance procurement.
During his testimony, Mr. Terkper revealed that he had received an opinion from the Attorney-General in 2014, which emphasized that failure to execute the contract with Big Sea could create liability for the government. He stated that the Attorney-General’s opinion clearly indicated that “all necessary government approvals had been obtained” for the contract and that this opinion was legally binding on all government agencies involved in the transaction.
During the cross-examination, Attorney-General Godfred Yeboah Dame inquired whether the payment for the ambulances had been made in error. Mr. Terkper admitted that the payment was indeed made in error, but this occurred because the ministry had believed at the time that Stanbic Bank’s Letters of Credit were still valid under the Parliament-approved agreement. It was only after the Debt Management Unit of the Ministry of Finance alerted him to the fact that Stanbic Bank’s Letters of Credit were no longer valid that the Finance Ministry decided to charge the Ministry of Health budget, contrary to what Parliament had initially approved.
He explained, “On the surface, it may appear contrary to what Parliament approved, but it’s important to grasp the principle that all loans, including Letters of Credit, are ultimately charged to the capital budget of the ministry.”
When questioned about why he had not disclosed his authorization of Dr. Forson’s request for the establishment of the LC during the investigation by the Economic and Organized Crime Office (EOCO), Mr. Terkper clarified that he lacked the necessary documents from his ministry at that time as he had left office and didn’t want to rely on his memory to respond to investigators.
The case is scheduled to continue on Thursday, October 26, 2023.
Prosecution’s Account: According to the facts presented by the Attorney-General in the charge sheet, in 2009, during the State of the Nation Address, the then President, Prof. John Evans Atta Mills, announced plans to purchase new ambulances to expand the operations of the National Ambulance Service.
Jakpa, a local representative of Big Sea General Trading Ltd, a Dubai-based company, approached the Ministry of Health with a proposal in which he claimed to have secured financing from Stanbic Bank for the supply of 200 ambulances to the government. Parliament granted approval for the financing agreement between the government and Stanbic Bank.
According to the facts, on November 19, 2012, Dr. Anemana sent a letter to the Public Procurement Authority (PPA) seeking approval to engage Big Sea through single sourcing for the supply of 200 ambulances.
Furthermore, on August 7, 2014, Dr. Forson wrote to the Bank of Ghana requesting Letters of Credit amounting to €3.95 million for the supply of 50 ambulances in favor of Big Sea. These Letters of Credit were subsequently released to Big Sea.
The General Legal Council is in the process of enrolling new lawyers as members of the Ghana Bar Association (GBA) for the year 2023/2024.
Among the distinguished individuals embarking on their legal careers are the Director General of the National Lottery Authority (NLA) of Ghana, Sammi Awuku, and the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration, Shirley Ayorkor Botchwey.
This significant development was officially announced through various social media platforms.
A post shared by The New TESCON Informant showcases a photograph of Sammi Awuku, accompanied by a caption that reads: “Years of dedicated effort, long hours of lectures, countless sleepless nights, engaging in extensive group discussions, and devouring volumes of legal literature have culminated in this moment. Congratulations to Lawyer Sammi Awuku.”
Years of long hours of lectures, sleepless nights, engaging in unending group discussions and reading volumes of books have finally paid off.
In a separate social media post, the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration, shared a photograph along with the caption: “Grateful and thankful 🙏🏽.”
A total of 900 individuals from the 2023 batch have received approval from the Independent Examination Committee of the General Legal Council.
This group comprises 499 students who had previously faced denial of admission to the Ghana School of Law two years ago. However, they were subsequently granted admission following a series of protests and appeals.
Following the release of the results, Odupong Agyapong Atta-Agyapong, the immediate past SRC president of the Ghana School of Law, spoke to the media about the significance of this year’s call to the bar ceremony.
“It’s exciting to witness the reactions of students on their WhatsApp pages and statuses,” he remarked. “For the first time, we are going to have over 900 students called to the Ghana bar. This is quite historic, given the events of the past.”
Atta-Agyapong offered encouragement to students who did not make it onto the list, urging them to maintain their determination and strive to be called in the mini-call scheduled for March next year.
“It’s not the end of the road,” he emphasized. “We have a mini-call, and it’s expected that next year these students will be offered the opportunity to sit for the supplementary exams, and when they are successful, they will be called.”
He further reiterated his encouragement to those students who did not find their names on the list to persevere and aim for inclusion in the upcoming mini-call scheduled for March next year.
The Ghana Bar Association is urging President @NAkufoAddo to uphold his commitment to preventing corruption within his administration.
The association noted that recent corruption reports contradict his intentions.
Former President John Dramani Mahama has denied uttering ethnocentric statements targeting the people of the Ashanti Region in light of the Akosombo Dam spillage.
Recent reports circulating on social media suggests that Mahama implied that President Akufo-Addo would have responded differently to the flooding caused by the spillage had it occurred in the Ashanti Region.
The attributed quotes questioned whether Ewes were considered less valuable than Asantes.
In response to these allegations, Mahama has accused the presidency of deliberately spreading what he has labeled “disinformation” with the intent of creating negative sentiment toward him.
In a post dated October 17, 2023, he refuted the claims and declared, “This is false, and they are aware of it! Kindly disregard such acts of disinformation from the Office of the President of Ghana.”
Furthermore, Mahama called upon the general public to dismiss the purported false claims attributed to him.
This is false and they know it!
Kindly ignore such acts of disinformation from the Office of the President of Ghana. pic.twitter.com/qjc9zaXxMy
This development comes on the heels of criticisms directed at President Akufo-Addo after his remarks on Monday, October 16, during his visit to Mepe, one of the areas severely affected by the Akosombo Dam spillage in the Volta Region.
During his address to local chiefs and residents, he acknowledged that they had not supported his political party but emphasized his presence as the President of the nation.
“When these things happen and government acts, politics does not come into the matter at all. When I took the oath of office as president, I took the oath as president for every single individual in Ghana, all people in Ghana, all districts and whether they voted for me or not, once I have taken the oath, I am the President of all the people so Togbe, I want the people here, beginning with you, and the elders to understand that when something like this happens and Government acts, Government is acting for Ghanaians, all Ghanaians.
“I came here because Ghanaians are having difficulties and are suffering, and it is my responsibility to try and help. Because, if it is a question of counting who votes for me and who doesn’t vote for me, then I shouldn’t be here, because you don’t vote for me. But that is not my concern. And, in any event, one day you will vote for me and my party,” the President said among other things.
Some analysts and critics say it was out of place for the President to talk about the people of the Volta Region not voting for him and his New Patriotic Party at such a critical time when they have been devastated by a human-induced disaster. Some people say it was a lighthearted comment gone wrong while others say it was simply a reckless one,” he added.
Meanwhile, the former President has urged the government to announce a state of emergency in regions impacted by the Akosombo dam overflow.
Through a recent Facebook post, the NDC Flagbearer stated,“it is clear that the scope and scale of the flooding of communities along the Volta River is bigger than our crippled economy can bear.
He further advised, “I recommend to Government to declare a State of Emergency in the affected areas and request relief assistance from our bilateral and multilateral partners immediately.”
The government has granted a subsidiary of Atlantic Lithium Limited, Barari DV Ghana Limited, a 15-year mining lease to initiate the construction and mining of lithium in the Mfantseman Municipality of the Central Region, Ewoyaa.
This lease incorporates revised terms with the aim of maximizing the country’s benefits from lithium mining.
The changes include an increased royalty rate, greater participation by the state and Ghanaian stakeholders, and a focus on adding value to the extracted mineral.
The decision to grant this mining lease comes after the completion of prospecting and feasibility studies by the company, following a series of negotiations with the government.
The lease covers an area of approximately 42.63 square kilometers, granting the company exclusive rights to extract and produce lithium and associated minerals in accordance with the country’s mining regulations.
Lithium is a crucial mineral used in the production of lithium-ion batteries, which are being promoted as a cleaner alternative to fossil fuels to combat climate change. The burning of fossil fuels in internal combustion engines is a major contributor to the climate crisis.
In response, global leaders are advocating for a transition to green energy to reduce and ultimately eliminate carbon emissions.
Some countries have already passed laws to phase out fossil fuel-powered vehicles, creating a growing market for the battery industry and the minerals required for battery production, often referred to as green or critical minerals.
Despite having high-grade lithium deposits, the country has yet to commence mining this mineral. To address this, the government has established a special policy for the exploitation and management of green minerals, including lithium, before granting any mining leases.
The new lease incorporates terms different from the standard mining lease, with an increased royalty rate of 10 percent (up from 5 percent) and an increase in the state’s free carried interest from 10 percent to 13 percent.
The government, through the Minerals Income Investment Fund (MIIF), will acquire an additional 6 percent in the mining operation and a 3.06 percent stake in the company’s parent entity, which is listed on the Australian and London Stock Exchanges.
The company is also required to list on the Ghana Stock Exchange, allowing Ghanaian entities like pension funds and individuals to participate in the business.
Additionally, the company will contribute 1 percent of its revenue to a Community Development Fund, benefiting communities affected by their operations.
The company will work on establishing a chemical plant for lithium processing, and if it is unable to do so, it will supply its lithium to third-party chemical plants in the country, leading to job creation and development in mining communities.
The government is committed to ensuring that mining communities and Ghanaians, who are the legal owners of these minerals, benefit from this industry. The company is urged to adhere to the country’s mining laws and the terms of the agreement, focusing on responsible, sustainable, and environmentally sound mining practices.
The Executive Chairman of Atlantic Lithium Limited, Niel Herbert, expressed gratitude to the government for their cooperation in reaching this significant milestone, emphasizing the importance of the Ewoyaa project and the company’s commitment to complying with Ghana’s laws and ensuring a safe mining environment.
In line with its Emergency Preparedness Plan launched in May 2023 to assist communities affected by the regulated release of water from the Akosombo and Kpong Dams, the Volta River Authority (VRA) has effectively reinstated the water supply infrastructure in Aveyime, located in the North Tongu District.
The flooded township’s raw water intake pumps at Aveyime were relocated to higher ground, accompanied by the construction of a pump protection shed with power panels integrated into the water treatment system.
The team put in continuous effort by digging trenches and installing pipes to ensure an immediate supply of safe drinking water to the community.
The Deputy Chief Executive (Services), Ken Arthur, is scheduled to hand over the newly commissioned water system to the people of Aveyime on October 19, 2023, thereby ensuring access to clean potable water for essential needs such as drinking, cooking, and bathing.
VRA is dedicated to offering substantial relief to the affected communities, striving to improve the lives of flood victims. This water supply restoration is the initial step towards a series of similar efforts, with plans to extend access to clean water to every resident in the affected areas.
In regions where water supply is temporarily cut off, VRA dispatches daily shipments of clean potable water to these communities. Furthermore, thousands of sachet water bags are provided for drinking. This focus on quick and clean water supply aims to prevent waterborne diseases from spreading in these communities and ensures that a fundamental human need is met.
While VRA continues to distribute essential relief items such as medicine supplies, canned food, toiletries, drugs, mattresses, buckets, rice, sugar, mosquito nets, and more to the flood victims, the organization is extending its technical expertise to offer assistance to the impacted communities. VRA, as a company of engineers, is committed to delivering more than just relief items and medications to the flood victims. They aim to proactively provide technical solutions and support to these communities.
VRA is resolutely fulfilling its promise to leave no one behind, standing by the communities in their time of need and delivering on their commitment to provide relief to the flood victims.
The Volta River Authority (VRA) has provided an update, confirming that the water level at the Akosombo Dam has remained stable over the last 24 hours, despite previous concerns about rising water levels.
The Deputy Chief Executive of the VRA, Edward Obeng Kenzo, shared this information while speaking to the media on Thursday, October 19, 2023.
“We are currently below the 277.50 feet level. Today, there has been no rise, meaning that the inflow and the amount we are spilling are in equilibrium. As of this morning, the water level is approximately 277.36,” he stated.
Earlier this week, Mr. Kenzo had expressed concerns about the continuous increase in the dam’s water level.
He explained that they had been forced to release water from the dam to prevent it from overtopping its operational level of 277.5 feet, as saving water beyond this threshold was not an option.
He emphasized that while there were no immediate plans for further water spillage, any additional heavy rains into the dam could necessitate such action. Currently, the water level stands at approximately 277.26 feet behind the dam.
The dam’s operational level is 276, with the maximum allowable operational level being 277.5 feet.
Mr. Kenzo stressed the critical need to prevent the dam from exceeding its operational capacity, as doing so could result in the dam’s failure and catastrophic consequences, including the loss of lives and property along the banks of the Volta River.
The VRA initiated controlled water spillage from the Akosombo and Kpong Dams on September 15, 2023, due to a consistent rise in the inflow pattern and water level of the Akosombo reservoir.
This has resulted in the inundation of numerous homes in regions including South Tongu, North Tongu, Central Tongu, Asuogyaman, and other affected areas.
The Member of Parliament for North Tongu in the Volta Region, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, has affirmed his dedication to securing complete resettlement and compensation for all those affected by the Akosombo Dam spillage from the Volta River Authority (VRA).
In an interview with the media, Mr Ablakwa urged the VRA to outline its plans for resolving the situation and providing assistance to the affected victims.
“VRA should be telling us what their plans are for resettlement and what their plans are for full compensation. I am going to insist that there is resettlement and there is full compensation. That is why when the house resumes, I’ll be making a statement, I will be demanding a parliamentary inquiry. These VRA officials must be summoned,” he said.
Mr Ablakwa emphasized that the residents affected by the flood had made significant sacrifices by donating their lands for the construction of the Akosombo and Kpong Dams.
He pointed out that these sacrifices had contributed to the development of the country and deserved recognition and justice.
“This should not be the price we pay for donating our lands for the Akosombo dam to be built; for the Kpong dam to be built. Because of the sacrifices that my people made, we all have electricity, we’re all getting industrialized, and getting transformed. And this should not be how we should be treated after making this enormous sacrifice, this is not the price we must pay. All we need is respect; all we need is our human rights to be valued. This is a matter of justice, they deserve justice and I’ll make sure that they receive justice, he said.
The Allied Health Professions Council (AHPC) in Accra has taken action to close down four private laboratories, citing their employment of unlicensed staff and their use of inadequate equipment.
The laboratories affected by this measure include Acumed Diagnostic Service, Samsandy Health Centre, Chalton Medical Centre, and Occuhealth Health Centre.
Deputy Director of Public Relations at AHPC, Mr. Kweku Asenso Brobbey, provided the details during an interview with the media.
He explained that the closures were a direct result of an inspection and enforcement exercise carried out by the Council at the Korle Bu Teaching Hospital (KBTH).
Mr. Brobbey clarified that the laboratories were shuttered after it was discovered that they were not in compliance with the provisions of the Health Professions Regulatory Bodies Act.
The Council’s main objective is to inspect allied health facilities to ensure that they adhere to the highest standards of practice in the country.
The inspection and enforcement exercise commenced on October 9 this year and is set to continue until the end of the year.
Its primary aim is to identify and apprehend unqualified individuals practicing as professionals without the necessary licenses, as well as facilities that fail to meet AHPC standards.
Mr. Brobbey emphasized that the Council’s responsibility is to eliminate unqualified practitioners from the allied health sector within the health delivery system to ensure the delivery of high-quality healthcare.
Despite the closures, Mr. Brobbey noted that most facilities, especially those operating in hospitals to provide allied health services, were in good standing with the Council.
However, he added that there were a few exceptions that the Council was committed to addressing, as stipulated in the allied health professional regulations.
Regarding the presence of unqualified and unlicensed personnel and the use of inadequate equipment in the healthcare system, the Director of Medical Affairs at KBTH, Dr. Frank Owusu-Sekyere, commended AHPC for their efforts.
He emphasized that such practices pose a significant risk to the effective delivery of healthcare services in the country and called for support from all stakeholders.
Thus far, the Council has inspected eight hospitals, 10 private laboratories, and one clinic, including KBTH, Pentecost Hospital in Madina, Ga East Hospital, University of Ghana Medical Centre, Cocoa Clinic, Adabraka Hospital, Abodwe Clinic, and Holy Trinity Hospital.
The World Bank’s Country Director, Pierre Laporte, has revealed the significant impact of soaring inflation in 2022 on the overall living standards, particularly among the most vulnerable members of society.
He pointed out that the number of Ghanaians living in extreme poverty has increased since the previous year, with more than a quarter of the population now surviving on less than GH¢24 per day, equivalent to less than two dollars.
The recent surge in inflation in Ghana has severely eroded the purchasing power of affected households, mainly because their incomes have not kept pace with the rising cost of living.
“It is expected that the current economic woes the country has endured may have pushed many more Ghanaians into poverty, and food insecurity worsened by the last quarter of 2022 when inflation was at its peak,” Mr Laporte said on October 18 at a ceremony to mark End Poverty Day at the World Bank Office in Accra.
Mr. Laporte conveyed these concerns on October 18 during an event marking End Poverty Day at the World Bank Office in Accra. The event was held under the theme “Delivering growth to people through better jobs in Ghana.”
Looking ahead, when considering the path torecovery, he emphasized the need for structural reforms to strengthen long-term growth prospects and economic stability.
He suggested that policies supporting investment and human capital development, along with efforts to enhance resilience and crisis preparedness, particularly in the fields of agriculture and food systems, were crucial to bolstering long-term growth prospects.
Mr. Laporte noted that well-targeted investments could create better jobs, reduce income inequality, and enhance productivity. He underscored that employment and job opportunities were the most effective means to alleviate poverty and inequality. Furthermore, empowering women, girls, and young people could amplify the positive impact on communities and across generations.
The World Bank, he explained, is adapting its vision and mission in response to a series of global crises that have disrupted development progress.
The institution is working on a new playbook that focuses on improving and modernizing financing capabilities, delivery models, and efficiency, among other aspects, with the goal of promoting inclusive development that doesn’t come at the expense of vulnerable populations, ultimately leading to an improved quality of life and more job opportunities for people around the world.
The sole survivor of the well-known Deadly Voyage stowaway incident in 1992, Kinsley Ofosu, has been arrested for his alleged involvement in a €120,000 scam.
The suspect, who gained international attention in 1992 for his miraculous survival from a stowaway journey, was apprehended from his hideout in Prampram, in the Greater Accra Region, after police efforts to locate him over 26 years had proven unsuccessful.
After nearly two-and-a-half decades of relentless pursuit, the police arrested Ofosu on Saturday, October 14. He was subsequently brought before the Takoradi Circuit Court B.
Prosecutor Inspector Robert Yawson informed the court, presided over by Her Honour Henrietta Charway, that the suspect had been on the police’s wanted list since 1998, and all previous attempts to arrest him had failed.
He requested the court to remand the suspect to allow the police to complete their investigations.
According to the prosecution, the suspect had relocated from his residence in Tanokrom, a suburb of Takoradi, to an undisclosed location, making it challenging for the police to trace him.
Prosecution argued that granting bail might allow the suspect to interfere with the ongoing investigations and therefore requested remand.
The accused’s counsel, Victor Owusu, requested bail for his client but it was not granted. As a result, the accused has been remanded into police custody and is expected to reappear in court on Monday, October 30.
The complainant, Charles Ohemeng, revealed in a telephone interview from Germany that he met the accused in Germany in 1997, shortly after Ofosu’s international fame following his miraculous escape from the MC Ruby Cargo Ship.
He explained that Ofosu had gained significant recognition at the time due to the stowaway incident and had legal documents that allowed him to travel between Europe and Ghana.
Mr Ohemeng recounted that he decided to ship vehicles and printing machines through Ofosu to Ghana, including Mercedes Benz, a tanker, Nissan, a double axle vehicle, Opel, printing machines, and others, totaling approximately 240,000 deutschmark (equivalent to 120,000 Euros at the time).
“He was famous and everyone was talking about him. They had given him legal documents and so he was moving from Europe to Ghana anytime he wanted. I met him in Germany in 1997 and decided to ship some vehicles and printing machines through him to Ghana. He agreed and we started buying the vehicles. I bought Mercedes Benz, tanker, Nissan, double axle vehicle, Opel, printing machines, and many others amounting to about 240,000 deutschmark (an equivalent of 120,000 Euros) at the time.
“I shipped them to him in Ghana and that was the end of everything. I did not hear from him again until his arrest today,” he indicated.
He shipped these items to Ofosu in Ghana, but communication was lost, and he did not hear from him until his recent arrest.
In 1992, Kingsley Ofosu became internationally known when he survived the massacre of a group of African stowaways by the crew of the Bahamian-flagged Ukrainian-crewed cargo ship, MC Rugby.
The ship was docked in Takoradi to load cocoa, and the stowaways had hoped to travel to Europe for a better life. However, after hiding on the ship for several days, they were discovered by the crew members, who decided to slaughter them one by one.
In the end, Kinsley Ofosu’s half-brother, Albert Cudjoe, who was on the ship with seven others, was brutally murdered, leaving Ofosu as the sole survivor.
The tragic story of Ofosu was later adapted into a 1996 film titled ‘Deadly Voyage,’ produced by Union Pictures and distributed to the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) and Home Box Office (HBO). Omar Epps starred as Kinsley Ofosu.
The Energy Minister, Dr. Matthew Opoku Prempeh, is set to be awarded as the “most dynamic Minister” in the Akufo-Addo Administration.
The award, presented by the Education and Management Training Foundation (EDMAT Foundation) on November 4, 2023, acknowledges his exceptional performance and leadership in the two ministries he has overseen in the current government.
The Executive Director of the EDMAT Foundation, Dr. Robert Okyne, signed a statement recognizing Dr. Prempeh’s outstanding contributions, particularly in leading the implementation of the Free Senior High School Policy.
The foundation commended his transformative impact on the education sector and the revitalization of education policies.
The statement emphasized Dr. Prempeh’s current role as Energy Minister, highlighting the successful achievements attributed to him.
The foundation expressed confidence that both the President and Ghanaians view him as the most dynamic Minister, describing him as a “bulldozer and Mender.”
Earlier in July, Dr. Matthew Opoku Prempeh received an honorary Doctor of Educational Leadership Degree from the University of Cape Coast for his exceptional performance as Minister of Education.
The University of Education, Winneba (UEW) and the University of Professional Studies, Accra (UPSA) had previously conferred similar honors.
In addition to these academic recognitions, he was named the Best Minister in 2019 and 2022 and received honors from the Civil Service for his outstanding leadership.
The return of Yilo Krobo Senior High School contestants from their historic appearance at the National Science and Maths Quiz, NSMQ, was a moment filled with excitement.
Staff, students, and residents of Somanya and neighboring communities met them with cheers and celebrations.
Victor Kofi Gbedasi and Gabriel Kofi Appiah, the contestants, secured the school’s first NSMQ seed, marking their debut appearance in the quarterfinal stage of the competition.
At the school’s morning devotion, Yilo Krobo SHS students sang and danced to express their joy and gratitude for the quiz team’s performance at the national science and maths quiz.
As the contestants returned, students, school staff, and community members took to the streets of Somanya, welcoming the team with songs of praise.
The school had qualified for the national competition in 2022 but was eliminated in the early stages. Their defeat served as motivation, pushing them to work harder in the following years, which was evident in their performance this year.
They secured a place in the national competition for the second consecutive year after an impressive performance in the Eastern regional qualification, beating rivals like Manya Krobo SHS, Oyoko Methodist SHS, and Akuse Methodist SHTS.
In the quarterfinal stage, Yilo Krobo SHS captured the hearts and minds of NSMQ enthusiasts with their masterful performance. They faced Mfantsipim School and Kumasi SHTS in a battle for a spot in the competition’s semi-finals.
Although they didn’t qualify for the finals, the school remains optimistic about their future performance in the tournament.
One of the contestants expressed, “I am sad we couldn’t qualify. But, I know that one day we will be in the finals.”
Yilo Krobo SHS, along with Mpraeso SHS and Wesley Grammar SHS, made their first appearance in the quarterfinals and secured seeding for the 2024 National Science and Maths Quiz.
Media personality Bridget Otoo has criticized the recent response from the National Cathedral secretariat to the resignation of two prominent clergymen from the project’s Board of Trustees.
In a letter dated October 18, the secretariat challenged one of the main reasons provided by Archbishop Nicholas Duncan-Williams and Rev. Eastwood Anaba for their decision to step down. They cited the lack of an audit into project activities and expenditures for transparency and to eliminate corruption perception.
In a rebuttal on October 17, the Executive Director of the National Cathedral project, Dr. Paul Opoku-Mensah, stated that an audit of the project was already underway and refuted the claim of inaction. Dr. Opoku-Mensah emphasized that the clergymen had been provided with copies of documents from Board meetings where their request for an audit had been discussed.
In response to these developments, the Secretariat labeled the clergymen’s claims as false, suggesting that they were untruthful regarding the cause of their resignation.
Bridget Otoo expressed her disapproval of this claim, implying that the secretariat had portrayed the clergymen as dishonest in their actions.
“It’s ironic that the National Cathedral is calling Duncan Williams & Eastwood Anaba liars. Isn’t that the same board that has a man with a fraudulent double identity – Rev. Kusi Boateng and Kwabena Adu Gyamfi,” she tweeted on Thursday, October 19.
Rev. Kusi Boateng, Secretary to the Board of Trustees, has faced accusations of a double identity and alleged shell companies for several months, with North Tongu legislator Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa bringing these allegations to light.
The court ruling confirmed evidence that the names Kusi Boateng and Adu Gyamfi were used to register different companies.
The Ghana National Union of Technical Students (GNUTS) has called upon the Ministry of Education (MoE) to facilitate the transfer of students affected by the Akosombo dam spillage to alternative safe educational institutions.
The request is aimed at ensuring that these students can sustain their educational progress without interruption.
This appeal was made by GNUTS in an official statement released on Thursday.
In their statement, GNUTS expressed their earnest request to the Ministry of Education, urging them to promptly relocate the affected students to nearby secure educational facilities, thereby ensuring the continuous pursuit of their studies.
“We also sincerely request the Ministry of Education to swiftly relocate affected students to the nearest safe educational facilities, guaranteeing the uninterrupted continuation of their studies,” it stated.
Furthermore, GNUTS reiterated their unwavering commitment to the well-being and future success of the victims, particularly the students.
They also conveyed their deepest condolences to the communities impacted by this catastrophe.
The statement concluded with a message of solidarity, stating, “Together, we shall overcome this adversity and work towards a safer and more resilient future.”
A Medical Officer at the Oncology Unit of the International Maritime Hospital (IMaH), Dr. Anita Owusu-Afriyie, has revealed that 233 women are diagnosed with cervical cancer each month, and tragically, 142 of them succumb to the disease monthly.
The data highlights that 58 women receive a cervical cancer diagnosis on a weekly basis, with 35 losing their lives every week. Moreover, a disturbing 2,797 women are diagnosed with cervical cancer annually in Ghana, and a heartbreaking 1,699 lose their lives to the disease.
Cervical cancer ranks as the second most prevalent cancer among women in Ghana, following breast cancer.
Dr. Owusu-Afriyie shared these statistics during the “Your Health! Our Collective Responsibility!” health promotion initiative organized by the Ghana News Agency Tema Regional Office.
The initiative aims to disseminate health information to enhance health literacy and influence personal health choices.
She emphasized the importance of regular cervical cancer screening, as early detection can be a lifesaver. Dr. Owusu-Afriyie urged men to support and encourage their partners, wives, sisters, mothers, and friends to undergo screening.
Prolonged infection with specific strains of Human papillomavirus (HPV) is identified as the primary cause of cervical cancer. HPV is a common virus transmitted through sexual contact, and although many sexually active individuals contract HPV at some point, only a small percentage of women develop cervical cancer.
Dr. Owusu-Afriyie advised women not to undergo cervical cancer screening during menstruation, as menstrual blood can affect the accuracy of the analysis.
She also encouraged women who experience abnormal bleeding after sexual intercourse or menstruation to seek medical attention.
Furthermore, individuals undergoing treatment for cervical cancer should abstain from sexual intercourse or engage in protected sex, as the treatment is aimed at eliminating cancer cells from the cervix.
Dr. Owusu-Afriyie called on all females aged 21 and older to undergo cervical cancer screening.
Francis Ameyibor, the GNA Tema Regional Manager, explained that the office aimed to leverage the agency’s communication expertise and the skills of health professionals to educate the public on the importance of overall health.
He also mentioned that the weekly health dialogue platform would serve as an effective channel for health professionals to educate the public on healthy practices and general health issues.
One of the foremost ride-hailing services operating in Africa, Yango, has been honored as the Transportation App of the Year at the recently concluded National Customers’ Choice Awards Ghana 2023.
The awards ceremony took place on Friday, October 13th, 2023, at the Movenpick Ambassador Hotel in Accra.
Organized by KN Unique Communications, the National Customers’ Choice Awards Ghana aims to recognize business excellence by conducting a comprehensive, impartial, and precise independent market research survey.
This survey evaluates brand reputation, customer satisfaction, and business excellence in terms of service quality, value, professionalism, and integrity.
It provides a genuine reflection of the marketplace by representing the opinions of consumers and buyers from across the nation. The Transportation App of the Year award acknowledges a brand’s consistent delivery of high-quality service to its customers.
Yango was honored with this award in recognition of its dedication to creating income opportunities for partners and drivers while ensuring affordable, secure, and convenient transportation for riders.
Tom Ofonime, the General Manager of Yango Ghana, expressed his gratitude to all Yango stakeholders. He stated, “As a digital company, we are thrilled to be acknowledged for our hard work and commitment to offering the best transportation service to all Ghanaians through our app. We will continue to prioritize excellence in service delivery for all our customers. At Yango, we take pride in positively impacting the lives of our partners, drivers, and riders who use our app.”
Yango continues to make significant contributions to the transportation and ride-hailing sectors, benefiting various segments of the economy.
“We take all feedback from our stakeholders seriously, and as a tech company, we are constantly innovating and enhancing our app to ensure the safety and convenience of all users. It is our mantra to provide the best experience for everyone who uses our services through our apps,” added Mr. Ofonime.
The awards ceremony recognized several leading companies in different categories, including insurance, electronics, logistics, finance, and manufacturing, among others.
The Health Accounting Staff Association of Ghana has issued a notice of an impending strike in response to a decision made by the management of the Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital (KBTH).
They explained that on the 20th of September 2023, the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of KBTH delivered release letters dated 19th of September 2023, to five (5) accountants of the hospital, directing them to report to the Health Ministry for reassignment, effective from the 26th of September, 2023.
In a statement they released, they expressed their deep disappointment, noting that all the affected Accountants serve as leaders of the local branch of the HASAG Union within the Korle Bu Teaching Hospital.
“To our utmost dismay, all the affected Accountants are leaders of the local branch of HASAG Union in the Korle Bu Teaching Hospital made up of four branch Council members and one executive member of the union who is the Korle-bu branch Vice president of the Association.
“From all indications, they are being taken out of the Korle Bu Teaching Hospital permanently to be reassigned under the Ministry of Health and never to return to the hospital,” a statement they issued said.
This local branch is comprised of four branch Council members and one executive member, who happens to be the Korle-bu branch Vice President of the Association.
According to them, the decision to permanently transfer these union leaders out of the Korle Bu Teaching Hospital, under the Ministry of Health, effectively prevents them from advocating for the rights of their members.
This action, they argue, is not in line with the public service provisions and the framework for negotiating conditions of service for the Ghana public sector health workforce.
They also cited the framework for negotiating conditions of service for Ghana’s public sector health workforce, specifically section 3.1.i-iii, which emphasizes that postings should not be used as a punitive measure and should be done with due notice.
It further mentions that postings exceeding two years should come with adequate notice and planning.
The union leaders believe that these releases are an attempt to victimize and intimidate them, particularly due to their involvement in an ongoing court case regarding the appointment of a substantive director of finance. They contend that these releases are unjustified, especially when the case is already before the court.
Consequently, they call upon the President of Ghana, Akufo-Addo, to intervene and direct the Health Minister, the Board Chairman of KBTH, and the CEO of KBTH to act in the interest of industrial peace and harmony.
Finally, they announce that if the release letters given to their union leaders at Korle-bu Teaching Hospital are not withdrawn within seven (7) working days from the date of their letter, the union will proceed with a nationwide strike to demand the withdrawal of these letters.
To mark its 125th anniversary, the Accra Metropolitan Assembly (AMA) has issued a directive for the closure of all shops, markets, lorry terminals, and other establishments within the metropolis.
This move is part of a grand cleanup campaign aimed at improving the city’s cleanliness and overall environment.
Scheduled to kick off from 6 am to 10 am on Saturday, October 21st, this cleanup initiative also serves as a preparatory measure for the final funeral rites of the late Ga Manye, Naa Dedei Omaedru III.
In accordance with the statement from the AMA, signed by the Head of Public Affairs, Gilbert Nii Ankrah, the designated focus areas for this exercise include:
The Ga Traditional Council (GTC) stretch of the Palace Street and Rev. Thomas Clegg Memorial Methodist Church to Department of Social Welfare stretch of the Nii Asere Ayite Road in the Okaikoi South Sub-Metro.
Chorkor (Old Winneba Road).
Korle Bu Traffic Light to Mamprobi Post Office (Guggisberg Avenue) in the Ablekuma South Sub-Metro.
Fire Academy and Training School, Bodey (Cleland Road) through to Kwame Nkrumah Memorial Park (John Evans Atta Mills High Street).
Odorkor Station on the Asafoatse Nettey Road to Bukom.
Accra General Post Office and its surroundings.
Princess Marie Louise Children’s Hospital on Derby Avenue in the Ashiedu Keteke Sub-Metro.
The statement mandates the suspension of all business and economic activities during the specified period and encourages residents, corporations, traders, and shop owners to coordinate similar cleanup efforts in their respective communities, adhering to the AMA Sanitation, Cleaning, and Communal Labour Bye-laws of 2017.
These regulations will be rigorously enforced by Environmental Health Officers (Saman Saman).
Furthermore, the AMA announced that, in compliance with the Ga Traditional Council’s amended directive, which calls for the closure of all shops and markets on Saturday, October 28th, 2023, in honor of the late Queen Mother of the Ga State, Naa Dedei Omaedru III, Public Health Officers will conduct a deratting exercise at the 31st Makola, Makola Nos. 2, Agbogbloshie, and London Markets.
Mr. Ankrah emphasized, “the closure of shops, markets, and lorry terminals is essential to ensure the active participation of businesses and individuals in this citywide initiative.”
A renowned pharmaceutical company, Atlantic Lifesciences Ltd., has extended a helping hand to the flood-affected residents of Akosombo Dam Village, demonstrating heartwarming compassion and a strong sense of community unity.
In a remarkable display of generosity, the corporation has lent substantial support to the ongoing relief efforts organized by Citi FM and Citi TV. They have made a significant donation of various pharmaceutical products and emergency medications, valued at a considerable sum in Ghanaian cedis.
The catastrophic flooding caused by the Akosombo Dam spill has rendered an estimated 30,000 people homeless, thrusting them into dire circumstances.
Heart-wrenching stories of victims resorting to drinking contaminated water have deeply affected Citi FM’s listeners and profoundly moved viewers who have been exposed to distressing images from the affected areas.
What sets Atlantic Lifesciences Ltd. apart is their commitment to going above and beyond conventional assistance. The company has generously offered the use of their extensive fleet of water tankers to provide clean, potable water to areas in desperate need.
David Kafui Klutse, the Chief Operating Officer of Atlantic Lifesciences Ltd., expressed the motivation behind their contribution to the relief campaign.
He emphasized their proximity to the affected communities, stating, “from where we are located, we are not too far from the affected communities, and as a responsible company, we believe we cannot simply stand by and witness some of our fellow Ghanaians suffering. So, this morning, we responded to your call and have presented various medical solutions.”
He further explained, “the water has become contaminated with local refuse and sewage, posing a risk of people ending up in hospitals if caution is not exercised. Therefore, we are donating infusions, normal saline solutions, cholera replacement fluids, and antibiotics that hospitals can utilize.”
Ghana is on the path to manufacturing anti-snake venom, a life-saving serum crucial for individuals bitten by snakes, aiming to mitigate fatalities resulting from the unavailability of this vital antidote.
This development came to light during the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between Atlantic Lifesciences, a Ghanaian company, and Vins Bioproducts Limited, an Indian firm, marking the initiation of the fill and finish production of anti-snake venom within Ghana.
The anti-snake venom formulation will possess the capability to counteract the effects of over 19 different snake species’ bites. This undertaking aligns with the government’s aspiration to establish Ghana as a central hub for vaccine production within the African sub-region.
During the event held in Accra, Dhananjay Tripathi, CEO of Atlantic Lifesciences, emphasized that Ghana would become the pioneering West African nation to manufacture and package anti-snake venom for both local use and export.
Siddarth Daga, Executive Director of Vins Bioproducts Limited, expressed his contentment at partnering with Atlantic Lifesciences to produce anti-snake venom in Ghana.
Delese Mimi Darko, CEO of the Food and Drugs Authority (FDA), disclosed that the FDA had granted approval for the production of anti-snake venom.
“Anti-venoms are critical vaccine commodities which are often out of stock in Ghana and other regions, leading to unavoidable deaths. There are several initiatives globally and nationally underway to increase access to anti-venoms, both here and in the rest of the world. This MoU will mark the beginning of several such agreements between local manufacturers and giant pharmaceutical industries to help support manufacturers towards self-sustainability and supply in Ghana and to export to many countries. Everything we test in our laboratory is worldwide,” she stated.
Vins Bioproducts Limited is a prominent producer of vaccines.
The President and Chief Executive Officer of the Institute for Security, Disaster, and Emergency Studies, Dr. Ishmael Norman, has expressed his belief that there is a slim chance that President Akufo-Addo will declare a state of emergency in response to the flood disaster caused by the Akosombo Dam spillage.
While Dr. Norman supports the idea of the President declaring a state of emergency, he points out that President Akufo-Addo’s past actions do not indicate a likelihood of taking such a step, even on a regional level.
During an interview with the media, Dr. Norman explained that President Akufo-Addo did not employ the Emergency Powers Act of 1994 (Act 471) or Article 31 of the 1992 Constitution, even during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Dr. Norman elaborated, saying, “the reason why he wouldn’t declare a state of emergency, not even a regional state of emergency, is because it entails a lot. You remember that he used Executive Instrument 61 when it started and then 10 (12) of 2020 to declare a health emergency, not even a state of emergency but a health emergency, meaning other considerations were not important even though the COVID situation was a massive disruption to activities everywhere.”
“In this situation with spillage and flooding, he is not going to declare a state of emergency, not even a regional state of emergency. He will come out with an Executive Instrument that will allow him to perform without reporting to Parliament because the modalities for the state of emergency are very technical, and our President doesn’t like to control by the laws too much”.
Dr. Norman stressed that, if the government is genuinely committed to resolving the issue, the most prudent approach would be to declare a regional state of emergency, given the limited scope of the crisis.
He noted that the spillage and subsequent flooding had not yet reached a national scale, affecting perhaps 9 to 12 districts.
To declare a regional state of emergency, the President would need to report to Parliament and adhere to the specified procedures under Article 31.
T-Tekpor Energy Ltd, a prominent Ghanaian Oil Marketing Company, has shown remarkable support and compassion by generously donating 120,000 Ghana Cedis.
This substantial contribution represents a significant milestone in the ongoing campaign organized by Citi FM and Citi TV to raise funds and essential relief items for those severely affected by the recent flood in Akosombo Dam Village.
T-Tekpor Energy: A Strong Supporter
T-Tekpor Energy Ltd, well-known for its unwavering commitment to delivering high-value, dedicated, and professional services to the Oil & Gas and Marine Industries, has emerged as a driving force behind the relief efforts for the flood victims in Akosombo Dam Village.
The company’s journey in the energy sector began with upstream Marine Services and has expanded to encompass downstream Marine Services, serving the specific needs of the Oil and Gas sector. With a fleet of tanker vessels, they provide a wide range of products and services to a diverse clientele worldwide, spanning both private and public sectors.
T-Tekpor Energy’s dedication to community welfare is exemplified through its multifaceted involvement in the energy industry.
Their licensing to procure, store, distribute, and sell petroleum products in Ghana, along with their ultra-modern oil storage facility, underscores their commitment to delivering top-tier services to their valued clients.
Exemplary Corporate Responsibility
T-Tekpor Energy Ltd’s substantial donation exemplifies the pinnacle of corporate responsibility and its profound commitment to the communities it serves. In the wake of the recent calamity caused by the Akosombo Dam spillage, T-Tekpor Energy has emerged as a pillar of support and a beacon of hope for the distressed residents of Akosombo Dam Village.
The 120,000 Ghana Cedis donation is poised to provide urgently needed relief to those who have been displaced and adversely affected by the flooding.
Chief Executive Officer of Citi FM and Citi TV, Samuel Attah-Mensah, while receiving the donation on the Citi Breakfast Show, assured listeners that the funds will be used judiciously to ensure that T-Tekpor Energy Ltd takes pride in their association with the Citi FM and Citi TV relief campaign.
Assisting Akosombo Dam Spillage victims
The ongoing campaign, led by Citi FM and Citi TV, using the hashtag #Relief4LowerVolta on social media, aims to mobilize significant support from organizations, businesses, individuals, and the international community to extend aid to the flood victims in the Lower Volta region. T-Tekpor Energy’s substantial contribution propels this noble cause to even greater heights.
Capt. Theodore Tekpor, Founder and Chief Executive of the company, was deeply moved by distressing accounts, images, and videos shared by various photojournalists and reporters, motivating his decision to make this significant contribution.
As Charles Wattenburg, the Operations Manager of T-Tekpor Energy Ltd, explained during the donation, the company’s contribution aligns with their core principles of responsible operations, execution with excellence, innovative technology application, and seizing new opportunities for profitable growth.
Inspiring unity in the face of adversity
T-Tekpor Energy Ltd’s resolute commitment to supporting the victims of the Akosombo Dam Village flood serves as a compelling source of inspiration for all. It underscores the indomitable spirit of Ghana, highlighting the potent impact of unity during times of adversity.
As the relief initiatives continue, additional support from individuals and organizations, including T-Tekpor Energy Ltd, strengthens the determination to make a profound difference in the lives of those affected.
With further spillage expected from the Akosombo Dam in the coming days, the collective efforts of organizations, businesses, and individuals are pivotal in providing assistance to the downstream communities that may face additional challenges.
T-Tekpor Energy Ltd’s contribution sets a shining example of corporate responsibility, emphasizing that, together, we have the capacity to make a monumental impact in times of crisis.
The Ghana Medical Association (GMA) has made a concerning revelation about the conditions in emergency shelters established for individuals affected by the spillage of the Akosombo and Kpong Dams.
The Acting General Secretary of the GMA, Dr. Richard Selormey, shared this information while speaking to the media.
According to Dr. Selormey, the GMA dispatched a team to assist with rescue efforts in the affected areas and discovered that a significant number of people in the emergency shelters were exhibiting symptoms of diarrhea and bilharzia.
“We have noted that the most common diseases contracted by victims are malaria, skin diseases, and respiratory conditions because they are in close contact. We have also noticed that there are a few people beginning to show signs of diarrhea diseases and about two people are also showing signs of bilharzia,” he added.
Dr. Selormey also issued a warning about the potential for waterborne disease outbreaks and urged the affected individuals to adhere to safety protocols while awaiting relief supplies.
Meanwhile, in North and South Tongu in the Volta region, thousands of displaced persons have been forced to use contaminated water for some of their daily chores due to the circumstances arising from the dam spillage.
The calculated spillage of water from the Akosombo and Kpong Dams began on 15th September 2023, in response to a consistent increase in the inflow pattern and water level of the Akosombo reservoir.
The severe flooding, caused by the spillage from the dams, has forced numerous individuals in these areas to evacuate.
During his visit to the affected areas on Monday, 16th, October, President Akufo-Addo assured that the inter-ministerial committee established to address flood-related issues will not only determine immediate relief efforts for the victims, but also focus on preventing the occurrence of such disasters in the future.
In the meantime, the Volta River Authority (VRA) has warned that Tema and its surrounding areas may face significant risk should the water level of the Akosombo Dam exceed its operational capacity.
A prominent member of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Dr. Kobina Arthur Kennedy, has stated that the next President of Ghana, following Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, should exercise wisdom and abandon the National Cathedral project.
He believes that the project represents a misallocation of resources, and it would not be prudent to continue investing in what he views as a misguided endeavor.
Dr. Kennedy, a former NPP flagbearer aspirant, expressed his views during an appearance on TV3’s Ghana Tonight on Wednesday, October 18.
His comments come in the wake of the resignation of two board members, Archbishop Nicholas Duncan-Williams and Reverend Eastwood Anaba, who cited the lack of an audit of the project since their request in January as their reason for stepping down.
The National Cathedral Secretariat responded by clarifying that they had engaged the international accounting and auditing firm Deloitte to conduct the audit, and the two clergymen were aware of this.
“The attention of the Secretariat of the National Cathedral project has been drawn to a letter addressed to the President – sighted in the media before Board members received copies – of the resignation of two of the members of the Board, Archbishop Nicholas Duncan Williams and Rev Eastwood Anaba,” the reply in a statement dated Wednesday, October 18 began.
“The reason given in the letter for their resignation is said to be the lack of any information, whatsoever, following their January 23, 2023 resolution calling for an audit of the National Cathedral project, and a complete cessation of work on the project,” the statement signed by Executive Director Dr Paul Opoku-Mensah further noted.
Dr. Arthur Kennedy’s position is that the project was flawed from the outset because President Akufo-Addo had misled the Ghanaian public.
He considers the current state of the project as emblematic of the government’s reckless management of entrusted resources and a lack of care for the welfare of the Ghanaian people.
The US-based medical practitioner, therefore, advises the next President, to be elected on December 7, 2024, to discontinue the National Cathedral project.
He argued that continuing to invest in it would be wasteful, as he asserts that the money already spent has been squandered.
“If the person is wise, he would abandon it because this is sand cost. That’s what my economist friends tell me and we should not throw good money after bad money.
“This money has been wasted and the more money we put in this, the more wastage we will get,” he added.
He suggests redirecting the estimated $400 million, which has been invested in the project thus far, towards improving tourism infrastructure, such as constructing major hotels in the Cape Coast area, upgrading the Cape Coast-Accra road, and rehabilitating historical sites like Asebu Kwamankese.
Dr. Kennedy believes that constructing a Bible museum in sub-Saharan Africa is unlikely to attract tourists who typically visit major cathedrals in Europe.
He emphasized the need for a thorough audit of the project, suspecting that the funds contributed by Ghanaians have been misappropriated and misused.
A former Deputy General Secretary of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Nana Obiri Boahen, has voiced strong criticism of the government’s allocation of resources and priorities in Ghana.
During an interview interview with the media on October 18, 2023, Mr Boahen raised concerns about the construction of the National Cathedral, emphasizing that there are more urgent issues in the country that require immediate attention and resources.
He specifically highlighted the critical healthcare institutions, such as the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital and the Korle Bu Teaching Hospital, which are in dire need of dialysis machines.
Mr Boahen explained that these facilities are essential for providing healthcare services to Ghanaians, and the absence of vital equipment like dialysis machines is a matter of serious concern.
Mr Boahen expressed his disapproval of the National Cathedral project, stating,”if you claim you will build a cathedral and all NPP people will be clapping, I will never clap for that project because it is not a number one priority. The amount of money that will be involved can be used to build the railway from Accra to Dormaa or Bawku, which is my topmost priority.
He added, “When you hear news like Komfo Anokye is lacking dialysis machine, Korle Bu is lacking dialysis machine and people are paying huge monies, how do you take that?
He went on to say, “When you hear news like Komfo Anokye is lacking dialysis machine, Korle Bu is lacking dialysis machine, and people are paying huge monies, how do you take that? If you live in a country that claims they are building a cathedral, but dialysis machines and incubators are lacking, and individuals are the ones providing such support for the hospitals, how do you talk about this?”
Dialysis is a crucial medical treatment for patients with kidney issues, as it helps remove excess fluids and waste from the bloodstream. Patients typically require three dialysis sessions per week to maintain a decent quality of life.
The Chief Executive Officer of the Korle Bu Teaching Hospital, Dr. Opoku Ware Ampomah, shared that there are approximately 700 to 1,000 people undergoing dialysis treatment in the country, with 350 of them being treated at the Dialysis Unit of the KBTH.
The unit conducts 2,000 dialysis sessions every month.Dr. Ampomah also urged the government to establish the necessary legal frameworks to facilitate kidney transplants as an alternative to prolonged dialysis treatment, which can be quite stressful.
He made these comments while receiving a GHS 100,000 donation from a team representing The Maker’s House Chapel International for the Dialysis Unit of the Hospital.
A member affiliated with the New Patriotic Party (NPP) is allegedly implicated in a financial fraud case, purportedly deceiving a vulnerable Ghanaian and fraudulently obtaining a substantial amount of GHC8,000 from him.
The victim, who remains unidentified, shared his account with the media, detailing his encounter with Frank Cudjoe, also known as Cocoa Sika, the NPP chairman for Bia West.
This encounter reportedly transpired in 2022 when the victim, recovering from an illness contracted in Libya, relocated to Ghana.
The victim stated that upon his return, the company responsible for bringing him to Ghana encouraged him to initiate an independent business venture.
Driven by aspirations to establish a cement enterprise, he crossed paths with Cocoa Sika and engaged in transactions to acquire the necessary goods.
Regrettably, subsequent to making payments, the victim alleges that Cocoa Sika has evaded fulfilling the agreed-upon arrangements, responding with excuses and instructing the victim to apprehend an employee associated with him.
“I was in Libya, but I came back to Ghana because I wasn’t well. The company that brought me to Ghana treated me until I recovered. After my recovery, they said they would like me to work in Ghana and asked about the business I wanted to pursue. I expressed my interest in selling cement, and they instructed me to obtain an invoice and return to collect a cheque to start the business. The person provided me with a three-day deadline to pick up the items. However, since 2022, he has been evasive. His current demand is that I should arrest an employee working with him, or he won’t provide the cement. He alleges I should apprehend the employee for theft. The person in question is the NPP chairman in Bia West, known as Frank Cudjoe, also referred to as Cocoa Sika.
During a confrontation, the victim questioned this directive, only for Cocoa Sika to allege that the said employee had engaged in theft, despite no prior business interactions between them.
However, after making payments, the victim alleges that Cocoa Sika failed to honor the agreed-upon arrangements, offering excuses and advising the victim to apprehend one of his employees.
In response, the victim questioned this directive during a confrontation, prompting Cocoa Sika to assert that the said employee had engaged in theft, despite no prior business interactions between the victim and the employee.
Frustrated by the lack of progress in resolving the matter, the victim sought assistance from third parties, including the district woman organizer, where Cocoa Sika stipulated a deadline to provide the promised goods.
“I reported the issue to the district woman organizer, who spoke to him. He assured her that he would provide the goods soon. However, after the deadline passed, I made several attempts to contact him, but he was unresponsive. I sent him a voice note to express my dissatisfaction, and he informed me that due to my voice note, he would no longer supply the goods. I informed my company about the situation, and they tried to contact him, but without success,” he added.
The deadline passed without delivery, prompting the victim to convey his displeasure via a voice note.
In response, Cocoa Sika defiantly asserted that no one could take any action against him.
The victim stated that he has reported the case to the police, but Cocoa Sika has shifted the blame onto his employee, maintaining that the employee, and not he, should be held responsible.
“I reported the matter to a police commander, and he was summoned to the police station. Nevertheless, he insisted that the police should arrest his employee. The police instructed me to go and arrest the employee working with him, and he has asserted that no one can take any action against him,” he added.
The Greater Accra Regional Youth Organiser of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), Amorse Blessing Amos, has suggested that selling Ghana to business tycoon, Elon Musk will be a prudent course of action than re-electing the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP) in the upcoming 2024 elections.
Speaking to the media, Mr. Amos argued that it is imperative to vote the NPP out of power due to their failure in improving the nation’s conditions.
He referred to a recent open letter, wherein it was asserted that the eight years of NPP governance had caused significant harm to the nation. The letter contended that a complete recovery would demand a span of 30 years.
“In his extensive commentary, Frimpong-Boateng has conveyed the opinions of experienced economists he has engaged with. According to them, the damage inflicted upon our economy by the NPP is so significant that it may require approximately 30 years to fully rectify.”
“You took only eight years to cause 30 years’ destruction, and you are still asking for breaking the eight, then it is better we sell Ghana to Google and Elon Musk. They have money to buy the whole of Ghana, so that we will know that we have been enslaved. And with the help of God, it will not happen,” he added.
He stressed that it is evident to any rational observer in Ghana that the populace is enduring significant hardships, also the NPP administration has acknowledged its inability to alleviate the country’s economic struggles.
“In fact, no sane person in Ghana today will say that Ghanaians are not suffering. In fact, the president himself said that Ghanaians are suffering, and he is hoping whoever will take over will eliminate us from the economic hardship.
“This means that, for him, he has admitted that whatever he can do, he has done it and he couldn’t see any better results,” he said.
Mr. Amos expressed hope that a change in leadership would bring relief from these economic challenges.
The state of the Ghanaian economy has garnered significant attention in recent months due to a downturn marked by soaring inflation, a devaluing currency, and an overall deterioration in the quality of life, exacerbated by a high cost of living.
The government has consistently attributed this economic decline to the repercussions of both the COVID-19 pandemic and the Russia-Ukraine war.
As a response to these challenges, the government sought a US$3 billion loan from the IMF last year.
The first tranche of this loan, amounting to US$600 million, has already been credited to the government’s account.”
The Executive Director of the National Cathedral Project, Dr. Paul Opoku-Mensah, has responded to the resignations of Archbishop Nicholas Duncan-Williams and Rev. Eastwood Anaba from the Board of Trustees overseeing the Cathedral’s construction.
In their resignation letter on October 17, 2023, the clergymen mentioned their exist was due to the Board’s reluctance to conduct an audit of the project.
They also stated they hadn’t received updates since their initial call for an audit in January 2023.
However, Dr. Opoku-Mensah, in a press statement on the same day, clarified that an ongoing audit was indeed being conducted by Deloitte.
He explained that several meetings had taken place after the call for an audit, and all necessary information had been shared with the respected clergymen, refuting their claims.
Dr. Opoku-Mensah further detailed the progress of the audit, mentioning that the engagement letter with Deloitte was signed on March 27, 2023, and the audit was set up on their system by May 17, 2023. He confirmed that the first part of the audit was expected to be completed by July 2023.
He also pointed out that despite Archbishop Duncan-Williams and Rev. Eastwood Anaba not being physically present at some meetings, they were provided with copies of all documents, including the Executive Director’s report, related to the audit process.
Hence, the claim of receiving no information about the audit was deemed false.
“Following this, the engagement letter for Deloitte to officially begin the audit was drafted and signed by Deloitte on March 27, 2023, and set up on their system on May 17, 2023. The expectation was that the first part of the audit was to be completed in July 2023. The audit process, so far, can be confirmed with the auditors, Deloitte.”
“Although Archbishop Duncan Williams and Rev. Eastwood Anaba were not present at both the June 2023 and September 2023 meetings, they and all the other Board members who were not physically present at the meeting were sent copies of all the documents for the Board meeting, including the Executive Director’s report. The claim that they have received no information, whatsoever, on the audit process is therefore false,” he added.
Retired Commissioner of the Ghana Police Service, COP George Alex Mensah, has reiterated his allegation that the Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Dr. George Akuffo Dampare, was directly involved in a plot to secretly record him and other senior police officers.
COP Mensah claims that Bugri Naabu, the former Northern Regional chairman of the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP), who has admitted to recording his meeting with them, collaborated with Dr. Dampare in recording the conversation.
He expressed this view during an interview with Evans Mensah on Joynews, emphasizing that there was an objective behind the recording. COP Mensah also suggested that the actual recording could be obtained by contacting the IGP, as he believed Dr. Dampare was aware of the situation and was involved in setting it up.
“Of course there is an objective and that is why I told the committee that if they want the real, actual recording they should call the IGP. I said it at the committee because he knew something about it. He and Bugri Naabu set it up,” he stated.
The audio recording in question has sparked a seven-member parliamentary committee investigation. In the recording, COP Mensah and two other police officers are heard discussing political support to remove the IGP and promoting COP Mensah as the ideal replacement. They described him as a true supporter and member of the ruling New Patriotic Party who could help the party maintain power in 2024. Additionally, they questioned the competence of Dr. Dampare and accused him of being an ally of the opposition National Democratic Congress.
Bugri Naabu, who recorded the tape, testified before the parliamentary committee, stating that he presented it as evidence to President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo.
COP Mensah’s claim is that the IGP was the actual instigator of the recorded conversation, setting them up in collaboration with someone else.
“He and somebody plotted and put that recording machine there and called us; called us and invited us to come because he knew he has plotted that thing there… yes, he set it up. He set us up, that is what he did.
“I don’t know [his intention] he must say it. He did it in connivance with somebody,” he stated.
The Ghana Water Company Limited (GWCL) has identified several buildings near the Densu River, which supplies the Weija Dam, for demolition to safeguard the water source.
These structures, located in the Weija-Gbawe municipality of the Greater Accra region, have been marked for removal.
The Weija Dam plays a critical role in providing clean drinking water to numerous households in the capital, and the GWCL aims to protect it from encroachment through this demolition initiative.
However, residents facing potential property loss during these challenging economic times have expressed distress, appealing to the government to intervene. Many have invested their savings and resources into these properties.
Residents like Naana Ofori and Mavis Boateng are deeply worried about losing their homes and the financial investments tied to them. They call attention to the emotional toll and financial strain this poses for affected families.
“My husband has been crying since our building was marked for demolition. He invested all his savings in the construction of the property and the thought of losing it is giving him sleepless nights,” a resident, Naana Ofori lamented.
“I don’t know where I would take my family to. I have invested a lot in the project and so we haven’t slept ever since they pasted the notice on the property,” she added.
Semey Philip Edem emphasizes the already challenging economic conditions in the country and expresses concern for how residents will cope with the demolition exercise, especially those who acquired loans or used their pensions to build their houses.
While the Ghana Water Company Limited has yet to provide a comment on the matter, sources within the company indicate that a statement will be released soon. The company is primarily concerned about land encroachment and human activities near the Densu River.
The campaign manager for Kennedy Agyapong, a New Patriotic Party (NPP) flagbearer hopeful, Kwame Owusu, has expressed his determination to work towards the removal of the current Ashanti Regional Chairman of the party, Bernard Antwi Boasiako, popularly known as Chairman Wontumi, in the upcoming elections.
Speaking to the media, Mr Owusu expressed the view that Chairman Wontumi’s behavior indicates he is not fit to lead the NPP in the region.
During an interview on Akoma FM on October 16, 2023, Kwame Owusu stated that Chairman Wontumi’s conduct suggests that he is not suited to lead the NPP in the region.
He accused the Ashanti Regional chairman of displaying bias in a role that requires ensuring fair treatment for all.
“We don’t want somebody who is biased… we are going to ensure that someone like Wontumi (is removed).
“We will campaign against him (Wontumi) because I don’t want a biased person in a position that requires fairness. How can we allow that to happen? We are saying that he (Wontumi) has not demonstrated what it takes to be a chairman of a region,” he said in Twi.
“I’m saying this from the standpoint of his behaviour. I’m not talking about any animosity between us. But if someone is a chairman in our party, he must act as one, he must remain neutral,” he clarified.
He additionally stated that apart from the NPP Ashanti Regional chairman, they would also campaign for the removal of other party leaders who have exhibited similar behavior from their positions.
Former President John Dramani Mahama is set to deliver a keynote address at the Universities Studying Slavery (USS) Conference 2023, to be held in Halifax, Nova Scotia.
The conference’s central theme is “Slavery, Reparations, and Education: African Nova Scotia, Canada, and Beyond.”
This conference serves as a significant platform for intellectual discourse, facilitating dialogue, and advancing research on the critical intersections of slavery, reparations, and education.
Mr. Mahama’s role as a keynote speaker underscores his resolute commitment to addressing historical injustices and promoting equality. It also reflects his profound governance experience and in-depth understanding of the far-reaching effects of slavery on societies.
During his keynote presentation, Mr. Mahama will share his perspectives on the experiences and challenges confronted by individuals of African descent in their pursuit of justice, equality, and education.
He will leverage his extensive background to provide valuable insights into the social, economic, and political ramifications of slavery.
Additionally, he will discuss potential solutions and systemic changes required for meaningful reparations.
While in Halifax, Mr. Mahama is scheduled to hold meetings with Kim Brooks, the President of Dalhousie University, and engage with the Dallaire Institute for Children, Peace, and Security.
Furthermore, he will visit the Black Cultural Centre and explore Africville, a former African Nova Scotian community that was dismantled in the 1960s to make way for industrial development.
The former president will also contribute his insights and visionary leadership during a breakfast event hosted by the Black Business Initiative, focusing on “Unlocking Economic Development through Youth Entrepreneurship.”
The Functional Executive Committee (FEC) of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) has forwarded the recent attack at its Greater Accra Region office, where certain parliamentary aspirants were undergoing vetting, to a designated special committee for thorough investigation.
The primary responsibility of this committee is to provide suitable recommendations.
In an announcement by the General Secretary of the party, Fifi Kwetey, on Tuesday, October 17, it was stated,
“At its regular meeting on Tuesday, 17th October, 2023, the Functional Executive Committee (FEC) of the NDC discussed the unfortunate incident that occurred at its Greater Accra Regional Office during the vetting of aspirants for the Odododiodio Constituency parliamentary primary of the party.
Following extensive discussions, FEC has referred both the violent occurrence and an ongoing appeal process concerning the eligibility of one of the aspirants to a Special Committee for a thorough investigation, with a subsequent delivery of appropriate recommendations.
The Special Committee comprises of;
1. Rt. Hon. Edward Doe Adjaho- Former Speaker of the Parliament of the Republic of Ghana 2. Dr. Samuel Sarpong- National Vice Chairman, NDC 3. Mr. George Loh- Deputy, Director Legal, NDC 4. Obuobia Darko-Opoku- Deputy Director of Communications, NDC 5. Hon. Peter Lanchene Toobu- MP for Wa West Constituency
“In the meantime, all processes relative to the party’s parliamentary primary in the Odododiodio Constituency have been put on hold pending the outcome of investigations by the Special Committee,” the statement said.
The attack resulted in the physical assault of Citi FM/TV journalist Akosua Otchere.
The party expressed strong disapproval of the occurrence and offered a sincere apology to the journalist and her media outlet.
“The NDC regrets and condemns the attack on Akosua Otchere in no uncertain terms,” an earlier statement issued by National Communication Officer Sammy Gyamfi on Saturday, October 14 said.
“The conduct of the people who attacked the journalist is highly irresponsible and does not reflect our identity as defenders of press freedom and a party that fosters a cordial working relationship with the media.”
Historian and legal expert Yaw Anokye Frimpong has provided insights into the origins of the illustrious Ashanti Kingdom.
In an interview with the media on October 17, 2023, Anokye Frimpong explained that the Ashanti Kingdom has its roots in the Bono tribe.
According to him, a coalition of clans within the Bono tribe joined forces to defend themselves against attacks from other clans, culminating in the formation of the Ashanti Kingdom.
“Ashanti is simply one of the many Akan states that originated from the Bono area. All Akans are Bono people to start with, and among the Bono are those who broke away and went to unite because of war,” he explained.
“Asante means ‘those who united because of war’. Ashantis is an anglicisation of Asante, which means because of war,” he said.
Anokye Frimpong clarified that the Ashanti people did not break away with the ambition of conquering other territories but rather to secure their independence.
He pointed out that the Dormaa people, now residing in the Bono Region, used to live in close proximity to the Ashanti and were also engaged in hostilities with them.
“When the Ashanti people settled in the Amansiaa area – today between Esumaja and Bekwai – they were living among the Adansi people and the Denkyira people. And we learn from history that the Dankyiras actually conquered all of them.
“And we learn from history that at any point in time, the Dankyirahene was asking them for their favourite wife and gold… the Dormaa people were as attacking them… So, the Ashantis (the Amansia people) felt they had to come together because of the many wars against them,” he said.
Former President John Dramani Mahama has urged the government to announce a state of emergency in regions impacted by the Akosombo dam overflow.
Through a recent Facebook post, the NDC Flagbearer stated,“it is clear that the scope and scale of the flooding of communities along the Volta River is bigger than our crippled economy can bear.
He further advised, “I recommend to Government to declare a State of Emergency in the affected areas and request relief assistance from our bilateral and multilateral partners immediately.”
Given the ongoing efforts of a combined rescue team, including the National Disaster Management Organization (NADMO), Ghana Armed Forces, and various relief agencies, to aid those stranded and affected by the rising floodwaters resulting from the dam spillage since September 15, 2023, there is a growing consensus for a state of emergency to be declared.
On Tuesday, the Ghana National Association of Teachers (GNAT) supported the call for President Akufo-Addo to declare a state of emergency, while efforts are underway to provide relief to those affected by the Akosombo and Kpong Dams’ overflow.
Member of Parliament (MP) for North Tongu, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, has also joined the chorus, urging the government to proclaim a state of emergency to direct vital attention towards the affected residents of the Akosombo Dam spillage.
As of now, over 20,000 individuals have been displaced due to the dam overflow, which began last month.
Member of Parliament (MP) representing the National Democratic Congress (NDC), Francis-Xavier Sosu, has put forth a private member’s bill in the Ghanaian Parliament aimed at amending the Labor Act of 2003 (Act 651).
This proposed amendment, titled the Labor (Amendment) Bill of 2023, has several key objectives:
Extension of Maternity Leave: The bill seeks to prolong maternity leave from the current three months to four months.
Special Maternity Leave Provisions: Furthermore, it proposes an additional two weeks of maternity leave for women who undergo a caesarean section (CS), experience stillbirth(s), or give birth to multiple babies.
Introduction of Paid Paternity Leave: The bill introduces paid paternity leave for men, advocating for a minimum of seven days and a maximum of four weeks. In cases of caesarean sections, stillbirth(s), or the birth of multiple children by a spouse, an extra two weeks of paternity leave is recommended.
This legislative proposal is designed to provide new mothers with more time for childbirth, exclusive breastfeeding, newborn care, bonding with their babies, and postpartum recovery before they rejoin the workforce.
It also aims to facilitate men in supporting their spouses and participating in domestic responsibilities during this critical period.
This legislative proposal, named “parental leave for all,” is specifically crafted to provide new mothers with an extended period for childbirth, exclusive breastfeeding, newborn care, bonding, and postpartum recovery before they rejoin the workforce. Simultaneously, it aims to empower men to support their spouses and share domestic responsibilities during this vital phase.
Mr. Sosu, the bill’s sponsor and MP representing Madina, underscores the critical significance of extending maternity leave to promote exclusive breastfeeding and maternal recuperation. He highlights the concerning maternal mortality rate in Ghana and how enhancing maternity leave can substantially contribute to improving the well-being of women.
In an interview with the Daily Graphic, Mr. Sosu elucidates that the bill addresses the lack of specific provisions in Ghana’s labor laws to assist women dealing with pregnancy or the loss of a child.
He emphasized the necessity for compassionate support during these vulnerable moments and discusses the ongoing debate regarding a woman’s entitlement to maternity leave in cases of stillbirth or baby loss.
Mr. Sosu also emphasizes the World Health Organization’s (WHO) recommendation to extend maternity leave to six months, facilitating exclusive breastfeeding, an idea endorsed by the Ghana Medical Association.
He underscored the vital role of maternity leave in affording new mothers the time required to give birth, recover, care for their infants, and build a strong bond with them.
The bill also addresses the circumstances of women who, regrettably, experience the loss of their babies during pregnancy or childbirth, a situation where existing legislation does not provide guidance.
This has spurred discussions about the fundamental purpose of maternity leave, prompting questions about whether it is exclusively tied to the presence of a living baby or encompasses the broader spectrum of the childbirth experience.
Furthermore, in addition to maternity leave, the bill underscores the significance of paternity leave for fathers, granting them the opportunity to create a strong bond with their newborns.
It cites a study demonstrating that numerous countries globally offer statutory paid paternity leave, emphasizing the importance of enabling both parents to welcome and nurture their new family members.
The Founder and Leader of the Ghana Union Movement (GUM), Christian Kwabena Andrew, also known as Osofo Kyiri Abosom, has extended an invitation to a prospective flagbearer for the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Kennedy Ohene Agyapong, to consider joining him as his running mate.
He expressed his belief that Kennedy Agyapong’s aspirations to lead the NPP may face challenges given the unfolding dynamics of the party’s primaries.
Osofo Kyiri Abosom commended Kennedy Agyapong for his intellect and extensive political experience, suggesting that he would make an excellent match as a running mate for the 2024 general elections.
During an interview with Kasapa FM, monitored by GhanaWeb, Osofo Kyiri Abosom encouraged Kennedy Agyapong to switch allegiance from the NPP and stand as his running mate for GUM in the upcoming 2024 general elections.
“With my brother Kennedy Agyapong, I would say he is knowledgeable and intelligent, so if it’s possible he should come and support me. This is a serious issue I’m telling him. He is such an intelligent person but his long talks and everything he is doing will be in vain. So if he can he should join forces with me for GUM.
Osofo Kyiri Abosom pointed out that Kennedy Agyapong’s path to becoming the flagbearer of GUM was not feasible since he had already been elected and officially endorsed.
Consequently, the most suitable role for Kennedy Agyapong within the party would be to assume the position of a running mate.
“If Ken wants to lead while I become the running mate, that’s not possible because I’ve already been elected so why would I step down for him to take charge? The electoral commission has taken my details already so should I go and change it? that’s not possible,” he said.
The Ghana National Association of Teachers (GNAT) has emphasized the need for practical actions to assist the communities affected by the overflow of the Akosombo and Kpong dams, rather than political statements.
Over 12,000 individuals in mainly the Volta Region have been displaced due to the dam spillage, which the teachers’ union described as a tragic, man-made situation.
In a statement, GNAT expressed concern about whether the downstream communities were adequately informed or educated about the potential consequences of the dam spillage and the necessary precautions.
The statement emphasized the urgency of providing immediate aid to the affected communities, given the economic challenges faced by Ghanaians in this era of austerity.
“The situation is quite tragic, more so when it is man-made. We, of GNAT, wonder whether the people lower stream the dam were educated or warned of the fate that awaited them arising out of the spillage and the steps to take so as not to be overwhelmed as is now the case.
“If this was not done, then this is unfortunate and we wonder how fellow compatriots will overcome it in this era of austerity and economic malice. It is a result of this that GNAT calls on the government and international bodies and agencies to go to the immediate aid of the affected communities and people, and save them from this unexpected calamity.
“If this was not done, then this is unfortunate and we wonder how fellow compatriots will overcome it in this era of austerity and economic malice. It is a result of this that GNAT calls on the government and international bodies and agencies to go to the immediate aid of the affected communities and people, and save them from this unexpected calamity.
GNAT called on the government and international organizations to step in and assist the affected communities and people in dealing with this unexpected calamity.
“This should not be the time for political statements but pragmatic steps to ease the people out of the pain and anguish they are going through.”This should not be the time for political statements but pragmatic steps to ease the people out of the pain and anguish they are going through,” he added.
GNAT equally backed a call for the declaration of a state of emergency in the affected areas, “since the circumstances under which a state of emergency could be declared — whether for natural or man-made disasters — is being experienced currently”.
A few days ago, President Akufo-Addo expressed his condolences to the thousands of displaced people in the Volta Region who have been affected by floods caused by the overflow of dams.
During his visit on Monday, October 16, 2023, the President met with traditional leaders and residents of Mepe, where he conveyed his sympathies regarding the disaster.
President Akufo-Addo explained that despite his absence from the country when the disaster occurred, he took immediate action to mobilize the government and formulate a strategy to provide assistance in the wake of the tragedy.
“When it happened, I was in America, on official business, when the Chief of Staff called me in America about what had happened, and we discussed what had to be done; so that is when we agreed to establish an Inter-Ministerial Committee to co-ordinate government’s response to this tragedy”, he noted, adding: “The co-ordination is about immediate, about tomorrow, and about tomorrow, tomorrow”.
Mr. Akufo-Addo said: “The most important thing was, first of all, to ensure the life of people”.
“That is why nine centres were established here in Mepe for all the displaced people”, he explained, indicating: “And all the people in these nine centres have been provided relief items by NADMO; and its NADMO’s intention to continue the exercise of providing relief items”.
“So, apart from what NADMO is doing, we have also to think about the future”, he said.
The president said he was aware that the people of the area were predominantly farmers.
The president acknowledged that the rivers that overflowed destroyed the many farms along their banks and announced that “one of the things that the Ministry of Agriculture, the Ministry of Finance, and the Office of the President is going to be working [on] with the District Assembly, is to decide exactly the nature of the support we have to give to you when the water has gone away, so nobody could do the farm”.
“This is why I am saying that the committee is working in several phases. One, immediate relief; and then tomorrow”, he added.
The president then pointed out that he was a president for all Ghanaians, thus, his intervention irrespective of politics.
“But I want you to know that the government is going to do everything in its powers to assist, to make sure that things are all right. I think everybody here, and I hope you take the message all across, North Tongu, South Tongu, Central Tongu, that when these things happen and government acts, politics does not come into the matter at all.”
“When I took the Oath of Office as President, I took the Oath of Office as President of every single individual in Ghana; of all peoples in Ghana, all districts, and whether they voted for me or not, once I have taken the oath, I am the President of all people. So Togbe, you and your elders, I want the people here, beginning with you and the elders to understand that when something like this happens and the government acts, government is acting for Ghanaians, all Ghanaians”, the president asserted.
He stressed: “I came here because Ghanaians are having difficulties and are suffering, and it is my responsibility to try and help. Because, if it is a question of counting who votes for me and who doesn’t vote for me, I shouldn’t be here, because you don’t vote for me, but that is not a concern, and in any event, one day you will vote for me and my party.”
“So, Togbe, I came here this afternoon, to express my sympathies and to commiserate with all the people of Mepe, and the area.”
