The opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC) Minority caucus has announced its intention to handle all matters related to the Bank of Ghana differently as long as Dr. Ernest Addison remains in his position as the Governor.
The decision comes in response to Dr. Addison referring to them as “hooligans” during their #OccupyBoG protest, where they demanded his removal from office.
Governs Kwame Agbodza, the Minority Chief Whip, stated that they would demonstrate their response to Dr. Addison’s comments by altering their approach to Bank of Ghana-related issues.
Agbodza also mentioned that Parliament would soon reconvene, and they had plans to address the Governor. From their perspective, Dr. Addison is considered persona non-grata, and they intend to treat him accordingly.
This development follows Dr. Addison’s statement in an interview where he asserted that he would not resign from his position despite the Minority’s protest. He expressed the belief that the demonstration was unnecessary and referred to the protesters as hooligans who should have chosen a more appropriate way to address their concerns.
The Minority Chief Whip criticized Dr. Addison’s comments as unfortunate and careless, suggesting that the Governor was shielded by his government allies.
He added that Dr. Addison should be aware that, even with government protection, a day might come when he faces justice from the people of the country. Agbodza urged the importance of peaceful protests in the political process to safeguard democracy.
“he [Dr Addison] should know that even under the best protection under the current government, a day will come that he will face proper justice of the people of this country.
“So he can be laughing at us [Minority] today, but I don’t want anybody to be discouraged. The use of peaceful protest must still be part of our political journey so that we don’t take up alternative routes that may jeopardise our democracy.”
Israel, a nation in the Middle East, has officially declared a state of war in response to the largest attack initiated by Palestinian fighters. Furthermore, reports indicate that these Palestinian fighters have successfully seized control of Israel’s border in the Gaza Strip.
Militants from Gaza fired a deadly barrage of rockets and sent gunmen into Israeli territory in a major escalation of the long running conflict between the two sides.
The early morning rocket attack, which the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) described as “massive”, left at least one person dead and multiple wounded.
Hamas, the Palestinian militant movement that runs Gaza, claimed responsibility for the rocket attack and called for a general uprising against Israel.
“If you have a gun, get it out. This is the time to use it – get out with trucks, cars, axes, today the best and most honorable history starts,” Hamas military commander Muhammad Al-Deif said in a recorded message.
Dubbing the operation “Al-Aqsa Storm” he said that the group had “targeted the enemy positions, airports and military positions with 5,000 rockets” and that the assault on Israel was a response to attacks on women, the desecration of the al-Aqsa mosque in Jerusalem and the ongoing siege of Gaza.
Private legal practitioner Martin Kpebu and Madina lawmaker Francis-Xavier Sosu were recognized and honored by the French Embassy and Amnesty International Ghana for their roles in the abolition of the death penalty in Ghana.
The recognition came during a ceremony in Accra to commemorate the World Day against the Death Penalty, celebrated on the 10th of October each year.
Ghana’s Parliament abolished the death penalty on July 25, 2023, through a Private Member’s Bill initiated by MP Francis-Xavier Sosu.
This marked the end of several years of unsuccessful attempts to remove the provision from the Criminal Offences Act. President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo subsequently signed the bill into law on August 2.
Currently, there are 186 condemned prisoners on death row in Ghana, consisting of six females and 180 males. Both awardees called on President Akufo-Addo to commute all death sentences to life imprisonment by signing the second option protocol.
Francis-Xavier Sosu, who is also the Deputy Ranking Member for the Constitutional, Legal, and Parliamentary Affairs Committee of Parliament, commended the President for prioritizing the abolition of these provisions from Ghana’s constitution.
He also urged the removal of any remaining death penalty provisions from the constitution.
Genevieve Partington, Country Director of Amnesty International, emphasized that the efforts of Kpebu and Sosu signify that the approach to abolition was a home-grown solution with no external forces involved.
The French Ambassador to Ghana, Jules-Armand Aniambossou, highlighted France’s own history of abolishing the death penalty and called for partnerships between civil society organizations to combat all forms of human rights abuses.
Former President, John Dramani Mahama has reiterated his commitment to the promises outlined in the 2020 National Democratic Congress (NDC) manifesto regarding teachers.
He emphasized that these commitments remain as relevant today as they did when they were first made.
In a statement released on October 5 to commemorate World Teachers Day, Mahama pledged the NDC’s unwavering dedication to investing in the improvement of teacher education and professional development programs.
He underscored the crucial role that teachers play in Ghana’s education system and emphasized the need to equip them with the necessary resources, tools, support, and training to deliver high-quality education to the nation’s children.
“Improving teaching and learning must be a top priority for Ghana as we forge ahead towards a more prosperous future,” he wrote on Thursday.
“Teachers are the backbone of our education system, and we must provide them with the resources, tools, support, and training to enable them to deliver good quality education to our children.
“To this end, the National Democratic Congress (NDC) remains committed to investing in teacher education and professional development programmes. We understand that well-trained and motivated teachers are the key to unlocking the full potential of our students.”
Mahama, who served as president from 2012 to 2017, also promised to address challenges faced by teachers, including better remuneration and improved working conditions.
He reaffirmed the NDC’s commitment to the principles outlined on page 69 of the 2020 People’s Manifesto, asserting that education is a fundamental right, and every child in Ghana deserves equal access to quality education.
“Our pledge to Ghanaian teachers, on page 69 of our People’s Manifesto of 2020, remains true today.
“Education is a fundamental right, and every child in Ghana deserves equal access to quality education.”
Regarding the Free Senior High School (SHS) program, Mahama, as the 2024 NDC flagbearer, pledged to enhance its implementation by investing in infrastructure, expanding access to educational resources, and improving the overall learning environment in Senior High Schools.
He renewed his commitment to elevating the quality of teaching and learning in Ghana to new heights, with the ultimate goal of preparing children to become responsible and productive citizens.
The Minister of Education, Dr. Yaw Osei Adutwum, emphasized the need to shift away from relying on leadership developed through apprenticeship in Ghana’s education system.
Instead, he emphasized the importance of purposefully training leaders who are committed to improving learning outcomes.
During the launch of the National Education Leadership Institute (NELI) in Takoradi, Dr. Adutwum referenced a 2022 study conducted by the National Standardized Test, which revealed that 62 percent of Primary-2 students could not read.
He noted that this situation was even worse in 2015 when only 2 percent of Primary-2 students could read.
While the latest test results showed that 38 percent of students could read, Dr. Adutwum expressed dissatisfaction with the remaining 62 percent who still struggled to read.
He stressed the importance of cultivating a new generation of educational leaders who prioritize learning outcomes and are committed to improving Ghana’s education system.
Dr. Adutwum highlighted the need to move beyond the traditional apprenticeship approach to leadership development in education and advocated for a more structured and purposeful training system.
He emphasized that the National Education Leadership Institute would play a crucial role in achieving this goal by providing effective training for school leaders to enhance educational outcomes.
“In a test conducted in 2015, only 2% of Primary-2 students could read in this country. Thereafter, in 2022, the President invested resources and was able to access every Primary-2 student in the country on the National Standardized test.
“The test result which is out has revealed that 38% of the students can read, but I’m not happy about it [because] it also said 62% can’t read and we can’t be happy with that,” he noted.
“We have to begin to raise a new generation of education leaders who will be interested in learning outcomes and who will lead the charge to ensure that Ghana’s fortunes will change.
“We cannot depend on this apprenticeship leadership any longer…we have to fast-track the Wesley Girls’ experience so we can get more effective school leadership and this is where the National Education Leadership Institute comes in.
“The apprenticeship would be there but people will also have to study and understand what makes schools work in Ghana,” he emphasized.
Controversial media personality and socialite, Afia Schwarzenegger, has criticized flagbearer aspirant of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Kennedy Ohene Agyapong, following his public apology to former President, John Dramani Mahama for his previous harsh comments.
Afia Schwarzenegger expressed her view that Kennedy Agyapong’s apology to John Mahama highlights his track record of making uncivilized public remarks aimed at attacking individuals and state institutions, which has had a negative impact on his reputation.
She questioned whether Kennedy Agyapong would also extend apologies to other public figures and state institutions he had negatively portrayed through his unfavorable public statements.
Afia Schwarzenegger raised a series of examples, including women, clergy, farmers, judges, Charlotte Osei (former Chair of the Electoral Commission), and even herself, suggesting that his aspiration to become President could be marred by his past behavior.
“You claim we are friends, the question is did you [Kennedy Agyapong] apologize to women for the words that came out of your mouth? Have you apologized to the clergy? The farmers you called fools?
“Have you apologized to the Judges you disrespected? Have you apologized to Charlotte Osei? Have you apologised to me?? Your dream of being a President will be haunted by no one but yourself,” Afia Schwarzenegger wrote on her Instagram page.
Kennedy Agyapong had recently apologized to John Mahama for his previous harsh remarks and commended the former president for his handling of those situations, describing him as a wonderful person.
“The way he [John Mahama] has handled me and how I have spoken harshly to John Mahama, I think, I have not been fair to Mahama. He is such a wonderful man. I apologize; I am a human being. I think if I recount my relationship with him, all that I want to say is [that] I am sorry,” he added.
Kennedy Agyapong is vying for the NPP’s flagbearer position, competing against Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, former Minister of Food and Agriculture Dr. Afriyie Akoto, and former legislator Francis Addai Nimo.
Renowned businessman, Dr. Osei Kwame Despite, brought joy and laughter to the attendees at the wedding of his god-daughter, Mandy Ofori Sarpong.
During the introduction of the bride’s entourage, Dr. Despite humorously introduced himself by saying, “I am Osei Kwame, Mandy is like a daughter to me, and I am the proprietor of a dining establishment where I specialize in serving high-quality fufu dishes.”
This light-hearted comment elicited hearty laughter from all those present at the wedding venue. The video capturing this delightful moment has since become a viral sensation on the internet.
I never knew Osei Kwame Despite is this funny “ɔse me yɛ chop bar me tɔn neat fufu” 😂😂. pic.twitter.com/qaJTO0P9wC
Lawyer and writer Chris-Vincent Agyapong has affirmed the validity of the Ghana Card as a travel document, a concept championed by Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia.
Mr Agyapong recounted an incident involving a friend and travel companion who had lost their Ghanaian passport and lacked a Ghanaian visa in their British passport. However, the friend possessed a Ghana Card.
Despite initial concerns about whether the Ghana Card would be accepted as a travel document, the friend successfully checked in at Terminal 5 of Heathrow Airport using the Ghana Card.
“Before my flight takes off, let me say—Bawumia’s Ghana Card really works.My friend, with whom I am travelling with to Ghana was supposed to pick me up at 6am today.
“He couldn’t find his Ghanaian Passport and he does not have a visa to Ghana in his British Passport too.He was anxiously searching for his passport and I kept asking, where did you put it, when was the last time you saw it and why didn’t you pack this last night?And then I asked: do you have a Ghana Card?,” he added.
Mr Agyapong, who was present during the incident, asserted that Vice President Bawumia, who had been advocating for the use of the Ghana Card as a travel document, was not exaggerating its effectiveness.
“He said YES!Then I said: you can use that to travel to Ghana—at least that is what Bawumia claims.He asked: are you sure? And I replied—let’s put Bawumia’s words to test—if we get there and they don’t accept it at the check-in desk as a Ghanaian travel document, I will write about it.We got to Terminal 5 of Heathrow Airport and showed his Ghana Card as evidence that he is a Ghanaian who does not need a visa to travel to Ghana.Bingo: he was checked-in, and we are on the flight now.So, I can confidently say that, our digitalisation man was not lying to us, ” he stated.
This report provides further evidence of the Ghana Card’s practicality and underscores Ghana’s digitalization efforts.
The West African Examinations Council (WAEC) has announced that it will begin marking the 2023 Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE) scripts on Monday, October 9.
WAEC initiated the coordination process last Wednesday, which involved assembling the markers to acquaint them with the marking scheme, leading up to today.
John Kapi, the Head of Public Affairs at WAEC, confirmed this development and mentioned that the actual marking will start on October 9.
However, he highlighted that there had been challenges related to the release of funds for the script marking process, and if funds are not released in a timely manner, it could potentially affect the completion of the marking process.
“They will finish the coordination on Friday (today) and by Monday, October 9, the actual marking will start,” the Head of Public Affairs of WAEC, John Kapi, told the Daily Graphic yesterday.
“So we have started the process, but what we are saying is that if monies are not released, we may not be able to complete it,” he said.
Kapi clarified that despite concerns about the delay in marking this year’s examination papers, there was no strike action among the markers.
He noted that WAEC had met with the Minister of Education, Dr. Yaw Osei Adutwum, who had assured them of funds release.
Earlier, there were concerns that the 2023 BECE might not be conducted due to the government’s financial obligations to WAEC.
However, the government subsequently released GH¢50.5 million to WAEC for the successful conduct of the West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) and the BECE. A significant portion of this amount was allocated to the WASSCE.
In terms of statistics, a total of 602,457 final-year junior high school (JHS) students across the country participated in the 2023 BECE.
This number represented an increase of 49,049 compared to the previous year. Out of this total, 600,714 were School Candidates (BECE-SC), and 1,743 took the BECE as Private Candidates (BECE-PC). The regional breakdown of candidates revealed variations in candidate numbers across different regions of Ghana.
The lifeless body of a man, believed to be in his late twenties, has been retrieved from the Densu river near Togah, a neighborhood situated in Domeabra within the Ga South Municipality of the Greater Accra region.
The lifeless body was located during the early hours of Friday.
Stephen Akrashie, a Unit Committee member for Domeabra, informed Adom News that the identity of the deceased remains unknown at this time. He mentioned that a set of hooks and a tape measure were discovered inside the bag of the deceased, and a bicycle was found near the river.
The exact cause of his death, however, remains unclear.
Mr. Akrashie expressed his concern that the police encountered delays in transporting the body to the mortuary due to the unavailability of a vehicle.
The body has since been transferred to the Police Hospital Mortuary, where it awaits a post-mortem examination.
The Ministry of Fisheries has announced the revocation of licenses for 14 vessels operating in Ghanaian waters due to breaches of the fishing regulations.
Deputy Fisheries and Aquaculture Minister, Moses Anim, stated that this action is in the best interest of the nation.
He emphasized the need for vessels to obtain proper authorization before leaving port and to install transponders for tracking their activities within Ghana’s waters.
“We are saying that they should have taken authorisation before leaving so the Fisheries Commission is engaging, and we are saying they should put up their transcoding so that we can know where they are so long as they are in Ghana’s waters so that we know their activities. Also, we have to label them as IEU vessels and use their IMO number which they cannot change as we label them as IEU vessels.”
These vessels will be designated as IEU (Illegal, Unregulated, and Unreported) vessels and labeled accordingly using their unique IMO numbers.
Ghana’s fishing industry plays a vital role in providing employment for over 2.7 million people. In 2021, the industry generated over US$150 million from fish exports, marking a 75% increase from the previous year.
However, the Environmental Justice Foundation reports that Ghana loses approximately US$100 million annually due to illegal, unregulated, and underreported fishing practices.
The detrimental fishing activities include the use of unauthorized gear, light fishing, fish dumping, explosives like dynamite, and the practice known as “Saiko,” involving transshipment at sea.
The European Union (EU), a leading destination for Ghana’s exports, has issued several warnings concerning illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing.
In 2013, Ghana received its first yellow card from the EU, which was lifted after two years when the government implemented new legislation and a comprehensive fisheries management plan, the Marine Fisheries Management Plan [2015 to 2019].
However, the EU issued a second yellow card in 2021, citing a lack of effective implementation and enforcement of the policies introduced in 2015.
To address these concerns, Ghana has developed a new Marine Fisheries Management Plan [2022 – 2026] aimed at securing compliance and averting further EU sanctions.
A 17-year-old named Kwabena Amos is currently in a critical condition, fighting for his life in Salamkrom near Donkro Nkwanta, located in the Nkoranza South Municipality of the Bono East Region.
Reports indicate that Amos suffered severe physical abuse at the hands of individuals purported to be Fire Service personnel and Unit Committee members approximately two weeks ago.
The incident was triggered when Amos sold a bowl of maize that belonged to his father for GH₵30 and used the proceeds to purchase footwear.
The action angered his father, who subsequently reported the matter to other community members, leading to a brutal assault on Amos.
As a result of the beating, he sustained deep wounds on his back and various other parts of his body. Shockingly, his father refused to seek medical attention for him as a form of punishment.
Adom News’ Dominic Donyina, who has been following the story, reported that the wounds on the boy’s back have worsened, causing him considerable suffering.
Fortunately, a compassionate individual who was moved by the boy’s plight stepped in and took him to the hospital.
Although the local police in Nkoranza have been informed of the incident, no arrests have been made thus far.
The local Assemblyman for the area, Sanguru Peter, confirmed the incident but mentioned that he is awaiting further details.
At present, Amos is receiving medical treatment at Armdfred Hospital in Nkoranza, thanks to the intervention of a concerned resident.
Residents of Samsam Odumase, near Amasaman in the Greater Accra Region, have taken action by blocking the Samsam Fotobi road to prevent tipper truck drivers from using it.
The protest is in response to the deteriorating condition of the road, which residents attribute to the heavy loads transported by these tipper trucks.
Approximately ten tipper drivers have found themselves stranded on the road, forcing them to seek alternative routes for their travel.
One resident expressed their frustration, stating, “we are stopping these people. They are destroying our roads, and we don’t want that. The taxi drivers in the community are unable to work. We’ve been calling them to have discussions on the road and explore ways to repair it, but nothing has happened. So, we want to take action that will get their attention.”
Another resident mentioned that the Municipal Chief Executive (MCE) has visited their area multiple times, but no concrete actions have been taken to improve the road.
They indicated, “Therefore, we are taking this action to send a clear message to the authorities.”
Meanwhile, one of the affected drivers urged the residents to demand accountability from the local assembly. He argued that the drivers already pay a levy for each trip, which is intended for road maintenance.
Therefore, they should not be held responsible for the poor state of the road.
He emphasised: “the road is very very bad. The contractor or government has to fix it and the government is taking money from us. We pay council tickets, GH30 per trip.
“So we the drivers are paying our quarter just to fix the roads for the people. So we don’t know why they don’t do it…So we are not here to destroy the road.”
Flagbearer hopeful, Kennedy Agyapong has characterised certain Members of Parliament (MPs) within the New Patriotic Party (NPP) as ingrates.
During an interaction with the media, he expressed deep disappointment in the way some of these MPs are treating him, even after he has provided assistance and support to them.
Mr Agyapong emphasized that the grievances he holds against these individuals are long-lasting, indicating that forgiving them is a challenging task.
He stated that time will eventually reveal the consequences of their actions, particularly after the party’s Primaries Contest slated for November 4, 2023.
“Last week one of them that I have helped, I will never forgive him but I am waiting but after Nov 4 he will see what will happen. If you’re not even going to vote for me you have a choice, I don’t have a problem,” he stated.
The Assin Central MP also voiced his dismay over the actions of some MPs who are actively discouraging delegates from voting for him.
He mentioned his prior support and active campaigning for Member of Parliament for the Bibiani-Anhwiaso-Bekwai constituency, Obeng-Boateng.
According to him, despite his past assistance, Obeng-Boateng is now campaigning him.
“I went there to campaign for this MP to win and this man picks a phone and calls delegates and says don’t vote for Ken Agyapong, vote for number 2 on the ballot.
“Then one of them asked him, why? He said Ken Agyapong makes reckless statements. I’m talking about Bibiani MP, I campaigned for him. I left his place 1:00am. For this man to say I talk recklessly, I can never forgive that guy.
“When they sacked him from BOST, he was always in my house till about 1:00am consoling him. If you won’t vote for me, no problem, but for you to tell delegates in your area that I speak recklessly, I leave him to God,” Ken lamented.
A prospective flagbearer for the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Kennedy Agyapong, has publicly disclosed that he played a pivotal role in the process of appointing individuals for various government positions.
Speaking to the media he stated that the process took place within his residence at Mövenpick in Accra.
According to him, the Ashanti Regional Chairman for the NPP, Bernard Boasiako-Antwi, (Chairman Wontumi) and a member of the party, Edward Boateng are the only individuals who can attest to his claim.
He mentioned that Chairman Wontumi even traveled from Kumasi, located in the Ashanti Region, to his residence at Movenpick to deliver the list of prospective appointees, seeking his assistance in the selection process.
“Ungrateful is very hurting, I look at the MPs and I say eeish, some of them I fought for them to get the ministerial appointment ,today let me take the opportunity to challenge Wontumi to come out if I am lying because my witness is Edward Boateng . With the exception of Asenso, every minister in Ashanti Region the list was done in my house. I had a hand in Matthew Opoku Prempeh’s appointment. Wontumi is there call him, this is not an insult it’s the truth,” he indicated.
Mr Agyapong further revealed that after receiving the list, he meticulously reviewed it, making adjustments based on the qualifications and suitability of each individual for their respective roles.
Subsequently, he personally met with the President Akufo-Addo to discuss and recommend his selections and adjustments related to these ministerial appointments.
“Why is it that Wontumi brought the Ashanti list from Kumasi to my house at Movenpick, and my witness is Edward Boateng and said look put this person here. I went first to tell the president to consider. Matthew Opoku Prempeh knows because one person,” he revealed.
Here is the list of ministers Akufo-Addo is working with in is second term:
Renowned Ghanaian business mogul and politician, Kennedy Agyapong, has sated that he has 257 houses under his name in Ghana.
In a conversation with the media, he shared that his motivation for investing in real estate was inspired by an encounter with a young girl from Dubai.
Mr Agyapong, who is also a flagbearer hopeful of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), recounted that the young girl advised him to channel his savings, initially intended for acquiring a private jet, into real estate investments.
Initially taken aback by the wisdom of such a young individual, he eventually embraced the advice, resulting in the acquisition of numerous properties not only in East Legon but throughout the country.
“Now I have established enough businesses, it was a young girl who advised. I actually deposited one billion to buy a jet. One day a lady came from Dubai, she was into real estates. She went with me and inspected some of the lands that I have.
“And she said honorable I am a young girl but I hear you want to buy plane and other things and these lands that you have, why don’t you use the money to develop it. In fact I felt so bad that this young girl gave me a smart advice, and I took her advice irrespective of her age, ” he added.
However, he has disclosed his intention to proceed with the purchase of a private jet after establishing a paint company.
” I have a paint company coming up, then I am done with that I will get a jet. My houses in East Legon is not up to 100 but other places put together are 257, for lands, I have them everywhere.
The Member of Parliament for Assin Central, known for his affluence and influence, is likely to be among the prominent wealthy individuals in Ghana today.
The 63-year old defines success as “how well you place yourself in society to affect people’s lives”.
The MP coming a long way, has revealed that he started selling items such as P.K chewing gum, chocolate bars, blades, and buckets on the streets around Circle.
Along the way, he seized an opportunity to travel to Germany and the U.S. in 1984.
During his time abroad, the industrious young Ken worked tirelessly, holding two jobs at a bakery and a gas station, earning $400 a week without a green card.
Saving $100 from his earnings, he made a significant leap by purchasing his first taxi. Over the course of seven months, he expanded his taxi fleet, acquiring a total of eight taxis.
He exhibited thriftiness in his spending habits, using $3,000 saved from his 11 sources of income to buy auctioned cars at $1,500 each, which he shipped to Ghana for profitable resale.
In 1988, at the age of 28, Ken Agyapong made a pivotal investment by purchasing his first house valued at $24,000 in East Legon near Ambassadorial Hotel.
However, he attributes his major breakthrough to September 30, 1996, when a U.S. Visa lottery, initiated during the Reagan administration, offered an opportunity to win a green card for residence in the U.S.
Capitalizing on this, Ken Agyapong facilitated the immigration of 257 Ghanaians to the U.S. for a fee of $5,000 each, amounting to a significant sum of $1,285,000.
This marked the turning point in his financial trajectory, propelling him into the realm of millionaires at a relatively young age.
As a father of 14 children, Ken Agyapong holds a deep appreciation for family.
He has sponsored the migration of 400 individuals from his village, including his wives and children, to the U.S.
The Managing Director of the International Monetary Fund (IMF), Kristalina Georgieva, has expressed optimism regarding Ghana’s economic outlook, acknowledging a significant improvement in the country’s financial standing in recent months.
Ghana recently secured a $3 billion support package from the IMF and is presently undergoing its inaugural program review, scheduled for completion in November.
During an interview, Georgieva also highlighted the progress made by both Zambia and Ghana, both of which had faced debt defaults but are now making substantial progress under their respective IMF programs.
Furthermore, she advised Tunisia that while immediate restructuring might not be necessary, it should take swift measures to strengthen its economy.
Georgieva emphasized her strong hope for the disbursement of a $600 million second tranche of IMF funds, set for November, underlining its critical role in bolstering confidence in Ghana’s economic stability.
“Ghana is doing actually quite well. You have seen that their position has improved over the last month, and the economy is in a much better place. I would very much hope that we can have the disbursement,” she said referring to a $600 million tranche of IMF money.
Read the report of IMF’s mission team below:
IMF Reaches Staff-Level Agreement on the First Review of the Extended Credit Facility and Conducts Discussions of the 2023 Article IV Consultation with Ghana
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
End-of-Mission press releases include statements of IMF staff teams that convey preliminary findings after a visit to a country. The views expressed in this statement are those of the IMF staff and do not necessarily represent the views of the IMF’s Executive Board. Based on the preliminary findings of this mission, staff will prepare a report that, subject to management approval, will be presented to the IMF’s Executive Board for discussion and decision.
IMF staff and the Ghanaian authorities have reached staff-level agreement on economic policies and reforms to conclude the first review of the 36-month ECF-supported program. Performance with respect to the program’s targets and reform objectives has been very strong.
Ghana will have access to about US$600 million in financing once the review is approved by IMF Management and formally completed by the IMF Executive Board. To ensure timely completion of the review, the country needs official creditors to quickly reach agreement on a debt treatment in line with the financing assurances they provided in May 2023.
The authorities’ strong policy and reform commitment under the program is bearing fruit, and signs of economic stabilization are emerging. Growth in 2023 has proven more resilient than initially envisaged, inflation has declined, the fiscal and external positions have improved, and the exchange rate has stabilized.
Accra, October 6, 2023: An International Monetary Fund (IMF) staff team, led by Mr. Stéphane Roudet, Mission Chief for Ghana, held meetings in Accra from September 25 to October 6, 2023, to discuss progress on reforms and the authorities’ policy priorities in the context of the first review of Ghana’s three-year program under the Extended Credit Facility. The arrangement was approved by the IMF Executive Board for a total amount of SDR 2.242 billion (US$ 3 billion) on May 17, 2023. The team also conducted the 2023 Article IV consultation.
At the end of the mission, Mr. Roudet issued the following statement:
“I’m very pleased to announce that the IMF staff and Ghanaian authorities have reached a staff-level agreement on the first review of Ghana’s economic program under the Extended Credit Facility arrangement. This staff-level agreement is subject to IMF Management approval and Executive Board consideration once the necessary financing assurances have been received. An agreement with official creditors on a debt treatment in line with program parameters would provide the needed financing assurances. Upon completion of the Executive Board review, Ghana would have access to SDR 451.4 million (about US$ 600 million), bringing the total IMF financial support disbursed under the arrangement, since May 2023, to SDR 902.8 million (about US$1,200 million).
“Faced with an acute economic and financial crisis, the authorities have adjusted macroeconomic policies, successfully completed their domestic debt restructuring operation, and launched wide-ranging reforms. These actions are already generating positive results, as growth in 2023 has proven more resilient than initially envisaged, inflation has declined, the fiscal and external positions have improved, and the exchange rate has stabilized.
“Consistent with the authorities’ commitments under the Fund-supported program, fiscal performance has been strong, and Ghana is on track to lower the fiscal primary deficit on a commitment basis by about 4 percentage points of GDP in 2023. Spending has remained within program limits. To help mitigate the impact of the crisis on the most vulnerable population, the authorities have significantly expanded social protection programs. On the revenue side, Ghana has met its non-oil revenue mobilization target. Ambitious structural fiscal reforms are bolstering domestic revenues, improving spending efficiency, strengthening public financial and debt management, and enhancing transparency.
“In light of Ghana’s compelling performance under the Fund-supported program, the critical next step is to secure an agreement with official creditors on the terms of a debt treatment consistent with the IMF Executive Board-approved program parameters and debt targets. We urge official creditors to move forward and agree on an appropriate debt treatment in line with the financing assurances they provided in May 2023.”
IMF staff held meetings with Vice President Bawumia, Finance Minister Ofori-Atta, and Bank of Ghana Governor Addison, and their teams, as well as representatives from various government agencies. The IMF team also engaged with other stakeholders. Staff would like to express their gratitude to the Ghanaian authorities and other counterparts for their continued open and constructive engagement.
Deputy Chief Executive of the National Youth Authority, Akosua Manu, has asserted that the Occupy Bank of Ghana protest was misdirected because the Bank of Ghana is not involved in the cultivation of food crops for assessing food inflation.
In an interview with the media, Akosua Manu contended that while holding institutions accountable is essential, it should be done within the appropriate scope.
She explained, “some of the things that the minority talked about, if they are talking about factors that affect inflation including food, it is not BoG that plants maize or plantain to determine that, it doesn’t come to them. Secondly if you want to have a conversation about him resigning, he doesn’t appoint himself, take it to the right authority for that to happen, so it becomes a question of gimmicks and games”.
She also acknowledged the government’s approach to the Bank of Ghana for assistance, asserting that it falls within the bank’s purview.
Akosua Manu argued that the Bank of Ghana could even provide loans to the government, such as an overdraft or in another manner as deemed appropriate by the bank.
However, Akosua Manu criticized the Bank of Ghana’s Governor, Dr. Ernest Addison, for referring to the protesters as hooligans, stating, “in the end, I disagree with the description of the protesters as hooligans; he performed poorly on that front. No one can make me believe that they were the right words to use”
The protest, known as Occupy Bank of Ghana (BoG), was organized by the Minority group in Parliament, the National Democratic Congress (NDC), CPP, PNC, and various civil society organizations.
The demonstration, which took place on October 3, 2023, called for the resignation of the Bank of Ghana Governor and his two deputies.
Thousands of protesters marched through the streets of Accra, demanding the resignations in light of the bank’s GH¢60 billion loss in the 2022 fiscal year and the contentious $250 million US dollar new head office project of the central bank.
A significant project aimed at reclaiming extensive areas of land from the sea in Takoradi, Western Region, is scheduled to commence next year.
This initiative will create space for the construction of large-scale warehouses and other cargo storage facilities.
The initial phase of the project is projected to cost between $35 million and $100 million, depending on the size of the reclaimed land. It is a vital component of the government’s strategy to establish Ghana’s ports as the primary transit hub for cargo in the sub-region.
This endeavor also aims to compete with the Port of Lome in Togo and encourage shippers to choose Ghanaian ports as transit points for landlocked nations such as Burkina Faso, Niger, and Chad.
Michael Luguje, the Director-General of the Ghana Ports and Harbours Authority (GPHA), revealed this development to the Daily Graphic, stating, “We have conducted feasibility studies and identified the location for land reclamation in Takoradi.
“For the first phase, we are looking at between a minimum of $35 million and $100 million maximum to reclaim sufficient lands for now.
“Investors have expressed interest in it and we are looking at the terms.
He further explained that investors had expressed interest in the project, and discussions on terms were underway. Luguje noted that no private sector entity had previously engaged in land reclamation for storage purposes, and the port authority was assessing its potential contribution to the initiative.
Luguje’s comments were made during a working visit to the Philadelphia Port in Pennsylvania, USA, as part of the second US-Ghana Business Summit and Expo organized by the US Ghana Chamber of Commerce, Philadelphia.
He expressed optimism about Ghana’s future and the government’s efforts to create a conducive environment for private sector growth. Luguje also emphasized the substantial investments made in port infrastructure to cater to current and future needs.
Regarding competitiveness among West African ports, Luguje mentioned that tariff regimes played a significant role in attracting shippers. Ghana had increased tariffs and port charges in the 2023 budget, which had led some shippers using Ghanaian ports as transit points to consider alternative options. Despite a temporary decline in cargo volumes in the early part of the year, there was a noticeable uptick in the third quarter, and this trend was expected to continue.
Luguje also highlighted that the GPHA had conducted research on pricing and tariffs in comparison to other ports in the region.
The findings had provided valuable insights to guide efforts in making Ghana’s port more attractive and competitive.
A Security Policy Expert associated with the Centre for Security Dialogue and Peace Advocacy, Anthony Acquaye, has expressed serious concerns regarding the potential security consequences of recent comments made by the Governor of the Bank of Ghana (BoG), Dr. Ernest Addison.
Dr. Addison had characterized the organizers of the #OccupyBoG Protest as “hooligans” and suggested they should have explored alternative legitimate channels to voice their calls for his resignation.
In response, Mr Acquaye issued a statement cautioning that such remarks from a figure in a security-sensitive position like the governor could elevate the risk of targeted attacks against him, his two deputies, and BoG staff.
Acquaye emphasized that referring to the protesters as “hooligans” raised concerns about the safety and security of anyone associated with the Bank of Ghana.
He acknowledged that the decision by the governor and his deputies to remain absent when the demonstrators attempted to present their petition might have been a prudent measure to avoid escalating tensions and potential civil unrest.
However, Acquaye argued that labeling the protesters as “hooligans” was unwise from a security perspective.
He stated that any security risk assessment classifies a place, an establishment, or an element within it as a security zone when it becomes a targeted risk of attack.
“I say unequivocally that, if truly this remark which largely described the demonstrators as ‘Hooligans’ being attributed to Governor, Dr Ernest Addison is authentic, then he, Addison is putting himself, his two deputies, including the staff of the Central Bank into high targeted risk of public attack,” part of the statement read.
Therefore, the characterization of the Bank of Ghana as a security zone implies that all its staff, information, and assets must be secured for protection since they are all potential targets of attack.
Acquaye also explained that the level of risk an individual or element faces within a security zone
“Having credited the decision by the Governor and his two deputies on AWOL in connection to receive the demonstrators’ petition as wise to avoid incurring the anger of the protesters for the sake of their safety and security, at that moment when tempers were very high and could have triggered civil unrest, as the protesters seem to have been more than the Police on the ground to safeguard them.
“It is totally security and safety unwise for such comment to come from an element of security zone, targeted as critical risk of attack. Let me state on record that, for any security risk assessment to determine and establish a place, an edifice or an establishment as a security zone, all elements within and around the place or in the establishment are targeted risks of attack, and therefore need to be protected. So, what it means is that, declaring Bank of Ghana as a security zone, makes all its staff, its information and assets to be secured for protection since they are all targeted risks of attack,” he stressed in the statement.
depends on their perceived involvement in the issue that necessitated the security zone declaration.
He urged Dr. Addison and his deputies to recognize the heightened risk levels they now face and to refrain from making provocative statements that could increase the risk of attack, not only for themselves but also for their family members.
In conclusion, Anthony Acquaye highlighted the importance of avoiding provocative language in sensitive situations, especially for individuals in positions of authority, to ensure their safety and the security of those around them.
“Even though, a security zone can be temporary or permanent, every element within or around that has been secured as part of the security zone has its own targeted risk level of attack depending on how integral that element is seen to be involved in the issue at hand that had called for the security zone declaration.
“The Governor, Dr Ernest Addison and his two deputies, must know and understand that they are all under high level of targeted risks of public attack and must refrain from such provoking utterances that can increase their risk levels of attack, including their family members by the public and further make the 24/7 high security close protection provided by security architecture too difficult and dangerous for their close protection team,” the concluding part of the statement read.
The final funeral activities for Ga Manye, Naa Dedei Omaedru, will start from October 23rd to October 31st, 2023.
During this period, traditional leaders will be in a state of mourning and will receive well-wishers and sympathizers who have come to pay their final respects.
From October 26th to 29th October, 2023, all shops and offices within the Central Business District of Accra will be closed.
Businesses are expected to decorate their premises with black and red drapery as a symbol of mourning.
Between October 27th and October 29th, 2023, all other offices and shops throughout Accra will also remain closed, creating an atmosphere of solemnity.
A pre-burial service is scheduled for Friday, October 27th, starting at 9 a.m. at the Ga Mantse Palace in Kaneshie.
Following this, on Saturday, October 29th, there will be a church service at 8 a.m. at the Ga Mantse Palace in Kaneshie.
Subsequently, traditional funeral and burial rites will take place, during which the Queen Mother will lie in state until 6 p.m., after which a private burial will be conducted.
On Sunday, October 29th, a thanksgiving service will be held at the Most Holy Trinity Cathedral, starting at 9 a.m.
The commemorative activities, artistic presentations, and traditional ceremonies will persist until October 31st.
The Ministry of Health has formally declared the start of the recruitment process for Medical and Dental Officers who have satisfactorily completed their House Job and have been verified by the Medical and Dental Council, as listed under the 30th batch.
According to a statement signed by the Chief Director of the Ministry of Health, Alhaji Hafiz Adam, the recruitment process will commence on Monday, October 9, 2023, at 12:00 pm and conclude on Friday, October 21, 2023, at 6:00 pm.
“Qualified applicants are invited to submit their applications through the Ministry of Health’s online application portal, accessible at https://hr.moh.gov.gh. Please follow the provided instructions to select your preferred agency under the Ministry,” the statement indicated.
Furthermore, the Ministry emphasized that it does not charge any fees for recruitment or postings. Therefore, applicants are strongly advised against making any payments in connection with this recruitment.
The deadline for the submission of applications is Friday, October 21, 2023, at 6:00 pm.
“The public is hereby informed that the Ministry of Health does not require any monetary payment for recruitment and postings. Therefore, all applicants are urged not to engage in any payment for this recruitment. Anyone demanding money should be reported to the Chief Director of the ministry,” the statement added.
The Minority Leader, Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson, has refuted recent media reports suggesting that he has sought a plea bargain in the ongoing ambulance case.
Denouncing these reports as malicious attempts by his detractors to tarnish his reputation, the Ajumako-Enyan-Essiam MP urged the public to disregard the baseless claims.
In a press release issued on Thursday, October 5, Dr. Ato Forson emphasized the lack of factual basis for the publication and reiterated that he has not applied for a plea bargain or out-of-court settlement with either the Honorable Court or the Attorney General Department.
“The publication is without any factual basis and an attempt to court public disaffection to the person of Hon Dr Cassiel Ato Forson.”
“The Hon Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson has not applied to the Honorable Court or the Attorney General Department for a plea bargain or out-of-court settlement.”
He emphasized his commitment to defending himself, having commenced his defense in the ongoing case, and maintained his innocence throughout the proceedings, having pleaded not guilty to the charges.
“The record would show that the Honorable Dr Cassiel Ato Forson has opened his defence in the trial and has since called some of his witnesses.”
“The Honourable Dr Cassiel Ato Forson has throughout maintained his innocence having pleaded not guilty to the charges.”
In a separate legal move, the lawyers representing the Minority Leader, led by Dr. Abdul Baasit Bamba, filed an application urging the judge to recuse herself from the case.
Dr. Bamba argued that it was legally incorrect for the judge to preside over the motion for recusal, given the serious allegations of bias against her.
He highlighted the principle of law that mandates a different judge to handle such a motion in cases of grave allegations of bias.
Dr. Bamba expressed concern over certain comments made by the judge that had unsettled the politician and led him to believe that he might not receive a fair trial.
He underscored the gravity of the bias allegations and the need for a fair hearing, emphasizing that the current situation denied their right to a fair trial.
The legal proceedings in the case have seen several twists, including disputes over the judge’s impartiality, underlining the complexity and sensitivity of the matter.
A Political Science lecturer at the University of Cape Coast (UCC), Jonathan Asante Otchere, has called for the arrest of the Ashanti Regional Chairman of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Bernard Antwi Boasiako (Chairman Wontumi).
Mr Otchere made this call due to Chairman Wontumi’s alleged participation in illegal small-scale mining (galamsey) activities that have caused harm to water bodies.
Mr. Asante Otchere stated, “Chairman Wontumi comes out with his usual tantrums in the Twi language. It is rather Chairman Wontumi who is to be arrested for engaging in galamsey. There’s no way causing Ken to be arrested will generate development; it will further the disunity.”
He added, “Wontumi is just like a jailed bird walking around.”
Mr. Asante Otchere also expressed concern about factionalism within the NPP, highlighting the negative impact on party cohesion and unity.
He warned of potential chaos and increased discord within the party if the current situation persists, particularly given Kennedy Agyapong’s outspoken nature.
The lecturer’s comment is a direct response to Chairman Wontumi’s recent pronouncement.
Wontumi issued a stern caution to Kennedy Agyapong, urging him to refrain from making threats and delivering inflammatory statements.
He emphasized his preparedness to initiate legal proceedings that could culminate in Kennedy Agyapong’s apprehension should such threats persist.
Additionally, he conveyed his desire to avoid a fate akin to that of Ahmed Hussein-Suale, the investigative journalist tragically killed by assailants in 2019
He declared, “I am swearing today that I will not say anything against you and I will not say anything against the NPP. Everything I do is to bring development.”
“Now everything you say concerning what people have done to you won’t do anything. Instead, comments about someone being foolish, the way you talk, saying you regret you are NPP — I will show you. It will be a showdown. I beg you; let it stop today.”
“Because if not and you threaten me again, I will have you arrested. This is the advice I give to you. Because you have done this same thing so much that Ahmed Suale and others are no longer alive. So do not do that going forward.”
In 2016, the Ashanti regional chairman of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Bernard Boasiako-Antwi, known well as Chairman Wontumi, reportedly assaulted an incumbent Member of Parliament (MP) for the Manya North, Collins Owusu Amankwah.
Allegedly, Chairman Wontumi’s actions extended beyond the assault on the Member of Parliament (MP) to include another individual.
These reported incidents occurred during their participation in the observation of the Limited Voter Registration exercise at the Nana Fodjour House registration center in Krofrom, Kumasi, on the significant date of Sunday, May 1, 2016.
Who isCollins Owusu Amankwah
Collins Owusu Amankwah born on August 21, 1980, is a distinguished Ghanaian politician serving in the Seventh Parliament of the Fourth Republic of Ghana.
He represents the Manhyia North Constituency, situated in the Ashanti Region, under the banner of the New Patriotic Party (NPP).
Mr. Amankwah’s academic journey includes earning an L.L.B degree from G.IM.P.A (Ghana Institute of Management and Public Administration).
Additionally, he holds a diploma from Ikea Computer-Tek Limited and a certificate from the Ghana Institute of Journalism, showcasing his commitment to both legal and media education.
Throughout his career, Collins Owusu Amankwah has undertaken various professional roles, demonstrating versatility and leadership. He served as the General Manager at All Friends FM from 2011 to 2013, played a pivotal role as a Scale Manager at Jakwapo Express Limited between 2002 and 2004, and contributed significantly as an Executive Director at Clean City Initiative from 2008 to 2010.
His dedication to public service and community development led him to become a Member of Parliament, representing his constituency from 2013 to 2016.
Mr Amankwah’s multi-faceted background and experience exemplify his commitment to serving the public and his constituents, reflecting a diverse and accomplished career in both the private and public sectors.
A 14-year-old renal patient who had appealed for support in an interview with JoyNews has tragically passed away while undergoing dialysis at the Cape Coast Teaching Hospital.
The young girl, Priscilla Asante, lost her battle with renal failure, with her mother, Madam Ruth, confirming her passing at 1 a.m. on a Sunday.
Madam Ruth recounted that she noticed her daughter bloating on the day of her death, and the doctor had informed her that both of Priscilla’s kidneys had failed.
The headmaster of Mampong Catholic A Basic School, where Priscilla was a student, revealed that the school had observed unusual changes in her condition days before her passing and had sent her home to her parents.
Unfortunately, there was a delay in sending her to the hospital due to financial constraints.
Priscilla’s mother explained that her daughter’s death occurred just a month after she began dialysis treatment, and the family was faced with the daunting prospect of needing GH¢1000 every week for her dialysis. The family had already incurred significant debts in their efforts to support her medical care.
Madam Ruth appealed to the government to reduce the cost of dialysis treatment, especially for individuals from lower-income households grappling with renal failure.
Priscilla’s tragic passing came shortly after her interview with JoyNews was aired.
In the interview, she had spoken about missing classes to receive treatment at the Cape Coast Teaching Hospital and had shared her dream of becoming a nurse.
Background:
In recent weeks, there has been public outcry over the escalating cost of dialysis, a crucial treatment for individuals with kidney failure in Ghana.
Reports indicated that the cost of dialysis per session at the Korle Bu Teaching Hospital had surged by over 100%, causing distress for those with kidney conditions.
This increase in costs has posed significant challenges for patients who cannot afford the treatment, leading to the deaths of several individuals.
The Renal Patients Association of Ghana reported that fourteen of its members had passed away between May and September at the Korle Bu Teaching Hospital, primarily due to shortages of consumables and limitations in dialysis services.
The founder of the Movement for Change, Alan Kwadwo Kyerematen, has underscored that his Great Transformational Plan (GTP) incorporates private-sector funding as a vital component for infrastructural development.
Mr. Kyerematen contended that Ghana’s historical underdevelopment stems from a reliance on government budgets to finance developmental initiatives, despite the limitations in available resources.
He posits that integrating private-sector financing can effectively bridge this resource gap and expedite infrastructural progress within the nation. He posits that integrating private-sector financing can effectively bridge this resource gap and expedite infrastructural progress within the nation.
The GTP comprises a comprehensive 15-point agenda aimed at reshaping Ghana into a modern, industrialized nation.
Its focal points encompass critical sectors such as industrialization, agriculture, energy, healthcare, and education.
With a strong belief in industrialization as the linchpin for job creation and economic expansion, Mr. Kyerematen has pledged his commitment to pursuing an ambitious industrialization policy should he assume the presidency.
He expresses optimism in garnering support from a broad spectrum of society, including members of the NDC, NPP, CPP, professionals, and the general populace, to advance his vision for Ghana’s transformation.
Deputy Minister of Trade and Industry, Michael Okyere Baafi, is advocating for increased private investment in the vehicle assembly sector as a means to curtail the importation of vehicles into the country.
According to Mr. Okyere Baafi, the government has put in place a conducive environment to facilitate such investments.
Following a tour of Zonda Tec Ghana Limited, a company engaged in the assembly of Zonda Trucks in Ghana, Michael Okyere Baafi expressed his satisfaction, stating,“We are very impressed with what we have seen here so far and it’s our hope that more and more companies will come on board.”
He added, “Since this government took over in 2017 we have all seen the transformation in terms of the vehicular industry, we have Nissan here, Toyota, and VW among others all assembling here, it has helped create jobs for our people and other things”.
He further elaborated, “Since this government took office in 2017, we have witnessed significant transformations in the automotive industry. Companies like Nissan, Toyota, VW, and others are now assembling vehicles here, leading to job creation and other positive outcomes.”
The CEO of Zonda Tec Ghana, Yang Yang, who accompanied the Minister during the tour, commended the government for fostering an investor-friendly climate that has allowed automobile industry companies to thrive.
Yang Yang emphasized the company’s commitment to assembling heavy-duty vehicles in Ghana while also training local talent to partake in the assembly process.
She highlighted the value of President Akufo-Addo‘s dedication to promoting the growth of the private sector, underscoring the positive impact on foreign investors and the country’s workforce.
The family of Rita Anane, a third-year ICT student at the University of Education, Winneba (UEW), who was discovered lifeless in her hostel room on Wednesday morning, has disputed any notion of a possible suicide.
They have requested a thorough and comprehensive investigation into the circumstances surrounding her demise.
Anane was found in her room, not far from the campus, with a sponge inexplicably looped around her neck and attached to the ceiling fan hook.
However, family members have begun to cast doubt on the suicide theory. They point out that her room and its immediate surroundings remained orderly, and the sponge supposedly used for the act had no knot tied in it.
According to relatives, there were no apparent signs of depression in the deceased, and she consistently received support from her loved ones.
Reports indicate that Rita’s boyfriend, known as George, had been accusing her of infidelity and had reportedly hacked her phone, which ultimately led to the end of their relationship.
Curiously, George visited her hostel around 10 p.m. on the night before her demise and was the first to report her death to the landlord.
Additionally, some eyewitnesses have mentioned that George exhibited suspicious nail marks on the back of his hands when he was questioned by the police, heightening concerns that he might have been involved in Anane’s untimely passing.
The family is placing their hope in the hands of law enforcement to conduct a thorough investigation into the matter. Meanwhile, they seek solace and comfort in their faith as they grapple with this tragic loss.
A truck transporting charcoal has rolled over along the Accra-bound lane of the Accra-Nsawam Highway.
This incident unfolded at approximately 2 p.m. on Thursday, October 5, at Achimota, near the Kantanka Automobile Showroom.
The toppled truck had a consequential impact on two saloon cars; however, eyewitnesses reported that the occupants of these vehicles emerged from the ordeal unharmed.
Prompt response by personnel from the Ghana Police Service was evident at the scene, as they worked diligently to ensure the unimpeded flow of traffic in the affected area.
Towing services were swiftly dispatched to the location, with the primary objective of safely removing the overturned truck from the roadway and subsequently clearing any associated debris or hazards.
The ongoing political rivalry between Kennedy Agyapong, a prominent aspirant for the flagbearer position within the New Patriotic Party (NPP), and Bernard Antwi Boasiako also known as Chairman Wontumi, holding the Ashanti regional chairman role within the party, has reached a boiling point.
In a public address to the media this week, Kennedy Agyapong’s campaign team made a serious accusation, claiming that Chairman Wontumi should face legal consequences for physically assaulting Collins Amankwah, an incumbent Member of Parliament in 2016.
This assertion was made by the spokesperson for Agyapong’s campaign team, Lawyer William Kusi, who expressed profound dismay over the apparent lack of legal action against Chairman Wontumi despite the gravity of the offense.
Mr Kusi emphasized the team belief that justice should be administered impartially, irrespective of one’s political affiliations or positions of power.
“If there’s anybody that should be arrested he should be the first. Number one have you ever heard of a regional chairman of any region slapping a sitting parliamentary candidate? . Wontumi is on record to have slapped a sitting MP,Collins Amankwah and he is walking free on the street of Kumasi. If it worth arresting people he should be the first to be arrested,” he added.
These comments from Agyapong’s team have come in direct response to Chairman Wontumi’s recent pronouncement.
Wontumi issued a stern caution to Kennedy Agyapong, urging him to refrain from making threats and delivering inflammatory statements.
He emphasized his preparedness to initiate legal proceedings that could culminate in Kennedy Agyapong’s apprehension should such threats persist.
Additionally, he conveyed his desire to avoid a fate akin to that of Ahmed Hussein-Suale, the investigative journalist tragically killed by assailants in 2019
He declared, “I am swearing today that I will not say anything against you and I will not say anything against the NPP. Everything I do is to bring development.”
“Now everything you say concerning what people have done to you won’t do anything. Instead, comments about someone being foolish, the way you talk, saying you regret you are NPP — I will show you. It will be a showdown. I beg you; let it stop today.”
“Because if not and you threaten me again, I will have you arrested. This is the advice I give to you. Because you have done this same thing so much that Ahmed Suale and others are no longer alive. So do not do that going forward.”
President Akufo-Addo has issued a heartfelt plea to the Commonwealth of Nations, urging them to support the efforts calling for the release of Nigerien President, Mohamed Bazoum.
Mr Bazoum was taken into custody by soldiers, primarily from the presidential guard, on July 27, resulting in the suspension of the constitution, the shutdown of national institutions, and the sealing of borders.
President Akufo-Addo expressed his concern about recent coups in Africa and the grave threats they pose to peace and economic stability.
Addressing the 66th Commonwealth Parliamentary Conference in Accra, Akufo-Addo emphasized the vital role of MPs as champions of democracy. He underscored the current challenges facing democracy in Africa due to unconstitutional changes in government.
He stated, “the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association, indeed, the Commonwealth itself should join ECOWAS and the African Union in demanding the immediate unconditional release from unjustifiable detention of the democratically elected president of the Republic of Niger, His Excellency Mohamed Bazoum.
“Democracy and the stability that generally accompanies democratic governments are essential for the future prosperity of the African continent.”
Akufo-Addo highlighted that democracy and the stability it brings are crucial for the future prosperity of the African continent. President Mohamed Bazoum remains in the custody of the former presidential guard.
The U.S. Department of State has opened the online portal for its 2025 Diversity Visa (DV) lottery, with candidates having until November 7, 2023, to complete their applications at https://dvprogram.state.gov/.
In the fiscal year 2025, 55,000 green cards will be designated for foreign nationals under the DV program.
This initiative offers an opportunity for individuals from countries like Ghana, which historically have lower immigration rates to the United States, to obtain a sought-after green card.
The Diversity Immigrant Visa Program, overseen annually by the Department of State, was established by statute. Section 203(c) of the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA) defines the category of “diversity immigrants” from nations with traditionally low immigration rates to the U.S.
Applying for the DV program is free of charge. However, selected applicants scheduled for an interview will need to cover a visa application fee before proceeding with the formal application process, where a consular officer will assess their eligibility for the visa.
The application window for the DV-2025 program is open from 12:00 pm (noon), Eastern Daylight Time (EDT) (GMT-4), on Wednesday, October 4, 2023, to 12:00 pm (noon), Eastern Standard Time (EST) (GMT-5), on Tuesday, November 7, 2023.
The Volta Region witnessed 6,039 adolescent pregnancies in 2022, as many young girls resorted to child marriage or cohabitation for survival.
This revelation was made by the Regional Minister, Dr. Archibald Yao Letsa, during the Gender Equality Males’ Empowerment School (GEMS 2023) held in Ho last week.
GEMS 2023, organized by the Department of Gender under the Ministry of Women, Children, and Social Protection, in collaboration with the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), focused on the theme “GEMS Action for Gender Equality, Sexual and Reproductive Health Rights: Men and Boys as Key Partners.” The primary goal was to involve men and boys as allies in the fight to end child marriages.
The two-day program saw the participation of 32 assembly members, youth, religious leaders from the Keta municipality, Central Tongu, South Dayi, and North Dayi districts, along with 32 boys selected from schools in those areas.
Dr. Letsa referred to data from the regional secretariat of the Ghana Health Service (GHS) regarding adolescent pregnancies, expressing concerns about its implications for the future development of both girls and boys.
He noted that numerous adolescents engaged in unprotected and indiscriminate sexual activities, posing a severe threat.
Organizations such as the Department of Gender, in collaboration with the Volta Regional Coordinating Council (VRCC) and UNFPA, have implemented various initiatives to educate and empower stakeholders, including adolescents, on issues like Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (SGBV), teenage pregnancy, child marriage, and Adolescent Sexual Reproductive Health and Rights.
These initiatives aim to garner support from various stakeholders, including parents, traditional authorities, community leaders, duty bearers, teachers, and adolescents, to raise awareness and eliminate or significantly reduce cases of SGBV, teenage pregnancy, and child marriage in the region.
The Regional Director of Gender,Thywill Eyra Kpe, highlighted the misconceptions surrounding gender equality advocacy, emphasizing that it involves both men and women, as well as boys and girls.
She noted that gender equality required active participation from men, dispelling the myth that men were adversaries in this endeavor.
The National Road Safety Authority (NRSA) has revealed an alarming statistic indicating that each year, between 200 and 300 children lose their lives in road accidents.
In line with this revelation, the Authority is advocating for the adoption of child restraint systems in vehicles as a means of safeguarding children in the event of road accidents.
The call to action was issued during an advocacy workshop held in collaboration with the Law and Development Associates (LADA) institute in Accra.
Speaking to the press, the Acting Director-General of NRSA, David Adonteng, acknowledged that certain legal regulations have yet to be effectively enforced due to resource limitations and gaps in traffic regulation enforcement.
He explained that Ghana already has the Road Traffic Act 683 and the Road Traffic Regulations (LI 2180) in place.
While some of these regulations have been put into practice, the full implementation has been challenging due to the time required to acquire essential resources and technical expertise.
He added that one critical aspect that has been identified but remains absent from the laws and regulations is related to child restraints and seat belts, with a particular focus on child restraints.
He stated, “We have the Road Traffic Act 683, and we also have the Road Traffic Regulations, which is the LI 2180. In the past, we have implemented some of the provisions but not all, as it takes time to gather the necessary resources and technical expertise to enforce all the provisions. There is one aspect that has been identified related to child restraints and seat belts, and I think child restraints, in particular, have been absent from our laws and regulations.”
“I am not surprised, and if you look at the statistics, we are witnessing adverse consequences. Between 200 and 300 children die on our roads annually because they do not use seat belts or child restraints. This is a significant problem that we need to address,” Mr. Adonteng added.
The Chief Executive Officer of the Mortuaries and Funeral Facilities Agency, Dr. Yaw Twerefuor, has revealed plans to prohibit the use of ambulances for transporting corpses in Ghana.
Currently, it is a common sight to witness ambulances carrying deceased individuals from mortuaries for burial, and in some cases, taxis or minibuses are employed for this purpose.
Dr. Twerefuor has emphasized that this practice is incorrect, as ambulances are intended for transporting living individuals in need of medical assistance.
He urged drivers to cease this practice and stressed that a new policy will soon be introduced to license hearse vehicles for corpse transportation.
“Very soon we’ll come out with a policy that will ensure that not any vehicle will be allowed to convey a corpse, we’ll license hearse for such operations. Let me stress this issue: those vehicles that have the inscription “Ambulance” that conveys corpses will be outlawed soon. Ambulances are supposed to carry a living person battling to survive, once the person dies, an ambulance should not be used to carry him or her, it must be a hearse,” he added.
Dr. Twerefuor also noted the legal distinctions between ambulance and hearse operations and warned against the inappropriate use of strobe lights and sirens on hearses.
Under the new policy, all hearses in Ghana will be required to obtain licenses to govern their operations, preventing the use of unlicensed hearses for corpse transportation.
He added that “if its a hearse and you have strobe lights fixed on the vehicle with blurring sirens, you’ll also have questions to answer”.
“We’ll be coming out with a policy where all the hearse in Ghana will be licensed to govern their operations such that one cannot give a corpse to an unlicensed hearse” Mr. Twerefuor said.
The body of the late former distinguished Member of Parliamentfor Ningo-Prampram, Enoch Teye Mensah, will be brought to Ghana on Saturday, October 7, 2023.
Mr. Mensah, popularly known as E.T. Mensah, passed away in South Africa after a prolonged battle with illness.
At the time of his passing, he was 77 years old.
E.T. Mensah’s extensive political career spanned two decades, from 1997 to 2017, during which he also held the position of Minister of Youth and Sports in the Rawlings administration. Alongside his political commitments, he was a devoted family man, blessed with a spouse and seven children.
In the era of the Provisional National Defence Council(PNDC), he served as the Chief Executive of the Accra Metropolitan Assembly (AMA) and remained a steadfast member of the National Democratic Congress (NDC).
Notably, President John Evans Atta Mills appointed E.T. Mensah as Minister for Employment and Social Welfare in January 2010. Subsequently, he was elected to the Council of State in February 2021, representing the Greater Accra Region.
The passing of E.T. Mensah has plunged the nation into sorrow, as tributes pour in, honoring his dedicated and lengthy service to the people of Ghana. Detailed arrangements for his funeral and memorial service are presently in progress.
It is always essential to keep your promise— particularly, when you are working for God and Country — so I am delighted to be back with Part 2 of “The Heaven Scandal.”
May I take a moment to congratulate all those who were able to participate in yesterday’s extremely successful #OccupyBoGProtest. The mammoth attendance and the peaceful nature of the demonstration, once again, attests to the fact that there is absolutely no justification for the dark forces who consistently seek to curtail our right to demonstrate. Those fascist forces must stop intimidating the masses and focus on delivering good governance.
We are also grateful to compatriots who couldn’t join us on the streets for legitimate reasons but were in solidarity with us, and kept supporting from the flanks.
The mass actions will continue until MisGovernor Addison and his deputies resign, and until the national decay is arrested.
Part 2
Since the publication of Part 1 of The Heaven Scandal and my subsequent engagement on X Spaces, many have been asking: “Who are behind Heaven Builders Limited?”
In the true spirit of transparency, accountability and parliamentary oversight — there shall be full disclosure. I have secured the incorporation documents of Heaven Builders Limited. Those are the first set of attachments to this edition.
It is instructive to note that Heaven Builders was acquired and taken over by its current directors on April 17, 2018.
Strangely, the stated capital for Heaven Builders Limited which has been made an offer and allocation of prime Airport lands valued in excess of US$150million is a paltry GHS5,000.00 (Five Thousand Ghana Cedis).
From the incorporation documents, Heaven Builders Limited indicates that it envisages to have only one (1) employee.
With one employee, a stated capital of a measly GHS5,000 and absolutely no track record — President Akufo-Addo, Vice President Bawumia, Finance Minister Ken Ofori Atta and their collaborators at the Ghana Airports Company Limited (GACL) believe Heaven Builders have the best capacity to be Anchor Developers and new owners of 62 acres of prime Airport land.
For the avoidance of doubt, and for better appreciation, the 93-acre prime land in issue is bounded on the west by the Airport By-pass road, on the south by the Airport road, on the north by a rail line, and east by the terminals 1 and 2 tarmac.
Some prominent businesses and celebrated brands in the immediate vicinity of the giveaway prime land to Heaven Builders include Marriott Hotel, Holiday Inn, Accra Mall, Marina Mall, Head Offices of Stanbic, Vodafone and Nestle.
There is more bombshell: deep throat unimpeachable sources within the Akufo-Addo/Bawumia administration have revealed to me that the same “lootocratic” brigands who were behind the infamous Frontiers COVID-19 Airport testing heist are the same promoters of this unconscionable Airport land grab.
The unholy Frontiers-Heaven Builders connection cannot be dismissed as mere conspiracy theory when a careful study of the incorporation documents of both companies reveal that both companies have the same witness in the person of Edward Charles Appiah with the same address. (Frontiers incorporation document is duly attached).
I shall return to other modus operandi of this same Ghana/Nigeria “lootocratic” picaroons in later publications.
I can also confirm today that two reputable independent professional entities have delivered reasoned professional assessments of the Heaven Builders deal to the GACL. They have both vehemently disagreed with the counteroffer of Heaven Builders wherein they demand 62 acres.
The two independent professional entities are Brightwater Property Investment Limited and the renowned Ghana Institution of Surveyors.
Brightwater’s assessment was delivered on July 25, 2023 and signed by its Director, Osafo Gyimah.
The Ghana Institution of Surveyors damning assessment was delivered to the GACL on 24th July, 2023 and co-signed by Surv. Dr. Frank Gyamfi-Yeboah, FGhIS (for Pacific Real Estate Advisors) and Surv. Yaw Osei-Wusu Peprah, MRICS, MGhIS (for Assenta Property Consulting).
It is instructive to note that both professional bodies indicated that even if the deal should go ahead — remember their mandate was to carry out valuation and not to undertake due diligence of Heaven Builders or review the appropriateness of the overarching policy — they however assert that the valuation of Heaven Builders was terribly low, and that they didn’t deserve anything beyond 40 acres — that is even if they could really raise US$85million.
I have duly attached relevant extracts of both valuation opinions.
Interestingly, whereas Heaven Builders was claiming an acre should be valued at an average US$1.3million, the Ghana Institution of Surveyors report contains real purchases within that vicinity far in excess including a 1.75 acre which sold at US$6.3million as far back as 2019. (Report attached).
I commend Brightwater Property Investment Limited and the Ghana Institution of Surveyors for their patriotic and professional service.
They have done their part; now let us all rise and stop this grand looting of prime lands.
The NDC caucus in Parliament stands ready to totally scuttle this corrupt land grab in the next few days when the House resumes.
Ghana must remain a democracy not a lootocracy.
This is not a deal from Heaven, it has every trait of a deal from Satan’s Hell.
For God and Country.
Ghana First
DISCLAIMER: Independentghana.com will not be liable for any inaccuracies contained in this article. The views expressed in the article are solely those of the author’s, and do not reflect those of The Independent Ghana
The Ashanti Regional Campaign team supporting Kennedy Agyapong has issued a strong warning to the New Patriotic Party’s (NPP) regional chairman, Bernard Antwi Boasiako.
During a press conference, the campaign team responded to Wontumi’s threat to arrest Kennedy Agyapong, making it clear that they would not allow him to engage in a public dispute that tarnishes Agyapong’s reputation.
Lawyer William Kusi, the regional communication leader for Team Agyapong, expressed their concern about Wontumi’s initial press conference, which they perceived as an attempt to damage Mr. Kennedy Agyapong’s image.
“We saw Wontumi starting his address with voter registration exercise, and suddenly, he diverted the attention to Mr. Agyapong. If he had concentrated on the voter registration alone, we wouldn’t have come out to react.
“Why was the conference which was supposed to address an issue concerning the party, held at the Vice President’s office in the first place? If the party does not have an office, Wontumi must come out to tell us. If we have an office, then why the Vice President’s office? This means he was assigned by the Vice President,” lawyer Kusi said.
Mr Kusi questioned why the press conference, meant to address party issues, was held at the Vice President’s office, suggesting a possible connection between Wontumi’s actions and the Vice President.
The campaign team firmly warned Wontumi against making any attempts to arrest Kennedy Agyapong, asserting that they would not tolerate such actions.
They emphasized that they take the matter seriously and challenged Wontumi to follow through on his threat, stating that they dare him to arrest Kennedy Agyapong to see the consequences of such actions.
“We hear Wontumi say he will arrest Kennedy Agyapong. This is why Kennedy Agyapong tells him he is a small boy, and I still insist on our candidate’s statement to repeat that, Wontumi, you’re a small boy. We dare him to arrest Kennedy Agyapong for us to see what would happen. In fact, we are serious.
“Under no circumstance would we allow someone like Wontumi to drag our candidate to the mad. If he is man, we dare him to arrest Kennedy and see,” he added.
The Minority Chief Whip, Governs Agbodza, has responded to the Governor of the Bank of Ghana (BoG), Dr. Ernest Addison, regarding his refusal to resign from his position despite numerous calls from opposition parties.
Dr. Addison, in an interview with the international business news website Central Banking, stated that he has no intention of stepping down and characterized the protest by the National Democratic Congress (NDC) as “completely unnecessary.”
Governs Agbodza has offered a counterpoint to Dr. Addison’s stance.
“The Minority [MPs] in Parliament have many channels to channel their grievances in civilised societies, not through demonstrations in the streets as hooligans,” Addison added in reference to the #OccupyBoGProtest.
But reacting to this, the MP for the Adaklu constituency said he believed the Governor of the central bank was being shielded hence his remarks.
He warned that Dr Addison would soon be made to face the full rigours of the law.
“He’s a protected arrogant thief. His day to face justice will surely come,” Agbodza warned.
The Minority organized a protest on Tuesday, calling for the resignation of the Governor of the Bank of Ghana (BoG) and his deputies due to losses incurred by the central bank and ongoing construction of a head office complex
During the protest, the leaders refused to submit their petition to the head of security at the BoG, insisting that it should be delivered to the Governor or his deputies directly. They have stated their intent to persist with the protest until Dr. Addison and his deputies step down from their positions.
The Vice President of IMANI Africa, Kofi Bentil has lauded Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia for his composed demeanor amid attacks from his opponents in the ongoing NPP flagbearership race.
Despite being the target of relentless attacks from fellow aspirant Kennedy Agyapong, Dr. Bawumia has maintained his silence. Kofi Bentil commended Dr. Bawumia for his calmness, viewing it as a characteristic of effective leadership.
“VP Bawumia’s calmness under attack is extremely commendable. No one has all the answers, we need such calm and focused leadership to succeed,” he wrote on his Facebook page. In his interactions with delegates recently, Vice President Bawumia called for a decorous campaign devoid of insults and urged his supporters and Spokespersons not to respond to anyone who insults him.
Member of Parliament for North Tongu, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, has disclosed that the individuals responsible for the Frontiers Covid-19 Airport testing service are the same individuals involved in the “airport land grab” associated with the Heaven scandal.
In the second installment of “The Heaven Scandal,” Mr. Ablakwa stated that since the release of Part 1 and his subsequent discussions on X Spaces, many people have been inquiring about the identity of the individuals behind Heaven Builders Limited. In the spirit of transparency, accountability, and parliamentary oversight, he pledged to provide full disclosure and has obtained the incorporation documents of Heaven Builders Limited.
In a facebook post,he said “there is more bombshell: deep throat unimpeachable sources within the Akufo-Addo/Bawumia administration have revealed to me that the same ‘lootocratic’ brigands who were behind the infamous Frontiers COVID-19 Airport testing heist are the same promoters of this unconscionable Airport land grab.”
Mr. Ablakwa revealed that Heaven Builders was acquired and assumed by its present directors on April 17, 2018. He also pointed out that the stated capital of Heaven Builders Limited, which has been offered and allocated prime Airport lands valued at over US$150 million, amounts to a mere GHS5,000.00.
Based on the incorporation documents, he observed that Heaven Builders Limited has plans to have just one employee.
“With one employee, a stated capital of a measly GHS5,000 and absolutely no track record — President Akufo-Addo, Vice President Bawumia, Finance Minister Ken Ofori Atta and their collaborators at the Ghana Airports Company Limited (GACL) believe Heaven Builders have the best capacity to be Anchor Developers and new owners of 62 acres of prime Airport land.”
To provide clarity and a better understanding of the situation, Mr. Ablakwa specified that the 93-acre prime land in question is situated with boundaries as follows: it is bounded on the west by the Airport By-pass Road, on the south by the Airport Road, on the north by a rail line, and on the east by the terminals 1 and 2 tarmac.
He pointed out that in close proximity to this “giveaway” prime land to Heaven Builders are prominent businesses and well-known brands, including Marriott Hotel, Holiday Inn, Accra Mall, Marina Mall, and the head offices of Stanbic, Vodafone, and Nestle.
“The unholy Frontiers-Heaven Builders connection cannot be dismissed as mere conspiracy theory when a careful study of the incorporation documents of both companies reveal that both companies have the same witness in the person of Edward Charles Appiah with the same address.”
Furthermore, Mr Ablakwa emphasized that he shall return to other “modus operandi” of this same Ghana/Nigeria “lootocratic picaroons” in later publications.
He however confirmed that two reputable independent professional entities have delivered reasoned professional assessments of the Heaven Builders deal to the GACL.
The North Tongu legislator revealed that they have both vehemently disagreed with the counteroffer of Heaven Builders wherein they demand 62 acres.
“The two independent professional entities are Brightwater Property Investment Limited and the renowned Ghana Institution of Surveyors. Brightwater’s assessment was delivered on July 25, 2023 and signed by its Director, Osafo Gyimah.”
Furthermore, Mr. Ablakwa highlighted that the Ghana Institution of Surveyors delivered their damning assessment to the Ghana Airports Company Limited (GACL) on July 24, 2023. This assessment was co-signed by Surv. Dr. Frank Gyamfi-Yeboah, FGhIS (on behalf of Pacific Real Estate Advisors) and Surv. Yaw Osei-Wusu Peprah, MRICS, MGhIS (representing Assenta Property Consulting).
According to Mr. Ablakwa, both professional organizations share the view that even if the Heaven Builders deal were to proceed, the valuation placed on Heaven Builders was “extremely low.” They opined that Heaven Builders should not be entitled to more than 40 acres, even if they could actually raise the US$85 million proposed.
“Interestingly, whereas Heaven Builders was claiming an acre should be valued at an average US$1.3million, the Ghana Institution of Surveyors report contains real purchases within that vicinity far in excess including a 1.75 acre which sold at US$6.3million as far back as 2019.”
Mr. Ablakwa expressed his appreciation for the patriotic and professional service rendered by Brightwater Property Investment Limited and the Ghana Institution of Surveyors. He acknowledged their efforts and called upon everyone to come together and prevent this “grand looting” of prime lands.
“The NDC caucus in Parliament stands ready to totally scuttle this corrupt land grab in the next few days when the House resumes. Ghana must remain a democracy not a lootocracy. This is not a deal from Heaven, it has every trait of a deal from Satan’s Hell.”
The Minerals Income Investment Fund (MIIF) intends to allocate approximately $30 million to support legally established small-scale mining ventures through a program known as the Small-Scale Mining Incubation Programme.
This initiative aims to aid the growth and development of small-scale miners, enabling them to evolve into responsible and sustainable mid-tier mining operators.
The program’s objectives include fostering the formalization of the small-scale mining sector, which currently contributes around 30 to 40 percent of the nation’s total annual gold production. It is anticipated that this investment will help combat illegal mining activities (known as “galamsey”), promote job creation, and ensure adherence to environmental standards and safety measures.
Edward Nana Yaw Koranteng, CEO of MIIF, referenced a report by the Africa Centre for Energy Policy (ACEP), which estimated the sector’s potential to generate approximately $2.1 billion annually. He further explained that the incubation program would provide support to these companies by offering capital in the form of machinery, assisting with corporate governance in line with environmental, social, and governance (ESG) principles, and facilitating access to markets through MIIF’s gold trade desk, among other initiatives.
“The idea is to develop them into junior mines, similar to what pertains in Canada and other countries. Some of them have huge potential,” he said.
During a stakeholder forum organized by MIIF in Accra, Mr. Koranteng emphasized that the Small-Scale Mining Incubation Programme will be meticulously executed. This will involve verifying the resources of selected ventures with the assistance of institutions like the University of Mines and Technology (UMaT).
Selected small-scale mining companies will be listed on the Ghana Alternative Market (GAX). In the future, MIIF plans to exit its investments through methods such as offering share buy-back opportunities to management, conducting initial public offerings (IPOs) on the GAX, and facilitating trade sales to other investors.
MIIF’s recent initiative reflects a growing commitment to promoting responsible resource extraction and sustainable economic development. By directing investments toward licensed small-scale mining operations, MIIF aims to strike a balance between financial returns and environmental stewardship.
The stakeholder forum, expected to be a recurring part of MIIF’s activities, revolved around the theme of “MIIF as a lever for development in Ghana, investing in a responsible, transparent, and accountable manner to secure the future wealth for Ghana.” The event convened various industry experts, including civil society organizations (CSOs) specializing in resource governance and transparency, to discuss MIIF’s achievements thus far and its future direction.
“We are looking at building Africa’s biggest minerals sovereign wealth fund, and we need the input of all stakeholders to see how we can develop the object to refine the move toward realisation of this goal – and to make sure we are able to build something that will create intergenerational value for Ghanaians,” Edward Nana Yaw Koranteng explained.
The Deputy Minister of Lands and Natural Resources responsible for Mines, George Mireku Duker said: “Without the value chain development intended to create local wealth from the resources, acquire know-how and boost employment, we will forever live on scraps and not enjoy our God-given natural resources”.
It is against this backdrop that he recognised MIIF as a lever of development – adding that mining, small and large scale, in the country provides direct and indirect means of benefits and livelihood to over 4 million locals.
Government, he said, is committed to wealth-creation for Ghanaians – in view of which, laws are being aligned in the mining sector to make this happen.
“For instance, mining supplies – thanks to work by the Minerals Commission and my ministry, are now wholly in the hands of Ghanaians. Additionally, tailings storage facility construction, medical services, assaying and motor-rewinding are now reserved exclusively for Ghanaian businesses.”
He pointed out that relying on local content supplies through imports and resale from abroad lacks significance unless measures are taken to promote local manufacturing and sales. Such an approach often results in a significant outflow of wealth to other countries.
In light of this, he called upon MIIF, the Minerals Commission (MINCOM), the sector ministry, and the broader business community to collaborate and work together to transform this situation into a reality.
Furthermore, he emphasized that the concept of Local Content and Participation should extend beyond merely supplying goods and services. Therefore, he urged MIIF to explore partnerships with local investors to acquire ownership stakes in mining companies in the near future.
“This is the only means we can use to build local champions in the sector for the state to benefit,” he stated, while noting that the opportunity space for investment is growing daily.
“MIIF therefore has to take the opportunities now, and ensure that the country’s interest is always protected and paramount.”
Eggs are a versatile food that can be prepared in various ways, such as cooking, frying, or even consumed raw, depending on individual preferences. Scientifically, eggs are recognized for their nutritional value, providing essential vitamins that contribute to overall health.
However, it’s important to note that certain combinations of foods can have negative effects on the body. While eggs are a nutritious choice, there are some foods that should not be consumed together with eggs if one aims to maintain a long and healthy life. Here are some examples:
Eggs With Tea: Consuming eggs along with tea may unknowingly have adverse effects on the body. When eggs are eaten for breakfast, it’s advisable to avoid drinking tea simultaneously. According to food and nutrition experts, the combination of eggs and tea can reduce the absorption of protein by as much as 17 percent. This is attributed to the binding of tea polyphenols to egg protein, inhibiting its absorption.
Alcohol And Eggs: Eggs have been traditionally believed to alleviate hangover symptoms due to the presence of cysteine, an essential amino acid that aids in breaking down acetaldehyde—a toxin associated with alcohol metabolism and hangovers. However, it is not advisable to consume alcohol and eggs together, as it can result in stomach discomfort and potentially lead to other health issues.
Banana And Egg: Combining eggs with vegetables, including starchy ones like potatoes, sweet potatoes, lentils, corn, and peas, is generally discouraged. The same applies to fruits high in carbohydrates, such as bananas, pineapples, mangoes, and dried fruits. Additionally, grains like bread, pasta, quinoa, couscous, farro, buckwheat, and barley should not be consumed alongside eggs. The mixture of eggs with these food categories can have adverse effects on digestion and overall well-being.
In summary, while eggs offer numerous health benefits, it’s essential to be mindful of their combinations with other foods to ensure optimal nutritional absorption and overall well-being.
Ghanaian musician and the CEO of Black Avenue Music, Desmond Kwesi Blackmore, popularly known as D’Black, has announced the devastating news of his brother’s demise.
In a somber announcement on his X (formerly twitter) handle, he wrote, “Terrible day for me. Just lost one of my big brothers. 10 of us, 1 gone too soon.”
D’Black, who was born to a Ghanaian mother named Adeline Boateng and a father of mixed Ghanaian and English heritage named John Derek Blackmore, hails from a sizable family with a total of nine siblings. Some of the known siblings include Pamela Blackmore, Anthony Blackmore, George Blackmore, and Stanley Blackmore.
As of the present moment, details regarding the identity and cause of the recently deceased sibling have not been made public.
Nonetheless, an outpouring of condolences and heartfelt sympathies has been extended by well-wishers and fans, offering their support and solace to D’Black and his family during this challenging and sorrowful period.
The Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA), Dr. Bernard Okoe-Boye believes that Ghana has the capability to provide adequate care for individuals suffering from renal diseases, provided there is a strong commitment to doing so.
This assertion comes in response to recent discussions and protests surrounding the yet-to-be-approved pricing of renal dialysis services at the Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital, accompanied by demands for the NHIA to assume responsibility for covering the costs associated with dialysis treatments.
During an interview on The Point of View on Citi TV, Dr. Okoe-Boye expressed his confidence that, through the implementation of certain measures, the country can effectively address the healthcare needs of renal disease patients.
In outlining potential actions, Dr. Okoe-Boye saidI can tell you very boldly, we can as a country if we are committed to paying totally for kidney care. There are three things we can do. First of all, politically we’ve been going back and forth on funding with NHIS, so we don’t have to go directly to ‘politicians’ for money. Number two, we can put some levy, what is referred to as sin tax on some one or two products which are normally not consumed by the ordinary person but by people in a particular class, and the inflows from that levy can go into a fund not necessarily with National Health Insurance. It can be the chronic disease fund or the peripheral disease fund which will go to the department that takes care of kidney and other cardio diseases. It will enable Korle Bu to heavily subsidise again.”
“Thirdly, we as a country can come together quickly, take away either all the taxes on any item that goes into kidney care, or we can look at two or three consumables which affect the pricing and the state can procure it directly… So we have a duty as a country to find ways to beat down the cost of dialysis either to zero or about 20%. Lastly, we can still register those who are indigenes who cannot afford some GH¢20, give them special cards and the state can reimburse them from health insurance, it can be done,” Dr. Okoe-Boye said.
Francis Addai-Nimoh, an aspirant for the New Patriotic Party (NPP) flagbearer position, has expressed deep concern about the internal divisions within the party as they prepare for the 2024 elections. Addai-Nimoh sees Alan Kyerematen’s departure from the party as a clear sign that there are underlying issues that need to be addressed within the NPP.
He believes that the party’s leadership must take significant steps to address these issues if they intend to maintain their hold on power in the upcoming elections.
“After August 26, the unity in the party is shaking, and we will all have to work on it. So, we are on slippery ground as far as the unity of the party is concerned because Mr. Kyerematen has taken the decision to leave the party and for me, that is unpleasant and I would wish that it didn’t happen that way, but that is his personal decision.”
“Nobody should assume that it is only one person who is saying he wants to leave the party, and we need to see how we can address all the issues and get everybody recognized and respected for the battle of 2024.”
The Governor of the Bank of Ghana (BoG), Dr Ernest Addison, has allegedly rejected calls from the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC) and the Minority caucus in Parliament for his resignation.
In a report by Citi News, Dr. Addison is said to have stated in an interview with the international business news website Central Banking, that he has no intention of stepping down, characterizing the NDC’s protest as “completely unnecessary.”
He further criticized the Minority’s approach, suggesting that they have alternative civilized channels to address their grievances rather than resorting to street demonstrations, which he referred to as “hooligans.”
“The Minority in parliament have many channels to channel their grievances in civilised societies, not through demonstrations in the streets as hooligans,” Addison added in reference to the #OccupyBoGProtest,” he added.
The #OccupyBoGProtest, organized by the NDC, aimed to protest against the economic crisis, which the demonstrators attributed to what they saw as inadequate fiscal policies implemented by the BoG.
Dr. Addison also refuted the Minority’s claims that he had printed money to finance the lavish lifestyle of the ruling government. He argued that the BoG had provided monetary financing during 2020 and 2022 to address specific crises, which he stated is legal under central bank law.
The Central Bank reported significant losses of GHC60.81 billion for the 2022 financial year, a stark contrast to the GHC1.23 billion profit recorded in 2021.
These losses were attributed to the government’s domestic debt restructuring efforts and the depreciation of the cedi, among other factors.
Regarding these losses, Dr. Addison clarified that the impairment of the bank’s debt holdings, which led to the losses, was a conditionality for the IMF program. He emphasized that no debt was forgiven by the Bank of Ghana.
Furthermore, Dr. Addison explained that the decision to construct the new headquarters for the BoG was made in 2019 when the bank was financially sound and had allocated some of its profits for the project.
This was “when the bank was profitable and appropriated some of its profits for the new headquarters,” he said. “It was not a decision taken during a crisis.”
A prominent figure in the governing New Patriotic Party (NPP) and former Majority Leader, Felix Owusu-Adjapong, has passed away at the age of 79.
The exact circumstances surrounding his death remain unknown at this time.
The sad news was confirmed by the Majority Chief Whip, Frank Annoh-Dompreh, who shared the announcement on his social media platform on Wednesday, October 4, 2023.
In his post, Annoh-Dompreh expressed his condolences to Felix Owusu’s family while paying tribute to the former leader of Parliament.
“Deep condolences to the family…Former Majority leader, Hon. Felix Owusu passed on,” Annoh-Dompreh posted.
Deep condolences to the family… Former Majority leader, Hon. Felix Owusu passed on.. pic.twitter.com/0oQW6tWIUZ
Felix Kwasi Owusu-Adjapong, born on February 13, 1944, served as the Member of Parliament (MP) for Akyem Swedru in the Eastern Region and held the position of Minister for Energy during his political career.
Owusu-Adjapong was a member of the 2nd, 3rd, and 4th Parliaments of Ghana. He was initially elected as an MP for Akyem Swedru in the 1996 Ghanaian general elections, winning with 15,824 votes, which accounted for 45.30% of the total valid votes cast.
He secured re-election in the 2000 Ghanaian general elections with a majority of 14,614 votes, representing 56.80% of the total votes cast. During his political career, he served as Minister for Transport and Communications in February 2001 and later as Minister of Parliamentary Affairs in April 2003.
In the 2004 general elections, he was once again elected as an MP, receiving a majority vote of 21,048, equivalent to 66.94% of the total votes polled.
In 2007, Owusu-Adjapong resigned from his ministerial role to make an unsuccessful bid for the presidential nomination of the NPP.
He did not run for his parliamentary constituency in the 2008 General Elections, and Joseph Ampomah Bosompem won the seat for the NPP with a majority of 8,469 votes.
In June 2008, he was appointed as Minister of Energy and held the position until the end of John Agykum Kufuor’s government in January 2009.
Former Minister for Tourism and Chief of Agomeda, Nene Nagai Kassa VIII, also known as Mike Gizo, has called for a reevaluation of Ghana’s leadership structure to ensure that qualified and responsible individuals are entrusted with the country’s governance.
Mr Gizo expressed concerns about the current political landscape in Ghana, where individuals from diverse backgrounds are able to assume leadership roles without the necessary qualifications.
He emphasized the need to reconsider the selection and preparation of leaders in the country.
During an interview with the media Mr Gizo remarked,“I think we should go back and look at the people that we are producing for our leadership. You can’t do this in other places except for Africa and Ghana.”
Furthermore, Gizo dispelled rumors suggesting that E.T. Mensah had a “bossy” demeanor, explaining that Mensah’s approach to his work aligned with his responsibilities.
In paying tribute to the late Council of State member, Gizo described E.T. Mensah as a hard-working politician with exceptional organizational skills.
He highlighted Mensah’s grassroots connection and his ability to mobilize and communicate effectively with people, even though some later perceived him as somewhat authoritative, a trait that Mr Gizo attributed to the demands of the job.
“ET Mensah was a very active person, very knowledgeable, he was a grassroots man. Even though he was a top man, his organisational capacity was something because he could organise a thousand people for you within just a few minutes. He knew how to deal with the grassroots, he knew how to talk to people. Later on, people thought he was somehow a bit bossy, but it came with the work,” he added.
