The Bono Regional House of Chiefs and Dormaahene, Osagyefo Oseadeeyo Agyemang Badu II, has stated that he would not permit anyone, especially the president, to exploit any natural resource in his region unless it benefits local business owners.
He expressed his dissatisfaction with foreigners being the primary beneficiaries of Ghana’s natural resources.
Osagyefo Oseadeeyo Agyemang Badu II, the Omanhene of the Dormaa Traditional Area, emphasized that if he had a say, he would only allow local business moguls to extract these resources, such as oil, from his region.
“What about our oil? I’m on record to have said that if the oil were mainly to be found in Dormaa, president, unless you kill me. I won’t allow you to ever drill it, because why should you do it: all these rigs, and you are using foreign contractors.
“Where are the Kennedy Agyapongs? Where are the Kwame Despites? Where are the Ibrahim Mahamas? Where are they? Can’t we resource these Ghanaian people; can’t we help them, raise them, so that these very people will be in the gold business, they will be in the oil business?” he quizzed.
He questioned why foreign contractors were predominantly involved in these endeavors and advocated for supporting and empowering Ghanaian entrepreneurs like Kennedy Agyapong, Kwame Despite, and Ibrahim Mahama to participate in industries like gold and oil.
He emphasized that this approach would contribute to the country’s economic growth and development, as profits generated by these local entrepreneurs would be reinvested locally rather than being sent abroad.
In a viral video capturing the #OccupyBoGProtest, demonstrators have added a unique and expressive dimension to their cause by composing a song dedicated to president Akufo-Addo.
The song prominently features the president’s favored phrase, “Sika mpɛ dede,” which translates to “money does not like noise.”
During his address to the nation on October 30, 2022, president Akufo-Addo delved into the challenges responsible for Ghana’s current economic situation.
In his speech, he outlined the measures his government was implementing to reverse the decline and stimulate economic growth.
He stated, “Fellow Ghanaians, as the French would say, l’argent n’aime pas le bruit, to wit, money does not like noise, sika mpɛ dede. Where there is chaos, where there is noise, where there is unrest, you will not find money. If you talk down your money, it will go down. If you allow some unidentifiable person to talk down your money, it will go down.”
However, the demonstrators, singing in the Ga dialect, have contradicted the president’s statement, emphasizing that “Nana Akufo-Addo, we are dying, despite your assertion that ‘money does not like noise.’”
The #OccupyBoGProtest, initiated by the Minority Caucus in Parliament, represents a powerful demand for the resignation of the Governor of the Bank of Ghana and his deputies.
The protest is a response to the Bank’s reported GH¢60.81 billion loss in the 2022 fiscal year and the allocation of over $250 million for the construction of a new headquarters for the central bank.
Residents of Zenu, New York, and Atadeka, suburbs in Ashaiman, Greater Accra, have staged a protest due to the deteriorating condition of their roads.
The frustrated residents have blocked the roads, causing inconvenience to drivers and commuters.
They are calling for the immediate repair and restoration of all community roads.
Protesters have expressed that previous complaints and appeals for road repairs went unanswered, leading them to resort to demonstrations to draw attention to their grievances.
The Concerned Citizens of Ashaiman group is spearheading this protest.
Freeman Tsekpo, the Assemblyman for the Nii Komieteh Electoral area, revealed that the Regional Minister had made promises to address the road issues but had failed to fulfill those commitments on multiple occasions.
Despite negotiations and efforts involving various local authorities, the residents have yet to see improvements in their road conditions.
“The assembly members went into negotiations with the Regional Minister, and he promised us that he was going to facilitate the construction of sixteen kilometres of roads in Ashaiman, but this has not happened,” Tsekpo said.
He added, “After that, the chief of Ashaiman, the Ashaiman MP, the Ashaiman NDC chairman, and some other people attempted to demonstrate and that again ended up in the office of the Regional Minister and another promise was made to fix Ashaiman roads, but that has not been done.”
Nollywood star Tonto Dikeh criticized Naira Marley for seeking police protection before cooperating in the investigation of Mohbad‘s death.
Two key suspects, Sam Larry and Marley, had left the country following the singer’s demise. Larry reportedly returned to Nigeria discreetly, while Marlian Music’s CEO was still abroad.
Reportedly, Naira Marley stated that he would only return to Nigeria if the police assured his safety. Nevertheless, Tonto Dikeh labeled these demands as unreasonable.
She accused Naira Marley of intentionally subjecting Mohbad to severe distress, pushing him towards suicide.
She wrote: “No sleep for the wicked. Naira Marley you want your safety to be guaranteed? Laughable. But you never gave #Generalmohbad a chance at life free of bullying, extortion, violence, drug abuser.
“Set ups, beatings, terror and fear of one’s life till the point he felt unaliving himself would be better than facing your ( Naira Marley/sam Larry) wrath. You never guaranteed his safety and always hurt him at every given chance!!”
The Electoral Commission (EC) has announced that the process of transferring votes and replacing lost or defaced ID cards will commence today, Tuesday, October 3, 2023.
Dr. Bossman Asare, the Deputy Chair in Charge of Corporate Services at the EC, conveyed this information during an interview on Eyewitness News on Citi FM. He encouraged the public to utilize this opportunity to either transfer their voting location or obtain replacements for their lost or damaged ID cards.
“The transfers begin on Tuesday, and we are doing the transfers from October 3 to October 9, which is seven days. So, for anyone who wants to transfer to a district, this is the time to do it. And on Tuesday too, we are doing the replacement of ID cards. So if your ID card is defaced or missing, just go to the district offices. There is a shortcode for you to use to pay your money, and once you pay, you go to any district office and the ID card will be replaced for you.”
“For the replacement of the cards, we have not announced an end date yet. It is only the transfers which are ending on October 9, including Saturdays and Sundays. But for the card replacements, if you go to any of our district offices from Monday to Friday, they should be able to replace it for you once you have evidence of payment.”
The EC in a statement urged applicants who wish to replace their ID cards to do so by dialing Dial *222*1067# and follow the prompts.
The Police has outlined significant roadblocks to traffic flow as part of the Minority’s #OccupyBoG protest scheduled for Tuesday, October 3.
In a press briefing on Monday, the Director of Public Affairs, ASP Grace Ansah-Akrofi, announced that “the road from Independence Square in front of the National Lotteries towards the old Parliament House will be temporarily blocked to vehicular traffic during the demonstration.”
The police have detailed the diversion plan for the blocked road, redirecting it to the Starlets traffic light through the Ministry traffic light, passing in front of the Office of Department of Urban Roads, continuing through the National Lotteries to connect with the AMA road to EOCO, and ultimately returning to the John Evans Atta Mills Highway at the old Parliament traffic intersection.
ASP Ansah-Akrofi assured commuters that the Motor Traffic and Transport Department (MTTD) would be deployed to assist the motoring public during the protest.
The briefing, held on Monday, provided information on the preparations and security measures in place for the opposition party’s #OccupyBoG protest.
According to ASP Ansah-Akrofi, the Minority has reached an agreement with the police regarding the protest route.
“Per our agreement with the Minority, the demonstrators will converge at Obra Spot at the Kwame Nkrumah Circle and proceed to Adabraka to Ridge Roundabout, National Theatre Traffic Light, High Court Traffic Light to Atta Mills Highway and make a u-turn at the National Lottery and terminate at the Independence Square,” ASP Ansah-Akrofi indicated.
However, Minority Leader Ato Forson disputed the police’s claim, asserting that they have not fully agreed to the proposed route.
Earlier, the Minority had informed the police of their intention to commence the protest from the frontage of Parliament, proposing a specific route that would pass through various landmarks in Accra.
The police expressed concerns about the selected routes, citing potential public order and safety risks, as well as traffic disruption.
In response, the police proposed an alternative route, but the Minority insisted on adhering to their original plan, emphasizing that their proposed route was shorter than the police’s suggested alternative.
As a result, the police sought an injunction against the Minority’s proposed routes.
The Minority is organizing the protest to address what they perceive as mismanagement at the central bank, resulting in significant losses and adverse effects on the Ghanaian economy.
The National Democratic Congress (NDC) has agreed to compromise on the police-proposed routes for its Occupy Bank of Ghana (BoG) protest on Tuesday, October 3, 2023. This decision is aimed at advancing their demand for the resignation of the BoG Governor and his two deputies.
Sammy Gyamfi, the National Communications Officer of the NDC, acknowledged the police’s initial stance on the routes as “unreasonable.” However, the NDC has chosen to compromise in the interest of maintaining public order and safety.
The protest, organized by the Minority Caucus in Parliament and various pressure groups, opposes the continued tenure of the BoG Governor, Dr. Ernest Addison, and his two deputies. The demonstrators are calling for the resignation of the Central Bank’s leadership due to the GH¢60 billion loss recorded by the bank in the 2022 fiscal year and the controversial new head office project.
Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) Grace Ansah-Akrofi, the Director of Public Affairs of the Ghana Police Service (GPS), informed the press in Accra that the protesters would gather at the Obra Spot at Kwame Nkrumah Circle. From there, they would proceed through Adabraka, Ridge Roundabout, National Theatre Traffic Light, High Court Complex Traffic Light, Attah Mills Highway, make a U-turn at the National Lottery Authority, and conclude their march at Independence Square.
But Mr Gyamfi on Eyewitness News said “They [police] have been very unreasonable on the routes but in the interest of public order and public safety and because we want to embark on this peaceful demonstration to press home our demands, we had compromises which we have agreed to. So on Tuesday, the demonstration is coming on.”
In the interim, the GPS has also assured that it is adequately prepared and has enough contingents to deploy for the #OccupyBoGProtest.
ACP Ansah-Akrofi said the police have prepared and trained adequately for the protest.
“We have an adequate number of police officers for tomorrow’s demonstration and I will want to urge every member of the public that wants to come for the protest to show up tomorrow because we have enough men to provide security throughout the length of the demonstration, and we will be there throughout.”
Kojo Oppong-Nkrumah, the Minister of Information, expressed worry over the steep expenses faced by renal patients in Ghana. He proposed that the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) should alleviate some of the financial burden on kidney patients undergoing dialysis.
In an interview on Eyewitness News, Nkrumah emphasized the necessity for the government to support certain facets of this costly treatment, which is straining the finances of individuals with kidney ailments. Consequently, he highlighted the significance of adequately funding the NHIS Fund.
“The government is waiting on the management of Korle Bu to complete its internal work and come forward with what its position is. The conversation has been going on, and I personally suggested that whatever the amount comes to, it is a matter that the NHIS Fund should be able to pick up. To achieve that, we need to take a lot more seriously the financing of the NHIS Fund to take up incidents like this. The amount is not something an individual will be able to cater for considering the number of dialyses one has to go through in a month, without draining their finances extensively.”
The MP representing Ofoase-Ayiribi expressed concern over the absence of contributions to the NHIS Fund since its inception during the tenure of former President John Agyekum Kufuor.
Additionally, he recommended automating the collection of funds on behalf of the NHIS Fund to prevent potential loopholes and enhance its efficiency.
“Today, the non-Social Security and National Insurance Trust (SSNIT) contributor is paying GHC28 as an annual premium, and the SSNIT contributor is paying GHC8, as an annual premium, this is woefully inadequate. The NHIS levy that is collected on behalf of the NHIS Fund is not automatically remitted to the NHIS Fund. I believe that is something we also have a look at. We have never remitted 100% to the Fund since its introduction by former President Kufuor. I don’t think it’s honestly proper for us to collect monies in the name of the Fund and not remit those monies to the Fund. And it’s something both the National Democratic Congress and New Patriotic Party have been doing since the days of former President Kufuor. We need to bring some automaticity to the amount of monies we collect on behalf of the Fund. If you do it this way, we can have money from the Fund that can take care of these costs,” he opined.
The Renal Patients Association has reported that 14 outpatients of the renal unit at the Korle Bu Teaching Hospital passed away after the unit was closed to them in May 2023.
According to the Association’s spokesperson, Michael Asante, these deaths resulted from the patients’ inability to access dialysis treatment at private dialysis centers, which are more expensive than the hospital’s services.
Patients suffering from kidney failure, who regularly visited the Renal Unit at the hospital for dialysis sessions, were faced with a new fee of GH¢765, a significant increase from the initial fee of GH¢385.
In response to public outcry, the Ministry of Health summoned the management of the Korle Bu Teaching Hospital to explain the introduction of the new fee without following the due process.
The hospital has faced strong criticism following reports of the revision of its dialysis charges, raising concerns about the accessibility of essential healthcare services for kidney patients.
The Abossey Okai Spare Part Dealers Association has issued a two-week ultimatum to the government, urging it to reconsider its approach to the VAT compliance policy as announced by the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA).
This ultimatum follows the recent release of a statement by the GRA detailing its intentions to intensify compliance and monitoring activities, including deploying additional staff to markets and business centers.
Expressing their concerns and frustrations with the GRA’s compliance policy, the Abossey Okai Spare Parts Dealers Association has called on the government to take immediate action.
In an interview with the media, Samuel Omari, the financial secretary of the association, stated that if the government does not revise its decision within the specified two-week period, they will initiate a nationwide protest.
“We had an engagement with the GRA at the AMA hall two weeks ago, and we were thinking they would give us the opportunity to tell them that their compliance policy was not going to help us, but they didn’t give us the opportunity. They only told us that they were implementers of the law and that if we had any grievances, we should channel them to Parliament,” Omari said.
“It is disrespectful to have GRA officials come to our shops after our engagement with them, and so we are going to stage a huge demonstration to send a strong signal to the government and the GRA commissioner-general that that compliance approach is neither here nor there.”
The Member of Parliament for Ketu South, Abla Dzifa Gomashie, has expressed her frustration with the ongoing challenges faced by her constituents due to climate change, floods, and related disasters.
In an interview with the media on Monday, October 2, 2023, she lamented her inability to secure sustained help for her people.
Since assuming office as MP in 2019, Dzifa Gomashie has been restless, continuously grappling with the unending difficulties in her constituency. She described these challenges as suffocating and drowning her, leaving her without respite.
“I do not know what I’m going to do. I’m here biting my fingers and praying and asking God why? 3 years going on – 3 years! I have not breathed since 2019. I’m suffocating. I’m drowning,” she lamented.
Furthermore, she directed criticism at President Akufo-Addo and his government for what she perceives as their failure to support local government assemblies effectively.
She pointed out the ineffectiveness of the National Disaster Management Organisation (NADMO) in addressing the plights of her constituents affected by climate change and floods in the past three years.
Dzifa Gomashie expressed frustration with the collapse of NADMO and the local government structure, emphasizing the dire situation her constituents are facing. She highlighted the inability of the local assembly to provide even a bag of rice or corn throughout the ongoing challenges.
The Ketu South area has been particularly vulnerable to floods, with communities suffering from destruction, yet little to no assistance has been provided. Dzifa Gomashie reiterated her plea for the government to prioritize completing the sea defense wall in the area and other vulnerable communities like Keta to offer a lasting solution.
Additionally, she mentioned that Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia had recently visited the constituency to campaign for the New Patriotic Party (NPP), but had not taken the time to visit the affected people in the constituency, which further added to her concerns.
The Ghana Police Service has granted permission for the Minority Caucus in Parliament to carry out their planned demonstration against the Governor of the Bank of Ghana and his deputies on Tuesday, October 3, 2023.
The police have also provided details regarding the designated routes for the protesters.
ACP Grace Ansah-Akrofi, the Director of Public Affairs of the Ghana Police Service, addressed the media on October 2, ahead of the scheduled protest.
She outlined the specified routes for the demonstrators, which include gathering at the Obra Spot at Kwame Nkrumah Circle and proceeding through Adabraka, Ridge Roundabout, National Theatre Traffic Light, High Court Complex Traffic Light, Attah Mills Highway, making a U-Turn at the National Lottery Authority, and concluding the march at Independence Square.
The police service assured the public of their commitment to deploying an adequate number of officers to ensure peace and security throughout the demonstration.Certain roads will be temporarily blocked during the protest.
The road leading from Independence Square in front of the National Lottery Authority (NLA) to the Old Parliament Traffic Light will be closed to vehicular traffic for the duration of the exercise.
Alternative routes will be provided, diverting traffic through the Starlet Traffic Light, Ministries Traffic Light, in front of the Office of the Department of Urban Roads, the National Lottery Authority, linking up with the AMA office Road to EOCO, and eventually returning to the John Evans Atta Mills Highway at the Old Parliament Traffic Light intersection.
Additionally, the Ghana Police Service urged journalists covering the protest to carry identification to facilitate their movements.The demonstration had been postponed several times due to disagreements between the police and the Minority over the proposed routes.
The Minority is organizing the protest to demand the resignation of the Governor of the Bank of Ghana and his deputies in response to the Bank’s reported GH¢60.81 billion loss in the 2022 fiscal year and the allocation of over $250 million for the construction of a new headquarters for the central bank.
On Monday afternoon, October 3, a tragic accident occurred on the God Dey-Access Bank stretch in Ho Bankoe, where a tipper truck lost its brakes and collided with multiple cars.
This has left at least five people are in critical condition at the Ho Hospital.
The collision had devastating consequences, causing extensive damage to approximately eight vehicles, including two taxis, to the point where they became unidentifiable.
Gideon Agbesi, a taxi driver from Ho, was among the victims of this horrifying incident.
He recounted how he had to hastily flee for his life upon hearing the deafening noise of the approaching tipper truck.
Both the Motor Traffic and Transport Department (MTTD) of the Ghana Police Service and the Ghana National Fire Service promptly responded to the scene.
Their efforts were focused on clearing the wreckage of the damaged vehicles and ensuring the smooth flow of traffic in the area.
A hopeful candidate for the New Patriotic Party (NPP) flagbearer position, Kennedy Agyapong, has emphasized the importance of unity within the party, suggesting that the NPP could lose support in the Ashanti region if he loses in the upcoming November 4 primaries.
Agyapong expressed his belief that some NPP members underestimate the significance of Alan Kyerematen to the party.
Contrary to this perception, Agyapong argued that Mr Kyerematen is not only important to the party but also to the entire country.
He further asserted that if he were to lose in the primaries, strong NPP supporters in the Ashanti region would likely vote for Alan Kyerematen.
During his Showdown walk in the Ashanti Region, Mr Agyapong appealed to NPP delegates to vote for him as the party’s flagbearer, with the aim of leading the party to victory in the 2024 elections.
He stated, “whether you like it or not, if you don’t vote for Ken Agyapong, all the traditional Ashantis will vote for Alan. All of them will vote for Alan. Those who are insulting Alan, those who think Alan is not relevant. Think Alan is not relevant in Ashanti Region. If Alan is not relevant in NPP, Alan is relevant in Ghana here”.
Alan Kyerematen had previously withdrawn from the NPP flagbearer race and resigned from the party to run as an independent candidate.
This decision left four contenders in the NPP presidential race: Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, Kennedy Agyapong, Owusu Akoto Afriyie, and Francis Addai-Nimoh. The NPP presidential primaries are scheduled for November 4, 2023.
The New Patriotic Party (NPP) has expressed its heartfelt tribute to the late Mrs. Theresa Kufuor, former First Lady, who passed away on Sunday, October 1, 2023.
In a statement issued on Monday by its General Secretary, Justin Kodua Frimpong, the party celebrated Mrs. Kufuor’s remarkable contributions and directed that its flags be flown at half-mast nationwide to mourn her passing.
Mrs. Kufuor, the spouse of former President John Agyekum Kufuor, peacefully departed at her residence in Peduase at the age of 87.
The NPP’s statement lauded her as a trailblazer for women’s advancement, fostering initiatives that inspired and empowered females of all ages in various spheres of life.
The party extended its deepest condolences to former President John Agyekum Kufuor, their children, and the entire family.
“We stand united with you in this time of sorrow, praying that the Almighty God grants all of us the fortitude to bear this great loss. In tribute to the memory of the late Mrs Kufuor, the NPP directs that all Party flags across the country be flown at half-mast for the next seven days. May her gentle soul continue to rest in perfect peace until we meet again on the resurrection morning. Damirifa Due!”!”
Meanwhile, Dr. Kwabena Osei-Adubofour, a special aide and spokesperson for former President John Agyekum Kufuor, revealed that the octogenarian is showing signs of a hopeful recovery following the passing of his wife, Theresa Kufuor.
In an interview with the media, Dr. Osei-Adubofour mentioned that the former president is gradually regaining his composure and requested the public to keep the family in their thoughts and prayers.
“It was very sad and shocking, and it happened yesterday late in the afternoon and the old man [former president Kufuor] did not take it kindly at all because it was a shock to him but this morning, I’ve seen that he has recovered to some extent from the shock.
“You know, he is old enough to understand death and normally when people come to inform us about the bereavement of other people, he kept on saying death is a journey everyone will embark on, and so he understands and had tuned his mind to it despite that the initial occurrence was very serious and shocking.
“We welcome people coming to show their love and condolences, but I will plead with them to start it tomorrow because it happened less than 24 hours ago and we need to do some logistical work like putting up some canopies and all that so let them give us free time today, and then they can start coming tomorrow,”he sated.
“Being of advanced age, he comprehends the inevitability of death, and though the initial shock was severe, he had mentally prepared himself for it. We welcome individuals who wish to offer their condolences, but we kindly request that they begin their visits from tomorrow to allow the family time to make the necessary arrangements, including setting up canopies, to receive them.”
The Member of Parliament for Bawku Central, Mahama Ayariga, has declared his intention to lodge a formal complaint against the Governor of the Bank of Ghana (BoG), Dr. Ernest Addison, and his deputies with the Office of the Special Prosecutor.
The action is in response to concerns over contracts awarded for the construction of a new central bank headquarters.
In a letter dated October 2, 2023, addressed to the Governor, Ayariga conveyed his intention to take this step due to the lack of transparency regarding the awarded contracts.
“I write to inform you that I will refer you and your deputies to the Office of the Special Prosecutor for investigation and possible prosecution. This is in relation to the matter of the award of a contract for the construction of a new head office building for the Bank of Ghana. I suspect that your team, in collusion with the contractors, overpriced the project with a possible view to obtaining personal gain. I reject your use of “national security considerations” as a reason to refuse to answer my questions properly. My decision to report you is in view of your refusal to provide a proper response to my request for information pursuant to the Right to Information Request,” Mahama said in the letter.
He expressed suspicions of overpricing the project, possibly for personal gain, and rejected the use of “national security considerations” as a reason for withholding information.
Mr Ayariga warned that he would pursue the BoG Governor until he provides clarity on the contract awards to Messrs. Goldkey Properties Limited.
He specifically questioned how a project originally priced at USD 100,857,924.48 for 73,000 sq. m. escalated to USD 121,807,851.94 in the same year and further expanded by approximately 36.9% in scope of works, resulting in a project cost increase of 84%, ultimately costing USD 222,799,760.55.
He emphasized that this inquiry was motivated by a commitment to the nation and the pursuit of a better Ghana.
“Let me assure you that we will pursue you until you come clean on how a project which you yourself had originally priced at USD100,857,924.48 for 73,000sq.m got awarded to Messrs. Goldkey Properties Limited, in the same year, at USD121,807,8517.94 and how a variation in scope of works of about 36.9% increase has led to a project cost escalation of 84% increase which has resulted in the 107,737sq.m now costing USD 222,799,760.55. This is a project priced in United States Dollars. This we do for the love of country and in pursuit of A Better Ghana,” he stated.
Meanwhile, the Minority in Parliament plans to stage a demonstration on Tuesday, October 3, against the Governor. They allege that mismanagement of the central bank under his leadership has resulted in a loss of GH¢60 billion.
Member of Parliament for Tema West, Carlos Ahenkorah, has called upon the leadership of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) to initiate peace talks with Kennedy Agyapong and Chairman Wontumi in the interest of party unity.
Ahenkorah expressed concern that without proper control over these two influential figures in the party, their ongoing verbal attacks on each other could undermine the party’s internal peace and its pursuit of a third consecutive term in government.
The appeal from Ahenkorah follows recent remarks made by Kennedy Agyapong, a potential NPP presidential candidate, in which he leveled allegations against the party’s leadership. Agyapong accused the NPP of engaging in activities that he found deeply troubling, suggesting that they were “looting” the country without regard for its future.
In response to these allegations, Carlos Ahenkorah emphasized the need for measured and responsible responses from prominent party figures, such as Agyapong and Chairman Wontumi, as their statements have the potential to significantly impact party cohesion.
He stressed the urgency of addressing this issue, stating, “as a matter of urgency, if the leaders of the party do not speak with Ken and Wuntumi, the outcome will not be to the benefit of the party. If you want the party to enjoy some peace and break the eight, then both Ken and Wuntumi must be called and spoken to”.
Ahenkorah acknowledged that Agyapong’s recent comments were not drastically different from his past statements but highlighted the increased scrutiny associated with his presidential aspirations, calling for a more cautious approach to sensitive issues.
“What he said is not very different from what he has been saying all these while, except that some of the things he said in Kumasi carry some weight. I want to use this opportunity to plead with Kennedy Agyapong, whether he accepts it or not, he is a forerunner of the party. Now, he wants to run as a flagbearer of the party.
“His reaction to certain situations and his delivery to same situations should inform him that people are watching and based on that, they will decide whether to share thoughts with you or not. Many people are expecting that all the things he used to say when he was just a member of parliament, he will relax on some of them particularly because he is a presidential aspirant,” he stated.
He continued “You cannot change Ken because he has his own personality and he is a self-made person but if he should continue on this tangent, those who feel victimised by this approach are likely going to confront him on that.”
Ahenkorah also expressed concern about Chairman Wontumi’s recent remarks, in which he hinted at disclosing secrets about Kennedy Agyapong if the latter misbehaved. He questioned the need for such statements and urged the party to avoid division.
In conclusion, Carlos Ahenkorah emphasized the importance of maintaining party unity and addressing internal disputes through dialogue and constructive engagement rather than public confrontations and disclosures.
“Apart from his comments as well, I saw a publication that was attributed to Wontumi. He was also quoted saying that if Ken should misbehave, he would also reveal some secrets of his, I mean why should we get to this? Why must we sell ourselves to the NDC for them to get us on that pedestal?
“I know Ken and I know Wontumi, they are very good friends and so, if comments such as these are made by Wuntumi then it is concerning. Why will he come out to make such statements, why must we get ourselves to that point,” he questioned.
The Ghana Airports Company Limited (GACL) has disclosed that it lacks information regarding the revenue generated by Frontiers Healthcare Service through the COVID-19 testing conducted at the airports.
This information was revealed by JoyNews’ Raymond Acquah, who engaged the authority in a letter over the matter.
The contract between GACL and Frontiers Health Services has been under intense scrutiny, including allegations of corruption from civil society organizations and opposition Members of Parliament (MPs).
During a discussion on the Super Morning Show, Mr. Acquah mentioned that the JoyNews team wrote to the GACL to request information on the total revenue generated from the COVID-19 testing operation conducted by the Ghana Airport Company Limited.
However, the GACL informed them that they could not disclose that information, citing Section 10 of the Right to Information (RTI) Act, 2019, Act 989, as the legal basis for non-disclosure.
“Because of Section 10 of the RTI Act, that’s the exemption regime, of course they explained that the exemption regime has so many provisions. After saying section 10 disallows them from giving us the contract they moved on. They said they were not privy to the procedure and that they do not know how much has actually been generated in the entire exercise,” he added.
In addition to revenue details, the JoyNews team also sought a copy of the agreement between the government and the healthcare service provider. Unfortunately, the authority declined to provide that information as well.
Furthermore, the JoyNews team sought information regarding the selection process that led to Frontiers Health Services being awarded the contract for COVID-19 testing at the airport.
However, the GACL stated that they did not possess the necessary information about the specific steps and processes involved in selecting and awarding the contract to Frontiers Health Services.
“We wrote to ask for a copy of the RTI request to the Ghana Airport Company, then secondly processes and procedures they used in contracting frontiers, the reasons why they settled on frontiers. How much money they much has actually been generated in the entire exercise. How much money is going to the state and frontiers,”he added.
Meanwhile, Member of Parliament (MP) for North Tongu, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, alleged that Ghana’s procurement laws were grossly disregarded in the Frontiers COVID-19 Airport Testing deal.
He highlighted a significant revelation related to the offer letter from the Ghana Airport Company Limited to Frontiers Healthcare Services Limited, signed by the former Managing Director, Mr. Yaw Kwakwa, and dated August 31, 2020.
According to him, the letter exposes how “Frontiers was handpicked in an opaque sweetheart deal after a hush-hush discussion; Ghana’s procurement laws were blatantly and violently flouted. In fact, Ghana’s procurement laws were suspended.
“This was not a competitive exercise as credible institutions such as Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research, Kumasi Centre for Collaborative Research, Korle Bu Central Laboratory and others who were at the forefront of the COVID containment were sidelined as government opted for the overnight incorporated dubious Frontiers.”
This revelation has raised concerns about the transparency and legality of the contract.
Ghanaian gospel artist, Diana Asamoah, has indicated that even the divine intervention of Jesus would not be sufficient to improve the state of Ghanaian economy.
Speaking to the media, she attributed the challenges faced by the country to the presence of individuals who lack honesty and integrity.
While acknowledging the significant impact of political leadership on people’s everyday lives, the gospel musician added that leaders should not bear sole responsibility for the actions of the populace, emphasizing the pivotal role of individual attitudes.
In her view, the world at large is grappling with adversity, and she attributed a substantial portion of these challenges to human actions, highlighting the need for collective responsibility.
“The whole world is in a crisis, and a significant portion of the hardships is also a consequence of our actions. I have always said that even if Jesus were to become President of Ghana and we don’t change our attitudes, we will not thrive” she stated.
She placed strong emphasis on the virtues of honesty and patience, drawing from biblical principles that highlight blessings for those who uphold truthfulness.
The state of the economy has become a central topic of discussion in recent months, marked by soaring inflation rates, currency devaluation, a decline in overall living standards, and an increasing cost of living.
Government attributes these challenges to the lingering effects of the COVID-19 pandemic and the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict.
To address these economic issues, the country has secured a substantial US$3 billion IMF loan, with US$600 million of this amount already credited to the government’s account.
In the meantime, the musician’s remarks have sparked intense debates on social media. Some are questioning the rationale behind her assertions, while others are firmly supporting her perspective.
The Eastern Region branch of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) has requested that the Inspector General of Police (IGP) enhance security at the district office of the Electoral Commission (EC) in Upper West Akyem.
They have accused the New Patriotic Party (NPP) Constituency Chairman, Nana Adei Obuobi, of causing disruptions and intimidating EC officials by leading a group of individuals to fire gunshots.
According to the NDC, the individuals disrupting the registration process are allegedly members of the Okyenhene taskforce.
In a press release issued by the Eastern Region Secretary, Jamal Konneh, the NDC demanded increased security at Adeiso to prevent any unforeseen incidents and called on Okyenhene, Osagyefo Amoatia Ofori Panyin, to intervene and restrain his associates.
“Per our intel, the thugs he brought to disrupt the registration process are members of the Okyenhene taskforce,” the NDC alleged in a press release issued by Eastern Region Secretary Jamal Konneh on Sunday, October 1.
“We call on the IGP and the Regional Commander to beef up security at Adeiso to help avert any unforeseen circumstances,” the press release demanded.
“We are also calling on Okyenhene, Osagyefo Amoatia Ofori Panyin, to call his men to order.”
The NDC emphasized that while they believe in democratic processes, they will not be intimidated by the NPP or its affiliates in the region, warning against employing violence as a strategy in the 2024 elections.
The limited voter registration exercise was scheduled to end on Monday, October 2.
The Ashanti Regional Minister, Hon. Simon Osei-Mensah, has offered advice to a flagbearer aspirant of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Kennedy Agyapong, cautioning him against assuming that his wealth alone qualifies him to become the President of Ghana.
Mr Osei-Mensah used the examples of Bill Gates and Aliko Dangote to illustrate his point, emphasizing that Kennedy Agyapong’s wealth is not comparable to that of these two global billionaires.
Speaking to the media he sated that “he should remember that Bill Gate has money but is not the President of USA. Dangote is a rich man but he is not the President of Nigeria.”
Instead, he urged Kennedy Agyapong to utilize his resources to help the NPP win seats in the Central region, specifically Assin North, after the November 4th elections.
“After November 4th go and win the Assin North and Central region seats for the NPP so that we can see what he is capable of doing”, the Ashanti regional minister said.
President Akufo-Addo has expressed deep sorrow at the passing of Mrs. Theresa Kufuor, former First Lady and wife of the 2nd President of the 4th Republic, John Agyekum Kufuor.
In his tribute, he described her as a warm, kind, and resilient woman who confronted life’s challenges with unwavering faith in Almighty God.
Acknowledging her pivotal role as President Kufuor’s devoted companion for 61 years, President Akufo-Addo praised her constant support, guidance, and prayers.
He commended her political acumen and contribution to her husband’s success, highlighting her dignity and eloquence as a polyglot First Lady fluent in languages like Ewe.
President Akufo-Addo conveyed his condolences to President Kufuor, their children, grandchildren, and the entire family, expressing profound sadness.
He wished her eternal peace and expressed his and First Lady Rebecca’s deep sense of loss. He concluded with a prayer for Mrs. Theresa Kufuor to find serenity in the Almighty’s care until the Last Day of the Resurrection.
“Mama Theresa, as she was affectionately called, was a devoted companion of President Kufuor throughout their sixty-one (61) years of marriage. She was an invaluable and constant source of advice, encouragement and prayers for him.
“Member of a well-known family from Odumase, in the Bono Region, sister of the renowned statesman, the late J.H Mensah, and aunt of President Kufuor’s Secretary, the brilliant diplomat, Ambassador D.K Osei, she was politically astute and was a major contributor to her husband’s political success. She was a composed and articulate First Lady, a polyglot, fluent in several languages including Ewe, who brought great dignity to the position.
He continued “I knew several members of her family, especially her celebrated brother, and I am grateful that I had the opportunity to know her too.
Her warmth, kindness and grace were exceptional. She bore the vicissitudes of life with great stoicism and an unshakable belief in the sovereignty of Almighty God” .
A flagbearer aspirant of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) and former Minister for Agriculture, Dr. Owusu Afriyie Akoto, has postponed his planned campaign tour of the Ashanti Region due to the demise of former First Lady Theresa Kufuor, the spouse of former President John Agyekum Kufuor.
Dr. Akoto expressed his condolences to the Kufuor family and announced that a new date for his Ashanti regional campaign tour will be announced before the NPP’s November 4 election.
Speaking during a news conference at his residence in Kumasi, Dr. Akoto urged NPP delegates to vote for him as the flagbearer in the upcoming 2024 general elections. He emphasized the importance of the delegates’ decision on November 4.
“We have suspended our Ashanti regional campaign tour as a sign of respect for the loss of the first lady Theresa Kufuor. We will come back at the appropriate time, and we will be informed. But I want to take this opportunity to convey my deepest respect to the delegates of NPP who have been called upon to make a decision for the party. The real contest is on November 4. I’m calling on the delegates to vote for me,” he said.
Mrs. Kufuor, aged 87, passed away at her home in Peduase while surrounded by her family on Sunday, October 1.
The Member of Parliament for Zebilla, Cletus Apul Avoka, has emphasized that finding a replacement for ET Mensah would be challenging due to his dedication and effectiveness in public service.
Mr. Mensah, a former Ningo-Prampram MP, had been battling ill-health for some time and passed away in South Africa on October 1.
Paying tribute to his former colleague, Mr Avoka praised ET Mensah as a politician of high integrity and noted that his boldness and confidence made a significant impact on Ghana’s political landscape.
He expressed his condolences to Mr. Mensah’s family and all those who admired him.
Mr Avoka also shared memories of their time together in Parliament, highlighting their close working relationship during various government roles.
He described ET Mensah as results-oriented and someone who served the country without any stain on his record.
Additionally, he mentioned that Mr. Mensah was closely associated with former President Rawlings and excelled in challenging assignments.
“He [ET Mensah] joined us in the second Parliament and the time I got to know him more was in 2009 when he was Chief Whip, and I was Interior Minister. During that time, I called him every morning to find out what was happening in Parliament and when I needed to be in Parliament. I later went to the House as Majority Leader and ET became Minister for Labour Relations, and we became very close when we were brought together to help Mahama on special initiatives as members of the presidential special drive that eventually became the Three Wise Men.”
“He is bold, confident, and results-oriented, and he was very close to Rawlings and one could only be too close to Rawlings when he was good and if there was any difficult job, and you gave it to ET, he would do it well.”
“He spent much of his adult life serving the country and he did so without blemish. He was also abrasive if you were standing in the way of success and so it will be very difficult to find his replacement.”
The Renal Patients Association has disclosed that 14 individuals who were receiving outpatient care at the renal unit of the Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital lost their lives after the unit was shut down in May 2023.
According to the association, the closure had serious consequences, preventing these patients from accessing the necessary medical treatment.
Again, these patients were forced to seek more expensive dialysis treatment at private centers, hence leading to their unfortunate deaths.
Speaking to the media, spokesperson for the association, Michael Asante, expressed deep concern over the situation and called on the government to waive the costs of dialysis treatment for renal patients and incorporate such cases into the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS).
“As we speak, the renal unit has been closed since 22 May 2023 up to date to outpatients,” Asante said. “Patients have gone through turbulent times as we struggle to finance our dialysis treatment at private dialysis centres across the centres. Unfortunately, during this shutdown period, we have lost about 14 of our friends…This has left the rest of us living in constant fear for our tomorrow. This is because we do not know who amongst us will be next to lose their lives needlessly.”
Meanwhile, the Ministry of Health has criticized the management of Korle Bu Teaching Hospital for increasing dialysis fees without the required parliamentary or ministerial approval.
Patients at the Renal Unit faced a significant fee hike, leading to a summons from the ministry to the hospital’s management to explain the decision.
The Ministry of Health’s Public Relations Officer, Isaac Offei Baah, on the other hand has described the fee increase without proper approval as “illegal.”
Six Divisional Chiefs and their elders, representing the Dormaa Traditional Council, signed an agreement on Friday, September 29, to safeguard Dormaa land from illegal mining, commonly known as galamsey.
These chiefs and elders hail from the Ankobia, Nifa, Benkum, Aduana, Kyidom, and Gyaase divisions, covering six traditional areas, including Bomaa, Chiraa, Abesim Dormaa Municipality, Dormaa, and part of Sunyani.
The resolution stated that any chief who allows illegal mining to persist in their communities would face destoolment by the Omanhene, aligning with Act 995, the Minerals and Mining (Amendment) Act 2019.
During a special meeting organized by the Dormaa Traditional Council, Dormaahene Osagyefo Oseadeyor Agyemang Badu highlighted the necessity of this decision due to the adverse impact of galamsey on Dormaa communities.
He cited examples like Dormaa Akwamu, Subrikrom, Kyeremasu, and Kosani, where galamsey had caused significant damage, including school dropouts, environmental degradation, and destruction of cocoa farms.
The Dormaahene emphasized that chiefs in the area must take responsibility for addressing galamsey activities rather than turning a blind eye to them. He instructed residents to form community taskforces to apprehend illegal miners and hand them over to law enforcement agencies for prosecution.
He expressed a commitment to responsible mining that benefits the people, aiming to prevent Dormaa from suffering the same negative consequences as other mining towns in Ghana.
Before signing the resolution, the Adontenhene of the Dormaa Traditional Council, Barima Okogyetuo Agyemang, suggested considering the factors that drive youth into galamsey and the possibility of chiefs engaging in such activities.
However, this proposal was rejected by the Council, as it could provide an avenue for some chiefs to become involved in illegal mining.
Images of vice president, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia and former General Secretary of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Kwabena Agyei Agyepong, have captivated many hearts.
The two gentlemen came together at the private residence of Kwabena Agyepong in Kumasi to commemorate the tenth anniversary of the passing of his mother, Margaret Agyepong, who died on August 27, 2013.
These images have garnered attention, especially in the context of recent political developments within the NPP. John Alan Kwadwo Kyeremanten, one of the flagbearer aspirants of the party, recently resigned from the NPP, adding intrigue to the political landscape.
Kwabena Agyei Agyepong, another flagbearer aspirant who did not make it into the top five at the Super Delegates Conference, reaffirmed his commitment to the party despite expressing disappointment in the outcome. He emphasized that the voting pattern was the choice of the delegates.
In an interview with the media, Mr Agyepong expressed pride in the NPP for hosting such an event and sending a strong signal to the country.
He respected the verdict of the special delegates and highlighted their significance within the party, as they included executive heads of constituencies, regional executives, and MPs.
The images of the Vice President and Agyepong have generated various interpretations and discussions within the political sphere.
Stephen Ntim, the national chair of the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP), has highlighted the importance of collaboration between Nigeria’s All Progressives Congress(APC) and NPP.
Acording ti him, collaborative endeavors could strengthen the enduring presence of both parties in government for the years ahead.
Mr Ntim stressed that there are valuable lessons the NPP can glean from Mr. Ganduje and the APC.
During his visit to Abdullahi Ganduje, the national chair of APC, Mr Ntim expressed his delight and pride in sharing in the momentous occasion of Mr. Ganduje’s recent appointment and also celebrated Nigeria’s 63rd independence anniversary.
“As a party, we have a lot to learn from Ganduje as an individual and from the APC as a political party,” stated Mr. Ntim, acknowledging the wealth of experience and insights that the APC brings to the table,” he remarked.
Ntim’s visit aimed to initiate a path of cooperation between the APC and NPP, with a shared focus on establishing good governance for the betterment of their respective citizens.
He underscored the significant and enduring relationship between Nigeria and Ghana, highlighting that since 2017, Ghanaian presidents have visited Nigeria an impressive 45 times.
Founder and general overseer of the International Central Gospel Church (ICGC), Rev Dr. Mensah Otabil, has advised Christians against the practice of paying others to pray and fast on their behalf.
He emphasized that it is incorrect for Christians to attempt to purchase the power of God, exchanging money for spiritual influence, access, and opportunities for personal gain.
Drawing from the New Testament account in Acts of the Apostles 8:9–24, Dr. Otabil referenced the story of Simon, the sorcerer, who sought to buy supernatural power from the Apostles Peter and John even after becoming a Christian.
Simon’s motives were driven by personal and financial gain, leading to his condemnation by the Apostles.
Dr. Otabil delivered this message during a sermon to kick off the 2023 Experience Conference of The Maker’s House Chapel International (TMHCI) in Accra, Ghana.
The theme of the conference was “Jesus the Miracle Worker,” and his sermon addressed the topic, “How Do You Work the Works of God?”
“Some of you men, who are very well positioned in life, sometimes you feel you can buy your way to God’s glory and grace,” he explained.
“Some of you have got all kinds of boys and girls who we call prophets and prophetesses, and they are yours.
“You purchase them, you pay them, you feed them, they pray in your house. Once you are working, they pray all day and night for you,” he added.
Dr. Otabil emphasized that true godly success and miracles come from believing in Jesus as the Son of God. He cautioned against the practice of some individuals who believe they can buy their way to God’s favor by employing prophets and prophetesses to pray on their behalf.
“It does not work that way. So, if you think somebody you pay can pray for you for God to hear, you need to check your whole thinking process,” he advised.
He stressed that outsourcing one’s spiritual life in this manner is not effective and urged Christians to have personal encounters with God through Christ.
Dr. Otabil also encouraged Christians to operate in their unique gifts of the Holy Spirit and not attempt to mimic other men of God. He emphasized the importance of excellence in ministry, professions, and all aspects of life.
The conference, which resumed after a break due to the COVID-19 pandemic, featured leading charismatic ministers from Ghana and beyond who ministered through preaching, prayer, healing, and impartation of spiritual gifts.
Prominent figures included Archbishop Nicholas Duncan Williams, Archbishop Charles Agyinasare, and others, along with leading gospel artists. The conference aimed to be an impactful and life-transforming event for participants.
A former General Secretary of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Kwabena Agyei Agyepong, has extended his best wishes to Vice President Mahamudu Bawumia as he seeks to lead the party in the upcoming 2024 elections.
Agyepong, who was a contender in the August 26 super delegates conference, which Bawumia won decisively against nine other candidates, had previously stated that he would not be endorsing any of the remaining four aspirants in the race.
A video from a recent church service held to commemorate his mother’s death anniversary is circulating on social media due to comments believed to be an endorsement of Bawumia’s bid to lead the NPP.
During the service, Agyepong stated that, “vice president, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, we thank him for making time to grace our event. We ask for God’s blessings for his vision and good ideas for Ghana to materialize just as the priest stated. That ahead of him is a great victory. God bless you Vice President, God bless you.”
Following the church service, both individuals met at Kwabena Agyepong’s private residence in Kumasi.
Second Lady Samira Bawumia and other members of the Bawumia campaign team were also in attendance.
Agyepong’s mother, Margaret Agyepong, passed away on August 27, 2013.
They celebrated their 61st wedding anniversary just a few weeks ago on September 8, 2023.
The former president once shared that he and Theresa tied the knot a year after they first met.
Their meeting took place at a Republic Day Anniversary Dance in London in 1961.
Interestingly, John Kufuor had just completed his law course while Theresa had recently finished her nursing program in Scotland during that same year.
“We got talking at the dance and became friends who got married in 1962 and gave birth to our first child in 1963, the second in 1964,” he stated.
The former First Lady, Theresa Kufuor, according to sources close to the family, passed away at the age of 87 at her home on Sunday, October 1.
An official announcement of this somber event is anticipated to be made on Monday, October 2.
Mrs. Kufuor served as Ghana’s First Lady from January 7, 2001, to January 6, 2009.
Her tenure commenced when her husband, John Agyekum Kufuor, assumed the presidency, succeeding Jerry John Rawlings.
During her time as First Lady, she established the Mother to Child Community Development Foundation, dedicated to promoting the healthy development of children and preventing the transmission of diseases from mothers to their offspring.
The Fiaprehene, Obrempong Professor Kyem Amponsah II, has officially instated Nana Addae Oduro Basakese and Nana Akosua Konama Dampon as the chief and queenmother of Kantro, a farming community within the Fiapre traditional area located in the Sunyani West municipality in the Bono Region.
Nana Basakese and Nana Dampon will jointly oversee the three distinct communities within the Kantro region, namely Kantro No. 1, Kantro No. 2, and Kantro No. 3.
These communities all fall under the Fiapre Stool Lands and hold the esteemed titles of Wrenpemhene and Wrenpemhemaa of the Fiapre Kyem Amponsah Stool.
During a recent ceremony held to introduce the newly appointed chief and queenmother to the local populace, Obrempong Prof. Amponsah, who also goes by the name Prof. Emmanuel Ohene Afoakwa in private life, expressed his commendation for them.
He encouraged them to dedicate their efforts to the advancement of the Kantro communities and advised them to collaborate closely to safeguard the land on behalf of the Kyem Amponsah Stool.
Obrempong Amponsah, who also serves as the Vice-Chancellor of the Ghana Communication Technology University, called upon them to approach their roles with humility and a strong work ethic as servants of the people.
He emphasized the significance of maintaining the association of Kantro farmers with the Fiapre custodianship of the Kantro lands, which has become an established tradition.
Obrempong Amponsah assured the people of Fiapre of their support for the newly appointed leaders, pledging to work alongside all members of the traditional council to promote the area’s development and protect its lands for the benefit of the various communities.
He concluded by emphasizing the commitment to ensuring peace and security in the region, acknowledging that only in peaceful times can meaningful development be achieved.
The Minister for Sanitation and Water Resources, Dr. Freda Prempeh, has appealed to Zoomlion Ghana Limited to contribute waste bins to support the national clean-up initiative, emphasizing that these bins would significantly enhance efforts to combat indiscriminate littering in major cities.
During her inspection of the ongoing National Clean-up Exercise, a collaboration between Municipal and District Assemblies and Zoomlion Ghana Ltd., in parts of Accra, the Minister made this request.
“I am extending a hand to Zoomlion to support this exercise with waste bins to make the exercise more effective,” she said.
Dr. Freda Prempeh highlighted the importance of waste bins in facilitating waste segregation and recycling, aligning with the ministry’s long-term objectives. She also stressed the need for education, especially for children, on waste segregation to instill responsible habits from an early age.
While commending youth involved in plastic waste segregation, she expressed concern about the lack of safety precautions among them, including the absence of masks, gloves, and handwashing facilities.
Dr. Freda Prempeh emphasized that waste segregation at the source, such as households, would prevent such activities by children.
In response to the Minister’s call, Zoomlion’s Public Relations and Corporate Affairs Manager, Mr. Ernest Morgan Acquah, pledged the company’s commitment to addressing the country’s sanitation challenges, highlighting the importance of waste segregation at the source.
Mr. Acquah emphasized that maintaining a clean environment is a shared responsibility among the government, service providers, and citizens, urging everyone to actively participate in the monthly national clean-up exercise.
The nationwide clean-up event coincided with International Clean Up Day and adopted the theme “Cleaning for Safe, Healthy, and Sustainable Ghana.” The Minister emphasized the need for effective collaboration among stakeholders to achieve the government’s vision of a clean Ghana and sustainable WASH (Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene) service delivery. Plans include media sensitization campaigns and extensive premises inspections by District Assembly staff as part of the clean-up effort.
The National Service Secretariat (NSS) has announced the release of placements for 122,275 prospective national service personnel for the upcoming 2023/2024 service year.
According to a statement issued by the Executive Secretary of the NSS, Osei Assibey Antwi, the first batch of placements has been made in various sectors of the economy for the one-year mandatory national service.
The statement also noted that a second batch of placements will be released at a later date.
All selected service personnel are required to follow the validation and registration process, which includes the following steps:
Visit the NSS website at www.nss.gov.gh to check for your placement. 2. Print the appointment letter and proceed to the designated place of posting for endorsement. 3. Book an appointment online for the date and time for registration after the endorsement. 4. Furthermore, the statement indicated that students should go to the assigned NSS Regional Validation and Registration Centre with their endorsed appointment letter and a valid Ghana Card to complete the registration process.
The regional validation and registration process is scheduled to commence on Monday, October 16, 2023, at centers located across the country.
The 2023/2024 National Service Year is set to begin on Wednesday, November 1, 2023.
The NSS management strongly discouraged any attempts to change placements, emphasizing that they do not support such requests. Service personnel were cautioned against contacting faceless individuals or groups for assistance in changing their postings.
The NSS management concluded by extending best wishes to all deployed service personnel as they embark on their civic and patriotic duties in service to Mother Ghana.
Veteran hiplife artiste, Mzbel, has emphasized that spirituality is not merely an activity but a way of life.
According to her, seeking spiritual protection through consultations with traditional spiritual practitioners like Mallams, deities, and fetish priests is just as essential as any other means.
Mzbel elaborated on this perspective during an interview with the media, stating, “consulting mallams, deities, and fetish priests for spiritual protection as a musician is also part of it, but spirituality is a lifestyle.
“When you wake up in the morning you have to pour water on the ground and thank the earth and you have to look into the skies and thank the sun.”
She further emphasized that Africans should ideally embrace spirituality as a way of life and connect with nature.
Mzbel explained, “as for spirituality once we are Africans that’s supposed to be our way and we communicate with the sun, moon, the earth and we know what’s in the air that’s blowing.”
Renowned Nigerian attorney, Femi Falani, has given Nigerians his assurance that the circumstances surrounding Mohbad’s demise will be disclosed to the public on 13 October.
The sudden passing of the singer on September 12, 2023, left many questions unanswered and sparked nationwide protests demanding justice.
On that fateful day, news of Mohbad’s death sent shockwaves throughout the Nigerian music scene. At just 27 years old, the artist had immense potential, and his loss deeply affected fans and fellow musicians.
In an effort to shed light on the circumstances of Mohbad’s death, the Nigeria Police Force conducted an autopsy on the singer’s remains.
This involved the exhumation of Mohbad’s body and a thorough examination to determine the cause of death. The autopsy was reportedly completed on the same day it was conducted.
Police Public Relations Officer Benjamin Hundeyin confirmed that the autopsy had been completed but the results were not yet disclosed, creating anticipation and urgency as Nigerians eagerly awaited the findings that could provide answers to the mystery surrounding Mohbad’s untimely demise.
Femi Falani has now stepped forward to reassure Nigerians that the truth about Mohbad’s passing will be revealed. His statement has offered hope to those who have been demanding answers and seeking closure since Mohbad’s death.
Since Mohbad’s passing, numerous processions (some turning into protests) have taken place in the country, with people demanding justice for the young musician. The entertainment industry, in particular, has rallied behind this cause, with artists and fans alike seeking accountability for the loss of one of their own.
As the nation counts down to October 13th, all eyes are on Femi Falani and the forthcoming revelation of the cause of Mohbad’s death.
Funny Face has pleasantly surprised his fans with some heartwarming news.
To mark his 42nd birthday on October 1, 2023, the actor has made a special announcement on social media, revealing the upcoming launch of his TV series titled ‘All Shall Pass.’
The comic actor has faced numerous challenges and setbacks in his journey, including well-documented mental health struggles.
However, he’s now making a triumphant return to the spotlight with this exciting new TV show, set to air on TV3.
Details about the show are currently being kept secret, but fans are already buzzing with excitement about Funny Face’s comeback.
Given his track record, it’s safe to assume that the series will be packed with humor and his trademark charm, making it a must-watch for his dedicated followers.
Ghanaian musician, Wendy Shay recently claimed that her recent serious accident was not a random incident but rather a deliberate spiritual attack orchestrated by individuals with the aim of blaming her manager, Bullet.
During an interview with the media, Wendy Shay stated,“Those who wanted to kill me, they know themselves, and they’re trying to put it on Bullet. It wasn’t Bullet. It wasn’t a normal attack. What I can say is that they know themselves, but I am not going to mention their names. But they can never kill me.”
However, during a discussion on UTV’s United Showbiz, Kwame A Plus disagreed with this assertion. He commended Wendy Shay and her manager, Bullet, for their efforts in creating buzz and keeping the musician in the spotlight following the accident.
A Plus expressed skepticism about the claim that the accident was spiritual and suggested that it might be a publicity stunt.
He stated,”we cannot say it is spiritual. It is all for the hype. First Bullet said he would be flying her to Germany for treatment. Now they are saying that it is spiritual. They know what they are doing. It’s called a stunt and they are doing it well,” he avered.
President Akufo-Addo has articulated the government’s aspiration to establish Ghana as the primary hub for medical excellence within the West African sub-region by the year 2030.
President Akufo-Addo expressed confidence in achieving this vision, underlining Ghana’s abundant skilled workforce and ongoing investments in healthcare infrastructure nationwide, exemplified by Agenda 111.
These remarks were made during the inauguration of the St Michael’s Specialist Hospital (SMSH) in Lapaz, a suburb of Accra. President Akufo-Addo reaffirmed the government’s commitment to substantial investments in the healthcare sector and reiterated support for private sector initiatives.
Michael Banahene, Chairman of St Michael’s Specialist Hospital’s Board, lauded the Akufo-Addo administration for its contributions toward realizing the hospital’s vision.
He further highlighted that the St. Michael’s Specialist Hospital would eventually employ around 600 Ghanaian staff at full capacity.
Former President John Agyekum Kufour expressed immense pride in his grand nephew’s accomplishments, particularly considering the substantial time taken to complete the hospital project.
He also commended the hospital’s adoption of high international standards to deliver efficient healthcare services to the people of Ghana and beyond.
A spokesperson for Alan Kyerematen’s Movement for Change, Ebo Buckman, believes that the leadership of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) has harbored a disdain for the former Trade and Industry Minister for approximately 15 years.
Mr. Buckman also pointed to an incident in 2008 after the primaries, where the NPP announced that Alan had left Ghana when he was actually present in the country.
This, according to him, reaffirmed the party’s longstanding desire to distance itself from Alan.
“One particular issue that came up and really shook my heart was the one that happened in 2008. After Alan Kyerematen conceded defeat to Akufo-Addo, he was in his office. An announcement was made on TV that he had travelled out of Ghana, and it surprised him because he was right in Ghana at the time. The MC for the programme announced that Alan was not in Ghana when he was in Ghana.”
“The announcement during the campaign launch of the party that he was not in Ghana when he was in Ghana meant the party did not want him.”
“The announcement made during the campaign launch of the party, stating that he was not in Ghana when he was in Ghana, indicated that the party did not want him.”
Furthermore, Mr. Buckman alleged that he was unfairly disqualified when he sought to become a Member of Parliament on the party’s ticket, primarily due to his close association with Mr. Kyerematen during the 2007 presidential primaries.
“I was supporting Alan during the 2007 primaries and also vying to become an MP and the party disqualified me and the letter confirming my disqualification said I was disqualified over some reasons that could not be stated and the reason that it could be is my support for Alan during the primaries.”
In a surprising turn of events on Monday, September 25, Mr. Kyerematen announced his resignation from the NPP to establish the Movement for Change, with intentions to run as an independent candidate in the 2024 elections.
Economist and political analyst, Dr. Theo Acheampong, has cast doubt on the likelihood of former Trade Minister, Alan Kwadwo Kyerematen, reversing his decision to rejoin the New Patriotic Party (NPP).
Dr. Acheampong contends that if Mr. Kyerematen were to return to the NPP, it could potentially harm his reputation.
He clarified that Mr. Kyerematen’s departure from the party was not due to issues of trust or credibility among potential voters.
During an interview with the media, Dr. Acheampong questioned Mr. Kyerematen’s motivations for remaining with the party and the government when the economy was struggling, only to now break away from the NPP to establish his own political movement.
Dr. Acheampong raised the hypothetical scenario of whether Mr. Kyerematen would have formed a new party if he had secured the NPP’s nomination for leadership.
“If he had won the nomination to lead the NPP, would he have broken away to form a new party,” he quizzes.
He emphasized that there are uncertainties surrounding the timing of Mr. Kyerematen’s decision and whether he genuinely intends to bring about positive change in the country.
“The message is not the issue; it comes down to whether or not he would be able to win the election,” Dr. Acheampong stated.
He expressed doubts about Mr. Kyerematen’s ability to secure victory, given historical trends and his target audience of youth and the middle-class.
Dr. Acheampong’s remarks were in response to comments made by Nana Akomea, the Managing Director of the State Transport Corporation (STC), who believes that it would be sensible for the NPP to engage with Mr. Kyerematen and explore the possibility of his return to the party.
Nana Akomea, while appearing on the same show, expressed hope that ongoing discussions with Mr. Kyerematen would convince him that his current course of action would not be beneficial for himself or the NPP, emphasizing that unity is in the party’s best interest.
One of the reasons cited by the former Trade and Industry Minister for his resignation was his suspicion that the party unfairly favored one candidate in the NPP’s Super Delegates Conference.
However, Nana Akomea argued that this justification did not hold water, especially considering the extensive involvement of party members in the nomination process.
Ghanaian musician, Shatta Wale, has introduced his new girlfriend on social media, expressing his joy in finding love once again.
The dancehall artist shared this exciting news on his Instagram page, where he posted numerous pictures of his new partner.
One of his captions stated, “I apologize for keeping this a secret. I’m deeply in love.”
In another photo, the couple shared a tender kiss, and Shatta Wale wished his girlfriend a safe journey back to the United Kingdom.
Photographs captured them walking hand in hand at both the Kotoka International Airport and an airport in the UK. Shatta Wale was set to perform at the Ghana Music Awards UK.
This announcement has elicited a range of reactions from netizens and celebrities on social media. Some offer their best wishes, while others express hope that this relationship will prove to be enduring.
Shatta Wale’s track record of unsuccessful relationships has been a topic of public discussion since his tumultuous split from Michy in 2019.
Over the past three years, he has been linked with two different women, and he has showcased these relationships online, similar to how he did with his former partner, Michy.
However, none of these relationships endured and were marred by heartbreak and public disputes.
A presidential aspirant from the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Ing. Francis Addai-Nimoh, has expressed concerns about the Super Delegates Conference within the party, stating that it is causing division among its members.
During an interview with the media, he recommended that the party should eliminate this process. Addai-Nimoh conveyed his dissatisfaction with how the party had managed the recent Super Delegates Conference.
He emphasized that the primary objective of this election is not to determine a winner but rather to narrow down the pool of candidates.
He clarified, “This system is not designed to select a winner. I was one of those advocating for the elimination of this process. It was not intended to choose a winner.”
He further explained, “Its purpose is to identify five individuals who will represent the party in the presidential primaries.” He added, “The process is meant to produce five candidates and not declare a victor.”
In his view, the Super Delegates Conference is a time-consuming procedure that does not aim to select a winner but rather to reduce the number of candidates for the over 208,000 delegates to make a decision regarding the aspirants. He asserted that the results of the Conference are contributing to disunity within the party.
The Global Mercy Ship, the largest civilian hospital ship globally, is collaborating with the government to reduce deaths attributed to a lack of surgical care, especially among vulnerable populations.
Approximately five billion people worldwide lack access to safe and affordable surgical care, leading to at least 17 million deaths annually, with a significant impact on low- and middle-income countries, including Ghana.
Through this partnership between the Government of Ghana and the Global Mercy Ship, many vulnerable individuals will receive free medical and surgical services, including general surgery, reconstructive plastics surgery, ophthalmic surgery, women’s health surgery, maxillofacial surgery, ear-nose-throat surgeries, and pediatric orthopedic surgery.
The ship will remain in Ghana for about ten months, aiming to reduce the surgical backlog and provide surgical services to underserved populations, especially those in remote areas.
Additionally, patients in leprosariums with post-leprosy contractures who meet the surgery criteria will benefit from plastic surgeries.
An advanced team from Global Mercy Ships, led by Vice President-International Michelle Bullington, is already in the country and collaborating with officials from the Ghana Health Service.
During a meeting with Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, the government expressed its support for this initiative, which also aims to enhance the capacity of medical and surgical specialists in Ghana.
At the end of the program, a 250-bed rehabilitative center will be handed over to the country to accommodate patients who receive surgical and medical services.
The Ghana Health Service has assured its full support for the program, emphasizing its potential to enhance healthcare delivery in the country. Director of Healthcare Promotions Dr. Dacosta Aboagye stated, “This is an important program we are proud to receive. The necessary steps are in place to ensure the country reaps full benefit.”
President Akufo-Addo has reiterated his government’s commitment to completing the “Agenda 111” Hospital Project, which he inaugurated in August 2021.
He provided an update on the progress of the project during the commissioning of the St. Michael’s Specialist Hospital in Abeka Lapaz.
The President highlighted that 86 district hospitals, two regional psychiatric hospitals, and the western regional hospital are currently in progress, with varying levels of completion.
He stated that the average completion rate for the 89 ongoing projects is 52%, with some sites reaching seventy to eighty percent completion.
President Akufo-Addo emphasized that these hospitals’ construction is being carried out by Ghanaian contractors, creating direct and indirect job opportunities for Ghanaians.
“There is an average number of 120 workers on each construction site, and, when completed, an average of 549 persons will be employed in a district hospital, 1,343 in a regional hospital, and 947 in each psychiatric hospital this means that 67,635 people will be employed in the Agenda 111 hospitals,” he added.
He mentioned that each construction site employs an average of 120 workers, and upon completion, each district hospital will employ 549 people, regional hospitals will employ 1,343, and psychiatric hospitals will employ 947, resulting in a total of 67,635 jobs created by the Agenda 111 hospitals.
The Agenda 111 initiative aims to establish 101 standard 100-bed district hospitals with accommodation for medical staff, six new regional hospitals, the rehabilitation of the Effia-Nkwanta Hospital, one new regional hospital for the Western Region, and two psychiatric hospitals. The estimated cost of the entire package is $1.765 billion.
“Beyond the building of these new healthcare facilities, my vision is to help make Ghana the Centre of Excellence for Medical Care in West Africa by 2030, leveraging on Ghana’s favourable status in the Region as the most peaceful country in West Africa, a beacon of democracy on the continent, and a land of opportunities,” he said.
President Akufo-Addo also outlined his vision to make Ghana a Center of Excellence for Medical Care in West Africa by 2030.
He highlighted his government’s commitment to improving access to quality healthcare services, including restoring nursing trainee allowances, recruiting healthcare workers, equipping the Ghana Ambulance Service, enhancing the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS), and utilizing drones for medical supply delivery to remote areas.
The Tarkwa circuit court has awarded a 20-year prison sentence in hard labor to George Fynn, an apprentice welder, for engaging in mining activities beneath a high-tension cable.
Fynn faced charges of conspiracy and illegal mining, and he pleaded guilty to these charges.
Assistant State Attorney for the Western Region, Mr. Kingsley Agyekum, who led the prosecution, presented the case before the court presided over by Mrs. Hathia Ama Manu.
Joseph Ntiful, the unit committee chairman at Esuoso in the Tarkwa-Nsuaem Municipality, served as the complainant in the case.
According to Mr. Agyekum, the accused, along with his accomplices Effah and Christian (who remain at large), had been involved in illegal mining on a portion of land situated beneath an electricity high-tension cable on the outskirts of Esuoso.
The chief of Esuoso had taken measures to fill in all pits created by these illegal miners to safeguard the high-tension cables.
However, on August 30, 2021, at approximately 2:30 am, Fynn and his associates returned to the mining site from which they had been banned.
They proceeded to dig three new pits in the same area for mining purposes. The chief of Esuoso received a tip-off and ordered the arrest of the accused parties.
When a nearby resident approached the scene, the three suspects fled upon seeing him.
Mr Fynn was apprehended after a brief chase and was subsequently handed over to the Tarkwa Police by the chief, at the direction of the complainant, where a formal complaint was lodged against him.
The campaign team of vice president, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia has refuted allegations that they made an effort to persuade Kennedy Agyepong, a New Patriotic Party (NPP) flagbearer aspirant, to become Dr. Bawumia’s running mate for the 2024 elections.
Mr. Agyepong informed NPP supporters at the Jubilee Park in Kumasi that the Vice President’s campaign team had offered him a bribe to accept the running mate position, an offer he declined.
In a swift response, the Vice President’s campaign team issued a statement denying any attempt to approach Mr. Agyepong for a running mate offer.
The statement, signed by the Vice President’s spokesperson, Gideon Boako, also rejected allegations that Dr. Bawumia is undermining the NPP through intimidation.
Below is the full statement.
For Immediate Release Saturday, 30th September 2023
Bawumia Campaign Team has not approached Hon. Kennedy Agyapong for Running Mate Position
The Bawumia campaign team has noticed with grave concern news report by Citinewsroom.com and other media outlets in which the Hon. Kennedy Agyapong is alleged to have indicated that some members of the Bawumia Campaign team attempted to bribe him to step down and be made the running mate to Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia.
We wish to state in unequivocal terms that the Bawumia Campaign team has not approached Kennedy Agyapong for such a running mate offer, nor have we assigned any member of the team to approach him for the same.
It is also not true as alleged by Kennedy Agyapong that Dr. Bawumia is collapsing the party through intimidation. The unity of our party has been of great concern to candidate Dr. Bawumia. It is in light of such concern that he refrains from responding to unwarranted attacks by others in the contest and has cautioned his supporters against responding to such provocative attacks. His strategy has been to persuade delegates to support his bid. This he does, by laying his vision for the party and country.
As we have always maintained, the contest for flagbearer in the NPP is an internal one, and all actors, particularly the aspirants must be guided by the core values of the NPP, which include but are not limited to truth, decorum, and respect for one another.
Artiste manager, Bullgod has made an appeal to former president, John Dramani Mahama, urging him to prosecute corrupt government officials from the New Patriotic Party (NPP) and put an end to the ongoing trend of misusing taxpayers’ money.
He stressed the need for a leader who would dedicate their tenure to holding those responsible for corruption accountable.
During a discussion on the United Showbiz program, Bullgod expressed his concern about the prevalence of corruption within the current administration and insisted that it should not be ignored.
He called on John Dramani Mahama, addressing him as “His Excellency,” to take action against these individuals when he returns to power.
“We need a leader. One leader has to come and serve for four years to rectify things. Look at how the current government is recklessly spending our money. They spend our money without consequences. I am appealing to His Excellency John Dramani Mahama. When he comes to power, he should prosecute these people. We cannot continue like this forever, wasting money without accountability,” he passionately stated.
However, some of the panelists, including Socrates Safo and Evangelist Diana Asamoah, who are known NPP supporters, disagreed with Bullgod’s perspective.
They criticized him for portraying Mahama as the ideal candidate for such a task.
Diana Asamoah asserted, “Mahama won’t return to power,” while Socrates also challenged Bullgod’s statement, referring to past controversies during Mahama’s administration.
“As for Mahama, he won’t come again,” Diana Asamoah said.
“We were all here when the Guinea fowl issue happened. Or have you forgotten? How can you even mention Mahama?’ Socrates also retorted.
In response to the objections, Bullgod remained resolute, emphasizing that regardless of the leader, whether Mahama or someone else, those responsible for corruption should face punishment.
Political activist and media personality Kwame Obeng Asare, known as A Plus, has criticized a letter from the New Patriotic Party (NPP) calling on UTV’s management to reform the United Showbiz program.
A Plus, a regular panelist on the show, characterized the letter as “useless” and questioned its propriety.
During the September 30 edition of the program, A Plus expressed his disdain for the letter, stating, “this letter is revolting because we have received calls from people threatening to collapse UTV United Showbiz.”
He further ripped apart his copy of the letter, condemning it as “stupid.”
“NPP people should stop such things, don’t write such a letter ever again. This letter is a stupid letter.
“Nobody in this country can decide what we do on this show, especially when the president of Ghana is an astute lawyer and someone who believes in the rule of law. Don’t write such things ever again,” he stressed.
A Plus emphasized that about 90% of UTV’s viewers are NPP supporters, and despite the critical views expressed on the show, they continue to praise the network for the platform it provides.
He urged the NPP to refrain from sending such letters in the future, emphasizing that no one in the country has the authority to dictate the content of the show, particularly when the President of Ghana is a lawyer who believes in the rule of law.
The NPP had expressed concerns about the show, alleging that it frequently included negative comments and criticism directed at the government and President Akufo-Addo, as well as ridicule and criticism of Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia in recent episodes.
Gospel musician, evangelist Diana Asamoah has emphasized the need for attitudinal change among Ghanaians as a prerequisite for progress in everyday life.
While acknowledging the role of political governance in the lives of citizens, she cautioned that leadership alone cannot be solely held accountable when individuals do not exhibit positive attitudes in their daily affairs.
In an interview with the media on September 30, 2023, Evangelist Diana Asamoah stated, “the whole world is in a crisis, a lot of the hardships also rests on our actions. I have always maintained that even if Jesus becomes president and we don’t change our attitudes, we won’t have it right”.
“The Bible talks about blessings for the truthful and that those in haste won’t have it well,” she stressed.
She further stressed the importance of honesty and patience, citing biblical principles of blessings for the truthful and challenges faced by those in haste.
As a member of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), she cited examples of individuals who have engaged in theft and dishonesty while highlighting the success of others with godly traits and vocational skills.
The state of the economy has been a prominent topic of discussion in recent months, characterized by rising inflation, currency depreciation, a decline in the quality of life, and a high cost of living.
The government has attributed these challenges to the aftermath of COVID-19 and the Russia-Ukraine war, with the country securing a US$3 billion IMF loan, of which US$600 million has already been credited to the government’s account.
Two individuals, Baba Kasim, 32, and Alu Cudjoe, 62, have been arrested on charges of stealing a 3-kilometer stretch of conductors from the Electricity Company (ECG), valued at approximately GH¢103,000 in Benson, Western Region.
The Western Regional Public Relations Officer (PRO) of the ECG, Benjamin Quarcoo, expressed how this theft of conductors hinders and escalates the costs of extending ECG services in the Benso community. He cautioned that severe consequences await those involved in such acts.
The Assemblyman for Benso Electoral Area shared with the media how the community members apprehended the suspects, expressing their disappointment with the theft as it further delays already unreliable power supply to the community.
The Western Regional Public Relations Officer urged the public to collaborate with the ECG in identifying and addressing such disruptions to power supply.
