Author: Phoebe Martekie Doku

The National Executive of the Ghana Journalists Association (GJA) has announced an extension of the submission deadline for the 27th GJA Media Awards until 5pm on Sunday, September 17, 2023.

Initially, entries were scheduled to close at 5pm on Wednesday, September 13, 2023. This extension aims to provide more members with the opportunity to submit their entries.

The National Executive particularly encourages journalism and communication trainees from accredited training institutions to participate in the ‘Best Student-Journalist of the Year’ award by submitting their entries.

Entries for the awards should cover journalistic works produced and published between January 1, 2022, and December 31, 2022. Notably, this year marks the introduction of an online submission platform, a first in the history of this prestigious annual event hosted by the Association.

Interested participants are urged to visit https://awards.gjaghana.org to submit their entries.

Those facing difficulties with the submission process can seek assistance by contacting the General Secretary at 024 427 5167.

Furthermore, the National Executive appeals to media and donor partners, as well as Corporate Ghana, to generously support the organization of these awards, contributing to a noble cause.

The Ghana Cocoa Board (COCOBOD) has taken extra steps to combatting cocoa smuggling in the country.

Currently, COCOBOD is working to offer cash rewards to those who report smuggling and implementing a “catch and share” system where informants receive a portion of the seized cocoa.

Stephen Fiifi Boafo, Head of Public Affairs at COCOBOD, revealed these measures, stating, “The first step to deter smuggling is to announce a reward that makes it less appealing.

Additionally, we are fully implementing a revised ‘catch and share’ arrangement, where individuals who provide information leading to smuggling arrests will receive a significant portion of the seized cocoa’s value.”

Earlier reports indicated that between 100,000 and 200,000 metric tonnes of cocoa beans had been lost to smuggling activities from Ghana to neighboring countries like Togo and Cote D’Ivoire.

COCOBOD’s Chief Executive Officer, Joseph Boahen Aidoo, expressed concern about the impact of these illegal activities on Ghana’s cocoa output and the economy.

He suggested that the scale of smuggling indicated involvement from high-powered individuals, as it exceeded what individual cocoa farmers could transport.

Touching on the smuggling of fertilser used for cocoa farming, the COCOBOD CEO said government is looking to review its fertilser policy by removing government subsidies to allow for cost of the cocoa to be added to the price for farmers.

“The free supply of fertiliser has intensified smuggling of the product, we have held meetings with the farmers to accept to buy the fertiliser themselves,” he added.

Meanwhile, Ghana has set October to commence the 2023/2024 crop season for cocoa farming.

The Inspector General of Police (IGP), Dr. George Akuffo Dampare, began his opening statement before the ad hoc committee investigating a leaked tape involving him in a calm manner, following a turbulent period of controversy.

As he delved into his life journey and career within the Ghana Police Service, which included efforts to collaborate with all, including the three implicated officers from the leaked audio, his emotions started to surface.

He became visibly emotional when addressing the allegations made by two of the officers, particularly COP George Alex Mensah and Supt George Asare, characterizing them as unjust.

The IGP’s eyes welled up with tears, and his voice trembled as he spoke.Cameras focused on his face at that moment captured the reddening of his eyes and a noticeable quiver in his voice.

Dr. Dampare, in his capacity as the head of the police force, is currently testifying before the committee chaired by Samuel Atta Akyea, addressing allegations against himself and his administration within the police service.

The Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Dr. George Akuffo Dampare, has challenged COP George Alex Mensah’s assertion that he is the poorest IGP in Ghana’s history while appearing before the parliamentary ad-hoc committee investigating the plot to oust him.

Dampare asserted that his administration, which includes COP Mensah, is working collaboratively to ensure that their team becomes the best in the history of the Police Service.

He suggested that if he were indeed the worst, then it would be a collective responsibility, including COP Mensah, who was a part of the team he leads. Dampare considered COP Mensah’s statement as a slip of the tongue.

“If I am the worst, then collectively, all of us are the worst, including my brother who was serving in that capacity as a member of the team that I lead. So I think it was a slip of the tongue on his part,” Dampare said.

“We are on our way to being the best in terms of all those that have come before us, and we have a good reason for that. We are getting on to become the best in the history of the country. And the reason why we want to be the best under my leadership is that when most of my forebears were there, we saw what they were doing right and saw the challenges. We have the opportunities to learn from them and do things right.

“We don’t only want to be the best, but we want those who will come after us to perform better than us. And when that happens, we will end up building strong institutions. So it cannot be true that my administration is the worst.”

Moreover, Dampare informed the committee that his administration has diligently studied the experiences of their predecessors and is resolute in establishing a formidable police service for future generations.

The Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Dr. George Akuffo Dampare, has refuted claims of him operating unilaterally within the Ghana Police Service.

He responded to allegations linking him to the leaked tape, which has recently sparked significant controversy.

During his address to the parliamentary committee investigating the leaked audio, Dampare asserted that he collaborates with other senior police officers in decision-making and does not run a solo operation.

He contended that the accusations made by COP Alex Mensah and Superintendent George Asare when they appeared before the committee were intentionally fabricated to besmirch his character and reputation.

Dampare further emphasized the collective nature of the Police Officers’ Mess and Appeals Board (POMAB), stressing that it functions as a united chain that remains unbroken unless due to retirement, at which point replacements are appointed.

Regarding his alleged involvement in recording the leaked tape, Dampare unequivocally denied any participation, stating, “I was not involved in the recording of the leaked tape.”

The leaked tape supposedly captures senior police officers engaging in discussions with Bugri Naabu, the former Northern regional chairman of the NPP, about plans to remove the IGP from his position.

“I think I addressed this question earlier, my POMAB members are here, unfortunately, they are not on oath so they cannot testify, we would have heard them. They call it united POMAB, and it is a chain, nobody breaks it unless you are going on retirement and then we replace you.

“This whole idea of running a one-man show is just to paint me black, so it is never true. They [implicated police officers] went to lie thinking that we would never get the opportunity to speak to it.”

“I was not involved in the recording of the leaked tape,” he said.

The Inspector General of Police (IGP), Dr. George Akuffo Dampare, has revealed that the unsubstantiated accusations made by certain senior Police officers have inflicted considerable distress upon his personal life and his family.

COP George Mensah, a prominent figure in the alleged plot to replace the current IGP, made a startling assertion during his appearance before the ad-hoc parliamentary committee investigating the matter on September 1, 2023.

He contended that the IGP had masterminded the recording of the leaked tape and possessed the original recording, suggesting that the audio currently before the parliamentary committee had been extensively tampered with.

Addressing the parliamentary committee investigating the leaked tape aiming to remove him from office, the emotionally charged IGP disclosed that the allegations, devoid of supporting evidence, had cast a negative shadow over the reputation of not only his family but also the entire police service.

“Instead of them to focus on the matter, they came out with wild allegations, that touched my person, the police leadership that I lead, and the entirety of the police service. Until today I’m now being told that they have some evidence. Without a shred of evidence, at the time that they were making the allegations, not a shred of evidence.

“Those wild allegations without a shred of evidence have brought a lot of pain to me, my family across the country and especially my wife and children. The pain also to my team, my command, and thousands of police personnel. I, an innocent person focusing on my job and working with my team to keep the country safe, have to be called here to answer unsubstantiated claims. This is just not fair, are we killing patriotism that anybody can just wake up and make allegations?”  the IGP bemoaned.

He underscored his deep respect for President Akufo-Addo and the police service, stating that his decision to appear before the committee and address the allegations stemmed from this respect.

“I’m here I have no choice, I’m doing this because of the respect I have for myself, my family especially my wife and children, and for the respect, I have for institutions of state, and more importantly the respect I have for the President, Akufo-Addo, and the respect I have for Ghanaians. I’m here to answer all your questions, on wild allegations by my brothers,” Dampare asserted.

In an intriguing development, Daniel Bugri Naabu, the former Northern Regional Chairman of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), disclosed that he had recorded the controversial leaked tape, capturing a plot to remove Inspector General of Police, Dr. George Akuffo Dampare, in a bid to protect his party.

The Inspector General of Police (IGP), Dr. George Akuffo Dampare, has emphasized that no single individual possesses the authority to determine the outcome of elections, as suggested in the leaked tape.

Addressing the parliamentary committee responsible for investigating the leaked IGP tape, he underscored the collaborative nature of elections, involving multiple stakeholders, each with its unique and significant role.

In his view, no entity holds superiority over others or possesses exclusive authority to influence election results.

“Honourable Chair, the most important thing is this, election involves so many stakeholders and each one has its role and the police also has its role.”

“And the election is a simple matter where each stakeholder plays its role and collectively we end up ensuring that it is over and the people then decide who becomes the leader.”

“So no entity or institution has some supremacy in terms of its role in ensuring that elections are successful, as far as I’m concerned, all the stakeholders have to play their role and because each role is unique, you cannot even be compelled to say which one is on top and which one is not,” he explained.

He further elaborated that no single entity or institution enjoys supremacy in determining the success of elections. He emphasized the uniqueness of each role and the impossibility of ranking their importance.

Dr. Dampare rejected the notion that his personal influence or beliefs could sway election outcomes, stating that such assumptions were merely opinions and not within his control.

“That is somebody’s opinion about me and I cannot question somebody’s opinion.”

‘Opinions are all over the place and as far as I’m concerned, I’ll continue to do my work, work in unity with my commanders across the country and do our job how it should be done, be it elections or any other matter,” he said.

However, he committed to maintaining diligence and professionalism in his role, collaborating effectively with his fellow commanders. He acknowledged that opinions about him varied and that he would continue to focus on executing his duties, whether related to elections or any other matter.

A few months prior, a leaked tape emerged, revealing discussions about a plot to remove the IGP from office. The conversation featured COP George Alex Mensa, the Director General of Operations for the Ghana Police Service, and Daniel Bugri Naabu, the Former Northern Regional Chairman of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), who recorded the tape.

In the leaked audio, COP Mensah expressed concerns that the NPP might struggle to win the upcoming general elections if the current IGP remained in office, citing the rigorous security measures employed during the recent Assin North by-election as evidence of the IGP’s dedication to maintaining order during elections.

Over the past four years, the Rent Control Department has handled a total of 73,352 cases submitted by landlords and tenants.

The highest number of cases, 20,221, was recorded in 2021, followed by 20,080 cases in the previous year, while 2019 saw 18,069 cases, and 14,982 cases were received in 2020.

Providing a breakdown of these cases, Emmanuel Hovey Kporsu, the Public Relations Officer (PRO) of the Rent Control Department, stated that 60,622 cases out of the total were resolved, while 5,038 cases remained pending, and 1,662 cases were withdrawn.

Additionally, 4,452 cases were dismissed, and 1,578 cases were referred to the law courts.

Mr. Kporsu, in an exclusive interview with the Ghanaian Times in Accra, emphasized that recent economic challenges have strained landlord-tenant relationships, as many tenants struggle to meet their rent obligations, leading to legal disputes.

He highlighted that 73 percent of the cases were related to non-payment of rent, with the remaining 27 percent involving tenants pursuing landlords for issues such as forced eviction, unreasonable rent hikes, and failure to refund rent advances when the property did not meet their expectations.

To address the increasing rent-related disputes, Mr. Kporsu mentioned that earlier this year, the government launched the National Rent Assistance Scheme (NRAS).

The scheme provides rent loans to both formal and informal sector workers with regular incomes.

Eligible individuals must be Ghanaian citizens with a valid Ghana Card, aged 18 or older, possess verifiable employment and earned income, provide verifiable bank or mobile money statements, and their rent must not exceed 30 percent of their household income.

To date, 860 people across the country have benefited from the NRAS, with Greater Accra having the highest number of beneficiaries at 536 (representing 63.3 percent).

Other regions with beneficiaries include Ashanti (17.6 percent), Bono East (10.1 percent), Western (7.8 percent), Eastern (1.3 percent), and Northern (0.9 percent).

Mr. Kporsu emphasized that landlords are legally required to seek the approval of the Rent Control Department before increasing rent rates.

All new rent rates must undergo assessment and approval by the department to ensure they are fair to both parties involved.

“Under Section 19, (1) it says no landlord of premises shall collect from the tenant of such premises any increase of rate attributable to any increase of rate in respect of such premises unless he has notified the tenant previously in writing in a prescribed form, the amount of the old rate, the amount of the new rate and where part of any premises has been let, the amount of rate attributed to such part, the amount of the increase in rent and that from which the new rate takes effect,” he noted.

The remains of two individuals have been recovered from a river near a collapsed galamsey pit in Aduabeng in the Central Region, Twifo Atti-Morkwa District.

The individuals who lost their lives, namely Kwaku Isaac and Wofa Prempeh, commonly referred to as Koo Fante, were discovered with blood seeping from their nasal and aural passages, and one of their ears had been severed.

Speaking to the media, assembly member for Twifo Aduabeng Electoral Area, Francis Odoom, stated that Isaac, a 12-year-old child, first drowned when he and his companions went to the river to hunt fish.

When the dead stood on a log in the river in an attempt to toss the hook and catch the fish, he drowned immediately.

Meanwhile, as part of the search, the 35-year-old Prempeh, known as Koo Fante, waded into the river to retrieve the body after the traditional leaders had conducted rites but drowned himself.

According to an eyewitness, the second deceased, Wofa Prempeh, a foreigner in town, was warned not to dive into the river but refused to listen.

Meanwhile, Twifo Praso police have initiated an inquiry into the tragedy, and the bodies have been deposited to the morgue for preserving.

Kwame Gyan, the legal representative of the Inspector General of Police (IGP), George Akuffo Dampare, has informed the committee responsible for investigating the conspiracy to remove the IGP from his position that the testimonies provided by the individuals who appeared before the committee lacks credibility.

During his appearance before the committee on Tuesday, September 12, 2023, the legal representative expressed his concern that it was unjust for the committee to allow COP Alex Mensah and others the opportunity to make statements without requiring them to provide supporting evidence.

” Back in August 17 this committee knew they were going to invite IGP, the other witnesses four of them 3 civilians came here and gave out testimonies in some cases very wild allegations were made unsubstantiated and they just walked freely and walked home. The IGP was not invited to be present and today the IGP has been invited and the witnesses who are his accusers have been given notice to come in and sit in,” he added.

Additionally, he pointed out the perceived unfairness in granting COP Alex Mensah and others the chance to be present when the IGP was called to testify, while he was not afforded the same opportunity when others had their turn.

“Mr Chairman we think that in fairness, equity, good conscience, fairness and all the principles set out in article 297 of the constitution about the exercise of discretion. What we are saying is that it is unfair, unjust and inequitable for witnesses who spoke in our absence to come and sit in when we have to speak. We believe in consistency of treatment. The same way we sat outside they should also sit outside. We strongly object to the presence of other witnesses.”

However, the committee, led by Mr. Samuel Atta Akyea, rejected these objections, maintaining that their proceedings had been conducted fairly.

They argued that summoning the IGP earlier was unnecessary since no disparaging comments had been made against him at that time.

On July 25, 2023 the Speaker of Parliament appointed Samuel Atta-Akyea, who represents Abuakwa South, as the chairperson of a 7-member ad-hoc committee.

This committee was tasked with the investigation of a recently leaked and controversial audio recording. This audio recording exposed clandestine discussions centered around the removal of the Inspector General of Police (IGP).

The audio recording implicated a senior police officer and a prominent member of the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP) in an alleged conspiracy to oust IGP Dr. George Akuffo Dampare, leading to a spirited debate in Parliament. In response to these revelations, the Minority in Parliament called for a forensic audit.

As part of their investigative proceedings, the committee heard testimonies from various individuals, including Daniel Bugri Naabu, the former Northern Regional Chairman of the NPP, as well as COP Alex Mensah and Superintendent George Asare.

Both COP Mensah and Superintendent Asare made multiple allegations against their superior, the IGP.

Among these allegations, it was claimed that Dr. George Akuffo Dampare was the mastermind behind the recording and possessed the original copy of it.

The Ghana Police Service has affirmed its commitment to ensuring security for the forthcoming #OccupyBOGDemo on October 3, 2023.

This event, organized by the Minority caucus in Parliament, seeks the resignation of the Bank of Ghana’s Governor and deputies due to concerns of mismanagement within the Central Bank.

In a letter to the Minority caucus, the Accra Regional Police Command provided specific protest guidelines.

The letter stressed adherence to the designated route: Obra Spot – Adabraka Ridge Roundabout – National Theatre Traffic Light – High Court Complex Traffic Light – Atta Mills Highway – U-Turn to Independence Square, in accordance with the caucus’s letter (Number OW/PH/23/0005, dated September 11, 2023).

Furthermore, the police emphasized the importance of maintaining peace and order during, before, and after the demonstration, urging organizers and participants to conduct themselves peacefully to prevent any breach of public safety.

The Minority announced the temporary suspension of their planned protest to occupy the Bank of Ghana premises for the second time, citing the Police’s failure to designate safe zones and concerns for public safety.

Minority leader Cassiel Ato Forson made this announcement during a media address.

The presidential health adviser, Dr. Anthony Nsiah-Asare, has highlighted the substantial role played by the government’s Agenda 111 project in providing significant employment opportunities for the residents of the Nkwanta North District in the Oti Region.

This statement was made in the context of President Akufo-Addo inaugurating the Agenda 111 project on August 17, 2021.

This ambitious initiative aims to construct 111 district hospitals throughout the country within an impressive 18-month timeframe.

Addressing stakeholders at the forum, Dr. Nsiah-Asare emphasized that this project not only promises to elevate the healthcare standards in the district but also plays a crucial role in job creation within the local community.

He elaborated, “From the project’s inception, local artisans such as carpenters, masons, and steel benders, among others, were employed by the contractors.

Moreover, individuals catering to the needs of the workers, providing items like pure water and food, have also found employment.

Even before the completion and commissioning of the buildings, we have managed to generate employment opportunities within the local community.”
“When this project started, the contractors employed a lot of our local artisans; the carpenters, masons, steel benders, and most other artisans in other areas.

“Apart from that, there are people who are also selling pure water, and food for the workers and we have created some jobs in the local community even before the buildings are completed and commissioned.”

Residents of Abunyanya, a farming community located in the Nkwanta North district of the Oti Region, have made an urgent appeal to their Member of Parliament, John Oti Kwabena Bless, to intervene immediately in the completion of an abandoned maternity block within the area.

The construction of this maternity block, along with its associated facilities, in Abunyanya was initially anticipated to provide crucial assistance to pregnant women in the community who were previously required to travel to Kpassa for maternal healthcare services.

Regrettably, the project, which was intended to offer ample accommodation for patients, has been left in a state of disrepair and neglect.

Additionally, it has been observed during a visit by Adom News that the facility is severely lacking in essential resources such as staff, beds, and security personnel.

In response to this pressing issue, Abubakar Alhassan, an aspiring Assembly member for the area, has taken the initiative to donate some necessary logistics to the facility.

He views this contribution as his way of ensuring that the community’s residents have access to quality healthcare.

Mr. Alhassan has also joined the calls made to the Member of Parliament, urging him to actively advocate for the completion of the project.

Furthermore, Ubor Bijilah Nakoja, the chief of the Abunyanya community, has expressed deep concern about the MP’s apparent inability to lobby for the completion of such a critical project.

He has appealed to the government and various organizations to step in and assist in finishing the project to alleviate the congestion and challenges currently faced by the facility.

Residents in the area have also voiced their worries, emphasizing that the absence of a functioning maternity facility for managing antenatal and postnatal cases places the lives of pregnant women in jeopardy.

The National Lottery Authority (NLA) has introduced a new addition to its Daily Draws, called the “NoonRush” Draw.

The event took place at Ghana Post’s headquarters in Accra.

Referencing Section 23 of the National Lotto Act and LI 1948, which empowers the NLA to conduct Draws at specific dates, places, and times, and Section 2, (4) of the National Lotto Act, which authorizes the Authority to hold Draws in collaboration with third parties, Mr. Awuku also revealed a Partnership Agreement with Ghana Post to bring NLA games closer to the public.

In line with this partnership, NLA officially launched the Noon Rush Draw on the premises of Ghana Post.

The new Noon Rush Draw is scheduled to occur at 1:00 PM from Monday to Saturday, offering NLA Games enthusiasts multiple opportunities to win each day. This Draw can be played using NLA’s Point of Sale terminals and their Online Channel, accessible through *959#.

This addition now brings the total of daily Draws conducted by the NLA to three: the VAG Lotto Draw at 10:00 AM, NoonRush at 1:00 PM, and the popular Evening Draws at 7:15 PM.

On August 1, 2023, Mr. Samuel Awuku, the Director-General of NLA, introduced the NoonRush Draw during the launch of the Authority’s state-of-the-art Draw Machines and the unveiling of its modern Draw Studio.

Mr. Awuku stated that NLA had recently achieved Level 2 Certification in Responsible Gaming from the World Lottery Association (WLA) and was striving to reach Level 3 by year-end. Holding multiple Draws daily aligns with the Authority’s responsibilities as a WLA member.

Following the launch of the NoonRush Draw, Mr. Samuel Awuku, the Director-General of NLA, and Mr. Bice Osei-Kuffour, the Managing Director of Ghana Post, signed the Partnership Agreement, enabling NLA’s Games to be played at Ghana Post locations.

Consequently, NLA’s Games are now available at over 50 Post Offices across the country through point-of-sale terminals.

Mr. Awuku explained that while digitalization allows players to enjoy NLA games from the comfort of their homes using smart devices on NLA’s Online Platform, the collaboration with Ghana Post aims to cater to conservative players who prefer playing at NLA’s Point of Sale Terminals. He also highlighted that this collaboration is expected to generate revenue for both organizations.

Mr. Bice Osei-Kuffour, Managing Director of Ghana Post, expressed that this Partnership Agreement signifies the rejuvenation of Ghana Post and encouraged other Service Providers to engage with the company.

He emphasized that Ghana Post’s offices are present in every district and region of the country, and they plan to make NLA’s Games available at more Post Offices by the end of the year.

Ghana Post is working with NLA through its intermediary, Lotto Pay Solutions Ltd, a Lotto Marketing Company (LMC) retailing NLA’s products at over 50 selected Post Offices nationwide.

LIST OF POST OFFICES FOR NLA/GHANA POST PARTNERSHIP

The Ghana Maritime Authority (GMA) has taken significant steps to enhance the protection of the marine environment, particularly against oil spills, through the acquisition of a versatile new vessel named Esther Afua Ocloo.

This vessel, named after the pioneering industrialist behind the Nkulenu canned foods brand, is equipped with a state-of-the-art oil spill recovery system, including a Desmi DBD 16 combination skimmer, HARBO oil spill boom, and an oil spray dispersant system capable of handling TIER 1 and 2 spills both in the harbor and offshore.

Additionally, it features two aerial drones for wide-area surveillance to monitor activities and detect spills in Ghana’s waters.

The commissioning of MV Esther Ocloo took place at the Sekondi Naval Base and was presided over by President Akufo-Addo.

At the same event, two boundary class vessels, GNS Aflao and GNS Half Assini, donated by the United States to the Ghana Navy, were also commissioned.

President Akufo-Addo emphasized the country’s commitment to safeguarding its territorial integrity by providing the Navy with the necessary equipment to carry out its responsibilities.

He expressed concern about criminal activities in Ghana’s waters and cited past incidents, including the kidnapping of crew members from a Ghanaian vessel in 2021.

Transport Minister Kwaku Ofori Asiamah commended the Ghana Maritime Authority for its efforts to protect the marine environment from oil spills, which have devastating effects on marine life.

He highlighted that the acquisition and unveiling of the Oil Spill Response Vessel, MV Esther Ocloo, marked a significant milestone in the maritime sector, enabling the Authority to fulfill its mandate of creating a vibrant, safe, and secure maritime ecosystem to promote economic growth and development.

MV Esther Ocloo, constructed in Singapore by renowned shipbuilders Penguin Shipyard Asia Pte Ltd., boasts an overall length of 40.00 meters, a molded breadth of 7.60 meters, a molded depth of 3.65 meters, and a draught of 1.89 meters. It is powered by three units of Cummins KTA36-m2 engines and features three units of Caterpillar SR4 Alternator 86eKW generators.

The expansion of ports and offshore activities in Ghana has necessitated the GMA to enhance its Oil Spill Response Recovery strategy to meet the growing demand.

The Authority has outlined a long-term plan to increase the number of vessels and equipment, provide training and resources for responding to Tier 1 and 2 oil spills, implement measures for detecting spills within Ghana’s maritime jurisdiction, and engage stakeholders to raise awareness and preparedness.

Former Power Minister, Dr. Kwabena Donkor, has stated that the Minerals Commission and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) should be held accountable for the extensive explosion that occurred in Kobena-Andoh Krom, located in the Western region.

Speaking to the media, Dr. Donkor argued that the tragic incident, which claimed the lives of five individuals, resulted from the regulatory bodies’ failure to effectively execute their oversight responsibilities in ensuring the safety of both people and the environment.

This development follows the admission by the Minerals Commission that the company, STA-ADDSAMS Enterprise, had been operating illegally.

A statement from the commission also disclosed that the company had been working during nighttime to evade compliance with regulations. However, Mr. Kwabena Donkor remains steadfast in his belief that the regulatory bodies could have taken more proactive measures to prevent the catastrophe.

“The Minerals Commission and EPA have responsibilities towards the environment. The Minerals Commission is the regulator of the mining sector which includes quarrying, so it has the basic responsibility to ensure a safe environment…taking from the statement of the Minerals Commission, that their inspector had gone there to warn them, then it is a serious enforcement failure. If you had course to warn them, it also means you ought to have kept an eye on them.

“You are permitted by law to sanction and therefore if you have not executed your mandate to the letter and this catastrophe has happened, you bear responsibility for enforcement failure. EPA likewise has responsibility,” he said.

He added, “I believe it is high time we hold our regulatory bodies accountable for the powers vested in them by the Ghanaian state.”

Dr. Donkor further insisted that regulatory bodies should be held accountable for the powers vested in them by the Ghanaian state. He called for sector ministers of these regulatory bodies to impose appropriate organizational sanctions as a deterrent to others. He also suggested that the company and its directors involved should face legal proceedings in a competent court of jurisdiction.

In addition to these actions, Dr. Donkor urged the people of Shama to pursue class action against the regulatory bodies, underscoring the importance of demanding accountability from these institutions.

Samuel Erikson Abakah, the Member of Parliament for Shama Constituency, echoed these sentiments, expressing his support for legal action against the institutions responsible.

He emphasized the need for accountability, particularly in light of the hardships, loss of lives, and property damage suffered within the Sharma Constituency.

“The institutions should be held liable for the undue hardships and loss of lives and property within the Sharma Constituency. We will follow up on whose negligence has led to this incident. Those people, once investigations are done, will be laughing at the wrong side of their mouths.”

Meanwhile, the Regional Minister has established a multidisciplinary committee to investigate the cause of the explosion. The nine-member committee, led by Western Regional Minister Kwabena Okyere Darko Mensah, has been given a three-week timeframe to produce a comprehensive report on the explosion’s cause, potential future risks, and whether the company had proper authorization for storing explosives.

Reports indicate that a group of twelve Nigerian suspects, including a heavily pregnant woman, have managed to escape from police custody.

These individuals had been apprehended separately and were initially sent to the National Operations Department (JOC) at Police Headquarters in Accra for questioning.

However, they mysteriously disappeared after being transferred to police custody.

According to reliable sources, the Nigerian High Commission is actively working to gather more information about these suspects. It remains unclear whether the police administration deported them to Nigeria due to suspicions regarding their criminal activities in Ghana.

In the background of this incident, seven Nigerians named Michael Eke, Chukwudi Moses, Prince John Akossey, Udoka Njoka, Nnaji Ekezie, Elachi, and Nzete Chukunanu Best were initially arrested in Kasoa on various criminal charges. The Herald possesses a photograph of their arrival at the National Operations Department (JOC) at Police Headquarters.

Additionally, a second group of five individuals, which included a pregnant woman, was arrested in connection with a robbery incident in Caprice, Accra.

The members of this group were identified as Prince Anthony Chiobi, Izichuku Igwenagu, Emmanuella Chinwetalu (the pregnant woman), Ahamafula Onwukwa, and Godfrey Chukuebuka, also known as Caleb. It’s worth noting that the husband of the pregnant woman, Ikebana, is currently evading law enforcement.

Sources have indicated that the Nigerian High Commission intends to communicate with Ghanaian authorities regarding this situation.

The Minority in Parliament insists on holding their protest on September 12, despite Ghana Police’s route objections.

An inconclusive meeting between Minority leaders and the police led to accusations of police interference in their protest against the Bank of Ghana (BoG) Governor and deputies.

After a three-hour meeting, the Minority stated that the police failed to provide a suitable protest route, leading them to proceed with their demonstration.

Mahama Ayariga, MP for Bawku Central, stated that, “the demonstration is tomorrow, we’ve made it clear to them. We have agreed on the routes and we are telling them that we will terminate at the Kwame Nkrumah Mausoleum. We gave them our word on that and we will stick to that.”

He added, “So the demonstration starts at Obra Spot through Adabraka, through Ridge Roundabout, to National Theatre then we turn through the ministries and then we hit the Atta Mills highway, we turn right and then we pass the National Lotteries and terminate at the Kwame Nkrumah Mausoleum.”

Bernard Monarh, who deserted the meeting for what he said was a “waste of time,” told journalists, “We on our part have amended our routes, we will change to start from Obra Square and go through Adabraka, go through Military Police Headquarters and then come all the way to terminate at the BoG. They say they have a problem because the BoG is a security zone. So we have asked them where is the end of the security threat to the BoG so we can terminate there. The regional commander has gone up and down, up and down and now you are telling us that you don’t even agree on the date for the protestation. I cannot waste my time in such a meeting.”

He added, “Tomorrow is our demonstration and that is what we have been discussing for the past two and half hours.”

Bernard Monarh, who left the meeting, expressed frustration, stating, “Tomorrow is our demonstration, and that is what we have been discussing for the past two and a half hours.”

Despite a pending High Court injunction application filed by the police, the Minority MPs argue that it infringes on their right to assembly and expression. The case is set for a hearing on September 18.

The Presidential Health Advisor, Dr. Anthony Nsiah Asare, has emphasized the advantages of local vaccine production in Ghana.

With nearly all vaccines in Africa being imported, local vaccine and drug companies can transform Ghana into a self-reliant vaccine producer and a regional center.

During a technology transfer agreement signing ceremony, Dr. Nsiah Asare expressed optimism about Ghana’s potential in vaccine and drug production, citing strong support from the Food and Drugs Authority (FDA), a thriving pharmaceutical industry, and robust research institutions.

He anticipates this initiative will create jobs and train young scientists, medical professionals, and researchers.

“Ghana is opening up to become a vaccine. manufacturing hub in Africa. We are moving to vaccine sufficiency and health security, not only in Ghana but also in the West African sub-Sahara region.

“It is going to create a very important impact in healthcare delivery and also in our socio-economic life, because it is going to create very decent jobs. It is going to train our young scientists, medical students, pharmacists, laboratory technicians and then, more importantly, immunologists and scientists in this country; technology transfer is very important” he said.

Ghana aims to become a vaccine manufacturing hub in Africa, reducing its reliance on imported vaccines, saving foreign exchange, and strengthening the Ghanaian currency.

The tech-transfer agreement involves IVI Korea as the IP holder, EuBiologics as the bulk manufacturer, and DEK Vaccines Limited as the ‘fill and finish’ partner.

This move seeks to increase global vaccine production capacity and improve vaccine access in Africa.

“All the president was that hit looking at as a post-COVID initiative was that we should be self-sufficient in vaccine production, and he was not only thinking about Ghana, but he was also thinking about the sub-region.

“When we started, people thought it was just a fluke; but now we’re seeing what is happening, and I’m very certain in my mind that with what’s going on with the industries that are coming up – like Atlantic Life Sciences, which has been commissioned by the president, and with work of the DEK going on now – very soon, Ghana will produce the first doses of serum, and then also vaccines and other biologics.

“We are looking at manufacturing vaccines, serum and other biologics on a broad scale; not only producing but also marketing, technology transfer, human capital development – and that to me is the way to go,” he noted.

The initiative aligns with President Akufo-Addo’s vision to achieve vaccine self-sufficiency following the COVID-19 pandemic.

Ghana’s National Vaccines Institute bill, passed in February 2023, aims to establish a National Vaccine Institute to coordinate and oversee vaccine and serum research, development, and production in the country.

Kumasi Technical University (KsTU) management has clarified its accreditation status as of 2021.

Management of the school has confirmed that 16 of their programs without accreditation have now received accreditation, while 16 other programs are in various stages of the accreditation process.

The accreditation process typically takes between six months to one year, with accredited programs having a validity period of three to five years, depending on the program type.

In a statement signed by Joshua Appiah, the acting Public Relations Officer of the university, KsTU reassured its students, prospective students, and the general public that their programs adhere to the highest standards mandated by the Ghana Tertiary Commission (GTEC) and the Commission for Technical and Vocational Education and Training (CTVET).

This statement was issued in response to the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) of Parliament meeting in Sunyani, Bono Region, to review the 2021 Auditor General’s Report.

The Daily Graphic reported the proceedings with the headline “KsTU runs 32 unaccredited programs,” which KsTU found misleading as it did not reflect the current accreditation status.

Additionally, KsTU pointed out that the headline did not indicate that the Auditor General’s Report was from 2021.

During the PAC meeting, concerns were raised about the negative impact of institutions offering unaccredited programs on students when they later seek to pursue higher education at other universities.

Dr. James Klutse Avedzi, the Chairman of the PAC, emphasized the need to bring the Ghana Tertiary Commission and the universities together to address issues related to the delay in renewing or granting accreditation.

The goal is to ensure that students are not examined in courses and programs lacking proper accreditation.

A member of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) communications team, Raymond Tamakloe, has urged the Ghana Police Service Council to initiate an independent investigation into the widely circulated leaked tape exposing individuals planning to remove Inspector General of Police (IGP) Dr George Akuffo-Dampare from his position.

In an interview with media, Mr Tamakloe clarified that the 7-member Ad hoc committee established by Parliament lacks the authority to prosecute individuals implicated in potential treasonous activities.

He pointed out that the committee’s sole mandate is to conduct inquiries into the matter and provide recommendations to Parliament, which are not legally binding and can be disregarded.

Raymond Tamakloe stressed that the revealed intentions and thoughts of the individuals implicated in the leaked tape had the potential to undermine both the will of the people and the constitution, potentially constituting treasonous acts.

Therefore, he emphasized the importance of not allowing such actions to go unpunished, especially considering the involvement of high-ranking individuals in the police service who allegedly intended to employ illicit means to maintain the NPP in power.

If their intentions had succeeded, it would have amounted to subverting the will of the people and, more gravely, the constitution itself—tantamount to treason. Consequently, he argued that these actions should not be left uninvestigated or unpunished.

“The parliamentary probe that is currently ongoing is only to serve public interest and it is done in the interest of public accountability. However, the findings of the committee are not binding in law, and the committee’s recommendations may be looked over,” Raymond Tamakloe explained.

He said, “We are talking about top individuals in the police service who intends to employ nefarious means to maintain the NPP in power, if their intentions have been fruitful, it would have meant that, they would have subverted the will of the people. More acrimoniously, they would have subverted the constitution itself, and that is treason! Such actions must not be left unchecked and unpunished.”

The Customs Division of the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) has exposed the illicit activities of two shipping companies and their associated clearing agents.

These entities are suspected of engaging in the fraudulent alteration of information on trade documents to evade tax payments.

Colluding with the clearing agents, the shipping companies manipulated details on their manifests and bills of lading, including providing inaccurate descriptions of goods.

This deceptive practice enabled them to expedite customs clearance and avoid paying taxes to the government.

An audit conducted during the initial investigation of one of the bills of entry revealed a tax evasion amounting to GH¢10.15 million.

Subsequently, demand notices have been issued to recover all lost taxes, along with penalties. Legal action against the wrongdoers is also under consideration.

Due to the ongoing investigations, the names of the implicated shipping companies and agents have not been disclosed.

Customs Commissioner Seidu Iddrisu Iddisah confirmed these findings and attributed the discovery to intelligence operations.

It was observed that the bills of lading submitted for goods clearance at the Tema Port contained false information.

Upon physical inspection, it became evident that the descriptions on the bill of entry did not match the actual contents of the containers.

For instance, a container labeled as carrying knapsack sprayers actually contained footwear, bags, belts, underwear, galvanized pipes, among other items.

In response, the Internal and Post Clearance Audit (PCA) department of the Customs Division was tasked with auditing the agents and importers involved in this suspected illegal activity, in accordance with Sections 7 and 9 of the Customs Act 2015 (Act 891) and the World Customs Organisation Revised Kyoto Convention.

Out of the 23 bills of entry examined, 22 were associated with one shipping company. These entries were undervalued to reduce customs duties and taxes.

Additionally, some clearing agents filed customs declarations with inaccurate details to lower their clients’ tax liabilities. They also provided cloned declarations with accurate descriptions, values, and duty rates, collecting the correct amount payable from the importers.

Further investigation uncovered that the local shipping lines falsified bills of lading and invoices declared to Customs. The implicated companies admitted that their employees had altered the descriptions of the goods.

Management has decided to expand the investigation to cover the past six years to determine if other companies have engaged in similar illicit activities at the port. The extent of involvement by the importers is also being probed.

To enhance monitoring, the Customs Division has shifted monitoring activities from the ports to its headquarters for more effective supervision.

Additional measures include the establishment of a holding area for proper screening and potential re-examination of cleared goods, as well as the facilitation of swift clearance through the green channel system.

In Ghana, a prevalent belief characterizes politics as a ‘tainted’ profession, often associated with criminality and corruption.

This perception dissuades many accomplished individuals, particularly academics possessing the expertise to transform the country, by venturing into politics.

However, history has shown that Ghana thrived under the leadership of academicians like Dr. Kwame Nkrumah and Prof. John Evans Atta Mills, whose administrations witnessed significant infrastructure development and economic stability.

Despite the stigma attached to politics, there are academics who aspire to follow in the footsteps of these notable leaders. This article profiles several professors actively engaged in Ghana’s political landscape:

Prof Joshua Alabi

Prof. Joshua Alabi is a Russia-trained academic and politician, he served as the Vice-Chancellor of the University of Professional Studies, Accra (UPSA), and was previously a Member of Parliament for the Krowor Constituency.

He also played a crucial role as campaign manager for former President John Dramani Mahama in the 2020 elections.

Prof Michael Kpessa-Whyte

A political scientist and research fellow, he served as a policy advisor to President John Dramani Mahama and was a key figure in the National Democratic Congress (NDC). He actively participated in the 2020 election process.

Prof Aaron Mike Oquaye

Prof. Aaron Mike Oquaye is a former Speaker of Parliament and member of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), he held various government positions, including Minister of Energy and Minister of Communications. He remains influential within the NPP.

Prof Kwabena Frimpong Boateng:

Prof. Kwabena Frimpong Boateng: A physician and cardiothoracic surgeon, he established the National Cardiothoracic Centre and served as Minister of Environment, Science, Technology, and Innovation during President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo’s first term.

Prof Nana Ama Browne Klutse:

Prof. Nana Ama Browne Klutse: An associate professor of physics at the University of Ghana, she is the youngest professor of physics in Ghana and the first Ghanaian to be elected to the UN IPCC Bureau as the Vice Chair of Working Group 1. She is a member of the NDC.

Prof Christopher Ameyaw-Akumfi

Prof. Christopher Ameyaw-Akumfi: An academic with extensive involvement in education, he served as the Minister for Education during President John Agyekum Kufour’s administration and held various educational positions.

Prof Naana Jane Opoku Agyeman:

Prof. Naana Jane Opoku Agyeman: The first female Vice-Chancellor of a state university in Ghana, she served as the Minister for Education and was the running mate of former President John Dramani Mahama in the 2020 presidential elections.

Prof George Gyan-Baffour:

Prof. George Gyan-Baffour is a Development Economist and politician, he has been the Member of Parliament for Wenchi Constituency and served as the Minister of Planning. He is currently the chairperson of the National Development Planning Commission (NDPC).

Residents of Prestea in the Western region have taken to the streets in protest against the government’s neglect of their road infrastructure.

The demonstration was organized and led by the New Prestea Movement, a youth-led group, to draw attention to the dire state of the roads in their community.

Despite four contractors being hired to work on a nineteen-kilometer stretch since 2017, the protesters claimed that little progress has been made, leaving them with rough roads and potholes from Bogoso to Prestea township.

Clad in red attire and brandishing placards, the group is demanding transparency regarding the allocation of funds from mineral development in their area.

They have also issued a stern warning, stating their intention to boycott the 2024 general elections if their road concerns are not addressed promptly.

Kabiru Ibrahim, Chairman of the New Prestea Movement, stressed the urgency of prioritizing the construction of the Prestea to Bogoso road, emphasizing that they don’t want last-minute election-year road projects that are often unsustainable.

“They shouldn’t wait until election year,” he remarked. We don’t want ballot boxes, but we do want nice roads. We have seen various administrations come and go throughout the years, but we still have horrible roads. We do not want them to rush and build roads during an election year because roads built during an election year are not sustainable.”

Residents voiced their discontent with the deplorable state of the roads, asserting that it has negatively impacted their livelihoods.

They also pointed out that despite numerous mining operations in the region, the community has not received its fair share of benefits from these activities.

In response, Wisdom Cudjoe, the Member of Parliament for the Prestea Huni Valley constituency, lamented his unsuccessful efforts to persuade authorities to address the road issues. He called on the Ghanaian government to make the Prestea road a priority, recognizing the significant distress it has caused the local communities.

Sheela Sakyi Oppong, a private legal practitioner, has formally declared her intention to contest for the Dome Kwabenya parliamentary seat as a candidate representing the New Patriotic Party (NPP).

This declaration sets the stage for a potentially intense electoral contest against the incumbent Member of Parliament, Sarah Adwoa Safo, who has held the constituency since 2012 and is determined to seek re-election.

Currently, Sheela Sakyi Oppong holds the position of Head of Strategic Planning and Implementation and serves as the Legal Advisor at the Office of the First Lady of the Republic of Ghana.

Additionally, she is the Head of the Rebecca Foundation, showcasing her commitment to public service and her impressive qualifications.

With a background in law and economics, Sakyi Oppong brings a wealth of knowledge and experience from both the private and public sectors to her campaign.

Her professional journey includes serving as the Private Sector Development Policy Advisor at the Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands in Ghana, where she facilitated business relationships between Ghanaian and Dutch companies.

She has also provided legal counsel to various private and public sector clients during her tenure with S.K. Boafo & Co.

Nonetheless, her bid for the Dome Kwabenya seat is expected to be a formidable challenge, as Sarah Adwoa Safo has a strong track record of electoral success.

Safo’s influence within the NPP, including her previous role as Minister for Gender, Children, and Social Protection, underscores her significance within the party.

The upcoming electoral contest, which also includes Mike Oquaye Jnr, promises to be a highly competitive and attention-grabbing race between these determined candidates.

The New Patriotic Party’s (NPP) youth wing has warned the National Democratic Congress (NDC) against disrupting the upcoming limited voter registration.

Salam Mustapha, the party’s National Youth organizer, claims to have intelligence about the opposition’s alleged plans to hinder the registration.

Mustapha urges youth to be vigilant and participate in the voter registration beginning on September 12.

The Electoral Commission schedules limited voter registration for those aged 18 and unregistered.

Opposition parties, including the National Democratic Congress, challenge the process in court.

Mustapha calls on the police to arrest anyone attempting to disrupt registration and emphasizes the importance of protecting democracy.

He urges first-time voters to register and support the NPP in the 2024 election.

“Our vote is our franchise so let’s go all out to vote. I have picked intel that the NDC intends to behave quite a lot as the process begins because they want to give the EC a bad name. They are mobilizing thugs and crooks across the country to attack district offices of the EC. I want to urge the Ghana Police Service to be on the lookout for such clandestine behavior from the NDC. It should not be tolerated. We should not allow dangerous people to destroy our democracy for us.

“Parties don’t dictate to the EC how it should conduct its activities. We are all stakeholders but the law is on the side of the EC and they make the rules. If you think the EC is not running the process the way it should, you can go home and sit down. We will go out and embrace the challenge and help young people to register. I also want to advise that the intended mobilizing of thugs will not work because we will not sit down and allow any act of illegality. We will stand up for democracy,” he added.

Former Sports Minister, Elvis Afriyie Ankrah has voiced concerns about what he alleges is an Electoral Commission (EC) attempt to suppress votes in the upcoming 2024 elections.

He points to the EC’s decision to utilize only 266 district offices for the limited voter registration process as a cause for concern.

Ankrah questions the EC’s rationale behind this decision, especially considering the absence of limited voter registration since 2020, resulting in a three-year backlog.

He questions the analysis conducted by the EC to determine the projected numbers for this registration.

He further cited historical voter registration projections, noting that in previous instances, the EC projected numbers ranging from 500,000 to 700,000 for limited registrations.

However, these projections often fell short, with as many as 1.3 million people registered in some cases.

Ankrah expresses concerns about the apparent mismatch between the projected numbers and the resources allocated for the registration process. He argues that even with a conservative projection of 1 million per year, a backlog of 3 million people could be expected. Given this, the EC’s decision to use only 266 district offices seems inadequate.

The former Sports Minister highlights the potential consequences of this approach, particularly its impact on younger voters.

He notes that young individuals aged 18 to 21 may face challenges, including long-distance travel to registration centers and additional costs for guarantors, passport, or Ghana card requirements.

“If in a year we register 1.3 million people, it means that even with a conservative projection of 1 million per year, we are looking at 3 million people. In the past, 6,000 electoral area polling centers were used for registration. Now, with a larger number of potential registrants, the EC’s decision to use only 266 district offices does not make sense,” he argued.

“Those aged 18, 19, 20, and 21 are being compelled to travel long distances to register. For example, Bole and Bamboi are approximately 80 kilometres apart. How many people will be able to afford the 60 or 80 cedis required for travel to the district office for registration? Moreover, those who do not possess a passport or Ghana card will need to provide two guarantors, incurring additional costs,” Ankrah explained.

Ankrah warns that if these issues are not addressed, there could be chaos and confusion at the 266 registration centers, leading to a significant impact on the 2024 election.

In summary, Elvis Afriyie Ankrah raises concerns about the EC’s decision to limit voter registration to 266 district offices, suggesting that it may suppress votes, particularly among younger voters, and potentially affect the 2024 election.