Author: Phoebe Martekie Doku

The Western Regional Minister, Kwabena Okyere Darko Mensah, has declared that quarry operators at the Anto-Aboso quarry site will be subjected to the full extent of legal consequences.

This statement came following his inspection of the site, during which he disclosed that STA Addsams, the operators who had taken over from Omni Quarry, had not completed their licensing procedures and were therefore not authorized to operate.

Despite this contradiction with the Environmental Protection Agency’s stance, the Regional Minister ensured that these operators would face legal repercussions in light of the recent tragic incident.

The incident involved an explosion that occurred on a Saturday night at the quarry site, which is managed by Chinese nationals in the Shama District of the Western Region.

This unfortunate event resulted in the loss of four lives, including three Ghanaians and one foreign national, with five injured individuals currently receiving medical care, and nine others already discharged. Regrettably, four persons remain unaccounted for.

Officials from the National Disaster Management Organisation (NADMO) has disclosed that 22 individuals were present at the site when the explosion transpired.

In response to this situation, Emmanuel Nyan, the Shama District Officer of NADMO, stated that efforts were underway to locate the missing individuals, including the four Chinese nationals, and an excavator was being sought to assist in the search and rescue operations.

“Four persons have been found dead. They are at the mortuary at the moment. Three blacks and one white lady. The other four Chinese cannot be found. We are trying to get an excavator to find out if many have been trapped,” the Shama District Officer of NADMO, Emmanual Nyan added.

A 2021 National Science and Maths Quiz (NSMQ) finalist, James Lutterodt, has been laid to rest.

The burial service took place at his alma mater, Keta Senior High School (Ketasco), in the Volta Region on Saturday, September 9, 2023.

During the service, a heartfelt tribute was read on behalf of James Lutterodt’s mother, Francis Jackson Ahiable, who expressed her deep love and admiration for her son.

She mourned the loss of a promising future and the pain of losing him in his prime.

In her words: “You meant everything to me, and you were everything a son could be. You were precious and so wonderful and one in a million. Your future looked promising and good. Your future could have been so beautiful and to be cut off in your prime is a loss that is so hard to bear. Why couldn’t death spare you? You had your whole life ahead of you, but God knows best. James, I miss you and think of you all the time. How I wish I could have you here. Death took you away from my hand but not from my heart, and I shed tears when I say your name. There is no one who misses you more than me, and I will treasure my memories of you forever because you live in my heart. Rest in peace, my dear son.”

James Lutterodt, along with Francisca Lamini and Bright Senyo Godzo, gained fame as NSMQ stars while representing Keta Senior High School (Ketasco) in 2021.

Their intelligence and determination endeared them to a nationwide audience. Despite finishing in third place that year, they made history by becoming the first students from the Volta Region of Ghana to reach the NSMQ’s grand finale.

Before his untimely passing, James Lutterodt was a Computer Science undergraduate student at the University of Ghana (UG), Legon, and was preparing to continue his studies in the USA.

He passed away on July 1, 2023, at the age of 19.

The GaDangme Council has denounced the attacks on members of the Nii Odoi Kwao family who were conducting traditional rites in Nima during the Homowo festival.

Video footage captured the distressing incident in which members of the family were assaulted by agitated youths while performing the customary Kpekple ritual, a common practice during Homowo.

The GaDangme Council asserted that the Nii Odoi Kwao Family holds the allodial rights to Nima and alleged that the attack occurred because an imposter mantse had incited the youth to oppose the ritual.

“The involved youth were reportedly mobilized by a rival outsider Mantse, individuals who are not native landowners, without the knowledge or consent of the legitimate landowners, in competition with another Mantse. This situation had led to simmering tensions and heightened emotions within the community.”

“During the ceremony, the youth became enraged, threatened the Elders, and cautioned the Landowners not to set foot in Nima again. In their anger, they scattered the traditional offerings on the ground, displaying significant disrespect and contempt for the landowners.”

In an official statement, the GaDangme Council condemned the actions of the youth as “unacceptable and disrespectful to GaDangme culture, customs, and practices, and a desecration of the essence of Homowo.

” The council demanded an unequivocal apology from those responsible for the incident, addressing it to both the affected family and the entire GaDangme community.

“We wholeheartedly denounce this incident and strongly caution against any recurrence. Furthermore, we insist on an unreserved apology from those involved and responsible for what transpired. We emphasize that such challenges to the rightful landowners by outsiders may result in the forfeiture of their claim to the land.”

Dr. Clement Apaak, Deputy Ranking Member on Parliament’s Education Committee, has expressed concern over the West African Examination Council’s report on increased examination malpractice in the Senior School Certificate Examination.

He described the situation as alarming, stating that it has deteriorated significantly.

WAEC has alleged that certain schools are charging students between GH¢500 and GH¢1,000 to assist them in cheating during the ongoing final exams. WAEC’s statement noted, “It is disheartening to observe that some schools have developed elaborate schemes for cheating at their examination centers.”

Furthermore, the statement revealed that “some school proprietors have displayed open hostility towards our monitoring teams, leading us to request support from the Ghana Police Service for their safety.” It also mentioned that individuals have been apprehended for attempting to bribe WAEC personnel to turn a blind eye to cheating.

In response to this troubling situation, the MP representing Builsa South constituency issued a warning of potential consequences.

He cautioned that Ghanaians should not be surprised if tertiary institutions start implementing entrance examinations to screen applicants.

Dr. Apaak expressed his concern that there has been little improvement in addressing examination malpractice over the years, calling the situation “terrible” and highlighting its worsening trend.

Managing Editor of the Insight newspaper, Kwesi Pratt Jnr has criticized the Parliamentary Committee tasked with investigating the leaked Bugri Naabu tape recording involving COP Alex Mensah and Supt. George Asare, allegedly plotting to remove the Inspector General of Police (IGP), Dr. George Akuffo Dampare.

The ongoing inquiry has brought to light numerous damaging revelations about the Police administration.

These revelations have led to accusations against the IGP, prompting the Committee to summon Dr. Dampare to clarify the issues.

Addressing the controversies surrounding the Police Service that have emerged, especially during this parliamentary investigation, Mr. Pratt urged the Committee not to lose sight of its original purpose and veer off course.

He stressed that the Committee’s primary duty is not to examine the conduct or misconduct of the IGP nor act as a spokesperson for the Police officers.

“That is not the Committee’s mandate…The fundamental issue facing the Committee is that some individuals have conspired to violate the Police’s regulations and seek an IGP who would assist in election manipulation. That is the issue; that is the central issue!” he added.

The St. Joseph Hospital in Koforidua Effiduase, New Juaben South Municipality of the Eastern Region, is facing a critical shortage of blood in its blood bank, raising concerns of potential danger.

Presently, the hospital’s blood bank holds only 10 pints of blood, a situation described as “alarming” by management, as it may not be adequately prepared to handle emergencies.

Among these 10 pints, there are five O positive, three B positive, and two A positive blood types.

However, the most scarce type, O negative, is completely depleted, raising serious concerns about their ability to respond effectively to emergencies.

The hospital’s strategic location, specializing in orthopedic and fracture care and situated near the accident-prone Accra-Kumasi highway, underscores the crucial role it plays in healthcare delivery.

Consequently, maintaining an ample blood supply is of paramount importance.

To address this pressing need, the Koforidua Technical University, as part of its corporate social responsibility, joined forces with the hospital to conduct the university’s 3rd annual blood donation drive.

Professor David Kofi Essumang, the Vice-Chancellor of the Koforidua Technical University, emphasized the life-saving importance of blood donation.

He called on sister institutions, the general public, non-governmental organizations, and civil society organizations to voluntarily donate blood in support of the National Blood Bank.

As a result of the blood donation campaign, students and faculty of the Koforidua Technical University generously contributed a total of 76 pints of blood to replenish the St. Joseph Hospital’s blood bank.

The Ghana Police Service has apprehended two individuals believed to be involved in a robbery targeting a mining company in Bogoso on Wednesday, September 6, 2023.

The arrested suspects are Derrick Kwabena and Daniel Ofori, who goes by the alias Denotobe.

They were part of a group of six individuals who carried out a robbery operation at an undisclosed mining company, during which they confronted and attacked police officers on duty at the location.

According to the statement issued, the police response team managed to capture Derrick Kwabena at the scene, although the remaining suspects managed to escape.

Subsequent investigations, however, led to the capture of Daniel Ofori, who was found waiting for his accomplices and the stolen items inside a Toyota Hilux pickup with the registration number GN 3020-17.

The statement further revealed that the other accomplices are currently evading capture.

“The suspects, Derrick Kwabena and Daniel Ofori, also known as Denotobe, along with six others who are currently on the run, launched an attack on the mining company and on-duty police officers at the site.

The police responded and successfully apprehended Derrick Kwabena on the spot, while the other accomplices managed to escape.

“Further investigations resulted in the arrest of the suspect Daniel Ofori, who was found waiting in a Toyota Hilux pickup vehicle for the remaining suspects and the stolen goods,” read portions of the police statement.

Additionally, the police disclosed that they recovered several items from the suspects, including a quantity of gold concentrate concealed in a fertilizer sack, one pistol, one machete (cutlass), and five BB cartridges.

Furthermore, the police impounded a Toyota Hilux pickup bearing the registration number GN 3020-17, along with certain talismanic objects.

“The items seized from the suspects comprise a quantity of gold concentrate concealed within a fertilizer sack, one pistol, one machete (cutlass), five BB cartridges, one Toyota Hilux pickup with the registration number GN 3020-17, and various talismanic items,” the statement concluded.

The 1998 alumni group of Ghana National College has successfully completed and handed over a refurbished Clothing and Textiles block within the school premises.

This significant project was initiated by the group to mark the school’s 75th anniversary.

The renovation efforts encompassed a range of improvements, including rewiring to enhance the performance of newly installed industrial sewing machines, security system installations, tiling and ceiling work, and attractive landscaping to enhance the overall appearance of the department.

Furthermore, the group generously donated industrial sewing machines, lockers, writing boards, and projectors to elevate the quality of education in the department.

Solomon Yelipoie, the President of the 1998 year group, emphasized that this project not only enhances the educational experience but also reflects their enduring commitment to giving back to their alma mater.

He noted that the renovation and equipment donations will provide students with valuable, hands-on employable skills.

“The unemployment rate continues to be a challenge as most people are looking forward to being employed by someone. However, with hands-on skills, this grants you the opportunity to start your own business and employ others to reduce unemployment,” Mr Yelipoie said.

Mr. Yelipoie also highlighted the pressing issue of unemployment and expressed the belief that acquiring practical skills empowers individuals to start their own businesses and create job opportunities for others.

The school’s Headmaster, Joseph Ato Sarpong, expressed his deep appreciation for the 1998 alumni group’s transformative solution to a significant challenge faced by students.

He emphasized the inadequacy of equipment for teaching and learning, particularly for students studying clothing and textiles. He commended the alumni group for their invaluable support.

Mr. Sarpong stressed that this project will provide relief to parents who may struggle to provide the necessary equipment for their children’s education.

He also called upon other alumni groups to follow suit and contribute to the betterment of the school and its students, recognizing that government support alone may not suffice to meet all educational needs.

“There was inadequate equipment for the students offering clothing and textiles as the government alone cannot shoulder the burden, thus, the need for other stakeholders, such as the alumni groups to come in to support,” Mr Sarpong said.

The Accra High Court has dismissed a preliminary objection raised by Godwin Edudzi Tamekloe, the Head of Legal Affairs for the National Democratic Congress (NDC), regarding the ability of the Police to file injunction applications against protests without prior authorization from the Attorney General.

Edudzi Tamekloe, who serves as the lead counsel for NDC MPs seeking to protest against the Governor of the Bank of Ghana, argued in court that, according to Section 9(1) of the State Proceedings Act 555 and Article 88(5) of the 1992 constitution, only the Attorney General or an officer authorized by them could initiate civil proceedings in the name of the Republic.

He contended that the Police, by initiating legal action in the name of the Republic, had done so without the necessary authorization as outlined in the State Proceedings Act.

Mr. Tamekloe further contended that the Police could not rely on the authority given to them by the Attorney General to prosecute criminal cases to also initiate civil proceedings in the name of the Republic.

However, the court rejected this argument, citing the Law Officers Act of 1972 (N.R.C.D. 279), which allows other public officers to assist the Attorney General in the discharge of their duties. Section 1 of the Law Officers Act enumerates various officers, including those from the Attorney General’s department not below the rank of a state attorney, individuals appointed under section 56 of the Criminal and Other Offences Act, or any other public officer authorized by the Attorney General, as officers who can aid the Attorney General in fulfilling their functions.

Justice Edward Twum, in delivering the court’s ruling, emphasized that since section 56 of the Criminal and Other Offences Act deals with the appointment of Public Prosecutors by the Attorney General through executive instrument, the application could be instituted under Section 1(1)(C) and Section 1(2) of the Law Officers Act, even if it was filed on behalf of the Republic.

The court determined that the application was originally intended to be brought in the name of the Inspector General of Police and not in the name of the Republic. Justice Edward Twum pointed out that this intent was evident in the supporting affidavit and the submissions made by the applicant’s counsel.

Furthermore, the court clarified that the law mandates a police officer to initiate such applications on behalf of the Inspector-General of the Ghana Police Service.

Justice Edward Twum concluded that the use of “The Republic” on the motion paper was merely a misnomer and that the applicant had not violated any legislative provisions. Consequently, the court dismissed the preliminary legal objection and granted the applicant (the Police) permission to amend the title of the application and serve it on the respondents within seven days.

Finally, the court commended Godwin Edudzi Tamekloe, the NDC’s Head of Legal Affairs, for his thorough and diligent scrutiny of the matter, highlighting the positive impact such dedication could have on aspiring junior lawyers and the development of the law in the country.

The Executive Director of EOCO, COP Maame Yaa Tiwaa Addo-Danquah, has emphasized the importance of strong legal frameworks and regulatory bodies in combating domestic organized economic crimes.

She highlighted that these measures ensure the enforcement of financial sector legislation, thereby preventing economic crimes.

During her address at The International Symposium on Economic Crime at Jesus College in Cambridge on September 7, 2023, discussing the Effectiveness of Traditional Approaches to Policing Economically Motivated Crimes in both the Domestic and Transnational Contexts, COP Maame Yaa Tiwaa Addo-Danquah stressed the pivotal roles of agencies like the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), Economic and Organized Crime Office (EOCO), Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP), Financial Intelligence Centre (FIC), and the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN) in enforcing regulations and ensuring compliance within the financial industry.

She noted that criminals often exploit gaps in outdated regulations and adapt to new technologies.

Furthermore, she highlighted the significance of inter-agency collaboration and community policing in addressing domestic economic crimes.

COP Maame Yaa Tiwaa Addo-Danquah emphasized that engaging with local communities is crucial in preventing financially motivated crimes by building trust and encouraging citizens to report suspicious activities, which aids law enforcement in detecting potential economic crimes.

In addition to these points, the EOCO Director also discussed the Effectiveness of Traditional Approaches to Policing Economically Motivated Crimes in the Transnational Context.

The gruesome murder of a three-year-old boy has thrown the entire Sege Community Near Ada in the Ada West District of the Greater Accra Region into shock.

Residents are stunned over how Obed Kabutey, a 21-year-old welder, beheaded his sister’s son in cold blood shortly after leaving the house with him on Wednesday.

Information gathered by GhanaWeb indicated that on the evening of Wednesday, September 6, 2023, Kabutey went to his mother’s house in the same vicinity at around 7 p.m. to eat.

He was said to have later left with Osabutey Holyfield, his nephew to buy noodles (spaghetti) for him by the roadside.

After failing to return after about an hour, Emelia Agbi, the victim’s grandmother together with the boy’s mother went out in search of Kabutey and his nephew.

After a fruitless search through the streets of Sege for the duo, Agbi reported the matter to Kabutey’s elder brother who joined them in the search.

The suspect was finally traced to his hideout on the outskirts of the community whereupon interrogation and initially denying knowledge about the whereabouts of the three-year-old, confessed that he together with his father, Akrofi Kabutey, had murdered his nephew with his remains hidden in the latter’s kitchen.

“Around 7 p.m. on Wednesday, my son came here to eat. Later, while leaving, he left with the child to buy noodles for him. After failing to return after about an hour, I got worried and asked the mother of the child to accompany me to go look for them. We combed the whole area looking for them but to no avail. We went to Kabutey’s house severally to enquire from his father if he was home to which he responded in the negative. After some time, Kabutey was found and
interrogated on the whereabouts of the child,” the granny said in an interview.

During the interrogations, Kabutey was alleged to have told his brother and mother that after taking the child home, his father took the boy after interrogating him on what he was doing with him at that odd hour and therefore did not know of his whereabouts.

After his father had denied his claims when reached on the phone, the suspect finally disclosed that Holyfield had been killed and that his remains were hidden in their kitchen.

Together with his elder brother and mother, Kabutey led them to the kitchen where the victim’s decapitated body was found with his head lying by its side.
The suspect could not explain the reasons for engaging in the heinous crime.

Police personnel from the Ada West District Police Station responded at the scene where the remains of the deceased were taken and deposited at the Catholic Hospital Mortuary Annex at Anyaman in the Ada West District Assembly.

Meanwhile, police have commenced investigations to determine the motive behind the horrific act as the family calls for justice to be served.

A senior lecturer at the Department of History and Political Studies at Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST) has disagreed with the notion that the NPP primaries have boiled down to a two-horse race between Assin Central legislator, Kennedy Agyapong, and vice president, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, especially in light of Alan Kyerematen’s withdrawal.

In an interview with the media on Thursday, September 7, 2023, Dr. Akwasi Amakye Boateng, confidently asserted that Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia is poised to secure a resounding victory in the primaries.

He emphasized that he would be genuinely surprised if Kennedy Agyapong even came close to challenging Dr. Bawumia’s dominance in the upcoming November 4 primaries.

According to Dr. Amakye Boateng, he views the contest as a one-sided affair, predicting an unequivocal triumph for Dr. Bawumia.

He went on to express his skepticism regarding the NPP’s willingness to rally behind Kennedy Agyapong, stating firmly that such a choice would astonish him.

“I think it is a one-horse race. It would be a straight win for Dr Bawumia. I would be surprised if people in the NPP vote for Kennedy Agyapong,” he said.

Dr. Amakye Boateng also articulated his belief that Kennedy Agyapong is ill-suited to assume the presidency of Ghana, citing a lack of the requisite leadership capabilities.

He further stressed the importance of voters considering the character and qualifications of individuals aspiring to lead the nation.

“Kennedy Agyapong socially, traditionally, and intellectually is not presidential material and this must show.

“Ghanaians must demonstrate that we care about people who become our presidents. In the first place, for the development of poor countries… leadership matters. And political leaders in such countries should be knowledgeable generally and in economics,” he said.

In an era marked by rapid technological advancement, Sunyani Technical University has emerged as a beacon of innovation in the agricultural sector.

With a vision to revolutionize farming practices and enhance agricultural productivity, a student with the University has unveiled a groundbreaking development.

Speaking with the media, the developer of the app, a female student, revealed that this remarkable device had its origins as a school project.

The device, aptly named ‘Smart Green,’ boasts a range of capabilities, including the measurement of temperature, humidity, and moisture content in the soil, among other functions.

The student emphasized that the app has been designed with user-friendliness and education in mind, with the primary goal of simplifying farming for agricultural workers.

She further elaborated on the app’s diverse features, which are divided into six categories.

The ‘Farm’ category, for instance, serves to determine essential factors like temperature and humidity when the device’s cursor is placed in the soil.

“This Smart Green is our innovation project embedded within an app. Within the app, we have the ‘Farm’ category, which provides information on temperature, humidity, and soil moisture content,” she explained.

The ‘Visual Assist’ category, she continued, is designed to assist farmers by enabling them to pose questions about specific plants and receive informative responses. For instance, if a farmer is cultivating lettuce, they can inquire about its optimal watering schedule.

“Let’s take lettuce, for instance. If we are planting lettuce, it needs more water and can be watered twice a week,” she stated.

The ‘Visual Farm’ component of the app displays real-time conditions on the farm, offering valuable insights into its status.

Meanwhile, the ‘Plant Diagnose’ feature empowers farmers to assess the health of their plants. By taking a picture of a plant and uploading it to Google, the app can identify any diseases or issues it may be facing.

“You can take a picture of the plant and upload it to Google, and it will tell you the disease the plant is suffering from,” she added.

With this extraordinary ‘Smart Green’ device and app, Sunyani Technical University is not only fostering innovation but also providing practical and valuable tools for farmers to improve their agricultural practices and productivity.

It stands as a testament to the power of education and technology in advancing the agricultural sector and improving the lives of those who depend on it.

Improved air quality monitoring in Accra has unveiled that Nima, Makola, Agbogbloshie, Chorkor, and Madina Zongo Junction are the top five most polluted areas in Accra.

Speaking to the media, Professor Kofi Amegah, the leader of the Breathe Accra Project, stated that these areas were experiencing elevated levels of harmful pollutants and particulates detrimental to human health.

Over a span of four months, data compilation from monitoring activities consistently showed that pollution in these areas persisted throughout the day, consistently exceeding the recommended standards set by the World Health Organization (WHO).

According to the Air Quality Index (AQI), ideal or good air quality should fall within the range of 0 to 50 on the index. An AQI ranging from 51 to 100 is considered moderate, though it may raise health concerns for certain sensitive individuals, like children under the age of five.

For instance, on September 6th, 2023, the AQI for Agbogbloshie reached levels between 150 and 200, categorizing it as unhealthy for all population groups,” Professor Amegah explained.

The installation of more than 30 sensors has augmented the Environmental Protection Agency’s existing monitoring stations, significantly expanding the area of the city under continuous air quality surveillance. While the international best practice of having sensors within every five-mile radius is yet to be achieved, the enhanced monitoring system provides real-time air quality data, enabling investigations into the sources and causes of pollution for effective remedial actions.

Addressing the decline of green spaces, Professor Amegah highlighted a recent study showing a significant reduction in green spaces, including tree cover, grass, and parks, which serve as the ‘lungs of the city,’ over the past two decades. He emphasized the urgent need for tree planting to reverse this trend before it becomes irreversible.

Mr. Alex Johnson, the Head of Transport at the Accra Metropolitan Assembly, pointed out that areas with high population densities and heavy vehicular traffic tend to have high concentrations of pollutants. Slow-moving vehicles often lead to inefficient fuel combustion, resulting in increased emissions. Additionally, open burning of waste is common in these areas, further contributing to pollution levels. Various groups, including market vendors, truck pushers, head potters (kayayei), patrons, drivers, pedestrians, and residents in these exposed environments, face an elevated risk of developing heart-related diseases and lung cancer in the medium to long term.

Statistics from the Ghana Health Service (GHS) for the first half of 2023 revealed that asthma, primarily caused by poor air quality, was the second most commonly recorded non-communicable disease (NCD). Dr. Efua Commeh, the Acting Programme Manager for Non-Communicable Diseases at GHS, explained that this data indicated an increasing number of people suffering from chronic obstructive pulmonary diseases like asthma due to pollutant exposure.

Children are also more susceptible to upper respiratory infections such as flu as a result of pollutants, which can trigger asthma symptoms.

Inhaling dust and soot particles can lead to malfunctioning of the lungs, heart diseases, cancer, and damage to various organs, potentially resulting in premature deaths.

In terms of the health burden, data from the Ghana News Agency (GNA) indicated that the National Health Insurance annually spent $14,976,000 on the treatment of NCD-related conditions among 500 hospitalized patients.

Mr. Desmond Appiah, the Country Lead of Clean Air Fund, emphasized the importance of collaborative efforts involving leadership, law enforcement agencies, and the public to preserve clean air. He urged for informed decision-making backed by evidence and targeted actions to reduce and eliminate waste burning while improving transportation methods.

Working towards a shared goal of ensuring clean air for all could serve as a catalyst for securing financing and investments in sectors that enhance air quality measures, delivering numerous co-benefits, he added.

A momentous ceremony has taken place in Kyebi-Abisem within the Abuakwa South Municipality of the Eastern Region, to mark the commencement of construction for a facility dedicated to the care of children afflicted with cancer.

This cutting-edge facility, with a budget of US$250 million, will feature state-of-the-art amenities and boast a 100-bed capacity.

Its primary objective is to elevate the diagnostic capabilities and treatment options available for children battling cancer.

The visionary project is spearheaded by the Wish4Life Foundation, aiming to bridge the existing healthcare disparity in children’s cancer survival rates. It aspires to meet the unique needs of young cancer patients and turn the dream of a cure into a reality.

The ambitious timeline for this project sets completion within two years.

Dr. Tanya Trippett, the president of the foundation, emphasized that a child’s place of birth should never deprive them of access to top-tier medical care.

She also pledged the foundation’s commitment to providing resources to establish infection control protocols that adhere to international regulatory standards, minimizing the risk of infections.

Trippett expressed the foundation’s deep concern for the well-being of African children, emphasizing the importance of treating them with the utmost dignity and granting them the lives they rightfully deserve.

Okyenhene Osagyefuo Amoatia Ofori Panin, the traditional leader, voiced strong support from the local authorities for this noble project, highlighting its potential to significantly improve healthcare for children in West Africa.

The Asantehene Otumfuo Osei Tutu II has called on the Colombian vice president, Francia Elena Márquez Mina to play a leading role in fostering collaboration between Colombia and Ghana, with a particular focus on agriculture, trade, and investment.

Otumfuo Osei Tutu II emphasized the significance of Vice President Márquez Mina’s Ghanaian heritage in advocating for stronger trade ties between Africa and Colombia.

He commended her unique position as the first Afro-Colombian Vice President and its potential for facilitating mutually advantageous partnerships between the two nations.

In his remarks, the Asantehene highlighted the opportunities that Vice President Márquez Mina’s role offered for Ghana and Colombia to engage in cooperative endeavors with promising benefits.

He urged her to leverage her background in agriculture and mining to bridge the gap between the countries, given the similarities in climate and agricultural systems.

“Be it that you are the first Afro-Colombian to be the Vice President, we are expecting more collaboration between Ghana and Colombia. With your own background in agriculture and mining, we believe that your weather and our weather and the agricultural system are the same. Therefore, help us better communicate it, we believe that you have a voice in Africa. Be our promoter so that we can engage investments in Colombia to Ghana, and Ghana to Colombia. It’s a win-win situation for all of us,” he stated.

In response, the Colombian Vice President, speaking through an interpreter, expressed her eagerness to reconnect with her Ghanaian roots. She underscored the potential for both Ghana and Colombia to collaborate in the agricultural sector, emphasizing the mutual advantages such cooperation could yield.

The Akrofuom District Assembly has handed more than 14 new classroom blocks to two communities in the area.

This initiative aims to enhance educational infrastructure in a district previously lacking in such development.

The District Chief Executive (DCE), Dr. Maurice Jonas Woode, explained that recognizing the educational infrastructure gap, he collaborated with the Member of Parliament (MP) to address the issue.

He emphasized that the 14 classroom blocks already commissioned are evidence of their collective efforts, with more projects planned for the future.

Dr. Woode urged parents to support the government and teachers by providing food and assistance to their children while encouraging school authorities to maintain the newly constructed classroom blocks.

The three-unit classroom block in Nkoransa will accommodate over 100 kindergarten pupils, while the one in Takyikrom will serve as a junior high school block.

MP Hon. Alexander Blankson expressed commitment to creating a conducive learning environment for Akrofuom’s students, recognizing that education is essential for the district’s development.

George Sarfo Kantanka, the District Director of Education, commended the collaborative efforts of the DCE, MP, and Education Directorate in addressing educational infrastructure gaps. He noted significant progress, including the elimination of the shift system and the eradication of schools under trees.

Additionally, the MP and DCE inaugurated a mechanized borehole in Takyikrom, benefiting the local community.

Historian and lawyer Anokye Frimpong, has extensively explored the issue of selecting a running mate for the National Democratic Congress (NDC) and has made a compelling case for considering Julius Debrah, a former Chief of Staff, for the position.

In an interview with the media, Frimpong emphasized that the NDC should not solely focus on choosing a running mate from a region presumed to guarantee electoral advantage.

He argued that the belief that having a running mate from a specific region, like the Central Region, automatically benefits the party is not entirely accurate.

Frimpong suggested that Julius Debrah, whose popularity surpasses that of Prof. Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang, the 2020 running mate, should be a top contender.

“Between Julius Debrah and Kojo Bonsu, as Julius is in Accra as Chief of Staff and the other one is the KMA boss, the Chief of Staff is primarily the prime minister and, in that position, he’s as known as the vice president. The Chief of Staff who knows and see everything of the president… at the Jubilee House, before you see the president, you must go through the Chief of Staff…

“And so, in that position as Chief of Staff, the truth I am telling you is that when he was campaigning with Naana Jane, nobody knew the woman, but as Chief of Staff, it would be hard for people to say they did not know him. So, if the NDC wants to cause a major change, this is the man they should be considering,” he explained.

According to Frimpong, Debrah’s role as Chief of Staff in Accra gave him significant visibility and influence, making him as well-known as a vice president. He emphasized that the Chief of Staff, being privy to all presidential matters, wields substantial political influence.

He went on to explain the political dynamics of regional demographics and their significance in NDC’s decision-making process.

Mr Frimpong debunked the notion that having a candidate from the Central Region automatically translates to electoral advantage for the party.

He pointed out that while Prof. Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang hails from the Central Region, it is not as electorally influential as the Ashanti Region.

Mr Frimpong elaborated that the Ashanti Region boasts over 46 constituencies where a common language is spoken, providing a substantial voter base.

He also mentioned that the Ahafo Region, though not Bono, is made up of Ashanti people.

Mr Frimpong further clarified the regional breakdown, emphasizing that Kwahu does not represent a distinct tribe, while other regions like Akyem, Akuapem, and Akwamu are separate tribal entities.

He highlighted that the Ashanti Region has 47 constituencies, Ahafo has 6, Assin has 3, and Kwahu has approximately 3, contributing to a formidable electoral bloc when combined.

In conclusion, Anokye Frimpong stressed the importance of understanding the intricate regional demographics and considering a candidate’s broader popularity and influence when selecting a running mate for the NDC.

“… the Assin areas: north, south, central, are all Ashantis. Technically-speaking, there is not tribe called Kwahu. We have the Akyem, which is a tribe… the Akuapem, which is also a tribe… the Akwamu, also a tribe, who have all fought with the Ashantis before, but with the Kwahu, they are Ashantis who are always fighting with their siblings… but they are 100% Ashantis…”

He added that “Ashanti has 47 constituencies, Ahafo has 6 constituencies, Assin 3, and Kwahu will have about 3 constituencies, and when you put them together, the numbers are really high, as against Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang, who is a Fante. And in the region, those who don’t know it think that everybody in the Central Region is Fante, but that is where the Assin people are and they speak Twi… same as Denkyira people who also speak Twi.”

The Ranking Member on Parliament’s Roads and Transport Committee, Governs Kwame Agbodza, has criticized the government for failing to prioritize the expansion of the Accra-Tema motorway.

While the Roads and Highways Minister, Kwasi Amoako-Attah, recently assured that the government plans to transform the Tema Motorway into a 10-lane highway, Mr. Agbodza believes that the government has not shown enough commitment to this project.

According to Mr. Agbodza, the issue boils down to priorities, asserting that Ghana has the financial capacity to invest in crucial projects like the motorway expansion.

He highlighted the government’s decision to allocate $250 million to build a new Bank of Ghana (BoG) headquarters while neglecting essential healthcare facilities and road projects.

“It is about priorities. Ghana is not broke. I don’t believe Ghana is broke beyond doing what we have to do to save ourselves. Government has decided to spend $250 million on building a new Bank of Ghana headquarters, at the same time abandon La General Hospital, abandon Shama District Hospital, and abandon many district hospitals and road projects in this country. It is about priorities.”

“Imagine if we apply $250 million of that money to the motorway, we would have been 70 percent way down completing the motorway. So it is about priorities, I don’t think they prioritise the motorway,” he stated.

Mr. Agbodza also blamed the government for the incidents of vehicles colliding with obsolete toll booths, a consequence of the government’s decision to halt the collection of road tolls. He called on the government to ensure the safety of motorists at these toll booths.

In summary, Mr. Agbodza criticizes the government for not prioritizing the expansion of the Accra-Tema motorway and highlights the need to allocate resources appropriately to address essential infrastructure projects. He also calls for safety measures at abandoned toll booths.

The Ghana Registered Nurses and Midwives Association (GRNMA) has attributed the migration of healthcare professionals to the failure of successive governments to improve their working conditions.

Over 4,000 nurses have left Ghana for Europe between January and July 2023. Perpetual Ofori Ampofo of the GRNMA highlights the lack of respect and inadequate salaries as key reasons for the departure of nurses.

She notes that this issue is not unique to Ghana but affects other African countries as well.

“The truth of the matter is that our salaries in Ghana as nurses and midwives are not the best. But I also know that it is not only Ghana. Within the sub-region, within Africa as a whole, it is the same issue.

“So this issue about the movement of nurses from Ghana is actually not affecting only Ghana, go to Nigeria, go to Ivory Coast, go to other countries, they are leaving. They are leaving because the salaries and other conditions of service are not the best,” she stated.

The Ghana Health Service (GHS) acknowledges the challenge of brain drain, which significantly impacts the health sector.

More than 1,200 Ghanaian nurses reportedly joined the United Kingdom’s nursing register last year, and approximately 150 experienced nurses and health professionals from Pantang Hospital have sought opportunities abroad.

Dr. Patrick Kuma-Aboagye, Director General of the GHS, emphasizes the need to encourage healthcare professionals to stay, provide training, and recruit replacements to address the shortage.

In summary, healthcare professionals leaving Ghana due to poor working conditions is a widespread issue affecting the entire African region. Brain drain remains a significant challenge for the Ghanaian health sector.

“Brain drain remains a key challenge for us and there are usually ways when there are shortages in the developed countries, there is also the drift of people going there. So what we are doing is first, trying to encourage as many to stay. We are also ensuring that those who are staying are also being trained rapidly.

“We are recruiting to replace those we can replace while we ensure that we are giving more people especially the nurses study leave allocations so that we can convert some of the non-professional nurses into professional ones because it is the majority of professional nurses who are leaving,” he stated.

A delegation from the European Union (EU) has undertaken a visit to the Bobiri Forest Reserve in Ashanti Region to gain firsthand insight into the country’s legality assurance system, forest law enforcement, and trade licenses.

Ghana’s legality assurance system is designed to ensure that timber products originate from legal and sustainable sources.

Led by EU Ambassador to Ghana, Irchad Razaaly, the delegation was guided by John Allotey, the Chief Executive Officer of the Forestry Commission of Ghana, and other commission officials.

During the tour, the delegation was exposed to the entire forest value chain, from the harvesting of legal timber to its processing for the EU market, in compliance with the Forest Law Enforcement, Governance, and Trade (FLEGT) Action Plan.

Furthermore, the EU Ambassador engaged in discussions with key stakeholders, including government representatives, forestry sector representatives, and local communities.

Impressed with the efforts made by Ghana, Ambassador Razaaly expressed his satisfaction, stating that Ghana’s systems aligned with international standards.

He assured that the EU and its member countries would continue to support Ghana’s endeavors to combat illegal logging, improve forest governance, and promote responsible timber trade.

John Allotey emphasized the Forestry Commission’s commitment to adhering to accepted practices in line with the EU’s Forest Law Enforcement Governance and Trade (FLEGT) Action Plan.

He acknowledged the potential consequences, including the revocation of Ghana’s EU license, and highlighted Ghana’s dedication to sustainable forest management and the preservation of natural resources.

The EU’s FLEGT Action Plan, launched in 2003, aims to reduce the trade in illegal timber through a range of supply and demand side measures.

It includes the Voluntary Partnership Agreement (VPA), a bilateral trade agreement between the EU and timber-exporting countries that establishes systems for verifying the legality of timber exports to the EU.

When fully operational, timber products demonstrating full legal compliance will receive FLEGT licenses.

During the engagement, Nana Kwame Santuo, Gyasehene of Kubease (the gateway to the Bobiri Forest Reserve), expressed concerns about the inadequate five percent share of gains from the reserve and called for a review to better support the local community.

Nana Yaw Kyere III, Chief of Nobewam, also urged the commission to consider implementing the local content policy to involve unemployed youth from local communities in the timber industry activities.

The Sekondi High Court has rejected an appeal to compel the Sekondi Takoradi Metropolitan Assembly (STMA) to permit Madam Lydia Bannerman-Hull, a trader, to conduct her business on a segment of the pavement within the Central Business District (CBD).

Presided over by Dr. Bridget Kafui Anthonio–Apedzi (Mrs.), the court upheld that the STMA, as a statutory body, holds the responsibility of maintaining order within the Central Business District (CBD) of the Sekondi-Takoradi Metropolis.

The plaintiff sought a declaration that the STMA’s prevention of her continued pavement sales in front of H/No. 13 Liberation Road, Takoradi, where she had operated for over 15 years, was discriminatory.

She claimed that the Assembly had allowed a co-tenant, who became a tenant in November 2022, to set up tents in front of the pavement to operate a drug store, which she considered discriminatory and contrary to Article 17(2) of the 1992 Constitution.

The plaintiff further requested an order directing the STMA to permit her to conduct her business on a portion of the space in front of H/No. 13 Liberation Road, Takoradi, and compensation for the financial loss resulting from the defendants’ prevention of her operations on the space.

In response, the STMA denied any discrimination and cited the Local Government Act 2016 (Act 936) and its 2017 bylaws, asserting that the type of trading the plaintiff desired was prohibited by law. They clarified that the fees collected from the plaintiff were for her trading activities in her shop on the first floor, not for trading on the frontage pavement.

The STMA also explained that Medrugs Pharmacy began operating on the ground floor early in 2020 and obtained a permit to set up a canopy in front of its shop to comply with Covid-19 directives related to social distancing.

Dr. Anthonio–Apedzi ruled that the plaintiff’s insistence on selling on the pavement without regulation or defiance of the law was inconsistent with civility and order. She emphasized that the court could not condone wrongdoing or law-breaking.

The judge expressed concern about the flagrant disregard of bylaws in central business districts, where traders often display their wares on pedestrian walkways, and noted that allowing the plaintiff’s request would set a harmful precedent and undermine the law.

Dr. Anthonio–Apedzi stressed that a court could not ignore violations of statutes, and although the plaintiff had constitutional rights, those rights had to be exercised within the bounds of the law.

As a result, the plaintiff’s plea was dismissed, and a cost of GH₵ 5,000.00 was awarded against her.

The legal representatives of Commissioner of Police (COP) George Alex Mensah, a key witness in the ongoing investigation regarding an alleged plot to remove the Inspector General of Police (IGP), have expressed their surprise at the decision by the Ghana Police Service (GPS) to interdict their client.

In a statement released on Thursday, the GPS announced the interdiction of three of its officers, namely COP Alex Mensah, Superintendent George Asare, and Superintendent Emmanuel Eric Gyebi, due to their alleged involvement in discussions about the removal of the IGP, as captured in a leaked audio recording.

This recording purportedly contains conversations among the three senior police officers regarding strategies to remove the current IGP in collaboration with Bugri Naabu, the former Northern Regional Chairman of the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP).

Kwaku Owusu Agyeman, the Lead Counsel for COP Mensah, expressed their unexpectedness at the decision, stating that they had anticipated that the GPS would allow the parliamentary committee to conduct its own findings. He emphasized that the objective of the probe was to establish the facts already in the public domain.

Despite their surprise, Agyeman mentioned that they would accept the interdiction in good faith and explore their client’s rights. They also indicated that they would reveal their future actions in the coming days.

President Akufo-Addo will inaugurate the first oil at FPSO Kwame Nkrumah, today, Friday, September 8, in the Jubilee South Area.

This ceremony marks the commencement of oil production.

The Jubilee South-East Area, part of the Jubilee Field, has received a $1 billion investment from its partners and is anticipated to contribute 100,000 barrels of oil daily to Jubilee Field production by year-end, originating from three developed oil wells.

Following his interaction with selected FPSO staff and inspection of key KNK sections, President Akufo-Addo will participate in a commemorative luncheon in Takoradi.

• Tullow Oil: 38.978%
• Kosmos Energy: 24.077%
• Kosmos Energy Ghana Investments: 14.534%
• Ghana National Petroleum Corporation: 13.641%
• Petro SA: 2.725%
• Jubilee Oil Holdings Limited: 6.045%