Akwasi Agyeman, the Chief Executive Officer of the Ghana Tourism Authority (GTA), has revealed that Ghana’s domestic tourism sector has experienced remarkable growth, with a substantial increase of 47% in the last two to three years.
He expressed optimism that the numbers would continue to rise with concerted efforts, partnerships, and initiatives.
Agyeman emphasized the importance of encouraging people to travel within Ghana, as it has a significant impact on the tourism sector.
He noted that by December of the current year, the GTA plans to host more events outside of Accra to attract travelers from around the country. These travelers contribute to the local economy by staying in hotels, consuming local foods, and purchasing various items.
He shared statistics indicating that domestic tourism has been steadily increasing, with approximately 600,000 people traveling within Ghana in 2018 and around 937,000 in the following year, representing a 47% growth.
Agyeman stressed that despite the focus often being on international arrivals, domestic tourism is a critical component of the industry, especially during challenging times like the COVID-19 pandemic when international travel was restricted.
Regarding events in December, Agyeman mentioned the GTA’s plans to extend many of them to the Northern region, where various cultural activities and festivals are scheduled.
The Authority also aims to improve events and festivals in Takoradi and Ashanti, engaging with local authorities to enhance their appeal and attract more visitors.
While the first half of the year recorded around 500,000 visitors, which is below the target, Agyeman expressed confidence that the numbers would pick up in the last quarter, as it is a peak travel period for many people coming to Ghana.
The GTA has set a goal of two million visitors for the year.
A member of the Alan Kyerematen Campaign team, Yaw Buaben Asamoa, has criticized the New Patriotic Party (NPP), for actions he perceives as being carried out with impunity and a disregard for established rules.
He also emphasized that the party is not adhering to democratic principles in its conduct.
Asamoa’s comments come in the wake of Alan Kyerematen’s decision to withdraw from the NPP’s flagbearership race.
Kyerematen, who had placed third in the party’s special delegates’ conference on August 26, cited concerns that the race appeared to be deliberately skewed in favor of one candidate and pointed out instances of intimidation against his agents during the election process.
In an interview with the media, Buaben Asamoa expressed his support for Kyerematen’s decision to withdraw from the race.
He reiterated Kyerematen’s worries regarding bias towards a particular candidate and the utilization of methods like intimidation, impunity, and incentives to gain votes.
“He is announcing to the Ghanaian population that he has withdrawn from this process which is in favour of one person, and it’s stopping at nothing, not stopping at intimidation, impunity, and inducements in order to secure a vote for one person, and that process is what he has withdrawn from.”
“Fortunately, he recognises the people who believe in him and he has acknowledged that belief. He goes on to say that this ongoing process will not deliver their expectations, the expectations of him being selected to become the leader of the party and the realisation of his vision. Rightfully so, he’s convinced and has had the courage to withdraw.”
“As for politics, you can’t stop people from speculating and putting their lenses on whatever happens. But the truth of the process that we are going through in the NPP is not NPP-like, it’s not a democratic process. The party is acting with impunity, it is making rules and changing rules at will, and everybody can see what is going on.”
“The last Special Delegates’ Conference was full of intimidation, You have all the stories, and it’s not important to tell the stories as new. The courage of one conviction is more important, and I think Alan should be commended for having the courage of his conviction to withdraw”.
The NPP’s flagbearership race currently has four remaining candidates, including Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, Assin Central MP Kennedy Agyapong, former Agric Minister Dr. Owusu Afriyie Akoto, and former MP for Mampong Francis Addai-Nimoh.
The balloting is expected to take place on September 6, with the final race set for November 4.
Private legal practitioner, Martin Kpebu, has called on the Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) to publicly reveal the exact amount of money confiscated from former Minister for Sanitation and Water Resources, Cecilia Dapaah.
Mr Kpebu, an anti-corruption advocate, believes that disclosing the total sum to the public will aid in the fight against corruption, given the conflicting reports regarding the funds discovered in the former minister’s accounts.
On August 9, the Cedi and Dollar bank accounts belonging to Cecilia Dapaah were frozen by the OSP, but on August 31, the High Court in Accra overturned this decision.
The court ordered the seized funds to be returned to her within seven days and directed the OSP to unfreeze her accounts.
However, the OSP invoked its powers on Monday to reclaim custody of the money, despite the High Court’s order to return it to the former minister.
Speaking to the media, Martin Kpebu emphasized that such disclosure would encourage the public to actively participate in the anti-corruption effort.
“When Kissi Agyebeng did not give us the full amount involved, it emboldened Madam Dapaah and her lawyers who then went and attacked a media house about a $5 million figure given out there and so Mr. Agyebeng should disclose the total amount involved, and it is the least he can do and that will help push the fight against corruption.”
“He [Kissi Agyebeng] has to put the figures out to ginger the fight and create excitement about the fight against corruption.”
Kpebu also criticized Cecilia Dapaah for failing to clarify the source of her wealth, emphasizing the legal implications of unexplained wealth as outlined in the OSP Act and the constitution.
“So far, she [Cecilia Dapaah] has not been able to give credible answers as to the source of the money, and let us not forget that the OSP Act and also under the constitution in Article 286 (4), if they find you with money and that money cannot reasonably be attributed to inheritance, income, gift or loan, then it is unexplained wealth and that is illegal. And so all these things should be dealt with because the OSP stated that she is not able to account for the money,” he added.
The Convener of the Media Coalition against illegal mining, Dr. Kenneth Ashigbey, has expressed disagreement with President Akufo-Addo’s claim that the ban on illegal mining, commonly known as galamsey, is effectively reducing carbon emissions.
During the 2023 Africa Climate Summit in Nairobi, Kenya, President Akufo-Addo asserted that the ban on galamsey had contributed to a reduction in Ghana’s carbon emissions, citing it as a positive outcome.
However, in an interview with the media, Dr. Ashigbey contested this assertion, pointing to empirical evidence that suggests otherwise.
He argued that the adverse effects of galamsey are evident in various aspects, including rising water tariffs, increased cases of stillbirths and child deformities in mining areas due to water pollution.
Dr. Ashigbey further highlighted issues such as the escalating cost of water treatment, the ineffectiveness of chemicals used by the Ghana Water Company, destoolment of chiefs involved in galamsey, destruction of forests, threats to the Bui Dam from galamsey activities, and the dismissal of local government officials for their involvement in illegal mining.
In essence, he presented a counterargument to the President’s claim, citing numerous negative consequences associated with galamsey as evidence that the ban’s impact on reducing carbon emissions may not be as straightforward as suggested.
“The Public Utilities Regulatory Commission (PURC) imposed an increase in water tariffs, and the reason is the cost of water treatment. The chemicals that the Ghana Water Company is using are no longer effective, and we also see situations where there are a lot of stillbirths and child deformities as a result of the polluted waters. In the recent past, Otumfuo has had to destool some chiefs because of their involvement in galamsey, and we have seen a lot of destruction to a lot of our forests.”
“We have heard that the Bui Dam is under threat from galamsey. We recently saw the Minister for Roads and Highways cause the arrest of some excavators that were going into the forest. He said that these are people who are not patriotic citizens. We also had the situation where the president had to dismiss the Bosome Freho MCE for confessing to an illegality.”
The former Member of Parliament for the Buem Constituency, Daniel Kwasi Ashiamah, has criticized Commissioner of Police (COP) Alex Mensah for his involvement in an alleged leaked tape discussing the ousting of the current Inspector General of Police (IGP) Dr. George Akufo Dampare.
The tape, which featured COP Mensah and other high-ranking police officers, also included the former Northern Regional Chairman of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Alhaji Bugri Naabu.Ashiamah accused COP Mensah of having ulterior motives aimed at tarnishing the reputation of the police service before his retirement.
He based his criticism on Mensah’s public allegation that IGP Dampare had political ties to former President John Dramani Mahama and maintained regular communication with him.
During an interview with the media on September 5, 2023, Ashiamah insisted that COP Mensah should be compelled to provide concrete evidence to support his claims.
He went further, characterizing COP Mensah as an individual with malevolent intentions toward the police service.
Ashiamah stated, “They have to force him to bring the conversation between Mahama and Dampare. Those are the things. You see because he is going home, he is destroying everything. He is like a witch. When there is a witch in the family, before he/she dies, then the person has killed all the children in the household. That is what he is trying to do, telling us that because he heard Mahama and Dampare talking, he is thinking Dampare and Mahama are close. He is a devil, but he will not succeed. We must tell him in the face.”
He added, “If you want to lobby to become an IGP, you must bring the record of your performance so that Ghanaians and President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo can assess and give you the IGP position. Don’t go and tell somebody that Dampare is not doing his work so we should take you.”
A prominent contender in the New Patriotic Party (NPP) flagbearership race, Alan Kyerematen, officially announced his withdrawal from the race just before the final round scheduled for November 4, 2023.
His decision was communicated through a statement released on September 5, 2023, following the cancellation of an earlier press conference.
In his statement, which consists of ten paragraphs, Kyerematen highlighted several key reasons for his withdrawal.
Below are the main reasons, presented in his own words as per the statement he personally signed:
August 26 vote was skewed to favour unnamed candidate
During the August 26 Super Delegates Conference, Alan Kyerematen placed third in the election, with Vice President Mahamudu Bawumia and Assin North Member of Parliament, Kennedy Agyapong, ahead of him in the rankings.
In his statement, Alan Kyerematen asserted that the election process had been manipulated to favor an unnamed candidate.
“The pronouncements made by some leading Members of our Party both before and after the elections, also lend weight to my observations,” it stressed.
One of the most disturbing incidents during the August 26 process was a violent assault on one of Alan Kyerematen’s polling agents in the North East Region. In his statement, Alan Kyerematen dedicated a significant portion to address this issue, emphasizing the seriousness of the situation. The most striking paragraph on this matter reads as follows:
“The level of intimidation of varying intensity, both direct and indirect, unleashed upon a significant number of Delegates at various Voting Centers across all sixteen regions is unprecedented in the history of our Party. Furthermore, the fact that my Polling Agent in the North East region suffered severe damage to his eyesight as a result of his brave and unwavering efforts to ensure strict compliance with the rules and regulations for the conduct of the elections, as approved by the Presidential Elections Committee, will forever remain a dark stain in the annals of our Party’s internal elections. These incidents, along with various reports of violence and collusion in other Voting Centers, are not only shocking but also reprehensible and inexcusable.”
Process still skewed ahead of November 4
Today (September 6) is slated for final balloting for the five – now four – aspirants ahead of November 4. But it is Alan’s considered view that the procedural challenges and lack of trust has not and will likely not be fixed by the time of the vote.
“Regrettably, I am not convinced that the circumstances I have referred to earlier, will not persist or even be escalated in the next round of elections, for which balloting is scheduled for Wednesday, 6th of September 2023.”
PRESS STATEMENT BY HON. ALAN KYEREMATEN
On Sunday, the 27th of August 2023, I issued a public statement which made reference to the selection and shortlisting of Presidential Aspirants by the Special Electoral College convened by the New Patriotic Party (NPP) on the 26th of August 2023.
After having carefully analysed the results of the said elections, it is absolutely clear to me from events leading to, during and after the elections, that the Special Delegates Conference was strategically and tactically skewed in favour of one particular Aspirant.
The pronouncements made by some leading Members of our Party both before and after the elections, also lend weight to my observations.
The level of intimidation of varying intensity, directly and indirectly unleashed on a significant number of Delegates at various Voting Centers across the sixteen regions, is unprecedented in the history of our Party. In addition, the fact that my Polling Agent in the North East region has suffered severe damage to his eye sight, arising from his bold and courageous effort to ensure compliance with the very rules and regulations for the conduct of the elections as approved by the Presidential Elections Committee, will forever remain a dark spot in the history of internal elections within the Party. This incident and various acts of violence and collusion, reported in other Voting Centers, are appalling, unconscionable, and despicable.
I am committed to, and value the safety of those who work with me and for me, and I will always fight for their interest.
The question I keep asking myself is, “How did we get here as a Party in the first place, and how far are we prepared to tread on this dangerous path to self-destruction?”
Regrettably, I am not convinced that the circumstances I have referred to earlier, will not persist or even be escalated in the next round of elections, for which balloting is scheduled for Wednesday, 6th of September 2023.
In light of the foregoing, I wish to confirm that I am honourably withdrawing from the process that will lead to the Presidential Primaries to be held on the 4% of November 2023. In the next upcoming weeks, I will provide an indication of the role that I will play in politics in Ghana, after consultations with my family and other well-wishers, various stakeholders and interest groups.
I wish all the other Aspirants well as they continue on their journey. I also wish to use this opportunity to express my profound gratitude once again to my family, the Alan 4 President (A4P) Campaign Team, and all my teeming supporters in Ghana and from around the world, who have supported me in diverse ways over the years. Please be assured that the battle is still the Lord’s, and that those who wait upon the Lord shall have their strength renewed.
God bless our homeland Ghana and make our nation great and strong!
An International Monetary Fund (IMF) staff team is scheduled to visit Ghana from September 25 through to the first week of October to assess the progress of Ghana’s Economic Recovery Programme.
This visit marks the second assessment by the IMF since its board approved Ghana’s bailout on May 17 and reviewed the targets outlined in the $3 billion three-year extended credit facility.
The Ghanaian government is optimistic about receiving the second tranche of the IMF bailout funds in December, which will provide support for the government’s balance of payments.
Finance Minister Ken Ofori-Atta revealed this information during the 3rd GIPC CEO’s Breakfast Meeting in Accra. He stated, “The fund will be here on September 25th through the beginning of October.
“The fund will be here on September 25th through the beginning of October. Hopefully, we will get the staff level agreement then, and then we will go to the board in November of this year.”
“I believe that by going through the mission in September, we should be able to reach a successful staff-level agreement, and that will help us in our negotiating position,” he said.
Additionally, Ofori-Atta mentioned that Ghana is on track to receive the second tranche of the IMF bailout funds in December, which will support the government’s balance of payments for the years 2023 and 2024.
As of June 2023, the Bank of Ghana’s summary of the Economic and Financial Stability Report showed a deficit of $107.8 million in the balance of payments, which is approximately 0.1% of GDP. This deficit is notably lower than the deficit recorded during the same period in 2022.
President Akufo-Addo has emphasized the importance of developed countries fulfilling their financial commitments to assist Africa in combating climate change.
He pointed out that despite Africa’s minimal contribution to global warming, it bears a disproportionate burden of blame for it.
Speaking at the 2023 Africa Climate Summit held in Kenya, President Akufo-Addo highlighted the proactive steps taken by African nations to enhance climate resilience and stressed the need for international financial support to complement these efforts.
“Once we strive to do our bit to haul climate change at the national level, we expect also a lot to be done at the international level. One major issue of concern to us is the need to streamline access to international climate finance to complement national funding.”
“I believe this forum will shed more light on practical ways to mobilize financial resources to support the implementation of national climate actions. Especially how we can guarantee a different future from the past and ensure that the commitments of the developed world towards climate finance, which have not been met in the past, will be met in the future,” he stated.
He expressed hope that the summit would provide insights into practical methods for mobilizing financial resources to facilitate the implementation of national climate initiatives. Additionally, he underscored the importance of ensuring that developed countries fulfill their past commitments to climate finance and pledged support for future obligations.
President Akufo-Addo highlighted the positive impact of the ban on illegal mining, known as “galamsey,” in reducing carbon emissions. This policy intervention, aimed at preventing the destruction of water bodies and forest reserves, has played a significant role in decreasing the country’s carbon footprint.
Furthermore, he pointed out that several flagship policy initiatives, including “Planting for Food and Jobs,” “One Village, One Dam,” and the ban on illegal mining, have contributed to reducing carbon emissions and enhancing the nation’s resilience against the adverse effects of climate change. Notably, the government’s efforts have resulted in positive outcomes aligned with Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly the objective of reducing carbon emissions. The authors: Prof. Raphael Nyarkotey Obu is a full professor of Naturopathy and a recognized prolific writer and Martina Akusika Mensah is a Ghanaian Lawyer and a Gender Activist.
This article aims to create awareness of bedroom nuisance only.
The Gbi Traditional Council has urged President Akufo-Addo to initiate an unbiased investigation into the recent unrest in Gordenu, Volta Region.
The unrest erupted following a confrontation between the police and Gordenu residents, ultimately resulting in the burning of a police patrol vehicle.
During a press conference held in Hohoe, Togbega Gabusu VII, the Paramount Chief of the Gbi Traditional Area, stressed the necessity for an independent investigation.
“In light of the recurring events in the Gbi Traditional Area in recent years, on behalf of the district, we appeal to the President of the Republic of Ghana to promptly establish an independent committee to scrutinize all instances of police brutality and the unfortunate loss of innocent lives in the district,” he declared.
Meanwhile, Member of Parliament (MP) for Hohoe, John Peter Amewu, has appealed to the police to refrain from re-entering Gordenu, fearing that such a move could rekindle disturbances and escalate violence.
During an interview on Eyewitness News on Citi FM in Accra, Mr. Amewu expressed his concerns, saying, “I attempted to mediate between the IGP and the local chief to calm the situation, but the community’s youth remain deeply aggrieved. I received a call indicating that the police were preparing to return to the community.”
He continued, “I appeal, through this platform, to the police commander and anyone else who may be listening, to cease such actions immediately, as it could exacerbate tensions and chaos if they attempt to re-enter the community.
The chief still holds sway, and I anticipate that the police will apply the training they have received from the IGP in their operations. Therefore, I implore them not to venture back into the community.”
Scanning through Kofi Kumado’s book “Introduction to The Law of Torts in Ghana” (2nd Edition) Page 95 on Private Nuisance, we chanced on an interesting question he asked on excessive noise during sexual intercourse and the legal implications.
This question stems from the definition of private nuisance. Indeed, a private nuisance is defined in Bamford v Turnley 1860 as “any continuous activity or state of affairs causing a substantial and unreasonable interference with a [claimant’s] land or his use or enjoyment of that land.”
Kofi Kumado held the view that the crux of a nuisance then is the unreasonableness of conduct. Consequently, he said, the problems in nuisance turn on reasonableness. For instance, in determining the reasonableness, the Courts look at both the defendant’s conduct and its effect on the plaintiff.
He further explained that when interference as alleged has to do with a plaintiff’s enjoyment, the surrounding circumstances are relevant, but not so relevant when the alleged interference is with material injury to property. Some common forms of private nuisance are:
noise-excessive tolling of church bells;
Vibrations;
Pestilential smells and
Escaping fumes from factories.
Private nuisance represents a balancing of conflicting interests (eg. Radio music, taxi horns), and the courts are principally concerned with the mutual adjustment of rights. The challenge we face today is that we are living in close communities where one has to put up with a reasonable degree of nuisance.
The Courts and Loud Sex Noise
The courts have rarely been asked to rule in a case where the sound of female sexual rapture is a legal issue, but it has happened in some jurisdictions. In the Ghanaian and the Gambian Courts, we are yet to witness any such case. We, however, explore some cases in other jurisdictions which could have persuasive effects.
In October 2007, at the magistrates’ court in Ipswich, Queensland, Australia, the humdrum proceedings were interrupted at one point by the sound of a gasping female voice in an advanced state of excitement.
The voice was the hi-fi ringtone on the phone of a man in the public gallery. As the sounds of ecstasy became progressively louder the court proceedings froze. The man with the extraordinary ringtone fumbled desperately to turn off his phone. He was identified and told he could be held in contempt of court and imprisoned, although the magistrate ultimately exercised mercy. One missed call, one missed cell.
Cases
In Uganda, there is a report by the LuciPost(2019) of a couple in Meru, arrested and charged for noisy sex. According to a court hearing, three people, 24-year-old Chacha Mwiti and 31-year-old Joan Makokha were having loud sex claiming they were stuck while Magoola Twaha, a 27-year-old Ugandan man who posed as a witch doctor, pretended to be helping them out.
In Australia, another first case is reported by The Advertiser (2012) of Colin and Jessie who will have to give quiet sex a go or perhaps issue headphones to their neighbors. They were charged after repeated complaints about their passionate but noisy love-making, which prompted police to force them to step in to give their neighbors some peace. The couple became the first to be charged with offenses under the Environmental Protection Act – as a direct result of their noisy sex.
In the Cartwright bedroom case(2009), Caroline Cartwright, 48, was remanded in custody and later charged with three breaches of her Asbo( anti-social behavior order)in just 10 days. The four-year order was imposed by magistrates in Sunderland on April 17 and prevented Cartwright from “making excessive noise” anywhere in England.
However, Houghton le Spring Magistrates Court heard police arrested her on April 18, on April 22, and again on April 26 after reports from neighbors she was flouting the ban with her husband Steve. She was subsequently charged with three counts of breaching her Asbo by making excessive noise that could be heard by neighbors.
The court heard that her neighbor Rachel O’Connor called the police after hearing Cartwright shouting and screaming for 10 minutes during lovemaking on the morning of March 14.
The next day O’Connor’s partner Vince Wilson also called the police after the defendant could be heard singing at the top of her voice to dance music blasting out from her terraced house.
The court was told police officers, who attended the neighbours’ flat, heard 20 minutes of loud music and singing before arresting Cartwright. Prosecutor Claire Ward said neighbours had complained to police on three occasions about early morning noises of shouting, moaning, groaning, and a bed banging against the wall coming from the Cartwrights’ home.
Cartwright was convicted for five breaches of an abatement notice and fined a total of £515, and magistrates also imposed the Asbo.
Another case was reported by Gena Kaufman(2014) of Romeo Artemio Lori, a 42-year-old man in Italy who was also jailed after his neighbours filed a civil lawsuit over the loud noises of his lover’s screaming, which disturbed the peace and “the building’s decorum.” The charge against him was actually for stalking, but he argues that he was punished for being too good at sex. He was found guilty and jailed for six months.
They were further ordered to have sex only in the daytime after the man’s wails of ecstasy provoked complaints from neighbours. Retirees next door, who claimed the grunts equalled decibel levels of a jackhammer, will now be able to sleep soundly after a Rome judge imposed a sex ban from 11 p.m. to 7 a.m. on a married couple. This is the third case of roof-raising sex to hit Italian courts in a year; all three judges have imposed a blackout on sonorous lovemaking at night.
In Birmingham City Council v Gemma Wale(12 May 2015), the respondent, Wale was given a two-week prison sentence after a civil court judge concluded that she had breached the order by screaming and shouting while having sex at a level of noise that annoyed a neighbour.
Judge Kelly concluded that Wale had breached an antisocial behaviour order. She said Birmingham city council took legal action after a neighbour complained. Kelly said the antisocial behaviour order had barred Wale from making loud sex noises and from causing a nuisance by playing loud music, shouting, swearing, making banging noises, stamping, and slamming doors.
The judge concluded that she had also breached the order by arguing with her boyfriend, swearing at a neighbour, “banging around the house” and “running around in the property”. She imposed separate two-week jail terms on Wale for each breach but said all terms would run concurrently.
The judge indicated that Wale lived on a property owned by the Birmingham council and said she had heard evidence from a council housing officer and one of Wale’s neighbours. Kelly said a neighbour had complained that at about 5 am on 29 January paragraph 3 of the order had been breached. “Gemma started screaming and shouting while having sex, which woke us up,” said the neighbour. “This lasted 10 minutes.”
The judge concluded: “I am satisfied that during the early hours of 29 January 2015, at around 5 am, the defendant was guilty of screaming and shouting whilst having sex at a level of noise which caused nuisance or annoyance to (a neighbour).”
Unreasonableness
The question is how much is unreasonable in nuisance in bedroom sound? In Cartwrights’ case, the local council recorded the noise at 47 decibels which is more than the 45 decibels.
The EPA states:
Noise levels for various areas are identified according to the use of the area. Levels of 45 decibels are associated with indoor residential areas, hospitals, and schools, whereas 55 decibels are identified for certain outdoor areas where human activity takes place. A level of 70 decibels is identified for all areas to prevent hearing loss.
We state that it’s not illegal to have consensual sex, but it can also be heard of as a nuisance by a neutral bystander(s). In Cartwrights’ case, she appealed claiming that she is unable to stop the loud shouting and screaming she makes during lovemaking with her husband Steve. However, she lost the appeal against an order banning her from making loud noises during sexual activity.
The British Court said she can’t have loud sex. Hence, we urged everyone to keep it safe and keep it down, as there are possible legal implications of loud noise during sex. It will be interesting to explore the law on this in Ghana, the Gambia, and others.
The authors: Prof. Raphael Nyarkotey Obu is a full professor of Naturopathy and a recognized prolific writer and Martina Akusika Mensah is a Ghanaian Lawyer and a Gender Activist.
This article aims to create awareness of bedroom nuisance only.
On Monday, September 4, Ghana formally presented its ratified instrument of the African Union (AU) Convention on Cross-Border Cooperation to the African Union Commission.
This significant event took place at the African Union Commission Headquarters in Addis Ababa.
Ghana has now become the eighth country to ratify this Convention, marking a milestone in its commitment to cross-border cooperation. The initial agreement to the Convention was signed by Ghana on July 4, 2017, and subsequently ratified by the Parliament of Ghana on February 9, 2023.
Major General Emmanuel Kotia, the National Coordinator of Ghana Boundary Commission, represented Ghana during the presentation at the African Union Commission.
He emphasized that Ghana had fulfilled its obligations by depositing the ratified instrument, which was signed by the President of Ghana, Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, on April 25, 2023.
The instrument was officially received by Dr. Guy Fleury-Ntawari, the Director of Legal Counsel at the African Union Commission, in the presence of officials from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Ghana Embassy in Ethiopia.
The President of the Institute for Security and Disaster Management Studies, Dr. Ishmael Norman, has called upon the ad hoc committee tasked with investigating the leaked tape related to the removal of the Inspector General of Police (IGP) to conduct all sessions in public.
In his view, holding closed-door, in-camera sessions would not serve the interests of transparency and accountability.
Instead, he emphasized that such sessions could foster mistrust in the entire investigative process.
Dr. Norman stressed that the public has a fundamental right to be informed about the issues afflicting the police force and the steps being taken to address them, as the police service is ultimately established to serve the people.
“Look, everybody in Ghana knows the police system has a problem, and the people complaining are people who should know or should have known. Therefore if you go behind the camera we will already now suppose that this is what is happening there, this is what is happening there, and it’s going to create conspiracy theories about what is happening.
“It is not good. Let the people know what is happening because it is the people’s service, not the government’s service. We pay for Dampare’s salary; we pay for the police officer’s salary.”
Dr. Norman expressed concerns that conducting proceedings behind closed doors might encourage speculation and fuel conspiracy theories, which could be detrimental to the reputation of the police force.
Furthermore, he voiced support for the investigation of the IGP, George Akuffo Dampare, but disagreed with the committee’s decision to hold in-camera sessions.
He argued that the pervasive issues within the Ghanaian police system are well-known to the public, and conducting secretive sessions could lead people to make assumptions about what transpires during the investigation.
Dr. Norman dismissed the notion that national security concerns justified the closed-door approach.
In his perspective, the real national security challenge lies in the identity politics at play within the police system, which is a more significant issue than any revelations that might emerge from the hearings.
He pointed out that identity politics permeates many institutions in Ghana, representing a systemic problem that poses a destabilizing influence on the country.
“What national security problem could that be? Already the police service is compromised in a deep systemic way, NPP, NDC and it’s just not the police service. It is almost every institution in Ghana.
“So this is a tip of the iceberg of all that is wrong with Ghana because of identity politics…and it is a very systemic and destabilizing effect in Ghana,” he said.
The Economist Intelligence Unit (EIU) has stated that Ghana and other African countries’ headline inflation will remain high in 2023 and 2024, fueling public discontent.
In its 2023 report on Africa’s Operational Risk Outlook, the UK-based firm stated that the anticipated rise in headline inflation would be attributable to factors such as soaring global commodity and food prices, as well as local currency depreciation against the US dollar, among other influences.
“Regional headline inflation will remain high, driven by still-high global commodity prices, lingering supply-chain tightness, high regional food prices and local-currency weakness against the US dollar for most countries, fuelling discontent in 2023-24—as already seen in Ghana, South Africa, Kenya, Tunisia and Madagascar”.
‘Inflation also continues to run high as subsidy regimes buckle under the fiscal strain—including in Angola, Malawi, Nigeria, Ethiopia, Sudan and Madagascar”, it pointed out.
The report highlights that inflation remains elevated due to fiscal pressures on subsidy programs in Angola, Malawi, Nigeria, Ethiopia, Sudan, and Madagascar.
Moreover, the report issued a cautionary note regarding the potential consequences of growing public discontent due to deteriorating living conditions.
This discontent could manifest itself in hostility toward affluent foreigners and instances of property damage, potentially leading to an upswing in both violent criminal activity and protests.
Furthermore, if the sharp inflationary trend continues unchecked, it may result in a decline in living standards, exacerbating public frustration, especially as wages struggle to keep pace with rising prices across the region.
This predicament poses significant challenges for economically disadvantaged households, making it increasingly difficult for them to afford essential daily necessities.
The EIU underscored the gravity of this situation, particularly in the context of widespread poverty and high unemployment prevalent in many African regions. It also highlighted the potential for labor unrest, as large-scale protests might prompt employees of major manufacturing firms to organize strikes in a bid to secure better wages.
The administration of Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital (KATH) has refuted the claim that the fake doctor apprehended at the hospital on Monday, September 4, 2023, and subsequently turned over to the police, had any involvement in patient care at the referral center.
In an official statement released by the hospital, the Director of Public Relations, clarified that the individual in question was intercepted by the Director of Nursing Services while on the walkway behind the A&E Centre.
“The suspect was not found in any of the service points at the hospital but accosted at an open space and could therefore, not be said to have attended to patients as being circulated”, the statement explained.
It added that the Director of Nursing Services’ suspicion was triggered by the young man’s responses to inquiries regarding his identity and purpose within the hospital premises.
Further elucidating the incident, the statement disclosed that the Director of Nursing Services encountered the individual, who was carrying a backpack and wearing attire bearing the name ‘Dr. Williams Cyril Cohen,’ behind the A&E Centre during her routine rounds.
When queried about his identity and the reason for his presence at the hospital, the suspect asserted that he had simply passed through the facility to deliver an item to someone before attempting to depart hastily.
The statement went on to describe how the Director of Nursing Services, harboring suspicions, raised the alarm, leading to the apprehension of the young man as he attempted to flee. He was subsequently transferred into police custody.
Additionally, the statement clarified the hospital’s operational structure, emphasizing the existence of a team-based system responsible for both inpatient care and outpatient services.
Individuals not affiliated with these closely integrated teams do not have access to patient care facilities within the hospital.
The statement also highlighted the hospital’s recent implementation of computerized clinical operations through the Electronic Medical Records System, which is exclusively accessible to accredited staff members utilizing unique passwords.
Consequently, it was underscored that non-staff members are unable to perform diagnoses, reviews, or prescribe medications for patients. Thus, the assertion that the suspect had treated patients and administered medications prior to his arrest was deemed untrue.
In conclusion, the statement assured the public that the hospital maintains stringent protocols to safeguard patient care and privacy, and any claims to the contrary are without merit.
“Again the hospital has for some time now computerized its clinical operations and all patient care services are done through the Electronic Medical Records System accessible to only accredited members of staff using their unique passwords”, some parts of the statement read.
Old students of O’Reilly Senior High School (SHS), Mr. Samuel Quansah Quarcoo and his friends in the United States have generously donated a new state-of-the-art visual art classroom block to the school.
The dedication ceremony, graced by students, parents, community members, and alumni, took place on August 15, 2023. Mr. Quarcoo and his associates, present at the event, shared their motivations for this remarkable contribution.
“We firmly believe in equal access to quality education for every child, regardless of their background. This new classroom block will offer our students the ideal space and resources to pursue their visual arts aspirations,” expressed Mr. Quarcoo.
The new facility boasts state-of-the-art technology and flexible learning environments adaptable to diverse instructional needs. Additionally, it includes a designated area for art supplies and equipment storage.
Mrs. Comfort Adu-Boakye, the Headmistress of O’Reilly SHS, conveyed her heartfelt appreciation to Mr. Quarcoo and his associates for their benevolent gift. “This classroom block is a game-changer for our school, enabling us to provide our students with a world-class visual arts education,” she remarked.
Beyond the classroom block, Mr. Quarcoo and his associates also donated 22 brand-new laptops, solar lighting systems, 200 desks, school bags, and a significant amount of stationery, collectively valued at thousands of dollars.
The Mampong Akuapem Traditional Council has implemented a strict noise ban in line with the 2023 Ohum Odwira festival, which begun on Monday, September 4, 2023.
The ban, which will be in effect for a duration of two weeks, encompasses all activities associated with noise-making, including events such as funerals within the area.
During a media briefing, Nana Yirenkyi I, the Mampong Akuapem Apesemakehene, announced this measure and underscored its significance. He also cautioned that those who disregard the directive would face consequences.
To ensure the peaceful observance of the festival, the traditional council will collaborate closely with the Mampong police to rigorously enforce this noise ban.
The Ohum Odwira festival holds great cultural and historical significance for the Akuapem people of Ghana, particularly in the Akuapem Traditional Area, which includes towns and villages like Mampong Akuapem, Akropong, and Aburi.
This annual celebration serves as a tribute to the rich history, traditions, and heritage of the Akuapem community.
Addressing the 2023 Africa Climate Summit in Nairobi, Kenya, President Akufo-Addo underscored the effectiveness of the ban on illegal mining, known as galamsey, in reducing carbon emissions.
The President emphasized that the galamsey ban, which had been causing damage to water bodies and forest reserves, has contributed significantly to curbing carbon emissions in the country.
President Akufo-Addo also attributed the reduction in carbon emissions to various flagship policy initiatives, including “Planting for Food and Jobs,” “One Village, One Dam,” and the ban on illegal mining.
These initiatives have collectively contributed to mitigating carbon emissions and enhancing Ghana’s resilience in the face of climate change impacts.
“We placed a ban on illegal mining the phenomenon we call galamsey which was destroying our water bodies, vegetation and our forest. Some 20, 000 young people have been engaged to plant more than 30 million trees in two years to create jobs and restore degraded lands.
“These policy initiatives are already yielding positive results in the attainment of SDG Goals, particularly the goal of reducing our carbon emissions,” President Akufo-Addo said.
He further called on fellow African nations to take similar actions to reduce carbon emissions and strengthen their resilience against the adverse effects of climate change.
Meanwhile, in a related development, the community of Akyem Hemang, located in the Fanteakwa South District of the Eastern Region, has issued a 10-day ultimatum to the Ghana Police Service, Eastern Regional Coordinating Council, and the local assembly. They demand that these authorities either expel or apprehend illegal miners responsible for polluting water bodies and damaging farmlands in the area.
The Chiefs and residents warned that if these agencies fail to halt the activities of the miners within the stipulated 10-day period, the community will take matters into their own hands to protect and preserve their water bodies and agricultural lands.
Osabarima Mmirrikkissi Okasum Apori Atta, the Chief of Akyem Hemang, expressed his people’s growing frustration, stating that, “we know you have done your best, but it is not good enough, if you can’t do it, give us about 10 policemen to accompany us. Who has authorised them to come and mine our waterbodies in the first place? We cannot build Ghana in this way…I cannot hold back the anger of my people again.
“Within 10 days, if we don’t hear anything we will apply officially, to follow due process to go on demonstration and we will need police guard to drive them away. If there are no laws in this land, let us know so we take the laws into our own hands.”
Two individuals are receiving medical care at Tetteh Quashie Memorial Hospital as a result of an accident that occurred on Tuesday morning, September 5, at Mamfe along the main Accra-Koforidua highway.
According to eyewitnesses, the accident transpired when a tanker truck, descending the Mamfe Hill, reportedly experienced brake failure and subsequently collided with six vehicles traveling in the opposite direction, resulting in damage to all six vehicles.
Emergency personnel from the Ghana Police Service, National Fire Service, and the Ambulance Service were swiftly dispatched to the scene to facilitate rescue operations and manage traffic.
They promptly transported four individuals to Tetteh Quashie Hospital, where two of them are reported to be in critical condition.
Describing the incident to Citi News, eyewitness Samuel Kofi Karikari stated, “There was this fuel tanker that was coming from, I think, possibly Accra heading towards Koforidua. Upon descending the Mamfe mountain, his brakes developed a fault and he started colliding with oncoming cars. The total number of vehicles involved in the incident, including the tanker, is seven.”
“We have five private cars, one commercial car which is a trotro, and the tanker itself. There were around four casualties, with two in critical condition. One had a broken arm, and another sustained a head injury. We promptly called in the media, police, and fire service as well.”
The Koforidua police have initiated an inquiry into the unfortunate demise of two women who tragically passed away separately on Monday morning, September 4.
The initial incident involved an elderly woman who was fatally struck by a speeding taxi at the Koforidua Old Estate Junction.
An eyewitness account revealed that the victim was attempting to cross the road when the speeding taxi collided with her, resulting in her immediate demise. In a panic, the taxi driver fled the scene, abandoning the vehicle.
In a parallel incident, residents of Gyamfikrom near Dabi Asem in the New Juaben North Municipality awoke to a grim discovery—a lifeless middle-aged market woman. She is suspected to have fallen victim to an attack by unidentified assailants.
The motive behind this tragic event remains unclear. Nevertheless, the police have responded swiftly, arriving at the scene to transport the deceased to St. Joseph Hospital.
They have initiated an inquiry and are urging both residents and the general public to come forward with any information that may aid in their investigation.
The inhabitants and leaders of Akyem Hemang, an agricultural community situated in the Fanteakwa South District of the Eastern Region, are demanding swift action from the Ghana Police Service, Eastern Regional Coordinating Council, and the local assembly.
They have given a strict ultimatum of 10 days to either expel or apprehend illegal miners who are causing severe pollution of water sources and devastating farmlands in their vicinity.
Should these governmental entities fail to put a stop to the illicit mining activities within the specified timeframe, the community asserts its intention to take matters into their own hands, resorting to self-preservation to safeguard their water resources and agricultural lands.
The Chief of Akyem Hemang, Osabarima Mmirrikkissi Okasum Apori Atta, conveyed his people’s growing frustration during a press conference, emphasizing their determination to act if necessary.
“We know you have done your best, but it is not good enough, if you can’t do it, give us about 10 policemen to accompany us. Who has authorised them to come and mine our waterbodies in the first place? We cannot build Ghana in this way…I cannot hold back the anger of my people again.
“Within 10 days, if we don’t hear anything we will apply officially, to follow due process to go on demonstration and we will need police guard to drive them away. If there are no laws in this land, let us know so we take the laws into our own hands.”
In the midst of this turmoil, some irate members of the community voiced their frustrations to the media, placing blame on the government for its perceived ineffectiveness in combating illegal mining in the country.
Meanwhile, Ernest Ofosu, the District Chief Executive for Fanteakwa South and Chairman of the District Security Council (DISEC), has provided reassurance that an emergency DISEC meeting will be promptly convened to address the concerns raised by the community.
On Monday, September 4, the International Vaccine Institute (IVI Korea) and EuBiologics signed a significant Technology Transfer Agreement with DEK Vaccines Limited, paving the way for the transfer of technology to manufacture oral cholera vaccine (OCV) in Ghana starting in 2024.
This agreement facilitates EuBiologics in extending technical support, capacity enhancement, and innovative solutions to DEK Vaccines Ltd, ultimately enhancing the production and availability of life-saving OCVs within Ghana.
The core objective behind this technology transfer to DEK is to bolster global vaccine production capabilities, thus narrowing the gap in vaccine accessibility for African children. This initiative is an integral component of Ghana’s Vaccine Manufacturing project.
The Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of DEK Vaccines Ltd, Dr. Kofi Nsiah-Poku, expressed optimism about the commencement of a promising journey towards technological advancement and collaborative vaccine manufacturing in Ghana, West Africa, and the entire African continent.
He emphasized that this technology transfer acts as a bridge connecting Asia and Africa, underscoring the power of collaboration where individuals and organizations unite to share their expertise, knowledge, and resources for the greater good. Dr. Nsiah-Poku also urged all stakeholders to employ vaccine manufacturing technology transfer in an ethical manner to meet the standards set by the World Health Organization (WHO).
Rachel Park, Director of the International Marketing Team at EuBiologics, conveyed the company’s anticipation of a successful commercialization of the oral cholera vaccine and the expansion of partnerships for other vaccines.
Beyond OCV, EuBiologics is considering the development of combination vaccines for typhoid and meningitis, diseases that have imposed a significant burden on Africa. She added that this collaboration with DEK for the oral cholera vaccine is just the beginning of their efforts.
Cholera, caused by the Vibrio cholerae bacterium, is an acute diarrheal infection transmitted through contaminated food or water. It remains a global public health threat and an indicator of social inequality and underdevelopment. Cholera symptoms include severe diarrhea, vomiting, thirst, leg cramps, and restlessness. Although cholera is treatable with immediate oral rehydration solution (ORS) for most patients and intravenous fluids with suitable antibiotics for severe cases, oral cholera vaccines play a crucial role in disease prevention and building immunity.
Seongmin Andrea Kim, representing the International Vaccine Institute, emphasized that the DEK & EuBiologics technology transfer for OCV holds immense potential to significantly impact the global vaccination landscape, particularly in the African region. She characterized this initiative as a substantial stride forward in Africa’s battle against infectious diseases.
Delese Darko, CEO of the Food and Drugs Authority (FDA), provided assurance that the FDA would ensure that all parties adhere to good manufacturing practices and regulatory standards.
The Chairman of the Public Accounts Committee (PAC), James Klutse-Avedzi, has suggested that the committee is considering the possibility of inviting the Ghana Tertiary Education Commission (GTEC) to address the issue of significant delays in accrediting new academic programs or renewing existing ones.
Mr. Klutse-Avedzi disclosed this during the commencement of the Second Zone Public Hearing in Sunyani.
The primary purpose of this hearing was to review the Auditor-General’s reports on the public accounts of Ghana, specifically focusing on Technical Universities and Second Cycle Institutions for the fiscal year ending on December 31, 2021.
During the proceedings, Tamale Central MP, Murtala Mohammed, and Builsa South MP, Dr. Clement Apaak, both members of the Committee, expressed their deep concerns regarding the prolonged accreditation process for university programs.
They emphasized that these delays negatively impact students who have already completed their studies and are eager to utilize their certificates for further education or job applications.
These concerns were raised while representatives from Kumasi Technical University, including the Director of Finance, Registrar, Vice-Chancellor, and other university managers, were presenting their responses to various infractions identified in the Auditor-General’s Report.
Currently, approximately 16 programs at the university are awaiting accreditation at different stages.
The Committee Chairman used the opportunity to advise universities to apply for accreditation renewal for existing courses at least one year in advance.
He also emphasized the importance of institutions adhering to the country’s financial regulations to prevent their inclusion in future Auditor-General’s Reports.
Additionally, several other institutions, including Sunyani Technical University, Al-Faruq College of Education, Enchi College of Education, and Sefwi Wiawso College of Education, appeared before the Committee.
It’s worth noting that GTEC is the result of the merger between the former National Council for Tertiary Education (NCTE) and the National Accreditation Board (NAB).
The Commission on Human Rights and Administrative Justice (CHRAJ) is advocating for thorough engagement between Parliament and Ghana’s LGBTQ+ community before advancing the Promotion of Proper Human Sexual Rights and Ghanaian Family Values Bill.
CHRAJ specifically calls upon Parliament to initiate inclusive dialogues with all stakeholders to protect minority rights and preserve their dignity.
In the midst of Africa’s ongoing debates about LGBTQ+ rights, CHRAJ emphasizes the need for authorities to establish an open platform for discussions, negotiations, and deliberations on these contentious matters.
Deputy CHRAJ Commissioner Mercy Larbi, representing Commissioner Joseph Whittal, stressed the importance of extensive consultations by Parliament before passing the bill. This approach aims to safeguard the interests of all involved parties.
“It is in recognition of this reality that CHRAJ, as part of its contribution to the LGBT debate which ensued as a result of the consideration of the Proper Human Sexual Rights and Proper Family Values Bill, submitted a memorandum to Parliament and strongly recommended to the House to embark on extensive engagements with all stakeholders, including the LGBT community, to arrive at outcomes that secure the dignity of everyone.”
“CHRAJ believes that it is when we listen to one another as Africans that we can agree to uphold the fundamental rights of our brothers and sisters who may not necessarily look like the majority of the population,” she stated.
The Member of Parliament for Suame Constituency and the Majority Leader of Parliament, Osei Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu, has called upon the flagbearer aspirants of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) to step aside for vice president, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia to lead the party in the 2024 elections.
In an interview with the media on September 4, 2023, Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu revealed that he had proposed this idea as early as 2020, suggesting Dr. Bawumia as the party’s presidential candidate with Alan Kyerematen as his vice-presidential running mate.
However, his proposal didn’t gain traction at the time, leading to multiple candidates entering the race for the party’s flagbearer position.
He explained that some party elders had cautioned against this course of action, expressing concerns about potential negative consequences.
Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu noted that Dr. Bawumia appears to be leading, given his substantial margin of victory in the party’s recent super delegates’ elections, where he secured over 68% of the vote, while the other candidates collectively received the remaining 32%.
When asked about the possibility of discouraging the other candidates, Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu emphasized the importance of following the party’s constitution. If the contenders choose to continue their campaigns, the contest must proceed in accordance with party rules.
Regarding advice for Alan Kwadwo Kyerematen, Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu clarified that he had not betrayed Alan. He had merely advocated for a different leadership arrangement in 2020, which did not materialize due to various factors and the advice of party elders.
Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu expressed his belief that, for the sake of party unity, some candidates might consider withdrawing from the race voluntarily.
However, he acknowledged that the party’s constitution remains supreme, and if the candidates decide to continue, the contest must proceed accordingly.
During the NPP super delegates election held on August 26, 2023, Bawumia emerged as the frontrunner with 68.15% of the votes, followed by Kennedy Agyapong with 14.30% and Alan Kyerematen with 10.29%.
This reduced the pool of contenders from 10 to five, and the final round, scheduled for November, will determine the NPP’s presidential candidate for the 2024 general elections.
The Lagos Rail Mass Transit Blue Line System in Nigeria has finally commenced commercial operations after four decades.
The Governor of Lagos State, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, marked the occasion by becoming the first passenger to ride the train during its inaugural journey, which took place on Monday.
The train’s route took it from the Marina terminal to Mile 2, and then it made a return trip from Mile 2 to Marina.
The Managing Director of the Lagos Metropolitan Area Transport Authority, Mrs. Abimbola Akinajo, had earlier announced that commercial operations for the Lagos Blue Line Rail would start on Monday, September 4, with Governor Sanwo-Olu as the first passenger.
The concept of a metro line for Lagos State was first introduced in 1983 during the administration of the late Alhaji Lateef Jakande, the state’s first civilian governor. Despite initial preparations, the project was halted due to a military coup led by Major-General Muhammadu Buhari.
The project was revived in 2003 by former Governor Bola Tinubu, two decades after its initial proposal. The Blue Line rail construction, spanning 27 kilometers, began during the tenure of former Governor Babatunde Fashola. The project was planned in phases, with the first phase covering the Marina to Mile 2 section.
Subsequent administrations, including that of former Governor Akinwunmi Ambode, promised completion dates for the project, which were not met.
However, in January 2023, former President Muhammadu Buhari inaugurated the first phase, and it was announced that commercial operations would begin in March 2023, with the date later postponed to September 4, 2023.
Governor Sanwo-Olu expressed his excitement at the launch of the Blue Line rail and emphasized that it was a promise fulfilled. He announced that the Red Line rail was nearly complete and would be unveiled by the end of the year.
The governor also highlighted plans for the commissioning of various bridges and stations, as well as the opening of key transportation links in the coming months.
Head of Neurology and Child Service at Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital, Prof. Eben Badoe, has disclosed that approximately 22,000 individuals in the country are living with cerebral palsy.
Speaking at a Cerebral Palsy Awareness Conference in Accra, Prof. Badoe explained that while Ghana lacks precise statistics, conservative estimates suggest a prevalence of around one case per 300 live births, leading to an estimated population of 22,000 with cerebral palsy in Ghana.
The event, organized by the Afrakoma Foundation, aimed to raise awareness of cerebral palsy and its causes. Prof. Badoe highlighted jaundice as a contributing factor to cerebral palsy, emphasizing the need for careful consideration of this issue.
He also mentioned that premature birth significantly increases the risk of cerebral palsy.
Cerebral palsy is a common cause of physical disability globally, with its prevalence rising despite declining prenatal and neonatal mortality rates.
The Deputy Minister of Health, Tina Mensah, praised the foundation’s efforts in raising awareness and supporting individuals with cerebral palsy.
She emphasized the importance of continuous support for children with cerebral palsy and the government’s commitment to universal health coverage to achieve Sustainable Development Goal 3 by 2030.
The Founder of Afrakoma Foundation, Amani-Aminah Iddrisu, called on the government to subsidize healthcare costs for individuals living with cerebral palsy. She noted that the cost of healthcare for affected children, even in public healthcare facilities, was prohibitively high.
The Minister for Lands and Natural Resources and co-Chair of the Forests and Climate Leaders’ Partnership (FCLP), Samuel Abu Jinapor, has reaffirmed Ghana’s dedication to taking the lead in nature-based climate action.
He emphasized that the global climate crisis necessitates collaborative efforts from all nations, and Ghana stands ready to collaborate with countries worldwide to advance nature-based climate initiatives.
This commitment was reiterated during the launch of the FCLP working group focused on Strengthening Supply and Demand of High-Integrity Forest Carbon Credits, held on the sidelines of the Africa Climate Summit in Nairobi, Kenya.
The Africa Climate Summit is part of a series of regional climate summits leading up to the twenty-eighth Conference of Parties (COP28) of the United Nations Framework on Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC).
During the launch event, attended by Secretary John Kerry, the United States Presidential Envoy on Climate and Co-Chair of the FCLP, Minister Jinapor stressed the timeliness of the Africa Climate Summit and its urgency in rallying stakeholders to address the climate crisis.
He highlighted the critical role of forests, which contribute one-third of global climate solutions, in achieving the target of limiting global warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius.
Minister Jinapor emphasized the FCLP’s commitment to halting and reversing forest loss and land degradation by 2030, aligning with the Glasgow Leaders’ Declaration on Forests and Land Use. He announced the formation of a working group, co-led by Ghana, Gabon, Guyana, and the United Kingdom, tasked with addressing issues related to High-Integrity Forest Carbon Credit Supply and Demand.
This working group is expected to unveil a roadmap and strategy for strengthening and expanding forest carbon credits by COP28 and COP30. It will also focus on implementing mid-term actions to bolster high-integrity forest carbon finance and announce forest carbon results-based finance transactions. Ghana intends to play a leading role in this working group and within the broader FCLP to accelerate nature-based climate action.
Minister Jinapor called upon all nations and stakeholders to join forces with Ghana in ushering in a new era of sustainable forest management and climate resilience, thereby contributing to global climate action.
The Member of Parliament for the Korle Klottey constituency, Zanetor Agyeman-Rawlings, has expressed her unwavering commitment to prioritizing her service to her constituents.
According to her, she has encountered numerous reasons to consider from stepping down as MP, but her deep affection for her constituents is the driving force preventing her from taking such a step.
Speaking to the media she voiced her concern regarding the deliberate removal of her campaign posters within her constituency.
She pointed out that this unfair practice gives her opponents in both the National Democratic Congress (NDC) and the New Patriotic Party (NPP) an unfair advantage, as their posters remain untouched.
Dr. Agyeman-Rawlings revealed that this behavior is carried out by certain members of her own political party.
Despite facing such challenges, Dr. Agyeman-Rawlings remains undeterred and is not troubled by the intimidation, as she entered the political race fully aware that preferential treatment was not guaranteed.
She proudly mentioned her victory in the NDC primaries as evidence of her commitment to serving her constituency, even in the face of adversity.
During an interview with the media, she spoke out against the politics of insults, particularly those targeting women. She strongly condemned such derogatory comments, recognizing the harm they inflict on society.
“Despite facing external forces and adversity, I managed to secure victory in the primaries. I entered this journey with the understanding that preferential treatment was not guaranteed. Although there have been moments of challenge and doubt, I have never regretted my decision to serve my constituency. I have always found the strength to persevere and stay committed to my goals” she said.
Dr. Zanetor emphasized the additional challenges that women encounter when subjected to such insults, making it difficult for them to thrive in various spheres.
Zanetor called for a collective shift in mindset to create a safer and more inclusive environment for women, expressing her commitment to being a positive role model, especially for her daughters, and shielding them from the harm caused by such insults.
“I am committed to setting a positive example for our children, and I am determined to shield them from the harm caused by such insults” she stated.
She also highlighted the crucial role of the media in advancing gender equality, citing the Constitution’s recognition of the media’s societal function.
Despite numerous challenges and setbacks, Zanetor Agyeman-Rawlings remains steadfast in her determination to serve her constituents and contribute to positive change within her constituency and beyond.
The Municipal Chief Executive (MCE) for Nkwanta South, Bright Lenwah, has announced that the local government will cover the medical expenses incurred by the victims who were involved in the collapse of the Dejebo bridge on Sunday evening.
The MCE personally visited the victims at the hospital and requested that all medical bills be provided to the assembly for settlement. Among the injured, two individuals are currently receiving treatment at Nkwanta St. Joseph Catholic Hospital.
One of the victims, 21-year-old Paul Obimpeh, remains hospitalized.
He was traveling with his father from Tuobodom, a suburb of Nkwanta town, at the time of the incident.
In an interview with Adom News, the MCE revealed that an emergency meeting of the Municipal Security Council (MUSEC) has already been convened, and police personnel have been dispatched to the area to take control of the situation and prevent any potential future disasters.
He emphasized the growing danger the situation posed to residents and commuters and cautioned them against using the bridge until further notice.
The former Deputy General Secretary of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Nana Obiri Boahen, has issued a challenge to two university professors who have suggested the possibility of Vice President, Dr. Mahamamudu Bawumia not securing the party’s flagbearer position.
In his capacity as a private legal practitioner, Obiri Boahen has confidently asserted his readiness to stake his legal career against the opinions of these two professors, firmly believing that Bawumia will emerge victorious in the NPP flagbearer race.
In an interview with the media he sated that “mark it at any permanent place, Prof Gyampo says Bawumia cannot win and I am insisting he will win. He should bet his position as UTAG president on it, I am also willing to bet my legal practice on it.
“Both Prof Gyampfo and Prof Asah Asante. I will stop being a lawyer, I won’t ever enter a court room again,”
Obiri Boahen specifically called out both Professor Gyampo and Professor Asah Asante, making a solemn commitment, stating, “I will cease to practice law, and I will never set foot in a courtroom again.”
The New Patriotic Party is scheduled to hold its national delegates congress on November 4, 2023, where they will select a flagbearer from the pool of five candidates elected by the party’s special delegates congress.
During the electoral college vote held by the party on August 26, 2023, to reduce the number of candidates from 10 to five, Dr. Bawumia received the highest number of votes, amassing over 600 votes, which accounted for approximately 68% of the total votes cast.
Commission on Human Rights and Administrative Justice (CHRAJ) has praised Asantehene Otumfuo Osei Tutu II for his efforts to combat illegal mining (galamsey).
According to him other traditional leaders must emulate Otumfuo in order to help stop the canker.
At a forum in Kumasi, Deputy Commissioner of CHRAJ, Mercy Larbi, commended the Asantehene’s practice of using his traditional authority to hold chiefs accountable for violations of their responsibilities and environmental laws related to galamsey.
Otumfuo Osei Tutu II has destooled several chiefs in public for their misconduct, including involvement in illegal mining activities and land disputes.
The destoolment of these chiefs reflects the Asantehene’s determination to address the issue of illegal mining, which has had devastating environmental and social consequences in Ghana.
Government of Ghana’s Spokesperson on Governance and Security, Palgrave Boakye-Danquah, has called on delegates to consider the future of the youth when selecting their parliamentary candidates.
Boakye-Danquah emphasized the importance of delegates considering candidates with long-term goals in mind for the upcoming NPP Parliamentary primaries.
The New Patriotic Party (NPP) in the Abuakwa North Constituency of the Eastern Region, made these remarks during the inaugural “Walk To Serve” event in the area, which took place on Saturday, September 2, 2023.
The “Walk To Serve” event aimed to mobilize grassroots members of the NPP in the constituency through exercise, socialization, advice, and counsel.
Boakye-Danquah pledged to serve diligently and with humility if elected and assured the delegates that he would prioritize equitable development distribution within the constituency.
He highlighted his ongoing development projects, such as the construction of mechanized boreholes in the constituency, and emphasized that leadership is about service.
Boakye-Danquah appealed to the delegates to vote for him in the upcoming NPP Parliamentary primaries to become the party’s Parliamentary Candidate for the Abuakwa North Constituency.
He also expressed his commitment to establishing one of the largest factories in the constituency to create job opportunities for the youth if elected as the Member of Parliament for the Abuakwa North Constituency on the NPP ticket.
The Minister of Education, Dr. Yaw Osei Adutwum, has lauded the National Service Scheme (NSS) for its significant investment in large-scale commercial farming.
He emphasized the considerable benefits that can be reaped from such investments.
Dr. Adutwum made these remarks during a tour of the Sekyere Kumawu Economic Enclave Project (SKEEP), a 20,000-acre initiative established by the NSS in the Sekyere Afram Plains District of the Ashanti Region on September 1, 2023.
The tour included the Executive Director of the NSS, Osei Assibey Antwi, and other executives, including the Chairman of the NSS Board, Nii Odoi Tetteyfio.
During the visit, the team explored the extensive farmland and visited a warehouse where harvested maize was bagged and ready for supply to schools.
The Minister expressed his satisfaction with the project and highlighted its role in providing food support for the National Buffer Stock Company (NAFCO) to aid the free senior high school (SHS) program and the school-feeding program.
The SKEEP project has already yielded a 1,000-acre maize harvest, with the harvesting of 700 acres of rice underway.
Additionally, 500 acres of soybeans, 3,000 catfish, and 1,500 tilapias are set to be harvested for the first season, and 800 coconut seedlings have been planted.
SKEEP aims to promote food import substitution, enhance food and nutritional security, and attract and retain graduate youth in commercial agriculture and its value chains. It also seeks to boost production through improved productivity techniques and establish training and mechanization centers for youth.
The Kumawu Traditional Council granted the land for the project under the leadership of Omanhene Barima Sarfo Tweneboa Kodua.
Osei Assibey Antwi, the Executive Director of the NSS, explained that the initiative aligns with the NSS’s new strategic direction, focusing on creating a viable ecosystem for youth involvement in commercial farming, particularly in maize, soybean, rice, and poultry production.
Regarding job creation, he mentioned that the first batch of 50 students majoring in agriculture in tertiary institutions had been posted to SKEEP. After completing one year of service, they will be provided with land and resources to produce and sell to the government at subsidized prices.
Approximately 400 individuals from nearby communities are currently engaged in the project, with 50 of them serving as permanent workers.
Additionally, a new 12-bedroom self-contained accommodation with a conference room is nearing completion to house national service personnel.
The Ghana National Service Personnel Association (NASPA) is calling on the National Service Scheme (NSS) to promptly disburse the outstanding allowances owed to its members.
The NSS owes its personnel two months’ worth of allowances, causing significant financial strain for the affected individuals.
Although the NSS recently increased beneficiaries’ allowances from GHS 559 to GHS 713 to help them cope with economic challenges, the outstanding arrears remain unpaid, impacting service personnel nationwide.
Oppong Siaw, President of the La Nkwantanang group, expressed the difficulties faced by NSS personnel due to the delay in allowance payments.
He highlighted that despite assurances from the Executive Director of the NSS, Osei Assibey, that the arrears would be disbursed to their e-zwich accounts, the payments had not been received as promised.
Siaw emphasized the financial strain this delay has caused, as many personnel are forced to borrow money for daily expenses, including transportation and food. He noted that the delay has left personnel feeling frustrated and disheartened, given their dedication to their roles.
“On August 18, there was an event where the Executive Director, Osei Assibey, was present and some of the service personnel asked him when the arrears would be paid. He made it clear that permission had been granted for the arrears to be disbursed to our various e-zwich accounts and that we should be expecting it last week.”
“However, as of now, the personnel have still not been paid. The personnel are hungry and tired because they feel that their work has been in vain. Most of them are just borrowing money for transportation and food,” he said.
The Director of Legal Affairs for the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Gary Nimako, has criticized former President, John Dramani Mahama for his recent comments about the judiciary.
Mr Nimako cautioned Mahama against undermining the judiciary, saying that such comments could erode public confidence in the legal system.
Mahama had suggested that President Akufo-Addo had appointed judges with political bias, alleging that the judiciary was filled with judges inclined towards the NPP. He called on NDC members to “balance out” the bench.
Nimako rejected these claims, asserting that they demonstrated a misunderstanding of how the court system works.
He argued that the appointment of judges was necessary to staff courts across the country and that there was no evidence to suggest that the judges were partisan.
Nimako emphasized the importance of preserving Ghana’s institutions of state, particularly the judiciary. He warned against damaging the reputation of the judiciary, as it could lead to a loss of trust in the legal system and potentially encourage people to take the law into their own hands.
He also stressed the significance of presenting solid evidence when bringing a case to court and urged individuals to avoid politicizing the judicial process.
“It’s very unfortunate, it exposes their lack of understanding of how the court system works, they are making it appear as if the court deals with only political cases. President Akufo-Addo has built over 100 quarters across the country, shouldn’t they be staffed by human beings, judges, and staff? Who is saying that the judges are party people? What is the check to say those there are party people? There’s no appointee serving the interest of the president. It was the same courts that made former president Mahama the president, isn’t it? The same Supreme Court, in 2013, at that time was the court a political court?”
He emphasised, “Let’s be careful not to destroy our institutions of state. The judiciary is a very sensitive institution in the history of our country. I’m not comfortable at all with the way former president Mahama is running the judiciary down. Let’s be very careful as Ghanaians, else, people will lose interest and confidence in the judiciary and say well if that is the case, they will take the law into their hands and will not go to court. Let’s be very careful as a country. If we destroy the judiciary, it’s a very dangerous precedent we are doing for ourselves. It’s a very serious matter we must look at. How do you say that we should balance an equation? Even if what you are saying is true, we should pack the courts with NDC members when you get power. How do you say that?”
Nimako questioned whether the NDC would create new courts if they came to power, given their doubts about the credibility of the current judiciary.
In summary, Nimako criticized Mahama’s comments about the judiciary, defended the credibility of the courts, and highlighted the importance of evidence-based cases in court proceedings.
Former Trade Minister Alan Kyerematen is reportedly considering announcing his withdrawal from the upcoming November 4 Presidential Primary of the New Patriotic Party (NPP).
This decision follows a disappointing performance in the recently held Super Delegates Conference, where he placed third behind Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia and Kennedy Agyapong.
In the NPP Special Delegates Conference, Kyerematen garnered only 95 out of 961 votes, securing a distant third position. Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia received 629 votes (68.15%), while Kennedy Agyapong surprisingly secured 132 votes (14.30%) to claim the second spot.
Kyerematen, a three-time flagbearer aspirant, had been expected to perform well in the primaries, and his third-place finish, behind both Dr. Bawumia and Agyapong, has raised concerns within his campaign.
A source close to Kyerematen’s campaign revealed that they are considering several options, including withdrawing from the race altogether, forming an alliance with another candidate, or continuing the process despite the challenges.
The source stated, “We have had an extensive review of the Super Delegates election, and to be honest, the numbers we registered across the country in the Super Delegates were not what we expected.
Even though we have publicly expressed our displeasure with the process, the reality is that things are not so good on the ground, and we have to honestly admit and take bold decisions.”
Among these options, withdrawal appears to be a prominent consideration, with discussions about potential mergers with other candidates who performed poorly. However, no final decision has been made yet.
Kyerematen is expected to address these concerns in a speech scheduled for Tuesday.
The source added, “Chief will speak tomorrow, and all options are open, but don’t be surprised if he announces his withdrawal tomorrow.”
Many within Kyerematen’s camp, especially coordinators across the country, reportedly support the idea of withdrawal to protest the Super Delegates’ election process and avoid further humiliation in the November primaries.
However, some also believe that participating in the race, regardless of the outcome, may be politically necessary.
The final decision is expected to be made ahead of Kyerematen’s address.
A man who was impersonating a medical doctor at the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital has been apprehended and turned over to the police.
The middle-aged individual, identified as Williams Cyril Kohen, faced questioning by hospital personnel during their routine rounds, during which their doubts were confirmed.
Subsequently, the suspect was handed over to the hospital’s police post, which then transferred the case to the Central Police Command for further investigation.
In response, the hospital’s Public Relations Officer, Kwame Frimpong, emphasized that the hospital has implemented security measures to prevent such incidents.
He explained, “At KATH, it is very difficult for people to come and claim that they are doctors and start working there because that is not how the thing works. We have a team-based system where all the team members are known, and also remember that it is a training institution, so most of the time, the people who join us are our former students, and so it is a very close-knit community, and the team members are known to each other. So you cannot just be part of the team out of the blue.”
He further highlighted the hospital’s electronic medical records system, which requires every medical staff member to have a specific password.
Without this password, individuals cannot attend to patients, review cases, or provide prescriptions for medication.
This stringent system ensures that only authorized personnel can interact with patients and their medical records.
Dr. Anarfi Asamoah-Baah has been honored as a Public Health Champion by the World Health Organization Regional Office for Africa (WHO AFRO) in recognition of his exceptional contributions to global public health.
This prestigious award was bestowed upon Dr. Asamoah-Baah and other distinguished figures in the field of public health during the WHO 75th anniversary awards ceremony held alongside the 73rd WHO Regional Committee for Africa Meeting in Gaborone, Botswana.
The citation presented to Dr. Asamoah-Baah by Dr. Matshidiso Moeti, the WHO Regional Director for Africa, expressed the award’s purpose: “This award is in recognition of your outstanding service to public health and promotion of the wellbeing of the people of Africa.”
In response, Dr. Asamoah expressed his gratitude for the recognition and praised the WHO as a force for good.
He shared his appreciation for the opportunity to serve the organization over many years and emphasized the importance of recognizing the roles of member states and staff as WHO celebrated its 75th anniversary.
Dr. Anarfi Asamoah-Baah, a Ghanaian public health professional, served the global public health sector for 19 years after joining WHO in 1998. He rose to the position of Deputy Director-General of WHO in 2007 before retiring in 2017.
His contributions include instrumental roles in establishing the 2005 International Health Regulations, elevating global visibility for Neglected Tropical Diseases, revitalizing Primary Healthcare, establishing the Pre-qualification program as part of the WHO Essential Medicines Program, and developing the first Global Strategy for Traditional Medicine.
The WHO Representative to Ghana, Prof. Francis Kasolo, commended Dr. Asamoah-Baah as a distinguished global public health expert deserving of the recognition.
Even in retirement, Dr. Asamoah-Baah continues to make valuable contributions to both national and international efforts to promote the health and well-being of people.
In 2020, Ghana’s President Akufo-Addo appointed Dr. Asamoah-Baah as the Presidential Coordinator for the government’s COVID-19 Response Program. After the COVID-19 pandemic, he was appointed as the chair of the National Vaccine Institute of Ghana and the interim head of the Ghana Health Security Center.
Dr. Asamoah-Baah received the award alongside former President of Botswana H.E. Festus Mogae and former Regional Directors of WHO in the Africa Region.
Traders at Kejetia market have expressed frustration with the management’s sluggish response to their ongoing electricity metering concerns.
They have long requested separate meters, citing high bills and detrimental impacts on their businesses due to the delay.
In an effort to pressure the management into action, the traders have announced plans to wear red bands starting on Tuesday, September 5, 2023. If their demands remain unmet by Monday, September 11, 2023, they have threatened to organize a large-scale demonstration.
Nana Akwasi Prempeh, President of the Federation of Kumasi Traders, voiced their concerns about escalating electricity bills and the lack of progress in addressing the metering issue. He emphasized the need for separate meters and questioned the reasons for management’s delay.
Prempeh stated, “Beginning tomorrow, September 5, we are hoisting red bands around the market and our shops to signify our intent to management. After that, if need be, we will tell management to close the market because we cannot continue to incur losses. We will use all necessary means to pursue that agenda, including staging a demonstration.”
Additionally, traders expressed disappointment with the Ministry of Local Government and Rural Development, the facility’s board, and management for their failure to disclose the committee’s report nearly six months after a fire damaged part of the market. They called for transparency and swift action regarding the committee’s recommendations.
Nathaniel Boamponsem, a spokesperson for the affected traders, expressed frustration and urged the authorities to take prompt action, stating that “all hope is lost” if their concerns continue to be unaddressed.
The Ministry of Gender, Children, and Social Protection (MoGCSP) has announced the commencement of payments to beneficiaries under the Livelihood Empowerment Against Poverty (LEAP) Programme on Monday, September 4.
Introduced in 2008 by the Government of Ghana, the LEAP Programme is a cash transfer initiative designed to assist individuals living in extreme poverty.
Its primary goals are to alleviate poverty by enhancing and stabilizing consumption levels and to facilitate access to services and opportunities for the most impoverished and vulnerable individuals.
According to a press release from the Ministry, both the 85th and 86th cycles of the LEAP Programme will be disbursed to beneficiaries simultaneously.
The statement reads, “The Ministry wishes to inform the beneficiary households of the Livelihood Empowerment Against Poverty (LEAP) Programme and its stakeholders across the country that the bi-monthly cash grant payment for the 85th and 86th cycles starts on the 4th of September 2023. The two cycles will be paid jointly to beneficiary households.”
Due to the combined payment, households with one eligible member will receive Two Hundred and Fifty-Six Ghana Cedis (GH¢256.00); households with two eligible members will receive Three Hundred and Four Ghana Cedis (GH¢304.00).
Three-member households will receive Three Hundred and Fifty-Two Ghana Cedis (GH¢352.00), while households with four or more eligible members will receive Four Hundred and Twenty-Four Ghana Cedis (GH¢424.00).
Member of Parliament for North Tongu, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, has released documents alleging an ongoing legal dispute over the land where the new headquarters of the Bank of Ghana (BoG) is being constructed.
Ablakwa, who has been revealing information about the BoG building project, claims that the land was initially valued at approximately GH¢91 million, and at one point, the BoG offered GH¢100 million to the landowners.
However, the BoG eventually withdrew its interest in the land. In 2020, the state invoked a compulsory acquisition clause through an Executive Instrument (E.I), but the compensation, according to Ablakwa, remains unpaid.
Experts estimate that the amount, along with accrued interest, now stands at around 400 million cedis.
The land originally belonged to the State Insurance Company but became the subject of court action after ITALCONSTRUCT INTERNATIONAL LIMITED secured guarantees from SIC for a facility from IVORY FINANCE COMPANY but failed to meet the terms. The loan was contracted in 2013, and a consent judgment was issued in 2014.
Ablakwa further reveals that in August 2019, the Bank of Ghana, despite being aware of the ongoing litigation and consent judgment, approached both SIC and IVORY FINANCE and offered GHS100 million to acquire the land for their headquarters project. Surprisingly, the BoG did not pursue this offer and instead placed IVORY FINANCE under receivership. Subsequently, the E.I. of October 2020 was issued, yet compensation, as per Ablakwa’s sources, remains unpaid.
Considering the consent judgment, accrued interest, penalties, and inflation, experts confirm that the combined compensation is estimated to exceed a staggering GHS400 million, as stated in Ablakwa’s post on September 5, 2023.
A fatal collision occurred on the Bolgatanga-Navrongo highway in the Upper East Region on Sunday, resulting in one fatality and another person in critical condition.
The two individuals, both in their 30s, were riding motorcycles in opposite directions when the accident happened near Sumbrungu, a Bolgatanga Municipal suburb, around 1800 hours.
The deceased, riding a TVS Apache motorbike without a number plate, was heading towards Bolgatanga from Navrongo.
Meanwhile, the injured individual, riding a Haojin motorbike with registration number M-16-UE 3717, was traveling in the opposite direction from Bolgatanga to Navrongo.
The collision occurred as the injured motorcyclist, who had stopped at a nearby filling station to refuel, re-entered the main road at high speed, crashing into the other rider.
Despite efforts by onlookers to summon the National Ambulance Service, they were unsuccessful. A Good Samaritan passing by offered to transport the victims to the hospital but could only take the injured person, as the crowd believed the other individual had already passed away.
Later, the Navrongo Central constituency ambulance, returning from Bolgatanga, was called upon to assist, but upon examination by the ambulance personnel, the second victim was pronounced dead. The Ghana Police Service was subsequently contacted to convey the deceased’s body to the mortuary.
At present, the identities of the two victims remain unknown.
The University Students’ Association of Ghana (USAG) leadership has expressed serious concerns about the consistent delays in disbursing educational loans.
USAG has highlighted that these delays continue to disrupt students’ academic pursuits, as they heavily rely on these funds to finance their education.
The Association firmly believes that the ongoing delays in distributing student loans are undermining the primary purpose for which the loan scheme was established. They emphasize that, given the current economic conditions, the government’s role in financially supporting students for their education is of utmost importance.
Dr. Christian Ntsiful Addison, President of USAG, has called upon the government to allocate more dedicated funds to support the education of Ghanaian youth. He stated, “This year, we have encountered numerous issues with the disbursement of our student loans. Students can spend an entire academic year in school without receiving the funds until the following year, which defeats the intended purpose. Therefore, we have come to the conclusion that the best way to safeguard our students’ education is for the state to provide funding, enabling them to attend school and eventually find employment to repay after graduation.”
During its 22nd annual delegates’ congress in Kumasi, USAG also urged the government to create more employment opportunities for the increasing number of graduates.
Kwasi Agyeman Busia, the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Authority (DVLA), who served as a guest speaker at the event, discussed the collaboration between the DVLA and academia. He highlighted that the DVLA is implementing innovations to improve service delivery at its offices nationwide.
Furthermore, the DVLA aims to empower students with innovative solutions currently in development. The Congress revolved around the theme “Harnessing Student Potential for Economic Revitalization and National Progress.”
The Ghana Meteorological Agency (GMA) has advised Ghanaians to brace themselves for an anticipated increase in severe weather incidents, including heavy rains and lightning storms in the coming months.
Chief Forecaster Raphel Osei Boakye emphasized that despite being labeled a minor rainy season, the rainfall patterns are expected to be above normal for most regions, aside from specific areas such as Asankragwa and parts of the rainforest regions.
Boakye urged caution due to the likelihood of localized flooding in cities like Accra and Kumasi.
Public Education and Precautions in Place
Seth Kissi, the Director of Ga East Municipal National Disaster and Management Organisation (NADMO), disclosed that they are actively engaged in public education initiatives to enlighten residents on the adverse consequences of constructing near waterways.
Additionally, steps have been taken to dismantle structures along water bodies in the municipality. Kissi urged self-discipline among residents and emphasized the importance of refraining from dumping waste in drainage systems, which exacerbates flooding issues.
Relocation and Protection of Valuables
Residents in flood-prone areas are strongly advised to consider relocating to mitigate potential disasters.
NADMO is also encouraging residents to safeguard their valuable belongings to prevent damage during the rainy season.
The Port of Takoradi continues its efforts to foster positive relationships with stakeholders, particularly the communities surrounding its operational areas.
These initiatives align strategically with the distinct economic characteristics of these neighboring communities.
As a tangible demonstration of this commitment, the Port of Takoradi has inaugurated a state-of-the-art workshop for the Ghana Inshore Fishermen Association (GIFA) in New Takoradi within the Western Region’s Sekondi-Takoradi Metropolis.
This new workshop, equipped for boat repairs and maintenance, features essential amenities such as a tools and changing room, a machine and electrical shop, as well as a boat-pulling wrench. Additionally, it houses offices for the Ministry of Fisheries and Aquaculture (MOFAD) and the Ghana Inshore Fisheries Association (GIFA) to streamline administrative functions.
The workshop is envisioned to serve as a central hub for fishing activities, benefiting not only the fishers of New Takoradi but also fishers along Ghana’s coastline who require modern facilities for equipment upkeep.
Peter Amo-Bediako, Director of the Port of Takoradi, expressed the port’s dedication to enhancing the livelihoods of the local residents, particularly those in New Takoradi. He called for cooperation and support, noting that the port’s growth would further elevate the financial well-being of these communities.
Eric Kofi Otoo, a GIFA representative, highlighted how the workshop would boost productivity and alleviate the challenges faced by fishermen who previously had to travel long distances to the old workshop, known as “Boatase,” for repairs.
Mrs. Hannah Agyei-Boakye, a Director from the Fisheries Commission, commended the Port of Takoradi for its commendable project.
Western Region Minister Kwabena Okyere Darko Mensah recognized the timeliness of the new workshop’s construction, considering the state of disrepair of the old machine shop at Boatase. He suggested exploring commercial charges for its maintenance and urged the management of the Port of Takoradi to expedite Phase Two of the project.
Chief of New Takoradi, Nana Kwesi Abaka 1, praised the Port of Takoradi for its efforts and appealed to the beneficiary fishers to conduct their business responsibly and prioritize maintenance, encouraging further support and initiatives from the port.
Dr. Yaw Twerefour, the Registrar of the Mortuaries and Funeral Facilities Agency (MoFFA), has disclosed a critical issue regarding the operations of mortuaries and funeral facilities nationwide.
According to Dr. Twerefour, all these establishments are currently operating without the necessary licensing mandated for their operations.
This revelation came during an exclusive interview with Asaase Radio on Monday, September 4, 2023. Dr. Yaw Twerefour assumed the role of Registrar and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of MoFFA on May 2, 2023.
Under the Health Institutions and Facilities Act, 2011 (Act 829), Section 43 grants MoFFA the authority to license mortuaries and funeral facilities across the country. The specific section titled “License of Facility” unequivocally states that no person is allowed to own or operate such a facility unless it holds a valid license under this Part.
Dr. Twerefour stressed the importance of establishing standardized licensing and inspection tools to ensure consistent standards for all mortuaries, regardless of their ownership status, whether government or private. He emphasized, “Our licensing and inspection procedures must be uniform, eliminating any form of discrimination, and maintaining consistent standards across all mortuaries.”
He also shared that MoFFA has enlisted the assistance of consultants from Korle-bu to develop these essential tools.
The agency is currently in the final stages of this process, having already tested the tools in a prominent funeral facility in Accra.
However, they encountered some challenges and are currently refining these tools. Dr. Twerefour expressed their intention to commence the licensing process for mortuaries and funeral facilities in Accra within the next two to three months.
Head of Legal Affairs for the National Democratic Congress (NDC), Godwin Edudze Tamakloe, has criticized the Ghana Police Service’s practice of independently seeking court injunctions against protests without the authorization of the Attorney General.
He expressed this viewpoint during a court hearing in which he filed a preliminary motion challenging the Ghana Police Service’s capacity to file an injunction application against a planned protest by the parliamentary minority group.
The protest aims to demand the resignation of the Governor of the Bank of Ghana, Dr. Ernest Addison.
The Police’s injunction application is based on security concerns related to the proposed routes for the protest, initially scheduled for September 5. However, before the injunction application could proceed on Monday, Godwin Edudze Tamakloe, the counsel for the protest organizers, presented the preliminary objection.
He contended that the act of Supt. Sylvester Asare, who signed the motion paper and is conducting the injunction case, violated section 9(1a) of the State Proceedings Act.
According to Tamakloe, in accordance with the State Proceedings Act, all civil proceedings by the Republic should be initiated by the Attorney General or an officer authorized by the Attorney General.
Since Lawyer Asare is neither the Attorney General nor an authorized officer, he cannot claim to sign the originating process on behalf of the Republic, Tamakloe argued in court.
The Head of NDC’s Legal Affairs further argued that even the fiat granted to the police by the Attorney General to handle criminal cases in certain instances would not provide a basis for the police to initiate this action without authorization.
He requested the court to dismiss the injunction application.
The Ghana Police Service, represented by Superintendent Sylvester Asare, opposed the motion. Asare first argued that the Ghana Police Service is a corporate body that can both sue and be sued. He further contended that although the motion reads “The Republic v. The Respondents,” the actual applicant is the Ghana Police Service. He asserted that filing the process does not render it defective and that identifying the Republic and the Respondent on the motion paper does not negate the police’s right to bring this application.
Asare also mentioned that the Supreme Court, through case law, has established that independent bodies like CHRAJ can independently initiate legal actions. He urged the court to consider these precedents.
Additionally, Asare cited provisions of the Public Order Act to support his argument that the Police have the capacity to file such applications without seeking authorization from the Attorney General.
He emphasized that the Public Order Act clearly grants the police jurisdiction to apply to the court for the prohibition of the proposed special event.
The case, presided over by Justice Edward Twum, was adjourned to September 8 for a ruling.
The Minority Caucus has postponed its originally planned protest against the Governor of the Bank of Ghana, Dr. Ernest Addison, and his deputies.
The new date for the protest is September 12, 2023.
This rescheduling was prompted by the legal proceedings held on September 4, 2023, where the court faced challenges in delivering an immediate ruling.
The court encountered substantial preliminary legal objections raised by the Minority’s parliamentary lawyers.
As a result, the court requested that the Minority Caucus await its ruling, which is expected to be issued on Friday, September 8, 2023.
The demand for the resignation of the Central Bank’s governor and his deputies has intensified following the Bank’s reported loss of GH¢60.81 billion in the 2022 fiscal year.
The purpose of the planned protest march is to call for the immediate resignation of Governor Ernest Addison and his two deputies due to their alleged mismanagement of the Central Bank.
This mismanagement has reportedly led to an unprecedented loss of GHS60.8 billion, a negative equity of GHSS5.1 billion, and accusations of illegal printing of over GHS80 billion.
Additionally, it has been noted that amidst this financial crisis, the bank’s leadership is proceeding with the construction of a new head office at a cost of over $250 million, despite the initial recommendation by the Public Procurement Authority for a budget of $81 million.
The Minority Caucus encourages all Ghanaians to stand firm in defending their constitutional right to demonstrate and affirms that the protest march to the Bank of Ghana will indeed take place on Tuesday, September 12, 2023.
The Sandema Hospital, located in the Builsa North Municipality of the Upper East Region, has called on government to help replace the roofing of the facility due to severe leaks during rainfall.
With the exception of the Newborn Care Unit (NBCU), theater, and emergency ward, all other sections of the hospital, including the pharmacy unit, laboratory, dressing rooms, and the office of the Medical Superintendent, experience leaks.
The situation became particularly dire during a prolonged downpour on a recent Saturday night, lasting approximately nine hours.
The 21-bed maternity ward, already at full capacity with some patients even on the floor, suffered the most damage.
Quick-thinking midwives on duty had to employ buckets to continuously collect rainwater from the leaking roof to prevent the entire ward from flooding, which would have severely disrupted healthcare services.
Dr. Emmanuel Opoku, the Medical Superintendent of the Hospital, who had previously appealed for support through the Ghana News Agency (GNA) in the Municipality to renovate the facility, expressed frustration over the lack of assistance.
He emphasized the urgent need for re-roofing, acknowledging the financial challenge faced by the hospital in undertaking such a project.
The hospital’s children’s ward, male and female wards, pharmacy unit, dressing rooms, nurses’ station at the Out-Patient Department (OPD), and the laboratory all experienced leaks during the GNA’s visit.
Even the patient waiting area at the pharmacy unit was affected.
Staff members in the affected units were forced to move beds and equipment away from areas with water ingress to protect mattresses and medical equipment from damage. In addition to the leaks, the GNA observed broken louvre blades, faulty doors, exposed electrical cables, visible cracks in the walls, and damaged floor tiles throughout the facility.
A patient who had recently given birth in the maternity ward, requesting anonymity, expressed deep concern about the severe leakage issue, emphasizing the discomfort and safety concerns, especially for newborns.
She eagerly awaited her discharge, unable to tolerate the situation any longer.
Relatives of patients in the OPD and the female ward also voiced similar distress about the hospital’s deplorable condition, urging authorities to address the problem immediately.
Despite various appeals from stakeholders in the Municipality over the years for support to renovate the 93-year-old hospital, which serves as a referral center for the Municipality and beyond, there has been no response or action taken to address these critical issues.
The Head of Public Relations at the Ministry of Roads and Highways, Nasir Ahmed Yartey, has attributed the delays in completing various road interchanges across the country to the impact of both the International Monetary Fund (IMF) agreement and the Domestic Debt Exchange Programme (DDEP).
Among the significant interchanges affected by these challenges are the Obetsebi Lamptey interchange, Flower Pot Interchange, Tema Motorway interchange, Nungua Barrier Interchange, Kumasi Suame Interchange, and the Takoradi PTC interchange, which is currently approximately 75 percent complete.
In an interview with the media on Monday, Mr. Yartey explained, “the Flower Pot interchange is on schedule to be completed. The major hurdle now is the construction of the bridge over the motorway. We issued a press release on it this morning, and work is going on over there very seriously. Once we are done with the construction of the bridge over the motorway, what will be left will be the groundwork, road work, and other things.
“Those ones don’t take much time. The concrete ones don’t take much time, so once we are done with that one, we should be finishing that project on schedule. The project is scheduled to be completed early next year, so we are looking at somewhere by the end of the first quarter or the second quarter of next year”.
Mr. Yartey mentioned that the Flower Pot interchange is expected to be completed by the end of March 2024, with the primary challenge being the construction of the bridge over the motorway. Once this bridge is finished, the remaining tasks should be completed relatively quickly.
He stated, “The Flower Pot interchange is on track for completion. The main obstacle now is the construction of the bridge over the motorway. We issued a press release on this matter this morning, and work is progressing there diligently. Once the bridge over the motorway is completed, the remaining tasks such as groundwork and road work won’t take much time.”
Mr. Yartey added that concrete work typically progresses swiftly, and as such, the project is scheduled to be completed early next year, likely by the end of the first or second quarter of the year.
The Head of PR at the Ministry of Roads and Highways emphasized that the DDEP had impacted the progress of the Obetsebi-Lamptey interchange, Nungua, and PTC interchanges.
He mentioned that the government is presently engaged in negotiations with its financiers to find a way to resume these projects.
He concluded, “The Obetsebi-Lamptey interchange, along with Nungua and PTC in Takoradi, have been affected by the debt exchange program we’ve entered into. As I speak to you, the government is in discussions with its financiers to explore how we can revive these projects. We are hopeful that by the end of the year, we will have positive news and contractors back on site.”
