Author: Phoebe Martekie Doku

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

This ceremony marks the commencement of oil production.

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

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

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

The Ghana Water Company Limited (GWCL) has opposed the recent attacks on its field operatives in the Eastern Region unacceptable.

According GWCL, these attacks, including threats and assaults by customers’ dogs, are negatively impacting GWCL’s operations.

The water company reports that its staff members, who are tasked with reading meters or disconnecting services in accordance with the law, frequently encounter threatening messages and, in some instances, physical attacks by customers’ unrestrained dogs. This disturbing situation is disrupting GWCL’s daily activities.

Earlier this week, a video emerged showing a woman in Koforidua assaulting a GWCL staff member who had disconnected her meter due to unpaid debts.

Kwadwo Daase, the Eastern Regional Public Relations Officer for GWCL, called upon the Ghana Police Service to treat the matter with utmost seriousness.

He urged them to apprehend the responsible individuals as a deterrent to others.

He said, “We have received reports from some of our customers and on our staff platforms that our field workers have been chased with machetes while disconnecting services. They have also been sent threatening messages, such as ‘Prepare for your dead body’ or ‘Prepare for your coffin.’ These workers have to visit the same areas repeatedly, so it is worrying that they are being threatened. In some cases, wild dogs have been unleashed on our workers.”

Daase added, “There have been several cases where our workers have been bitten by dogs and suffered injuries. This is a serious issue that should be condemned by all stakeholders. The security agencies should take these reports seriously and ensure that the perpetrators are brought to justice. We do not want a situation where a staff member is attacked and the company is forced to stop providing water to the community. We urge everyone to treat this matter with the urgency it deserves.”

The Ghana Soyabean Farmers and Aggregators Association has stated that the primary concern for local processors lies in the exorbitant electricity costs.

This revelation came to light as the group submitted a petition to Parliament, urging the revision or removal of regulations governing the import and export of grains to exempt soybean imports.

Abdul Hakeem Issah, the Director of Administration for the Association, conveyed in an interview in Accra on Wednesday that some processing companies confide privately that their foremost challenge is the high electricity expenses, rather than the cost of soybeans.

He emphasized that soybeans are an internationally traded commodity, with their prices fluctuating in tandem with various external factors.

Issah elaborated, stating that these companies extract oil from soybeans and either export it or sell it within Ghana at international prices. Consequently, as soybean prices rise globally, the cost of the oil also increases.

In the midst of these concerns, the Ghana Soya Bean Farmers and Aggregators Association has urged the government to address the obstacles encountered during the initial phase of the Planting for Food and Jobs (PFJ) initiative, with the aim of ensuring the success of the upcoming phase.

Emmanuel Kotin, a security analyst, has described the suspension of the three police officers allegedly involved in a plot to remove Inspector General of Police, Dr. George Akuffo Dampare, as prematurely executed.

The Ghana Police Service took swift action by suspending three senior officers – COP Alex Mensah, Superintendent George Asare, and Superintendent Emmanuel Eric Gyebi, following their appearance before a parliamentary ad-hoc committee tasked with investigating a leaked recording.

Kotin contends that the officers were suspended primarily on the grounds of allegedly damaging the reputation of the Inspector General of Police.

He called for a fair and balanced approach to the situation, suggesting that if these officers are to be suspended, it would be fair for the Inspector General of Police to also step aside temporarily.

This, he argues, would facilitate an impartial investigation into the matter.

“Why suspend these officers now? Why weren’t they suspended when the tape initially surfaced, to instill confidence in the system’s commitment to uncovering the truth?” Kotin questioned.

Furthermore, Emmanuel Kotin urged President Akufo-Addo to establish an independent committee to thoroughly investigate the allegations, as he believes the parliamentary ad-hoc committee lacks prosecutorial powers and a broader mandate to fully address the issues at hand.

“I think the decision is premature because if you look at the people involved in the leaked tape, it involves directly the personality of the IGP so if these police officers are to be interdicted, then it is fair that the IGP equally part ways so that we can have a very independent investigation into this matter.”

“Why will these officers be interdicted at this time? Why were they not interdicted at the time the tape came out such that we have confidence in the system that indeed, they were keen to get to the bottom of the matter?”

“I will call on the president to intervene and widen the scope of the ad-hoc committee of Parliament [probing the matter] because their terms of reference do not go far because they don’t have prosecutorial powers and the president should form an independent commission to probe all the allegations that have been raised.”

The Member of Parliament representing Mpraeso, Davis Ansah Opoku, has revealed that Alan Kwadwo Kyerematen extensively consulted with various stakeholders before making the decision to withdraw from the flagbearership race of the New Patriotic Party (NPP).

Mr. Kyerematen, who had secured the third position in the NPP’s Special Delegates’ Conference, was initially expected to be one of the five candidates vying in the upcoming presidential primaries scheduled for November 4.

However, on Tuesday, September 5, he chose to withdraw from the race, citing alleged intimidation of his supporters and claims of election manipulation in favor of another candidate.

In an interview with the media, the MP expressed his disappointment with Mr. Kyerematen’s decision, emphasizing that there were high expectations for him as the presidential candidate of the NPP.

“I will not say I was surprised, but I was disappointed. We all had high hopes. He’s the candidate, he’s the leader, he’s the one presenting himself to be president of the Republic to lead the NPP as a presidential candidate. So if at a point he decides that this is the path that he wants to take, you can advise, but for me, the backstops with him. I will say that in the decision that he took, he really consulted widely. He engaged virtually everybody who supported his campaign,” he stated.

Additionally, Davis Ansah Opoku acknowledged the approach taken by vice president, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia’s team during the Special Delegates’ Conference.

He pointed out that Mr. Kyerematen was not expected to win the election and congratulated Dr. Bawumia on his victory.

Opoku further commented on the strategies employed by the candidates, highlighting the successful personal campaign carried out by Dr. Bawumia and the strong performance of Kennedy Agyapong, who unexpectedly secured the second position.

Mr Opoku concluded that effective campaign strategies played a significant role in the outcome of the Super Delegates’ Conference.

Regarding Mr. Kyerematen’s future actions, Opoku strongly advised against the formation of a new party or pursuing an independent candidacy. He expressed the need for party unity and cooperation to secure victory in the upcoming election.

Finally, Opoku stressed the importance of holding those responsible for any acts of violence during the election accountable, regardless of their affiliations, and called for appropriate legal consequences for such individuals.

The National Service Scheme (NSS) has announced its readiness to distribute 600 bags of maize to Senior High Schools (SHSs) nationwide.

This maize harvest is a part of the Economic Enclave Project initiated under GhanaCARES’ “Obaatan Pa” program.

The scheme has successfully collected over 600 bags of maize and has handed them over to the Ministry of Education for distribution to schools across the country, specifically for the school feeding program.

“We have actually so far prepared and bagged 600 bags to be sent to some of the Free SHSs to augment their feeding stock for the students… We still have some of the maize on the farm yet to be harvested.”

“So when we are able to do that then we will be able to tell the number of bags that will come out of the next harvesting which will be done very soon. But that will be dependent on the fact that the Ministry will have to take a decision on which of the schools will benefit.”

Ambrose Entsiwah, the Acting Head of Corporate Affairs at NSS, shared this information during an interview with the media on Wednesday.

He mentioned, “We have already prepared and bagged 600 bags for delivery to select Free SHSs to bolster their food supplies for students. Additionally, there is more maize awaiting harvesting on our farms.”

He added, “The exact number of bags from our next harvest, which will take place soon, will depend on the Ministry’s decision regarding which schools will benefit from this initiative.”

Mr. Entsiwah also noted that 50 NSS personnel from various agricultural institutions across the country are managing farm activities, and they are assured of employment opportunities after completing their service.

Furthermore, he stated that the first harvest from NSS-operated farms is expected to yield around 1000 bags of rice, which will further support food supplies to schools participating in the Free Senior High School program.

The Sunyani West Municipality, located in the Bono Region, has achieved a remarkable milestone of zero maternal mortality cases in the past five years.

This accomplishment aligns perfectly with one of the core objectives of the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 3, which aims to reduce maternal and infant mortality rates.

The Sunyani West Municipal Director of the Ghana Health Service, Daniel Konka, shared in an interview with the media that this significant achievement was made possible through a series of strategic measures implemented by the directorate.

“Maternal mortality holds a high priority within the UN’s SDGs, and the Bono Region has also grappled with maternal deaths. However, within my municipality, Sunyani West, we have consistently managed to prevent maternal deaths for a considerable period due to specific strategies devised by our management. One of these strategies involved recognizing the greater number of healthcare facilities in rural areas and advocating for the regional health directorate to assign staff to these facilities, thus enabling them to offer antenatal, maternal, and child health services.”

He further explained, “We also acknowledged that simply deploying staff was insufficient; we needed to provide them with essential training so they could identify warning signs during antenatal care and promptly refer patients for further attention.”

Mr. Konka also highlighted their commitment to bridging the gap by conducting home visits for patients residing in remote areas. “Our nurses intensified home visits, enabling them to identify pregnant mothers and guide them through the antenatal care process.

For those displaying danger signs, immediate referrals were made for advanced care. Additionally, our management recognized the value of this approach, providing support through targeted training in areas where we identified weaknesses,” he added.

The Director-General of Services at the Police Head Office, COP Enoch Adutwum Bediako, has emphasized that the Inspector General of Police (IGP) is not obligated to promote any police officer within the force.

During a session with students of the Police Basic School as part of the Snatch Them Young Police Initiative, COP Bediako advised future police recruits not to assume that their tenure in the service automatically entitles them to promotions.

He explained, “You cannot go and tell the IGP that I have worked, so I need promotion, as if he is obliged to promote you, whether you work or you don’t work. No. The answer is, it depends on how you have worked within the period, and then the IGP will promote you. So, in the future, if you become police officers, put that in your mind.”

COP Bediako’s remarks follow claims made by COP Alex Mensah during his testimony before a parliamentary commission investigating a leaked tape that allegedly discussed plotting the removal of IGP Dr. George Akuffo Dampare from his position.

COP Mensah asserted that morale within the Police Service had declined due to the IGP’s failure to promote officers who were eligible for promotion. He also alleged that Dr. Dampare was mismanaging the Ghana Police Service and that many officers were unhappy with his leadership.

A former Director General in charge of Technical Affairs within the Ghana Police Service, COP Mensah, made these allegations during his appearance before the seven-member bi-partisan Committee investigating the secret recording of the alleged plot against Dr. Dampare, ahead of the 2024 general elections.

An unidentified middle-aged man has shared startling revelations about the unfair treatment given to individuals by some forestry officers at the galamsey site in the Ashanti Region of Kumasi, particularly in the Atwima Mponua area.

According to him, the lives of his son and nephew’s were cut short in the hands of a forestry officer who allegedly stoned them to death.

Speaking to the media, he disclosed that the incident took place approximately six months ago when the 17-year-old and 18-year-old together with several others decided to partake in galamsey activities.

According to his account, on that fateful day, his family members and several others embarked on a journey to the site.

Shockingly, they were forcibly expelled from the forest while others who were operating excavators for the illegal mining operation remained untouched.

“Six months ago, my son and nephew were involved galamsey. One fateful day, they, along with around 50 other individuals, decided to venture into the forest, their usual site for galamsey activities. Shockingly, they were forcibly expelled from the forest, while others engaged in the same activity were neither driven out nor subjected to harm.

“Unfortunately, my son and nephew were arrested during this incident, and tragically, they were subjected to a horrific act of violence – they were stoned to death. Even more distressing, their lifeless bodies were left exposed on the streets, bearing witness to the brutal consequences of their involvement in galamsey,” he added.

The man revealed that some individuals, including those who managed to escape the scene before his children’s arrest, sought refuge in the forest and managed to capture what unfolded after the apprehension of the duo.

Subsequently, the duo was released, but they found themselves unable to escape the area as it was surrounded by Forestry Commission officers.

The only apparent escape route was through a pit, but this option became impossible due to other officers who had gathered around the pit’s exit, pelting anyone attempting to emerge with stones.

Tragically, his 17-year-old son and 18-year-old nephew succumbed to the relentless barrage of stones, resulting in their untimely deaths.

“The other children were hit with sticks which made them fall in a pit. Fortunately for them they were able to swim their way through the pit but hurlded by the other officers were at the exist of the pit because threw stones at anybody who tries to come out of the pit.
Unfortunately for my son 17, and nephew 18 years they gave up the ghost due to the numerous stones thrown at them” he added.

He further alleged that the Forestry Commission had engaged a local resident in the area to act as an informant, providing them with information about individuals venturing into the prohibited galamsey area.

In another starling event n illegal miner has made a chilling confession regarding the shocking practice of sacrificing newborn babies on galamsey sites in exchange for gold.

In his explanation, delivered in Twi, a local dialect, he reveals that some illegal miners collaborate with certain nurses working in hospitals to secretly procure newborn babies. These infants are then purchased and transported to galamsey sites.

Once on the site, a gruesome ritual unfolds as the baby’s head is tragically opened over the galamsey pit. It is alleged that this ritualistic act is believed to generate more gold, which the miners subsequently extract and sell for financial gain. This revelation paints a chilling picture of the extent to which illegal mining operations can go, exposing the depths of desperation and cruelty associated with these activities.

“When we buy the fresh babies from the nurses, they are taken to the underground, killed, by cracking them hard on the walls of the pit and the blood is used for rituals. The death of the human being is necessary to make the land act on their demands for more gold,” he said in an interview on Angel FM.

He further added that when these sacrificial acts occur, no one else can seem to extract more gold from the area compared to those directly involved in the gruesome ritual.

This suggests that while one miner may find it relatively easier to unearth gold, another person might struggle to even find a small speck of the precious metal.

The narrator went on to disclose another horrifying aspect of illegal mining, indicating that some miners go as far as killing their fellow miners as part of these ritualistic practices during the course of their work.

They attribute the cause of these deaths to the belief that “Asaase akasa,” which translates to “the earth has spoken.”

This belief underscores the disturbing extent to which superstition and desperation have become entwined with illegal mining activities, painting a harrowing portrait of the industry’s dark side.

“Your own fellow miner can pick a rod while you are in the pit. He will deliberately use the rod to release huge already loose stones on you and say it is a natural act by the earth,” he expressed.

A senior lecturer in political science at the University of Ghana, Professor Ransford Gyampo, has underscored the challenges that Alan Kyerematen may face in considering an offer to become the running mate of Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia should Dr. Bawumia emerge victorious in the November 4 election.

His comment is based on rumors suggesting that Alan Kyerematen could be chosen as Dr. Bawumia’s running mate.

In an interview with the media, Professor Gyampo mentioned that Mr. Kyerematen might invoke the principle of “y3nim wo fri tete,” indicating a desire for fresh leadership, and consequently decline the offer.

“It depends on him, but I think that it may be quite difficult for Alan to accept to be Dr Bawumia’s running mate, having been there from 2007 till now. I’m sure that he would want to subscribe to the New Patriotic Party (NPP) cliché of y3nim wo fri tete. And that may not, in my view, allow him to want to be a running mate to Dr Bawumia,” Professor Gyampo pointed out.

Professor Gyampo also expressed the view that Alan Kyerematen has the option to either depart from the party or forge alliances with fellow aspirants to create a strong and competitive candidate.

“He can also decide to team up with other aspirants to present a certain formidable candidate, either led by himself or by other people. Or he can decide to go as an independent candidate, or he can decide to form his own political party and see if he can be a force to reckon with. If he also decides to form his own party, then he will still be a force to reckon with,” he opined.

Mr. Kyerematen, who had previously secured the third position in the Special Delegates’ Conference, was anticipated to be among the five candidates participating in the forthcoming November 4 presidential primaries.

Nevertheless, he decided to withdraw from the polls on Tuesday, September 5, citing alleged intimidation of his supporters and claims of election manipulation in favor of a particular candidate.

Despite these assertions, the New Patriotic Party (NPP) dismissed Alan Kyerematen’s claims as they pertained to his withdrawal from the race for the party’s flagbearer position.

A parliamentary candidate representing the New Patriotic Party (NPP), in Ketu North Constituency, Dr. Samuel Kofi Ahiave Dzamesi, has officially withdrawn from the race.

In a letter addressed to the party’s election committee, Dr. Dzamesi expressed his optimism that the NPP could greatly benefit from the introduction of new faces and fresh perspectives.

In a letter addressed to the party’s election committee, Dr. Dzamesi expressed his strong belief that the NPP could experience significant advantages through the introduction of new individuals with fresh perspectives. He detailed how, after careful personal reflection and extensive consultations, he had arrived at the decision not to vie for the party’s Parliamentary Candidature in the constituency.

His letter stated, “I therefore write to officially inform you that I have withdrawn from the Parliamentary Candidacy race for the NPP in the Ketu North Constituency. I hereby call for a united front to support the candidate whom we believe can best represent our interests and work tirelessly for the progress of our party in the constituency”.

Please find the full text of his letter below:

The former Chairman of the National Democratic Congress in the Central Region, Bernard Jacobs Allotey, has stated that Vice President Bawumia’s quest to secure victory in the New Patriotic Party‘s (NPP) presidential race is determinant on his ability to form alliances with specific individuals.

Speaking to the media, Mr Allotey mentioned that the Minister of Energy, Dr. Matthew Opoku Prempeh, holds the key to garnering support for Dr. Bawumia among Ghanaians.

According to him, Dr. Opoku wields considerable influence in regions like Ashanti, Brong, and Bono, making it relatively uncomplicated to rally people behind Dr. Bawumia.

Mr Allotey also pointed out the Member of Parliament for the Abetifi constituency, Bryan Acheampong, as a dependable ally for Dr. Bawumia, especially within that particular region.

Furthermore, Allotey expressed confidence in Ursula Owusu, the Member of Parliament for Ablekuma West Constituency, stating that she possesses the qualities necessary to secure support from residents in her area for Bawumia’s candidacy.

“Now Alan has backed out of the race, I think the next person who can help Bawumia very well is Dr Matthew Opoku Prempeh, he can organise the Ashanti, Brong and Bono and Bryan Acheampong can organise Eastern and Oti regions,” he added.

His comments come in the wake of former NPP presidential aspirant, Alan Kyerematen’s withdrawal from the race.

Mr Kyerematen cited subpar performance at the party’s Super Delegates Conference and alleged interference by certain party leaders as his reasons for stepping aside. He expressed concern over what he perceived as a strategic bias in favor of a particular aspirant during the conference and cited statements from prominent party members as supporting evidence.

At the Super Delegates Conference held on Saturday, August 26, Dr. Bawumia emerged victorious with 629 votes, representing 68.15% of the total valid votes. Assin Central MP Kennedy Agyapong secured second place with 132 votes (14.30%), while former Trade Minister Alan Kyerematen came in third with 95 votes (10.29%).

With Kyerematen no longer in the race, Kennedy Agyapong, Dr. Afriyie Akoto, and Francis Addai-Nimo are set to compete against Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, who is widely regarded as the frontrunner in the NPP’s presidential elections.

The final contest is scheduled for November 4, which will ultimately determine the NPP’s presidential candidate for the 2024 general elections.

A former Executive Vice President of Unilever, Yaw Nsarkoh, has indicated that coups should not be seen as a viable solution to address developmental challenges within a country.

In an interview with the media, he elaborated on his stance, emphasizing that coups, despite being labeled as military takeovers, do not necessarily stem from a collective decision made by an entire nation’s armed forces with the aim of fostering development.

Instead, they are orchestrated by a select few individuals who lack a legitimate mandate and seek to seize power for personal gain, often neglecting accountability to the people once in control.

“The happenings in the sub-region are not pleasant. Our perception is that opposition groups will always collaborate with military adventurists to stage coup d’état. But in Ghana, the story is different.”

“We in the opposition pride ourselves as the architects of this democratic consolidation, as the architects of the stability we are enjoying. We in the opposition are the architects. And so, we are ready to protect it and to protect the constitution we have signed into action,” he stated.

He urged the public to scrutinize coups more closely, emphasizing that they typically involve a clandestine group within the military rather than the entire armed forces acting as a unified establishment.

He challenged the notion that coups should be considered a solution to problems when civilian governance faces difficulties.

“Comrades, you are rising up today as patrons and the work you are going to do is daunting, but we trust that you will be able to live up to the challenge. There is no way you can constitute a governing team that will represent everybody, and we know there are shortcomings in this composition.

“But we are appealing to our party’s rank and file that this is a call to duty and not an honour. Wherever you are, you can find a way to help achieve the same purpose whether you are sworn in today or not.”

Over the past three years, Africa has witnessed a series of coup-related events, resulting in political upheaval in several countries:

Mali (August 2020 and May 2021): In August 2020, a coup occurred in Mali, leading to the temporary disruption of constitutional rule. Although order was restored, the military regained control in May 2021, extending their rule. The military leadership has pledged to return the country to constitutional governance following elections scheduled for February 2024.

Guinea (September 2021): President Alpha Condé was overthrown in September 2021, resulting in Guinea being placed under military rule. As of now, the country remains under military control two years later.

Sudan (October 2021): General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan ousted transitional civilian leaders who were meant to guide Sudan towards democracy following 30 years of Omar al-Bashir’s dictatorship.

Burkina Faso (January 2022): Burkina Faso experienced a military coup in January 2022, leading to the overthrow of President Roch Marc Christian Kaboré. The military continues to govern, with a presidential election scheduled for July 2024.

Niger (July 2023): On July 26, 2023, the military announced the overthrow of President Mohamed Bazoum in Niger. General Abdourahamane Tiani assumed leadership. ECOWAS imposed sanctions on the country and threatened military action if diplomatic negotiations fail. The junta is advocating for a three-year transition plan, while ECOWAS insists on a swift return to constitutional rule.

Gabon (August 2023): In August 2023, President Ali Bongo was overthrown shortly after being declared the winner of a disputed election. General Brice Oligui Nguema was sworn in as the interim president.

These events highlight a concerning trend of political instability and military interventions in various African countries over the past few years, challenging the principles of democratic governance and the peaceful transfer of power. The international community and regional organizations like ECOWAS are actively involved in efforts to restore constitutional order and stability in these nations.

This statement comes in the context of a series of recorded coup attempts in Africa over the past three years.

A Senior Lecturer in Political Science at Kwame University of Science and Technology (KNUST), Dr. Kwasi Amakye Boateng, has asserted that Alan Kwadwo Kyerematen would have faced a resounding defeat in the New Patriotic Party’s (NPP) presidential primaries on November 4 had he not voluntarily withdrawn from the race.

In an interview with media on September 6, Dr. Boateng expressed his view that the former Trade and Industry Minister had already lost his standing and influence within the NPP well before the election.

Dr. Boateng expressed his surprise at Mr. Kyerematen’s belief that he could pursue a presidential ambition within the party, considering the circumstances.

He cited Alan’s performance in the Super Delegates’ Conference, where he finished third and far behind his closest competitor, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, as a clear indicator of failure and the conclusion of his political career.

Regarding Alan’s withdrawal from the race on September 5, citing electoral irregularities, unfair treatment, and bias during the super delegates’ conference, Dr. Boateng remarked that it did not catch him off guard.

He had previously observed that Alan’s poor performance at the conference hinted at failure and signaled the end of his political aspirations, given his prominent status in both politics and the party.

Dr. Boateng mentioned that while he disagreed with Alan’s claims of violence during the super delegates‘ conference, he concurred with the idea that holding the election at various locations instead of a central venue allowed for the manipulation of influence, potentially granting some candidates an advantage.

He likened the election to an elite contest, with a select group of influential party members participating, which he believed was even more detrimental than physical violence.

He described it as a situation where one person carried charcoal while another carried raw meat, and despite expectations, only the person with raw meat attracted flies. This, he argued, was influenced by the coercive environment created by holding the election at multiple centers.

Dr. Boateng also considered the lack of job opportunities in the country, suggesting that many of the voters were government employees seeking to retain their positions and enjoy the benefits of being in government.

All these factors, in his opinion, contributed to Alan’s poor performance.

He concluded by asserting that the outcome of the election appeared to have been strategized well in advance, starting in Kumasi when Chairman Wontumi was given a free pass due to Nana Addo’s intervention.

Dr. Boateng believed that elections should not be predictable and should uphold the principles of electoral governance and fairness, which, in this case, seemed to have been compromised.

Today, Thursday, September 7, 2023, the Interbank forex rates from the Bank of Ghana(BoG) reveal that the Ghana Cedi is presently trading against the US Dollar at a buying rate of 11.0276 and a selling rate of 11.0386..

Meanwhile, at a foreign exchange bureau located in Accra, the US Dollar is available for purchase at a rate of 11.40 and can be sold at a rate of 11.65.

In addition, when measured against the Pound Sterling, the Ghana Cedi is trading at a buy rate of 13.7834 and a sell rate of 13.7983.

Furthermore, at a currency exchange bureau in Accra, the Pound Sterling is purchasable at a rate of 14.40 and can be sold at a rate of 14.90.

The Euro is currently trading in the broader market at a buying price of 11.8180 and a selling price of 11.8298. However, at a specific forex bureau in Accra, you can obtain Euros at a slightly different rate, with a buying rate of 12.10 and a selling rate of 12.60.

Similarly, the South African Rand has a general market rate of a buying price of 0.5734 and a selling price of 0.5738.

At the mentioned forex bureau in Accra, you can purchase South African Rand at a rate of 0.35 and sell it at a rate of 0.95.

Please note that forex rates can vary slightly between different bureaus and may change throughout the day.

The Nigerian Naira is currently trading in the general market at a buying price of 69.2688 and a selling price of 70.4036.

However, at the specific forex bureau in Accra, you can exchange Nigerian Naira at a rate of 11.00 Naira for every 1 Cedi when buying and sell it at a rate of 16.00 Naira for every 1 Cedi.

As for the CFA (XOF), it has a general market rate of a buying price of 55.4495 and a selling price of 55.5049. At the mentioned forex bureau in Accra, you can obtain CFA at a rate of 16.50 CFA for every 1 Cedi when buying and sell it at a rate of 20.50 CFA for every 1 Cedi.

Please keep in mind that foreign exchange rates can fluctuate and may differ slightly between different bureaus and regions.

The rates you provided are specific to Afriswap Bureau De Change in Osu, Accra.

Media personality, Samuel Attah-Mensah has indicated that former presidential aspirant of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Alan Kyerematen lost his presidential ambitions the day he accepted to serve under president Akufo-Addo.

During a media statement, Mr Attah-Mensah clarified that president Akufo-Addo is highly unlikely to select Alan over vice president, Bawumia as the preferred leader of their political party.

According to him president Akufo-Addo has consistently supported Bawumia, who has been his loyal deputy for an extended period.

Mr Attah-Mensah emphasized that President Akufo-Addo would not, under any circumstances, back Alan when Bawumia has been and continues to be of service to him.

“The moment Alan Kyerematen accepted the appointment as the trade minister under the Akufo-Addo in 2017 is where he left the race.

“Akufo-Addo will not against all odds propose Bawumia to be running mates against the stance of the party, work with him for 7 years and not stand with him at a point like this.

Following Alan Kyerematen’s withdrawal from the race, the former Trade Minister cited his subpar performance at the party’s Super Delegates Conference and alleged interference by certain party leaders as the reasons behind his decision.

He expressed concern that the conference had been strategically tilted in favor of a particular aspirant and pointed to statements made by prominent party members before and after the elections as supporting evidence.

“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, 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,” he added.