The Ministry of Roads and Highways has confirmed the successful completion of road alignment clearance for the construction of four significant by-passes along the Accra-Kumasi Highway.
All eight local contractors engaged in the project have initiated earthworks, with some already finishing the setup of their construction sites.
Commencing on June 15th of this year, the construction of the four major by-passes marks a significant step in the government’s initiative to dualize the Accra-Kumasi Highway.
The designated by-passes, located in Osino, Anyinam, Enyiresi, and Konongo, form part of a comprehensive strategy to alleviate traffic congestion, minimize accidents, and optimize the flow of goods and individuals along this key highway.
In a recent development, the Chief Director of the Ministry of Roads and Highways, Ing Dr Abass M. Awolu, alongside a team of engineers from the Ministry and the Ghana Highway Authority, conducted an inspection of the ongoing work.
Ing. Dr Awolu expressed contentment with the progress achieved thus far, underscoring the government’s steadfast commitment to the dualization of major truck routes across the nation.
Austin Faani, spouse of Nollywood’s Chacha Eke, has shared life with a partner dealing with mental health challenges.
Nollywood actress, Chacha Eke’s battle with bipolar disorder has garnered attention on social media.
Chacha Eke recounted a recent episode where she experienced a manic phase. She detailed days spent wandering through various locations in Lagos, including streets, hotels, and beaches.
She also mentioned traveling to Ghana by boat using a forged ID.
She described waking up one early morning around 3 a.m. feeling frightened at home, which led her to flee to an Asaba motor park and eventually to Lagos.
Austin Faani, her husband, shared his own perspective, recalling a time when his wife abruptly woke him up at 1 a.m. by smashing a mirror loudly. According to him, she claimed that numerous figures were emerging from the mirror, prompting her to break it.
Chacha’s husband also disclosed how he supported her during challenging times, accompanying her to prayer sessions when her condition worsened.
Nollywood actress and filmmaker, Ruth Kadiri, has experienced a rush of emotions upon waking up to watch her most recent film.
Sharing her feelings on her Instagram page, the mother of two revealed that she found herself in tears halfway through her own film.
Ruth Kadiri opened up about her emotional experience, expressing that witnessing her portrayal of hurt and vulnerability in the film moved her to tears, even causing her to pause watching midway.
In a message to her followers, she empathetically advised those who found themselves stirred by the film to pause, take a walk to clear their emotions, and then resume watching.
With sincerity, she requested her audience to watch the film to its conclusion, appealing to them on her behalf.
Concluding her message, the filmmaker offered a heartfelt prayer for those who carry broken hearts, hoping for their emotional wounds to be healed.
“I woke up this morning! To watch my upload for tomorrow!!
Halfway into the movie I burst into tears! Watching myself hurt and broken made me cry!! I couldn’t finish it! I beg! When you watch and you’re in tears! Pause the film! Take a stroll and come back and finish it! For my sake try and finish!!! Love you all.
May God heal the hearts of all broken-hearted souls”.
A Nigerian comedian, Chukwuemeka Emmanuel Ejekwu, widely known as the fearless Sabinus, has shed light on his personal life while delivering a sensational exposé on his financial achievements.
Engaging in a fresh dialogue with his dedicated followers, the content creator took to Instagram Stories to address a range of fan-generated queries.
He candidly discussed topics such as his financial standing, the motivation behind his recent passionate disclosure, his favorite culinary indulgences, and a plethora of other captivating subjects.
When questioned about his net worth, Sabinus confidently disclosed that his account boasted a substantial N930 million.When pressed for details about his recent personal encounter, he candidly shared that it had taken place almost two months ago.
In a bid to address the annual import of approximately $4 million worth of sunflower oil, a project has been initiated in Accra to empower farmers in cultivating sunflower on a large scale.
This endeavor taps into the immense potential of this globally sought-after oilseed crop, promising to enhance the nation’s socio-economic progress.
The multifaceted benefits of sunflower, ranging from edible oil production to biodiesel for energy generation and improved nutrition, make it a strategic choice. Notably, the country’s fish processing industry exports fish flakes in sunflower oil, contributing $147 million to the economy annually.
Beyond economic gains, the project aims to mitigate environmental degradation by utilizing sunflower to rehabilitate degraded lands. Tropical Agriculture and Marketing Consultancy Services (TRAGRIMACS), in collaboration with the Crop Science Department of the University of Ghana, Legon, and the Chemistry Department of the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST), Kumasi, are driving this initiative.
Issah Sulemana, CEO of TRAGRIMACS, emphasized Ghana’s scientific and technological capability in cultivating and processing sunflower seeds into various products, including edible oil, biodiesel, and animal feed. He highlighted the potential for using biodiesel to generate power and earn carbon credits for the country.
The project’s resurgence, following its successful run from 2006 to 2012, is attributed to the global reduction in sunflower production. The conflict between major sunflower-producing countries Russia and Ukraine presented an opportunity for Ghana to revitalize its efforts in the field.
Sulemana is optimistic about the project’s profitability, estimating an average net profit of GH¢461 per acre for farmers cultivating this drought-resistant crop. To ensure its sustainability, TRAGRIMACS intends to collaborate with the Ghana Investment Promotion Centre, aiming to position the project as an appealing investment opportunity for large-scale sunflower production.
Dr. Michael Baah Mensah, a lecturer at KNUST’s Department of Chemistry, highlighted the importance of research funding to determine the suitable sunflower seed variety for cultivation in the country.
Halle Berry and Olivier Martinez have officially concluded their divorce proceedings, nearly eight years after initially filing for divorce.
They have reached an agreement to share both legal and physical custody of their 9-year-old son, Maceo.
As part of the settlement, Berry will provide Martinez with $8,000 per month in child support.
The Academy Award-winning actress and the “Unfaithful” actor publicly announced their decision to divorce in October 2015.
They expressed their commitment to moving forward with love and respect, focusing on what would be best for their son. They asked for privacy during this challenging time.
“We move forward with love and respect for one another and the shared focus of what is best for our son. We wish each other nothing but happiness in life and we hope that you respect our and, most importantly, our children’s privacy as we go through this difficult period,” the statement read.
After their joint statement, Berry and Martinez separately filed for divorce, citing irreconcilable differences as the reason for their separation.
Their connection blossomed while working together on the film “Dark Tide” in 2012, eventually leading to their marriage in July 2013 in a private ceremony in France.
In April of the same year, Berry revealed her pregnancy with Martinez, expressing her joy and surprise at the unexpected turn of events.
She had previously been married to baseball player David Justice and singer Eric Benet, as well as being in a relationship with Canadian model Gabriel Aubry, with whom she shares a daughter named Nahla.
“This has been the biggest surprise of my life, to tell you the truth. I thought I was kind of past the point where this could be a reality for me. So it’s been a big surprise and the most wonderful,” she said at the time.
For Olivier Martinez, this marriage marked his first experience with matrimony.
A man has revealed his shocking dilemma on “The Late Night Chat Show”, a popular talk show hosted by Tima KumKum, where she gives advice on love and relationships.
The man said he found out his fiancee has slept with 150 men and he is not sure if he can marry her.
He asked Tima KumKum and the viewers for their opinions on what he should do.
Read his story below:
Hello Tima, I’m set to marry next weekend and I’m so sad because I’m too disappointed in the woman I’m about to call my wife in few days. Tima we started our counseling months back and during our last but one visit, our counselor told us to write all the people we have slept with on a sheet of paper, fold it and put it in an envelope, seal it and make sure we don’t show it to each other, per his instructions he said after we hand over the envelopes he will pray over it and burn it and with that all soul ties will break.
Before our marriage, he told us to be very honest since no one will see we must really try and remember all the people we have slept with and write them down, Tima I wrote mine during the week and honestly I tried to remember all the women I have slept with which wasn’t easy but I tried and got 45 which I thought was too much and prayed my wife to be never gets to know because I plan never to tell her my body count, but on the day we were supposed to present the envelopes which was also supposed to be our last day of counseling.
I picked up my woman and on our way she asked me to stop by her saloon and begged me she will stay for just 30minutes because she wanted to fix her hair briefly, I had no problem so whilst sitting in my car. I was bored so I started going through her bible as I wanted to just read a few scriptures to while away time only for me to come across her left it in the Bible it wasn’t in an envelope.
So l opened it and I almost fainted, Tima my wife to be had listed 150 men Omg I just couldn’t believe my eyes, she had numbered them too, I saw her two exes she had told me About’s name and some names including her current boss that was alarming, Tima how on earth will a woman sleep with 150 men even me that I’m a man I thought 45 was too much only to see this, I’ve been dating her for the past two years.
She’s a good woman no two ways but as soon as I saw the list Tima I totally lost interest in her, now I kept my cool took a picture of the lists and sent to my email and waited for her to come back, when she did we moved and she asked me to stop by a shop to buy an envelope and that’s when I saw her put the list in it and sealed it, Tima we got to the counselor we both handed our envelopes and he prayed and burnt it, honestly I felt like a fool that day because I was just trying so hard to keep my cool but deep inside I was hurting.
I couldn’t tell the counselor because he had given instructions that no one was supposed to look at the other’s list and so I couldn’t open up to him, now I also couldn’t ask my woman and we have few days to the wedding, Tima I don’t know what to do, please help me, my woman disgust me, trust me I’m not sure if I should go ahead and marry her I can be able to even touch her.
Cancellation of the wedding will bring too much disgrace to our list of men she’s slept with, Tima she had just family because at this point all our friends and families are aware, we’ve been introduced in both our churches, our families outside the country are already coming down this weekend in anticipation to our big day, I just can’t think straight, these past few days has been terrible. Kindly help me decide because this is too much of a burden on me. Comments are welcome.
Edgar Asamoah Boateng, who aspired to represent the Abuakwa North constituency in Parliament, has issued a sincere and unconditional apology to the National Executive Council of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) for initiating legal proceedings against the party.
His suspension from the NDC, which took place in July, came as a result of his decision to seek a court injunction against the party. The suspension followed his move to prevent the NDC from conducting both the Presidential and Parliamentary Primaries in the Abuakwa North constituency, as well as in all 275 constituencies.
Edgar Asamoah Boateng’s legal action was prompted by his concerns about the absence of a voters’ register provided to his fellow aspirants. This led him to seek a High Court injunction against the NDC’s presidential and parliamentary primaries, which were scheduled for May 13.
Acknowledging the impact of his actions on the party, Edgar Asamoah Boateng expressed his regrets and offered his apology to the National Executive Council. In his formal apology letter, he stated:
“I wish to extend an unreserved apology to the Party, the Flagbearer, the National Chairman, and the National Executive Council for my decision to take legal action against the party. I have become aware that my actions caused significant distress to the Party. My decision was a result of my frustration in not obtaining a satisfactory resolution from the party regarding certain actions carried out by certain constituency executives of the Abuakwa North Constituency. These actions, if left unchecked, could have serious repercussions for our party. Despite having raised concerns and submitted complaints through the established grievance resolution channels of the Party, I felt compelled to take legal action.”
Edgar Asamoah Boateng’s apology reflects his recognition of the impact of his actions and his willingness to mend any divisions caused by his decision to pursue legal action against the NDC.
The National Identification Authority (NIA) has announced its decision to resume the registration and issuance of Ghana Cards to individuals aged 15 years and above, who are first-time applicants, free of charge.
This operation will recommence in eight out of the sixteen regions on Monday, September 11 .
The resumption of this registration effort has been prompted by the acquisition of 484,000 blank cards from the NIA’s technical partners, Identity Management Systems II Limited (IMS II) and CalBank PLC.
In a statement, the EC said, “the second phase will begin on Monday, 11th September 2023 for all Ghanaians aged 15 years and above who have not yet applied for the Ghana Card. During Phase Two, Ghanaians wishing to replace their lost, stolen, or damaged Ghana Cards or to correct their names or dates of birth may do so in accordance with law at any of the NIA’s 286 Operational Offices nationwide offering free registration.”
“The resumption of this registration exercise has become possible due to NIA’s receipt of 484,000 blank cards from its technical partners, Identity Management Systems II Limited (IMS II) and CalBank PLC following an initiative by the Ministry of Finance. By this development, eligible Ghanaians who have not yet registered for the Ghana Card can do so”.
On the other hand, starting from Monday, August 28, 2023, and concluding on Friday, September 8, 2023 a limited registration will be conducted exclusively for Public Sector Workers on the Government of Ghana (GoG) Payroll.
Additionally, a specialized mobile service has been introduced for households comprising five or more members who intend to obtain the Ghana Card. This service enables the NIA team to conduct registrations directly at the households, albeit for a fee.
This initiative was spurred by the Ministry of Finance. As a result, eligible Ghanaians who have not previously registered for the Ghana Card are now able to do so.
These services cater to households with five or more Ghanaian members, as well as organizations with 50 or more Ghanaian members, who wish to avail registration services at a designated residence or location.
The cost for Household Registration stands at GH¢150.00 per applicant, while Institutional Registration requires GH¢100.00 per applicant, coupled with logistics fees.
Alan Kojo Kyeremateng’s campaign team has taken a swipe at the visually impaired activist, Duodu Bulgaria, after he predicted that Alan Kyeremateng would lose to Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia.
A prominent member of Alan Kyeremateng’s social media campaign team, Benjamin Akowuah, expressed his hope that Duodu Bulgaria, despite his blindness, would somehow gain the ability to witness Alan Kyeremateng’s victory.
In a Facebook post he said “the Only Person I am Sad that he will not see the Victory of Chief Alan John Kwadwo Kyerematen is a so called “Blind Historian”.
The post garnered negative reactions, with many finding it distasteful. Some comments pointed out the uncertainty of the future and cautioned against such assertions.
One commenter criticized the tone of the post: “Benjamin Akowuah, this post is inappropriate. No one knows what the future holds, so be cautious.”
Another comment suggested that Duodu Bulgaria, despite being visually impaired, might have a deeper understanding: “He may lack physical sight, but he seemingly perceives more than you, who have your vision intact. Doesn’t that say a lot?”
Duodu Bulgaria’s Statements:
Last week, Duodu Bulgaria, the blind historian, advised former trade minister Alan Kyeremateng to abandon his presidential aspirations, deeming them unattainable.
Bulgaria reiterated these sentiments in an interview with the media. He claimed that it would be easier to bring the dead back to life than for Alan Kyeremateng to become the New Patriotic Party’s flagbearer.
“Apart from raising the dead to come back to life, the next most difficult thing is for Alan Kyerematen to become NPP flagbearer,” he told Kofi Adomah. Refreshing the memory of viewers, Bulgaria said Alan’s written and signed resignation in 2007 was the end of his political ambition” He said.
Bulgaria’s interview appears to have stirred controversy within the Alan Kyeremateng camp, just 48 hours before the New Patriotic Party Superdelegates conference on Saturday, August 26.
The Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG) has taken action against 11 senior executives following allegations of their involvement in activities that led to significant financial losses for the company.
According to reports the list of individuals affected by this decision includes Treasury Executives, a Senior IT Assistant, an Assistant Accounting Officer, Artisans, Customer Service Officers, and other high-ranking personnel.
The report outlines a range of illicit actions in which these executives are alleged to have participated, resulting in negative financial consequences for the organization.
The accusations leveled against these individuals encompass activities such as manipulating and fabricating records, making unauthorized alterations to payment records, as well as engaging in improper payments and transfers.
These actions collectively contributed to the financial harm suffered by ECG.
These executives, who had been stationed across different regions of the country, have been issued dismissal notices, effectively ending their employment with the company. The terminations took place in August 2023, affecting the top leadership of ECG.
Although the report does not provide specific names of the dismissed officials, it confirms that management has already communicated their dismissal to them through official letters.
It is noted that the implicated executives were given ample opportunity by ECG management to defend themselves against the allegations. However, their failure to adequately address the accusations ultimately led to their dismissal.
The present administration at ECG is firmly committed to safeguarding the company’s financial assets. To this end, a series of policies have been introduced to combat theft and other illicit activities within the organization.
Founder of the now-defunct UT Bank, Prince Kofi Amoabeng, has unveiled intriguing insights into his entrepreneurial journey and career development.
He recounted instances where he found himself in a battle for what he rightfully deserved when certain financial institutions, from which he aimed to secure loans, made irrational demands.
As disclosed in excerpts from his book titled “The UT Story – Humble Beginnings,” Amoabeng revealed that at a certain juncture, an undisclosed bank requested an investment in Treasury Bills of a specific value as collateral for him to obtain the desired loan amount.
Although he had initially proposed his property as collateral, the bank initially declined. Later, they approved only half of the requested amount, offering GHC 50 million instead of the GHC 100 million he sought. In addition, they demanded his house as extra collateral.
Frustration mounted, leading him to take an unexpected action: he leapt over the counter and demanded the closure of his account with the bank, insisting on retrieving all his funds.
“I rushed to the bank in very high hopes only to be informed that they had approved GHC 50 million instead of the GHC 100 million I had applied for. And in addition to the GHC 100 million Treasury Bills, they wanted me to add my house as collateral. I became apoplectic!
“They declined my house as collateral and demanded a liquid investment. I struggled to procure the Treasury Bills at a cost. And after three months, they want to grant me half of the amount I had requested. On top of that, they were now demanding my house as additional collateral!
“What do you people take me for? I yelled. [Calm down, Adjei Ansah said]. GHC 100 million Treasury Bills is equivalent to cash!] I yelled ignoring him. So why do you want my house in addition? [So we’ll feel more comfortable, he replied.] If you don’t feel comfortable with the Treasury Bills, then why did you ask for it?” he continued.
Amoabeng continued to recount, “I didn’t wait for them to process my request. I vaulted over the counter and confronted the staff, demanding my documents immediately. ‘Sir, please remain calm,’ they attempted to placate me. ‘No! No! No! Don’t feed me that nonsense!’ I created a scene and closed my account. I was even more furious because I had intended to utilize my house as collateral to secure additional funds from elsewhere.”
Ultimately, he returned the Treasury Bill documents he had obtained from a friend and sold his house to fund his business endeavors.
Below is a snippet of the page with the narration:
The New Patriotic Party (NPP) has issued a warning to delegates against revealing their ballots subsequent to voting during the upcoming Special Delegates conference scheduled for Saturday.
On August 26, NPP delegates will partake in a vote to trim the current pool of ten presidential aspirants down to a final selection of five.
This Special Electoral College event will serve as a precursor to the pivotal national conference set for November 4, 2023. During this later gathering, the party will designate its flagbearer for the 2024 general elections.
This nationwide balloting process follows several months of intense campaigning by the aspirants, who traversed the entire country in an effort to secure the favor of the delegates, who hold the power to shape their fates.
In an official statement outlining measures implemented to ensure the smooth culmination of the voting process, the NPP underscored that it’s imperative to recognize that publicly showcasing marked ballots constitutes a criminal offense.
“We hereby serve notice that those who violate this provision shall be subjected to legal repercussions in accordance with the law. Delegates are hereby informed that any cast ballots publicly displayed will be rejected.”
Furthermore, the party emphasized that through the established protocols, it aims to assure “all pertinent parties, including stakeholders, delegates, aspirants, and the general public, that these guidelines guarantee that no individual can discern the voting preferences and trends of specific voters following the conclusion of the voting process.”
The Member of Parliament representing the Assin North Constituency, James Gyakye Quayson, has expressed his contentment upon returning to Ghana after spending several years in Canada.
According to him, his purpose for returning is to serve the needs of his constituents, a move that brings him great satisfaction.
James Gyakye Quayson, previously the National Democratic Congress (NDC) parliamentary candidate for the Assin North by-election, achieved a triumphant victory in the recent polls.
The by-election, which took place on June 27, 2023, saw Mr. Quayson secure 17,245 votes, constituting an impressive 57.56 percent of the total votes cast.
This victory enabled him to surpass his opponents: Charles Opoku of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) and Bernice Enyonam Sefenu of the Liberal Party of Ghana (LPG).
In the closely contested by-election, Charles Opoku garnered 12,630 votes, corresponding to 42.15 percent of the total votes cast, while Bernice Enyonam Sefenu from the LPG received a mere 87 votes, amounting to 0.29 percent of the total.
Mr. Quayson, who initially secured the seat in the 2020 polls with 17,498 votes, was removed from Parliament due to his dual citizenship status before filing his nomination forms.
The vacancy in the Assin North seat arose after the Supreme Court’s ruling on May 17, instructing Parliament to expunge Gyakye Quayson’s name from its records.
In an interview with the media, the legislator conveyed his happiness about revitalizing his constituency.
Despite facing daily challenges that posed setbacks, Mr. Quayson emphasized that these obstacles did not dissuade him from putting in vigorous effort to secure the seat. He underscored his unwavering determination and dismissed any fear of losing the by-elections.
However, it’s worth noting that the MP is currently entangled in a legal battle, facing allegations of forgery and perjury. The state has levied charges against him, including deceiving a public officer in contravention of section 251 (b) of the Criminal Offences Act, 1960, Act 29.
Additionally, he is accused of forging a passport or travel certificate, in violation of section 15 (1)(b) of the Passports and Travel Certificates Act, 1967 (NLCD 155), as well as knowingly making a false statutory declaration, an offense under the Statutory Declarations Act, 1971, Act 389.
Furthermore, Mr. Quayson faces perjury charges under section 210 (1) of the Criminal Offences Act, 1960, Act 29, along with charges of making a false declaration for office as per section 248 of the same act, Act 29.
A recent study focusing on obstetric violence experienced by Ghanaian women has brought to light distressing findings.
According to the research two-thirds of pregnant women are subjected to mistreatment at the hands of healthcare professionals during labor and childbirth.
The investigation was led by Dr. Abena Yalley, a Ghanaian researcher based in Germany, alongside her team of researchers.
Over the span of September 2021 to February 2022, they engaged with 2,142 mothers residing in the Western and Ashanti Regions of Ghana, delving into the issue of Obstetric Violence.
Termed as “Humanizing the Birthing Process,” the study aimed to uncover the underlying factors that hinder both maternal and newborn well-being. It aimed to bridge the gap between the high rates of antenatal care utilization and the comparatively low rates of hospital deliveries, a discrepancy that undermines the goals of ensuring safe maternal care, reducing morbidity, and preventing mortality.
The context in Ghana revealed a disturbing statistic: in 2017 alone, 310 maternal deaths were recorded per 100,000 live births, a deeply concerning figure for achieving Sustainable Development Goal indicators.
Dr. Abena Yalley, during a dissemination workshop involving nurses, midwives, doctors, women’s groups, and educators from training institutions, emphasized the pressing nature of the burden posed by obstetric violence in Ghana.
She described how this violence manifested in various forms: disrespect, lack of empathy, undignified care, neglect, abandonment, physical violence, and procedures performed without consent.
The research identified distressing practices within healthcare facilities, including shouting, beating of women during labor, and performing episiotomy stitches without anesthesia after deliveries. These practices were identified as common yet perilous.
Significantly, the study uncovered that these abuses were particularly inflicted upon single mothers and teenage girls.
The repercussions of these negative behaviors displayed by healthcare professionals were far-reaching.
It led many women to prefer seeking assistance from traditional birth attendants over skilled medical professionals. Moreover, women who had endured such mistreatment experienced psychological and emotional trauma, often leading to a reluctance to seek facility-based deliveries.
This situation, as revealed by the study, has the potential to undermine progress in reducing maternal and newborn mortality rates, as well as in preventing mother-to-child transmission of HIV and AIDS.
Addressing these grave concerns, the study put forth recommendations. It called for a revision of the curricula in healthcare institutions, emphasizing the importance of compassionate care.
It also urged strategic interventions to break the cycle of violence and proposed the implementation of grievance systems to address instances of abuse. Such measures are deemed crucial to ensure that maternal care is not just safe but also respectful and dignified.
The Ministry of Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs has announced that the 2023 Christian Pilgrimage to Israel will be fully self-funded and will not impose any financial burden on the government.
In an interview with the media on Wednesday, August 23, Richard Obeng Boafo, Deputy Director and Head of the Religious Affairs Unit at the Ministry, emphasized that the intention of the government is for participants in the pilgrimage to cover their own expenses, including travel and accommodations costs.
“For now, we are not sponsoring anybody,” he said.
He added “we want the pilgrims to pay for their fares and accommodation, it will not cost the government any money.”
Furthermore, an internal circular has been issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration to communicate details about the 2023 Christian Pilgrimage to Israel.
The pilgrimage will be divided into three segments spanning from September 22 to November 30, 2023.
The circular contains the following information:
“I have the honour to inform members of staff that the Ministry of Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs has resumed its Christian Pilgrimage Programme to Israel. The provisional dates for the 2023 Pilgrimage are as follows:
“First Pilgrimage: 22nd-30th September, 2023 (Deadline for submission of registration forms 31st August, 2023); Second Pilgrimage: 21st-29th October, 2023 (Deadline for submission of forms 22nd September 2023); and Third Pilgrimage: 22nd-30th November, 2023 (Deadline for submission of forms 20th October, 2023),” it stated.
Nigerian music sensation, Burna Boy has clarified the misconception surrounding his music style, emphatically labeling it as Afro-Fusion rather than the previously reported term Afrobeats.
The accomplished artist shared these insights during an interview conducted in the United States.
Burna Boy was probed about the distinctions between his musical genre and Afrobeats, to which he responded by tracing the origins of “Afrobeat” back to the late musical icon Fela Kuti.
He expressed his lack of awareness regarding the genesis of the term “Afrobeats.”
According to Burna Boy, “Afrobeat” inherently belongs to Fela Kuti, the revered African legend.
He pointed out that those who adopted Fela’s style needed a distinct label for identification purposes, and that’s when the term “Afrobeats” emerged, with the addition of an “S.”
He admitted his uncertainty about its origin, speculating that it might have originated from the UK or another source. Regardless, he made it clear that it wasn’t originally “Afrobeats.”
Burna Boy went on to define his musical style as Afro-Fusion, an intricate fusion of diverse sounds that encapsulate the essence of the African experience.
He explained that when he embarked on his Afro-Fusion journey, he found no pre-existing label that resonated with his unique sound.
Consequently, he coined the term “Afro-Fusion” to encompass the amalgamation of various musical elements. He likened the African essence within his music to the container holding the entire concoction, signifying its core identity.
“Afrobeat is Fela Kuti. The African legend called Fela Kuti. That’s Afrobeat. Those who adopted his style needed to call it something to be able to identify. And somehow, they just said Afrobeat and added an S. I have no idea. Maybe it’s the UK or maybe I don’t know who. But it wasn’t Afrobeats.
“So for me, it’s like when I started the Afro-Fusion thing, there was nothing that I could identify myself with. So I just said, you know what? I’ll call it Afro-fusion. Because it’s a fusion of everything, really. And the Africaness is the bottle that holds the whole drink,” he added.
As Funke Akindele marks her 46th birthday tomorrow, Frday, August 24, fellow Nollywood celebrities have flooded her Instagram page with warm wishes.
The actress and filmmaker shared stunning images, expressing gratitude for 46 years of God’s blessings.
In heartfelt words, she wrote, “You can swipe Sha. 46 years of God’s goodness. Oluwaseun”.
In another post, Akindele urged her fans to hold onto their birthday gifts, praying for a continuous stream of celebrations.
“August 24th, here I come! Guys, save my birthday gift, okay? May we always find reasons to celebrate!!!”
Celebrities such as Mo Abudu, Mercy Aigbe, Juliana Olayode, Regina Chukwu, Biola Bayo, Alesh Sanni, and more showered her comments with early birthday wishes.
Mo Abudu wrote, “My darling
Juliana Olayode wrote, “Happy birthday mama. God bless and keep you
Former Black Stars captain, Asamoah Gyan’s name has been featured in Burna Boy‘s latest song featuring British rapper Dave.
Gyan is referenced in the track by Dave, who smoothly rhymes on the anticipated hit titled “Cheat on Me.”
The song is part of Burna Boy’s upcoming album scheduled for August 25 release.
Dave’s lyrics include, “I’m Asamoah Gyan, the way I hit the bar,” recalling Gyan’s 2010 World Cup penalty against Uruguay.
Gyan took to social media, sharing a fire emoji in reaction, indicating his endorsement of the song’s quality.
Dave is renowned for skillfully incorporating football references in his music, previously mentioning players like Anthony Martial and Aaron Wan Bissaka of Manchester United.
This marks Burna Boy and Dave’s second collaboration, with their initial joint effort “Location” becoming a global hit.
Meanwhile, Gyan’s passion for music is notable; he has collaborated with Ghanaian artists including reggae-dancehall star Stonebwoy.
At 37, Gyan retired from football in June, culminating a remarkable career exceeding two decades, as reported by the BBC.
In spite of her prominently large pregnancy belly, Mildred, a woman renowned for her captivating TikTok posts, has astounded her followers as she delivers a single baby.
Throughout her pregnancy journey, Mildred had been sharing her experiences, showcasing her prominently expanding belly, which led many to speculate whether she was expecting twins.
However, Mildred’s recent video announcement has illuminated the authentic nature of her pregnancy.
Documenting her pregnancy journey through a captivating series of videos, Mildred had been actively engaging her audience.
With each passing week, her baby belly had expanded, intensifying the assumptions and excitement of her followers.
Given the conspicuous size of her pregnancy belly, her fans had been anticipating the arrival of not just one, but possibly two babies.
This anticipation reached its climax when Mildred finally unveiled a post-birth video, disclosing a delightful twist that had remained unforeseen.
In the video, Mildred exuberantly introduced her baby boy to the world, conclusively dispelling any uncertainties surrounding her pregnancy.
Her elation and bliss were palpable as she proudly presented her baby to the camera, radiating happiness and contentment.
Netizens reactions… @Dydy Diamond Lova said; “Only one? That baby had a luxurious villa inside your tummy! Congratulations mama!”
@Iam.Itunu commented; “He’s supposed to start school immediately o.”
@Debby asked; “OMG. Just one? Congrats momma!”
@MIRACLE reacted; “Congratulations! All thanks to God almighty.”
@phaswanaphaswanas said; “God bless you and the baby.”
@Princess Pamilerin said; “Congratulations! I tap from this blessing.”
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Member of Parliament for Afram Plains North, Betty Krosbi Mensah, has made an urgent appeal to the Electoral Commission (EC), specifically addressing its chairperson, Jean Mensa.
She has called on the EC to promptly review the voter registration procedures for Afram Plains North in consultation with the District Inter-Party Committee.
The aim is to establish voter registration centers on all the islands in the area, thereby facilitating the registration of voters.
Betty Krosbi Mensah has suggested that the EC considers deploying mobile voter registration units, similar to what was done in 2020, as another potential solution.
The EC has announced that the voter registration process for individuals who have attained the age of 18 will begin on Tuesday, September 12 and continue until Monday, October 2, 2023.
The registration will be carried out at all 268 district offices nationwide.
Notably, a fee of GHC10 will be charged for the replacement of voter’s ID cards.
During a press briefing in Accra, titled ‘Let the Citizen Know’, Jean Mensa, Chairperson of the Electoral Commission, emphasized that this voter registration exercise aims to provide an opportunity for Ghanaians who have turned 18 since the last registration in 2020, as well as those above 18 who couldn’t register for various reasons during the 2020 exercise.
In a press conference held on August 23, the MP for Afram Plains North expressed the belief that the Electoral Commission should conduct the registration process in accordance with both the spirit and letter of the constitution.
She emphasized the importance of upholding the objectives and democratic principles outlined in the constitution.
Betty Krosbi Mensah conveyed concerns that restricting the registration to only the District Office could inadvertently disenfranchise numerous eligible voters across various communities in the Afram Plains Constituency.
She emphasized that such an approach could act as a disincentive, indirectly undermining the ability of many to participate in the electoral process.
“In effect, the Electoral Commission should not and must not exercise its powers conferred on it by the constitution in a manner arbitrary to the constitution as to deny citizens the right to register and vote through administrative action or inaction.
“We in the Afram Plains Constituency are concerned that if the Electoral Commission proceeds with its plan to use only the DistrictOffice as the registration center, it will be a disincentive that will indirectly disenfranchise thousands of eligible voters across many communities in the constituency.”
Below is her full statement…
STATEMENT BY HON. BETTY NANA EFUA KROSBI MENSAH, MEMBER OF PARLIAMENT FOR THE AFRAM PLAINS NORTH CONSTITUENCY ON THE RAMIFICATIONS OF THE VOTER’S REGISTRATION MODALITIES ANNOUNCED BY THE ELECTORAL COMMISSION DELIVERED AT A PRESS CONFERENCE AT DONKORKROM ON 23RD AUGUST, 2023
My beloved constituents of Afram Plains North Constituency;
Friends from the media;
Ladies and Gentlemen
Introduction
I invite you here as your Member of Parliament to raise very important issues that affect many of us, our brothers and sisters directly and above all our democracy as a nation.
On Thursday 17th August, 2023, the Chairperson of the Electoral Commission, Mrs. Jean Mensa, addressed a press conference in Accra where she announced the dates for the upcoming Voter’s Registration Exercise. As you may have heard, the EC chair announced that the voter’s Registration exercise will commence on 12th September, 2023 and end on 2nd October, 2023.
She however added that only the District Offices of the Electoral Commission have been designated as registration centers for the purposes of the upcoming registration.
Ladies and Gentlemen, the registration exercise announced by the Electoral Commission is important because the Commission since its last registration exercise in 2020 has not registered eligible voters who turned 18 years for the past three years. With the upcoming District Level Elections, this registration exercise will afford them the opportunity to exercise their franchise.
Much as this is good news to many eligible voters in our constituency, I have since received numerous complaints about the modalities for the registration which we wish to bring to the attention of the General Public and the Electoral Commission to put in place adequate measures to facilitate the smooth registration process to ensure that eligible persons are not disenfranchised.
2.0 The right to vote and the duty of the Electoral Commission
Ladies and Gentlemen, as a democratic state, the right to vote is so fundamental that no impediments must be allowed to deny eligible persons the enjoyment of this sacred right.
As you are aware, the 1992 Constitution in Article 42 provides that:
“Every citizen of Ghana of eighteen years of age and above and of sound mind has the right to vote and is ENTITLED to be registered as a voter for the purposes of public elections and referenda”.
So important is this right of registration as a voter that the enjoyment of certain opportunities is subject to the activation of this right. The framers of our constitution make voter registration a prerequisite for the enjoyment of some opportunities. For instance, one cannot be a Member of Parliament or a minister of state unless that person is a registered voter. This is how important voter registration is!
It is for this reason that the Constitution in articles 45 (a) and (e) enjoins the Electoral Commission to compile a register of voters and undertake programmes for the expansion of the registration of voters.
It is my considered view that, in the execution of this important mandate imposed on the Electoral Commission, it must do so in the light of the spirit and letter of the constitution by advancing the objectives and democratic principles espoused by the constitution. In effect, the Electoral Commission should not and must not exercise its powers conferred on it by the constitution in a manner arbitrary to the constitution as to deny citizens the right to register and vote through administrative action or inaction.
We in the Afram Plains Constituency are concerned that if the Electoral Commission proceeds with its plan to use only the DistrictOffice as the registration center, it will be a disincentive that will indirectly disenfranchise thousands of eligible voters across many communities in the constituency.
3.0 The nature of the Afram Plains Constituency
The Afram Plains North Constituency which has the same geographical configuration as the Kwahu Afram Plains North District of the Eastern Region has the largest land mass in the Eastern Region with 2,341.3 square kilometers.
In all, there are over 575 communities in the constituency of which 222 are located on the Volta Lake. The constituency has 31 electoral areas and 127 polling stations. Out of this number, 13 electoral areas and 54 polling stations are located on various islands.
Given the nature of the constituency, the only reliable means of transport are boats, canoes, and ferries. To access the district capital, constituents have to travel several kilometers on water and commute by road to Donkorkrom. Constituents who live on Agordeke (Digya Island) for instance have to travel by boat for about 8-10 hours to get to the river bank at Supom (Bridge Ano) and then continue for over 25kilometer distance by road to the District Capital (Donkorkrom). It will surprise you that the cost involved is as follows: Boat=80; Abotoaso-Kpando=35; Kpando-Torkor=8; Ferry=12; River bank-Donkorkrom=20. Total for in and out = GHC310.00
4.0 Effects of the EC’s Voter Registration Modalities
There are practical implications for this limited voter registration exercise if the EC proceeds with its current arrangements.
Eligible voters particularly women and young people who desire to enjoy their Article 42 rights will have to travel several kilometers by water and road to Donkorkrom.
For those who cannot make the journey in a day, they have to make arrangements for accommodation and leave only after they have been able to register. This is unpredictable since people will be traveling from all communities across the constituency to register not forgetting that people who do not possess the Ghana card will have to arrange and possibly travel with two guarantors to help them register.
The above also implies that eligible registrants will have to abandon school, work, and other economic activities for the days that they will be trying to register.
It will also come at a great cost to eligible constituents since they have to bear the cost of transportation, accommodation amidst heavy rain falls, and frequent accidents on the lake.
I believe that the EC by its current decision is denying persons who otherwise are eligible to register the opportunity to do so.
As a Member of Parliament, it is my considered view that the constitutional mandate given to the EC must be exercised in a fair and reasonable manner as to facilitate and not frustrate citizens’ right to vote. In this vein, the Electoral Commission, in the execution of its mandate ought to have a reasonable contemplation of the peculiar challenges of constituencies such as AFRAM PLAINS in the upcoming voter registration exercise and not apply a one-size-fits-all in its approach.
What is more surprising is that the EC in previous elections used helicopters to distribute election materials in these hard-to-reach island communities in the constituency. The Commission is therefore fully aware of the challenges and how citizens will be adversely affected if the registration is carried out in the manner that the Commission has proposed.
However, if for any reason the Commission is constrained by lack of human and logistical resources, the proper thing to do is to come to Parliament and make a justification for resources to do its work. I will be the first MP to advocate that the Commission should be provided with the needed resources to perform its constitutional mandate.
5.0 Conclusion
Given the above challenges associated with the EC’s modalities for the registration, I wish to, on behalf of the people of Afram Plains North, who I proudly represent in Parliament, appeal to the Electoral Commission through its chairperson, Jean Mensa to as a matter of urgency review the registration modalities for Afram Plains North, in consultation with the District Inter-Party Committee, by creating registration centers on all islands to facilitate the registration of voters. The deployment of mobile voter registration units as done by the Commission in 2020 is another option available to the Commission to consider.
THANK YOU ALL FOR COMING AND THANK YOU FOR YOUR TIME
The police have stated that the Minority in Parliament’s planned protest and picketing around the Bank of Ghana (BoG) headquarters could potentially pose risks to public order, safety, and essential services.
In response to the opposition MPs’ intention to stage a demonstration demanding the resignation of BoG Governor, Ernest Addison and his deputies over allegations of fiscal mismanagement, the police have suggested an alteration in the protest route.
The Accra regional police commander, Sayibu Pabi Gariba, stated in a notice to the organizers that, “The Bank of Ghana is a security installation, and accordingly the protest and picketing around the installation may endanger public order, public safety, and the running of essential services.”
The police expressed concerns about the chosen route, pointing out that the area from Makola through Rawlings Park and Opera Square is typically congested with human and vehicular traffic.
“The Bank of Ghana is a security installation, and accordingly the protest and picketing around the installation may endanger public order, public safety and the running of essential services,” Sayibu Pabi Gariba, the Accra regional police commander, said in a notice to the organisers.
“That the route from Makola through Rawlings Park and Opera Square are always overcrowded and over populated due to human and vehicular traffic,” the notice continued. “Thus, considering the nature of activities during the day, security can easily be compromised. In that regard, using such route may lead to violence.”
“As requested today during our engagement, the command wishes to reiterate that you relocate the route and the destination for the picketing and therefore propose in the interest of public order, public safety among others that you commence the protest from the frontage of Parliament House through Osu Cemetery Traffic Light and terminate at the Independence Square,” Gariba said.
This congestion could potentially compromise security and lead to violence, according to the police notice.
As a safer alternative, the police recommended that the protest route be changed to begin from the frontage of Parliament House, proceed through Osu Cemetery Traffic Light, and culminate at Independence Square.
The opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC) has issued a 21-day ultimatum for the governor and his deputies to step down, accusing them of mismanaging the economy. If the governor does not comply by September 5, the Minority MPs have pledged to picket at the central bank’s headquarters.
This call for action has garnered support from various quarters, including the pressure group AriseGhana. Comrade Rex Omar, the convener of AriseGhana, highlighted concerns over the alleged mismanagement of funds by the Bank of Ghana in their 2022 Report and financial statements. He specifically criticized the unauthorized printing of money to finance government activities, emphasizing the need for accountability and condemning such actions.
It remains to be seen how the situation will unfold, given the opposition’s determination to demonstrate and the police’s insistence on altering the protest route due to security concerns.
The campaign team for vice president, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia has dismissed allegations of amassing funds to influence delegates of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) ahead of the upcoming presidential primaries scheduled for Saturday, August 26.
A video circulating on various social media platforms depicts unidentified individuals accumulating money at an undisclosed location.
The accompanying caption asserts that these funds are intended for distribution among delegates to sway their votes in favor of the vice president who is vying for the role of flagbearer within the New Patriotic Party (NPP).
However, the spokesperson for Dr. Bawumia, Gideon Boako, has issued a statement to clarify the situation.
He indicated that, This is malicious propaganda. This video is an old video that has been in circulation since 2020, in the lead-up to the 2020 elections. It is so unfortunate that this old video has been adapted by opponents of Dr. Bawumia, who have maliciously captioned it and circulated it widely. This malicious propaganda should be treated with the greatest contempt”.
Read below the full statement by Gideon Boako, Spokesperson to Dr Bawumia
Disregard the propaganda video with a stockpile of money/cash
The attention of the Bawumia campaign team has been drawn to a video circulating on social media and showing some unidentified people stockpiling cash in an unidentified location.
The video comes with the caption that the stockpile of cash is meant to be distributed to delegates ahead of Saturday’s election to influence them to vote for Dr Bawumia.
This is malicious propaganda. This video is an old video that has been in circulation since 2020, in the lead up to the 2020 elections.
It is so unfortunate that this old video has been adapted by opponents of Dr. Bawumia, who have maliciously captioned it and circulating it widely.
This malicious propaganda should be treated with the greatest contempt.
Dr Bawumia’s campaign has been conducted in the most frugal manner, as has been testified to by delegates Team Bawumia urges the teams of other contestants, who can be clearly identified in the captioning and circulation of this video, to embark on genuine decent campaigns, devoid of lies, and mudslinging It is such a decent campaign that the Npp will benefit from.
Kindly find attached the original story on the stockpile of cash when it first came up in 2020.
The Bawumia signal is strong. The campaign team remains focused on delivering a resounding endorsement on Saturday.
It will be possible.
—– Signed —— Gideon Boako, Ph.D Spokesperson to the Vice President
Vice president, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia has expressed deep concern over the widespread encroachment on airport lands, cautioning that such actions pose a serious threat to the future expansion of Ghana’s airports.
He emphasized that these encroachments could also impede potential rescue efforts in the unlikely event of an accident.
Dr. Bawumia has called upon relevant authorities, particularly the Ghana Airport Company Limited (GACL) and the Lands Commission, to take the necessary measures to safeguard airport lands for future expansion projects.
“The operators and regulators of our airports, as well as, the Lands Commission need to work closely together to ensure that airport lands are properly protected and well managed not only for future airport expansion but also to safeguard lives and property in the unlikely event of an accident occurring at or around the airport enclave.
“I therefore charge the authorities involved to enforce the law and I also entreat all citizens to cooperate for us to fully benefit from the development of the aviation sector,” he said after commissioning the Tamale International Airport Phase II Project at a colourful ceremony in the Northern Regional capital on Tuesday, August 22, 2023,” he added.
During the inauguration of the Tamale International Airport Phase II Project, which took place in the Northern Regional capital on August 22, 2023, Dr. Bawumia expressed his satisfaction with the completion of the project. The groundbreaking for this project had occurred on August 15, 2019.
Highlighting the significance of the project, he remarked, “This project holds great importance for the government, particularly the hardworking people of the Northern Region and their trade partners across the country and the Sub-Region.”
The newly completed phase of the airport features an expansive ultra-modern terminal building spanning approximately 5,000 square meters, designed to accommodate an annual passenger throughput of 400,000.
Other additions include a versatile multi-purpose terminal (Hajj Facility), a 5-kilometer single carriageway access road, a 330-capacity car park, and a technical hub for electricity and waste water management, among other facilities.
The terminal building boasts various amenities including a VIP lounge, boarding gates, self-service check-in kiosks, check-in desks, airline offices, and commercial retail areas.
The Vice President stressed the importance of the Tamale International Airport’s role as an alternative to the Kotoka International Airport and as a catalyst for regional economic growth, particularly in agriculture and tourism.
He also highlighted the potential for supporting the Northern Development Authority’s programs, boosting agro-based industries, and attracting investment in aviation-related enterprises.
“This project is so dear to the Government and particularly the hard-working people of the Northern Region and its trading partners across the length and breadth of the country and the Sub-Region,” Dr Bawumia stated at the Commissioning, held on Tuesday, August 22, 2023.
“The completion of this ultra-modern terminal building together with a multi-purpose Terminal and other ancillary facilities are expected to provide the needed impetus for increased economic trading activities and to re-inforce the status of Tamale as a Sub-Saharan Hub Airport for flights to and from neigbouring West African countries and the Sahel Region.
“The Tamale International Airport will serve as an alternative to the Kotoka International Airport,” he added.
Additionally, the expansion of the airport is expected to streamline travel for the annual pilgrimage to Mecca for Muslims, positioning Tamale as a Hajj hub in Ghana.
Transport Minister, Kwaku Ofori Asiamah encouraged airline operators to capitalize on Ghana’s expanding aviation infrastructure, promising an unparalleled travel experience to and within the country.
“Significantly, it is also expected that the Tamale International Airport will make Tamale the Hajj hub in Ghana and facilitate seamless travel directly to Saudi Arabia for the seasonal pilgrimage to Mecca. It is gratifying to note that the multi-Purpose Terminal, which was completed in 2022, has been used in facilitating Hajj Pilgrims in 2022 and 2023.
The Member of Parliament for Assin North Constituency, James Gyakye Quayson, has refuted claims of distributing money during the Assin North by-elections held in June.
As the National Democratic Congress (NDC) parliamentary candidate for the by-election, Quayson emerged victorious.
After the by-election on June 27, 2023, Quayson secured 17,245 votes, equivalent to 57.56 percent of the total votes, surpassing Charles Opoku from the New Patriotic Party (NPP) and Bernice Enyonam Sefenu from the Liberal Party of Ghana (LPG).
Opoku received 12,630 votes, representing 42.15 percent of the total, in the closely contested by-election, while Sefenu managed only 87 votes (0.29%).
Quayson, previously elected in the 2020 polls with 17,498 votes, was expelled from Parliament due to dual citizenship before filing nomination forms.
The Assin North seat was declared vacant following a Supreme Court order to remove Quayson’s name from parliamentary records on May 17.
The court ruled that Quayson was ineligible to contest the 2020 parliamentary election for Assin North Constituency when he submitted his nomination forms on October 9, 2020.
Amid the by-election, accusations of vote-buying by both the New Patriotic Party and the National Democratic Congress surfaced.
However, in an interview with the media Quayson dismissed allegations that he offered money to voters to influence their votes.
According to Quayson, the items he distributed to voters were aimed at fulfilling their needs, noting that these needs had been expressed before the by-election.
He emphasized that these items, such as machetes for farming and weedicides, were not to be considered as vote buying.
Quayson clarified that his engagement with constituents had been limited for over a year due to restrictions, which were lifted for the by-election.
He highlighted that his distribution of items was based on a list of communities that required resources like boreholes and community centers. These items were intended to fulfill genuine needs and were previously identified by the constituents.
“I never gave out money for votes, if I gave anything, it was logistics geared towards the needs of the people. I gave out machetes for their farms and weedicides. I don’t call that vote buying. These are items I wish I could get for them, maybe the timing. If it’s the timing you are talking about, I don’t even think it’s a problem. Even last week, we got some Wellington boots and weedicides from the government’s Common Fund, and I went to distribute them. In fact, I just came back just yesterday.”
“We have to explain the process and how certain things happen. Consider an MP who has been restricted for over a year, 14 months to be precise. Until the time of the by-elections, April 2022 until June 2023. My engagement with them could even be perceived as breaching the law. Don’t carry yourself as an MP, and suddenly the opportunity avails itself, there was a by-election. The people had already expressed some of the things they needed, I will never give them what they don’t need”.
“I had a list of communities that needed boreholes, community centres and all the items they needed, so I focused on those lists. For the past 14 months, I couldn’t do it, and I said here is my list, this is what I can do for the people”.
The recipient of nearly $4 million in tax exemptions,4-Mac Limited, through the One District, One Factory program for the establishment of a hotel, cannot be located in the Office of Registrar of Companies (ORC) database.
A search conducted by The Fourth Estate at the Office of the Registrar of Companies revealed that neither the name “4-Mac” nor the hotel “Le Meridien” that it is constructing can be found.
In a letter dated August 9, 2023, the ORC stated, “We wish to state that a search conducted at our company registry did not show the trace of companies – Le Meridien Hotel and 4-Mac Limited.”
Ken Ofori Atta, the Minister of Finance, wrote to Parliament requesting a tax waiver for 4-Mac Limited. Last year, the finance ministry sought parliamentary approval for approximately GH₵6.4 million in tax waivers for 4-Mac Limited, which is constructing the hotel in the Airport Residential Area.
This waiver was granted under the 1D1F policy, enabling the company to import construction materials tax-free and obtain other related tax benefits.
Parliament’s Finance Committee, chaired by Kwaku Kwarteng, adjusted the terms and reduced the waiver amount from US$6,389,428 to US$3,919,628. The committee recommended that the company pay VAT on locally procured items.
What raises questions about the exemption granted to 4-Mac is that the hotel was categorized as a factory, even though the 1D1F program traditionally focuses on the manufacturing sector.
To qualify for tax exemptions, companies must register with the Office of the Registrar of Companies and have a clean tax record with the GRA (Ghana Revenue Authority).
The Fourth Estate inquired with the ORC about 4-Mac Limited’s background information, directors, and shareholders, but the company’s existence was not confirmed.
The ORC suggested contacting the directors for potential name changes or providing registration evidence.
Parliament records show the company’s compliance with GRA obligations, but the company’s digital presence is minimal, lacking contact details. The official website, email, and social media handles are nonexistent online.
Different websites provide conflicting information about 4-Mac Limited’s projects and locations, suggesting potential irregularities.
While Parliament approved the tax exemption under the name “4-Mac Limited,” which isn’t in the ORC database, experts suggest it might be a trading name. However, it’s argued that official tax waivers should be granted using registered names rather than trading names.
Chief Executive Officer of the McDan Group of Companies, Dr. Daniel McKorley, has made public his authorization to embark on investment ventures within the State of Houston, United States (US).
This announcement was made during a Business Dinner Reception where he addressed associates from Houston, Texas.
Speaking at the event, he stated that the Executive Mayor of Houston, Sylvester Turner, has expressed his desire to host him as well as his endeavors.
“You are welcome here, this is your home. I don’t want to see you as visitors, I am happy to host you. I am coming to my second home. I intend to make some investments in Houston. I have had some discussions with your mayor, and he has given me the keys to the State,” he added.
On the other hand, Mayor Turner extended a warm invitation, emphasizing that Dr. McKorley was not considered a mere visitor, but rather a welcomed member of the community.
He emphasized the importance of cultivating relationships, underscoring that the objective isn’t to create a situation of winners and losers or to engage in one-sided takeovers.
Instead, the primary aim is to cultivate an atmosphere of mutual advantage and collaboration.
“It’s not just about what is here that we can take back to Houston it’s about what can we bring and sit at the table and create win, win, win.This is not about trying to create winners and losers it’s not about coming to take and go away, it’s about number one, building relationships because when you build relationships the business will follow.
“And then it’s about recognising how can we take the best and put it together at the table blend it and make it work for both.And then for so many it’s about coming to Ghana, coming to the African continent and then coming home. All of those things are happening at the same time,” he added.
The Mayor of Houston, together with a delegation of 30 distinguished representatives, embarked on a meaningful and culturally enriching journey to Ghana on July, 21, 2023.
The primary objective of this monumental trip was to reinforce the connections between Houston and Ghana, facilitate collaborative efforts, and embark on new avenues for trade and cultural exchange.
A Nigerian transgender, Bobrisky, has faced criticism after unveiling his Brazilian Butt Lift (BBL) images on social media.
Recalling recent events, Gistlover highlighted that the prominent figure in Lagos’ social scene underwent an additional BBL surgery and made a commitment to inundate the online realm with pictures showcasing the outcomes of the surgical enhancements, overseen by a medical professional.
According to him, his aspirations were derailed by the unfortunate passing of their father, leading them into a period of deep sorrow and emotional turmoil.
However, he has emerged from this period of mourning determined to honor his commitment to his loyal followers.
He shared images of his physique post the BBL procedure, the provided snapshot captures Bobrisky adorned in a two-piece undergarment that delicately veils their transformed body
Check out netizens reactions … _shara_bby reacted: “E no go spoil for your photographer ohhh,man really sabi editing it’s the tiny waist for me”
gasperjustin12 wrote: “Who else saw the effect on the fingers”
asa_nwachinemere_ada noted: “Na wa oh for him father burial this is not what we saw oh. Thank God for technology oh. Oyigbo use their own winch do better thing we Dey use our own for africa Dey kill each other.”
mowalola said: “Baddieeeeeeee”
priscalbeauty stated: “Una go do surgery still edit picture”
untrainedwriter said: “This faceapp and body editing is . . . giving malfunctioned Barbie”
chris2223t remarked: “Omo editing they work for this shemale”
Professor Stephen Adei, the former Rector of the Ghana Institute of Management and Public Administration (GIMPA), has expressed his enthusiastic support for the free Senior High School (Free SHS) program.
Drawing from his own experience as a beneficiary of free education during the Nkrumah era, he believes that every Ghanaian should have the opportunity to access education up to the high school level without being hindered by financial constraints.
Speaking with media on Wednesday, August 23, Prof. Adei emphasized his endorsement of the Free SHS initiative.
“I am an avid supporter of free SHS. Every child in Ghana must have access to education up to the high school level and not be constrained because their parents cannot affairs,” he stated.
He added “The Free SHS will be one of the greatest legacies of His Excellency the President. There is no rational Ghanaian who will want to scrap the policy of free SHS.”
He went on to express his conviction that the Free SHS program will stand as one of the most significant legacies of the President. In his view, it is irrational for any Ghanaian to advocate for the discontinuation of the policy.
Professor Adei highlighted the value of the policy and called for its continuous improvement to ensure that no child is left behind. He also noted that those advocating for a reevaluation of the policy should not be perceived as adversaries of the government.
Additionally, he underscored the importance of establishing quality community schools to support the success of the Free SHS program.
In summary, Prof. Adei’s stance on the Free SHS program is that of strong support, believing that it’s a vital initiative that should be enhanced and expanded to benefit all Ghanaian children.
The former Rector of the Ghana Institute of Management and Public Administration (GIMPA), Professor Stephen Adei, has rejected claims that the implementation of the Free Senior High School (SHS) Policy is responsible for the country’s current economic challenges.
According to him, he had advised the President Akufo-Addo to ensure that the individuals responsible for crafting the Policy remain engaged to address the challenges that may arise.
He expressed his belief in the value of the Free SHS Policy, stating that while it is currently encountering difficulties, the focus should be on addressing and enhancing it to ensure that every Ghanaian child receives the benefits it offers.
“The Free SHS is not the cause of the economic crisis,” he asserted. Prof. Adei emphasized.
His remarks underline the importance of critically examining the root causes of economic challenges and avoiding simplistic attributions to complex policies like the Free SHS.
Instead, he encourages a nuanced understanding of the multifaceted factors contributing to the current economic situation.
“The Free SHS is good. It is facing challenges. It must be treated and made better and ensure that no Ghanaian child is left behind.”
The introduction of the Free Senior High School (SHS) program has not resulted in a decline in the quality of students compared to the period before the policy was implemented.
This assertion was made by Professor Stephen Adei, the former Rector of the Ghana Institute of Management and Public Administration (GIMPA).
According to Prof. Adei, the issues of academic underperformance among students at the senior high school level stem from foundational problems that exist at the primary school level.
He shared these insights during an interview with the media on August 23.
He emphasized, “Statistically proven data indicates that the introduction of free SHS has not led to a decrease in the quality of students when compared to the period prior to its implementation.
The failure rate of around forty to fifty percent among SHS students is not attributable to the free SHS policy, but rather to issues rooted in the quality of primary education.”
Prof. Stephen Adei elaborated that primary education in Ghana, as described by the World Bank, suffers from a deficiency in learning outcomes and is often referred to as “schooling without learning.”
Expressing his strong support for the free senior high school initiative, Prof. Adei, who benefited from free education during the Nkrumah era, stated that all Ghanaian children should have access to education up to the high school level, irrespective of financial constraints faced by their parents.
He remarked, “I am a staunch advocate of free SHS. Every Ghanaian child should have the opportunity to receive an education up to the high school level without being hindered by their parents’ financial capabilities.”
Additionally, he commended the free SHS policy as one of the notable achievements of the President, stating that there is no logical reason for any Ghanaian to advocate for the discontinuation of the free SHS program.
Prof. Adei underlined the importance of enhancing the policy to ensure inclusivity, stating that no student should be left behind. He also noted that individuals who call for a reevaluation of the policy should not be considered adversaries of the government.
He concluded by emphasizing that the success of the free SHS program relies on the establishment of quality community schools.
The Gomoa Nyanyano Traditional Council has formally requested the intervention of the Ministry of National Security and other investigative authorities in an impending demolition operation.
This operation, organized by 21st Century Construction Limited, aims to demolish more than 5,000 houses.
The Traditional Council contends that the stretch of land measuring 1,000 feet from the main Kasoa to Nyanyano road, encompassed by the estate, is not owned by 21st Century Construction.
Consequently, the company lacks the authority to proceed with the proposed demolitions.
As per the Traditional Authority, the initial agreement between them and 21st Century Construction did not encompass the areas designated for demolition.
They are urging security agencies to intercede, as the demolition of these structures could result in turmoil within the community.
Speaking during a press conference held in Gomoa Nyanyano, the Ankobeahene of Gomoa Nyanyano, Nana Ayi-Quaye, conveyed the Traditional Council’s determination to prevent the impending demolition.
Nana Ayi-Quaye emphasized, “We are stating categorically that anything within 1,000 feet from the Nyanyano stretch into Millennium City does not belong to Kofi Asthma, the developer at 21st Century Construction. Our ancestors planted a tree to signify the boundary of the land, and so it does not belong to him. Therefore, all those places he has earmarked do not belong to him. We are appealing to the National Security, the Lands Commission, and all those agencies to call him to order. He must be made to prove that those lands belong to him”.
Nana Ayi-Quaye further explained, “We initially agreed with him to come around so we could discuss the issues, but he failed to show up. Only then did we hear that he has earmarked some houses within the enclave for possible demolition. We will not agree with him to do the demolition, as it is a recipe for disaster,”
Details regarding the Millennium City demolition
Last week, 21st Century Construction Limited identified more than 5,000 housing units for potential demolition due to encroachment activities.
Led by a team from 21st Century Construction, over 100 police officers from the Central East Police Command initiated the process of marking the identified properties.
Kofi Asthma, the proprietor of 21st Century Construction Limited, attributed the demolition decision to the intrusion of land guards who have disrupted the peace within the area.
He lamented that these land guards have been selling portions of his land to independent developers. This predicament prompted him to seek a court order to halt these encroachment activities.
The Executive Director of Africa Education Watch, Kofi Asare, has attributed the challenges faced at the basic education level to inadequate budget allocation and a disparity in resource distribution across different education tiers.
Speaking to the media, Mr. Asare commended the government for the positive strides made with the Free SHS initiative.
However, he expressed concern that an excessive focus on and disproportionate investment in higher education had led to neglect of the foundational level of education.
“If resources are deployed inequitably, you will have a situation where some part of the three segments of the system will be more developed than others. If you look at the pre-tertiary budget of the Ministry of Education, you realise that Basic education is taking about 4 percent and the remaining 96 percent is going to Senior High School and TVET. That 4% is the reason you’ll hear capitation grants not being released in two years among others.
“It has been declining from 2016 when we started investing in Senior High Schools which was 19% all the way to right now which is 4%.
“So far as we maintain the Free Senior High School programme in this way, that basic education share of the Ministry of Education budget will continue to decline… it’ll be the reason why we’ll not be seeing adequate textbooks,” the Africa Education Watch director explained.
He highlighted a decline in the budget allocation for basic education, which had decreased from 19% in 2016 (when investment in Senior High Schools began) to the current 4%.
Mr. Asare further explained, “As long as we continue with the Free Senior High School program in this manner, the allocation for basic education within the Ministry of Education’s budget will continue to dwindle. This will inevitably lead to insufficient provision of textbooks and other resources.”
He urged the government to reconsider its budget distribution across different education levels in order to reinforce the fundamental aspects of basic education.
The overarching theme of the National Education Dialogue is “Free SHS in Perspective: Problems, Progress, and Prospects.”
Ghana is exploring a range of measures to counteract gold smuggling and safeguard the sustainability of the gold-for-oil policy.
One notable approach involves incentivizing individuals who expose gold smugglers by rewarding them with a portion of the seized gold.
The Energy Minister, Dr. Matthew Opoku Prempeh, emphasized the importance of this strategy in order to regulate the outflow of gold from the country.
This is essential for upholding the viability of the gold-for-oil policy, which was introduced by the government as a response to soaring fuel prices and continues to yield positive outcomes in terms of pricing.
To ensure the longevity of this policy, it is imperative that a consistent supply of gold remains available to the Bank of Ghana, which exchanges it for more affordable fuel.
Dr. Prempeh conveyed his belief that enlisting the assistance of Ghanaians in identifying and reporting gold smuggling activities will effectively bolster the program and yield significant benefits for the nation.
He outlined a proposal wherein individuals who provide valuable tips or information leading to the arrest of gold smugglers will be rewarded with 20% of the confiscated gold. Dr. Prempeh highlighted that this initiative seeks to level the playing field, as no single entity in the gold trade typically accumulates a 20% share. By extending this reward to Ghanaians who might otherwise aid in gold smuggling, the government aims to curtail illicit activities in this domain.
While this rewarding system is currently in the conceptual stage, Dr. Prempeh disclosed that tangible steps are underway to formalize it as an official policy.
Given the gradual escalation in the volume of gold being exported under dubious circumstances, the Energy Minister hinted at the possibility of formally announcing the policy in due course.
“We’re saying anybody who gives a tipoff or tells us and identifies anybody smuggling gold and leads to an arrest, that person will get 20% of the gold. And I’m sure very soon they’ll come up.
“Because I believe that nobody makes 20% of this whole business, the person who is coming to buy the gold doesn’t make 20%.
“So if Ghanaians who are aiding them to smuggle the gold now can benefit from 20% [the smuggling will be curtailed]. The level that is being exported to lobby is gradually tipping, so we might come up formally and announce that policy,” he said.
The Progressive People’s Party (PPP) has formally appealed to the Electoral Commission (EC) to increase the count of registration centers for the upcoming voter registration process within each district.
This measure aims to alleviate the inconvenience faced by citizens who would otherwise need to travel long distances to register.
Scheduled from September 12 to October 2, 2023, the limited registration exercise is intended for eligible Ghanaians who turned 18 after the 2020 registration, as well as other eligible voters.
The PPP suggests that augmenting the registration centers in each district would enhance accessibility, aligning with their vision of fostering a more inclusive and convenient citizen participation in the democratic process.
According to Jean Mensa, the EC’s Chairperson, the registration exercise will be held at all 268 district offices across the country.
Remy Paa Kow Edmundson, the PPP’s National Secretary, emphasized that this simple solution would significantly improve registration accessibility, encouraging wider participation in the democratic process and ultimately contributing to a more representative electorate.
“The PPP is speaking up and asking the EC to add more registration centres in every District. This way, people won’t have to travel so far and can easily register to vote. It’s a simple solution that will make a big difference,” he stated.
Edmundson further advocated for “a fixed date for the District Level Elections, just like we do for the Presidential and Parliamentary Elections. Right now, the dates for these elections keep changing, and that makes it hard for candidates and voters to plan ahead. If we have a set date, it will make things a lot easier and more organised.”
Meanwhile, seven other political parties in Ghana have also voiced their opposition to the EC’s decision to limit the upcoming voter registration to district offices.
They argue that this would disenfranchise those who have come of voting age.
Instead, they propose conducting the process at electoral areas to ensure wider inclusion.
These parties are the Great Consolidated Popular Party (GCPP), Liberal Party of Ghana (LPG), Convention People’s Party (CPP), People’s National Congress (PNC), All Progressives Congress (APC), National Democratic Party (NDP), and the Ghana Freedom Party (GFP).
The Minerals Commission has clarified that the Minister of Lands and Natural Resources has not endorsed any contracts, transactions, deals, or stakes related to the Ewoyaa Lithium project.
This statement addresses recent reports suggesting Piedmont Lithium’s acquisition of a stake in the Ghana-based Ewoyaa Lithium Project.
The CEO of the Minerals Commission, Martin Kwaku Ayisi, explained that active negotiations with Atlantic Lithium Limited are ongoing regarding the development of Ewoyaa Lithium deposits in the Central Region’s Mfantseman Municipality.
Ayisi emphasized that the Commission has yet to recommend any mining lease for the Ewoyaa lithium deposits, underscoring that Atlantic Lithium Limited retains a prospecting license via its subsidiary Barari Development Ghana Limited.
Ayisi clarified that Cabinet endorsed a fresh policy framework for regulating the exploitation, management, and governance of lithium and other green minerals in Ghana on July 27, 2023.
He stated that this new approach is guided by the principle of ensuring the benefits from green mineral exploitation primarily serve the citizens of Ghana.
He further assured the public of the government’s commitment to securing optimal gains from lithium and green mineral exploitation.
In a separate statement, the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources previously refuted claims about granting mining licenses for lithium exploration and production in Ghana.
The Ministry affirmed that while exploratory efforts for the mineral are ongoing, no lease or permit has been issued for exploration and production purposes.
The Ministry emphasized its dedication to managing mineral exploitation for the nation’s benefit and interest.
A senior presidential advisor, Yaw Osafo Maafo, has placed partial responsibility on traditional leaders for the escalating pollution of river bodies in the country due to illegal mining activities, commonly referred to as “galamsey.”
Osafo Maafo expressed his concern that some chiefs in regions affected by illegal mining offer their land to miners, leading to severe water pollution that goes beyond the possibility of purification.
Speaking at the 23rd General Meeting of the Presbyterian Church of Ghana in Kwahu Abetifi, Eastern Region, Osafo Maafo stated, “Look at what galamsey is doing to the land, and should we allow monies that a few people want to make to destroy the very base of water that we need to drink? There are areas where you cannot even purify the water and where you can, we are spending more than three times what we used to spend in purification, and all this is happening in the direct face of our chiefs that gave the land for the galamsey.”
He also voiced his concern about the growing problem of corruption in Ghana, despite the country’s high number of Christians.
“If 72 percent of us are Christians and corruption begins to grow from bad to worse, then there is something wrong with even the message that we give to this 72 percent of the population. We need to do some retrospection and as a country, together with the government, take certain actions to redeem the country from corruption and can’t just keep talking about corruption without doing anything about it.”
Over 2,262 women succumbed to breast cancer in 2020, according to the Acting Programme Manager of the Non-Communicable Diseases (NCD) Control Programme at Ghana Health Service (GHS), Dr. Efua Commeh.
Dr. Commeh attributed these deaths to patients rejecting conventional treatment and seeking medical attention at later stages.
During the same year, more than 4,000 Ghanaian women were diagnosed with the disease.
Speaking at the 4th Annual General Meeting of the Breast Society of Ghana (BSoG), Dr. Commeh emphasized that while over 4,000 cases were diagnosed, there still remained a substantial number of women who needed screening.
She expressed concern about breast cancer patients who discontinue their treatment, particularly highlighting the need for health workers, especially female professionals, to take self-breast examinations seriously.
“There are a lot more lumps that have not been picked up at the hospitals and some are also hiding behind alternative medicine,” she said.
According to her, although health workers actively engage in breast screening initiatives, they sometimes neglect their own health by not participating in screenings.
Dr. Commeh noted that many health workers admit to not examining their breasts, which contributes to late-stage presentations of breast cancer among them.
“We come into contact with many health workers who confirm to us that they do not examine their breasts or have their colleagues do the examination for them. This is bad considering the number of health workers we are seeing with late presentation of breast cancer. So we continue to tell them they are also humans therefore the need to examine themselves just like every other person,” she said.
She emphasized the importance of self-examinations and urged health workers to set an example for others.
Dr. Commeh stressed the significance of training and informing health workers about breast cancer screenings, stating that well-informed nurses can teach patients through demonstrations, ultimately empowering women to take control of their health.
Regarding breast cancer, Dr. Commeh clarified that it is not a death sentence, contrary to some perceptions in Ghana.
She mentioned that timely reporting and avoiding alternative treatments, such as herbal remedies or prayer camps, are crucial in improving outcomes.
The Breast Society of Ghana, represented by its president, Dr. Hannah Ayittey Anie, strives to provide coordinated medical, allied health, and social interventions to enhance breast care standards and outcomes.
Dr. Ayittey highlighted the increasing incidence of non-communicable diseases, including breast cancer, in Africa and Ghana.
She underscored the organization’s commitment to raising awareness about breast cancer and dispelling misconceptions surrounding the disease, aiming to make it a well-known topic accessible to everyone.
Newspaper Review: Breast cancer killed 2,262 in 2022
The Kadjebi District in Oti Region has seen a surge in epilepsy cases, with 40 new cases recorded as of June 2023, compared to 27 cases during the same period in 2022.
Out of these cases, 20 are males and 20 are females. Notably, the Dodo Sub-district has reported the highest number, with 14 cases, while the Dodi sub-district recorded only one case.
The Kadjebi District Mental Health Officer, Madam Mavis Atisu, shared this information during an interview with the media.
She mentioned that although the exact cause of epilepsy remains unknown, factors like delayed labor, hereditary predisposition, and head injuries from accidents could contribute to its onset.
A Psychiatric Nurse, Madam Atisu, further reported that the Mental Health Unit also documented 21 cases of substance abuse during the review period, up from 19 cases the previous year.
Among these cases, males constituted 78 percent, while females accounted for the remaining 22 percent.
She highlighted a positive shift in the figures, stating, “There has been a decrease in psychotic cases such as schizophrenia, from 42 cases in 2022 to 31 cases in 2023.”
However, there was a somber note as Madam Atisu revealed that the district had registered one suicide death within the review period, contrasting with zero cases in the previous year.
The Mental Health Officer emphasized the importance of self-care, particularly when dealing with disaster and emergency situations, for both individuals and team members.
An advanced Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) facility, designed to accommodate ten individuals including those with disabilities, has been built and delivered to Bolgatanga Senior High School in the Upper East Region.
This facility serves the purpose of enhancing sanitation and promoting hygienic practices within the school community.
The aim is to enhance sanitation and hygiene practices within the school environment.
This development brings considerable relief to both the school’s staff and students, offering a solution to the prevalent issues of open defecation and unsanitary practices.
Remarkably, this facility, which cost 90,000 pounds (equivalent to GH₵1,291,483.00 at current rates), stands as the pioneering model of its kind in any senior high school within the region.
Its creation was made possible by the dedicated efforts of WaterAid Ghana, a non-governmental organization committed to promoting Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene initiatives.
Funded by the Zochonis Charitable Trust, a UK-based organization, this water closet toilet facility is part of the broader Sustainable Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene Services in Institutions (SWASH-I) project initiated by WaterAid Ghana.
Notably, this endeavor not only involved infrastructure development but also focused on instilling valuable knowledge regarding proper hygiene behavior and sanitation practices among the school’s faculty and students.
In addition to this educational aspect, essential cleaning and hygiene supplies were provided, along with sports equipment including jerseys and footballs.
A brief commissioning ceremony marked the official inauguration of the facility. Mr. Sampson Tettey, the Head of Sustainable Services Programme at WaterAid Ghana, emphasized that this initiative holds great significance in improving the school’s hygiene and sanitation standards, thus enhancing the overall academic experience.
He highlighted the symbolic importance of this climate-resilient and gender-sensitive structure, portraying it as a beacon of progress, empowerment, and a brighter future for every member of the school community.
By advocating for proper hygiene practices and sanitation, Tettey stressed that this investment holds the potential to foster a healthy learning environment, subsequently contributing to the formation of responsible individuals who will play a pivotal role in the nation’s economic growth.
In his view, these facilities not only serve as physical structures but also as the foundation upon which the students will construct a future filled with accomplishments, aspirations, and positive transformation.
Mr. Ababu Afelbeik, the Headmaster of Bolgatanga Senior High School, expressed gratitude to WaterAid Ghana for their invaluable support. He recognized the substantial impact this facility would have on promoting proper hygiene and sanitation practices throughout the school.
Given the school’s large student body and staff count, he acknowledged the need for additional facilities and appealed for further assistance, specifically from the Talensi District Assembly, to complete the ongoing construction of two additional toilet facilities.
The Senior Prefect of the school, Mr. Gabriel Akuka Atanga, revealed that due to the lack of suitable toilet facilities, many students had resorted to open defecation in nearby bushes. He believes that the newly established facility will markedly enhance academic productivity.
Addressing the issue of Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) concerns, particularly within educational and healthcare institutions, Mr. Simon Alebega, the Talensi District Assembly Engineer, assured that the local leadership was actively working to tackle these challenges.
This underscores the commitment of the assembly to prioritize these essential aspects of infrastructure and well-being.
Data Controllers and business organizations that are not in compliance may face significant consequences, as the Ghana Data Protection Commission has initiated a rigorous enforcement of the Data Protection Act 2012 (Act 843) starting August 2023.
The move follows a noticeable lack of compliance among business organizations, compelling the commission to ensure customer information security.
The Act outlines lawful and exempt processing, duties of data controllers, processors, the Data Commissioner, and data subjects.
It balances privacy rights with the state’s needs to function effectively and protect its citizens.
CEO of Information Governance Solutions, Sylvia Appiah, urged businesses to prioritize data protection requirements to avoid losses. She emphasized skill acquisition for managing and safeguarding customer information.
Appiah called on organizations to engage her company for certified practitioner training and data protection registration, endorsed by the Ghana Data Commission. She highlighted the global shortage of data protection agents and underscored the importance of data protection for organizational success.
She emphasized, “Data Protection is a law that is meant to protect every individual and therefore cannot be over-stressed that any business or country cannot exist without data protection.”
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration has circulated an internal memo unveiling the details of the 2023 Christian Pilgrimage to Israel.
The ministry’s statement added that the pilgrimage will span three separate phases, starting from September 22 to November 30, 2023.
“I have the honour to inform members of staff that the Ministry of Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs has resumed its Christian Pilgrimage Programme to Israel. The provisional dates for the 2023 Pilgrimage are as follows:
“First Pilgrimage: 22nd-30th September, 2023 (Deadline for submission of registration forms 31st August, 2023); Second Pilgrimage: 21st-29th October, 2023 (Deadline for submission of forms 22nd September, 2023); and Third Pilgrimage: 22nd-30th November, 2023 (Deadline for submission of forms 20th October, 2023),” it stated.
The provisional dates for the 2023 Pilgrimage are as follows:
First Pilgrimage: September 22nd-30th, 2023 (Registration form submission deadline: August 31st, 2023) Second Pilgrimage: October 21st-29th, 2023 (Registration form submission deadline: September 22nd, 2023) Third Pilgrimage: November 22nd-30th, 2023 (Registration form submission deadline: October 20th, 2023)” The announcement provides staff members with the pertinent information regarding the upcoming Christian Pilgrimage and emphasizes the respective deadlines for form submissions.
The Minority group has expressed concerns regarding the current format of the GNPC-Genser energy deal, stating that it appears to favor other players in the industry.
They are therefore advocating for transparency in gas pricing practices within the nation.
Led by former Deputy Energy Minister and Deputy Minority Leader, Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah, the Caucus has called for a comprehensive reassessment of the agreement.
They base their call for a review on various factors, including their apprehensions that “the agreement combines the Gas Sales Agreement (GSA) and the Gas Transmission Agreement (GTA), which does not ensure transparency in the pricing of gas.”
Highlighting their concerns, the Minority pointed out the shift of the agreement from Ghana Gas to GNPC, despite Ghana Gas being designated as the gas transmission utility.
Additionally, they raised questions about the discount granted to Genser by GNPC for the gas transmission agreement, without clear explanations on how this discount would be recovered.
The Minority has reiterated their commitment to thoroughly scrutinizing the deal to ensure that it provides value for money. They aim to unravel any potential flaws within the agreement, emphasizing that the energy security of Ghana’s future lies at the core of their concerns.
The GNPC-Genser energy deal entails the supply of 50 million standard cubic feet of raw gas daily to Genser Energy.
The Accra Regional Police Command of the Ghana Police Service has issued a response to the National Democratic Congress’ (NDC) intention to stage a protest against the Bank of Ghana (BoG) Governor and his deputies on September 5.
The Minority Leader, Cassiel Ato Forson, had formally informed the police on August 21 about the caucus’s plan to organize a demonstration against Dr. Ernest Addison and his two deputies.
Ato Forson highlighted that the protest would be a collaborative effort involving Civil Society Organizations, Progressive Forces, and other concerned citizens.
The NDC caucus is motivated by allegations of the central bank’s unauthorized printing of over GH¢80 billion for the Akufo-Addo government.
In response, the Accra Regional Police Command issued a press release on August 22, acknowledging the receipt of the caucus’s letter, referenced as No OML/PH/23/0001, dated August 21, 2023.
The Command expressed their interest in discussing the logistics of the intended protest and invited the caucus to a meeting scheduled for August 23, 2023, at 10 am.
The meeting will take place at the Accra Regional Police Headquarters.
“The Accra Regional Police Command acknowledges receipt of your letter No OML/PH/23/0001 dated 21/08/2023 in respect of the above subject matter.”
“The Command wishes to invite you for a meeting to deliberate on modalities pertaining to your intended protest” on Wednesday, August 23, 2023, at the Accra Regional Police Headquarters at 10 am,” parts of the statement read.
A candidate aspiring to be the flagbearer of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Kennedy Agyapong, has emphasized his commitment to curbing misconduct among government appointees if he secures the presidency in Ghana.
Aiming to set a precedent, Agyapong stated that any minister of state failing to adhere to punctuality norms would not only be dismissed but also publicly shamed to deter similar behavior by other officials.
In an interview on August 22, 2023, the Member of Parliament for Assin Central stressed that he would not entertain apologies from politicians, royalty, or even his own family, underlining the importance of accountability.
Agyapong’s stance also extends to scrutinizing government contracts meticulously during his potential tenure as president.
He cited a need for fairness and transparency, vowing to challenge the current trend of exorbitant profits, asserting that profit margins of 300% would not be tolerated in his administration.
Highlighting his dual roles as a politician and businessman, Agyapong expressed his commitment to prioritizing the interests of Ghana over other considerations, promising a thorough review of contracts that have gained approval under both NDC and NPP leaderships.
In this way, Agyapong aims to usher in an era of disciplined governance and responsible contract management, should he assume the presidency.
“I have said on several occasions that during my tenure as president, if you flout a rule and you are punished, I won’t heed any apology from any politician, king, or even my family, I won’t listen. It is by doing this that people will be deterred, and do the right thing. If a minister reports to duty late, I will sack the person and embarrass him in public by announcing that the minister has been fired due to lateness and ask the deputy minister of that ministry to take over,” he said.
“In business, if you are able to make a profit after taxes between 15-30%, you will survive in business. But in Ghana, an individual can make a profit of 300%, under my leadership as president, it will not work. We are going to scrutinize [contracts]. Ghanaians are fortunate that Kennedy Agyapong is a politician and a businessman, so I will check contracts very well. Under the leadership of both NDC and NPP, I am surprised why lawyers and government officials approve certain contracts. So I am aware of the challenges [facing Ghanaians], when I come into power, I will prioritize Ghana over everything,” he added.
On Tuesday, August 22, vice president, Dr Mahamudu Bawumia inaugurated the Phase Two expansion of Tamale International Airport.
The airport, the third-busiest in Ghana after Kotoka International Airport and Kumasi Airport, serves as a crucial transportation hub, connecting both domestic and international destinations to the city of Tamale.
Originally established during World War II for military purposes, the airport’s significance prompted plans for expansion that were disrupted by political changes in 1966. Subsequent modifications adapted the airport for civilian operations.
In September 2014, work began to elevate Tamale Airport to international status, with the project split into two phases:
Phase One extended the runway from 2,438 meters to 3,400 meters, built a new apron and taxi link, rehabilitated the existing apron, and installed aeronautical ground lighting systems.
Phase Two, initiated in August 2019, encompassed the expansion of the terminal building to include a VIP lounge, two boarding gates, self-service check-in kiosks, check-in desks, airline offices, commercial retail spaces, and a multipurpose terminal for facilitating Hajj travel. The expansion also entailed a 5-kilometer road network and other supporting structures.
During the commissioning ceremony, Dr. Bawumia expressed gratitude to the project’s financiers. He underscored the alignment of this project with the government’s aim to elevate the aviation industry and establish Ghana as a West African aviation hub.
The expansion is anticipated to stimulate economic trade and offer an alternative to Kotoka International Airport. With a projected capacity of approximately 250,000 passengers, the Vice President emphasized its potential benefits, particularly in support of the Northern Development Authority.
Transport Minister Kwaku Ofori Asiamah lauded the project, emphasizing its role in bolstering aviation transport and encouraging participation from local airlines.
British High Commissioner to Ghana Harriet Thompson commended the project’s potential to boost tourism.
Yaa Naa Abubakar Mahama II, the Overlord of Dagbon, praised the project on behalf of the region’s chiefs and residents. He urged the government to develop irrigation dams to aid agriculture and pledged the region’s commitment to maintaining the project.
Former Chairman of the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA), Prof. Stephen Adei, has criticized the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC) members in parliament.
The former chairperson of the National Development Planning Commission labelled the NDC Minority’s call for the resignation of the Governor of the Bank of Ghana (BoG), Dr. Ernest Addison, as a display of recklessness and irresponsibility.
According to Prof. Adei, the demand for the Governor and his deputies to step down lacks a proper understanding of the potential consequences.
“When the opposition talked about the governor resigning with his deputies. First of all they don’t know what they are talking about. If the governor and his deputies resign today, the impact will be gargantuan.
He stated that such abrupt resignations could have a substantial impact on currency depreciation and overall external confidence in the country’s financial system.
He expressed his concern about the opposition’s approach, referring to it as “irresponsible opposition.”
The NDC has expressed their intention to protest if the Governor of the BoG and his deputies do not resign within 21 days.
At a press conference held under the banner of the NDC’s “Moment of Truth” series on Tuesday, August 8, 2023, Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson, the Minority Leader, party accused Dr. Addison of overseeing the mishandling of the Bank’s affairs, resulting in a reported loss of GH¢60.8 billion during the fiscal year 2022.
“In this regard, we call for the resignation of the Governor of the Central Bank and his deputies within 21 days from today,” Dr. Forson said.
“We are resolved to embark on popular action to occupy the Central Bank and drive out the team of inept, callous and criminal mismanagers of the finances of this country and save the Bank of Ghana. The March to Ensure Accountability will begin in 21 days if the Governor of the Bank of Ghana does not do the needful and pack bags and baggage out of that sacred institution that he has so desecrated. Dr Ernest Addisson Must Go! There has to be an end to impunity and it is NOW!,” he added.
Prof. Adei suggested that a more responsible course of action would involve the NDC initiating a parliamentary inquiry into the matter before resorting to further steps.
He emphasized that the opposition’s current approach could exacerbate the country’s economic challenges.
In his view, the sensitive nature of financial matters calls for a measured and informed response, rather than immediate demands for resignations.
“This particular one is totally irresponsible, they are oblivious of the impact of what they are saying is done today. In the normal circumstance you will ask immediately for the commission of inquiry to establish the parameters and parliament has the right to do so.
“For example here we are able to tell its 250 million dollars while its 250 million cedis. These things are so sensitive to the economy that you don’t say that if you don’t resign we are going to picket,” he stated.
In the next academic year, a total of 12 Senior High Schools (SHSs) will incorporate aviation and aerospace courses into their curriculum, according to the Minister for Education, Dr. Yaw Osei Adutwum.
This initiative is a crucial component of the ongoing efforts to foster Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) education in Ghana.
The goal is to equip Ghanaian students with the skills and knowledge required to effectively compete in the era of the fourth industrial revolution.
Dr. Adutwum made this significant announcement during a visit to Afia Kobi Ampem Girls Senior High School, which is recognized as the first SHS in Ghana to have successfully developed a miniature airplane as part of its engineering endeavors.
The Minister’s visit was intended to provide encouragement to the girls who had formed an engineering club, inspiring them to excel in the field of engineering and to prepare themselves for higher education opportunities abroad.
“By the upcoming year, approximately 12 schools will be introducing aviation and aerospace courses, transitioning from a club-based model to a full-fledged academic program,” Dr. Adutwum stated.
He explained that these courses would be offered alongside core subjects like physics, chemistry, and advanced mathematics. The decision to introduce aviation and aerospace courses was directly influenced by the accomplishments of Afia Kobi Girls SHS in this field.
Dr. Adutwum further revealed that the Ministry of Education is contemplating the transformation of the school into a dedicated STEM institution, with the aim of training more female students in the sciences to contribute to the nation’s rapid development across all sectors.
“The intention is to convert this school into a STEM school. As pioneers in the field of aviation and aerospace at this level, they are achieving remarkable feats,” the Minister emphasized.
He assured that the government is committed to enhancing the school’s facilities to elevate academic standards, having already equipped it with well-equipped science laboratories.
Dr. Adutwum also commended the school’s management for introducing an initiative called “drop everything and read,” providing dedicated time for students to engage in reading. He revealed plans to establish a library to further support this initiative, expressing confidence that the school would emerge as one of the nation’s finest within the next five years.
The Minister expressed his belief that these students possess the potential to reshape Ghana’s history through STEM education, owing to their remarkable achievements within the engineering club. He reiterated the Ministry’s commitment to steering the school towards a more STEM-focused direction, highlighting the future provision of a STEM lab that will facilitate robotics and artificial intelligence projects.
Dr. Adutwum extended his appreciation to the teacher leading the engineering club, particularly acknowledging the accomplishments of club members who were not initially science students. He emphasized the transformative impact they are making on Ghana’s educational landscape.
The Communications Director of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Richard Ahiagbah, has called upon members of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) to couple their robust critiques of the government’s economic policies with practical and well-defined alternative plans.
Ahiagbah emphasized that criticizing ongoing national development strategies in the absence of workable solutions that can enhance the quality of life for Ghanaians is counterproductive.
Speaking at a media event held in Ho on Monday, August 21, he reiterated that the NPP has not mishandled the economy.
He maintained that the Akufo-Addo-led government is diligently working to stabilize the economy in the aftermath of a global economic downturn.
Challenging the moral ground of the NDC to scrutinize economic management, the NPP Communication Director suggested that the NDC’s eagerness to regain power has overshadowed their capacity to devise economic ideas.
“We are still in the dark regarding the NDC’s development strategies for the nation should they assume power. Unfortunately, during the NPP’s opposition days, the nation was well-informed about the Free SHS policy they intended to introduce when in power,” Mr. Ahiagbah remarked.
He highlighted that the NPP had distinctly presented their Free SHS policy to the public during their period in opposition. Ahiagbah urged the media to deliver thorough economic analyses without exhibiting bias toward any particular political faction.
“Consequently, your work should be impartially scrutinized,” he emphasized.
Ahiagbah underscored that the NPP does not view any media organization as an adversary. However, he expressed the expectation that the media will offer unbiased reporting, presenting accurate information to the people of Ghana.
Inhabitants of the Ashanti Region have applauded Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II for his decisive actions in destooling chiefs found guilty of engaging in inappropriate behavior.
Over the past two weeks, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II has deposed three Chiefs from their positions, including those from Abodom, Aduamoa, and Abuontam.
The removal of the Abuontam Chief has elicited positive reactions from a diverse group of Ashanti region residents who commend the Asantehene for his proactive measures.
In an interview with the media, several residents voiced their belief that this move would act as a deterrent for other chiefs, discouraging misconduct and ensuring accountability.
Bismark Owusu Addo stated, “If Otumfuo has conducted an investigation and found that their actions, particularly regarding the galamsey issue where some chiefs are colluding with those responsible for damaging water sources, are unacceptable for the community.”
He continued, “So, if some chiefs are involved in such actions, then Otumfuo’s stance is appropriate. Proper procedures should be followed, and it’s time for authorities to take a firm stance against such misconduct. This will likely have a significant impact, as other chiefs will take notice and refrain from such behavior.”
Ben Owusu remarked, “[Some chiefs are] tolerating and collaborating with illegal miners, leading to the destruction of our water bodies and farmlands. They shouldn’t hold their positions. Thus, I believe Otumfuo’s actions are fully justified, and I wholeheartedly support him. How can they engage in such actions? Water is essential for life, and people need sustenance every day. These are the very things these chiefs are meant to safeguard, yet they’re partnering with wrongdoers and endorsing them. It’s contradictory.”
George Donkor expressed, “As the highest authority, whatever he does is likely the correct course of action, and this will set an example for other chiefs, deterring them from engaging in similar behaviors.”
