The Ministry of Tourism, Arts, and Culture has revealed government’s intentions to transform the Osu Castle into a presidential and governance museum.
This museum will be dedicated to Ghana’s former presidents and will serve to deepen understanding of the nation’s political history.
The Minister of Tourism, Arts, and Culture, Dr. Ibrahim Awal Mohammed, shared this announcement in Accra.
This initiative aligns with the ministry’s goal of establishing a space that commemorates and honors Ghana’s past presidents.
Dr. Mohammed stated, “We are planning to establish new museums across the country. We’re starting with the heroes’ park for the big six. We will modernize circles like the Danquah circle, Busia circle at 37, in Saltpond, Tamale, Kyebi, and other regions next year.”
He added, “Once renovated and modernized, the Osu Castle will serve as a presidential museum dedicated to all former presidents of Ghana.”
Additionally, the ministry is seeking media support for the Destination Ghana Project, which aims to boost the tourism industry and enhance its contribution to the country’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP).
The project aspires to attract four million domestic and international visitors to various tourist sites across the country.
Dr. Mohammed shared these details during an Editor’s Forum, seeking media collaboration to foster industry growth. He emphasized that the project’s objective is to generate revenue surpassing $6 billion and create over 150,000 job opportunities within four years.
The Ghana National Gas Company has inaugurated a newly constructed artificial turf in New Abirem, located in the Eastern Region.
This astro-turf marks the first of its kind in the Abirem District and was handed over during a ceremony overseen by the Vice President of the Republic, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia.
Situated in the Eastern Region of Ghana, New Abirem serves as the capital of the Birim North District.
The ceremony to present the astro-turf attracted various dignitaries, including the Omanhene, Obrempong Akwasi Amo Kyeretwie I, District Chief Executive (DE) Hon. Remond Nana Damtey, Member of Parliament John Osei Frimpong, New Patriotic Party (NPP) supporters, youth, community members, and football players.
Inaugurating the astro-turf, the Vice President expressed his satisfaction that Ghana Gas has provided this facility to New Abirem, acknowledging the community’s footballing talents and hoping they will make the most of the facility.
Omanhene Obrempong Akwasi Amo Kyeretwie I expressed gratitude for the standardized astro-turf and looked forward to the future development of the area into a sports complex.
Ghana Gas demonstrates commitment to Ghana’s development, particularly in areas such as education, health, sports, water, and sanitation across various communities. The company’s CEO, Dr. Ben Asante, is determined to fulfill the company’s mandate of supporting project-affected areas and the country as a whole.
A community leader mentioned, “The people of Abirem are so excited about this new astro-turf, and we thank Ghana Gas for more initiatives in the near future.”
He further added, “We have many talented footballers here in the community, and this facility will help us enhance our skills.”
Voicing his opinion, he also suggested that the government should encourage all energy sectors, including mining companies, to contribute positively to the country’s development.
Ghana Gas remains committed to providing support and assistance to various communities across Ghana.
Ghanaian economist and historian, Dr. Nii Moi Thompson, has disclosed that one of the Big Six figures in Ghana’s pre-independence era, Joseph Boakye (J.B) Danquah, along with his associates, opposed the late Dr. Nkrumah’s choice of the name Ghana.
This revelation follows assertions from certain members of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), including President Akufo-Addo, attributing undue credit to the Akyems within the United Gold Coast Convention for proposing the name Ghana.
Although it’s claimed that JB Danquah named the country, the economist refutes this, asserting that by 1957, Danquah’s political influence had diminished due to his electoral losses in 1954 and 1956 to the Conventional People’s Party (CPP).
Dr. Thompson contends that JB Danquah was indeed the most qualified person to decide on the nation’s name, but circumstances and timing didn’t align for him to do so.
“That was simply impossible, as by 1957 Danquah’s political career was effectively over (he and Ofori-Atta having lost their seats to the CPP in the 1954 and 1956 elections). Only Nkrumah as prime minister in 1957 was in a position to propose that name, and he did. Danquah and the others criticised Nkrumah for choosing the name Ghana, and in his autobiography Nkrumah was forced to defend his choice”.
This information was contained in Dr Nii Moi Thompson’s extensive in an article titled: ‘Beware, the tribal supremacists: Myths of J.B. Danquah and the Big Six.
Reports suggest that President Akufo-Addo intends to rename the University of Ghana (UG) in honor of J.B.Danquah, recognizing his unwavering dedication and pivotal role in inspiring the establishment of the university.
President Akufo-Addo conveyed this intention during the University of Ghana’s 75th Anniversary Thanksgiving Service.
However, some individuals have criticized the President’s motive to grant his predecessors a prominent spot in Ghana’s historical narrative during his tenure.
Read below full article:
Beware, the tribal supremacists: Myths of J.B. Danquah and the Big Six
As expected, the president’s recent suggestion that the University of Ghana might be renamed after his late uncle, Dr. J.B. Danquah, the Gold Coast lawyer and “nationalist,” has provoked a firestorm of criticism from a public that has clearly had enough of the tribal-supremacist agenda of the president and his kinsmen.
And none of them have articulated the rationale behind this agenda more brazenly than a relative of the president, lawyer Samuel Atta Akyea, who three years ago said the following on the television programme, Good Evening Ghana:
“If you remove the role of the Akyem people from the history of this country, we won’t have a history… The guy who named this country is from Akufo-Addo’s background. The one who wanted Ghana called Ghana… [was] J. B. Danquah….” Mr. Akyea went on to cite the Big Six, the leaders of the United Gold Coast Convention (UGCC) who were arrested by the British colonialists after the 1948 riots that accelerated the independence process, and reminded viewers that the president’s father, among the six, “was one of the individuals who are acclaimed as the pioneers of our independence.”
With this crude concoction of facts and fiction, they tend to believe that they own the country and can do as they please. Textbooks, for instance, have been doctored and Danquah given disproportionate prominence in Ghana’s history.
This peasant aristocracy sense of entitlement, especially among people occupying national offices, is a threat to social cohesion and national development. So let us demolish forthwith a few myths about J.B. Danquah and the Big Six, and tackle other aspects of Ghanaian history that the tribalists have bastardised to drive this dangerous ideology of tribal supremacy. (For the record, I condemn the term “Akyem mafia,” or any term that demonises an entire tribe for the folly of a few).
Myth No. 1: Danquah’s research linked the Akan of Ghana to the ancient Ghana Empire.
Fact: That credit goes to Rev. J. B. Anaman, of Anomabo and Sekondi, whose research took place in 1895, the year Danquah was born.
Myth No. 2: Danquah founded the United Gold Coast Convention (UGCC).
Fact: Danquah himself described George Alfred (Paa) Grant, the wealthy Gold Coast merchant, as the “architect and founder of the UGCC.”
Myth No. 3: UGCC was the first political party in the Gold Coast.
Fact: The earliest known political parties (for municipal, not national, elections) were mainly the Accra Rate Payers Association and the Ga Manbii (Ga Nationalist) Party of Kojo Thompson in the 1920s. Lesser-known parties, such as the Asene Koo Wulu Party, later emerged in Accra and other municipalities like Cape Coast and Sekondi in the 1930s; never in Abuakwa, Danquah’s hometown. By the time the UGCC was founded in Saltpond in 1947, there were already other (if generally inactive) parties, particularly, the Gold Coast People’s League and the Gold Coast National Party. As a result, the name originally proposed by the founders was changed from Gold Coast People’s Party (GCPP) to United Gold Coast Convention (UGCC), to rein in the other parties.
Myth No. 4: The Big Six were the architects of the 28th February 1948 demo that propelled Ghana’s independence movement.
Fact: George Padmore, Kwame Nkrumah’s political advisor, stated in his book, The Gold Coast Revolution, that the Big Six did “not” initiate the demonstration. Nkrumah was away from Accra on the 28th , and Danquah and the other four initially condemned the ex-service men for the violence that had been instigated by the reckless shooting of unarmed demonstrators by a trigger-happy British officer named Colin Imray. The British arrested the six politicians – Kwame Nkrumah, Ebenezer Ako-Adjei, Edward Akufo-Addo, J.B. Danquah, William Ofori-Atta, and Emmanuel Obetsebi-Lamptey – more for their UGCC work than any direct involvement in the events of 28th February.
Who then was the architect of 28th February? That credit goes mainly to Mr. B. E. A Tamakloe, general secretary of the Ex-servicemen’s Union, who negotiated the demonstration with the governor; to whom the governor addressed all letters; and in whose name the permit for the demonstration was issued. He was supported by five other people, according to the Watson Commission’s report, making them the Real Big Six, but the five were not named.
However, all eight executives of the Union who planned the demo were named, giving us the Big Eight: (1) B. E. A. Tamakloe; (2) S. A. Codjoe; (3) R. T. Dodoo; (4) J. S. Laryea; (5) R. P. Craig; (6) F. L. Adjei; (7) J. D. Ankrah; and (8) G. E. Lutterodt. We need a proper history of Ghana.
And then there were the 29 martyrs who died from the disturbances of the 28th and the days that followed, including Sgt. Cornelius Nii Adjetey; Corporal Patrick Attipoe, and Private Odartey Lamptey, who were murdered by Imray. The Big Six, as a group, were accidental beneficiaries of history, their individual contributions to the nationalist movement notwithstanding.
Myth No. 5: Ashantis did not play any role in the independence movement because they don’t appear in the Big Six.
Fact: Ghana’s history is bigger than the Big Six, despite efforts by Danquah’s descendants to make the Big Six (and, within the Big Six, their relatives) the alpha and omega of our history. Krobo Edusei of the Ashanti Youth Association (AYA) was the chairman of the Kumasi committee of the nation-wide Anti-Inflation Campaign that was organised by Mantse Nii Kwabena Bonne (a chief of both Osu and Techiman, then part of Ashanti) in 1948.
When the Big Six were incarcerated in Kumasi, AYA plotted to storm the prison and free them, prompting the governor to whisk them to the Northern Territories, under stricter security, for fear that the hard-nosed AYA members may still make their way up north. Edusei later served nine months in jail for his political activism alongside Nkrumah. The AYA, in its militancy, had also demanded “self-government within the next five years,” compared to the UGCC’s gradualist approach of self-government “in the shortest possible time”.
The AYA, the Osu Youth Association, and the Sekondi Youth Association were among the youth groups that dragged Nkrumah from the UGCC and forced him to form the Convention People’s Party (CPP), which led Ghana to independence. They were the original foot soldiers! The proposed name for their new party was Ghana People’s Party, but Nkrumah asked that “Ghana” be reserved for independence and replaced it with “Convention” to show continuity, at least in name, from the UGCC.
Myth No. 6: Danquah named the Gold Coast Ghana.
Fact: That was simply impossible, as by 1957 Danquah’s political career was effectively over (he and Ofori-Atta having lost their seats to the CPP in the 1954 and 1956 elections). Only Nkrumah as prime minister in 1957 was in a position to propose that name, and he did. Danquah and the others criticised Nkrumah for choosing the name Ghana, and in his autobiography Nkrumah was forced to defend his choice.
Danquah, however, had a weird obsession for naming places, like the president does today. He had proposed, without any consultations, that the Northern Territories be renamed Fergusonia, after Ekem Ferguson, the surveyor from Anomabo who had done much work in the North. The idea was rejected by the British, much like his previous suggestion to rename the Gold Coast Akanland, and later Akan-Ga, when he was reminded that there were more than Akans in the colony. (He, like the president today and his fellow tribalists, was married to a Ga woman).
His most “valiant” name-changing effort was his suggestion after the 1948 riots that he and his relatives be put in charge of the Gold Coast, under the name Ghanaland. The idea of course was laughed off by the British. He pioneered the tribalism that his inward-looking descendants are now perfecting with national resources. (Remember the president’s statement, “Yen Akanfo” during his desperate struggle to win power – and destroy the country?)
Myth No. 7: Danquah was the “doyen of Gold Coast politicians”.
Fact: The Watson Commission described him as such but suggested that this was before Nkrumah came on the scene. Thus, in the 1951 election, Nkrumah won over 95% of the votes (from prison!) whilst Danquah scraped through with only 53% (and Ofori-Atta with 51%) in Abuakwa. In the 1954 election, both Danquah and Ofori-Atta, running on Busia’s Ghana Congress Party (GCP) after the collapse of the UGCC in 1951, lost to CPP upstarts, despite threats from the Okyenhene to deport anyone who voted for the CPP. Of the 104 seats, the GCP won only one – by Busia, who squeezed through his Wenchi constituency with an 11-vote victory over his CPP rival.
Danquah and Ofori-Atta again lost the 1956 elections, exposing the limits of Danquah’s purported doyenness. He was a novice when it came to political organisation and electioneering, no match for Nkrumah, the consummate organiser, strategist, orator, and man of the people. Whilst Nkrumah wore batakari, Danquah preferred his three-piece suit in the hot African sun, making him a stranger to his own people.
Myth No. 8: Kwame Nkrumah hated Ashantis.
Fact: The opposite was true. Nkrumah loved Ashanti and Ashanti loved him (and the CPP) back. One of the most fanatical members of the CPP was an Asante woman from Bekwai (but lived in Kumasi) who named herself Ama Nkrumah (the female version of Kwame Nkrumah) and pledged support to Nkrumah and the CPP with her blood. The CPP swept five of the six seats in the 1950 Kumasi municipal elections (6,210 votes versus 50 for the opposition), and would have won the sixth seat had it not been for a technical disqualification.
Ashanti was the first to benefit from Nkrumah’s Accelerated Education Programme of 1951, with the establishment of the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology and Opoku Ware Secondary School in 1952, among others. Despite the terror attacks by the National Liberation Movement (NLM) in 1956 against CPP members, which led to an exodus of CPP refugees from Ashanti, the CPP won 8 seats in Ashanti, compared to 12 for the NLM in the 1956 election. The CPP won 43% of the total Ashanti vote and claimed NLM strongholds like Obuase and Asante Akyem hands down.
Suffice it to say that there is more to Ghana’s history than the Big Six, in whose shadow some now seek relevance and pre-eminence for their dead relatives. It appears that without the Big Six, they are nothing, unlike Nkrumah, whose legacy goes beyond the Big Six and stands on its own.
The public’s swift and no-nonsense rejection of the president’s loose talk about renaming UG after his uncle is a pointed reminder that Ghanaians would not tolerate the bastardisation of their history by any group or tribe, no matter how powerful or privileged they might feel.
Power, after all, in a democracy like Ghana’s, is fleeting. A word to the wise….
Minister of Foreign Affairs, Shirley Ayorkor Botchway, has expressed her frustration towards individuals within the passport administration who are facilitating illegal processes for obtaining travel documents.
Addressing the media, she referred these individuals as ‘gorro people,’ noting that they receive substantial backing within the office.
According to the minister, it disheartening and concerning that her ministry is being accused of endorsing unlawful activities while she strives to enhance its reputation.
“This cannot continue, I always say that there’s too much happening which should not happen in the passport acquisition system. If we talk about goro people, there goro people are outsiders because they do not work on their own because if the goro person collects somebody’s money they need to work with somebody from inside to change the date etc. The blame is always on the Minister of Foreign affairs meanwhile its the agency and some of our staff,” she added.
She emphasized that, with the assistance of Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, the ministry introduced an online platform to streamline passport acquisition.
Nevertheless, certain persistent individuals have posed challenges to the process.
Foreign Affairs Minister lashes out at Passport Office workers over corruption
Video Credit: Joy News #INDNews Spain | Yvonne Nelson | University of Ghana | John Mahama | Saudi League | Suarez | Bawumia pic.twitter.com/f6hoHxOoGb
“The vice president has led the digitilization efforts with my support and all my officers to put in place an online system, now the online system is being manipulated so that people can make money.
“She further criticized public servants who should be providing services to Ghanaians, lamenting that despite the Vice President’s efforts to digitalize the system with her support, some individuals manipulate the online platform for personal gains,”she added.
She also threatened to take action against those caught engaging in such practices to prevent their recurrence.
The minister revealed that an ongoing investigation has identified names, including individuals from an external cartel collaborating with insiders.
“There’s an investigation going on and some names have been mentioned and there are people from outside a catel who are working with people from inside.
The Colleges of Education Teachers Association of Ghana (CETAG) has asserted that they will persist with their strike, even if it results in salary reductions.
The President of the association, Prince Obeng Himah, anticipates possible salary cuts during the strike but remains undeterred.
All 46 training colleges’ CETAG members have been striking since August 1. They point to the government’s failure to comply with the National Labour Commission (NLC)’s Arbitral Award Orders and negotiated service conditions since May 2, 2023, as the reason.
Despite notifications to the Ministry of Finance, the agreed negotiations remain unimplemented, perpetuating the deadlock.
Asked about the potential non-payment for strike duration, Himah replied, “No surprise. We’ve heard whispers of punitive actions. We’re aware of the consequences. How can we not be paid for absent attendance when it wasn’t part of our arrangement?”
He calls for open dialogue between CETAG and NLC concerning owed salaries.
“We’re discontented with this situation. We must fight for justice; otherwise, we won’t benefit. Documentation must result in payments. The economy is harsh, and people remain under expired 2021 service conditions. These issues demand attention.”
Regarding arrears from January 2023 onwards, he urges transparent discussions for a resolution.
Ofosu Asamoah, NLC’s Executive Secretary, urges the government to penalize CETAG for an unlawful strike.
“Defying Commission orders is unlawful. Court intervention might be needed to compel them back to classrooms. Employers can also punish them for this illegal action. Two wrongs don’t justify.”
The Greater Accra Regional Minister, Henry Quartey, has announced that the La General Hospital has been integrated into the government’s Agenda 111 initiative.
The appointed contractor is expected to initiate the project’s work before November.
This announcement follows Solomon Kotey Nikoi, the Municipal Chief Executive for La Dade-Kotopon, expressing concerns about the unresolved reconstruction of La General Hospital during a meeting with the Regional Minister.
The hospital’s reconstruction, which began two years ago, was halted, causing anxiety among residents.
The government had initially demolished the health facility to pave the way for an enhanced healthcare infrastructure. Nonetheless, construction hasn’t commenced.
Addressing these delays, Henry Quartey assured the community of his unwavering dedication to completing the project swiftly.
“On the issue of the La General Hospital, we have been following the matter and I know very well that a decision has been taken at Cabinet and Agenda 111 will move there soon to commence work. As to the time, I don’t know but let’s say that latest by November, the contractor should have moved to site.”
An alarming corruption report from 2022 has brought attention to the pervasive issue of bribery within Ghana’s public sector.
The findings reveal that police officers have shown the highest vulnerability to bribery among all public officials, with an alarming prevalence rate of 53.2 percent.
Conducted collaboratively by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), the Commission on Human Rights and Administrative Justice (CHRAJ), and the Ghana Statistical Service (GSS), the survey provides a troubling glimpse into the scope of corruption.
Ghana Immigration Service (GIS) Officers and Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) customs officers also stand out with significant bribery rates of 37.4 percent and 33.6 percent, respectively.
Interestingly, elected government representatives exhibit notably lower involvement in bribery, registering a mere 2.9 percent.
Different forms of bribes are given to public officials. A striking 84.8 percent of bribes in Ghana are in the form of cash. While the exchange of a public service for another service and offering food and drink are less common, rural areas (17.8 percent) show a higher tendency to use food and drink bribes compared to urban areas (10.1 percent).
The cumulative value of cash bribes in Ghana nearly amounts to a third of the Ministry of Education’s 2021 budget.
Urban cash bribes are 1.5 times larger than rural ones, with the national average bribe standing at 348 Ghanaian cedi. Considering approximately 17.4 million bribes were paid in Ghana in 2021, the annual sum for cash bribes to public officials is around 5 billion Ghanaian cedi, equivalent to 32.9 percent of the Ministry of Education’s 2021 budget.
Dean of the University of Ghana’s School of Public Health, Prof. Kwasi Torpey, has raised concerns about the risk of HIV and blood-borne infections among individuals who inject drugs in Ghana.
In research conducted by Prof. Torpey’s team across four regions in 2022, it was found that HIV prevalence among drug users who also inject is 2.5%.
Notably, the prevalence was higher among women who injected drugs, with 12.7% among those who were solely drug users and 17.7% among those also involved in sex work.
“We found HIV prevalence of 2.5 percent among persons who used and injected drugs. Unfortunately, the prevalence was 12.7 percent among women who injected drugs and 17.7 percent among women who injected drugs and were also sex workers.
“These results point to a simple fact that the country is at the cusp of an outbreak of HIV and blood-borne infections among persons who inject drugs,” he said.
During an inaugural lecture titled “Ending HIV/AIDS in Africa: Reflections from the clinic, field, and classroom,” organized by the University of Ghana, Prof. Torpey highlighted his findings.
He emphasized that these results suggest a looming risk of an HIV and blood-borne infection outbreak among individuals who inject drugs.
Furthermore, Prof. Torpey stressed the vital need for intentional efforts to improve health service access for all populations, asserting that without such efforts, ending the AIDS epidemic in Africa would remain a distant goal.
Citing UNAIDS data, he highlighted the severity of the ongoing epidemic, with a life being lost to HIV every minute, 650,000 annual HIV-related deaths, and 4,000 new infections occurring daily.
The inaugural lecture was attended by various dignitaries, including the Vice-Chancellor of the University of Ghana, officials from the Ghana Health Service, the Bank of Ghana, and representatives from international organizations such as the World Health Organization (WHO) and USAID, as well as local health commissions and ministries.
A member of the National Democratic Congress (NDC)’s Legal Team, Godwin Edudzi Tameklo, has stated that the GH¢60 billion loss reported by the Bank of Ghana (BoG) would have been sufficient to fund the Nation Builders Corps (NABCO) for a span of six decades.
According to the Bank of Ghana’s 2022 report, the institution incurred a significant loss amounting to GH¢60 billion. The central bank attributed this substantial loss to the outcomes of the Domestic Debt Exchange Programme.
During an interview with the media, Edudzi Tamekloe, who also practices law privately, underscored the substantial impact of the lost GH¢60 billion on various governmental undertakings.
He criticized the government’s inability to sustain the NABCO program due to financial constraints, even in light of the reported GH¢60 billion allocation from the central bank.
“The Bank of Ghana is informing us that they have recorded a loss exceeding GH¢60 billion. This very loss would have sufficed to cover the NABCO beneficiaries’ expenses for a staggering 60 years. It means the annual payments could have been supported by this loss for six decades,” Edudzi Tamekloe explained.
He highlighted that the government’s challenges in upholding the NABCO initiative stem from financial limitations, despite the supposed GH¢60 billion inflow from the Bank of Ghana. This situation prompts inquiries into the utilization of such a significant sum of money and the government’s capability to allocate it appropriately.
Edudzi Tamekloe further voiced concerns about the transparency and accountability in managing such a substantial fund. He pointed out that the substantial amount could have been directed to fortify crucial government programs like NABCO.
“At this moment, the government of Ghana is indebted to NABCO trainees. Hence, the pressing question emerges: where has the GH¢60 billion disappeared to? Where is this substantial sum of money?” he posed.
A Cornea Specialist at Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital, Dr. Gladys Fourdjour, has revealed that a considerable portion of corneas utilized for eye transplant procedures in Ghana are procured from the United States.
However, the geographical distance between these overseas sources and Ghana has raised concerns about the viability and quality of these crucial tissues for transplantation.
During an interview on GhanaWeb’s Lowdown, Dr. Fourdjour shed light on the significant challenges that the medical community faces when obtaining corneas for transplant operations within the country.
“In the first half of this year, we performed 18 transplants. For the next month, we’ve received an email indicating that another individual will hand-carry a cornea for us,” she stated.
She further explained that medical professionals also reach out to eye banks in the United States to request corneas for transplant procedures in Ghana.
As a result, a substantial majority of the corneas used in these operations originate from the US. Recently, a cornea was acquired from Nepal, demonstrating the global scope of the procurement process.
However, Dr. Fourdjour pointed out that the considerable distance between the tissue sources and Ghana might impact the quality of the corneas.
Dr. Fourdjour emphasized that the optimal situation would involve having cornea tissues readily accessible within a short time frame for transplantation, as the current reliance on overseas sources introduces challenges related to the preservation and transportation of these delicate tissues.
This reliance on international sources for corneas has been a long-standing practice, with a notable proportion of transplant procedures occurring over the past five years.
“While this practice has been ongoing for some years, the majority of the transplants we’ve performed have taken place in the last five years,” Dr. Fourdjour added, underlining the growing dependence on overseas cornea sources and the need for improved accessibility to these tissues within the country.
Member of Parliament (MP) for North Tongu, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, has alleged that the Deputy Commissioner of the Commission on Human Rights and Administrative Justice’s (CHRAJ) residence is one of the properties demolished in November 2018 to pave way for the construction of the National Cathedral.
According to him, the rent for the Deputy Commissioner of the Commission on Human Rights and Administrative Justice (CHRAJ) caused Ghanaians a whopping GHS900,000.
He revealed this in a Twitter post on Monday, August 14, 2023.
“I have only recently discovered that on the instruction of Prez Akufo-Addo, the official residence of a Deputy Commissioner of CHRAJ was also demolished to create more space for the construction of Akufo-Addo’s Cathedral.
“Thus far, taxpayers have spent over GH¢900,000.00 on rent for this Deputy Commissioner. (That is GH¢180,000.00 annually). CHRAJ is therefore one of the many institutions waiting to be compensated,” he added.
Earlier the MP had indicated that the Scholarship Secretariat, the Passport Office the Judicial Training Institute, the Waterstone Realty Apartment Complex.
The others : the residence of the Malian Ambassador, Offices of ComSys, a communication services provider and an economic research institute Offices of the African Centre for Economic Transformation (ACET) were part of the structures government destroyed for the Cathedral.
Meanwhile, the Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Samuel Abu Jinapor, has indicated that the government has completely compensated all establishments whose structures were affected in relation of the construction of the National Cathedral.
He disclosed that these organizations were given substitute parcels of public land to facilitate their relocation.
He gave this information while addressing a parliamentary session on Thursday, 27 July.
“Mr Speaker, the land on which the National Cathedral is being constructed, measuring approximately 16.26 acres, forms part of a large tract of land acquired by the state in 1910 by a certificate of title dated 29 September 1910.
“Mr Speaker, apart from the public institution that occupied the area, four private institutions had interest in the land in addition to the Embassy of the Republic of Mali. All these institutions have been provided with alternative public lands. The Embassy of the Republic of Mali and Waterstone Realty Limited have been relocated to Airport,” he said.
“The Africa Center for Energy Policy (ACEP) has been relocated to Roman Ridge. Numo Logistics Limited has been relocated to Cantonment and Comsys Limited has been relocated to East Ridge, thus, Mr. Speaker, all persons, both public and private, who were affected by the construction have been adequately compensated by way of alternative properties,” he added.
Despite the fact that the National Cathedral project has been postponed due to lack of funds, yet, it continues to generate debate.
So far, the state has invested GHC339 million in the project, with Parliament rejecting a provision of GHC80 million in the 2023 budget.
Quick Credit Investment and Micro-Credit Limited, a prominent firm specializing in offering loans to clients with associated interest rates, has been singled out for allegedly contravening the provisions of the Data Protection Act of 2012.
The catalyst for the commission’s intervention stems from a customer’s formal grievance about privacy infringements attributed to the company.
Specifically, the focal point of concern revolves around the company’s alleged practice of disclosing the identities of customers who have defaulted on their loans to the general public, a breach explicitly prohibited by the Data Protection Act 2012 (Act 843).
In response to the allegations, the Data Protection Commission engaged with representatives from Quick Credit Investment and Micro-Credit Limited. The Commission has directed the company to make itself available for a meeting no later than the end of the working day on Monday, in order to address these allegations and explore potential remedies.
During a press briefing, Quinton Akrobeto, the Director for Regulatory and Compliance at the Data Protection Commission, emphasized the gravity of the situation. He disclosed that a complaint concerning the company’s illicit practices was brought to the Commission’s attention by a lawyer acting on behalf of one of the company’s clients.
“We are expecting them [the company officials] at the Police Headquarters for further questioning. We received a complaint about their non-compliance and how they are mishandling personal data related to their customers. We received this complaint from a lawyer representing one of their clients, and it’s based on this complaint that we have taken action.”
Mr. Akrobeto elucidated further, stating, “What these companies are doing is subjecting their customers to harassment by visiting their homes and places of worship, and making public their indebtedness, thereby violating their right to privacy.”
Additionally, authorities have taken into custody officials from two other companies on suspicion of potential privacy breaches.
Unauthorized individuals have allegedly gained access to the official website of the Ga North Municipal Assembly in the Greater Accra Region, leading to modifications in several parts of the site.
These illicit alterations have facilitated the insertion of advertisements for escort services, which involve prostitution.
The section of the website specifically affected is the Planning Unit, accessible via the URL gnma.gov.gh.
Within the content of this section, discreetly placed details regarding escort services have been incorporated, linking these services to Dubai.
A researcher, who exclusively shared this concerning discovery stumbled upon these changes while engaged in a project related to the websites of Metropolitan, Municipal, and District Assemblies (MMDAs) across the nation.
The researcher remarked, “Despite significant government investments in the development of websites, it appears that either the developers or unauthorized individuals have covertly replaced the content with prostitution advertisements over an extended period, without arousing suspicion.”
The content that has been tampered with reveals the following:
These sections are the Ga North Statistics Department and the Development Planning Unit, both accessible via the URL gnma.gov.gh.
Although the previous content of these sections is not immediately ascertainable, the current content within the Development Planning Unit has been altered to read as follows:
“Dubai stands as a hub for a diverse array of escort companions. From Brazilian enchantresses to Asian beauty icons, you can effortlessly locate an alluring partner to bring your sensual fantasies to life.
The captivating women of Dubai cater perfectly to those seeking to fulfill their most passionate desires.
These exotic ladies will undoubtedly captivate your senses. Whether you seek instant gratification or an evening of intimate pleasure, you will find a companion perfectly suited to your desires.
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This intrusion raises concerns about cybersecurity and the safeguarding of official platforms from malicious activities.
The recent marriage of Ghanaian actor and movie producer Eddie Nartey, has sparked reactions on social media.
The actor has been criticised for moving on too quickly just after two years of the terrible death of his wife, Vida Obenewah Nartey.
The actor and his new love married in a traditional ceremony on August 12, 2023, in the presence of numerous renowned celebrities and industry major names.
Nonetheless, social media users have shown doubt regarding the recent marriage. Some are asserting that the timing of the union is too soon for such an event to take place.
Furthermore, there are those who are inquiring whether the newly introduced lady had a presence in his life prior to his wife’s passing.
Additionally, the matter of the appropriate duration for a widower to grieve his late wife before considering remarriage has also come to the forefront of the discussion.
Over 600 Kumasi Technical University (KTU) students have petitioned the university’s administration to recind its decision to postpone their programs due to their inability to register for their classes.
A total of 648 students who have not registered for their courses will be deferred from the ongoing end-of-semester assessment.
Despite admitting their failure to register for the courses, the impacted students are asking the University’s administration to temper punishment with kindness.
“I paid the fees late and I wasn’t able to do the registration. The day we were writing the exams, they said it was a deadline, we didn’t see any notice. After paying the fees, we were asked to pay the penalty which was GH¢100, we were told to go to IT for registration, we were told they had closed registration when we reached there. We reported to the registrar and he told us that there was nothing he can do about it. They later said they will have a meeting and get back to us, they later told us that we have to defer.”
Meanwhile, administration claims that the University’s Academic Board established multiple deadlines for students to register for classes.
Acting University Relations officer for the Kumasi Technical University, Joshua Appiah, in an interview with the media, “Students are supposed to register, and the university will know the number of students who have registered. This semester, that’s the 2nd semester of the 2022/2023 academic year, the registration period was for 2 weeks, which ended May 29. By May 24, the university sent a notice reminding them to register.
After the May 29 deadline, the deadline was extended to June 5, with a penalty for individuals who had not registered to do so and pay a penalty to register. There was another extension for them to register after June 5. It even continued into June and July, when the SRC came to plead with management despite the passage of time. The deadline was set for August 3.”
He refuted media reports that the number of students affected exceeded 2,000.
“For now about 648 students are affected not 2,000 as speculated, even with the 648, it might be lesser than that. If you defer your money hasn’t been lost, you can still come back next semester to continue your education. Nobody has been deferred from the university”.
Unknown assailants have burnt a Kia Rhyno transporting cattle with the registration number AC-1201-20 at Gbimsi in the West Mamprusi Municipality, North-East Region.
The attack has left the driver and one other person injured, who are currently receiving treatment at the Walewale Government Hospital.
The incident, which occurred at 11 p.m. on Saturday, August 12, 2023, is thought to be related to the Bawku chieftaincy dispute.
During the attack, one man in Gbimsi was shot in the abdomen. It was reported that the victim was with his coworkers when the gunmen opened fire on the vehicle.
The van was transporting cattle from the Upper East Region to the south of the country when it was attacked at Gbimsi, a few meters away from the forest when it entered the community.
After the car was set ablaze, two of the animals were killed.
According to sources, an articulated truck vehicle was also attacked at 8 p.m. on the same day, but the driver escaped unharmed and drove the vehicle to the police headquarters in Walewale for protection.
The Member of Parliament (MP) for North Tongu, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, has claimed that the rent for the Deputy Commissioner of the Commission on Human Rights and Administrative Justice (CHRAJ) caused Ghanaians a whopping GHS900,000.
According to him, the deputy commissioner’s official residence was one of the properties razed in November 2018 to make way for the development of the National Cathedral.
In a Twitter post, the MP revealed the purported measures performed on the orders of President Akufo-Addo.
I have only recently discovered that on the instruction of Prez Akufo-Addo, the official residence of a Deputy Commissioner of CHRAJ was also demolished to create more space for the construction of Akufo-Addo’s Cathedral.
“I have only recently discovered that on the instruction of Prez Akufo-Addo, the official residence of a Deputy Commissioner of CHRAJ was also demolished to create more space for the construction of Akufo-Addo’s Cathedral.
“Thus far, taxpayers have spent over GH¢900,000.00 on rent for this Deputy Commissioner. (That is GH¢180,000.00 annually). CHRAJ is therefore one of the many institutions waiting to be compensated,” he wrote on Twitter.
Ablakwa’s allegations also included a list of other notable properties that were reportedly demolished for the project’s construction.
“Updated list of demolished properties: Judges’ Bungalows, Judicial Training Institute, Passport Head Office, Scholarship Secretariat, Malian Ambassador’s Residence, Comsys Ghana Limited, Waterstone Realty Apartment Complex and CHRAJ Deputy Commissioner’s Residence.
“Never again in our history should such presidential recklessness be tolerated. I really can’t wait for the Parliamentary probe to begin. Ghana First,” the tweet concluded.
Minister of Employment and Labour Relations, Hon. Ignatius Baffour-Awuah has stated that most Ghanaians have become fond of made-in-Ghana clothes as a result of president Akufo-Addo’s interest in them.
Speaking on Monday August 14, 2023 at the launch of ‘Youth in Garment and Textiles Module’ at the Prempeh Assembly Hall in Kumasi he said, until president Akufo-Addo assumed office the patronage of these clothes were low as a result of the lack of sentization.
He explained that the majority of Ghanaians now dorn the african print at every occasion, lauding the president for being the pioneer, in this regard.
To buttress his claims he stated that ” Do you when you go to villages no one wears suit, for 6 years 7 months I have not wore suit before. I am always in made in Ghana clothes even when I travel outside.
“I once inquired from my tailor why it takes them forever to complete assignments from clients. His response was that, before Akufo-Addo became president African print clothes had not dominated Ghana, but after the president started wearing them it drew people’s attention to it, making the patronage high,” he stated.
Patronage of made-in-Ghana clothes high under Akufo-Addo – Employment Minister.
He further called on all and sundry to throw their weights behind government’s initiative by wearing made in Ghana clothes often.
The Employment minister added that supporting the agenda can also bridge the gap of unemployment rate in the country as that will create job opportunities for individuals in these field.
“Support government by wearing made-in-Ghana clothes at least twice a week in other to grant employment to tailors and seamstresses.You can only support wear made-in-Ghana as well as grant employment,” he added.
On the other hand, Member of Parliament (MP) of Old Tafo Constituency, Vincent Ekow Assafuah stated that the Youth Employment Agency’s (YEA) module is to address skill gaps and establish lasting employment prospects for young individuals who have an interest in tailoring or dressmaking.
According to him, the goal is not to only enhance the industry itself but also contribute positively to the economy.
“The Garment and Textile industry is one of the largest across the globe providing thousands of jobs to both skilled and unskilled workers. It is one of the oldest industry dating back to creation,” he added.
Speaking at the launchChief Executive Officer (CEO) of YEA stated that the module has been crafted to provide beneficiaries with a chance to gain comprehensive understanding and practical experience in diverse facets of tailoring and dressmaking.
These include fabric selection, cutting techniques, sewing, garment construction, pattern making, and alterations.
The program also aims to actively involve pre-existing apparel start-ups in order to boost the implementation process and attain the intended goals.
Training for the diverse skill domains will be conducted in collaboration with chosen Garment and Textile partner firms.
Additionally, micro and small-scale seamstresses and tailors will play a vital role by offering apprenticeships to the youth within their local communities.
Approximately 200 individuals have lost their lives in the ongoing Bawku conflict spanning from November 2021 to August 2023, as revealed by Amadu Hamza, the Municipal Chief Executive (MCE) overseeing the region.
During an interview with the media on Monday, August 14, 2023, the MCE emphasized that while official records of casualties attributed to the conflict involving the police might be considerably lower, the actual situation on the ground far surpasses the figures reported by the police.
“Many have died and their bodies were never given to the police,” he said.
Discussing a recent incident where a shooting resulted in the demise of one person and left three others injured, the MCE pointed out that the conflict persists, claiming lives consistently, especially in areas that pose challenges for police accessibility.
Bawku has been grappling with chieftaincy disputes for an extended period, resulting in the unfortunate loss of numerous lives and significant destruction of property.
The Majority Leader, Osei Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu, has criticized the Minority Leader, Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson, over his demand for the resignation of the governor of the Bank of Ghana (BoG) and his deputies amidst allegations of financial mismanagement.
The Minority in Parliament is calling for the resignation of Dr. Ernest Addison and his deputies, leveling serious allegations of significant financial mismanagement within the Bank of Ghana.
The Minority asserts that Dr. Addison should step down from his position for overseeing the GHC60 billion loss that the Central Bank incurred in the year-ending 2022.
Among other claims, the Minority also contends that the Bank of Ghana failed to provide reports of its activities to Parliament.
In response to the Minority’s demand, Suame MP Osei Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu questioned the validity of the allegations and highlighted the political undertones of the dispute. He stressed that the issue should not be reduced to a partisan contest between the NPP and NDC, emphasizing the importance of a balanced and well-informed discussion.
He clarified that the Bank of Ghana is not legally obliged to report its daily activities to Parliament, contrary to Dr. Ato Forson’s claims. Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu pointed out that the law only mandates the Bank to report foreign exchange receipts to Parliament, a responsibility the Bank has consistently fulfilled.
“We should not make everything about NPP and NDC. Ato Forson should have known better because he has held the position of deputy minister of finance before and knows the operations of the Bank of Ghana. So, if you politicize issues of the BoG, it is not good for the country,” Osei Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu stated on Oman FM.
He further stated, “There is no law that mandates the BoG to report its daily activities to Parliament. The law only mandates the BoG to report foreign exchange receipts to Parliament, and the BoG has always complied with this provision. The BoG does not report directly to Parliament. The constitution says that if you pass any law that is inconsistent with the constitution, that law is null and void. It’s either the Minority are over exaggerating issues or have not had time to examine the facts of the matter.”
Minority Leader, Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson, has urged President Akufo-Addo to deliver a national address outlining the government’s strategies to revive the Bank of Ghana (BoG), which he characterized as facing an unprecedented collapse.
In a Facebook post, Forson emphasized the need for decisive actions to restore solvency to the central bank.
“Given the unprecedented collapse of our central bank, it is imperative for the President of Ghana to urgently address the nation. During this address, the President should outline the decisive actions that the government plans to implement in order to restore solvency to the Bank of Ghana,” Mr Forson said in a Facebook post on Monday.
Forson highlighted that when a regulated institution’s financials or liquidity position is compromised, the BoG typically enforces directives, including withholding dividend payments even in profitable situations.
“Granting of new loans will be put on hold; Appointment of new directors will be restricted; Capital expenditure will be temporarily suspended and staff recruitment will be paused, and other similar measures will be taken,” he added.
Other measures, such as suspending new loans, restricting director appointments, pausing capital expenditure, and halting staff recruitment, are also implemented.
Additionally, Forson dismissed claims by Richard Ahiagbah, Director of Communications for the New Patriotic Party (NPP), that Forson was a member of the BoG Board during the initiation of processes for the bank’s new head office construction.
Forson refuted these assertions in a press release, characterizing them as a “desperate attempt” by the NPP to defend their actions.
Forson clarified that during the Mahama/NDC administration, the Bank of Ghana never entered into a contract for the new head office’s construction nor purchased land in Accra for the building.
He criticized the decision to construct the new head office given the bank’s substantial loss and negative equity, deeming it a reckless and misguided priority.
Forson concluded by asserting that no attempt at equalization can absolve the current government and Governor Addison’s management from the historical collapse and mismanagement of the Bank of Ghana.
He maintained that the countdown to the resignation of the Governor and his deputies is ongoing.
“For the record, I was not part of the processes for the construction of this new Head Office building, and the Bank of Ghana Board never began such processes for the construction of this new Head Office building at Ridge. We maintain that the decision by the current Bank of Ghana Management and Board to construct an ultra-modern Head Office building at a time when the Bank of Ghana has recorded a loss of GhS60.8 billion and a negative equity of GHS55.1 billion; at a time when the ordinary Ghanaian is struggling to make ends meet, is a reckless and misplaced priority.”
“No attempt at equalisation can redeem the historical collapse and mismanagement of the Bank of Ghana by this Akufo-Addo/Bawumia NPP government, alongside Governor Addison and his management. The countdown to the resignation of the Governor and his deputies is still on,” Dr. Forson added.
Member of Parliament (MP), Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa of North Tongu has hinted on President Akufo-Addo’s plans to deploy Ghanaian soldiers to fight against the ongoing coup in Niger.
According to him, president Akufo-Addo must halt his strategy and present his policy on Niger to Parliament for thorough debate and scrutiny.
However, he criticized the president’s refusal to do so, labeling it as undemocratic and reckless.
In a tweet, Mr Ablakwa said “President Akufo-Addo must immediately stop his mobilization of Ghanaian soldiers for an ECOWAS war in Niger. He must submit his Niger Policy to Parliament for scrutiny. War & Bloodshed cannot be the solution; Diplomacy & Constructive Dialogue is. Africa needs a new leadership.”
The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) convened an Extraordinary Session on August 10, 2023, in Abuja, Nigeria, under the leadership of H.E. Bola Ahmed Tinubu, President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and Chair of the ECOWAS Authority. This session followed a previous one held on July 30, 2023, in response to the unlawful detention of President Mohamed Bazoum by the Presidential Guard in Niger on July 26, 2023.
During the gathering, ECOWAS reaffirmed its strong condemnation of the attempted coup d’état and the ongoing unlawful imprisonment of President Mohamed Bazoum, along with his family and government officials.
ECOWAS also expressed deep concern about the conditions of President Bazoum’s detention and held the National Committee for the Salvation of the People (CNSP) accountable for his safety, as well as the safety of his family and government members.
In a subsequent communique, ECOWAS reiterated its commitment to the measures and principles previously agreed upon during the extraordinary summit held on Niger on July 30, 2023. As a response to the crisis, ECOWAS has taken decisive action, including enforcing border closures, imposing strict travel bans, and freezing assets of individuals or groups obstructing peaceful efforts aimed at restoring constitutional order in Niger.
“Warn member states who, by their action directly or indirectly, hinder the peaceful resolution of the crisis in Niger about the consequences for their action before the Community; Call on the African Union to endorse all the decisions taken by ECOWAS on the situation in Niger;
“Further call on all partner countries and institutions, including the United Nations, to support ECOWAS in its efforts to ensure a quick restoration of constitutional order, in conformity with its normative instruments;Direct the President of the Commission to monitor the implementation of the sanctions ;
“Direct the Committee of Chiefs of Defence Staff to immediately activate the ECOWAS Standby Force with all its elements;
“Order the deployment of the ECOWAS Standby Force to restore constitutional order in the Republic of Niger; Underscore its continued commitment to the restoration of constitutional order through peaceful means.”
Deputy Ranking Member on Parliament’s Education Committee, Dr. Clement Apaak, has criticized President Akufo-Addo‘s suggestion that the University of Ghana (UG) might be renamed after Joseph Boakye (J.B.) Danquah. Dr. Apaak finds this proposal unacceptable and has expressed his disapproval of the idea.
He claimed that the president has endeavored to give his forefathers a significant place in Ghanaian history during his reign.
This comes after the President hinted that the famous institution would be renamed after J.B Danquah in the future as an homage to his unshakable drive and vital role in rallying Ghanaians to create the university.
President Akufo-Addo made the remarks at the University of Ghana’s 75th Anniversary Thanksgiving Service.
Dr. Apaak, however, stated in an interview that renaming the university is not essential.
“Remember that JB Danquah belongs to the president’s family and this is not the first time that we have picked up signals that if the president has his way, UG will be named after JB Danquah.”
“I believe that that ought not to be the case. There is a general tendency that we are witnessing where President Nana Addo Akufo-Addo has tried to eulogise his ancestry and to give his forebears a prominent place in Ghana’s history,” he stated.
A total of twelve aspirants from the New Patriotic Party (NPP) have completed the nomination process, positioning themselves to vie for victory in the party’s upcoming parliamentary primaries.
These aspirants are seeking representation in the party’s orphan constituencies within the Western North Region.
Within this region, there are six orphan constituencies, which do not currently have an incumbent NPP Member of Parliament.
Notably, three constituencies—Bibiani-Anwhiaso Bekwai, Wiawso, and Akontombra—currently have sitting MPs.
In the Bodi constituency, a trio of aspirants—namely, Mr. Samuel Opoku Nyame, Mr. Francis Atta Owusu, and Mr. Nicholas Andoh—have officially filed their nominations to compete.
For the Juaboso constituency, Mr. Alex Ampaabeng and Mrs. Martha Kwayie Manu, who serves as the Deputy Chief Executive of the Forestry Commission, have presented their candidacies.
Additionally, Mr. Bernard Gyebi Blay, the District Chief Executive of Bia West, and Mr. Franklin Cudjoe, the constituency chairman of Bia West, have similarly entered the race in the Bia West constituency.
The Bia East constituency has seen Mr. Nicholas Kupog Yayin, the District Chief Executive, and Mr. Evans Amoah file for candidacy.
In the Aowin constituency, the contest features Mr. Abanga Yakubu Fusani and Mr. Isaac Brew, the Aowin constituency secretary.
The Suaman constituency, however, witnessed the submission of nomination solely by Mr. Frederick Addy, who held the role of the NPP’s parliamentary candidate in the 2020 elections. His submission marked the only nomination by the closing date on August 10.
Notably, Mr. Solomon Kelly Parku, an aspirant initially set to participate in the Juaboso constituency race, announced his withdrawal from contention through a press statement.
Citing unwavering political loyalty as a guiding principle, Parku conveyed his commitment to upholding this value, ultimately leading to his decision to step away from the competition.
In anticipation of the forthcoming parliamentary primaries, Mr. Felix Foster Ackah, the Regional Secretary of the party, emphasized that the aspirants would undergo a vetting process.
He also urged them to uphold a high standard of conduct, with the aim of fostering unity within the party after the primaries conclude.
The Managing Director of Tema Oil Refinery (TOR), Jerry Kofi Hinson, has submitted his resignation citing health reasons, as indicated in a letter directed to President Akufo-Addo.
In a letter dated August 11, 2023, Mr. Hinson conveyed his regrettable inability to sustain his responsibilities as the MD due to unanticipated health circumstances.
“Over the past 18 months, it has been my honor and privilege to serve as the Managing Director of Tema Oil Refinery (TOR).
“Collaborating closely with the Board of Directors and Management, we undertook the formidable task of identifying a suitable partner to collaboratively rejuvenate TOR’s operations in a viable and sustainable manner.”
“Despite the prolonged and challenging process, we successfully identified a potential partner who is now poised to undergo the requisite approval phases.”
“Unfortunately, owing to unforeseen health challenges, I find myself compelled to step down from my position as Managing Director. With this communication, I formally tender my resignation, with the effective transition of responsibilities and duties to be coordinated in alignment with the Board of Directors,” excerpts from the letter stated.
Mr. Hinson expressed his unwavering commitment to ensuring a seamless transfer of his obligations and pledged to diligently fulfill his duties until his departure.
“I am dedicated to facilitating a smooth transfer of my responsibilities and discharging them conscientiously until my tenure concludes.”
“I extend my sincere gratitude to you for affording me the distinct privilege to serve my nation at this esteemed capacity,” he added.
The Ministry of Sanitation and Water Resources has refuted allegations of improper promotion involving eight sub-professionals.
These promotions, as asserted by an employee, Thomas Attoh Donkor, were purportedly executed without adhering to the stipulated procedures outlined in the administrative instructions of the Civil Service.
Thomas Attoh Donkor submitted a formal complaint to the Head of Civil Service, asserting that the appointees, chosen by the Ministry’s Chief Director, Noah Tumfo, lacked the essential qualifications for their newly assigned positions.
In an interview with the media, Noah Tumfo, the Chief Director of the Ministry of Sanitation, provided clarity on the matter.
He stated that the promotions in question were carried out in accordance with the directives issued by the Head of Civil Service. Noah Tumfo emphasized that the established protocols of the Civil Service were diligently followed and not violated.
Noah Tumfo stated, “There is no prevailing tension within the Ministry of Sanitation and Water Resources. The petitioner’s concerns have been appropriately addressed to the Head of Civil Service. I complied with the regulatory procedure by forwarding the petition to the office of the Head of Civil Service approximately two months ago.”
He further explained, “The Ministry of Sanitation and Water Resources, along with myself as the Chief Director, do not possess the authority to independently initiate promotions for civil servants. Our roles are within the parameters of guidance and advice. The grades and positions within the civil service are determined by the established guidelines and promotion conventions overseen by the Head of Civil Service. My role, at most, is to provide counsel to the Head of Civil Service.”
The Member of Parliament (MP) representing Ningo-Prampram, Sam George, has called upon Parliament to stand firm and resist the warnings by Virginia Palmer, the US Ambassador to Ghana, regarding the proposed anti-LGBTQ Bill.
In an interview with the media, Sam George stressed the importance of upholding Ghanaian values and cultural beliefs, rather than yielding to external pressures or advisories.
He emphasized the significance of safeguarding Ghana’s cultural identity and principles, asserting that Ghanaians should recognize that their portrayal determines how they are perceived and treated.
Sam George argued that maintaining integrity and a strong value system is paramount, particularly in business partnerships, and that succumbing to financial incentives at the expense of cultural values could tarnish Ghana’s reputation and discourage meaningful collaborations.
“It is high time Ghanaians begin to realize that the way we sell ourselves is how we will be bought and that this is a sovereign nation and in fact, for anybody who goes into business or partnership, the first interest of any potential business partner is a sense of integrity and a value system and so if you tell the Ghanaian people that our culture frowns on this (LGBTQ) but because of a few thousand or million dollars worth of investment that is not even proven will come, you push it aside, Ghana will be seen as the country that does not have integrity and any true businessman will not come here to work with us.
“So let us not buy into the rhetoric and let us stop regurgitating that rhetoric that if we pass the bill, something will happen to us,” he added.
He encouraged fellow Ghanaians not to embrace the rhetoric that passing the anti-LGBTQ Bill would lead to negative consequences, challenging the notion that economic interests should dictate the country’s moral stance.
In response to Ambassador Palmer’s concerns that the bill could deter foreign investors and exporters, Sam George proposed that Ghana should leverage its unique strengths, particularly its safe and vibrant democracy, which has attracted international organizations and corporations to set up their headquarters in the country.
He advised against compromising these strengths for short-term gains, urging Ghana to stand its ground during negotiations and avoid being swayed by external pressures.
Ultimately, Sam George’s message centered on the idea that Ghana’s value is not solely determined by economic indicators, but also by its cultural heritage, democratic stability, and ethical principles.
On Friday, August 11, 2023, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) took a decisive action by revoking the permit of Non-Ferus Metal company in Tema East and subsequently shutting down its operations due to a series of severe environmental violations.
The enforcement was led by Dr. Henry Kokofu, the Executive Director of the EPA, who directed a taskforce to ensure compliance with EPA regulations pertaining to environmental hazards.
Dr. Kokofu revealed that the Non-Ferus Metal company had been engaging in nighttime pollution of the environment and demonstrated a lack of proper safety measures for its workers, thus subjecting them to exposure to hazardous acidic substances and lead.
During interactions with the company’s staff, Dr. Kokofu reassured them that the intervention was intended for their well-being and aimed to facilitate comprehensive investigations into the company’s practices.
“All that we are saying is that we are here to ensure the safety of the environment and the health of the people including your officers and employers. We are not here to mar anybody’s business, but we cannot allow this magnitude of pollution to go on. You the workers are being subjected to and exposed to hazards… You are so precious to the country Ghana, you are sons of Ghana. You deserve to work in a very congenial environment. We are afraid that you might have been exposed to substances like lead, so we are going to bring in the public health to test each one of you at the expense of the company to ensure that none of you is having any health issues.”
“Again we will temporarily close down the factory and summon the owners to the head office in Accra to come and explain why they are working under these conditions, and then we will prescribe what needs to be done. Once they are able to do it, we allow them to do it. We are not going to allow operations in this situation. It is dangerous for your health and the environment so kindly cooperate with us in this direction,” he stated.
A total of twenty-seven children diagnosed with congenital heart defects have undergone successful procedures at the University of Ghana Medical Centre (UGMC) utilizing a minimally invasive technique known as cardiac catheterization.
Medical professionals, in conjunction with the Qatar Charity, carried out these interventions.
Cardiac catheterization involves the insertion of a slender, flexible tube referred to as a catheter through a blood vessel, guiding it to the heart to address specific cardiac conditions like blocked arteries or irregular heart rhythms.
The Country Director for Qatar Charity, Hasan A. Owda, in an interview stated that an additional three children are scheduled to undergo similar procedures in the near future.
“To date, we have completed 27 cases, and tomorrow we will conclude 30 cases involving children. This initiative serves as a pilot project, and in the days ahead, we aspire to expand our efforts. Collaborating with leadership, agencies, and stakeholders, we will explore avenues to extend our reach, targeting more children across various categories,” remarked the Qatar Charity’s Country Director.
Coordinator of the project, Professor Nana Akyaa Yao, who is a Consultant Pediatric and Congenital Cardiologist, emphasized the significance of the collaboration as a valuable opportunity to assist children afflicted with congenital heart conditions.
“Upon seeking support, Qatar Charity approached me with the intention to aid children dealing with cardiac issues, employing the minimally invasive approach of cardiac catheterization. This collaboration provided an excellent opportunity to support these children in a manner that involves minimal surgical intervention,” explained the Consultant Pediatric and Congenital Cardiologist.
The Coalition of Health Trainees has given the government a strict ultimatum of six days, insisting on the prompt release of their overdue allowances accumulated over a period of two years.
In an interview with the media, the General Secretary of the coalition, Emmanuel Awuku, expressed their mounting frustration.
He stated that they had patiently awaited the allocation of their allowances, but their patience is waning.
He warned that if their demands are not met, they are prepared to take more forceful actions.
Awuku stated, “should the anticipated allowance not reach us within the next six days, we may be compelled to escalate our approach during our upcoming engagement. We implore all relevant parties to take the necessary actions, enabling us to fulfill our responsibilities while seeking resolution, akin to the way Moses resolved conflicts.”
He underscored the severe financial burden caused by the withheld allowances, which is adversely affecting trainees across the entire country. He emphasized the critical role these allowances play in supporting their educational endeavors.
“It is imperative that every health trainee be granted their constitutional entitlement to allowances, including those from hygiene schools nationwide. However, this obligation seems to be fading. Our hygiene trainees have gone without these funds for two years in some instances and 10 months for others.”
He elaborated further, “This unfortunate pattern is becoming customary, requiring our student leadership to repeatedly engage stakeholders at great personal expense whenever allowance disbursement is due.”
The Ministry of Education (MoE) is gearing up to commence the Senior High School (SHS) selection process for this year’s Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE) candidates, starting from Wednesday, August 23.
To ensure clarity and guidance throughout the school selection process, the MoE has developed an informative video explaining the selection guidelines.
MoE’s spokesperson, Kwasi Kwarteng, announced this in a statement released in Accra on Friday.
“The video will be featured within schools and extensively broadcasted on various television networks nationwide. Additionally, the video and selection form will be accessible on the official website of the Free Senior High School (FSHS) Secretariat at www.freeshs.net,” he added.
Kwarteng revealed that the in-school presentation of the selection guidelines video will take place from August 21st to August 25th, 2023.
“Your JHS head teacher will communicate the specific date and time for your school. The School Selection Period is scheduled from August 23rd to September 4th, 2023. During this period, you will receive, complete, and submit the selection forms to your JHS head teacher,” he explained.
He conveyed the ministry’s gratitude to all participants for their involvement in facilitating an informed and transparent school selection process.
The Ghana Education Service (GES) has announced plans to sensitize candidates who recently took the Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE) on the procedures for selecting Senior High Schools. This informative session is scheduled for August 18, 2023.
The school selection process itself will occur from August 23 to September 4, 2023, across various regional, district education directorates, and schools.
In a statement signed by Cassandra Twum Ampofo, the Head of Public Relations Unit at GES, said “the management of Ghana Education Service (GES) wishes to inform the general public, particularly parents, candidates, and teachers, that the sensitization and education on this year’s guidelines for school selection into Senior High Schools will commence on Friday, August 18, 2023.”
She further emphasized, “This exercise will take place in all the respective Regional, District Education Directorates, and schools. Management further informs stakeholders that the selection of schools is scheduled from August 23 to September 4, 2023.”
As part of the process, candidates will have the opportunity to confirm their school preferences by texting a designated short code before the actual placement is finalized. The specific details of the shortcode will be communicated in due time.
The BECE, which began on Monday, August 7, concluded on Friday, August 11.
Healthcare professionals working within the Maternity Wing of Mampong Government Hospital have issued a firm caution regarding their plan to initiate a sit-down strike, set to commence on Monday, August 14th, 2023.
The catalyst behind this decision arises from recent actions taken by the administration of the Mampong Nursing and Midwifery Training College, involving the closure of a passageway leading to the hospital’s maternity unit.
These dedicated healthcare workers are currently confronted with the predicament of having to traverse a densely vegetated path due to the blocked route.
They express that this choice not only compromises their safety due to heightened security vulnerabilities, as several colleagues have previously encountered assaults, but also generates distress among patients.
These patients, now compelled to cover extended distances due to the route’s closure, frequently encounter exacerbated health complications.
In a conversation with Citi News, the discontented healthcare staff underlined their firm belief that resorting to a strike presents the only feasible avenue to compel the resolution of their grievances.
“The hospital comprises twin wings, and the road that has been obstructed serves as the primary link connecting the two sections. This obstruction hampers the smooth exchange of goods and services between the maternity wing and the general wing. Our staff members reside beyond this gate, often hampering their ability to respond to emergencies promptly. Therefore, we implore the management to urgently address this matter, fostering harmony between the staff and the local community.”
“Should we not receive any communication from the leadership by Monday, we will have no choice but to initiate a sit-down strike.”
The Ashanti Regional leadership of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) has refuted allegations suggesting the suspension of their Women’s Organiser within the region.
These claims arose due to her public endorsement of a candidate from an opposing party, the New Patriotic Party (NPP), in the flagbearership race.
Earlier reports had indicated that the NDC’s Kumawu office had taken the decision to remove Akua Afriyie, the Women’s Organiser, from her role for openly expressing her support for Alan Kyerematen, a contestant in the New Patriotic Party’s flagbearer competition.
This decision to remove her allegedly stemmed from a video in which she vocally expressed her admiration for the opposing party’s candidate.
However, in an official statement dated August 9, 2023, the leadership of the NDC in the Ashanti Region categorically denied any knowledge of an individual fitting the description of a women’s organiser or party executive at any tier of the organization.
They characterized these reports as baseless and intended to cause harm, emphasizing that no women’s organiser affiliated with their party had made any such declaration.
Furthermore, they asserted that no suspension of this nature had been implemented by any branch of the party.
The name mentioned in the reports, Akua Afriyie, was clarified to hold no presence within their party records as a women’s organiser or party executive, whether at the branch, constituency, or regional level, as detailed in their statement.
“The said name (Akua Afriyie) which is linked to the story does not exist in any of our records as a party women’s organizer or party executive either at the branch constituency or regional level,” it continued.
Below is the statement:
According to news reports, the Ashanti Regional leadership has dismissed Akua Afriyie from her role as the Women’s Organiser.
This action was taken due to her public endorsement of Alan Kyerematen, a contender in the New Patriotic Party (NPP) flagbearer race.
The decision to remove her from her position was apparently influenced by a video in which she vocally expressed her admiration for Alan Kyerematen, the opposition candidate.
In the video, Akua Afriyie can be heard stating that although she is a member of the NDC, she would cast her vote for Alan Kyerematen if he is presented as the NPP’s candidate in the 2024 general elections. She further commented that Alan, a former Minister of Trade and Industry, possesses the vision necessary to alleviate Ghana’s existing challenges and to inspire the nation’s youth towards greatness.
Reportedly, she remarked, “I am currently not a member of the NDC or a member of the NPP, but I am a strong supporter of Mr. Kyerematen.”
A private legal practitioner and Head of Political Affairs for the Convention People’s Party (CPP), Kwame Jantuah, has stressed the importance of upholding the principle of “innocent until proven guilty” in the case involving the former Minister of Sanitation and Water Resources, Cecilia Dapaah.
Speaking to the media on August 11, 2023, Mr Jantuah stated that despite the allegations and the significant amount of money involved, adding that Cecilia Dapaah’s guilt can only be determined by a court of law.
He pointed out that Dapaah is currently contesting the charges in court and therefore should not be prematurely accused of theft.
Mr Jantuah explained, “At the present moment, Cecilia Dapaah is innocent until proven guilty, especially with the amount of money we are talking about. And remember, there is a case in court where she has taken it to court for the stealing of money that she says is her property.”
He further elaborated that while certain amounts of money in question have been linked to specific sources, others remain unaccounted for.
His comments underscore the importance of allowing the legal process to unfold before passing judgment.
Cecilia Dapaah has been at the center of a controversy in recent weeks after it was revealed that substantial amounts of money had been stolen from her Abelemkpe residence.
The ongoing trial involves seven individuals who are accused of being involved in the theft from Dapaah’s home and that of her husband.
Jantuah’s reminder about the presumption of innocence highlights the need for a fair and thorough legal process to determine the truth of the matter.
Deputy Youth Organiser of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), Osman Ayariga, has criticized the Akufo-Addo administration for its multiple corruption scandals.
He asserted that the current government is replete with individuals who exploit their positions to enrich themselves, disregarding the welfare of ordinary Ghanaians.
Ayariga likened the widespread corruption within the present government to the tale of ‘Alibaba and the 40 Thieves.’
In an interview with the media on August 11, 2023, he drew parallels between the government’s behavior and the infamous story, humorously suggesting that the title might need an upgrade to ‘Alibaba and the 1000 Thieves’ given the numerous ministers and appointees involved.
The deputy youth organiser proceeded to highlight instances where government officials were discovered possessing unexplained wealth.
Notably, he referred to the case of Adjenim Boateng Adjei, the former Chief Executive Officer of the Public Procurement Authority (PPA), who was found with substantial funds in his bank account. Ayariga also mentioned the incident involving a presidential staffer who lost around $117,000.
“I remember a book, I used to read, growing up, ‘Alibaba and the 40 Thieves’ … and this government honestly reminds me of that book. This government is a classic example of Alibaba and the 40 thieves, just that in this case, we have more than 40 ministers and appointees… so maybe ‘Alibaba and the 1000 Thieves.
“This is a clear example of a very bad case for the government and this is not the first. Remember the recent one of the PPA boss, where so much money was found in his bank account?
“… you also remember the recent reportage of a presidential staffer who also lost about $117,000. And you do the mathematics and the numbers are mind-boggling, … the numbers are so unbelievable,” he added.
Ayariga’s comments stem from recent reports regarding the discovery of significant sums of money in the homes of former Minister for Sanitation and Water Resources, Cecilia Dapaah.
The Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) found large amounts of cash, both local and foreign currencies, at various properties linked to the embattled ex-minister.
At the Abelemkpe residence, where substantial assets, including jewelry and currencies, were previously reported stolen, the OSP uncovered an additional $590,000 and GH¢2,730,000. These revelations have further fueled allegations of corruption within the government.
Osman Ayariga’s critical remarks reflect the ongoing discourse surrounding corruption issues within the Akufo-Addo administration, adding to the broader conversation about ethical governance and accountability in Ghanaian politics.
A hopeful candidate for the flagbearer position in the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Alan Kyerematen, has reportedly unveiled an ambitious plan to overhaul the party by the year 2030.
According to reports, the plan, titled “Transformation and Modernization of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) – Agenda 2030,” comprises ten key pillars.
The plan, introduced on Friday, August 11, 2023, aims to invigorate the NPP, making it a more dynamic, efficient, and all-encompassing political entity.
Central to the plan is an emphasis on expanding the NPP’s membership and bolstering the party’s financial stability through the establishment of party-run businesses.
Furthermore, the plan seeks to provide comprehensive support for grassroots party executives, including the provision of salaries and insurance coverage for their roles.
Another critical focus of the plan is the enhancement of the party’s administrative infrastructure, ensuring its strength and efficacy.
Alan Kyerematen’s strategic vision for the NPP outlines a comprehensive roadmap for transformation and modernization, potentially paving the way for a revitalized and influential political organization.
Below are the 10 pillars of Alan’s plan to transform the NPP below:
1. Aggressively expanding the membership base of the Party, focusing particularly on the Youth and Women, and introducing a Membership Reward Scheme to incentivize Party members.
2. Enhancing the financial strength of the Party by establishing commercially viable medium and large-scale Party-owned business enterprises, and other investment activities.
3. Promoting the welfare of Party Executives and other officials of the Party at all levels of the Party structure, including but not limited to the payment of salaries/allowances, and the establishment of a Pension Scheme for Party officials.
4. Strengthening the management, organizational and operational efficiency of the Party’s Field Executives and Administrative staff.
5. Building the Policy research and analytical capacity of the Party. 6. Integrating more fully the Party’s External Branches into the activities of the Party, as well as identifying talents to fill executive positions in government.
7. Strengthening Government-Party relations and interactions by institutionalizing regular consultations on matters related to government and party administration.
8. Reviewing the Party’s Constitution and other legal instruments to respond to and reflect current political dynamics.
9. Establishing strategic partnerships between the Party and relevant local and international institutions and organisations, including political affiliations.
10. Modernizing Party infrastructure and other facilities of the Party across the country.
Speaker of Parliament, Alban Bagbin has questioned why some Ghanaians are protesting against the increase in salaries of Members of Parliament (MPs) while some constantly seek financial assistance from these same individuals.
Speaking at a public event in Takoradi, Mr. Bagbin observed that despite constituents regularly approaching their elected officials for monetary assistance for various needs such as school fees, hospital bills, church donations, and event contributions, there exists a reluctance to support salary hikes for these MPs.
“Whatever is given to the one you struggled to elect, you are opposed to it, even though every day you knock at his door to request money to pay school fees and hospital bills, donate to churches, festivals, and funerals”.
“You hate to hear that his salary is being increased,” Mr. Bagbin said.
Mr. Bagbin elaborated that the recurring scenario suggests an underlying issue. He questioned the motivations behind this phenomenon, stating, “There must be a problem.” He drew attention to the sentiments surrounding the topic and indicated that this discrepancy in attitudes calls for introspection.
Illustrating this point further, former National Democratic Congress (NDC) MP for the Buem Constituency, Mr. Daniel Ashiamah, shared his personal experience.
While serving in parliament, Mr. Ashiamah disclosed that he encountered challenges balancing financial commitments, such as paying constituents’ education and medical expenses, with his own family’s needs.
“I guess I must have forgotten about him because his fees were so so small in the scheme of the fees that I was paying for my constituents’ children”, he added.
He recalled a distressing incident in which his own son was unable to attend school due to unpaid fees, while he was funding various expenses for his constituents. This disheartening situation underscored the complex financial dynamics that MPs often face.
In an interview with the media on May 13, 2022, Mr. Ashiamah recounted his decision to prioritize constituents over his immediate family, even to the detriment of his own son’s education.
He explained that despite the appearance of prestige associated with being an MP, the reality behind the scenes involves significant financial burdens and expectations that far exceed their official salaries.
Mr. Ashiamah emphasized the challenges MPs encounter, including the necessity to make contributions to various events, including funerals and weddings, which further strain their financial resources.
Reflecting on his own entry into parliament through a by-election, he acknowledged the pressure to conform to constituents’ expectations and the associated emotional toll.
In light of these insights, Mr. Ashiamah advised aspiring politicians to carefully consider their ambitions to enter parliament.
He stressed that a clear vision and understanding of the demands and challenges associated with being an MP are crucial prerequisites for success in this role.
He cautioned that those who lack the foresight and dedication necessary for effective representation may find the experience overwhelming and unfulfilling.
In essence, both Speaker of Parliament, Alban Bagbin and former MP Daniel Ashiamah shed light on the complex relationship between constituents and their elected representatives, revealing the intricate financial and emotional dynamics that underlie the role of an MP in Ghana’s political landscape.
The Ghana School Feeding Program (GSFP) has introduced a cost-effective yet highly nutritious pelagic fish to enhance the nutritional quality of meals provided to schoolchildren.
With a reach encompassing 3.8 million students from 9,700 primary and Junior High Schools nationwide, the GSFP initiative is poised to significantly improve the nutritional intake of its beneficiaries.
Criticism from the public has been directed at the GSFP for delivering subpar food quality to children, which has been detrimental to their physical and cognitive growth.
The novel fish product, referred to as small fish, consists of a combination of herrings, anchovies, and other vitamin-rich fish derivatives.
During an event held on August 10, 2023, Fred Antwi Boadu, the Executive Director of the Fisheries Commission, emphasized that the inclusion of new fish products in the School Feeding Program will contribute to the cognitive development of the young learners.
“We recognize the pivotal role of fish in promoting brain health and cognitive growth in children. Therefore, collaborating in the scientific endeavor to introduce enhanced fish into school meals was a commendable initiative. Small fish holds immense potential in fulfilling the nutritional requirements of children, and I am pleased that we have successfully incorporated them into our children’s diets.
“This partnership with the FAO, much like several previous ones, is aimed at ensuring the availability of safe and enhanced fish products that are rich in nutrition for consumption, meeting the body’s growth needs,” as reported by B&FTonline.com.
Meanwhile, the Minister for Fisheries and Aquaculture Development, Mavis Hawa Koomson, emphasized that the inclusion of small fish in the GSFP marks a significant stride toward fostering a healthier population in the years ahead.
“Fish is a notable source of omega-3 fatty acids, which are beneficial for brain function. Furthermore, the positive aspect is that small fish are abundant in our nation’s waters, ensuring the program’s sustainability. We are committed to implementing effective fish processing technologies to ensure the preservation and storage of these fish.
“The integration of small fish into the GSFP represents a major stride in our journey toward cultivating a healthier population. The nutritional well-being of Ghanaians, especially our children, is a collective responsibility, and the establishment of the GSFP stands as one of the pathways toward realizing that goal,” she stated, according to B&FTonline.com.
Controversial Nollywood figure, Yul Edochie, has ignited a social media conversation following a recent post concerning his father, the renowned Pete Edochie.
Edochie took to Facebook to share heartwarming videos showcasing his interactions with his father on the occasion of Pete Edochie’s 76th birthday and in an advertisement for a beer brand.
In his heartfelt post, Yul Edochie praised his father, referring to him as the “Lion of Africa,” a living legend, and humorously noting him as the “last handsome 76-year-old alive.”
Expressing his affection, the actor extended his wishes for his father’s well-being, longevity, and an abundance of blessings, revealing a deep emotional connection akin to a young boy’s adoration.
This development comes after Yul Edochie hinted that his father might have been aware of his marriage to Judy Austin, his second wife, contrary to previous indications.
He wrote: “THE LION OF AFRICA! EBUBEDIKE. A LIVING LEGEND. THE GREATEST. THE MOST HANDSOME 76YR OLD MAN ALIVE. CHIEF PETE EDOCHIE @peteedochie. Long life, good health and unending blessings, I pray for you Dad. My man for life.”
See how netizens reacted to the post
ebysweden: “Even though the video is from last year, at least you are telling Juju that by deleting the highly respected Pete Edochie’s pictures from her wall, she is on her own in her own Iberiberism. And by the way she had no right to post those pictures of Pete except that she wanted to pepper May.”
official_ifunanyam: “If your father can find out from bill boards and social media that you are contesting for election as well as finding out through blogs that you PICKED a second wife, that shows you have no close relationship with him, stop hailing him in public for validations when in real life you don’t confide or listen to your father.
women_in_businessng: “Haters need to see this video. Wokem is loved by his family na you want die ontop the matter.”
_cee_jay: “I believe this is your way of apologizing since you tried to ridicule him the last time.”
summer.aku: “This one we’re posting old video.. hope all is well?”
onyinyechi__favour: “Stop ridiculing yourself thinking you’re doing sir Pete. It’s a pity a lion has finally given birth to a goat. Ifele eme.”
mizz_shanono: “Him no go still endorse your second wife, Mr puppet”
The Ministry of Roads is poised to construct a Bailey bridge spanning the river along the Walewale-Nalerigu road.
This crucial infrastructure was washed away in the aftermath of heavy rainfall on Wednesday, August 9.
The relentless downpour resulted in significant flooding, causing devastation to both livestock and property, including the Gbanni-Tinguri bridge situated on the Walewale-Nalerigu road.
The Minister for the North East Region, Yidana Zakaria, reported on Thursday, August 10, that Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia promptly took action.
According to him, Dr. Bawumia facilitated the involvement of the Ministry of Roads to urgently address the predicament, aiming to swiftly reopen the severed Walewale-Nalerigu road caused by the flooding.
Following a comprehensive assessment of the extent of the damage by Deputy Minister Stephen Jalula and Chief Director Dr. Abass Awolu, both representing the Ministry, a decisive course of action has been determined.
The Ministry’s immediate solution entails the installation of a Bailey bridge – a rapid-deployment metal bridge. This temporary structure will be positioned apart from the collapsed bridge over the river, enabling continued mobility while the repairs to the damaged bridge and road are executed.
The forthcoming reconstruction of the collapsed bridge involves the installation of a substantially larger culvert across the road, superseding the previous one. Additionally, reparations will extend to sections of the impaired Walewale and Nalerigu road, constituting a comprehensive restoration effort.
In light of these developments, the regional minister expressed gratitude to Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia for his swift and effective intervention.
The National Democratic Congress (NDC) has challenged the Bank of Ghana’s (BoG) rationale for constructing a new headquarters, especially in the wake of a substantial loss in 2022.
The opposition party views the Central Bank’s explanation for this decision as “absurd, to say the least.” The Bank of Ghana defended its choice, stating that its existing headquarters lacked structural integrity following a thorough assessment.
According to the Central Bank, “The structural integrity assessment revealed that the main building does not meet the required level of strength necessary for safe usage. This deficiency means that the building may suffer significant damage in an extreme scenario such as unusually strong winds or a major earthquake, which is expected in the Accra region. Considering our strategic goal of positioning Ghana as the financial hub of the sub-region, with the potential of hosting a future regional Central Bank.”
Nonetheless, the NDC’s Members of Parliament, led by Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson, have expressed skepticism. They noted that previous governors, even during periods of consistent profits, did not deem a new headquarters necessary. Instead, they opted to relocate certain bank operations to the Cedi House and Spintex Road facilities.
The NDC MPs posed a fundamental question: “If, during the NDC/Mahama government’s successive years of profit (2012-2016), the Bank of Ghana did not find it urgent to construct a new office complex but rather invested in building a hospital to support the nation’s healthcare needs, how can the Bank of Ghana justify prioritizing a new $250 million office complex when it has incurred an unprecedented loss of GHS 60.8 billion and a negative equity of GHS 55.1 billion?”
The NDC’s statement compared the cost of the new headquarters unfavorably to other prominent structures, such as the ultramodern Ecobank Head Office building and the Kempinski hotel in Accra.
They pointed out that the cost of the new Bank of Ghana headquarters could instead be used to build thousands of new classrooms and healthcare facilities.
The NDC described the Central Bank’s decision as extravagant, highlighting that the substantial cost could have been directed towards more pressing matters, especially when considering the need for immediate recapitalization.
In essence, the NDC is raising concerns about the Bank of Ghana’s decision to prioritize a new headquarters amidst financial challenges and a significant loss, questioning the justification for such an expenditure.
Parliament has granted approval for the Ghana National Petroleum Corporation (GNPC) to proceed with its capital expenditure of $1.4 billion for the operational year 2023.
This endorsement sets the stage for the Corporation to undertake crucial projects aimed at sustaining activities within the petroleum upstream sector.
The allocated funds will enable GNPC, in collaboration with its partners, to execute developmental and production endeavors across various fields, including the Greater Jubilee field, Tweneboa, Enyenra, Ntomme (TEN) fields, and Sankofa Gye Nyame (SGN) fields.
Additionally, GNPC will continue exploration efforts in the Voltaian Basin and persist in decommissioning the Saltpond Field, all while advancing midstream and capital initiatives.
The anticipated total expenditure of $1.4 billion against total revenue of $1.2 billion creates a funding gap of approximately $172.82 million.
According to a report from the Parliament’s Committee on Mines and Energy, the GNPC’s 2023 work program received approval prior to the adjournment of the House last Thursday.
In support of GNPC’s plan to secure additional financing, it was emphasized that the Corporation’s robust operations would have a positive ripple effect on the overall economy.
Notably, given the constraints of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) bailout terms, the envisioned loans are expected to significantly enhance GNPC’s activities.
However, the Mines and Energy Committee’s endorsement of seeking additional financing hinges on GNPC’s adherence to the constitutional requirement of seeking parliamentary approval for intended loan facilities, as outlined in Article 181 Section 3 of the Constitution.
The Committee recommended that GNPC promptly transfer its shares in the offshore entity Jubilee Oil Holdings Limited (JOHL) to its subsidiary, GNPC Explorco.
This Committee’s actions align with the Petroleum Revenue Management Act (PRMA), Act 815 as amended, which stipulates that Parliament annually approves the national oil company’s program of activities.
Performance Highlights of GNPC in 2022
During the 2022 operational year, GNPC, in collaboration with its partners, achieved several milestones in its petroleum operations. These included drilling a water injector (J58-W) to enhance oil production, conducting drilling operations on J60-P and J59-W1, and successfully completing operations on J59-W1 at the Jubilee field.
Additionally, GNPC acquired and processed 1265.68-line kilometers of data for the Voltaian Basin Project in the Northern Sector and finalized a contract for the Saltpond Field Decommissioning project, among other achievements.
In its gas business segment, GNPC resolved land disputes at the Tema City Gas Project Site, completed a deed of transfer agreement, and conducted Front-End Engineering (FEED) studies on the Tema City Gas Project.
Regarding capital projects for 2022, GNPC accomplished 97 percent of civil and structural work at the Takoradi Operational Head Office, and also refurbished the existing Head Office (Petroleum House), among other initiatives.
Outlook for 2023
For the upcoming year, GNPC, in conjunction with its partners, plans to undertake various activities on the Greater Jubilee Field, including multiple liftings, drilling of new wells, completion of ongoing wells, and maintenance work on existing wells.
Furthermore, scheduled operations will continue on the Tweneboa-Enyenra-Ntomme (TEN) and Sankofa Gye-Nyame (SGN) fields, encompassing well drilling and oil-lifting activities throughout the operational year.
GNPC’s objectives for 2023 encompass the completion of the acquisition and processing of seismic data in the Tano Basin, in addition to finalizing the authorization process for Block 1 – Saltpond in the Ghana Central Basin.
The Corporation also allocates funds for the construction of gas enclave roads in the Western Region, in alignment with a 2015 Ministry of Finance request. A budget of $20 million has been earmarked to support this project in 2023.
Furthermore, GNPC has allocated $3 million to back the Ghana Petroleum Hub Development Corporation in 2023.
This ambitious project, set to conclude by 2030, encompasses the establishment of four oil refineries, two oil jetties, crude oil storage tanks, and two petrochemical plants.
The CEO of the now-defunct gold trading firm Menzgold, Nana Appiah Mensah, has revealed that a significant portion of the claims submitted for validation have been identified as problematic, accounting for more than sixty percent of the total submissions.
Menzgold had called upon its clients on July 30 to provide supporting documentation for validation, a process aimed at expediting the disbursement of payments.
The company outlined a range of issues among the submissions, including inconsistencies or irregularities in the provided records, counterfeit or fraudulent supporting documents, as well as forged authorized signatures, among other alleged discrepancies.
While Menzgold acknowledged these challenges in a statement, it encouraged clients falling within the aforementioned bracket of over 60 percent to independently verify the status of their gold trading transactions. This verification would entail confirming the authenticity, legitimacy, or lack thereof, of the purported transactions, ultimately determining the eligibility or ineligibility of any given claim.
“We advise confident Customers to obtain a ‘Menzgold Traders Transactions Status Verification Access Card’ from Payboy Company Limited or any of its authorized agents. This card will provide a Personal Identification Number (PIN), which can be used to digitally verify the eligibility or status of one’s transaction claim,” NAM 1 (Nana Appiah Mensah) further elaborated in the statement.
Payment disbursement to clients whose claims have been fully validated is scheduled to commence on October 20, 2023.
The Majority Leader, Osei Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu, has provided a rationale for the recently introduced 10 percent withholding tax on betting and lottery winnings.
During an interview with the media, the Suame MP passionately defended the decision made by the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) to impose a 10 percent withholding tax on earnings from bets and lottery games.
He asserted that the proliferation of betting companies has contributed to a culture of idleness among the youth of the country.
“I am not a proponent of betting. I don’t believe in luck. I believe in diligent work and effort to earn money. Let’s be earnest. Personally, I am against the introduction of betting in the country. I do not endorse it as it does not promote hard work.”
“As an individual, I refrain from participating in the lottery because I do not subscribe to the notion of luck. Work diligently so that God may bestow blessings upon your endeavors.”
The Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) revealed on Monday, August 7, that it would commence the implementation of a 10% withholding tax on all gross gaming winnings starting from August 15, 2023.
The GRA clarified that this withholding tax will be applied to profits gained following each victory, and the existing 15% Value Added Tax (VAT) rate on each stake will no longer be applicable.
The GRA stated that this new policy aligns with an amendment to the Income Tax Act 2023 (No.2), Act 1094.
Addressing the media during an engagement session, Edward Gyamerah, the Commissioner for the Domestic Tax Revenue Division at the GRA, warned that gaming companies failing to comply with the new policy will face penalties, including the revocation of their licenses.
“Effective August 15, we anticipate that when you make payments, you will withhold 10 percent for the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA). As designated withholding agents, the responsibility lies with you to execute the withholding. Should you fail to fulfill this, considering our discussions with you and with the support of the gaming commission, be prepared for the possibility of having your licenses revoked,” cautioned the Commissioner for the Domestic Tax Revenue Division at GRA.
The eagerly anticipated music video for the collaboration between Ghanaian artist Abiana and musician Fameye, titled ‘Far Away,’ has been released.
The video was unveiled on Thursday, August 10 on Abiana’s YouTube channel.
For those who hold a deep appreciation for the profound concept of love, “Far Away” emerges as a masterfully crafted melody, a wellspring of inspiration for couples.
Within this latest musical composition, the two harmonious souls entwine their voices to express an unwavering devotion, an enduring promise of steadfast companionship.
The music video was filmed in Ghana, where the vibrant and captivating visuals elaborately transport the viewer into the scene.
Throughout the duration of the video, the audience is presented with exceptional camerawork and innovative artistic choices.
Abiana found inspiration for her beautiful music in the strong power of love. She watched how two people in love can stay strong together through tough times and keep their feelings alive even when things are hard.
Abiana is not just a singer, she’s also good at writing songs. She started off as a backup singer with Afro-Harmony and then became the lead singer of the Hyskul band in 2014.
In 2020, she started her own solo music journey and got people’s attention with her first song, “Adunle.”
Her first song, “Adunle,” got her nominated for awards like Best Female Vocal Performance and Songwriter of the Year at the Vodafone Ghana Music Awards (VGMA) in 2021.
She kept getting recognized for her talent in the years that followed.
She even made a special song for the TV show “Ghana’s Most Beautiful.” People really liked it because it felt meaningful to them.
Abiana’s big moment came on November 6, 2021, when she released her first album, “Alemle Lala.”
She kept making great music, like the song “African Girl,” which became the official song for “Ghana’s Most Beautiful” in July 2022.
Then there was “Shika” in September of the same year.
Abiana’s music got her some cool awards too. She won Best Photography and Best Special Effect at the 4Syte Music Awards in 2020.
She also helped make the song “Bolgatanga Girl” with Okyeame Kwame, and that song won Record of the Year at the VGMA in 2022.
Abiana has made a big impact in music. People really connect with her songs. If you’ve been waiting for more of her music since “Shika” came out in September of the last year, get ready to dance to her new and captivating music.
Fameye on the other hand, won his first big music award. He got the Songwriter of the Year award at the 23rd VGMA event.
Fameye’s win is a big deal because he beat other experienced artists like Kofi Kinaata, who had won the award four times before.
His winning song is ‘Praise.’ This win is important because it breaks Kofi Kinaata’s long streak of winning the award.
The Ghana Cocoa Board (COCOBOD) has declared that it will cease its involvement in the construction of cocoa roads nationwide once the ongoing projects are completed.
Initially launched to address the logistical difficulties in supplying agro-inputs to cocoa farmers and transporting cocoa beans to Take Over Centres, the Cocoa Road Programme by COCOBOD is undergoing a shift in policy.
Speaking at the 50th Anniversary Celebration symposium of the Cocoa Clinic, the CEO of COCOBOD, Joseph Boahen Aidoo, revealed that this change is the outcome of negotiations with the European Union and the International Monetary Fund (IMF).
“Last year, the EU conducted a thorough examination of sustainable production practices. During their assessment, they raised questions about COCOBOD’s involvement in cocoa road construction, citing that it falls outside our core responsibilities. The IMF has expressed similar sentiments. Both entities recommend that we focus on our ongoing construction projects and refrain from initiating new ones.”
Nonetheless, Joseph Boahen Aidoo also unveiled COCOBOD’s intention to establish healthcare facilities within various cocoa-growing communities across the nation, aimed at enhancing healthcare accessibility for cocoa farmers.
“I have personally witnessed the plight of a woman in labor, unable to give birth, being transported over 28 kilometers in a hammock, ultimately leading to a tragic outcome. Observing the challenges our cocoa farmers endure to access healthcare in rural areas has spurred us to take action. As an organization, we recognize the importance of bringing healthcare services and facilities as close as possible to these farmers.”
The Deputy Minister for Education, Rev. John Ntim Fordjour, has officially confirmed that there are ample spaces available to accommodate the entire cohort of 600,714 candidates participating in this year’s Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE) across more than 900 Senior High Schools (SHS) and Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) institutions.
Emphasizing the significance of success in the BECE, the Deputy Minister stressed that meeting the requirements of the examination would grant students access to the Free SHS program, a progressive initiative aimed at supporting their educational journey.
This affirmation was made during an interactive session with BECE candidates while they were engrossed in their examination at St. Thomas Aquinas Senior High School in Accra.
Rev. Ntim Fordjour, joined by Mr. Stephen Bamfo, the Director of Education for Greater Accra, reassured the candidates of the government’s unwavering commitment to furnishing them with optimal educational assistance.
“Free SHS/Free TVET awaits you, so work hard to benefit from this novel policy and shape your future dreams,” he said.
He encouraged the students with a powerful message, stating, “Free SHS/Free TVET awaits you, so work hard to benefit from this groundbreaking policy and mold your aspirations for the future.”
The Member of Parliament for Assin South additionally advised the candidates to concentrate solely on their own assessments and avoid seeking external aid, as each candidate was presented with a distinct set of questions, despite sharing the same examination environment.
Following a post-monitoring press briefing, the Deputy Minister took the opportunity to dispel unfounded speculations regarding the potential cancellation of the BECE, firmly asserting, “There is no intention or policy to terminate the BECE now or in the near future. Such notions should be dismissed.”
Furthermore, Rev. Ntim Fordjour clarified the crucial role played by the West African Examinations Council (WAEC) in Ghana’s educational advancement, highlighting the continuous allocation of resources to WAEC to facilitate its mandated responsibilities.
Reflecting on WAEC’s supportive contributions, he emphasized, “We consistently allocate funds to WAEC based on their requirements and ongoing initiatives.”
Expressing dismay over a few isolated incidents of misconduct observed at specific examination centers across the nation, the Deputy Minister condemned such actions and pledged strict consequences for those implicated. He believed that the apprehension of some educators underscored the stringent measures enforced to eradicate all forms of exam malpractice.
Rev. Ntim Fordjour’s confidence in the ongoing efforts to maintain the integrity of the examination process was evident in his remarks, showcasing the government’s commitment to upholding educational standards and promoting a fair and equitable testing environment.
Over 500 sacks of onions, offloaded from trucks, have spoiled as a result of transportation delays.
The delay is stemed from the border closure in Benin. Consequently, the quality of the onions has been significantly compromised, resulting in substantial financial losses for individuals engaged in the onion trade.
The spoilt onions are either being thrown away as waste or sold to retailers at lower prices than originally intended.
The Anloga Onion market has witnessed a drastic decline in prices, with a sack of onions previously valued at GH¢1,300 now being sold for as little as GH¢100.
Speaking to the media, a truck driver, “we spent ten days at the Benin border, so the onions have turned bad. Onions start to go bad within four days. The Ghana Ambassador came to intervene, which is why we were allowed to pass through the border, but it was too late. We have lost a lot of money. About 220 bags of onions have all gone bad.”
The onion vendors have expressed their sorrow over the substantial losses, which are estimated to be in the millions of Ghanaian cedis.
One vendor said, “Sadness has befallen us. When you are approaching the market, you will smell the scent of the onions that have gone bad. This is due to our inability to reach here on time as a result of the closure of the border. We can’t calculate the amount lost as it stands now. An onion bag that used to be sold at GHS1,300 is now five bags being sold at GH¢150. We don’t know what we are going to do. We are calling on the government to come to our aid because it’s affecting us. We pay taxes.”
Another vendor shared their frustration, stating, “I’m now selling a bag of onion for GH¢100, GH¢200, GH¢500. We have sent some to the refuse dump. I will not even get my principal, not to talk about my profits. We even sent money for additional trucks when we heard that the border was opened. And here we are with so much loss.”
In the context of Niger, a coup was announced by soldiers on national television on July 27.
This coup resulted in the dissolution of the constitution, suspension of institutions, and closure of the nation’s borders.
President Mohamed Bazoum was detained by troops from the presidential guard. On August 7, the coup leaders took the step of closing the country’s airspace indefinitely, citing concerns about potential military intervention from neighboring nations.
The West African group of countries, ECOWAS, had previously warned that it might use force if President Mohamed Bazoum was not reinstated by 23:00 GMT on Sunday.
A junta spokesperson has affirmed the readiness of Niger’s armed forces to defend the nation.
Thirteen employees of the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Authority (DVLA) have been placed on interdiction, while three others have had their employment terminated due to violations of staff discipline, as disclosed by the Chairman of the authority’s Board, Frank Davies.
Davies emphasized the Board’s commitment to holding accountable anyone who breaches the authority’s code of conduct.
He called upon all staff members to uphold exemplary conduct and strive for behavior that sets a positive example for others.
While acknowledging the DVLA’s commendable progress in optimizing services and reducing processing times, Davies highlighted persisting challenges such as delays in printing driving licenses, certain staff members’ attitudes, increasing incidents of indiscipline, and unbecoming behavior.
Davies made these remarks during the launch of the 25th anniversary celebration and the commencement of the 2023 mid-year review conference in Sunyani, located in the Bono Region, last week. The event’s theme was centered around “Delivering quality service through optimization: A solution to solidify our achievements.”
Addressing the DVLA staff, Davies urged them to seek innovative solutions to enhance their processes and service delivery.
He underscored the importance of embracing technological advancements and exploring emerging trends to promote road safety and environmental sustainability in alignment with international best practices.
Davies challenged the staff to view challenges as opportunities for growth and transformation.
He assured the audience of the DVLA’s dedication to establishing a customer-centric organization that remains at the forefront of technological progress.
The Bono Regional Minister, Justina Owusu-Banahene, commended the DVLA for its efforts in improving its operations, including reducing delays and instances of extortion.
She encouraged the DVLA to digitize the process of renewing driving licenses and vehicle registrations, envisioning a future where patrons could renew their licenses and registrations conveniently through technology from the comfort of their homes.
Owusu-Banahene also raised concerns about the roadworthiness of certain vehicles, particularly older heavy-duty trucks, which sometimes caused traffic disruptions. She emphasized the importance of integrity, excellence, professionalism, and reliability as core values for the DVLA.
Kwasi Agyeman Busia, the Chief Executive Officer of the DVLA, advocated for the adoption of electric vehicles to usher in a new era of environmentally-friendly transportation. He stressed that promoting energy-efficient vehicles would mitigate the negative impact of fossil fuels on both human health and the environment.
Busia noted that ongoing efforts were underway to evaluate and redefine roles within the organization to ensure equitable and credible salary restructuring, as the current salary grading had been in place since 2016.
Furthermore, George Okyere, the Bono Regional Manager of the DVLA, highlighted the significant progress the organization had achieved over the past decade.
He acknowledged that emerging challenges, evolving customer dynamics, and technological advancements presented opportunities and threats, necessitating a strategic review to enhance DVLA’s operations.
