The Teacher Trainees’ Association of Ghana (TTAG) has announced that today, Monday, July 24, trainees will receive a partial payment of their outstanding allowances.
Out of the five months of unpaid allowances, the government has released GH₵241 million to stakeholders for disbursement, covering three months of the owed payments.
The delay in the payment of allowances has caused significant hardship for the trainees, and TTAG has been vocal about the negative impact on its members.
Jephthah Nana Kwame, the President of the trainees’ association, confirmed that after a series of engagements with stakeholders, the funds have been processed and transferred to the Student Loan Trust Fund through the Ghana Tertiary Education Commission (GTEC).
While the trainees welcome the partial payment, they urge the stakeholders to ensure continuous disbursement to cover the remaining outstanding payments. The GH₵241 million allocation covers the entire academic year, and they expect the process to be expedited to receive the rest of the owed allowances for the months they spent on campus from January onwards.
In a groundbreaking move, Government has launched the issuance of National Identification numbers (Ghana-Card numbers) to newborns, achieving a successful integration of vital databases.
Vice President, Mahamudu Bawumia made the momentous announcement during the 75th Anniversary of the Ghana National College in Cape Coast.
The first Ghana-Card number was issued to a newborn baby after a successful test-run on July 21, 2023.
This transformative initiative ensures that all babies born in Ghana will receive their Ghana-Card numbers and Birth Certificate Identification numbers simultaneously during their visit to Weigh-In facilities, providing lifelong identification from birth.
“The work of integrating the databases has been completed, the full test was done yesterday, and I am happy to say that the first Ghana-Card number for a baby was issued yesterday.
“So, from next month, all babies born in Ghana, once they take them to Weigh-In, they will be issued the Ghana-Card numbers and also get their Birth Certificate Identification numbers at the same time, because the two databases are talking to each other.”
“This is very transformational,” Dr Bawumia said, explaining that they will have these numbers from the time they are babies till they pass away.
The National Identification Authority (NIA) plans to issue cards with biometrics and other data when the children are older and their features are fully formed.
Vice President Bawumia highlighted that this ID issuance at birth plays a crucial role in the government’s digitalization agenda, positioning Ghana to actively participate in the Fourth Industrial Revolution.
Furthermore, during his address, Vice President Bawumia encouraged educational institutions to embrace Artificial Intelligence (AI) as a means to improve teaching, problem-solving, and critical thinking. He emphasized the potential of AI to bridge the gap between developed and developing nations, urging the integration of AI into innovative teaching strategies.
The Ghana Card is increasingly becoming the primary source of identity, serving various purposes such as Social Security, Health Insurance, and Tax Identification numbers. With the government’s commitment to staying abreast of the Fourth Industrial Revolution, this initiative marks a significant step towards a digitally empowered and AI-driven future for Ghana’s education and society at large.
Ahafo Regional Minister, George Yaw Boakye, has commissioned the Goaso Integrated Recycling and Composting Plant (IRECOP) in Akrodie, Asunafo South District for usage.
With a daily processing capacity of 400 tonnes of solid waste, the facility provides a modern waste management solution for the region.
IRECOP receives, sorts, processes, and recycles solid waste, producing organic compost for agricultural use.
Additionally, it recovers other materials like plastics and metal scraps, serving as input materials for the steel and plastic manufacturing sectors.
The plant utilizes cutting-edge technology to transform waste into valuable resources, primarily focusing on composting, converting over 60 per cent of daily waste into high-quality compost beneficial for organic farming.
As a centralized waste storage point for the region, it is equipped with specialized waste vehicles, trailers, heavy-duty machines, and tricycles.
During the inauguration, Mr. Boakye highlighted the creation of 800 direct and indirect jobs, in line with the government’s commitment to reduce unemployment.
The collaboration between the government and the private sector aims to provide proper sanitation infrastructure for managing solid and liquid waste.
Mr. Boakye emphasized the need for innovative waste management strategies to tackle the growing waste generation and maintain environmental sustainability.
He urged citizens to responsibly dispose of waste and manufacturing companies to adopt eco-friendly and biodegradable packaging to ensure sustainable waste management.
IRECOPs across the country boast a 90 per cent recovery rate, significantly contributing to environmental cleanliness and promoting tourism.
Group Manager of Treasury and Investment at the Jospong Group of Companies (JGC), Lawrence Agbin, assured that no waste in the area would be wasted and encouraged community members to separate plastic waste for easy processing.
The establishment of similar plants across all 16 regions demonstrates the government’s commitment to achieving Sustainable Development Goal Six, focusing on environmental sustainability.The Omanhene of Kukuom, Osahene Kwaku Atakyi II, commended President Akufo-Addo and the JGC for their efforts in constructing the facility, which will create job opportunities and improve the health of the community.
Kumbungu’s Nwodua R/C Primary School is facing perilous conditions, endangering pupils and teachers.
Dilapidated structures, space constraints, and broken desks have led to overcrowded classrooms, where some pupils sit on stones and makeshift benches.
The school, established in 1992, has not received any renovations, leaving the buildings weakened with deep cracks and leaky roofs, posing dangers to the school community.
The dire situation has negatively impacted enrollment, with some pupils dropping out or joining nearby schools.
During the rainy season, the challenges worsen, seriously affecting teaching and learning.
Despite efforts to seek assistance from the district assembly, no actions have been taken to address the critical issues.
Both the Parent-Teacher Association (PTA) chairman, Paul Alhassan Issahaku, and the area’s Assemblyman, Alhassan Tidoo, have made appeals for support to renovate the school, but their efforts have yet to yield positive responses.
Pupils expressed concern and revealed that rainy days often lead to school boycotts due to the harsh conditions.
Efforts to contact the District Chief Executive for Kumbungu, Abdul-Salam Hamza Fataw, on the matter have been unsuccessful, as calls have gone unanswered. The urgent need for support and intervention is evident, as the safety and educational opportunities of the pupils and teachers hang in the balance.
On Saturday, July 22, President Akufo-Addo paid a courtesy visit to Pope Francis in Rome to strengthen diplomatic ties between Ghana and the Vatican.
This visit was a part of the President’s official four-day visit to Italy, aiming to reaffirm the friendship between the two nations.
During the visit, the Ghanaian delegation was taken on a tour of the Pontifical Academies of Sciences at the Vatican by Cardinal Peter Kodwo Appiah Turkson, a respected Catholic priest of Ghanaian origin.
Ghana shares the Holy See’s commitment to addressing critical issues such as the climate crisis, human trafficking, and promoting equality for all.
On the occasion of Pope Francis’ 10th anniversary as Pope, which coincided with the National Day of the Holy See, President Nana Akufo-Addo lauded the Pope’s dedication to the betterment of humanity.
Since 2013, Pope Francis has advocated for fairness, equality among nations, and has spoken against discrimination and exploitation.
The Vatican has been a supportive partner in Ghana’s development efforts, particularly in areas like education, health, and youth development over the years.
The Director-General of the Ghana Broadcasting Corporation (GBC), Professor Amin Alhassan, has stated that there is no freeze on staff promotions at the State Broadcaster.
During the public hearing of PAC in Accra, the Chairman of Public Accounts Committee (PAC), inquired about the alleged staff promotion freeze at the Corporation.
Professor Alhassan explained that the issue was related to the Board’s decision, which Management had taken up.
He emphasized that promotions at GBC are based on existing vacancies, and until such vacancies are confirmed, promotions are withheld.
Currently, the new organogram is under approval, and work on the new Scheme of Service is ongoing.
Due to the pending confirmation of existing vacancies, the Board decided not to proceed with promotions for this year.
However, Professor Alhassan clarified that it is not a permanent freeze, and if the Scheme of Service is completed and approved in the coming months, promotions may resume.
Dr. Avedzi highlighted that there is a temporary one-year freeze, to which Professor Alhassan responded that they are hopeful that promotions can resume once the necessary processes are in place and approved by the Public Services Commission.
Professor Alhassan reiterated that, according to the guidelines of the Public Services Commission, promotions are contingent on the existence of vacancies, and individuals can only be promoted when such vacancies are available.
He emphasized that if there are no vacancies, employees will remain in their current positions.
“So, there is no freeze, it is only one year, and if for example, the Scheme of Service is completed in the next two or three months, we should be able to argue for the promotion process to keep in, but there is no freeze on promotion,” he said.
Dr Avedzi: “At least there is a freeze for one year.”
Prof Alhassan: “We still think that it is possible, Mr. Chairman, that we might have the promotions, if the process of Scheme of Service is done, and we do the necessary establishment, and it is approved by the Public Services Commission, we will go ahead and do that.”
The Director-General reiterated that in line with the guidelines of the Public Services Commission, one could not be promoted unless there was a vacancy, declaring that “and if there is no vacancy, you stay there.”
Accompanying the Director-General at the hearing was Mr. Kojo Oppong Nkrumah, the Minister of Information.
Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Dr. George Akuffo Dampare, holds the distinction of being the youngest IGP appointed in the Fourth Republic and the eighth youngest since Ghana’s inception as a republic.
Dr. Dampare began his journey in the police service as a Constable in December 1990, embarking on a remarkable rise through the ranks.
After 24 years of dedicated service, he attained the position of Commissioner of Police (COP) at the age of 44 in the year 2014.
Subsequently, he was appointed Acting IGP and later confirmed as the IGP by President Akufo-Addo on August 1, 2021.
Since assuming his role, the nation and the police service have undergone noteworthy transformations, ranging from a decreased crime rate to an enhanced trust in the integrity and public image of the police force.
Decreased crime rate
The primary responsibilities of the police service are to maintain peace, uphold law and order within Ghana’s borders, and to actively address and prevent criminal activities in the nation.
During his tenure, IGP Dampare has effectively contributed to a notable reduction in the country’s crime rate, as evidenced by reports from the Crime Index Ghana spanning from 2014 to 2023.
The report indicates that in 2019, the level of crime in Ghana reached a peak of nearly 52 points but subsequently experienced a significant decline to 44.5.
The crime index serves as a measurement of crime levels in a given country or city. This decline in the crime index indicates that, during that time, Ghana experienced a considerable decrease in criminal activities, with the crime rate being categorized as moderately low.
Restoration of police integrity and trust
Prior to his appointment, it was a common practice for some police officers to cite “orders from above” as a reason for not prosecuting certain individuals and ensuring justice.
However, since IGP Dampare assumed his role, this practice has significantly decreased. He has been vocal in various media engagements, emphasizing his commitment to empower his officers to treat all individuals equally under the law.
As a result of this approach, five Members of Parliament were arrested for violating the law, with most of the cases involving traffic offenses.
The MPs arrested were: Emmanuel Kofi Buah (Ellembele MP), Mohammed Adams Sukparu (Sissala West MP), Dr. Stephen Amoah (Nhyiaeso MP), Kwabena Ohemeng-Tinyase (Former Kade MP), and George Mireku Duker (Tarkwa Nsuaem MP).
Furthermore, the recent arrest of influential individuals from the New Patriotic Party during the Assin-North bye-elections for electoral malpractice has dispelled allegations that the police service is acting as an arm of the government to oppress the minority.
IGP Dampare’s actions have demonstrated a commitment to upholding the rule of law without favoritism or bias.
Created a more relatable police force
IGP Dampare has exemplified the essence of the phrase, “The police is your friend.” From the onset of his tenure, he has prioritized building connections with ordinary Ghanaians. Whether it’s addressing angry youth in Ada regarding a dispute with the Electricity Company of Ghana or engaging with students at a public school who were initially apprehensive about the police, IGP Dampare has made personal connections to demonstrate that the police are approachable and supportive.
In an effort to reassure the young pupils that the police are indeed their friends, a high-powered delegation of senior officers, led by the IGP, visited the school to educate them about the duties and roles of the Ghana Police Service.
His relatable approach has earned him the endearing title of “the celebrity IGP,” and it has led many to perceive the police service under his leadership as more appealing and approachable. By fostering a friendly and empathetic image, IGP Dampare has been successful in strengthening the bond between the police and the Ghanaian community.
An end to the incessant rise of doom prophecies
On December 31, 2021, the usual ominous prophecies about deaths, diseases, and negative premonitions by certain prominent preachers were notably absent.
The reason behind this change was the proactive warning issued by the IGP, Dr. George Akuffo Dampare. He cautioned these individuals to exercise caution in their prophecies during that time of the year to avoid infringing the law. The law enforcement department was prepared to take action against those who engaged in fearmongering without any evidence to support their claims.
The IGP’s warning had a significant impact, as he emphasized that under Ghanaian law, it is considered a crime for anyone to publish or spread statements, rumors, or reports likely to cause fear, alarm, or disturb public peace without concrete evidence to substantiate their claims.
This stance by the police force aimed to curb the dissemination of baseless and alarming predictions, ensuring a sense of security and peace among the public during the New Year celebrations.
The introduction of K-9 units and horse patrol operation
During IGP Dampare’s tenure, the Ghana Police Service introduced innovative measures to enhance law enforcement capabilities. One notable initiative was the establishment of horse patrol units and the deployment of K-9 units to strategic vantage points across the country. In October 2021, the Ghana Police Service revealed that officers, along with highly trained security dogs, were stationed at key locations in Accra.
This novel approach to policing aimed at achieving multiple objectives. Firstly, it increased the visibility of police personnel in public areas, fostering a sense of security and reassurance among the public. Secondly, it facilitated improved intelligence gathering, allowing the police to stay ahead of potential criminal activities and respond swiftly to emerging threats. Additionally, the K-9 units proved instrumental in detecting and tracking contraband goods, further bolstering the fight against illegal activities.
In August of the same year, the Police Administration extended this progressive policing approach by introducing the use of horses for patrol operations in Tema, Accra, and their surrounding communities. The incorporation of mounted officers not only added an extra layer of visibility and accessibility to policing but also proved to be an effective method for patrolling various terrains, especially in densely populated urban areas.
These modern and strategic advancements in the Ghana Police Service demonstrated IGP Dampare’s commitment to embracing innovative methodologies to ensure public safety, combat crime, and foster community trust in law enforcement.
Under the esteemed leadership of the Vice Chairman for the African Region and Ambassador at Large to the African Union, HE Amb. Abu Zein, the African office of the International Human Rights Commission (IHRC AFRICA) in Accra is organizing the International Relations, Diplomacy, and Human Rights Summit 2023 (IRDHRS) on July 25, 2023, at 2:00 PM GMT.
The summit, chaired by HE Ambassador Dr. Muhammad SA Khan, World Chair and Ambassador-at-large of the International Human Rights Commission, will be conducted virtually via the Zoom communication platform and streamed on IHRC Africa and Geneva Facebook Pages.
With the theme “Assessment of Unjust Wars and Global Instability on Human Rights,” this summit is an integral part of the preliminary activities leading up to the 7th World Summit for Human Rights 2023 in Geneva, Switzerland, later in the year.
The International Human Rights Commission was founded in London on December 10, 1988, by seven organizations with the aim of establishing an international network for the protection of Human Rights. As an inter-governmental organization, IHRC Africa holds Observer status from the United Nations Environment Program and the United Nations Economic and Social Council.
This momentous summit, hosted by IHRC Africa, aims to shed light on the impact of unjust wars and global instability on human rights in the modern era. It endeavors to explore potential solutions that can advance human rights for a better world, leveraging IHRC Africa’s position as an intergovernmental organization headquartered in Accra, Ghana.
The International Relations, Diplomacy, and Human Rights Summit 2023 offers an opportune platform to initiate discussions on international relations, particularly emphasizing interactions among sovereign states and diplomacy. It highlights the linkage between International Relations and Diplomacy as primary instruments of foreign policy, representing the broader goals and strategies that guide a state’s engagement with the world and form the foundation upon which the fundamental human rights of all individuals are built. International human rights law, as a beneficiary of International Relations and Diplomacy, plays a crucial role in these endeavors.
Throughout history, unjustifiable actions in war have been regarded as war crimes, even if the wars in which they occur are deemed just. Conversely, unjust wars are counted as internationally illegal acts of aggression for which national governments or military commands, rather than individual soldiers, bear responsibility. The consequences of just and unjust wars have contributed to global instability in human rights.
Despite the historical antecedents of wars and conflicts on the African continent, the protection of basic human rights in Africa has been championed by courageous individuals within civil society.
As democracy has taken root across the continent, the significance of human rights for Africa’s long-term security and development has gained widespread recognition, prompting numerous African national and intergovernmental institutions to actively address human rights issues.
The summit will see the presence of high-profile personalities such as H.E. Abu Zein, Vice Chair for the African Region and Ambassador-at-Large to the Africa Union for IHRC Africa, and H.E. Dr. Mohammad Shahid Amin Khan, World Chairman of IHRC.
Distinguished speakers and moderators, including Dr. Ruby Appiah-Campbell, Assistant Professor of Marketing at Loughborough University and founder of Life Beacon International, UK, Hon. Ms. Silver Patino, Deputy Minister of Justice, Paraguay, and Hon. Hosna Jahil, Deputy Minister at the Ministry of Interior, Afghanistan, will enrich the summit with their valuable insights. Additional speakers include Professor Stephen Alder Ph.D., Executive Director of the Centre for Business, Health, and Prosperity at the University of Utah, USA, Dr. Houda Chini, PHD, Senior Researcher and Technical Enthusiast Expert in Digital Transformation, Cyber Security, and Internet Governance, Chief Engineer at Tunisia telecom, Dr. Chief Nathaniel E Nsarko, Director General of the International Human Rights Commission Africa, Angelo Coroneo, International Relations Students and Junior Coordinator Associazione Diplomatic, Belgium, and Giulia Tariello, Italian Youth Delegate to the UN, Italy.
This summit endeavors to foster meaningful discussions on the actions and inactions of just and unjust wars and underscore the importance of protecting human rights in accordance with international human rights law.
It serves as a platform for understanding and upholding the dignity of all human beings and the rights that govern their relationships with society and the State.
The Chief Executive Officer of Ghana International Trade and Finance Conference (GITFiC), Selasi Koffi Ackom, has visited Namibia upon the invitation of African Economic Leadership Council (AECL).
During his visit, Mr. Ackom also had the opportunity to meet with various dignitaries to discuss matters concerning the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) and related issues.
According to a statement shared with the media, Mr. Ackom was present as a special guest of honor at the second Discover Namibia Intra-Africa Township Expo and Business Conference in Swakopmund.
During this time, he took the chance to meet with important figures.
At Namibia’s State House, Mr. Ackom was warmly welcomed by Ambassador Claudia Grace Uushona, the Executive Director to the President, and Daisry Mathias OBAL, the Presidential Advisor on Youth Matters & Enterprise Development.
Discussions during this meeting focused on raising awareness and educating the Namibian community about AfCFTA, as well as exploring how the business community and educational structures in Namibia could benefit from the valuable content in GITFiC’s book on AfCFTA. The matter of Ghana-Namibia Trade Relations also came up during the discussions.
During his visit, the approved book on AfCFTA, authored by GITFiC, was officially presented to President Hage Gottfried Geingob through his Executive Director.
In addition to this, the official communique and action plans from the 7th GITFiC, which took place at the Royal Senchi in the Eastern Region of Ghana, regarding Africa’s prospects for a single currency, were also submitted to the Namibian Presidency. The meeting for this submission was facilitated by the African Economic Leadership Council, led by Councillor Hafeni Heinrich Heinrich Hafeni.
Moreover, Mr. Ackom held a meeting with Conrade Dempsey, the Group Chief Executive of First Rand, the holders of First National Bank Namibia (FNB FNBNamibia). During this meeting, a mini AfCFTA book re-launch was organized at the bank’s Headquarters in Windhoek.
Conrade Dempsey, who had previously obtained a copy of the book at the conference, highly recommended its content during the mini-launch. As a result, the bank ordered a substantial number of copies for their MSMEs and SMEs customers to support GITFiC’s efforts in sensitizing and educating the public about the African Continental Free Trade Area.
The Africa Economic Leadership Council, under the leadership of Councillor Heinrich Hafeni, facilitated this initiative.
Reports from the Financial Post, has indicated that the debt owed by Aiteo Eastern E&P Co., a prominent Nigerian domestic oil producer, to Shell Plc and seven Nigerian banks has surged to approximately $2.6 billion.
This debt originated from a 2015 asset sale when Aiteo purchased a pipeline and an operating interest in one of Nigeria’s highly profitable onshore oil blocks for $2.4 billion.
To facilitate the acquisition, local lenders including Zenith Bank Plc, Fidelity Bank Plc, Guaranty Trust Bank Plc, and others extended a loan of $1.5 billion to Aiteo. Additionally, Shell, the seller of the permit, contributed $504 million in funding.
However, a legal dispute ensued between the parties in late 2019 when the creditors informed Aiteo of its default on the debt.
According to sources familiar with the matter, Aiteo’s outstanding debt has increased to around $2.6 billion, incorporating interest, fees, and penalties.
Due to ongoing litigation and arbitration, discussions between the involved parties are confidential, and the individuals sharing this information preferred not to be identified.
In previous court and arbitration filings, the creditors stated that the debt figure was $1.7 billion at the end of 2021 and $910 million a year earlier.
In response to the dispute, Aiteo filed court documents in 2019, stating that it had already repaid a substantial amount of $1.2 billion and denied being in default.
However, the company has chosen not to publicly comment on the matter. As for Shell and the other lenders, they either declined to comment or did not respond to emailed inquiries.
The Member of Parliament for Assin Central and a hopeful for the New Patriotic Party’s (NPP) flagbearer position, Kennedy Agyapong has reaffirmed his belief that pragmatic leadership outweighs language proficiency in politics.
While campaigning in the northern parts of the country and addressing delegates on Twitter, he emphasized that effective leadership can create job opportunities and improve people’s financial well-being.
Agyapong stressed that politics should not be solely about English proficiency but rather the ability to develop the country and uplift its citizens.
Agyapong is considered a frontrunner in the NPP presidential primaries, competing with Vice President, Mahamudu Bawumia and former trade minister Alan Kyerematen.
Alongside them, seven other aspirants have been approved to contest in the preliminary election, which will eventually narrow down the number of candidates to five before the main election in November this year.
The Evangelical Presbyterian (E.P) Church Ghana has launched a project in all its 15 presbyteries nationwide to address gender-based violence, including Child, Early, and Forced Marriage (CEFM).
The initiative aims to empower women and girls, enabling them to make decisions for their welfare.
Named “Promotion of Gender Equality Through the Prevention of Child, Early and Forced Marriage (CEFM) and other Harmful Practices against Girls and Women within the EP Church, Ghana and its Environs,” the 3-year project will strengthen girls’ skills and knowledge to understand and exercise their rights.
The Evangelical Presbyterian Development and Relief Agency (EPDRA) will oversee the project’s implementation, which will be carried out in 3 phases, with 5 presbyteries participating in each phase.
The goal is to prevent and reduce violence experienced by vulnerable groups, especially women and girls within the Church’s jurisdiction, through enhanced knowledge and positive societal attitudes among all stakeholders.
The Moderator of the General Assembly of the EP Church, Rt. Rev. Dr. Col. Bliss Divine Agbeko (RTD), emphasized the importance of boys’ inclusion in such initiatives, as boys who drop out of school could pose a greater risk to society.
The Volta Regional Director of Social Welfare, Stella Mawusi, highlighted the prevalence of child protection cases in the region and called for collaborative efforts to combat gender-based violence.
The Volta Regional Director for the Department of Gender, Thywill Eyra Kpe, expressed hope that the project would support the government’s National Strategic Framework to end child marriage by 2027.
The Ho Municipal Chief Executive, Divine Bosson, officially launched the project and assured the Assembly’s commitment to its successful implementation. Partners in this initiative include the National Council on Women and Development (NCWD), DOVVSU, and CHRAJ, with funding from CEVAA.
The Chief Justice, Getrude Esaaba Sackey Torkornoo, has adviced to Ghanaians, not to pay for mediation charges during Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) proceedings in the country.
She shared this guidance at a public forum held after the inauguration of her first court complex as Chief Justice in Baatsonaa, Tema West Municipality, Greater Accra Region.
The forum’s theme was “Improving Justice Delivery through Community Engagement” and aimed to educate citizens about how the justice system operates.
Lady Justice Torkornoo clarified that the government pays the Mediators at various ADR outlets, making it unnecessary for disputing parties to pay for their services after mediation.
ADR was established to expedite cases that can be resolved through consensus, avoiding the lengthier court process. Lady Justice Torkornoo emphasized that ADR cases remain confidential and do not go for appeal.
Once a consensus is reached, the parties involved sign an undertaking to fulfill their commitments.
She highlighted ADR as the best and fastest approach to resolve many civil disputes among aggrieved parties without initiating lengthy court proceedings.
Participants had the opportunity to ask questions and offer suggestions directly to the Chief Justice during the forum.
A Public Administration expert, Professor Justice Nyigmah Bawole, has emphasized the need for continuous discussions on ethical standards and integrity in public service.
He expresses concern over the lack of public ethics among high-ranking officials, which he finds troubling for the State.
During the S.N. Woode Memorial Lecture organized by the Institute of Local Government Service (ILGS), Professor Bawole calls for a sustained dialogue on public integrity, encouraging people to openly discuss their own integrity.
He advises public administrators to avoid accepting gifts, as it can compromise their integrity.
Furthermore, Professor Bawole urges public officers to set personal ethical standards as an example for others.
He advocates for the creation of ethical leadership guides and suggests building alliances with like-minded individuals to seek guidance in navigating the complex public administration system.
Additionally, he stresses the importance of mentoring the youth in upholding ethical practices.
Former Rector of the Ghana Institute of Management and Public Administration, Prof. Stephen Adei, emphasizes that the public sector’s effectiveness directly impacts the private sector’s performance.
Encouraging integrity and honesty in public service is crucial, as the public sector serves as the engine of national growth.
The Chairman of ILGS Council, Emeritus Prof. Kwasi Kwafo Adarkwa, praises the late Prof. Woode for his exemplary leadership in public service.
He calls for public office holders to emulate the principles and ideals exemplified by Prof. Woode to contribute to national development.
President Akufo-Addo has accepted the resignation of the Minister of Sanitation and Water Resources, Cecilia Abena Dapaah.
Unconventionally, no immediate replacement in an acting capacity has been named.
Instead, the Chief Director will lead the ministry until an official announcement is made.
There are indications in the corridors of power that the President intends to appoint someone who seamlessly fits the vacancy and can bypass parliamentary vetting, meaning a serving minister may be chosen.
The list of potential replacements aligns with that of pro-government outlet Asaase Radio, which was published shortly after Dapaah’s resignation.
The possible replacements for the position are as follows:
The current Minister of Works and Housing, Francis Asenso-Boakye: the President may consider merging the two portfolios or appoint Asenso-Boakye in an acting capacity, but only time will reveal the decision.
Deputy minister in the Ministry of Works and Housing, Freda Prempeh: is highly tipped for the position. She is presently associated with the Ministry of Works and Housing.
The MP for Suame and Minister of Parliamentary Affairs, Osei Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu: is also seen as a potential replacement. He has previously served in an acting role at the finance ministry.
However, his move to this new position might require the NPP to reset its leadership due to his role as the Majority Leader in Parliament.
Other names making rounds as potential acting ministers include Dan Botwe, Samuel Jinapor, and Henry Quartey.
Both Dan Botwe and Samuel Jinapor have prior experience as acting ministers. The final decision rests with the President, and the public awaits the official appointment.
The Deputy Minister of Health, Hon. Mahama Asei Seini, has highlighted the significance of the HO medical waste treatment facility in addressing public health concerns in the Volta region.
During the commissioning of the first medical waste treatment facility in the region, the Minister emphasized that conventional methods of medical waste treatment, such as incineration, landfill disposal, and re-use of medical waste, pose health hazards to the public.
He expressed confidence that the new technology deployed at the facility, equipped with state-of-the-art Microwave Treatment Equipment (Ecosteryl), will effectively safeguard public health.
The facility has a daily treatment capacity of 5,000Kg (5 tons) of hazardous waste and is expected to create around 200 direct and indirect jobs for residents in the region.
Mr. Said Haidar, the Executive Director of the Jospong Group of Companies (Environment and Sanitation Cluster), praised President Akufo-Addo for creating a conducive environment for the private sector to thrive.
“This medical waste treatment facility being commissioned is environmentally friendly as it uses unique technology which is a Microwave Treatment Equipment that will treat 5,000Kg of hazardous waste. This facility will minimize the health risks of improper medical waste treatment”, he emphasized.
He highlighted the company’s commitment to providing public health services, citing their work in larvae source management, mosquito population control, and COVID-19 disinfection.
The newly commissioned medical waste treatment facility uses environmentally friendly Microwave Treatment Equipment, specifically designed to treat hazardous waste, thereby minimizing health risks associated with improper medical waste treatment.
The Volta Regional Minister, Dr. Archibald Yao Letsa, explained that the government, as part of its initiatives, plans to establish 16 Integrated Recycling and Composting Plants (IRECOPs) and 14 Medical Waste Treatment facilities across the region.
The facility will cater to the health facilities in the region and its surroundings, generating employment opportunities while contributing to the achievement of Sustainable Development Goals related to health and wellbeing.
The Paramount Queen Mother of Akrofu Traditional Area, Mamaga Akua Sebea Nyabor VII, expressed her gratitude to the Jospong Group of Companies and President Akufo-Addo for establishing the facility in her community. She also urged the government to consider improving the road leading to the facility for ease of access and patronage.
To mark the ‘International Day of the African Child,’ UBA Ghana celebrated with a book donation to Ngleshie Amanfro Senior High School and Odupong Senior High School in Kasoa, both located in the Central Region.
The donated books included ‘The Girl Who Can’ by the late Ama Atta Aidoo, a renowned Ghanaian author known for her captivating literary works, and ‘Segu’ by Maryse Conde from Guadeloupe.
Linda Segbefia, Corporate Communications Officer at UBA Ghana, led a team of staff to present the books on behalf of the UBA Foundation in a brief ceremony. She emphasized the significance of instilling a culture of reading and love for books among students, recognizing the importance of stimulating their minds and creativity through access to quality literature.
The UBA Foundation’s Read Africa initiative aims to revitalize the declining reading culture among African youth. The International Day of the African Child provided an opportune moment for UBA Ghana to share these African literary works with students and enrich their school libraries.
Mr. Clement Appiatu, the School Head of Ngleshie Amanfro SHS, expressed gratitude to UBA Ghana for their thoughtful gesture and praised the Read Africa initiative. Similarly, Bernard Korwonu, Assistant Headmaster in charge of Academics, and Ebenezer Prah, Assistant Headmaster in charge of Administration at Odupong Senior High, also conveyed their appreciation to the bank and assured that the donated books would be put to good use.
The students were visibly thrilled to receive the books and extended their gratitude to the bank for the commendable initiative. They enthusiastically pledged to read the books to enhance their knowledge and reading skills.
During the event, the UBA team interacted with the students, offering advice on the importance of developing a habit of reading.
UBA Ghana’s continuous efforts to promote literacy among students reflect their unwavering commitment to education and empowering young minds with access to enriching literature.
The Director-General of the International Labour Organization (ILO), Gilbert F. Houngbo, urged G20 Labour and Employment Ministers to take decisive action on several critical issues.
He emphasized the need to bridge skills gaps, bolster social protection systems, and adopt sustainable financing methods for employment and social protection policies.
In addition, Mr. Houngbo advocated for addressing the widening disparities in the global labor market and reducing inequalities. He made these calls during the G20 Labour and Employment Ministers’ meeting, which focused on sustainable funding for social protection, extending social security to workers in the gig and platform economies, and tackling the global skills gap.
The meeting, hosted by India in Indore, centered around three key topics: addressing global skills gaps, expanding social protection to platform and gig workers, and establishing sustainable financing for national social protection systems.
Mr. Houngbo expressed concern over the deepening global employment divide, especially in the face of various global challenges and uncertainties. He stressed that more resources need to be mobilized globally to promote social justice. The UN Global Accelerator on Jobs and Social Protection for Just Transitions was cited as a vital initiative in generating the required technical and financial support. Mr. Houngbo proposed that such endeavors should be part of broader reforms in the international financial architecture to make more resources available for achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
The Director-General discussed the Antalya Youth target, aiming to reduce the proportion of young people (15%) at risk of permanent labor market exclusion by 2025. He highlighted the significance of promoting more and better employment for the youth, particularly to tackle gender inequality. This could be achieved by investing in economic sectors with high youth employment potential and enhancing the quality of employment to encourage greater participation in the labor market.
Mr. Houngbo emphasized the importance of investing in Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) and quality apprenticeship programs to support disadvantaged youth. Combining active labor market policies with income support was also recommended to help reach those in need.
During the meeting, the Ministers discussed strategies to address skills gaps, aiming to boost productivity and wages while reducing workforce turnover. They also emphasized the need for a standardized language on skills and qualifications to enable cross-country comparability and mutual recognition of skills.
A member of the New Patriotic Party’s (NPP) communications team, Clement Wilkinson, has made an audacious claim regarding the millions of dollars and pounds found in the home of the Minister of Sanitation and Water Resources, Cecilia Dapaah.
He suggested that the funds could be unaccounted donations received at recent funerals, including those of her brother and mother.
According to Wilkinson, the company that dredged the Odaw River might have contributed to the donations, as they received a significant amount for their services.
“The company which received $43 million dollars to dredge the Odaw river could have given Cecilia Dapaah $2 million dollars in funeral donation. You know Until the family meets to look at the entire donation, it would not be touched. It could be the reason the money was at her home”
Former Deputy Information Minister Felix Kwakye Fosu shared parts of the video on Twitter, expressing shock at the NPP communicator’s explanation.
The minister’s domestic staff is accused of stealing substantial amounts of money, jewelry, and clothing from her home.
Under pressure from various groups, including the minority, civil society organizations, and anti-corruption groups, the minister is still in her post, but calls for her resignation or removal by the President persist.
The 19-year-old National Science and Maths Quiz (NSMQ) star from Keta Senior High School, James Lutterodt, has been remembered during a one-week observation ceremony organised by his family.
He was part of the team that made history in the 2021 NSMQ, becoming the first Volta regional school to advance that far in the competition.
Although his team didn’t emerge as champions, their remarkable performance earned them praise.
Unfortunately, James passed away on July 3 after battling a brief illness at a hospital in Tema.
Currently, friends, colleagues, and loved ones have gathered to offer condolences and support to the family during the one-week observation.
The Fair Wages and Salaries Commission (FWSC) has declined to reinstate the allowances of Ghana Broadcasting Corporation (GBC) staff, despite an order from the National Labour Commission.
The Director General of GBC, Professor Amin Alhassan, revealed this during a Public Accounts Committee session where the state broadcaster was addressing infractions highlighted in the 2021 Auditor General’s report.
In June 2023, GBC staff protested when the FWSC issued a directive to withdraw certain allowances.
After engaging with the parties involved, the National Labour Commission (NLC) ordered FWSC to restore the allowances.
However, as of the end of the week, FWSC had failed to comply with the Labour Commission’s directive.
Data from the Bank of Ghana (BoG) reveals that Ghana’s public debt stock surged by ¢134.7 billion in the first four months of 2023, reaching ¢569.3 billion in April 2023, equivalent to approximately 71.1% of Gross Domestic Product (GDP) or $52 billion.
The increase in debt was mainly attributed to the depreciation of the cedi during the period and, to some extent, an increase in domestic debt by ¢15.9 billion in the first four months of the year.
In December 2022, the debt stock stood at ¢434.6 billion, approximately 71.2% of GDP.
According to the July 2023 Summary of Economic and Financial Data, Ghana’s debt in cedi terms rose to ¢547.8 billion ($50.7 billion) by the end of January 2023 and further increased to ¢564.1 billion ($51.2 billion) and ¢569.5 billion ($51.7 billion) in February and March 2023, respectively.
The Central Bank’s data also shows that the external component of the total public debt stood at $29.3 billion (¢321.4 billion) in April 2023, higher than the $29.0 billion (¢240.9 billion) recorded in December 2022. The domestic debt stood at ¢247.9 billion at the end of April 2023, approximately 30.9% of GDP, compared to ¢232.3 billion, approximately 38.1% of GDP, in December 2022.
Ghana’s nominal GDP experienced a surge of ¢190.7 billion from December 2022 to ¢800.9 billion in April 2023, primarily attributed to elevated prices of goods and services, driven by high inflation rates.
In terms of fiscal deficits, the government’s fiscal deficit to GDP ratio stood at 1.8% in April 2023, a significant decrease from 8.3% of GDP recorded in December 2022. The primary balance stood at 0.7% of GDP in April 2023.
Ghana took various measures to address its economic challenges, including suspending payment of loans to external creditors in December 2022 and restructuring some domestic debt in February 2023.
These efforts paved the way for the approval of a $3 billion Extended Credit Facility (ECF) programme by the International Monetary Fund. Additionally, the country reached an agreement with banks in June 2023 to restructure ¢15 billion ($1.36 billion) of locally issued U.S. dollar bonds and cocoa bills.
However, agreements with external creditors are still pending before restructuring the external debt.
A Mamprobi-Agege-based Over-the-Counter Medicines (OTCM) facility illicitly dispensing tramadol to a drug addict has been shut down by the Pharmacy Council.
The closure took place on Monday following a tip-off from vigilant police officers who witnessed the addict adding tramadol to his drink.
Upon investigation, the individual confessed to obtaining the drug from the mentioned OTCM shop.
The facility’s owner showed defiance and lack of cooperation during the interrogation.
The Pharmacy Council is taking swift enforcement measures, and both the facility owner and her staff will face the disciplinary committee for stocking and dispensing a prescription-only medicine without appropriate authorization.
The West African Capital Markets Integration Project, supported by the African Development Bank’s Capital Markets Development Trust Fund, aims to integrate the capital markets in the region.
The Ghana Stock Exchange (GSE) is strategically planning to enhance trading and attract more companies to list on its platform.
According to the managing director of GSE, Abena Amoah, the goal is to position the Accra bourse as the preferred medium in the country and the sub-region for companies to raise capital for their business operations.
With a total market capitalization of over GH₵65 billion, constituting about 11 percent of Ghana’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP), the Ghanaian market holds significant importance in Africa.
The GSE is actively encouraging both private and state-owned enterprises (SOEs) to list on its exchange.
They are collaborating with the government to attract more SOEs and private companies to list.
The Managing Director of GSE is optimistic about doubling the size of its equities and increasing the number of listed companies in the medium term.
The GSE has created a market and demonstrated potential for investment opportunities.
Notably, private pension funds have more than GH₵50 billion available for investments, presenting an opportunity for SOEs and private companies to raise capital for their business operations.
The Finance Minister, Ken Ofori-Atta, is scheduled to present the Mid-Year Review of the Budget Statement and Economic Policy of Government and supplementary estimates for the 2023 Financial Year on Thursday, July 27 instead of the earlier announced date of Tuesday, July 25.
The disclosure was made by Mr. Habib Iddrisu, the Second Deputy Majority Whip, on the floor of Parliament while presenting the Business Statement of the House for the week ending Friday, July 28.
He emphasized the limited time left for the House to adjourn sine die and urged all Committees with referral Bills to expedite their consideration for the attention of the House.
The Bills include the Grains Development Authority Bill, 2022, Ghana Industrial Property Office Bill, 2023, Rent Bill, 2023, Budget Bill, 2023, and the National Petroleum Authority (Amendment) Bill, 2023.
The Business Committee recommended commencing sittings each day at 10:00 hours and extending sittings to ensure that business scheduled for the eighth week, mainly the Bills, are considered and passed promptly.
These measures aim to facilitate the consideration of other parliamentary matters requiring the House’s attention.
In the upcoming week, four Ministers will attend the House to address 26 questions – one urgent and 25 orals.
The Ministries include Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs, Lands and Natural Resources, Sanitation and Water Resources, and Roads and Highways.
The Trades and Industry Minister, KT Hammond, has expressed worry over the Minority’s decision to boycott parliamentary sittings.
He believes that this ongoing trend will impede the progress of important government business.
To him, the Minority’s action appears mischievous and a deliberate attempt to sabotage government affairs.
Speaking to the parliamentary press corps on July 20, 2023, he highlighted that the boycott has hindered committee meetings and significantly affected parliamentary proceedings.
However, in response to these claims, the Chief Whip of the minority, Kwame Governs Agbodza, refuted them.
He asserted that the minority caucus is doing its best to ensure that parliamentary business continues as smoothly as possible.
According to him, his side of the house should not be held responsible for any delays in parliamentary proceedings, emphasizing that if all members of the minority were present, the house’s agenda would proceed as planned.
The Public Accounts Committee (PAC) of Parliament has instructed the Accra Digital Centre (ADC) to evict occupants who have sublet their spaces to other businesses for a fee, a clear violation of the tenancy agreement between the centre and the tenants engaged in this practice.
This issue came to light during a recent session when the management of the Accra Digital Centre appeared before the committee to address findings from the 2021 Auditor General’s report.
According to the report, one of the tenants, Ghana Innovation Hub, was found to have rented out part of its allocated space to other businesses at a commercial rate higher than the fee they paid to the ADC. This subletting breached the terms of their tenancy agreement.
Rockson-Nelson Dafeamekpor, a member of the committee, emphasized that such illegal practices deny the country much-needed revenue and urged the centre and other state institutions to be vigilant against such actions to protect the state’s interests and enhance revenue.
“We noted that Ghana Innovation Hub is one of the tenants of ADC who benefits from the highly subsidized rent rate of $8 per square meter per month and occupies 650 square meters.
In response to the findings and recommendations, the Chief Executive Officer of the Accra Digital Centre, Kwadwo Baah Agyemang, stated that the contract between the centre and Ghana Innovation Hub had been reviewed, and measures have been put in place to prevent such occurrences in the future.
“This committee also exists to educate the public on what our laws say. This is one of those practices that the law mandates the centre, as the landlord to evict whoever that’s in breach of the agreement. We encourage the management of the centre to apply such decisions to deter others from doing so,” he added.
Additionally, the Ghana Post Company Limited is developing a Scheme of Service to guide recruitment and staff management, aiming to provide a coherent framework for staff recruitment, development, and career progression in public institutions. The absence of such a scheme, as cited in the 2021 Auditor General’s report, had led to some staff members holding the same rank for about 10 years.
Nigerian businessman and philanthropist, Tony Elumelu, has experienced a remarkable boost in the value of his United Bank for Africa (UBA) stake on July 21, witnessing an impressive increase of $4.3 million in just one day.
Despite facing a setback of $1.1 million due to the devaluation of the naira, Elumelu, known for his influence in African business circles, remains among the wealthiest investors on the Nigerian Exchange and ranks high among Nigeria’s richest businessmen.
As of the latest report, Elumelu holds a substantial 7.17-percent stake in UBA, which translates to 2,450,603,739 ordinary shares with a market value of $47 million.
According to data from Billionaires.Africa, the market value of his UBA stake soared from N33.21 billion ($42.80 million) on July 20 to N36.51 billion ($47.06 million) on July 21, representing a staggering increase of N3.31 billion ($4.26 million) within a single day.
This significant surge occurred as UBA shares on the Nigerian Exchange jumped by an impressive 9.96 percent, rising from N13.55 ($0.0285) on July 20 to N14.90 ($0.0365) at the time of reporting. The surge brought substantial gains for investors in the local bourse.
UBA now holds a position as one of the most valuable companies on the Nigerian Exchange, boasting a current share price of N14.90 ($0.04) and a market capitalization of N510 billion ($657 million).
With a presence in 24 countries across four continents, including the United Kingdom, the United States, France, and the United Arab Emirates, UBA continues to establish itself as a significant player in the financial sector.
Elumelu’s impressive gains in UBA, driven by the surge in the bank’s share price, further solidify his status as a leading figure in Africa’s business landscape and underscore UBA’s resilience and strong performance in the financial market.
The Ghana AIDS Commission has announced the distribution of over 200,000 HIV/AIDS Self-test kits nationwide.
This initiative follows the recent launch of the HIV/AIDS Self-test on July 19 by the government, facilitated through the Ministry of Health.
The purpose is to empower the public to conveniently check their status within the comfort of their homes or any location of their choice.
Dr. Kyeremeh Atuahene, the Director-General of the Ghana AIDS Commission, shared that plans are already in motion to provide training to local pharmacists on the distribution and proper use of the test kit.
He mentioned that even before the pilot launch, some pharmacy shops were already selling self-test kits, as they have been available for several years.
As the expansion program progresses, the goal is to involve pharmacists in the distribution process, recruiting and training them to offer the program’s test kits to the public.
“As far as pharmacists are concerned, in fact before we started the pilot, some pharmacy shops were already selling self-test kits. Because self-test kits have been available since before this decade, so people have been selling them.”
“We hope that in the expansion programme, pharmacists will also be recruited and trained to distribute some of the programme’s test kits,” he noted.
Acting Director General of the National Road Safety Authority (NRSA), David Osafo Adonteng, has revealed that his outfit has revised road safety interventions, emphasizing the adoption of technology to combat road crashes.
The NRSA plans to install cameras and vehicle tracking devices to monitor motorists, ensuring compliance with speed limits and discouraging wrongful overtaking.
Over speeding is a critical contributing factor to accidents, and the stringent measures aim to counter it.
“We are adopting technology and that is the order of the day across the world, so, cameras are going to be fixed on major highways and selected locations to monitor those who jump red lights.
We are going to put speed limiters and tracking systems in all the vehicles so you cannot go beyond that limit and wherever you are we can see, when you are doing wrongful overtaking, we can see you,” Mr Adonteng explained.
The nationwide implementation of road safety technology is expected to make Ghana a success story in road safety management.
The new NRSA Legislative Instrument empowers the authority to regulate passenger transport services, aiming to reduce accidents by licensing operators and enforcing standards.
“We are going to license all the transport services operators, know where they are and give them some standards to operate within,” he indicated.
Vehicles violating road traffic regulations will face sanctions, and unfit vehicles and unqualified drivers will be barred from operating.
The NRSA collaborates with stakeholders to enforce these measures.
The authority’s strengthened road safety management interventions have contributed to a reduction in road accidents and vehicle involvement in accidents in the first half of 2023 compared to 2022.
Challenges like riding without helmets and underage riding, particularly in northern regions, are gradually being addressed.
The Upper West Regional office of NRSA is commended for its efforts in improving road safety despite financial and logistical challenges.
Mr. Adonteng appeals to stakeholders and the media to strengthen their activities for more effective road safety management.
Ghanaian artiste Razak Amissah, known as Zack Gh, has finally released his highly awaited Extended Play (EP) titled “Shine.”
The well-crafted masterpiece features an impressive lineup of artists, including Ras Kuuku, Kweku Flick, Strongman, Rashid Metal, and music producer Apya.
With “Shine,” Zack Gh takes listeners on a musical journey, sharing personal encounters as an actor and musician. The EP showcases his artistic versatility cultivated over more than a decade, revealing his emotive and powerful delivery of lyrics that delve into his inner vulnerabilities.
“My newly released EP delves into various experiences and stories from my life, aiming to entertain music lovers with captivating hooks and lyrical vibes.
“I’ve always strived to connect with people through my music and performances because I believe in my talent as a musician and actor,” Zack Gh shared.
The “Shine” EP is now available on multiple streaming platforms, including Boomplay, Audiomack, Spotify, Apple Music, and more.
Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Samuel A. Jinapor, has statedthat the government has implemented drastic and preemptive measures to safeguard the Black Volta from the destructive activities of illegal miners.
Following recent media reports on illegal mining in the area, a joint operation involving the Minerals Commission, Savannah Regional Coordinating Council, and Ghana Armed Forces was initiated to gather intelligence and assess the situation.
Numerous operations have already been carried out by the Military to halt illegal mining activities and protect the river.
The Minister revealed that 20 changfans operating on the Black Volta have been confiscated and destroyed.
The government is committed to restoring the Black Volta to its natural state with a focus on responsible and environmentally friendly mining practices.
Describing illegal mining activities as “scandalous and unfortunate,” Minister Jinapor pledged to activate legal measures to safeguard the Black Volta and other water bodies from such activities.
“The need for us to protect the Black Volta is absolutely important, and I’m happy to report that following the reports the Ministry received, we are working closely with the Minerals Commission, the Savannah Regional Coordinating Council and the 6th Battalion of Infantry, 6Bn) in collaboration with the Military command of the Savannah Region were able to carry out an intelligence-gathering operation to ascertain the true facts on the ground”, he indicated.
“As I speak to you now, series of operations have been undertaken and the reports I’ve received is that 20 changfans have been destroyed and there is a well-thought-through plan to eradicate illegal mining on the river and other parts of the country”, he stressed.
The government’s approach to combating illegal mining is centered on enforcement and reformation, aiming to create a sustainable mining sector that adheres to national and international standards.
The Minister for Employment and Labour Relations, Ignatius Baffour-Awuah, has stated that Social Security and National Insurance Trust (SSNIT) will change its policy and refrain from investing in non-profit social ventures. The aim is to protect the funds of contributors and ensure their financial security.
Concerns were raised by the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) after the 2021 Auditor General’s report showed that 10 companies, including Metro Mass Transit and Kumasi Abattoir, had not paid dividends to SSNIT for the past decade.
PAC emphasized the need for SSNIT to manage funds effectively to ensure timely payment of members’ benefits.
The Minister acknowledged the importance of good investments to maintain the value of contributions and assured that SSNIT’s policy direction would prioritize profit-driven ventures, especially for companies like Metro Mass Transit and Kumasi Abattoir, which provide social services.
The Minister asserted that SSNIT’s financing of social projects would undergo a policy decision review to ensure contributors’ funds are utilized optimally and profitability is prioritized going forward.
Ghanaian singer, Camidoh, has released a visually stunning music video for his hit track “Brown Skin Girl,” featuring Dancehall artiste Stonebwoy, from his latest playlist, LITA.
The video, shot in his homeland Ghana, immerses viewers in a world of vibrant colors and captivating imagery.
Every scene, from start to finish, showcases breathtaking cinematography and creative direction, enhancing the song’s emotional impact.
Through a seamless blend of artistic visuals and powerful storytelling, the video celebrates the beauty and resilience of melanin-rich women.
LITA, which stands for “Love is the Answer,” offers listeners an immersive journey into the complexities of love, growth, and personal discovery. Camidoh skillfully expresses his emotions through his music on this playlist. The release of this colorful music video further solidifies his position as one of the most influential voices in the Ghanaian music industry. His ability to create soul-stirring music that resonates with a diverse audience has earned him a devoted fan base.
In response to a dawn attack on one of their buses at Walewale in the North East Region, drivers at the Kumasi-Bawku bus terminal have suspended their services in protest.
The drivers express concern that this incident is part of a series of threats to their livelihood and has left them fearful of transporting passengers to Bawku and other parts of the North.
The Ghana Police Service has launched a manhunt for the culprits responsible for shooting into the bus and setting it on fire, resulting in one fatality and multiple injuries.
The attack has caused panic among drivers at the Suame bus terminal, who feel targeted and hindered from traveling to Bawku and other Northern regions.
Anasara George Akolgo, one of the Chairmen at the bus terminal, lamented that the incident has deeply affected the drivers. He called for government intervention and urged the Inspector-General of Police to resolve the situation amicably.
The drivers believe the current situation is intimidating, with many drivers feeling anxious about continuing their services to Bawku.
“All of us were very shocked by what happened in Walewale because we had loaded the bus yesterday evening bound for Bawku, and it was attacked in Walewale and the people even followed the bus to the police station and burnt it, and we don’t understand why anytime there is a problem in Bawku, then the Walewale people begin to misbehave with us.”
“We have suspended services to Bawku, and we want the government and the IGP to step in and solve it amicably because what is happening is intimidation to us because most of the drivers are panicking.”
Anasara also alleged that some individuals are now tracking travelers bound for Bawku and subjecting them to attacks during their journeys.
During their recent picketing, some discontented food suppliers alleged that the Buffer Stock Company diverted money from the Education Ministry to settle their loans.
These suppliers were demanding over GH₵270 million in payment for food supplied to various senior high schools under the Free SHS policy.
In response, the CEO of the Buffer Stock Company, Hanan Abdul-Wahab, dismissed the allegations, asserting the company’s commitment to settling all debts owed to its creditors.
He clarified that the Free SHS feeding budget for 2021, 2022, and 2023 exceeded GH₵480 million, making the claimed figure inaccurate.
He emphasized that no money meant for suppliers’ payments has been received from the Ministry and left unpaid.
Hanan Abdul-Wahab assured that the report was false, and the company remains dedicated to ensuring suppliers are well taken care of.
“Between 2021, 2022, and 2023, the entire Free SHS feeding budget is far more than even GH₵480 million, so it is clear that the figure is not correct. We have not received money from the Ministry that is meant to be paid to suppliers that we have not paid.
“The report is not true, and we are very focused on making sure that we will make life very comfortable for our suppliers.”
A young man from the Central Region has been apprehended for stealing salted fish, popularly known as ‘koobi,’ at Obuasi Central Market in the Ashanti Region.
The incident was captured on video and shared on Facebook by Wendy Akuffo, quickly going viral.
The suspect, identified as Paa Yaw from Mankessim, had traveled to Obuasi in search of opportunities but ended up engaging in theft. ‘Koobi’ is a cherished ingredient used in Ghanaian soups and stews.
According to reports, a vigilant night watchman spotted the thief during a patrol session as he attempted to escape by jumping from a storey building. The watchman subdued him with a locally-made security weapon and retrieved the stolen ‘koobi’ from him.
The thief had come prepared with a modern bag with multiple zippers to stash his loot, but he only managed to get away with the ‘koobi,’ which he placed in a polythene bag.
The video showed the alleged thief tied to a pole near a stall with heavy chains and a padlock, awaiting action by market authorities. It is suspected that he may have been part of a notorious gang known for robbing markets in Obuasi.
On Thursday morning of July 2023, the suspect was handed over to the police, who are currently conducting an investigation into the matter.
Three fishermen, namely Atitso Atsitsogbui, Seth Kwesi Abelia, and Agbesi Atisu, have been apprehended by Denu Police in the Volta Region for fishing during the closed season.
Upon sighting the closed season monitoring team, some of their accomplices managed to escape and are now being pursued.
The authorities successfully retrieved the fish caught during their fishing expedition, and the canoe they were using (with registration number VR-KS-086-AVM and bearing the inscription Holy FM) has been impounded.
The arrest took place during a joint operation conducted by officials from the Eastern Naval Command, the Fisheries Enforcement Unit (FEU), the Monitoring Control Surveillance Division (MCSD), and the Marine Police.
The Head of the Public Relations Unit of the Ministry of Fisheries and Aquaculture Development, Karimatu Anas, provided information about the arrest. The fishermen were apprehended at Abeliakope in the Ketu South District on July 12, 2023, while the monitoring team was checking compliance with the closed season.
The Fisheries Enforcement Unit has been conducting visits to various fishing communities to ensure compliance with the fishing closed season. During their recent patrols in the Greater Accra Region and Volta Region, most communities were observed to be complying with the closed season regulations.
The team took the opportunity to interact with the fishermen during the exercise, sensitizing them about the importance of stopping illegal fishing practices and adhering to regulations when the season resumes.
Commodore Francis Nyarko commended the fishermen for their compliance and urged them to continue respecting the law and avoiding illegal fishing activities once the season reopens.
Accra Technical University has achieved the 4th position among Ghanaian universities and 28th out of 88 universities in the sub-region, according to the Times Higher Education Sub-Saharan Africa University Rankings 2023, released on June 26, 2023.
ATU stands out as the only technical university in the country to make it onto the list, with Ashesi University, University of Ghana, and Academic City taking the top three spots, respectively.
The rankings were based on five pillars: resources and finances, access and fairness, teaching skills, student engagement, and African impact. Each pillar includes various metrics, with a focus on a university’s contributions to the 17 United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Recently, ATU was honored with the title of “Best in SDG Research” at the inaugural SDGs Awards held at the La Palm Beach Hotel in Accra. The award recognizes the university’s dedication to innovative, sustainable, and impactful research, showcasing its commitment to excellence in higher education.
Prof. Amevi Acakpovi, the Acting Vice-Chancellor, expressed gratitude for the recognition, attributing it to the hard work and dedication of the university’s management, staff, faculty, and students.
He sees it as a motivation to continue striving for excellence and producing competent graduates for the global job market.
The Times Higher Education World University Rankings, known as the “THE Rankings,” are highly regarded in the academic community and are published annually by the Times Higher Education magazine.
The Coalition of Ghanaians Without Ghana Card (GWiGC) has expressed its concern over the Electoral Commission‘s (EC) insistence on using only the Ghana card as the exclusive document for voter registration in the 2024 general elections, considering it a threat to Ghana’s democratic principles.
The group is urging the EC to reconsider its decision, which it believes will disenfranchise numerous citizens without the Ghana card.
In a statement issued in Ho and shared with the media, the lead convener of GWiGC, Richard Kasu, asserted that the EC’s stance to amend the Constitutional Instrument (CI) to make the Ghana Card the sole document for voter registration contradicts Ghana’s 1992 Republican Constitution.
This move could result in a significant number of Ghanaians being unable to register and vote.
The group suspects ulterior motives behind the Electoral Commission’s and the National Identification Authority’s (NIA) resolute position, fearing that some citizens’ votes may be suppressed.
GWiGC also raised concerns about the ongoing “premium express” silent registration for the Ghana Card at regional NIA offices. Ordinary Ghanaians are required to pay GHC280 and travel to regional capitals, causing financial and logistical burdens. The group called for an end to the commercialization of this process.
Furthermore, GWiGC pointed out that the mass registration of the Ghana Card during the COVID-19 pandemic, as required by the NIA law, posed challenges as many Ghanaians were unable to participate due to government restrictions.
The group urged an inclusive stakeholder discussion to devise a more progressive, accessible, and affordable Ghana Card registration process that caters to all citizens at all times.
Unknown individuals have broken into Aflao Senior High School (SHS), dismantling the electricity transformer and stealing its components.
They also dug out and took away the underground cables connected to the transformer, plunging the school into darkness.
The school’s headmaster, Shadrack Abiuw, recounted the incident during a visit, stating that it occurred about two weeks ago.
Since then, the lack of electricity has severely affected teaching and learning activities.
Abiuw appealed to the Ketu South Municipal Assembly and the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG) to assist in replacing the stolen transformer to ensure smooth academic operations.
He pointed out that the school has operated for two years without any security personnel, attributing the incident to this lack of security presence. He urged the relevant institutions to send security personnel to protect the school from such occurrences in the future.
Nigerian music superstar, Davido, known for his chart-topping Afrobeats hits, continues to exhibit his generosity, reaching out to those in need.
Through his humanitarian organization, the David Adeleke Foundation (DAF), Davido has made a significant donation of N237,000,000.00 (approximately $300,000) to orphans across Nigeria.
In a statement released on July 20, 2023, Davido emphasized the foundation’s mission to continually support the less fortunate in the country and expressed his satisfaction with the organization’s ongoing work.
This generous contribution has benefited a total of 13,818 underprivileged children, distributed among 424 orphanages, creating a meaningful impact in their lives.
Founded in 2022, the David Adeleke Foundation has been dedicated to making a positive difference in the lives of Nigerians in need.
Over time, the foundation has successfully raised millions of Naira and directed substantial funds towards various orphanages, making a tangible and positive change in the lives of countless children.
Ghanaian actress Salma Mumin has faced strong criticism following her appearance at the Barbie Movie premiere in Lagos, Nigeria.
Salma Mumin traveled from Ghana to attend the premiere, which took place last night in Lagos, Nigeria.
She made an effort to resemble Barbie for the occasion, choosing a black and pink mermaid dress adorned with butterfly wings on her chest.
To complete her look, she wore a hat resembling religious leader attire, carried a pink bag, and wore heels.
While Salma sought to make a bold fashion statement and capture attention at the event, some Nigerians felt she missed the mark. They argued that her outfit resembled more of a “Babalawo” look rather than the desired Barbie appearance.
Others even compared her look to a Wakanda vibe, claiming it lacked the princess or Barbie essence.
It is worth noting that this criticism comes after Salma previously trended in Ghana for undergoing butt surgery. Now, her supposed Babalawo look is making waves in Nigeria, further adding to the buzz surrounding her recent appearances.
The Swedru-based singer, Patapaa, has expressed his belief that a curse has been placed on the organizers of the Vodafone Ghana Music Awards (VGMA) due to their decision to deny him an award in 2018.
Patapaa’s popular song, ‘One Corner,’ was nominated for ‘The Most Popular Song of the Year’ category alongside other artists, including Fancy Gadam’s ‘Total Cheat’ featuring Sarkodie.
Despite expectations that ‘One Corner’ would win, the award went to Fancy Gadam, leading to disappointment and allegations of unfairness.
In a recent interview, Patapaa stated that he believes God has cursed the VGMA organizers for giving the award to an undeserving artist.
“They (VGMA board) have to stop those things they’ve been doing. If someone deserves an award, you have to give it to him based on his output. They don’t have to take any stupid money to give an award to an undeserving artiste”.
He expressed frustration with the award scheme’s decision-making process, citing instances of controversy, such as Amakye Dede’s confession that he was pressured by the VGMA board to crown Kuami Eugene as the king of Highlife.
Patapaa alluded to the curse as a form of punishment for causing pain to someone. While he did not elaborate further, he highlighted the need for fair and just recognition of deserving artists without influence or unfair practices.
“I can see that God has placed a curse on the organizers of VGMA because of what they did to me. I don’t want to go far. If I want to go far, then I will say this, when we say curse, it means you are being punished for causing pain to someone. I don’t want to say it
“I would want to use Amakye Dede’s issue as an example but I don’t want to say it. They forced Amakye Dede to crown someone when he was not ready to do that”, he explained.
The Paramount Chief of Wungu traditional area, Wunaaba Alhaji Saaka Sulemaana, has welcomed a visiting Police entourage, led by Inspector General of Police (IGP), Dr. George Akuffo Dampare, to his palace.
He expressed delight as it was the first time an IGP had visited the area and his palace.
During the meeting, the chief informed the IGP that robbery incidents had significantly decreased in the past two years, improving the social lives of his people.
In response, the IGP highlighted the police’s commitment to providing community-specific policing, tailoring security solutions based on each community’s needs.
He stressed that the Police will continue to collaborate with chiefs and communities to achieve enhanced security outcomes.
The IGP and the police management board are touring the north-east region to assess the security situation, engaging with police officers and the public to gather first-hand information on welfare, operational, and administrative challenges.
The tour has covered over 80 percent of the country, with similar engagements conducted by Regional, Divisional, and District Police Commands nationwide.
Ghana and Italy have reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening cooperation and friendship between the two nations, exploring mutual interests for the benefit of their respective populations.
This took place on July 21, 2023 after President Akufo-Addo‘s official 4-day visit to Italy, where he held bilateral discussions with President Sergio Mattarella at the Quirinal Palace in Rome.
President Mattarella praised Ghana’s adherence to democracy, good governance, and the rule of law, making Ghana a beacon of stability in West Africa and Africa as a whole.
President Akufo-Addo highlighted the longstanding strong relations between Ghana and Italy, citing successful Italian companies operating in Ghana, such as Impregilo, which constructed the Akosombo Dam.
The leaders discussed collaboration in Ghana’s pharmaceutical and agro-based industries, and President Akufo-Addo expressed gratitude for Italy’s support in the restructuring of Ghana’s finances through the G20 Common Framework for Debt Treatments, securing a $3 billion Extended Credit Facility from the IMF.
Both leaders stressed the importance of stability for economic development, and President Mattarella pledged Italy’s support to confront the jihadist threat in the Sahel and piracy in the Gulf of Guinea.
“We are anxious that the matter of UN Reform be given priority on the global agenda. It is time to correct the longstanding injustice that the current structure and composition of the UN Security Council represent for the nations of Africa. We are encouraged, though, by the attitudes and sentiments of two (2) leaders of the five (5) Permanent Members of the Security Council, that is President Joe Biden of the United States of America and President Emmanuel Macron of the French Republic. Both of them are the first leaders of their respective countries to call publicly for reform. We look forward to the leaders of the three (3) other Permanent Members also throwing their support behind the reform process,” the Ghanaian President said.
They also emphasized the need for global financial and economic architecture reform to address inequities, with both calling for United Nations Security Council reform, particularly for Africa.
President Akufo-Addo is expected to deliver the keynote address at the 4th ECAM Summit in Rome, discussing healthcare and food safety challenges and opportunities in Europe, Africa, and the Middle East.
A former Member of Parliament (MP) for Nkawkaw, Eastern Region, Seth Adjei Baah, has called on the Minority in Parliament to respect the legal process in the case involving MP for Assin North, James Gyakye Quayson.
He emphasizes that the continuous absence of the caucus could significantly impact their constituents, prompting the need to negotiate with the majority side.
Seth Adjei Baah advises the Majority to find a way to get the Minority back to Parliament while allowing the judiciary to carry out its work impartially.
He believes that continuing in the current manner could result in the suffering of Ghanaians, and therefore, he urges the Minority to give the judiciary the space to fulfill its responsibilities correctly.
Seth Adjei Baah pleads with his fellow MPs to return and work together in moving Ghana forward.
“The NDC has the right to boycott if they are not happy about certain issues. However, we should also make sure that we do not stand in the way of the judiciary. This is a case where, if we are not careful, we will be influencing the stance of the judiciary. So, I think the majority should just come out and find a way to negotiate to get them back to Parliament while the judiciary is going ahead to do their work.”
“Because if you continue in this way, it means that Ghanaians are suffering, and you are there to help us get things done. Yes, I don’t want to say that they should do this or that, but they should give the judiciary the chance to do what is right. They are trying the case; the lawyers are going, and I know that in Ghana, they will do the right thing. So, it is not about following up there that will influence the decision of the court. So, I will plead with my brothers to come back and let’s see how best we can move Ghana forward,” he stated.
To a subject that has garnered national interest, minister for Sanitation and Water Resources, Cecilia Abena Dapaah, and her husband, Daniel Osei Kuffour, are reported to have been robbed by two of their house helps in their home in Abelemkpe, Accra.
The two, 18-year-old, Patience Botwe and 30-year-old Sarah Agyei are said to have undertaken their operation between July and October 2022.
At an Accra Circuit Court, Patience and Sarah are charged with one count of conspiracy to commit a crime and five counts of stealing, which include amounts of US$1 million, €300,000, and millions of Ghana Cedis.
The following items and amounts of cash were stolen from Cecilia Dapaah’s residence:
US $1 million dollars
€ 300,000
Millions of Ghana Cedis
Assorted clothes valued at GHC 95,000
Handbags
Perfumes
Pieces of jewelry worth US $95,000
Six pieces of Kente cloth worth US $90,000
Six sets of men’s suits valued at US $3,000
Five accused persons, including Patience, her current and former boyfriends, as well as her father, are facing the court presided over by Susana Ekuful. The case has been adjourned to August 2, 2023.
The 2021 Auditor General‘s Report highlighted the Forestry Commission’s substantial loss of GH¢51 million in expenses related to goods and services, including the costs of uniforms and equipment for the Youth in Afforestation Programme.
During a hearing before the Public Accounts Committee of Parliament on July 19, 2023, the Commission’s CEO, John Allotey, confirmed the accuracy of the report.
The report also revealed that the youth engaged in afforestation activities were owed allowances for over a year, with the last payment made in May 2022. Allotey assured the committee of diligent efforts to settle the outstanding balance owed to the youth, contingent on timely finances released by the Ministry of Finance.
Furthermore, the Auditor General’s Report pointed out that several companies engaged with the Forestry Commission owe a total debt of GH¢6.1 million. Allotey disclosed that GH¢3.2 million had been recovered from these companies, with the Land Commission being specifically mentioned.
Additionally, the Lands Commission was cited in the report for its failure to obtain title deeds from the Social Security and National Insurance Trust (SSNIT) for a residential property worth GHS¢2 million, which it acquired from SSNIT. In response, the Deputy Executive Secretary of the Lands Commission, Jones Ofori-Boadu, assured the committee that the documentation process was well underway and would be completed within the next three months.
These revelations have raised concerns about financial management and accountability within the Forestry Commission, prompting the Public Accounts Committee of Parliament to continue its scrutiny to ensure transparency and address the identified financial challenges.
Ghanaian actor, Clement Bonney also known as , Mr. Beautiful, disclosed the challenges he encountered after endorsing the National Democratic Congress (NDC) and former President Mahama.
As a dedicated NDC member, he faced discrimination when a restaurant refused to serve him food due to his political affiliation.
“I have gone to somewhere to buy food but the food vendor refused to sell the food to me just because of my die-hard affiliation to NDC and John Mahama. I remember I went to a certain restaurant to buy food but they insisted on not selling the food to me because they claim that I’m an NDC sympathizer,” he stated.
Recounting another instance, he shared how a certain TV station declined to work with him for a TV advert simply because of his association with the NDC.
Despite these difficulties, Mr. Beautiful remains resilient, considering writing a book to share his experiences and struggles.
“I went to a certain TV station to pay for a TV advert but the owner of the TV station said he can’t work with me because I am a known follower of NDC,” he said in an interview on Property FM seen by MyNewsGh.com
“I have gone through a lot that’s why if I decide to write a book Ghanaians will know my story but I thank God that I paved the way for others to benefit today,” he added.
He is thankful that his actions have paved the way for others to benefit in the present day.
