A non-governmental organization (NGO), Child Rights International has stressed the necessity for the government to take a multidisciplinary approach to the problem of street children begging.
The organization believes the government ought to consider several factors including control mechanisms, social welfare, and protecting the rights of children in dealing with the menace.
The call comes on the back of the advice by the Ministry of Gender and Social Protection to the public to desist from giving cash to child beggars.
The Minister of Gender, Children and Social Protection, Lariba Zuweira Abudu at a press conference appealed to the public, especially residents of cities to restrain from giving cash to children engaging in begging, sometimes under dangerous circumstances on the streets.
“We have done a lot to take them from the streets, but somehow they find themselves back, we even repatriated 400 of them and engaged the embassies here, but they find ways to come back, so we have to stop giving money to minors on the streets because as adults I don’t see why we should be giving monies to six-year-olds on the streets,” Ms. Abudu said.
She said the government did not have the resources to repatriate the child beggars presently on the streets but would encourage the public to shun them and desist from giving them cash to help force them out of the streets.
“If you don’t give them today and I don’t give them tomorrow, next week they will be forced to leave the streets and move away,” the minister added.
But in an interview with Citi News, the Executive Director for Child Rights International, Bright Appiah added that there must be a policy to make begging on the streets uncomfortable.
“There are other factors that are more dominant than even the resources that people give. If we are able to do that then it will add to the call that this government has made in respect to people not giving monies to beggars on the street.
“The major issue that we have to deal with has to do with making the environment uncomfortable for people to think that they can be on the street to beg.”
The head of a major nursing organization has expressed concern about the recruitment of nurses from poorer nations by high-income countries.
The comments come as the BBC finds evidence of how Ghana’s health system is struggling due to the “brain drain”.
Many specialist nurses have left the West African country for better-paid jobs overseas.
In 2022 more than 1,200 Ghanaian nurses joined the UK’s nursing register.
This comes as the National Health Service (NHS) increasingly relies on staff from non-EU countries to fill vacancies.
Although the UK says active recruitment in Ghana is not allowed, social media means nurses can easily see the vacancies available in NHS trusts. They can then apply for those jobs directly. Ghana’s dire economic situation acts as a big push factor.
Howard Catton from theInternational Council of Nurses (ICN) is concerned about the scale of the numbers leaving countries like Ghana.
“My sense is that the situation currently is out of control,” he told the BBC.
“We have intense recruitment taking place mainly driven by six or seven high-income countries but with recruitment from countries which are some of the weakest and most vulnerable which can ill-afford to lose their nurses.”
The head of nursing at Greater Accra Regional Hospital, Gifty Aryee, told the BBC her Intensive Care Unit alone had lost 20 nurses to the UK and US in the last six months – with grave implications.
“Care is affected as we are not able to take any more patients. There are delays, and it costs more in mortality – patients die,” she said.
She added that seriously ill patients often had to be held for longer in the emergency department due to the nursing shortages.
One nurse in the hospital estimated that half of those she had graduated with had left the country – and she wanted to join them.
‘All our experienced nurses gone’
The BBC found a similar situation at Cape Coast Municipal Hospital.
The hospital’s deputy head of nursing services, Caroline Agbodza, said she had seen 22 nurses leave for the UK in the last year.
“All our critical care nurses, our experienced nurses, have gone. So we end up having nothing – no experienced staff to work with. Even if the government recruits, we have to go through the pain of training nurses again.”
Smaller clinics are also affected by staff migration because even one nurse leaving a small health centre can have a large knock-on effect.
At Ewim Health Clinic in Cape Coast, one nurse has left their small emergency department and another has left the outpatient unit. Both nurses were experienced and had found jobs in the UK.
The chief doctor there, Dr Justice Arthur, said the effects were enormous.
“Let’s take services like immunisation of children. If we lose public health nurses, then the babies that have to be immunised will not get their immunisation, and we are going to have babies die,” he told the BBC.
He said adult patients would also die if there were not enough nurses to look after them after surgery.
Most of the nurses that the BBC team spoke to wanted to leave Ghana due to the fact they could earn more elsewhere.
At Kwaso healthcare centre near the city of Kumasi, Mercy Asare Afriyie explained that she was hoping to find a job in the UK soon.
“The exodus of nurses is not going to stop because of our poor conditions of service. Our salary is nothing to write home about and in two weeks you spend it. It’s from hand to mouth.”
Ghanaian nurses told the BBC that in the UK they could get more than seven times what they are receiving in Ghana.
Perpetual Ofori-Ampofo from Ghana’s Nurses and Midwives Association said her country’s healthcare system needed more help.
“If you look at the numbers, then it is not ethical for the UK to recruit from Ghana because the number of professional nurses compared to trainee or auxiliary nurses is a problem for us,” she said.
But she added that it was not possible to stop nurses from leaving as migration was a right and that the Ghanaian government needed to do more to persuade them to stay. The health ministry in the capital, Accra, declined to comment.
Fewer nurses in Ghana means that critical care for patients there is being affected, medics say
Ghana is on the World Health Organization’s list of 55 vulnerable countries, which have low numbers of nurses per head of population. The list – dubbed by some as the “red list” – is designed to discourage systematic recruitment in these countries.
The UK government recently gave £15m ($18.6m) to Ghana, Nigeria and Kenya to help boost their healthcare workforces.
But the country is known to be looking at brokering a formal deal with Ghana whereby it might be able to recruit more proactively in return for giving the government there a sum of money per nurse.
It already has a similar agreement with Nepal.
But the ICN’s Mr Catton questioned whether it was enough.
He told the BBC that he believed such deals were “trying to create a veneer of ethical respectability rather than a proper reflection of the true costs to the countries which are losing their nurses”.
The WHO’s Director of Health Workforce, Jim Campbell, explained to the BBC that Brexit had been a factor in the UK turning to African countries for nurses to fill NHS vacancies.
“The labour market is extremely competitive around the world and, having closed off the potential labour market from European freedom of movement, what we’re seeing is the consequences of that in terms of attracting people from the Commonwealth and other jurisdictions.”
The communications officer for the National Democratic Congress’ (NDC), Sammy Gyamfi has stated that he is confident that Gyakye Quayson will emerge victorious at the Assin-North by-election despite Supreme Court’s ruling.
Mr. Quayson’s name was expunged from Parliament as the Member of Parliament for Assin North following a ruling by the Supreme Court in May 2023 because he had dual citizenship.
The Supreme Court ruled that Mr. Quayson was not qualified to contest the 2020 parliamentary elections in the Assin North Constituency at the time he filed his nomination forms on October 9, 2020.
In a statement reacting to the Supreme Court’s full ruling which was released on Monday, Sammy Gyamfi said: “As a discerning and objective Ghanaian, judge for yourself if the Supreme Court’s decision to annul Hon. Quayson’s election is fair or not”.
“In all this, I am glad that the good people of Assin North, in whom sovereignty resides, will have the opportunity to do justice in this matter once and for all, on 27th June 2023. I have no doubt in my mind, having been on the ground and interacted with many of them the past few days, that they will not falter. And that, they will vote for Hon. James GyakyeQuayson. I have no doubt in my mind, that they will vote for justice and genuine development.”
The party maintained that Mr. Quayson’s attempt to renounce his Canadian citizenship was delayed due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Read below Sammy Gyamfi’s write-up
SAMMY GYAMFI ESQ. WRITES ON THE SUPREME COURT’S DECISION ON THE ASSIN NORTH MATTER:
Folks, I have just read the 35-page judgment of the Supreme Court on the Assin North matter:
The following preliminary thoughts come to mind readily:
1. Section 20 (d) of the Representation of the People’s Act (PNDC Law 284) provides that a Parliamentary candidate must be qualified at the time of his ELECTION. Strangely, the Supreme Court of Ghana in their judgment says that, qualification must be at the time of NOMINATION (i.e at the time a candidate files or submits his/her nomination form to the EC).
2. The decision of the Supreme Court to annul Hon. Gyakye Quayson’s election is solely based on the fact that, at the time he submitted his nomination form to the EC on 9th October, 2020, he had not received his certificate of renunciation of his Canadian citizenship and that he received same on 26th November, 2020.
3. Even if we are to go by this strange position of the Supreme Court that qualification must be at the time of NOMINATION and not ELECTION, it is important to remind the Supreme Court that in the Nduom case, they held in effect, that the nomination period for an election, must extend beyond the submission of nomination forms and must include the period the EC uses to scrutinize submitted results, within which the EC is supposed to give candidates a hearing and an opportunity to rectify any anomalies on their nomination form. The nomination period therefore terminates after the EC has scrutinized submitted nomination forms, given candidates a hearing and an opportunity to rectify any anomalies on same and has reached a decision on the validity or otherwise of the nomination of the candidate.
3. In the case of the 2020 Assin North election involving Hon. James Gyakye Quayson, he submitted his nomination form to the EC on 9th October, 2020. However, during the scrutiny of his submitted nomination forms by the EC, a petition challenging the validity of his nomination from an NPP group calling themselves “Concerned Citizens of Assin North” was presented to the EC in Accra, whereupon Hon. Quayson was invited by the Director of Elections of the EC, Dr. Serebour Quaicoo to respond to the issues raised against him on 27th November, 2020. A day before he appeared before the EC at their Headquarters in Accra, that is on 26th November, 2020, Hon. Quayson received his certificate of renunciation of his Canadian citizenship. This is why after investigating the matter, the EC accepted his nomination as valid and cleared him to contest the election on 27th November, 2020 because he had already received his certificate of renunciation a day prior.
4. Note that the election was held on 7th December, 2020. Hon. Quayson applied to renounce his Canadian citizenship in December 2019. But for delays occasioned by COVID-19, he should have gotten his certificate of renunciation not later then June 2020. God being so good, he eventually received his certificate of renunciation on 26th November 2020 as conceded by the Supreme Court. This was 10 clear days before his election. Note that, Section 20(d) of PNDC Law 284 says that qualification must be at the time of ELECTION.
As a discerning and objective Ghanaian, judge for yourself if the Supreme Court’s decision to annul Hon. Quayson’s election is fair or not.
In all this, I am glad that the good people of Assin North in whom sovereignty resides, will have the opportunity to do JUSTICE in this matter once and for all, on 27th June 2023. I have no doubt in my mind, having been on the ground and interacted with many of them the past few days, that they will not falter. And that, they will vote for Hon. James Gyakye Quayson. I have no doubt in my mind, that they will vote for JUSTICE AND GENUINE DEVELOPMENT.
The former Chief Director of the Ministry of Water Resources, Works, and Housing, Alhaji Ziblim Yakubu, has been summoned by the High Court in Accra to appear before the court within 48 hours.
Alhaji Ziblim Yakubu is the third accused person in a case in which he and four others including former ministers – Alhaji Collins Dauda and Dr Kwaku Agyemang-Mensah have been slapped with 70 charges in the Saglemi affordable housing case.
Following the amended charge sheet moved by the State in January this year, Alhaji Ziblim Yakubu through his lawyers has indicated to the court that he had since suffered a “stroke and cannot walk unsupported.”
While Alhaji Collins Dauda, Dr. Kwaku Agyemang-Mensah, also a former Minister for Water Resources, Works and Housing; Andrew Clocanas, Executive Chairman of Construtora OAS Ghana Limited and Nouvi Tetteh Angelo, Chief Executive Officer and owner of Ridge Management Solutions Ghana Limited had their plea taken last week, the sick Alhaji Ziblim Yakubu was absent.
Hearing arguments from lawyers of the third accused person led by Godwin Edudzie Tamakloe and the prosecution led by Hilda Craig, a Principal State Attorney, the court ordered him to appear for at least his plea to be taken on the charges.
“I Order the third accused (Alhaji Ziblim Yakubu) to appear before this Court on Wednesday, June 7, 2023 (within 48hrs) at 12:30 pm for his plea to be taken.”
The court said, after the taking of his plea, the court will put him to the election of how he can be permitted to defend himself before the court in his present situation.
Arguments
Addressing the court on the absence of the third accused person, Lawyer Tamakloe said, his client was put before the High Court differently constituted and the (previous) charges read to him and pleaded not guilty to all the charges.
Counsel argued that he was then granted bail and the same orders were duly executed and that the 3rd accused was also attending the court “until he suffered a stroke.”
Counsel said, “We have variously brought to the attention of the court and his medical reports.”
He argued that, be that it is not the willful decision of the third accused to be absent in court, “we will pray the court to the fact that based on the medical reports before this court, to permit the third accused some time for the purpose of recovery from the stroke.”
“We also want to pray if the court can make other facilities available to the third accused either by way of video conference in the Tamale or Yendi Office of theAttorney General so that he can duly participate in the proceedings of this court,” Counsel prayed the court.
He intimated that “In making that prayer, I am minded to say that in this era of technology, it should be possible for this court to make an order so that the Republic through the Attorney General in Yendi or Tamale will make such facility available to the third accused.”
Counsel argued that “In view of the fact that the fair trial rule requires the trial to be conducted in the presence of the accused, I submit that the video conferencing facility will achieve the same aim of the constitutional provision that the trial be done in his presence.”
“With the video conferencing facilities the plea of the third accused can also be taken in respect of the specific charges that relate to him,” counsel argued.
Counsel said, “Because of the difficulties in transporting him (third accused) that’s why we pray the court to consider technology.”
Prosecution
Hilda Craig, a Principal State Attorney argued that the accused person in question (Third Accused) was present in court when the plea was first taken before another court and “he was regular until the unfortunate happened as counsel has informed the court.”
She said counsel for the third accused person has been presenting medical reports indicating the Medical condition of the accused person.
“Subsequently, when the charge sheet was substituted the accused person was not present for his plea to be taken and we indicated to the court then that the medical reports that they kept presenting had a “particular line” running through them.
In the particular line, she said all of them stated that “he (third accused) was put on specialist medication and responding to treatment however he still finds it difficult to walk unsupported.”
“We indicated to the court that the word ‘unsupported’ means he can be supported by the court for at least his plea to be taken,” the Principal State Attorney Stated.
“All the prosecution is saying is that without him being present and his plea taken and because he has the bulk of the charges the case would be scattered if not.”
On the issue of technology raised by Defence counsel, the Principal State Attorney said, “We have spoken about the issue of technology, but we were unable to and in our Office in Tamale and the Tamale High Court, we don’t have and it would be difficult for us to have him tried under video conferencing in Tamale court.”
While pointing to Article 19(2)(f) of the 1992 Constitution, she said “We are saying he should come for his plea to be taken and then when he cannot be in court his lawyer will do all that matters him adequately.”
She said all that Prosecution is asking was that the court makes orders for the third accused to be present in court for his plea to be taken.
By court
His Lordship Justice Ernest Owusu-Dapaah, a Justice of the Court of Appeal sitting as an additional High Court judge after listening to the parties said both the Defence and prosecution in their arguments failed to point to a single precedent of an accused whose plea had to be taken via video conferencing.
He said the court has to exercise discretion judiciously and that no accused person is “inferior or superior” to the other.
The court said it is only “death that will practically prevent” an accused from standing trial or where an accused is “mentality unsound.”
The court said the third accused who is facing most of the 70 counts whether separately or jointly has not pleaded to the 70 counts yet.
Justice Owusu-Dapaah said, embarking on a separate trial without the third accused will create or result in unnecessary complications of evidence and cause “embarrassment to the rest” of the accused persons without the third accused.
The Court said, it has taken judicial notice and the fact that the prosecution does not have reliable internet facilities to enable the accused to give evidence in the comfort of his house or the Tamale Court or the hospital facility, he ought to appear before the court within 48 hours to respond to the charges.
The case has since been adjourned to June 7, 2023, for the third accused to appear to respond to the charges.
Background
Alhaji Collins Dauda, the former Minister for Water Resources, Works and Housing and four others have been slapped with 70 charges of causing financial loss to the state over the Saglemi Affordable Housing project.
The amended charge sheet replaced the previous 52 charges pressed against them in July 2021.
Alhaji Collins Dauda, together with Dr. Kwaku Agyemang-Mensah, a former Minister for Water Resources, Works and Housing; Alhaji Ziblim Yakubu, Chief Director at the Ministry for Water Resources, Works and Housing, contributed to the Saglemi Housing deal when it was prepared and signed.
Also playing part is businessman Andrew Clocanas, Executive Chairman of Construtora OAS Ghana Limited and Nouvi Tetteh Angelo, Chief Executive Officer and owner of Ridge Management Solutions Ghana Limited. In court on Tuesday, January 24, Hilda Craig, a Principal State Attorney told the Criminal Division of the Accra High Court that they have filed fresh charges on Tuesday morning.
The charges include intentionally misapplying public property and causing financial loss to the state.
While Alhaji Collins Dauda and three others were present Alhaji Zeblim Yakutia, the third accused was absent and he was said to be unwell per the medical report to the court.
Alhaji Collins Dauda, a former Minister of Water Resources, Works and Housing who doubles as NDC MP for Asutifi South in the Ahafo Region, and four others are involved in the $200 million Saglemi Housing Project scandal.
National Communication Officer for the National Democratic Congress (NDC) has accused President Akufo-Addo of orchestrating Domelevo’s removal over an alleged illegal payment made by Yaw Osafo Maafo to Kroll and Associates Limited, a UK firm.
“If Domelevo was still in office as Attorney General, Kroll will not have gone on that $1 billion… That Kroll matter was what precipitated the dismissal of Yao Domelevo.
“Because he had the courage to fight against corruption to the very doorstep of the president by indicting the president’s closest associate and senior minister, Osafo Maafo, for illegally paying $1 million,” he said.
Sammy Gyamfi also said that the Osafo Maafo only won a suit he filed against the former AG because he (Domelevo) was fired.
“What led to the court decision? It was after he indicted Osafo Maafo and Osafo Maafo went to the court and then before the court could pronounce on the matter, Domelevo was sacked.
“One day after he was sacked from Office and Mr Asiedu was asked to act on his behalf. Asiedu then writes a letter to the Supreme Court that he is satisfied with the work that Kroll has done,” he said.
Background:
Before President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo asked Domelevo to proceed on leave in 2020, he surcharged Yaw Osafo-Maafo for alleged financial infractions he had committed.
Domelevo claimed that the current Senior Advisor to the President, Osafo-Maafo, when he was Senior Minister, colluded with the Finance Ministry to pay UK firm, Kroll and Associates Limited, US$1 million for no evidence of work done.
However, the acting Auditor-General(A-G), Johnson Akuamoah Asiedu, a day after Daniel Domelevo began his 167 days ‘forced’ leave, cleared Osafo-Maafo of any wrongdoing.
The Volta Regional Health Directorate of Ghana Health Service(GHS) has denounced rumors regarding an outbreak of AIDS/HIV at the Ho Technical University.
The story first reported by a blog claimed that over 400 students have tested positive and have been asked to go home. Various social media actors shared and quoted the unverified report without conducting proper due diligence.
But the Regional Health Directorate has unequivocally declared the publication to be false and unfounded, urging the public to disregard it.
According to the Volta Regional Health Directorate, a comprehensive review of HIV testing data from health facilities in the Ho Municipality and the entire Volta Region revealed no increase in recorded HIV cases within any facility or the region as a whole.
They emphasized that there had been no surge of HIV cases at Ho Technical University or any other tertiary institution in the Volta Region.
Below is the full statement
FALSE REPORTAGE ON THE HIV INCIDENCE IN THE HO TECHNICAL UNIVERSITY
The attention of the Volta Regional Health Directorate has been drawn to an online publication by an unverified and unknown news portal ‘ajnewonline.com’ with the headline “Hookup Trend Leads to HIV Outbreak at Ho Technical University: Over 400 students suspected positive”.
The publication has subsequently been quoted by various social media actors without any form of due diligence.
The Regional Health Directorate by this release is informing the public to disregard the said publication since it is false and unfounded.
A review of the HIV testing data in all the health facilities in the Ho Municipality and the rest of the Volta Region does not suggest an increase in recordedHIVcases within any facility or the Region as a whole. For the avoidance of doubt, the region states emphatically that there has not been a surge of HIV cases in the Ho Technical University or any other tertiary institution in the Volta Region.
The Volta Regional Health Directorate and its partners have over the period successfully implemented several strategies to fight HIV/AIDS. These strategies seek to reduce new infections by 85% and eliminate mother-to-child transmission.
The Region however encourages its inhabitants to avoid stigmatization and fully lend themselves to the disease awareness campaigns and tailor-made services that meet their specific needs so as to consolidate the gains made in HIV prevention, testing, and treatment. HIV services are available in all private and public health facilities in the Volta Region.
The public is assured that their right to privacy and confidentiality will always be upheld as is the case in all disease conditions.
In conclusion, let us take note that HIV is still real, and all must endeavor to live positively through sexual abstinence or by both uninfected partners being faithful to each other, and by the consistent use of condoms.
For a better future for Ghana, John Mahama has implored leaders to take inspiration from the events of June 4.
In a Facebook post on Sunday June 4, 2023, the former President stated that it is regrettable that the fight for justice and accountability resulted in the loss of lives.
“Forty-four years ago today, our nation was gripped by a conflagration- triggered by a fight for justice and accountability. Regrettably, lives were lost.
“We honour the memory of all who were involved in the catastrophic events of June 4, 1979. Their sacrifices paved the way for the democracy and constitutional governance we enjoy today,” M. Mahama stated.
He continued: “June 4 birthed the principles of probity and accountability. The events of that uprising must spur those of us in positions of leadership today to work selflessly and tirelessly towards a brighter future forGhana and uphold the legacy of those who came before us.
“Let us commemorate this important day with utmost respect and gratitude.”
The One Cedi and Twenty Pesewas (GHS 1.20p) per student offered by the government, according to the School Feeding Caterers, is insufficient to prepare nutrient-balanced meals for students in basic schools.
A leader of the caterers, Dorothy Ofori Sarpong speaking to the media revealed that the government took a unilateral decision to pay the paltry sum of One cedi and twenty pesewas, which shows the government’s blatant disrespect for the caterers and lack of value for their service.
“The minister never engaged anybody ever since we started this fight. Nobody has engaged us so she shouldn’t say so. Because we said that this Wednesday we are going to embark on a naked demonstration to the presidency and that is why I also believe that the World Bank country director also threatened that they are going to withdraw their grant because there is no transparency in the school feeding payment. That is why she rushed to come and say that thing’ she lamented.
Madam Ofori Sarpong emphasised that the one cedi and twenty pesewas per student is inadequate and will not be possible to cook a well-balanced diet for the students.
“You just propose one cedi twenty pesewas without consulting the caterers. How are we going to use one cedi twenty pesewas to cook a good meal for the children? It can’t be possible. We are just waiting for them (Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection) to come. They don’t respect us, they just want to push things on us. This one cedi twenty pesewas? We cannot cook with it” she stressed.
The leader of the caterers told 3FM that some of their members are battling with debt to the extent that they have fled their homes because they are being chased by their creditors.
“It is sad. It is collapsing homes. I have one woman around me, she has gone blind because she couldn’t get any money to buy medicine. Another woman has died because of the pressure. With this school feeding thing if we don’t find something else doing, we will all die” he bemoaned.
Meanwhile, the caterers who had initially requested thegovernment to increase the fee from GH¢1 (97 pesewas) to Three Cedis and Fifty Pesewas (GH¢3.50) per student have mentioned that they are willing to manage with Two Cedis for the sake of the school children, but the delayed payment should cease.
The minister of lands and natural resources,Samuel Abdulai Jinapor, has led a government delegation to Obuasi to meet with different stakeholders and discuss solutions to the problem of unauthorized mining in the area.
The minister’s visit to the mining town comes a week after some illegal miners invaded Anglogold Ashanti Obuasi Mine’s concession and got trapped in the mine shaft.
Seventy-nine illegal miners who used the exit were subsequently arrested. Sixteen others who later attempted to invade Anglogold’s concession were also arrested.
The incident has created tension between community members and Anglogold Ashanti.
As part of efforts to better understand the issues, the Minister of Lands and Natural Resources held a closed-door meeting with the Obuasi Municipal Assembly and the Obuasi East District Assembly.
He also held separate meetings with traditional leaders under the Adansi Traditional Council and the management of Anglogold Ashanti Obuasi Mine.
During his preliminary remarks at the meeting with the management of Anglogold, Mr. Jinapor assured the company of the government’s commitment to ensuring that the mine achieves its goals.
The minister also visited the mining sites of the mining company.
He will later meet with small-scale miners in the area to hear their concerns.
The University of Education (UEW), Winnebahas strongly criticized the statement made by the Concerned Staff group, deeming it distasteful and unacceptable.
The group’s demand for the removal of Governing Council Chairman, Nana Ofori Ansah I, is described as unsavory and reprehensible by the university.
The Convener for the Concerned Staff of UEW, Professor George Kankam Senior, accused the Governing Council Chairman of blatantly going against the tenets of the university.
Professor Kankam claimed that Nana Ofori Ansah I has been dabbling in double standards by attempting to nominate someone who was not shortlisted for the position of vice-chancellor.
But the UEW in a statement described the claims by the group “as a diversionary tactic to coerce the Chairman to submit to their whims and caprices, however inimical it may be to achieving the mission and vision of the university.”
“Contrary to the impression that there is heightened tension at UEW and that the community is tipping towards a state of chaos, we wish to state unequivocally that there is absolute peace on campus with students, faculty, and other stakeholders going about their normal business.
“In fact, workers feel a renewed sense of energy and purpose in pursuing the mission and vision of the university. It is trite knowledge that this resurgent working environment at UEW has to a great extent come from the Council’s wisdom, under the leadership of Nana Ofori Ansah I, to constitute a reconciliation committee to hear aggrieved persons and the subsequent implementation of the committee’s recommendations.”
Below is the full statement by UEW
RE: STATEMENT BY CONCERNED STAFF OF THE UNIVERSITY OF EDUCATION, WINNEBA (UEW)
A statement by certain concerned staff of UEW signed by Prof. George Kankam, which he later followed up with an interview on Eyewitness News of Citi FM on Thursday, 1st June, 2023, in connection with the above-mentioned subject, has come to our attention.
The contents of the release are unsavoury, unfortunate, reprehensible, and targeted at running down the reputation and the relentless effort of the Council Chairman in his leadership to bring lasting peace to UEW.
Since his assumption of office in August 2021, the Chairman, apart from the numerous responsibilities of his office, which he has efficiently delivered, has been pivotal in unifying the various factions of UEW to advance the mission and vision of the university.
We view the statement as a diversionary tactic to coerce the Chairman to submit to their whims and caprices, however inimical it may be to achieving the mission and vision of the university. Be that as it may, we wish to respond as follows:
1. Contrary to the impression that there is heightened tension at UEW and that the community is tipping towards a state of chaos, we wish to state unequivocally that there is absolute peace on campus with students, faculty, and other stakeholders going about their normal business.
In fact, workers feel a renewed sense of energy and purpose in pursuing the mission and vision of the university. It is trite knowledge that this resurgent working environment at UEW has to a great extent come from the Council’s wisdom, under the leadership of Nana Ofori Ansah I, to constitute a reconciliation committee to hear aggrieved persons and the subsequent implementation of the committee’s recommendations. This fact can be verified by any media outlet interested in reporting the truth.
2. It is important to stress that the said 2021 Search Committee’s report was never received or tabled before Council at any point. The Chairman of the Council, therefore, has no idea where the said report is, let alone its contents.
Given the situation, how could the Council Chair accept or assume liability for the implementation of a report that he hasn’t seen or has any idea of its whereabouts? Critically, the said report was meant to look for a qualified candidate for appointment as Vice-Chancellor to assume office from 1st October 2021 (i.e. replacement for Prof. Afful-Broni), but as rightly pointed out by Prof. Kankam, an injunction was placed on the university, thus curtailing the then existing opportunity to consider the said report. With the reinstatement of Prof. Avoke, the report in question became moot, necessitating a new process to find the successor to Prof. Avoke, effective October 1, 2023.
3. On the allegations relative to the appointment of a new Chancellor, it is worthy of note that Council established a Search Committee in accordance with the UEW 2020 Statutes to find the new Chancellor. It was up to the Committee to do its work. We must stress that neither the Chairman nor the Council ever interfered with the Committee’s work.
The Search Committee alone made the decision to extend the deadline. It is also important to note that, contrary to the claim that the ultimate person appointed as Chancellor was not shortlisted, the Search Committee’s report presented to the Governing Council indicates that the now-appointed Chancellor was duly shortlisted.
4. It is a complete fabrication to claim that the Council Chairman introduced Prof. Mitchual as the incoming Vice-Chancellor to the President of the Republic of Ghana. To be clear, no one has been introduced by the Chairman anywhere as the next Vice-Chancellor.
5. The assertion that, barely seven months into his tenure, the local branches of the University Teachers Association of Ghana (UTAG) and the Ghana Association of University Administrators (GAUA) issued a joint press statement calling on the appointing authorities to withdraw Nana Ofori Ansah I’s appointment as the Chairman of the Governing Council falls flat in the face.
The key is that the said statement was discredited as unilateral, and as a result, the authors of the said statement have since retracted and apologised unreservedly to Nana Ofori Ansah I. One is therefore at a loss as to why that statement can be used as the basis to lay claim to anything.
6. The allegation that the Council Chairman disregarded statutes and established procedures, for instance, in the appointment of the Chancellor for the university, is a red herring relative to UEW 2020 Statute Four (4), which provides for the appointment of a Chancellor.
The provisions of UEW 2020 Statute Four were accorded full legal effect. It would, therefore, have been better for appreciation if the specific provision(s) breached were stated. In the absence of the aforementioned, it is our considered view that the frivolous claim should be disregarded with the contempt it deserves.
7. Over the years, the university has always assigned a vehicle to the Council Chairman’s office for official engagements. The vehicle is kept in Winneba and released as and when necessary.
8. It is impossible and inappropriate to compare the circumstances surrounding the appointment of a vice-chancellor at UEW to those at the University of Ghana. The University of Ghana did not wake up one day to find a rightfully appointed officer thrown out of office because of the selfish and wicked agenda of some individuals.
So situations or challenges that may appear similar may have different underlying causes and therefore require different approaches to resolving them. It was very ingenious on the part of a professor of his calibre to comfortably make such a blind comparison.
9. Ironically, Prof. Kankam is on a post-retirement contract and acted as the Dean of the School of Graduate Studies for at least three years under Prof. Afful-Broni, contrary to statutory provision. Isn’t it also interesting that he claims to represent convocation on the search party when the statutes make no provision for convocation representation but rather academic board representation? In any case, why go to town with the details of a search party report when the Council is not apprised of its details?
10. It must be indicated that Prof. Kankam is known to spew lies. About two weeks ago, he wrote to the Chairman alleging the award of two contracts at the university at the cost of GHS100 million each to “pre-determined National Democratic Congress (NDC) contractors and asking the Chairman to give the said contracts to New Patriotic Party (NPP) contractors” when, in actual fact, it was an open advertisement in the national dailies for pre-qualification (expression of interests).
He has for some time made unsuccessful overtures to win favours from the chairman, hence his hatred for the Chairman and the subsequent spewing of lies. His actions come from none other than a frustrated and mischievous retiree (pensioner) who is desperately seeking an extension of his post-retirement contract and does not see his way clear.
On the basis of the aforementioned information, we implore the general public to treat his press statement and subsequent interview with the disdain they merit.
In the early hours of Sunday, June 4, 2023, an unidentified assailants are said to have lynched a suspected thief in his late 40s in Bibiani, the administrative center of the Bibiani Anhwiaso Bekwai Municipality in the Western North Region.
According to an eyewitness, the lifeless body of the man was found between Whenampori and Nantwikumye off the Bibiani-Bekwai road.
Residents of Bibiani and its surrounding communities say robbery cases and theft have become a major problem, as people are victimized on a regular basis, but no arrests have been made by the security agencies.
Citi News was informed that some residents who rushed to the scene told the media that the deceased’s motionless body was found between Hwenampori andNantwikumye at daybreak.
They described the killing as good news, as thieves have been terrorizing them, and they threatened that any thief caught would suffer the same fate.
Assemblyman for Hwenampori Electoral Area, Adam Smith, explained in a media interview that the lynching would serve as a deterrent to other thieves, adding that the deceased, who is allegedly from Abuakwa in theAshanti Region, had been arrested in the area on a similar crime once before.
“A year ago, a suspected thief was caught, so the lynching will serve as a deterrent to other thieves who might want to come to this area. People work hard to buy things for their homes, and then thieves come and steal them. We learned that he was from Abuakwa in the Ashanti Region and came here to steal. Anyone caught stealing will be punished. I am warning all thieves that if you dare come here, you will not return. We are appealing to the youth to work hard to earn a living and to stop stealing,” he urged.
Confirming that he had instructed the youth to kill any thief they caught in the area, Adam Smith further advised the youth to work hard to earn a living.
The police have since taken the deceased’s body to the Bibiani Government Hospital.
Tamale District Court has granted bail to 21 suspects detained in Lukula’s renewed communal clash, located in theDaboya district of the Savannah Region.
On Friday, June 2, police arrested 118 people in connection with a clash believed to stem from land disputes in Lukula.
The suspects were taken to the Northern Regional Police Command for screening. After the screening, 87 of the suspects were released.
The remaining 21 suspects were remanded in police custody and appeared in court today, Monday, June 5, 2023.
They were charged with four counts: conspiracy to commit a crime, rioting with weapons, causing unlawful damage, and conspiracy to commit a crime to wit causing unlawful damage.
The defense lawyer requested bail for the suspects pending trial.
The presiding judge, His Worship Amadu Issifu, granted the bail request in the sum of GH¢6,000 each, with one surety to be justified.
In the early 1970s, as Uganda was undergoing significant political changes, an extraordinary correspondence took place between the late Queen Elizabeth II and the notorious Ugandan dictator, Idi Amin.
This article delves into the details of their interaction, shedding light on the nature of diplomatic relations and the political climate of the time.
The rise of Idi Amin
Idi Amin, born in 1925, began his career in the British Colonial Army and steadily rose through the ranks before seizing power in a military coup in 1971. His regime, which lasted from 1971 to 1979, was characterized by widespread human rights abuses, political repression, and ethnic persecution. It is estimated that during his rule, Amin was responsible for the deaths of up to 500,000 people, many of whom were targeted for their political affiliations or ethnic backgrounds.
The Queen’s initial correspondence with Idi Amin
In January 1972, Idi Amin sent a letter to Queen Elizabeth II, inviting her to attend the celebrations marking the tenth anniversary of Ugandan independence in October of that year. The letter expressed Amin’s admiration for the Queen and his desire to strengthen ties between their two countries.
In response, the Queen sent a polite but non-committal letter, expressing her gratitude for the invitation but regretting that her existing commitments would prevent her from attending the event. The Queen signed off her letter with the customary phrase, “I am your good friend, Elizabeth R.”
This initial correspondence between the Queen and the Ugandan dictator took place before the full extent of Amin’s atrocities had come to light, and it is unlikely that the Queen was aware of the true nature of his regime at the time.
The evolving relationship between the Queen and Idi Amin
As the year progressed, news of the atrocities committed by Amin’s regime began to circulate, and the international community became increasingly aware of the brutal nature of his rule. This included theQueen, who was reportedly horrified by the reports of widespread human rights abuses in Uganda.
In August 1972, Amin ordered the expulsion of Uganda’s Asian community, which comprised a significant proportion of the country’s business and professional class. Many of the expelled Asians held British passports, and the crisis strained relations between the United Kingdom and Uganda.
The Queen’s reluctance to send a message to Uganda
In light of these events, the Queen was reportedly hesitant to send a message to Uganda for its Independence Day celebrations in October 1972. However, she was advised by the Foreign Office that a failure to do so might prompt Amin to take retaliatory measures against British citizens living in Uganda.
In the end, the Queen sent a brief message, expressing her good wishes to the people of Uganda but making no mention of Amin himself. This was seen as a diplomatic move to protect British interests without endorsing the Ugandan dictator.
The impact of the Queen’s correspondence on Idi Amin
It is unclear what impact the Queen’s correspondence had on Idi Amin. Some sources suggest that he was initially thrilled by the attention from the British monarch, but his opinion of her may have soured after she declined his invitation and sent only a subdued message for Uganda’s Independence Day.
In any case, Amin’s regime continued its brutal course, and the relationship between the United Kingdom and Uganda remained tense throughout his rule.
The fall of Idi Amin and the aftermath
Idi Amin’s regime finally came to an end in 1979 when he was overthrown by Tanzanian forces and Ugandan exiles. He fled to Libya and later to Saudi Arabia, where he lived in exile until his death in 2003.
In the years following Amin’s rule, Uganda has made significant strides in rebuilding its political and economic systems, and relations with the United Kingdom have gradually improved. However, the legacy of Amin’s brutal regime continues to cast a shadow over the country’s history.
Lessons from the Queen’s correspondence with Idi Amin
The correspondence between the Queen and Idi Amin offers important insights into the complexities of diplomacy and the challenges faced by world leaders in navigating relationships with controversial figures.
It serves as a reminder that even well-intentioned gestures can sometimes be misconstrued or exploited for political gain, and that maintaining a balance between upholding moral principles and protecting national interests can be a difficult and delicate task.
The role of the monarchy in diplomacy
The British monarchy has long played a role in diplomacy, both formal and informal. While the Queen’s correspondence with Idi Amin is an example of a more formal diplomatic exchange, there are countless instances of the royal family engaging in less formal diplomacy.
For example, through personal relationships, charitable work, and cultural exchanges, the British royals have often served as goodwill ambassadors and helped to promote understanding and cooperation between nations.
The balance of power in diplomatic relationships
The Queen’s interactions with Idi Amin also highlight the delicate balance of power that often exists in diplomatic relationships. While the Queen was undoubtedly a figure of great influence and international prestige, her ability to directly affect the actions of a foreign leader like Amin was limited.
This underscores the importance of international cooperation and multilateral efforts to address issues such as human rights abuses and political repression, as no single nation or individual can effectively tackle such challenges alone.
The correspondence between the late Queen Elizabeth II and Idi Amin serves as a fascinating case study in the complexities of diplomacy and the challenges faced by world leaders in navigating relationships with controversial figures.
Queen Elizabeth II and Idi Amin
While the Queen’s initial engagement with Amin may have been well-intentioned, the subsequent revelations of his brutal regime and the impact on British citizens in Uganda forced her to adopt a more cautious and measured approach.
Ultimately, the Queen’s interactions with Amin serve as a reminder of the delicate balance of power in diplomatic relationships and the importance of international cooperation in addressing global challenges.
Parliamentto deliberate on financial bills, including the Revenue Administration Regulations, 2023, as it resumes on Tuesday, June 6.
The other Bills are the Customs (Amendment) Act, Income Tax (Amendment) Regulations, VAT (Amendment) Regulations, and the Insurance Regulations, 2023.
These were revealed by the Member of Parliament for Nsawam Adoagyiri and Majority Chief Whip, Frank Annoh-Dompreh on his Twitter page.
Members of Parliament will return to Parliament on June 6, 2023, after going on recess on March 31.
The Speaker of Parliament,Alban Sumana Bagbin in a statement recalling the MPs for the Second Meeting of the Third Session of the Eighth Parliament said the House will commence proceedings at 10:00 am.
Parliament adjourned sine die for the Easter festivities in March 2023 after passing the controversial three revenue bills presented to the House by the government seeking to boost domestic revenue mobilization.
The New Patriotic Party(NPP) has flatly denied being involved in the alleged scheme to fraudulently add the name of an ineligible candidate of the party to the Assin North Voters Register.
According to the NPP, it is yet to hold primaries in the Assin North Constituency to select its parliamentary candidate for the upcoming by-election. Therefore, it is unfounded for the NDC to claim that the NPP has already chosen a candidate and is conspiring with the Electoral Commission to transfer the voter.
The NPP in a statement, highlighted that both of its candidates, who have filed to contest in the by-election, meet the constitutional requirements. The party added that both candidates are registered voters and have resided in the Assin North Constituency for the minimum period of five years as required by the constitution.
“The NPP has no Parliamentary Candidate for Assin North. As publicly advertised, the Party is yet to hold Parliamentary Primaries in the Assin North Constituency to elect the Party’s Parliamentary Candidate for the by-election.3
“It therefore beggars belief how the NDC is able to determine our Parliamentary Candidate ahead of time and to suggest that we are plotting with the EC to illegally insert his name in the Assin North register.”
THE NEW PATRIOTIC PARTY IS NOT SEEKING TO TRANSFER ANY VOTER TO ASSIN NORTII VOTERS REGISTER, IGNORE THE NDC’S BASELESS CLAIMS
The New Patriotic Party (NPP) has taken notice of a press statement issued by the National Democratic Congress (NDC), on June 4, 2023, signed by the party’s National Communications Officer, Sammy Gyamfi, alleging that the NPP “is in cahoots with their collaborators in the Electoral Commission to transfer and insert the name of one Charles Opoku, into the Voters Register of the Assin North Constituency.
True to their character, the NDC’s statement is replete with spurious claims and baseless allegations intended to mislead the Ghanaian public and, unsurprisingly, prepare the ground for them to reject their imminent embarrassing defeat in the Assin North by-election.
For the avoidance of doubt, the NPP wishes to, by this statement. set the records straight by responding as follows:
I. The NPP emphatically debunks the allegations that the Party “is in a plot to illegally insert the name of an unqualified NPP Parliament, Candidate into the Assin North Register.
Over the years, the NPP has worked hard to maintain its enviable position as the pacesetter of multiparty democracy in Ghana, which includes the strengthening of independent democratic institutions of the State like the Electoral Commission.
As such, we cannot be the Party that would engage in any acts that would jeopardize the nation’s democratic gains.
2. The NPP has no Parliamentary Candidate for Assin North. As publicly advertised, the Party is yet to hold Parliamentary Primaries in the Assin North Constituency to elect the Party’s Parliamentary Candidate for the by-election.
It therefore beggars belief how the NDC is able to determine our Parliamentary Candidate ahead of time and to suggest that we are plotting with the EC to illegally insert his name in the Assin North register.
3. Since the NDC is deficient in their appreciation of Ghana’s electoral laws, we wish to give them some education on the relevant aspects of the Law. “Their claim that the NPP is seeking to transfer the name of a registered voter to the Assin North register to qualify him to contest in the parliamentary by-election actually’ betrays the NDC’s appreciation of Article 94(1)(a) of the 1992 Constitution. Article 94(1)(a) does not require a parliamentary candidate to be registered in the constituency they wish to contest to be viable.
4. The Constitution only requires that a candidate be a registered voter, it does not matter where they are registered. The Constitution also requires a Candidate to hail from the Constituency he is seeking to contest. The two Candidates who have filed to contest on the ticket in the by-election hail from Assin North and have both resided in that Constituency beyond the minimum period of five years required by the Constitution.
5. It is in accordance with this that the Electoral Commission of Ghana only requires a Parliamentary Candidate to make a Statutory Declaration to the effect that he/she is a registered voter simplicita. This can be seen under Part IV of the Parliamentary Nominations Form -2023, which was made available by the EC for aspiring Parliamentary Candidates in the by-election.
6. Unlike them we are focused on selecting a qualified and capable candidate, one who carries no legal baggage like the NDC’s Mr. James Gyakye Quayson to represent the good people of Assin North.
7. The NPP wishes to assure Ghanaians, particularly the people of Assin North that it is committed to upholding and defending the 1992 Constitution.
The private newspaper Daily Guide, owned by the former National Chairman of theNew Patriotic Party(NPP) and current Board Chairman of the Ghana National Petroleum Corporation, has issued a retraction for a story titled “NAPO Celebrates Birthday in Monaco.”
The paper has thus proceeded to apologize to Energy Minister and MP for Manhyia South, Dr. Matthew Opoku Prempeh for same.
Lawyer for the Minister, Nana Agyei Baffour in a letter dated 1st June 2023 demanded an apology and retraction of the false allegations made against the Minister failure for which legal remedies were going to be instituted against the media house.
This was after spokesperson for the Minister had also in a statement debunked the story, describing it as unintelligent and a complete fabrication.
Daily Guide in a publication on page 12 of its June 2, 2023 edition, retracted and apologized to the Minister.
“Upon a careful examination, we discovered that our initial full report contained factual inaccuracies,” the statement said.
It also said, “We appreciate the need for accuracy and as such extend our apologies for the earlier misreport”.
“We hereby retract the story and apologize for any inconvenience the publication might have caused,” it concluded.
Holly Willoughby tearfully returns to This Morning, expressing feelings of being shaken, troubled, and let down byPhillip Schofield‘s deception regarding his affair with a younger colleague on the show.
The star, 42, hugged co-host Josie Gibson and held her hand as she said it ‘feels very strange indeed’ to be on the show without Schofield.
But in a brutal put down for Schofield, 61, she said that the This Morning team ‘gave our love and support to someone who was not telling the truth’. She referenced his young lover, who has left ITV and was last seen working in a pub, saying she was ‘worried for the wellbeing of people on all sides of what’s been going on’.
She also confirmed that she wanted to stay on the show amid rumours that her role could be under threat.
‘I hope that as we start this new chapter and get back to a place of warmth and magic that this show holds for all of us, we can find strength in each other. And from my heart, can I just say thank you for all of your kind messages and thank you for being here this morning,’ she said.
‘Myself, Josie, Dermot (O’Leary), Alison (Hammond), Craig (Doyle), and every single person that works on this show will continue to work hard every single day to bring you that, this show that we love,’ she added.
The Electoral Commission(EC) has denied allegations made by the National Communications Officer of the NDC, Sammy Gyamfi,about a supposed collusion between the New Patriotic Party (NPP) and the Commission.
The claims suggest an attempt to include the name of an unqualified NPP parliamentary candidate in the Assin North voters’ register.
The EC in a statement categorically denied these claims and asserted that it has not received any such request from the NPP to transfer any person’s vote.
According to the EC, Article 94 of the 1992 Constitution states that a person does not need to be a registered voter in a specific constituency to be eligible to contest an election there. Simply being a Ghanaian, 21 years or older, of sound mind, and a registered voter is sufficient.
However, if a person wishes to contest in a constituency where they do not hail from, they must be ordinarily resident there or have resided there for at least five years out of the previous ten years.
Sammy Gyamfi in a statement on Sunday said: “The National Democratic Congress has become aware of a plot by the ruling New Patriotic Party, acting in cahoots with their collaborators in the Electoral Commission to transfer and insert the name of one Charles Opoku, into the Voters Register of the Assin North constituency. This illegal move is to aid the said Charles Opoku to contest in the NPP Parliamentary primaries to select a candidate for the upcoming Assin North by-election”.
“Our unimpeachable sources have revealed that contrary to the clear requirement on the nomination form for the Assin North by-election, which demands that a candidate in the election must be a registered voter in Assin North, the said Charles Opoku is not a registered voter in the Assin North Constituency”.
But the Electoral Commission insisted that the allegations are baseless and aimed at maligning the integrity of the EC.
The EC emphasized that being a registered voter in a constituency is not a prerequisite for contesting elections there.
It reiterated its commitment to transparency, fairness, and integrity in all its operations. It asserted that the current Commission has been the most transparent and accountable, carrying out its duties in accordance with the Constitution.
The EC further criticized the NDC for continuously making unsubstantiated allegations against state institutions like them, which only serve to weaken and undermine Ghana’s democracy.
The Electoral Commission urged Ghanaians to trust in their ability to conduct credible elections and assured them that they will continue to uphold transparency and deliver fair and impartial electoral processes.
Below is the full statement by the EC
RE: NPP AND THE ELECTORAL COMMISSION IN A PLOT TO ILLEGALLY INSERT THE NAME OF AN UNQUALIFIED NPP PARLIAMENTARY CANDIDATE INTO THE ASSIN NORTH VOTERS’ REGISTER
The Electoral Commission’s attention has been drawn to a misleading press statement attributed to the National Communications Officer of the NDC alleging collaboration between the NPP and the EC for the purpose of transferring the vote of one Charles Opoku to the Assin North Constituency to enable him to contest the upcoming by-election in the said constituency.
We wish to state that this is not true.
For the records, the EC has not received any such request from the NPP to transfer the votes of any person. This allegation is false and a figment of the author’s imagination. As usual, it is aimed at maligning the integrity of the Electoral Commission.
Per Article 94 of the 1992 Constitution, a person does not need to be a registered voter in a particular constituency to enable him/ her to contest an election in that constituency.
Per the Constitution, simply hailing from a constituency entitles a person to contest an election in that constituency so long as the person is
A Ghanaian
Twenty-one years and above
Of sound mind
And a registered voter
In the event that a person who wishes to contest in a particular constituency does not hail from that constituency, that person will be eligible to contest if he/she is ordinarily resident in that constituency or has been a resident there for a total period of not less than five years out of the ten years immediately preceding the election for which he/she stands.
We make this point to buttress the fact that a person who hails from a constituency per the Constitution need not be a registered voter in the constituency he /she wishes to contest in. Simply hailing from there is enough.
As such there is no reason to engage in transfers as alleged by the NDC Communications Officer.
It is a well-known fact that the current Commission has been the most transparent and accountable in its operations. The Commission has carried out its mandate in strict consonance with the Constitution.
To date, the NDC has not proved a single allegation they have made against the EC.
The continuous maligning of state institutions such as the EC by the NDC only weakens and undermines our democracy.
The EC will continue to uphold transparency, fairness, and integrity in all its operations. We urge the good people of Ghana to trust us to continue to deliver credible elections.
Physician Specialist and Cardiology Fellow in Training with the37 Military Hospital, Wg Cdr Dr Benjamin Toboh has stated that “uncontrolled hypertension when not checked can weaken a person’s penis over time”.
Speaking to the media on Sunday hypertension is a chronic condition of elevated blood pressure, and when a person’s pressure is higher above a certain cut-off point (140/90), then that person is considered hypertensive.
Enumerating other risk factors that cause hypertension, Dr. Toboh said biologically, all males are at a higher risk of developing hypertension.
More so, hypertension is common in male black persons.
“Advancing in age can also trigger hypertension. As we grow older, our pressures tend to increase over time. Other people who also have a genetic predisposition to hypertension, familiar traits, family history, and obesity are at a higher risk of being hypertensive,” Dr. Toboh mentioned.
He, therefore, advised all people to undergo regular checkups for increased or decreased blood pressure.
Explaining how hypertension can cause erectile dysfunction in men, Dr Toboh disclosed that some of the medication for hypertension treatment have the tendency to relax the vessels that allow free pumping of blood into the penis, affecting its erection.
He also discouraged males with high blood pressure from taking sexual performance pills as it can lead to other blood pressure-related complications.
“Most orthodox medications have gone through rigorous testing. These ones that are off-label prescriptions for enhancing male potency, their measurements are not quantifiable and so people take them and they land in trouble,” Dr. Toboh stated.
He was however emphatic that, not all the blood pressure medications cause erectile dysfunctions.
“Some of the hypertension medications do not have an impact on erectile functioning for males. Speak to your health provider if you have issues with previous medications that caused erectile dysfunctions and it will be changed”, he advised.
From Wednesday, June 7 through Friday, June 9, a book of condolences for Professor Ama Ata Aidoo will be opened to the public.
The daily gatherings, where family will sit and receive people, will begin at 10am and end at 3pm on each day.
There will be opportunities for sympathizers to share their tributes and thoughts.
Venue : W.E.B Du Bois Centre, Cantonments, Accra
For more information, please contact: Ms. Esieduah Intsiful – 0247759006 Rev. Mawuli Tsikata – 0244981112 Mrs. Josephine Akweteh – 0266691686
The legendary writer, known for her immense contributions to African literature, died in the early hours of May 31, 2023, a statement by her family said.
In a heartfelt announcement, the family expressed their deep sorrow and shared the news of Prof. Aidoo’s demise after a brief illness.
A Viral photo of Achimota School’s potential NSMQ team has caused social media buzzing.
Conspicuously visible among the students was Tyrone Marhguy, a young man who found himself at the center of a controversy that shook the education sector two years ago.
Tyrone was spotted in the social media post depicting Achimota School’s trial session ahead of the 2023 NSMQ season.
#AchimotaAt96 🎹 Last month, our @nsmqghana team participated in a Trial session as we prepare for the upcoming quiz season.
We encourage all members of our community to reach out to the team and help equip them for a successful season. pic.twitter.com/dyVTDMVoGR
He was one of two boys who cried foul because the school had denied them admission, citing their hairstyle as a violation of the school’s code of conduct.
The Rastafarian students dragged the Achimota School Board of Governors, the Minister of Education, Ghana Education Service, and the Attorney General to court for refusing to enroll them. Achimota School insisted that they comply with the school’s regulations by shaving their dreadlocks.
On May 31, 2021, a High Court ruling directed the school to admit the students.
However, his colleague, Oheneba Kwaku Nkrabea, enrolled at Ghana International School on a scholarship.
In June 2021, following the court ruling, Tyrone Marhguy went to Achimota School and sat for his end-of-term examination just hours after being enrolled.
On the back of the latest development, social media users appear to be reeling over the possibility of this narrative developing into a ‘zero-to-hero’ story as the national quiz takes off soon.
This is not the first time Tyrone has been associated with the school’s NSMQ team.
He was also spotted among the team last year which sparked another conversation regarding his participation.
Find more reactions below:
Very progressive and a beautiful story. Tyrone, the “rasta student” who was nearly denied admission to Achimota School because of his hair. He’s now part of the #Nsmq team of the school. 🙌 pic.twitter.com/ZzqTUGtgMf— WhyAlwaysEQ (@WhyAlwaysEkow) June 2, 2023
In Daboya the capital of the North Gonja district, several young people have been detained after they attacked the police station.
They are currently undergoing screening in Tamale and will be processed for court next week.
On Wednesday, May 31, some youth of Daboya attacked the police station to demand the release of suspects arrested in connection with a violent clash between Gonjas and Mamprusis at Lukula.
The clash led to the killing of one person and the burning of several houses.
Residents of Lukula and Mempeasem, in the North Gonja District, are predominantly Mamprusis.
They opted to join the North East Region, claiming that the land in the area belongs to the Mamprusis. However, this was rejected by the Gonja Traditional Council.
Subsequently, the area was added to the Northern Region and remained in the North Gonja District.
In 2019, a clash in the area between the two factions over who had traditional jurisdiction of the area led to the burning of houses.
On Thursday, June 1, 2023, tensions between Gonjas and Mamprusis escalated over the ownership of the community, leading to another clash. Tragically, this confrontation resulted in the loss of one life and the destruction of numerous homes.
On Friday, a group of Gonja youth besieged the residence of Yagbonwura Bii-Kunutu Jewu Soale, the Overlord of Gonja, demanding his intervention in the ongoing conflict between the Wasipe Traditional Area and a Mamprusi Chief over certain communities.
The youth insisted that the Overlord should summon allGonjawarriors to Daboya to assist in resolving the dispute.
The youth also accused the government of complicity in the conflict, alleging that the presence of police personnel in Daboya has resulted in the arrest and mistreatment of Chiefs and youth, effectively turning the town into a ghost town.
In response, Gonja chiefs from other Paramountcies started mobilizing their warriors to Daboya to show solidarity and potentially assist in resolving the dispute which had been foiled by the police.
Police have so far arrested over 100 youth of Daboya for attacking the Daboya police station where suspects in the conflict were kept. The suspects have been sent to Tamale for screening and processing in court.
Meanwhile, the Nayiri is calling for calm. In a statement, the Nayiri described the conflict as uncalled-for and a dent on the cordial relationship between Gonjas and Mamprusis that has existed over the centuries.
He however wants government to put in more effort to demarcate the land boundaries in the affected communities.
Flagbearer of the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC) John Dramani Mahama, on Friday expressed deep regret and profound disappointment over the hostilities that have taken place between sections of the Gonja and Mamprusi communities.
Former President Mahama acknowledged the distressing impact of these conflicts, recognizing the significant damage caused and the lives tragically affected.
In a Facebook post, Mr Mahama emphasized the urgent need for peaceful resolution and the restoration of harmony between the Gonja and Mamprusi communities.
The Chamber of Telecommunications has guaranteed that all deactivated, unregistered Subscriber Identification Modules (SIM) can still be registered.
The Chamber said data on the deactivated SIM cards would be restored immediately the user completed the registration exercise using the Ghana Card and biometric data captured by the mobile operator.
In an interview with the Ghana News Agency (GNA), Dr Kenneth Ashigbey, Chief Executive Officer, Chamber of Telecommunications, said at least three million unregistered SIM cards had been deactivated as of Thursday morning.
He said as of May 31, 2023 – the deadline for the SIM registration exercise – about nine million SIM cards had not been registered.
Dr Ashigbey said six million more unregistered SIM cards could be deactivated in the coming days.
He said users of the deactivated SIM cards could not make or receive calls, send or receive text messages, access internet services, and perform mobile money transactions.
However, the deactivated numbers could receive messages from their mobile operator and could also access the code for the registration of the SIM card – *404#.
“It is important that we all take advantage of this window and register our SIM cards now because we don’t know when the National Communications Authority (NCA) will close that window.
“The Ministry of Communications and Digitalisation, the NCA, and the Telcos are not interested in barring people’s numbers. It is to ensure that these fraudsters that are in the system are taken out,” Dr Ashigbey said.
The SIM card registration campaign started on October 1, 2021, and was due to end on March 31, 2022.
The National Identification Card, also known as the Ghana Card, is the only document that can be used to undertake the registration exercise.
However, due to some difficulties in the acquisition of the Ghana Card, the NCAextended the deadline for registration multiple times until May 31, 2023, which was communicated as the final deadline.
Dr Ashigbey said about 7.4 million mobile money accounts, holding an amount of GHc200 million have not been registered and thus will be deactivated.
He said monies on blocked accounts would be kept in a special account.
Dr Ashigbey said owners of restored mobile money accounts would be required to undergo a process to have monies restored in their wallets.
“If you do not have a Ghana Card, go to the National Identification Authority for the card. Once you get the Ghana card, dial the registration code, and get registered. Once you get registered, you will get your number back,” Dr Ashigbey said.
The Accra-Tema motorway’s Emergency Response andFirst Aidpost is in poor condition.
The emergency post had no ambulance at the time of Joy News’ visit on Wednesday, May 31, 2023.
Apart from that, the main entrance was under lock and key. Also, there were no paramedics or security personnel on-site at the time of Joy News’ visit.
Peeping through the shattered windows, medical supplies, tables, chairs and mattresses were all scattered in the room with rodents feeding on the debris. The structure itself without electricity and running water was in a deplorable state with the foundation and ceiling giving way.
Established in 2012 by the GHANA RED CROSS SOCIETY, the emergency post formed part of a pilot project that was to be replicated across major accident-prone highways in the country. Its goal was to run a 24-hour emergency facility manned by paramedics with an ambulance to provide emergency medical attention to road crash victims mainly on the Accra Tema motorway.
Even though road crashes on the Accra-Tema motorway remain rampant, the first aid post is rather closed depriving accident victims on the motorway of the ‘golden hour’ medical attention.
The call for well-equipped and functional First-Aid posts on the country’s highways has heightened following rampant road crashes in recent times.
On Monday, May 29, 2023, 17 lives were lost on the Cape Coast – Accra Highway following a head-on collision between a commercial bus and a fuel tanker.
Also, provisional crash statistics from the National Road Safety Authority, (NRSA) revealed that between January to December 2022, a total of 2,373 persons died resulting from over 14, 959 crashes across the country.
Even though the National Road Safety Authority launched an ambitious plan in 2019 to establish 100 emergency response and first aid posts along major highways to address post-crash victim needs, the question is, in what state are the few posts across the country?
The three spellers from Ghana who were competing at the 94th Scripps National Spelling Bee are no longer in the game.
Mychelle Kumahof Soul Clinic International School advanced to the semifinal stage but misspelt her word ‘APOPHYLLITE’.
Young Educators Foundation, a Ghanaian NGO which holds the Ghana franchise (The Spelling Bee) in a statement said “Our other 2 spellers, N’Adom Darko-Asare and Janice Nketsiah finished off at quarterfinals and preliminaries stages respectively”.
“We are terribly proud of all our 3 Spellers who have honoured Ghana and the African continent so admirably”.
Last year during the 2022 Scripps National Spelling Bee Finals, Ghana finished off as Quarter Finalist.
The Scripps National Spelling Bee is a prestigious competition that tests the spelling and vocabulary skills of students from around the world.
Teenager from Florida wins 2023 Scripps National Spelling Bee
Meanwhile, a teenager from Florida has won the 2023 Scripps National Spelling Bee at the United States.
Dev Shah, a 14-year-old student from Largo, spelt “psammophile” correctly to win the 95th national bee and the $50,000 (£40,000) prize.
Charlotte Walsh, also 14, from Arlington, Virginia, was the runner-up, having incorrectly spelled “daviely” as “daevilick”.
This year’sFood Safety Month has been launched with a plea for people to adhere to food safety guidelines like often washing their hands, separating raw food from uncooked food, and thoroughly boiling their meals.
Other measures include keeping food at safe temperatures and the use of safe water and raw materials for cooking.
The Registrar of the Veterinary Council of Ghana, Dr Kingsley Mickey Aryee, who launched the programme on behalf of the intersectoral Food Safety Coordinating Committee, made the call at the event in Accra yesterday.
He said the month-long celebration on the theme: “Food standards save lives”, was important because standards were required in determining the safety of food to save lives.
Dr Aryee explained that food safety hazards seeped through and stretched across grass-roots, regional, national and international levels, while food safety involved protection of food from microbial, chemical and physical hazards that might occur during various stages of food production to consumption.
He, therefore, stressed the need for the strict consideration of standards to, among others, minimise food borne illnesses, anti-microbial resistance, food insecurity and poverty.
About event
The event, which is observed in the month of June with activities, would be commemorated on June 7, 2023.
In line with that, the intersectoral food safety coordinating committee, which comprises representatives of various government agencies and other stakeholders in the food value chain, has earmarked some activities to celebrate the month.
The activities include a quiz for second cycle schools in the Central Region, sensitisation programmes on food safety for schools, a webinar, food hygiene competition, trade fair and stakeholder engagements.
The national food safety laboratory of the Veterinary Services and the Food and Drugs Authority are the leading agencies organising the celebration with support from development partners and other stakeholders of food safety.
Importance of food
Dr Aryee said food was essential for the sustenance and continuity of life, be it humans, animals, plants or microorganisms, for which reason every living organism needed food to survive.
He, therefore, said that food safety must be the concern of all since unhealthy foods could be a global public health threat.
Quoting from the World Health Organisation to buttress his point, Dr Aryee said: “Food borne diseases caused 420, 000 deaths globally and 137, 000 deaths in Africa with children accounting for one-third of deaths.”
He, therefore, appealed to the media to continuously sensitise the public to food safety because “it is everyone’s business”.
Dr Aryee expressed appreciation to all partners for their support for the launch and preparations towards the commemoration of the day.
The discovery was made by pupils from the school who had gone to the site to relieve themselves.
Upon receiving the report, the police promptly visited the scene and took possession of the baby.
When Citi News got to the scene it was confirmed that the police had taken possession of the dead baby.
An eyewitness named Joe Smith, speaking to themedia, expressed deep concern over the incident.
He mentioned that the box containing the baby had the name “Linda” written on it, adding to the unsettling nature of the discovery.
“One of the boys here informed us that there was a baby here, and we investigated and realized the baby was not crying and found out that it was lifeless. It is very worrying that someone will bring a baby and just put it in front of our doorstep like that.”
Concerned University of Education Winneba (UEW) staff members have stated that chairman of the governing council, Nana Ofori Ansah I, must be quickly ousted or the university will be in disaster.
Speaking to the media, the Convener for the Concerned Staff of UEW, Professor George Kankam Senior, accused the Governing Council Chairman of blatantly going against the tenets of the university.
Professor Kankam claimed that Nana Ofori Ansah I has been dabbling in double standards by attempting to nominate someone who was not shortlisted for the position of vice chancellor.
“Nana Ofori Ansah I’s council is trying to plunge the university into chaos… Nana Ofori Ansah I is pushing for Professor Stephen Mitchual to be the vice chancellor though he was not shortlisted. As a governing chair, are you not exhibiting double standards?” he asked.
Professor Kankam Senior alleged that Nana Ofori Ansah I is only pursuing his own personal interests and not working in the best interests of the university. He added that they will send a letter to the President Akufo-Addo, requesting for Nana Ofori Ansah I’s removal.
“When Nana Ofori Ansah I came, he openly told us that he did not have thorough knowledge about university management and administration. We thought that was even good for him to be frank about it. So we thought that having said that, he was going to learn. But that is not the case. We are asking for his removal. We are following it up to send a letter to the President, Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo. We are in the university, and we want UEW to be developed. We don’t want the university to be run for people’s personal interests,” he stated.
In a statement, the Concerned Staff of the University of Education Winnebaargued that the “actions and inactions of the Chairman of the Governing Council, Nana Ofori Ansah I, whose continuous autocratic tendencies, coupled with his arbitrary disregard for laid down procedures in the running of the University, has led to heightened tension in the University, which can explode at any moment.”
Four polling station executives in the Greater Accra Region have been suspended due to misconduct by theMadinaconstituency of the governing New Patriotic Party (NPP).
Phillip Nyame is a polling station organiser for S.D.A JHS (B) in the Social Welfare 2 electoral area, Mrs. Mireku-Addo Grace Ansah is a polling station organiser at S.D.A JHS (B) is also in the Social Welfare 2 electoral area.
Others are Mr. Nicholas Amposah, polling station organiser at D.C Primary School in Kweiman electoral area – suspended indefinitely, and Mrs. Mabel Appiah Sarpong, a polling station secretary at No. B3 Redco also suspended for six months.
The Constituency Secretary, Reginald Bosompem, announced this in a letter dated May 30, 2023.
At a brief meeting on May 30, 2023, at Jubilee House in Accra, President Akufo-Addo received highest honor in international diplomatic circles from the World Federation of Consuls’ Internationale des Corps et Associations Consulaires (FICAC).
President Akufo-Addo received the FICAC Gold Star award for his contribution to the growth and sustenance of peace, democracy, stability, freedoms and his invaluable support to the Honorary Consuls in Ghana.
The award described by the President of FICAC, Nikolaos K. Margaropoulos, as the highest distinction award by the World Consular Federation, is conferred only on incumbent Heads of State and is recognized by royal decree in Belgium; it has recognition by the United States ECOSOG with special status, by the Organisation of American States and the European Union.
The President joins the elite and prestigious league of world leaders like Herman Van Rompuy, then President of the European Council, Prince Albert II of Monaco, the President of the Republic of Cyprus, Slovenia, Philippines, and Turkey.
This honour has also been received by Pope Benedict and Pope Francis, who conventionally does not receive awards from any government or organization, yet offered FICAC the distinct honour of private audiences and capped it off by receiving the Gold Star award.
Receiving the award, President Akufo-Addo said, “This is a really distinguished collection of people from the entire globe who are here this afternoon, and I want to thank you very much for your presence and also our compatriots for proposing Accra as a respectable venue for the holding of your maiden Pan-African conference. That is why it is important that Ghanaians should be everywhere.”
The President said, “The work that Consuls do, in my own country and all over the world, is important. Unfortunately, it’s not everywhere where we can have a formal diplomatic presence, and therefore you fill in that gap.”
“It’s a gap that allows countries to be able to engage and trade, investment education exchanges and exchanges that are important to every state and the consular corps here in Ghana has been particularly active and very productive for the Ghanaian state and people. We appreciate it and are grateful to you.”
President Akufo-Addocommended them on the work they are doing with the Women in Diplomacy committee and conveyed his profound gratitude for the honour.
“There is very little that I can say other than a big Thank you. I am very honoured by the prize. I thank you very much for this; most considerate of you; it will help to focus my mind on the work that we are doing and continue to support the Consular Corps here in Ghana so that we can promote good relations between your countries of accreditation,” he added.
Established in Copenhagen in October 1982, FICAC was birthed out of the necessity to bring together Consular Associations or Corps from all over the world to share experience and co-ordinate efforts to enhance the status and effectiveness of the Consul which is the oldest institution serving international bilateral relations.
The Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE) for junior high school students is not going to be canceled, according to the Ghana Education Service (GES).
GES explained that it is moving from the old objectives-based curriculum to the standards-based curriculum, which is likely to change the nature and form of the BECE.
Speaking at a stakeholder engagement on the grading system by the West African Examinations Council (WAEC), the Director General of GES, Dr. Eric Nkansah, said reports of the purported cancellation of the BECE are untrue.
“We are not cancelling the BECE. What is confusing people or some of our people is that we are now moving away from the old objectives-based curriculum to the standards-based curriculum, and it does not mean that those on the standards-based curriculum will not write BECE. They will also write but perhaps the nature and form may change. So please don’t communicate that we are not writing BECE.”
The Basic Education Certificate Examination(BECE) is conducted by WAEC and serves as a standard exam for junior high school graduates who are about to enter senior high school.
The minister of defense, Dominic Nitiwul, and Lu Kun, the ambassador of China to Ghana, broke ground on nine building projects for the Ghana armed forces on Tuesday, May 30, 2023.
The projects which will be built by the China Railway No.5 Engineering Group Company Limited (CR5), will be sited at the Army Recruit Training Schoolat Shai Hills, the Naval Training Command at Nutekpor-Sogakope, Air Force Training School at Takoradi and the Battle Training Camp, Bundase.
The projects will provide critical assets to enhance training levels, improve accommodation conditions and meet the operational needs of GAF personnel.
The Minister for Defence, Honourable Dominic Nitiwul speaking at the ceremony stated that the China Military Aid Gratis Project has come at a better time to help GAF in solving itsinfrastructure needs since GAF will need additional accommodation for 12,000 troops within the next five (5) years.
The Minister for Defence commended HE Lu Kun, the Chinese Military and all stakeholders for ensuring the commencement of the projects.
The Chinese Ambassador in his address expressed gratitude to all Ghanaians and Chinese officials who facilitated the implementation of the projects.
He congratulated the Army Peace Operations Training School (APOTS) as the first Training School in West Africa to receive United Nations (UN) Certification to train personnel for Peace Support Operations.
HE Lu Kun stated that Ghana was the second country in the Sub-Saharan whose diplomatic relations with China have been continuously consolidated and cooperative in various fields.
He revealed that through various means such as Port calls, joint exercises and training, China has provided strong support to African countries in strengthening National Defence and launched an assistance programme to help train African Military personnel in the area of Law and Order, UN Peacekeeping missions, Anti-Piracy and Counter-terrorism.
He further commended Ghana for being ranked in the top ten (10) Troop Contributing Countries to UN Missions and expanding its military to defend the nation against internal and external threats.
Pensioners won’t quit picketing outside the Finance Ministry, until their coupons are paid according to the convener of the Pension Bondholders Forum, Dr. Adu Anane Antwi.
According to Dr. Anane Antwi, pension bondholders will resume picketing on Friday, June 2, to demand payment of what is owed them.
He, however, stated that the Forum will give the Ministry a breathing period of three days starting from Monday, June 5 to Wednesday, June 7 for the Ministry to commence the payment.
The former Director-General of theSecurities and Exchange Commission (SEC), says the pensioners will however converge on the Ministry on Thursday if nothing reflects in their accounts by the grace period given.
“We are expecting actual payment so while the payment starts, we will stop picketing. Until we see something, that is the decision we have taken. Until we see payment nothing will move us from here because we have done it. We have moved on it based on these promises and it is not coming.
“Within the week, every Monday a coupon or two will mature … so if the coupon matures on Monday, we won’t stop. We think that if the government wants to pay, we will see a sign. If by Wednesday we haven’t seen a sign, then we take it that government is unable to pay and then we come here on Thursday,” he noted.
His comment was in response to a Deputy Minister for Finance, Abena Osei-Asare’s plea with the Forum to suspend their picketing at the Ministry.
The Atiwa East MP said the Ministry was engaging the Bank of Ghana (BoG) to pay them.
She thus asked the pensioners to exercise patience with the government as everyone knows the financial difficulties the government finds itself in.
“We don’t intentionally stop them, sometimes it’s difficult, it is the ability to pay and so when it is not there it becomes a challenge. But, we also have to communicate that to you. So, for now, our focus should be on the five outstanding, and then we talk about how we will manage the principal payment.“
“I sincerely appreciate where you are coming from. This has never happened when coupons are ready for payment and the government is struggling to pay, but currently, we all know the circumstances we find ourselves in, so I will plead with you that let’s sit and clear, and then we will see the way forward,” she appealed.
Members of the Forum resumed their picketing on Thursday, June 1, over the government’s failure to pay their matured coupons.
Meanwhile, the Finance Ministry has scheduled a meeting with leaders of the Forum on Friday to discuss the way forward.
But the pensioners insist on gathering while their leadership engages the Ministry.
In a statement signed by the Head of the Numo Nmaishie Family, Daniel Nii Adzetey Adjei, it stated that contrary to the reportage that all the 70 lands in question were taken away from them, the number was rather 17.
“The publication alleged that the Supreme Court in a unanimous decision dismissed claims by the Numo Nmaishie family of Teshie for the ownership of over 72,000 acres of land in Accra Eastern regions which comprises about 70 townships and villages in the Greater Accra Region.
“Your reportage also stated that the court further directed that the name of the Numo Nmaishie Family be deleted from the records of the Lands Commission as being owners of the 72,000 acres of land.
“The Numo Nmaishie family wants to state without any equivocation that, your publication is not wholly accurate as per the judgment given by the Apex Court.
“We would like to put on record that the Supreme Court did not take away all the 70 towns and villages which belong to the Numo Nmaishie family, the court only took 17 out of the 70 towns and villages,” the statement said.
The statement also indicated that the claim that the Supreme Court had ordered the Lands Commission of Ghana to delete the family’s name from its records is not accurate.
They explain that, that directive was only in respect of the 17 lands that the Supreme Court ruled were no longer in their family name.
“Again, the Supreme Court did not direct the Lands Commission to delete from its records the Numo Nmaishie family as owners of the remaining towns/villages/lands.
“The Apex Court’s directives to the commission to strike out the Numo Nmaishie family’s name from its records only applied to the 17 affected areas,” the statement added.
Read the full statement by the Numo Nmaishie Family of Teshie below:
Our attention has been drawn to a publication of your media outfit carried on the 29th May 2023 in respect of the above subject which you copied from – Myjoyonline.com and has been re-published by other online portals notably among them being Modern Ghana.
I wish to bring to your attention that your headline as stated above and some paragraphs attributed to the court are very misleading and do not represent facts as expressed in the judgment.
The publication alleged that the Supreme Court in a unanimous decision dismissed claims by the Numo Nmaishie family of Teshie for the ownership of over 72,000 acres of land in Accra Eastern regions which comprises about 70 townships and villages in the Greater Accra Region.
Your reportage also stated that the court further directed that the name of the Numo Nmaishie Family be deleted from the records of the Lands Commission as being owners of the 72,000 acres of land.
The Numo Nmaishie family wants to state without any equivocation that, your publication is not wholly accurate as per the judgment given by the Apex Court.
We would like to put on record that the Supreme Court did not take away all the 70 towns and villages which belong to the Numo Nmaishie family, the court only took 17 out of the 70 towns and villages.
Again, the Supreme Court did not direct the Lands Commission to delete from its records the Numo Nmaishie family as owners of the remaining towns/villages/lands.
The Apex Court’s directives to the commission to strike out the Numo Nmaishie family’s name from its records only applied to the 17 affected areas which are:
1. Baatsonaa- Page 22 (Paragraph 45)
2. Madina – Page 23 (Paragraph 47)
3. Bawaleshie- Page 23 (Paragraph 47)
4. Mpehuasem- Page 23 (Paragraph 47)
5. Frafraha- Page 24 (Paragraph 48)
6. Paapao-Page 24 (Paragraph 49)
7. Haatso- Page 24 (Paragraph 49)
8. Ashongman-Page 24 (Paragraph 49)
9. Oyarifa- Page 24 (Paragraph 49)
10. Adenta-Page 24 (Paragraph 49)
11. Pantang-Page 25 (Paragraph 50)
12. Danfa-Page 25 (Paragraph 50)
13. Adoteiman-Page 25 (Paragraph 50)
14. Otinibi-Page 25 (Paragraph 50)
15. Ashalley Botwe-Page 27 (Paragraph 54)
16. Teshie Artillery Range- Page 27(Paragraph 54)
17. Kpeshie Ridge -Page 28 (Paragraph 55) from it.
Below are portions of the ruling which can be found on pages 30 and 31
“VARIATION OF THE JUDGMENT OF THE TRIAL COURT
(58) While we substantially affirm the findings of fact and conclusion reached by the Trial Court that the judgment in Suit No.49/80 which proclaimed the 3 Defendant Family as owners of the said seventy (70) villages and land comprising over 72,000 acres was procured by fraud, it must be clarified that, this decision does not affect the issue of entitlement to compensation determined in KLU VS. AGYEMANG III (supra) wherein the then Court of Appeal pronounced that the 3rd Defendant Numo Nmashie Family, own the about 25 acres which constitute the acquisition area. By upholding the Plaintiff’s allegation of fraud therefore, this court must not be misconstrued as having held that, the aspect of the judgment of the then Court of Appeal which proclaimed the Numo Nmashie Family’s entitlement to compensation is also fraudulent. That issue has never been contested since the decision was delivered.
(59) We further make the following consequential orders: a. The pronouncements and declarations herein made in favour of the numerous families and stools, most of whom are not parties to the instant suit, should be treated merely as declaratory. That is, our judgment is not to open the flood gates, for attempts to recover possession and trigger demolition orders, particularly in relation to grantees of the 3rd Defendant Family in respect of some of the lands we have pronounced as not falling within the scope of the judgment in Suit No.49/80. IN RE ADJANCOTE ACQUISITION, KLU VS. AGYEMAN III (supra).
b. All persons who have acquired grants from the Numo Nmashie Family in areas which by this judgment have been held not to belong to the said 1st and 2nd Defendants and 3 Defendant Family and have taken possession of those pieces of lands shall not be dispossessed of their interest. They shall, however, atone tenant to the relevant stool or family as per the decision reached in this judgment and other like cases on them.
c. We further affirm the order of the Trial Court that the name of the 3rd Defendant, the Numo Nmashie Family be deleted from the records of the Lands Commission as being owners of the lands afore-declared as not forming part of the Numo Nmashie Family land.”
The Numo Nmashie Family will, therefore, be very grateful if you could give this rejoinder the same prominence to help erase the wrong impression carried in your earlier publication.
Counting on your cooperation.
..Signed… DANIEL NII ADZETEY ADJEI (Head of Numo Nmashie Family of Teshie)
On Wednesday, Vice-President MahamuduBawumiaand US ambassador to Ghana Virginia E. Palmer opened tothe public the renovated Upper East Regional House of Chiefs headquarters in Bolgatanga.
Other dignitaries present at the inauguration includes the Upper East regional minister, Stephen Yakubu, and the Minister for Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs, Stephen Asamoah Boateng.
At the ceremony, ambassador Palmer said, “The U.S. government stands together with local partners in the Upper East to advance their goals of promoting peace, improving livelihoods, and increasing community well-being for more cohesive and resilient communities.”
The U.S. Agency for International Development provided more than US$140,000 of support to rehabilitate the Upper East House of Chiefsbuilding, which forms part of the commitment to promoting community cohesion and peace and stability in Ghana.
As part of her two-day trip, ambassador Palmer also met with women traditional leaders, U.S. Embassy grantees and partners, alumni of the Mandela Washington Fellowship, and other U.S. Government exchange programs.
About USAID
The United States Agency for International Development (USAID) is the lead U.S. Government agency that works to end extreme global poverty and enable resilient, democratic societies to realize their potential.
USAID’s activities and strategic partnerships support Ghana’s journey to self-reliance. Our work advances an integrated approach to development. It promotes accountability, sustainable systems, and inclusive development.
Joe Ghartey, a former minister for railroads and development, has filed his nomination form to contest in the New Patriotic Party(NPP) presidential election.
A delegation comprising his campaign team members picked the forms on his behalf on Thursday, June 1, at the party’s headquarters at Asylum Down in Accra.
Speaking to the media, a member of the campaign team, Majeed Adam, said Mr Ghatey is ready for a victory because he has the backing of the grassroots.
He noted that if the former Minister wins the race, Ghanaians are assured of a new direction and leadership that will not only restore their confidence in the country, but also strengthen the economy and change the narrative of Ghana’s politics.
“The leadership of our time will lead to development. It must be seen as transformational rather than transitional. It is not just a matter of the fact that President Akufo-Addo is leaving and somebody must wear his shoes. We need a competent leader to wear his shoes so that Ghana will be better off than what we are seeing today,” Mr Adam noted.
This is not the first time the Essikado-Ketan MP is seeking to lead the NPP.
This brings the number of aspirants in the presidential race of the NPP to 10.
Former Ministers, Alan Kyerematen and Dr Owusu Afriyie Akoto, Vice President Dr Mahamudu Bawumia and a former MP for Mampong, Francis Addai-Nimoh have all picked forms to contest.
Others are former Energy Minister, Boakye Agyarko, a former General Secretary of the party, Kwabena Agyei Agyepong, Energy Analyst, Kwadwo Poku, a two time presidential aspirant,Dr. Kofi Konadu Apraku and MP, Assin Central Kennedy Agyapong.
The newly constructed roads in Kumawu, in the Ashanti Region, may soon deteriorate, according to Emmanuel Cherry, chief executive officer of the Ghana Chamber of Construction and Industry.
Government few weeks to the Kumawu by-election started constructing asphalt roads in that constituency, a move that some residents believed was intended to get them to vote for the ruling party’s Parliamentary candidate.
But the Minister of Roads, Kwasi Amoako-Atta insisted the construction of the roads formed part of the government’s plan.
Speaking tothe media, Emmanuel Cherry said the haste in which contractors were mobilized could possibly affect the quality of work done.
“If you talk of a contractor, as we say there are bad nuts everywhere but the good nuts among us are more than the bad nuts. So I can’t hold brief for everybody. But to me with where we stand, we see a lot of good contractors working. But the issue before as for instance…as we saw with the by-election in Kumawu, overnight, contractors are on site working, what are the dynamics… it is not planned. So definitely after that construction within a few months, you go back to that work you see that it has started cracks and what have you because it is not properly planned.
“So if you come to me as a contractor, you say I should do this for you, I advise you professionally, you say you’re not going to follow accordingly and you still insist, I will give you what you put on paper for me. The contractors, their simple job is to interpret what is on the paper which is supervised by a consultant. So if you don’t give us proper drawings we’ll give you whatsoever we have in there. So don’t blame us for it.”
Some roads within Assin Bereku, the district capital of Assin North, are currently being repaired, a day after the Electoral Commission (EC) scheduled a by-election for June 27 in that constituency.
Several residents of the area believe that the upcoming by-election has provided an opportunity to address the long-standing issue of neglected roads in Assin Bereku.
“We are not surprised that they are constructing the road. We will give thanks to James Gyakye Quayson for giving the sitting government pressure. When Jesus Christ died mankind benefited and that is the same way James Gyakye Quayson has done.
However, residents are raising questions about whether these developmental projects will continue beyond the by-election.
“But the question we want to ask is whether they will still continue with all the developmental projects even after the by-elections. Gyakye Quayson has said it already that he will give the NPP government pressure to do the needful, and so he deserves the needed applause.
“Our roads since 1996 have not been good, and it has not been any better till today. So if they are fixing our town roads it’s because of Gyake Quayson.”
The two main contenders for the NPP, Fredrick Amoah Kyei and Charles Opoku will be submitting their nomination forms today.
The winner of the NPP primary for the constituency will slug it out with James Gyake Quayson of the NDC for the slot to lead the constituency.
The by-election in Assin North was prompted by the Supreme Court’s ruling that led to the removal of the former Member of Parliament, Gyakye Quayson.
The court determined that he was a Canadian citizen when he contested and won the seat in 2020.
As a result, Parliament declared the Assin North seat vacant on Tuesday, May 30.
The upcoming by-election holds significant importance for the constituency and its residents.
The deputy finance minister,Abena Osei Asare, has made a heartfelt appeal to pensioner bondholders, pleading with them to be patient as the government works to get the funding needed to settle their outstanding matured coupons.
Despite rainy weather conditions, members of the Pensioner Bondholders Forum resumed their picketing at the Finance Ministry on Thursday, June 1, to demand the payment of their outstanding coupons and principals.
After a meeting between the Ministry and the Pensioner Bondholders, the group temporarily suspended their protest with the understanding that all overdue coupons would be paid, while discussions regarding principal payments would continue.
However, after two weeks the government has yet to engage the pensioners on the way forward, with some coupons still outstanding.
In light of these developments, the pensioners have resumed their protest, hoping the government will address their demands.
However, the deputy Finance Minister earnestly implored the pensioners to temporarily suspend their protest while the government actively seeks funds to fulfil their obligations.
She emphasized that the government is not intentionally neglecting the payment of outstanding coupons. Instead, the delay is primarily caused by the unavailability of funds and the prevailing economic crisis.
“We don’t intentionally stop them, sometimes it’s difficult, it is the ability to pay and so when it is not there it becomes a challenge, but we also have to communicate that to you. So, for now, our focus should be on the five outstanding, and then we talk about how we will manage the principal payment.
“I sincerely appreciate where you are coming from. This has never happened when coupons are ready for payment and the government is struggling to pay, but currently, we all know the circumstances we find ourselves in, so I will plead with you so let’s sit and clear, and then we will see the way forward.”
In order to protect the ocean’s ability to regenerate,President Akufo-Addohas called on African countries to enhance their domestically defined contributions and adaptation strategies.
This would ensure that the ocean continues to deliver substantial economic, environmental, and social value for the continents’ development.
The President made the call when he opened the National Blue Economy Summit (NBES) in Accra on Wednesday.
The summit is on the theme “Our Ocean’s Health, Our Prosperity, Our Planet’s Security.” It brought together blue economy experts to brainstorm and drive policy on the marine ecosystem.
The objective of the two-day summit is to reverse marine pollution and enhance the management and restoration of the marine and coastal ecosystem of the nation.
It also aims to mobilise transformative ocean action to achieve the United Nations(UN) Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Blue economy refers to the sustainable use of coastal and marine resources for economic growth and improved livelihoods and jobs.
President Akufo-Addo explained that the health of the planet and the health of the peoples of the world are linked to the health of oceans, which are now under pressure from unsustainable fishing practices, pollution, marine debris, habitat loss, ocean acidification and climate change.
He told the gathering that the ocean, the lifeblood of the planet, generated half of the world’s oxygen supply, drove the global economy through transport trade, and provided food and sustenance, mineral resources, energy, employment, and livelihoods, as well as cultural recreation value for billions of people around the world.
“The consequences of neglecting the ocean are dire not just for the millions of people who depend on it for their livelihoods, but also for the health of our planet.
“There is therefore the need to preserve and protect the ocean and all its resources…We need to take decisive actions now to safeguard the ocean’s capacity to regenerate and continue to deliver substantial economic, environmental and social value for our development.”
President Akufo-Addo noted that in Ghana’s instance, its coastal exclusive economic zone stretches 218,00 square kilometres, and is home to over 7.5 million people.
Sadly, Ghana’s coastal and marine resources face significant threats in the form of biodiversity loss, pollution, ocean dumping, overfishing, illegal and unreported and unregulated fishing, piracy, and trafficking.
Those threats, the President said, “are avoidable” and the inability to deal with them held consequences for the livelihoods of many people, affecting food security prospects, critical infrastructure, important ecosystems and the security and stability of the entire African region.
“Like many other coastal African countries, the blue economy provides us with food, employment, and income. For instance, some 10 per cent of Ghana’s workforce is employed in the fishing sector which also accounts for 4.5 per cent of the country’s GDP.
“Additionally, 70 per cent of Ghana’s trade is carried by sea through the ports of Tema and Takoradi. We are well positioned to benefit from the ocean resources if sustainably managed,” he said.
The President thus proposed a five-point agenda for urgent action at the country and continental levels to protect the ocean, the planet, and the wellbeing of all.
He said the continent must prioritise sustainable management of its oceans by establishing and enforcing robust regulations to prevent overfishing and promote responsible fishing practices.
“We must collaborate closely with our international partners as well to establish marine protected areas, safeguarding critical habitats and promoting biodiversity conservation.”
Secondly, the President suggested that Africa deepens strategic partnerships and build a progressive coalition led by the private sector, academia, civil society organisations and community leaders, for enhanced ocean health and the accelerated development of communities.
He said the Continent must be deliberate in ensuring greater and smarter investments into ocean action.
President Akufo-Addo also urged investment in research and technological advancements and innovation to navigate the challenges to the blue economy to pave the way for a brighter future.
He also called for international cooperation, the sharing of data and research findings and collaboration on joint projects.
“We must recognize the interconnectivity of our global community and the need for international collaboration. The challenges facing the ocean transcend borders and no single nation can tackle them alone…We can leverage the collective wisdom and expertise of nations worldwide.
“Together, we can drive innovation, develop sustainable solutions, and address the pressing issues that threaten the ocean. The ocean is the life source of our planet, a healthy ocean, human wellbeing, and sustainable ocean management are inseparably interconnected,” he stressed.
He urged participants at the summit to, as a matter of urgency, propose policies that would help Ghana and the rest of the African continent protect its oceans and marine life.
The Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, has been urged to intervene and complete the hospital’s stalled infrastructure projects by Professor Otchere Yaw Addai-Mensah, the hospital’s chief executive officer.
The call by the CEO was contained in an online publication by graphiconline.com.
He made this call while he [Professor Addai-Mensah] and the hospital’s management team paid a courtesy call on the Asantehene in his palace at Manhyia.
According to the report, Prof. Addai-Mensah informed the Asantehene that the construction of the hospital’s Maternal and Baby Unit (MBU), as well as the Sickle Cell and Blood Transfusion Centre, which was being funded by the Ghana National Petroleum Corporation (GNPC), had come to a halt.
The CEO noted that neither projects had seen any activity for about a year, and he appealed to the Asanteheneto step in to see to it that the projects were completed.
Professor Otchere Yaw Addai-Mensah was accompanied by the Board Chairman, Nana Effah Appenten, all members of the hospital’s board, the Bompatahene, Maxwell Opoku Agyemang, Charles Dontoh and the Dean of the School of Medicine and Dentistry, Prof. Daniel Ansong.
President Akufo-Addo’s administration is allegedly the worst in Ghana’s history, according to veteran media personality, Kwasi Kyei Darkwah, often known as KKD.
According to him, Ghana is at the worst place ever under Akufo-Addo since its independence because all the economic indicators under his watch are at unprecedented levels.
Speaking to the media on Tuesday, May 30, 2023, KKD added that the current government is also the worst when it comes to nepotism, favouritism and corruption.
“Right now, our hope is in the IMF, I don’t know which ‘38-year-old boy’ is going to tell us what to do… my point is who leaves his house at Ridge and goes to somebody’s house at Kaneshie to say ‘Charlie things are not going well in my home, come and manage my home for me for the next 3 to 5 years’.
“Who does that and still says we are brilliant? And even worse you get Gabby writing things like ‘the alternative is scary’. Dude, you are the worst… this is not about NPP, NDC, CPP, or whatever. This is the worst government we have ever had in this country. The worst ever! Look at all the metrics,” he said.
The veteran journalist explained that the Akufo-Addo government is the worst because of corruption, bad decisions, nepotism and poor policies.
An aide to former president John Dramani Mahama, Joyce Bawah Mogtari, has criticised the Akufo-Addo administration for leveraging from the COVID-19 pandemic to exploit from Ghanaians.
She alleges that government used funds realised for the fight against the pandemic to support campaigns.
She added that the Electronic Transactions Levy (E-Levy) was another revenue stream that was misused eventually used to justify the decision to seek an International Monetary Fund (IMF) programme.
Flowing from the two economic reasons she presented, Bawah Mogtari classified the government as a threat to Ghana’s democracy.
“The NPP weaponised covid-19, profiting from the pandemic; using Covid funds to support political campaigns,weaponized E-Levy and used it as a bait for going to the IMF; now they are playing God and demonising their opponents. This NPP admin. is a threat to our democracy,” her tweet of May 30, 2023 read.
Last month, the IMF approved a $3 billion economic recovery facility for Ghana, which has faced severe economic pressure since late 2019.
The government largely attributes the economic challenges to theCOVID-19pandemic and the Russia-Ukraine War, but the opposition believes the situation is due to mismanagement of the economy by the government.
An initial tranche of US$600 million has since been released by the global lender.
The Centre for Democratic Development(CDD), has expressed satisfaction with the Supreme Court’s ruling regarding the former auditor general, Michael Domelevo and believes it will establish a precedent in Ghana.
Speaking to the media on Thursday, 1 June a research analyst with CDD Gilfred Asiamah says they are happy with the ruling, adding that it will serve as a precedent in Ghana.
“It’s not only about Domelevo. It’s about the rule of law. That said, in the future, we don’t expect the encroaching on the office of the auditor general.
“It’s a good day for accountability. It’s a good day for good governance and it’s a good day for anti-corruption.”
“We’ll keep looking at the structures and processes. If some of them need clarity, we will facilitate that when we come across those issues,” Asiamah said.
Listen to the full interview in the attached audio clip below:
Background
A seven-member Supreme Court panel by unanimous decision, declared the practice where the president directs a serving Auditor General to proceed on leave or to take their accumulated leave as unconstitutional.
The panel presided over by Justice Nene Amegatcher also included Justices Professor Ashie Kotey, Mariama Owusu, Lovelace Johnson, Gertrude Torkornoo, Professor Henrietta Mensa-Bonsu and Yonny Kulendi.
The landmark decision of the Supreme Court followed an application of the Centre for Democratic Development (CDD) challenging a directive of President Akufo-Addo on 29 June 2020, instructing the then auditor general, Daniel Yaw Domelevo to take his accumulated leave.
The plaintiff contended that the directives were unlawful since the president does not have the power to exercise such disciplinary control over independent bodies.
The court, however, opted not to issue any other orders including stopping Domelevo from proceeding on leave since he has since retired.
The action of President Akufo-Addo followed an earlier directive by former President John Evans Atta Mills that directed the then Auditor General Edward Dua Agyeman on 9 April 2009, to take his accumulated leave. Relief sought
The Centre for Democratic Development (CDD) in their action filed at the Supreme Court, sought a total of seven reliefs. First, “a declaration that, on a true and proper interpretation of Articles 70(1)(6) and 71), 187(3), (5), (7Xa), (8), (12), and (13), and Article 297(a) of the 1992 Constitution, the directives issued by or on behalf of the President on or between 29th June, 2020 and 3rd July, 2020, instructing the Auditor-General to proceed on “accumulated” leave with effect from 1st July, 2020 for a prescribed number of days determined by the President, are void and of no legal effect, because the said directives are inconsistent with the letter and spirit of the aforementioned provisions of the Constitution as they improperly interfere with the independence and functions of the Auditor General”.
Second, “a declaration that, the purported appointment or designation by or on behalf of the President on 30th June, 2020, of one Johnson Akuamoah Asiedu as “Acting Auditor-General” is void and of no legal effect, as the said appointment stands contrary to Articles 70(1) (b), 187(3), and (7) of the Constitution as well as the Second Schedule to the Constitution”.
Third, “a declaration that, on a true and proper interpretation of Articles 70(1)(b) and 187(3) of the Constitution, the power to appoint, authorize or designate a person or persons to exercise a power or perform a function constitutionally assigned to the Auditor-General is vested solely in the Auditor-General; therefore, the purported appointment of a person as ‘Acting Auditor-General,” and the subsequent performance of the functions of the Auditor-General by such person, without authorization from the Auditor-General violate the letter and spirit of the aforementioned provisions of the Constitution and are void and without any legal effect whatsoever”.
Fourth, “a declaration that, on a true and proper interpretation of Articles, 71(1), 187(12), and 297(a) of the Constitution, the leave entitlement of the Auditor General is, like his salary, are right associated with his office as an independent constitutional officeholder and does not constitute or give rise to an obligation which the Auditor General is duty-bound to assume or else be compelled so to do at the instance and insistence of the president”.
Fifth, “an order of perpetual injunction to restrain the President or his agents from issuing or seeking to enforce on the Auditor-General any directive that has the purpose or effect of commanding the Auditor-General to take his leave or to surrender any of his powers or functions to another person”.
Sixth, “an order of perpetual injunction to restrain the President or his agents from designating or appointing any person as Acting Auditor-General” to exercise a constitutional power or perform a constitutional function of the Auditor – General without authorisation from the sole duly-appointed Auditor-General”.
Lastly, “any other consequential orders that this Honourable Court may deem appropriate under the circumstances”. By Court
The Supreme Court in its decision today (31 May 2023), granted relief one by declaring that on a true and proper interpretation of Articles 70(1)(6) and 71), 187(3), (5), (7Xa), (8), (12), and (13), and Article 297(a) of the 1992 Constitution, the directives issued by or on behalf of the President on or between 29th June, 2020 and 3rd July, 2020, instructing the Auditor-General to proceed on “accumulated” leave with effect from 1st July, 2020 for a prescribed number of days determined by the President, are void and of no legal effect, because the said directives are inconsistent with the letter and spirit of the 1992 Constitution as they improperly interfere with the independence and functions of the Auditor General.
The Court also granted reliefs two, three and four but dismissed reliefs five, six and seven which were essentially seeking orders to perpetually injunct and restrain the President or his agents from issuing or seeking to enforce on the Auditor-General any directive that has the purpose or effect of commanding the Auditor-General to take his leave or to surrender any of his powers or functions to another person”.
TheNational Democratic Congress(NDC) is expected to win the Assin North district seat in the next by-election, according to a Ghanaian polling organization, Global Info Analytics.
The Electoral Commission slated June 27, 2023, for the by-election at the Assin North constituency after the seat was declared vacant by Parliament following a Supreme Court order.
Executive Director and the Head of Polls for Global Info Analytics, Musah Dankwah told the media a recent poll conducted in April showed that the National Democratic Congress (NDC) will win the seat based on factors such as road network in the constituency, the standard of living of constituents and general optimism.
“If you look at the recent polling that we did at Assin Northas recent as April, there were signs of hope for the NDC to retain the seat in the sense that the sentiment of voters in the constituency doesn’t seem to support the ruling party.
“If you look at voters who said the country was headed in the wrong direction, they were about 77 percent. Now, people who said that the standard of living has gotten worse in the last twelve months, were about 66 percent and then when you look at people who said they were not optimistic things will get better in the next twelve months, they were about 80 percent.”
About 11 million active Subscriber Identification Module (SIM) cards that have not been re-registered with the Ghana Card yet risk being disconnected today, Wednesday, May 31.
Following this development, hundreds of people, majority of whom are trying to register their SIMs for the first time, have thronged some National Identification Authority (NIA) centres in a desperate attempt to secure their Ghana Card.
The national card is the only prerequisite identification document admissible for the completion of the re-registration of SIM cards.
When the Daily Graphic visited some of the NIA centres, including the Premium Centre of the authority at its head office at Shiashie, Accra and other premium centres in some regions, there were long queues of last-minute card acquirers dashing to complete the process.
Many of the subscribers had come to link their Ghana Card with their SIM cards to satisfy the NCA requirement before the May 31 deadline.
While the centre with the capacity to process 650 applications sees no crowds, the long queues at the place has compelled the NIA to erect canopies outside its halls to accommodate the increasing numbers.
The Executive Secretary of NIA, Professor Ken Agyeman Attafuah, expressed regret that such a large number of people would rush to pay a premium fee of GH¢280 for a service they could have accessed for free a few weeks back.
He said it was the attitude of some people to relax in obtaining the Ghana Card until the deadlines were near.
Prof. Attafuah said based on its daily operational capacity, including that of its key partners, CAL Bank, coupled with limited cards at the moment, the NIA would not be able to issue all the people calling at its premium centres with cards.
“At the moment, given the reality and the debt owed the private partners, the public needing the service are finding recourse to the premium registration service not by laid down procedures, but by the zest and urgency of their needs and we are trying to cope with this,” he explained.
The NIA Executive Secretary said the authority had a daily capacity of about 650 at its head office and a little less of that at other premium centres, making it impossible to issue the thousands of people applying for the cards before the SIM card re-registration deadline yesterday.
He explained, however, that since the deadline was due, the NIA had to mobilise additional hands to serve all the applicants at its head office premium centre yesterday.
Prof. Attefuah said apart from NIA offices where the Ghana Card services could be accessed for free, additional registration points were established with the approach of the SIM card re-registration deadlines to ease the pressure.
“As a responsive state institution, we take no delight in seeing Ghanaians going through the anguish of queuing. So we made these opportunities and facilities available in anticipation that people would take advantage for free,” Prof. Attafuah said.
However, he said it had become the phenomenon that any time the deadline was extended, people became lackadaisical making most of the centres “ghost towns”.
“We see a phenomenon where anytime the deadline for the SIM card re-registration was extended, the additional re-registration points plus the traditional NIA offices become ghost towns and whenever the deadline is approaching then we have a situation of an avalanche of demands and in some cases people stampeding even though this is at a cost,” he pointed out.
Premium service
Prof. Attafuah said although the premium service required booking, the NIA, looking at the high demand due to the deadline, had opened its doors to the hundreds of people to help them beat the deadline even though they had not booked appointments.
He said the NIA had brought in canopies and chairs to accommodate the extra load of numbers and give them some comfort.
“It is a regrettable situation but it is the reality and we have to deal with it. It is unfortunate that so many people have to be in the sun and queue for so long for a paid for service that had been traditionally and customarily available to the public at no cost,” Prof. Attafuah said.
Extension
The Public Relations Manager of AirtelTigo, Felicia Thornhill, told the Daily Graphic that a lot more subscribers of AritelTigo visited its premises to begin the re-registration exercise yesterday, unlike the previous weeks and months preceding the May 31 deadline.
She said to help get all subscribers registered to avoid deactivation which would not benefit the business, the company had deployed most of its staff to the field to assist subscribers in the re-registration exercise.
Each staff has also been tasked to reach about 10 subscribers yet to complete the registration to remind them of the exercise and assist them to complete it.
“It will affect our business and so an extension would be appreciated as we have more customers who are yet to complete the registration exercise,” Ms Thornhill said.
Context
At the inception of the SIM re-registration exercise on October 1, 2021, there were about 42 million active SIM cards in the country.
They were made up of SIM cards registered with identity cards (IDs) such as the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) cards, passports, driving licence, among others.
The National Communications Authority at whose behest the re-registration started, said a lot of the IDs were not verified at the time they were used to register the SIMs.
After the first phase of the exercise, there were about 36 million active SIM cards in circulation as of last month, out of which 25 million (69.6 per cent) have been duly reregistered.
This means that over 25.4 million SIM cards had completed both stages one and two of the SIM re-registration which was done with verified Ghana Cards.
The remaining 11 million, representing 30. 4 per cent, include active SIM cards exempted based on various demographics and active SIM cards that have not been registered with the Ghana Card using the current process.
Already the NCA has deactivated about 6.1 million SIM cards which belonged to subscribers that had completed only stage one of the current registration process.
Tomorrow’s deadline for SIM cards re-registration follows a similar announcement of mass disconnection of unregistered SIM cards before April 17, 2023.
At the time, about 33.8 million, representing 79. 60 per cent had completed only the first phase of linking their Ghana Cards with the SIM cards, while 8.65 million subscribers, representing 20.40 per cent, had not linked their Ghana cards to their SIM cards.
The NCA, therefore, extended the deadline to rope in all subscribers.
On Thursday, 25 May 2023, Ghanaian doctors at Greater Accra Regional Hospital in Accra successfully performed an awake brain surgery on a 39-year-old police sergeant, Sylvester Aboagye.
This is the first such operation in West Africa. An awake brain surgery is a kind of procedure in which patients are kept conscious to join the procedure in order to avoid damage.
The patient answers and identifies objects shown to them by the clinical psychologist and neurosurgeon who monitor their reactions.
This allows medical professionals to safely remove brain and skull-base tumours through smaller, more accurate holes with less collateral damage, that is, damage to blood vessels or nerves that was not the original target.
Speaking to the media, consultant neurosurgeon at the hospital, Prof Samuel Kaba, revealed that the patient has been battling with a brain tumour for a long time, moving from one hospital to another but to no avail.
“They realised he started having challenges with hallucinating, always having bad dreams, he started seeing things in a different way. Instead of seeing you as a human being he might be seeing you as an object. He was taken to a hospital in Kumasi.
“They examined him and referred him for further treatment. People thought it was a psychiatric issue so he was sent to the psychiatric hospital where prescriptions were given for psychiatric medication,” he added.
According to him, a check-up on the patient done by the hospital disclosed that he was suffering from a brain tumour, therefore, they recommended he immediately underwent a surgery.
“But when we saw him, we discovered that he had a brain tumour. The tumour was located in the area that helps us to be able to visualise things and position ourselves and be able to have good thinking, regulate the hallucinations and also help us in our emotions.
“We realised that operating on him we then had to work on him awake. Because if we attempted operating on him asleep completely we might be removing the tumour but he would come out with a deficit,” he added.
Mr Kaba revealed that the surgery was successful as a result of the swift intervention of the government by providing the hospital with the needed machines to perform the surgery.
Recently, the Akufo-Addo-led government donated some equipment to the hospital to perform a surgery on conjoined twins. “We are very happy because these are surgeries done in the developed world and we are doing them right here in Ghana. This is possible because of the equipment we had to do the conjoined twins surgeries; now we have used it to serve a lot of people, including this policeman who will go back to service,” Dr Kaba added.
The Member of Parliament forNgleshi/Amanfrom, Sylvester Tetteh, has advised pupils in Faana, Greater Accra Region, to stay home until the government supplies them with a boat for their transportation to and from school.
His request has been necessitated by a recent tragic boat accident that claimed the of some students of the school.
The Assembly member for the area has criticised the MP and the government for failing to honour their promise to provide life jackets for the children after the accident.
Weeks after the incident, kids in Faana are still ferried to school in boats without life jackets or an outboard motor as promised.
But speaking to the media MP for the area, Sylvester Tetteh said the matter should not be reduced to the provision of life jackets as government is working on the construction of a boat that will ferry the pupils to school and back home.
He’s therefore asked the pupils to stay home until the boat is provided.
“We should not reduce this whole thing to providing life jacket alone, that will solve the problem. We are of the opinion that kids of this nature should not be made to be put in a boat and say that we have life jackets so they will go to school without any assistance from parents or anybody older. The boat they used is not a dedicated boat, the person was just a passerby and they had to jump on it. It is better if they wait for us to get it right. We are clear in our minds what we are going to do.”
“I didn’t take the decision alone, all of us sat through and thought it wise that look, this is what what we can do for people to be able to account for whatever we are doing. There are older people who commute and go to school, and I’m aware that life jackets have been provided per the NADMO report they gave me. I’m saying that when it is not well coordinated you may take the life jacket to the place today but how are they going to commute and don’t forget we have kids, as young as one to four years. It is better that these kids stay at home and get things properly done than for them to be put on a boat they don’t know where it’s from, it’s not dedicated for their education,” Hon. Sylvester Tetteh told Host Francis Abban.
Nine school children of Faana, a suburb of Bortianor in the Ga South Municipality of the Greater Accra Region drowned on Wednesday, May 11, 2023, when the boat transporting them to across an estuary capsized.
The deceased children and 3 survivors were returning home from school at Wiaboman a community near Dansoman when they met their untimely death. None of them was wearing a life jacket.
In order to enhance healthcare service, Ussif Mustapha, a member of parliament for the Yagaba Kubori seat and minister for youth and sports, has donated an ambulance to the Yizesi health center in the Mamprugu Moadiri district.
The ambulance, donated on 28 May, is the second to be presented to the facility after vice president Mahamudu Bawumia donated the first ambulance in 2016. It developed a fault in 2017 but has since not been repaired.
The minister said three communities – Kubori, Laogri and Kunkua – will also receive an ambulance each. This is his own initiative. He urged residents to ensure that the ambulance serves its intended purpose.
With the new ambulance, residents do not have to travel over 60km on motorbikes and tricycles for referral services.
Residents were happy to receive the ambulance following many appeals to the district assembly. A senior youth leader, Abdulai Yussifu Danso, expressed joy saying two of his relatives had suffered health complications due to the absence of an ambulance in the facility.
He said, “I am very happy that we now have an ambulance… My sister, Arasi, was in labour with twins. When we sent her to the Yizesi health centre only one baby survived.
“The nurses did their best but after several hours, the second labour was not setting in. The nurses asked us to call an ambulance. By the time it arrived, my sister had had a stillbirth.”
The district health director, Bukari Adam, who received the ambulance said the district had been struggling with referral of labour cases but that will now be a thing of the past.
He said, “I feel great for receiving this ambulance because it is huge relief to healthcare delivery here. Most of our referrals come late in the night around 1am to 3am. When we call for nearby ambulance services, they don’t want to attend to us sometimes. So, most of the time, we struggle to refer cases, especially labour cases in the night.”
James Gyakye Quayson will once again represent the National Democratic Congress (NDC) in the incomingAssin North by-election.
In a statement, Deputy Communications Officer Godwin Ako Gunn said Mr Quayson has been a victim of a hunged Parliament, with the New Patriotic Party (NPP) doing everything possible to reduce the numbers of the NDC in Parliament.
He said “The only reason the NPP is so desperate to get a majority in Parliament is to pass the AGYAPA DEAL, the last promise left for the President’s family to own the natural resources of Ghana for a minimum of 25 years. I entreat all lovers of our democracy to support Hon. Quayson and the NDC, both in cash and in kind, to regain that seat. This support must be channelled through the proper party structure to ensure efficient deployment.
“With the Kumawu bye-election experience, we know the IMF cash will be up for spending in the Assin North Constituency. That is why all well-meaning Ghanaians must stand up to be counted in this campaign. Nana Addo has turned this nation upside down. It will take you and I to redirect the course of this nation. There can’t be any better time than this. This is a rescue mission. We must do this together – light a candle, and keep your hopes alive – because there are better days ahead.”
Parliament has informed theElectoral Commission (EC) of a vacancy in the Assin North Constituency.
A letter written to the Commission by the Clerk on Tuesday, May 30 said “In the exercise of the power conferred and the duty imposed on the Clerk to Parliament by Section 3 of the Constitution of the Republic of Ghana (Amendment) Act 1996 (Act 527), I Cyril Kwabena Oteng Nsiah, Clerk to Parliament do hereby formally notify you of the occurrence of a vacancy in the Assin North Constituticny necessitated by the Judgement of the Supreme Court dated 17th May 2023 vide Writ No. J1/11/2022 issued in respect of James Gyakye Quayson in the case of Micaheal Ankomah Nimfah vrs James Gyakye Quayson, the Electoral Commission of Ghana and the Attorney General request you to take appropriate consequential actions as required by law.”
The Supreme Court ordered Parliament to remove the name of Assin North Member of Parliament, James Gyakye Quayson, from the records of the Legislature.
The apex court on Wednesday, May 17 unanimously ruled that the name of Gyakye Quayson, should be expunged from the records of Parliament. This was after plaintiff Michael Ankomah Nimfah filed an application early this year, seeking among others, a true and proper interpretation of Article 94(2)(a) of the 1992 Constitution.
He sought to invoke the original jurisdiction of the apex court of the land to declare the election of Mr Gyakye Quayson as unconstitutional.
Article 94(2)(a) of the 1992 Constitution states: “A person shall not be qualified to be a member of Parliament if he owes allegiance to a country other than Ghana.”
