TIG Post

Author: Phoebe Martekie Doku

  • Gold climbs up to $2,500 per ounce

    Gold climbs up to $2,500 per ounce

    Gold has surged past $2,500 per ounce for the first time, driven by expectations that the Federal Reserve is nearing an interest rate cut.

    On Friday afternoon, spot gold traded above $2,500/oz, surpassing last month’s record, according to ING analyst Ewa Manthey.

    This increase comes in response to disappointing US housing data, which has intensified speculation about more significant and quicker cuts by the Federal Reserve.

    “Our US economist now sees a 50bp cut in September followed by a series of 25bp moves that would get us back to a Fed funds rate of around 3.5% by next summer”.

    Lower borrowing costs are beneficial for gold, as it yields no interest.

    The Fed has maintained its key policy rate within the 5.25% to 5.5% range—the highest in over twenty years—since July of last year. ING’s US economist now anticipates a 50 basis point cut in September, with additional 25 basis point reductions to potentially bring the Fed funds rate to around 3.5% by next summer.

    In 2024, gold prices have risen by more than 20%, fueled by geopolitical uncertainties, expectations of Fed rate cuts, and strong demand from central banks. Analysts expect gold prices to remain influenced by the Fed’s rate decisions and geopolitical events.

    The ongoing war in Ukraine, conflicts in the Middle East, and US-China tensions are likely to sustain safe-haven demand for gold in the near term.

    The upcoming US presidential election in November is also expected to contribute to gold’s upward trajectory through the end of the year.

    Central banks are anticipated to continue increasing their gold reserves, providing further support.

    ING projects gold to average $2,380 in the third quarter, with prices potentially peaking at $2,450/oz in the fourth quarter, leading to an annual average of $2,301/oz.

    “We see gold averaging $2,380 in the third quarter and prices peaking in the fourth quarter at $2,450/oz, resulting in an annual average of $2,301/oz”, ING said.

  • Dollar trading at GHS15.92 at forex as of Aug 16

    The value of Ghana’s local currency, the cedi, continues to fall against major trading currencies, notably the US dollar.

    As of 10:00 AM on Friday, August 16, 2024, the cedi is being exchanged at GH¢15.92 to $1 at prominent forex bureaus in Accra.

    This depreciation is also observed with other major currencies, such as the British Pound and the Euro. Currently, the cedi is valued at GH¢20.50 to £1 and GH¢17.52 to €1 at leading forex bureaus nationwide.

    According to Bloomberg, the Ghanaian cedi is ranked as the fourth-worst performing currency out of 150 tracked globally.

    Despite a nearly 23% drop in value against the US dollar, the cedi has shown some signs of stability this month, as reported by Bloomberg.

    This decline in the cedi’s value is attributed to the increased demand for US dollars needed for purchasing petroleum products, pharmaceuticals, and other imports.

  • Govt targets GHS4.968bn in its upcoming treasury bills auction

    Govt targets GHS4.968bn in its upcoming treasury bills auction

    The government is preparing to raise GH¢4.968 billion in its upcoming treasury bills auction, which will involve 91-day, 182-day, and 365-day bills.

    In the latest auction, conducted on August 9, 2024, and settled on August 12, 2024, the government secured GH¢5.30 billion, falling short of its target of GH¢6.558 billion.

    The breakdown included GH¢4.101 billion for the 91-day bill, GH¢967.19 million for the 182-day bill, and GH¢231.14 million for the 365-day bill.

    Last week, GH¢3.803 billion in treasury bills were sold, with interest rates at 24.82% for the 91-day bill, 26.76% for the 182-day bill, and 27.85% for the 365-day bill.

    The Bank of Ghana reported that all bids submitted for this week’s auction were accepted.

  • Financial irregularities within public institutions drops by GHS5.4bn – AG

    Financial irregularities within public institutions drops by GHS5.4bn – AG

    The Auditor-General,Johnson Akuamoah Asiedu, has revealed a significant drop in financial irregularities within public institutions, reporting a reduction of GH¢5.4 billion.

    Last year, the financial irregularities detected amounted to GH¢11.17 billion, a notable decrease from the GH¢16.57 billion recorded in 2022.

    This update was shared at the launch of the 2024 Financial Audit and Regional and District Auditors Conference in Accra, themed ‘Fiscal Sustainability and the Role of the State Auditor’.

    The Auditor-General also noted that the 2023 Financial Audit produced 18 reports, including 14 statutory reports that were submitted to parliament within the constitutional deadline.

    He noted that: “The reports significantly disclose that financial irregularities decreased by over GH¢5.4billion compared with the previous year’s irregularities. I am grateful to the heads of public institutions for their keen interest in implementing our recommendations which brought about this improvement”.

    He noted that this reduction is due to strict adherence to the Service’s recommendations and the Public Accounts Committee’s efforts to enforce financial discipline within institutions.

    The Auditor-General also introduced a strategic shift in the reporting approach for the 2024 audit cycle. Reports on public universities will now be distinct from those covering public boards and corporations, thereby reducing the volume of the latter.

    In his speech, Deputy Finance Minister Dr. Stephen Amoah commended the Audit Service for its achievements over the past year. He highlighted that the Auditor-General presented 18 statutory and performance reports to parliament, addressing areas such as the management of COVID-19 funds and the performance of state-owned enterprises. Dr. Amoah described these reports as a “wake-up call” for necessary improvements.

    Dr. Amoah further emphasized that the Audit Service completed 6,166 out of 6,723 planned audits in 2023, achieving a notable completion rate of 91.72 percent. He praised this performance as a testament to the Service’s dedication to accountability and stressed the importance of ongoing support and resources for its crucial work.

    In acknowledgment of the Audit Service’s contributions, the government has significantly increased its budgetary allocation for 2024. Dr. Amoah announced that the Service’s total budget has risen to GH¢633.74 million, with substantial funds designated for employee compensation, goods and services, and capital expenditure.

    “This budget will enable the Audit Service to continue its essential work, ensuring that public funds are utilised effectively and any misuse is promptly identified and addressed,” he assured.

    The deputy minister further underscored that ensuring fiscal sustainability is crucial to the country’s progress, saying: “The Ghana Audit Service stands at the forefront of this mission, safeguarding public funds and ensuring that every cedi is spent effectively and responsibly”.

    “These efforts are projected to reduce the debt-to-GDP ratio to below 80 percent by end-2025,” he said.

    The Deputy Finance Minister also emphasized the need for enhanced collaboration between the Ghana Audit Service and internal auditors within public institutions. This partnership is crucial for strengthening internal controls and preventing audit irregularities before they arise.

    Senior Partner at KPMG, Mr. Anthony Sarpong, highlighted the fundamental role of transparency and accountability in public financial management. He pointed out that these principles are vital for good governance and economic sustainability.

    Mr. Sarpong noted the recurring issue of financial irregularities in the Auditor-General’s reports, asserting that fiscal discipline involves not just reducing expenditures but also ensuring the efficient management of public resources to secure a prosperous future for all citizens.

    He advocated for the ongoing evolution of auditing practices to address emerging challenges, stressing the importance of integrating technology and incorporating Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) factors into audits.

    Mr. Sarpong urged auditors to go beyond financial performance assessments and evaluate an organization’s commitment to broader societal goals, ensuring that public funds are managed in ways that support sustainable development.

    He also called for public officers to lead by example in managing public funds effectively and suggested that sanctions be applied to recover funds in cases of irregularities.

  • Govt hasn’t secured any agreement with us – IPPs

    Govt hasn’t secured any agreement with us – IPPs

    CEO of the Independent Power Generators in Ghana, Dr. Elikplim Kwabla Apetorgbor, has denied government claims that an agreement has been reached with Independent Power Producers (IPPs) regarding payment terms amidst ongoing debt restructuring talks.

    The IPGG stated that no such agreement has been finalized, contrary to recent statements by the Minister of State at the Ministry of Energy, Herbert Krapa, and Minister of Finance, Dr. Mohammed Amin Adam.

    In a statement signed by Dr. Elikplim Kwabla Apetorgbor, the claims made by the ministers were labeled as ‘inaccurate,’ with the IPGG asserting that negotiations are still ongoing and no agreement has been concluded.

    “While negotiations have not been concluded, it is crucial to ensure accuracy in the information disseminated to the public,” the statement read.

    “Misleading statements about the status of the negotiations have significant repercussions, including pressures and demands from our principals. It also risks jeopardizing our credibility and business relationships with key stakeholders,” it added.

    The IPGG CEO called on the Minister of Finance and the Minister of State at the Ministry of Energy to hold off on making any additional public remarks about the issue until a conclusive agreement is finalized and all stakeholders have been adequately informed.

    “We remain committed to finding a sustainable solution to the debt owed to IPPs, and once an agreement has been finalized, we will ensure that the public is duly informed,” the IPGG statement noted.

    Under the terms of Ghana’s IMF program, the government must restructure the debt owed to Independent Power Producers, who are vital to the nation’s energy and power supply chain.

  • Keta Port project will undergo comprehensive audit if elected – Mahama

    Keta Port project will undergo comprehensive audit if elected – Mahama

    The NDC’s presidential candidate, John Dramani Mahama, has pledged that his future administration will perform a detailed audit of the Keta Port.

    This review aims to evaluate the development progress under the New Patriotic Party (NPP) and to establish a clear plan for the project’s next steps.

    While addressing the media in Ho during his campaign tour of the Volta Region, Mahama stressed the importance of conducting a thorough needs assessment before considering the establishment of a new port between Tema Harbour and the Port of Lomé.

    He cautioned against repeating the errors seen with the Boankra inland port project, emphasizing the need to ensure that the Keta Port does not end up as a “white elephant.”

    “We will prioritise it and once I become president, one of the first things I will ask for is the feasibility study of the Keta Port and once we have seen it, we will let the public see it and based on that, we can take it from there.

    “If there must be a port there, there must be a specialised port for something because we have Tema and we have Lomé because if we are having an intermediate port, is it going to handle the same cargo that Tema and Lomé are handling?

    “Those are all things that we have to look at and determine how to move forward and so they should stop playing politics with it and let us see the feasibility study, the design of the port and move forward.”

  • 3 sustain injuries in accident on Kasoa-Winneba highway

    3 sustain injuries in accident on Kasoa-Winneba highway

    A severe accident on the Kasoa-Winneba highway near Gomoa Buduatta Junction in the Gomoa East District left three people critically injured.

    The crash involved a container trailer with registration number GE 8891-18 heading to Takoradi and a tipper truck with registration number GN 2314-21 traveling toward Kasoa.

    The injured include the driver of the tipper truck and two passengers. The accident happened around 1:00 AM on Friday, August 16, 2024.

    Preliminary reports suggest the tipper truck driver fell asleep at the wheel, leading to the collision.

    Upon reaching the Buduatta Goil Filling Station, the tipper truck veered out of its lane and crashed into the trailer truck.

    The injured individuals were rushed to St. Gregory Hospital for treatment.

  • Woman dies in Kwadaso after allegedly being thrown out of taxi

    Woman dies in Kwadaso after allegedly being thrown out of taxi

    A woman in her forties has tragically lost her life after being allegedly pushed out of a taxi by unknown individuals.

    The incident took place on the evening of Thursday, August 15, 2024, in the Kwadaso Municipality of the Ashanti Region, specifically between Star Junction and Agric Junction.

    Witnesses have reported that the woman was forcefully ejected from the taxi, which led to an alarm being raised by residents.

    The suspects quickly drove away when locals began shouting.

    Attempts to help the woman were made by those who arrived at the scene shortly after the incident, but she succumbed to her injuries minutes later.

    The police were notified, and they have since transported the body to the morgue.

    The family of the deceased has been identified, and a police investigation into the case is ongoing.

  • 90% of our manifesto will target job creation, promoting business opportunities – NPP

    90% of our manifesto will target job creation, promoting business opportunities – NPP

    Director of Communications for the Bawumia campaign, Dennis Miracles Aboagye, has revealed that the party’s manifesto will prioritize job creation and business development.

    In an interview with Joy News, Mr Aboagye emphasized the party’s dedication to nurturing a robust economy led by the private sector.

    He expressed confidence that, based on their track record of fulfilling similar promises, the party will continue to deliver on these commitments if elected in 2025.

    “Approximately 90% of the manifesto will focus on jobs and businesses in the private sector,” he said, highlighting the NPP’s commitment to fostering a thriving economy driven by private enterprise.

    “The manifesto is designed to ensure that the private sector not only thrives but also expands, increases production, and empowers citizens to access the opportunities generated,” he explained. “As businesses grow, they will naturally need to hire more people, leading to increased employment”, he stated.

    He highlighted that the NPP is the only government in Ghana’s history to have created more jobs in eight years than any previous administration.

    “We have created 2.1 million jobs and have the data to prove it. These are truly sustainable jobs. The data is there for all to see. As we head to the polls, voters must decide: do they want John Mahama or Dr Bawumia? The choice should be clear—vote for the one with a proven track record in job creation,” he explained.

    He acknowledged that while the party has made notable progress in job creation, many young Ghanaians still face unemployment.

    The New Patriotic Party (NPP) is set to unveil its manifesto for the 2024 elections in Takoradi, the Western Regional capital, on Sunday, August 18, 2024.

  • It’s either you sign the peace pact or you stop attending security meetings – NPP to NDC

    It’s either you sign the peace pact or you stop attending security meetings – NPP to NDC

    The General Secretary of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Justin Frimpong Kodua, has suggested that the National Democratic Congress (NDC) should not attend security meetings if they are unwilling to sign the peace pact.

    Kodua pointed out that participating in these meetings is futile if the NDC is not committed to peace.

    He expressed his frustration during an interview on Peace FM’s Kokrokoo morning show.

    He highlighted that while the NDC engages in meetings organized by the Peace Council, IPAC, and the Electoral Commission, they refuse to sign the peace pact, questioning the purpose of their involvement in such discussions.

    “In all the meetings that we attend, the most crucial aspect that will foster peace, you are refusing to sign. Then why do you attend those meetings? That is our concern as the New Patriotic Party,” Justin lamented.

    This statement comes in response to the National Chairman of the NDC, Johnson Asiedu Nketiah, who declared that the party would not sign the peace pact for the upcoming general elections.

    Kodua criticized the NDC’s refusal, recalling that in previous elections, the NDC signed peace pacts even when they disagreed with the outcomes, in the interest of national peace.

    He assured Ghanaians that the NPP is committed to a peaceful election and called on the Security Council to implement stringent security measures before and during the December 7 polls. Additionally, he urged that strict actions be taken against anyone, regardless of their political affiliation, who seeks to disrupt Ghana’s democratic process and peace.

  • Bawumia is practically promoting Mahama – NDC

    Bawumia is practically promoting Mahama – NDC

    Former Greater Accra Chairman of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), Joseph Ade Coker, has accused Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia of assuming the role of an opposition leader.

    According to Mr Coker, the NPP’s presidential candidate, Bawumia, is actively criticizing and vowing to dismantle the policies of the Akufo-Addo government, of which he is a prominent member.

    In his remarks on XYZ TV on August 15, 2024, Mr Coker suggested that by attacking the policies of his own administration, Bawumia is effectively positioning former President John Dramani Mahama, the NDC’s candidate, as a more capable leader compared to the current government.

    “Now that Bawumia has become the opposition leader, he doesn’t say anything about his government. He says, ‘I would cancel E-Levy when I am voted into office,’ but his government is implementing it now; he says he would abolish the betting tax, but the tax is being taken by this government.

    “He says he would reduce electricity tariffs, but they are going up now under his government. When he comes, the dollar rate will go down, but the rate is going up now. So, Ghanaians must listen carefully. Here is somebody in the government who has now denounced his government, so the first thing he is saying is don’t vote for my government, and then don’t vote for me because the government I am part of is a failure,” he said.

    He added, “Because if you are denouncing, if you are not able to tout the things your government has done, how can you come and seek the mandate of the people? So, he has shot himself in the foot. He is virtually telling Ghanaians to vote for Mahama.”

  • We will storm EC’s office if they delay to release provisional voter’s register – NDC

    We will storm EC’s office if they delay to release provisional voter’s register – NDC

    The National Democratic Congress (NDC) has warned of possible action against the Electoral Commission (EC) due to delays in releasing the provisional voter’s register for the upcoming December elections.

    The NDC had previously requested the EC to provide the provisional register before the scheduled exhibition exercise.

    The EC had promised to deliver the register to political parties by Friday, August 16, 2024. However, when NDC representatives went to the EC office on that date, they were turned away.

    In an interview with Citi News, Rashid Tanko Computer, the NDC’s Deputy IT Director, expressed frustration over the delay and suggested mobilizing public protests if the register is not released soon.

    “We went there only to be told that the register was not ready and that anytime they were ready they would call us, this is grossly unfair.

    “Meanwhile, we have intelligence that they have already printed the 2024 register that includes the 2023 register. And they are adding the mop-up ones for the regions. So, what is stopping them from giving us the register?

    “This is what we don’t understand. We’re calling on the general public to be on the EC to release the register now. We have just four days to the exhibition and you cannot release the register to a major political party like the NDC.

    “That is why we’re calling on the general public. If the EC doesn’t give us the register we will storm there, they must give us the register, it’s within the law, the C.I.,” Rashid Tanko Computer said.

  • Ghana would have been like Dubai if NDC had Akufo-Addo’s GHS650bn loan – Mahama

    Ghana would have been like Dubai if NDC had Akufo-Addo’s GHS650bn loan – Mahama

    Former President and NDC flagbearer, John Dramani Mahama, has asserted that Ghana would have seen significant development if his administration had access to the loans accumulated by the Akufo-Addo government.

    He emphasized that the NDC prioritizes prudent investments aimed at improving the lives of Ghanaians, unlike the New Patriotic Party (NPP).

    Speaking at a mini rally in Ave Dakpa, Akatsi North District of the Volta Region, during his #Mahama4Change2024 campaign tour, Mahama criticized President Akufo-Addo for what he described as the mismanagement of loans acquired during his tenure.

    “One would have thought that after borrowing GH₵600 billion, we would be talking about AVESCO walls today. It should have been done. We will not be talking about the abandoned electrification projects where communities are still sleeping in the dark.

    “If the NDC had GH₵650 billion in four years of President, we would have turned Ghana into Dubai”, he said.

    Mr. Mahama alleged that the Vice Presidential Candidate for the ruling NPP, Dr. Opoku Prempeh (NAPO), managed the distribution of 4 billion cedis from the Daakye Bond during his tenure as Education Minister.

    He criticized the lack of advancement on projects funded by this bond, noting that many remain incomplete.

    Mahama stated that if his government comes to power in 2025, they will hold current Akufo-Addo administration officials accountable for their management of public resources.

    “When the current running mate of Dr Mahamudu Bawumia was the Minister of Education, they floated a bond called the Daakye Bond and they used to borrow $1.5 billion, and they said that they were going to use it to complete all the GETfund projects, all the E-block projects and to invest in other educational projects.

    “They took that money, $1.5 billion and nobody can tell what they used it for. And that is why NPP must leave office so that we can audit things like this. What was the money used for? Was it misapplied? Or it was used for the purpose for which it was taken.

    “And that is why I say NDC will come to power on 7th January 2025. And when we come, we are going to hold everybody accountable. We must know what you did with all that money”, he concluded.

  • We’ve fulfilled 80% of our 2020 manifesto promises – NPP

    We’ve fulfilled 80% of our 2020 manifesto promises – NPP

    Dennis Miracles Aboagye, who serves as the Director of Communications and Spokesperson for Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia’s campaign, has announced that the New Patriotic Party (NPP) has fulfilled 80% of its 2020 manifesto promises.

    He noted that only 20% of the pledges remain unfulfilled.

    Mr Aboagye emphasized that the NPP has carefully assessed their manifesto and found that they have successfully achieved the majority of their commitments.

    Speaking on JoyNews’ AM Show on August 16, he said, “Our manifesto, we have done just about 80%. It is 20% that we have not been able to fulfil. We have run an analysis of our manifesto. You have it, run the analysis. Have you run an implementation of NPP’s manifesto? What percentage did you get? We have run a test of our manifesto to determine that there are 80% of the things that we said we would do, that we have been able to do.”

    “There is a 20%, that is outstanding that we have not been able to entirely complete. Look at the macroeconomic indicators. When we came into office, one of our main objectives was to move our inflation to a single digit, which we succeeded in doing between 2017 and 2024 but today it’s around 20%.”

    Mr. Aboagye further highlighted that the NPP’s upcoming manifesto will prioritize job creation and business development.

    He expressed optimism, stating that the party, with a proven track record of delivering on such promises, is well-positioned to do so once more, especially for the country’s youth.

    Mr Aboagye added that the NPP’s upcoming manifesto will place a strong emphasis on job creation and business development.

    He expressed confidence that the party, having delivered on similar promises in the past, is poised to do so again, particularly for the nation’s youth.

  • GTEC to employ 2,500 teachers to replace those on strike over poor conditions

    GTEC to employ 2,500 teachers to replace those on strike over poor conditions

    The Ghana Tertiary Education Commission (GTEC) is seeking financial clearance from the Ministry of Education (MoE) to hire 2,500 new teachers.

    This recruitment is intended to alleviate the heavy academic workload and ensure a timely start to academic sessions.

    This request follows a nationwide strike by the Colleges of Education Teachers Association of Ghana (CETAG), which began on June 14 in response to the government’s failure to implement agreed arbitration awards and other service conditions.

    Once financial clearance is granted, GTEC will quickly proceed with the recruitment to have the new staff in place as soon as possible.

    “The Commission is in serious talks with the Honourable Minister of Education for financial clearance to be granted to GTEC to recruit some two thousand five hundred (2,500) teaching staff to augment the current load for academic work to commence as quickly as possible while we work with CETAG to resolve their concerns.

    “GTEC will communicate to you the modalities with which this urgent staff recruitment will be expedited as soon as the clearance is provided,” the statement read.

  • NDC’s intention not to sign peace pact worrying – NPP

    NDC’s intention not to sign peace pact worrying – NPP

    The National Organizer of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Henry Nana Boakye, has expressed his frustration with the National Democratic Congress (NDC) for opting not to sign a peace declaration ahead of the upcoming elections.

    Boakye criticized this decision as reckless, arguing that the NDC’s rationale does not align with the goal of ensuring a fair and peaceful election process.

    The criticism follows an announcement by NDC National Chairman, Johnson Asiedu Nketia, who stated that the party would not participate in any peace declaration initiatives.

    During a segment on Joy News’ PM Express, Asiedu Nketia questioned the effectiveness of such agreements, noting that previous pacts had yielded minimal results.

    “Signing a peace declaration doesn’t mean anything to the party, as previous pacts have not yielded any real results,” he said.

    In response, Mr Boakye, speaking on Joy FM’s News Night on Thursday, August 15, said, “It is unfortunate that the NDC does not want to sign.

    “Frankly speaking, I believe this reckless statement should be condemned by all, as it stokes unnecessary tension.”

    Mr. Boakye also highlighted that similar peace initiatives have been attempted several times before, citing the 2008 election when the NPP, despite signing a peace accord, lost the election.

    “In 2012, we were in opposition, signed the accord, and lost again. The same happened in 2016. Even then, during an important occasion organized by Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, all presidential candidates, including Nana Addo Akufo-Addo, signed the peace pact. So, what has changed now to prompt such a reckless statement from the NDC’s National Chairman?” he questioned.

    He further argued that if he were to enumerate all the violent incidents linked to the NDC, he wouldn’t finish within the time allocated for the program.

    “Chereponi is a clear example. The fact that we have experienced pockets of violence does not justify the NDC’s refusal to sign the peace pact. This stance suggests they are laying the groundwork to reject the election results because they know they are going to lose,” he asserted.

    Mr. Johnson Asiedu Nketia, however, defended the NDC’s decision, arguing that preventing violence demands proactive measures rather than mere symbolic gestures.

    “If you allow violence to brew, it will happen whether you sign a declaration or not. That’s why, more than a year ago, I started talking about the need to remove the building blocks for a violent election,” he explained.

    Mr. Boakye remains confident that the upcoming election will be peaceful, fair, and credible, and that the NPP will emerge victorious.

    “Look, if Hon. Bryan Acheampong is confident that the NPP party will win this election and some people want to spin his words, that’s their problem. And you expect Bryan Acheampong on a campaign platform to say we’re going to lose?” he quizzed.

    He also supported Mr. Acheampong’s controversial remark, where Acheampong claimed that the NPP would employ any necessary measures to secure victory in the 2024 election.

  • Nkrumah chased Ghanaian chiefs out of the country – NAPO

    Nkrumah chased Ghanaian chiefs out of the country – NAPO

    The 2024 Running Mate to the flagbearer for the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Dr. Matthew Opoku Prempeh, has provided insight into the party’s origins and evolution.

    He claims that during Dr Kwame Nkrumah’s regime, several Ghanaian chiefs were allegedly hunted and expelled from the country, with some even being arrested.

    These events, according to Dr. Prempeh, led to the formation of various political groups, which eventually merged to establish the NPP.

    Currently on a campaign tour in the Ashanti Region, NAPO shared these details in a radio interview on August 16, 2024.

    The interview was initially shared by Edhub on X.

    “All the people who couldn’t attend school due to financial constraints would have benefitted, developed and far advanced Ghana.

    “We are here today to meet and greet the chiefs because they are the founders and originators of our party [NPP]. Let me say this, the United Party which brought forth the Progress Party, and others and later united to become the NPP were founded by our chiefs. All the people who came from the northern part, the likes of the Northern People’s Party were all chiefs.

    “… Kwame Nkrumah went and arrested all the chiefs of Annor and sent them to prison and he changed the Volta regional capital from Hohoe to Ho. He then arrested all the chiefs from Hohoe and imprisoned them. Chiefs from Accra all came and formed their party and even Muslims from the Zongo communities also formed their party to unite with the United party.

    “So, the party belonged to all Ghanaians before the formation of the Ashanti party. The leader of the Ashanti party was a chief and he elected his linguist, the Gas and Ewes were chiefs as well. I have visited Togbe Sri and the things the man said prove this is his party [NPP]. I have gone to Kete Krachi, Akwamufie, Kwahu, Akuapem, New Juabeng, Ga Mantse, Wassa Amenfi, Ahanta, Nzema, Essikado, Sekondi, Kumasi, Yendi, Denkyira and the party belongs to every Ghanaian because all the chiefs are singing the same tune.

    “That’s why I’m saying our leader, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, is also from a royal family. Because Kwame Nkrumah wanted to arrest the Mamprusi chief, Dr. Bawumia’s father left the Northern People’s Party to join the CPP to prevent the arrest of the Mamprusi chief and his transfer to Accra. Several chiefs had to run from the country because he threatened them,” NAPO posited.

  • Don’t take 2024 election for granted, Ghana’s future is at stake – Mahama urges

    Don’t take 2024 election for granted, Ghana’s future is at stake – Mahama urges

    The flagbearer of the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC), John Dramani Mahama, has emphasized that this year’s election is not merely a choice between the NPP and the NDC but a pivotal decision for Ghana’s future.

    Speaking at a rally in Gakli, Ketu South constituency, Volta Region, Mahama criticized a small elite group he believes has monopolized the country, depriving millions of Ghanaians of opportunities.

    “A small group of people have captured the country and are denying millions of Ghanaians opportunities.”

    He pointed out the current government’s failures in tackling corruption, economic mismanagement, and providing opportunities for Ghanaians, particularly the youth.

    Mahama urged voters to back the NDC, stressing the importance of the 2024 election for the nation’s trajectory.

    Comparing his tenure with the current NPP administration, Mahama highlighted sharp increases in fuel prices, general costs of goods and services, and currency depreciation.

    He argued that, despite its flaws, Ghana in 2016 was in better shape compared to the present conditions under President Akufo-Addo.

    “Fuel prices have skyrocketed, prices of goods and services have soared, and the currency has depreciated. It was far better than the current conditions under the Akufo-Addo-led government. The 2024 election is crucial for the country’s future” he said.

  • Licensure exams for teacher trainees will be abolished by next NDC govt – Dr Apaak

    Licensure exams for teacher trainees will be abolished by next NDC govt – Dr Apaak

    A member of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) Manifesto Committee on Education, Dr. Clement Apaak, has outlined plans for significant changes in teacher training should John Mahama win the December 7 elections.

    Speaking at the third edition of Adom TV’s Badwam Sectorial Debate at the Accra Digital Center on Friday, Dr. Apaak revealed that the next NDC government would eliminate the licensure examination for teacher trainees.

    Instead, a final-year course and assessments would be introduced to better equip trainees for their teaching careers.

    Additionally, he noted that upon completing their studies, teacher trainees would be posted directly to their jobs, bypassing the requirement for national service.

    “The next Mahama administration will cancel the licensure examination for Teacher Trainee graduates and post teachers immediately after completion without requiring national service. We will replace the licensure exams with a course that the teacher trainees will take in their final year and assessments going forward,” he said.

    Dr. Apaak further elaborated on the NDC’s proposal to cover academic user fees for all first-year students at public tertiary institutions.

    He mentioned that by redirecting the GETFund to its core purpose of developing educational infrastructure, the Student Loan Trust would receive additional funding, ensuring support for students from their second year onwards.

    “We propose that all first-year public tertiary students have their academic user fees absorbed. After the first year, once the GetFund has been decapped, it will accumulate all the money and provide the Student Loan Trust with a reasonable amount so that students can apply for the loan to continue their education from the second year onward.

    “This policy aims to address the initial barrier to admission. Decapping GetFund and redirecting its focus to its original mandate, which is the construction of educational infrastructure.”

    Regarding tertiary education reforms, the NDC proposes eliminating the quota system for admissions to nursing and teacher training colleges, which would allow for increased enrollment.

    Additionally, the party plans to collaborate with the private sector to expand residential facilities and establish six new universities in Ghana’s newly created regions.

  • Accident at Buduatta junction leaves 3 injured

    Accident at Buduatta junction leaves 3 injured

    A tipper truck with registration number GE 8814-21 collided with an articulated truck at Buduatta Junction on the Kasoa-Cape Coast Highway in the Central Region, leaving the driver and two assistants seriously injured.

    The victims were quickly transported to St. Gregory Hospital for treatment.

    Police reports indicate that the tipper truck, registered as GM 2314-21, was traveling toward Accra, while the articulated truck was heading in the opposite direction to Takoradi.

    In a conversation with Adom News, Daniel Addai, the driver of the articulated truck, explained that as he neared Gomoa Buduatta Junction, he noticed the tipper truck veering into his lane, seemingly because the driver had fallen asleep.

    Despite his attempts to steer clear, the weight of his loaded truck made it impossible to avoid the collision.

    Ebo Anderson, part of the Rapid Response Team at Gomoa Potsin, who assisted the police in rescuing the injured, called on drivers to prioritize safety and avoid reckless driving practices.

  • Two Ghana Air Force pilots fly solo for the first time

    Two Ghana Air Force pilots fly solo for the first time

    The Ghana Air Force has honored two of its pilots for successfully completing their first solo flights on the K8-P Fighter Wing aircraft, a key milestone in their aviation careers that also contributes to their flying hours.

    The pilots, Flight Lieutenants (Flt Lt) Benjamin Adotey Hermann and Isaac Antieme of the No.4 Strike and Recce Wing, embarked on these solo flights on Friday, August 9, 2024, following months of intense training.

    Flt Lt Isaac Antieme, with around 150 flight hours, received his initial training at the Air Force Aviation University (AFAU) in China, flying the PT6 aircraft. He also flew the Diamond DA 42NG upon his return to Ghana before being assigned to the No. 4 Strike and Recce wing to fly the K8-P.

    Similarly, Flt Lt Benjamin Adotey Hermann, who trained at the AFAU on the PT6 aircraft, later attended the USAF-sponsored Aviation Leadership Program.

    There, he flew the Diamond DA 20 and Texan T6 aircraft, completing solo flights on both. He now has approximately 350 flight hours and has been posted to the No. 4 Strike and Recce wing to fly the K8-P.

    Wing Commander (Cmd) Frank Ato Mills, the Instructor and Commanding Officer of the No.4 Strike and Recce Wing, emphasized the significance of this milestone to the Ghana News Agency (GNA), highlighting that it represents a pilot’s capability to independently manage an aircraft and is a crucial step toward becoming a fully qualified aviator.

    He noted that while this achievement is commendable, it marks only the beginning for these young pilots. Their true operational value will emerge through continued training, experience, and qualification on more advanced aircraft and missions.

    Wing Cmdr Mills also remarked that sharing the experience of first solo flights builds camaraderie and pride among pilots, further strengthening the bonds and understanding within the Ghana Air Force.

    “They shared experience of first solos fosters camaraderie and pride among pilots, strengthening the bonds and understanding within the Ghana Air Force,” he added.

  • Free SHS should be restricted to students in practical fields – Kyiri Abosom

    Free SHS should be restricted to students in practical fields – Kyiri Abosom

    Founder and leader of the Ghana Union Movement, Christian Kwabena Andrews, also known as ‘Kyiri Abosom,’ has called for a major overhaul of the Free Senior High School (SHS) policy.

    He proposes that the initiative should be confined to students pursuing practical courses only. According to Andrews, those studying theoretical subjects, such as law, should be responsible for their own fees.

    In a recent interview with JoyNews, Kyiri Abosom argued that theoretical disciplines have not significantly benefited the nation, questioning the need for government funding in these areas.

    He believes that the focus should shift towards investing in students who are more likely to contribute to the industrial sector.

    “I think it’s better we give free [education] to those people who are going to do practical work, but those who want to learn theory to become a lawyer, you have to pay,” he said in the interview on Wednesday, August 14, 2024.

    Mr Andrews further elaborated,“I think it’s your own business; we’re not going to benefit anything out of that. How can we train more lawyers in this country while we don’t even have a company? Look at these people in Parliament and the way they are behaving; everybody wants to be a lawyer. They just want to suck our blood but not go into the practical field where they put up a factory.”

    He also criticized former President John Mahama’s proposal to offer free fees to first-year tertiary students, arguing that the real need is for skills training rather than just free tuition.

    Mr Andrews pointed out that Mahama himself has criticized the lack of adequate skills among SHS graduates, which he believes leads to high unemployment.

  • Your efforts to rig 2024 elections will backfire – NDC to NPP

    Your efforts to rig 2024 elections will backfire – NDC to NPP

    The Minority Chief Whip, Kwame Governs Agbodza, has strongly warned against any attempts to rig the 2024 general election, stating that those who try will face severe consequences.

    In a speech delivered in Adaklu in the Volta Region on August 15, alongside NDC flagbearer John Mahama, Mr Agbodza, who serves as the Member of Parliament for Adaklu, directed his remarks specifically at Bryan Acheampong, the Abetifi lawmaker.

    He advised Acheampong not to stir trouble during the upcoming elections.

    Mr Agbodza criticized the current commander-in-chief for losing control, which has allowed members of his government to threaten national peace and security.

    He pointed to Acheampong’s recent comments about the sea burning if election rigging attempts are made.

    He further asserted that President Mahama is set to win the election and that President Akufo-Addo will have to concede.

    “You [John Mahama] have been the commander-in-chief of the Ghana Armed Forces before,  and you brought honour and respect to the office of the commander-in-chief.

    “The current commander-in-chief appears to lose control to the extent that miscreants in his government are threatening the peace and security of this country. I am talking about my colleague in parliament Bryan Acheampong threatening that the sea will burn because they are going to try to rig the elections.

    “I have a simple message for you my colleague just as you have been defeated in the hostile overtake of the hotels belonging to SSNIT  you will surely fail if you attempt to use force to do anything.

    “This is Adaklu, you dare not try anything on the life of any Ghanaian, you cannot threaten Ghanaians, your party will lose and you be the first to run away. President Mahama will win and President Akufo-Addo will have to hand over to him and your party has no business trying to hold on to power. They are planning to do what they did in 2020 by orchestrating the murder of 8 Ghanaians during an election that has never happened before. if you are a security personnel or anyone being trained at least the boundary of the Volta region before you cross with that mindset, be prepared that it is self-defense, you might become the victim, this is a promise, it is not a threat.”

    Mr Agbodza condemned the NPP’s alleged plans to repeat past violence and cautioned that those involved could face serious consequences if they attempt to cross into the Volta Region with such intentions.

    Bryan Acheampong had earlier claimed at a campaign rally in the Nsawam-Adoagyiri constituency that the NPP “would do whatever it takes to win the elections” because it is “a political party that has pastors, imams, and traditionalists.”

    “Burn the sea if you don’t understand, we’ll win and continue with our good works,” Mr. Acheampong noted.

    He suggested that the NPP’s formidable electoral machinery would make it nearly impossible for the NDC to secure victory.

  • NPP’s manifesto will be full of lies – Mahama

    NPP’s manifesto will be full of lies – Mahama

    The NDC flagbearer, John Dramani Mahama, has accused the New Patriotic Party (NPP) of spreading false information.

    He alleged that the NPP will unveil a misleading manifesto on Sunday, August 18.

    “This is a government full of lies and premises, on the 18th of December they will launch the manifesto of lies, they will tell you ‘we are coming to do this for you’.

    “But they say the first fool, is not a fool, the second fool is not a fool. Who is the third fool? The third fool is the real fool. They said one child, one egg, one child one chocolate, all are lies,” Mr Mahama said.

    Mahama emphasized that Ghana needs a seasoned leader with prior experience in governance.

    He advised against succumbing to the “try me” appeal of his NPP rival, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia.

    He urged Ghanaians to reject any financial inducements from the NPP and to remember the hardships endured over the past eight years when casting their votes.

    “Before the election, they will come with plenty of money, when they come, I beg you, take your thing back. But on the day when you go to the ballot box, remember the eight years of suffering, remember the eight years of hunger, remember the eight years of poverty and vote for the government and the president that will come and turn this nation around.

    “In 2016, they said, oh try me and if in four years I don’t do well, you can vote me out. The same thing Jack Toronto’s younger brother is saying. He too says, try me, and after four years, if I don’t do well, you can vote me out but the youth of this country do not have the time to try anybody again.

    “What we need is an experienced hand who has handled this country before and whose work we have seen. And so we are not going to try anybody. We are going back to experience, we are going back to expertise to turn our country around so that our youth can have a brighter future,” he said in his address at a community engagement in Juapong in the Volta Region on Tuesday August 13.

  • Stay in your lane, be the “dead goat” you are – NAPO to Mahama

    Stay in your lane, be the “dead goat” you are – NAPO to Mahama

    The NPP’s Running Mate, Dr. Matthew Opoku Prempeh, has advised the flagbearer of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), John Dramani Mahama to continue with his “dead goat syndrome” mentality.

    Speaking to NPP supporters in Juaso, Ashanti Region, NAPO criticized the National Democratic Congress (NDC) flagbearer’s actions during the 2016 and 2020 elections, arguing that they demonstrated a lack of genuine concern for Ghana’s progress.

    “To make matters worse, he said he is a dead goat who was not afraid of knife. Since no dead goat has ever come back to life, he should remain so,” he added.

    He highlighted the cancellation of nursing and teacher trainee allowances and advised Ghanaians to avoid excessive phone charging to ensure stable electricity.

    Recalling a 2015 statement by the former President, NAPO reminded the audience of Mahama’s claim of being unaffected by strike threats, which he termed his “dead-goat syndrome.”

    Mahama had expressed indifference to labor unrest and political threats.

    NAPO emphasized that despite Mahama’s later clarification that his remarks were a response to frustrations over petroleum price deregulation nothing significant has changed about his stance.

    “To make matters worse, he said he is a dead goat who was not afraid of knife. Since no dead goat has ever come back to life, he should remain so,” he added.

  • Peace declarations before elections are mere formalities – Asiedu Nketia

    Peace declarations before elections are mere formalities – Asiedu Nketia

    National Chairman of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), Johnson Asiedu Nketia, has indicated that the party will not engage in any peace declarations leading up to the 2024 elections.

    Mr Nketia highlighted that past peace declarations have failed to effectively prevent violence.

    He contended that proactive actions are needed rather than symbolic gestures to address and mitigate potential conflicts.

    He also criticized the practice of entering peace agreements only after tensions have heightened, urging for preemptive measures and active intervention by authorities to prevent conflicts from escalating.

    In an interview with Joy News, Mr Nketia said, “The declaration doesn’t mean anything to us, it doesn’t because all previous declarations have not been adhered to, no declaration has solved any problem. If you allow violence to brew, you’ll have violence whether you sign a declaration or not.

    “That’s why, more than a year ago, I started talking about the need for us to remove the building blocks for a violent election.”

    “At any stage when something is happening, I call on those who in future, will call us to sign a declaration to speak up so that we stop this particular thing from happening.

    “Otherwise, if you let those things build up and then say, ‘Let’s play a peace football match, sign a declaration, and hope for a peaceful election,’ peaceful election wouldn’t happen.”

  • Govt’s fight against galamsey is a failure – Suhuyini

    Govt’s fight against galamsey is a failure – Suhuyini

    The Ranking Member on the Lands and Natural Resources Committee of Parliament, Alhassan Suhuyini, has expressed skepticism about the government’s ability to effectively address illegal mining, commonly known as galamsey.

    This concern arises from ongoing mining activities along the Kumasi-Accra highway, which are polluting the Owere River, a critical water source for communities in Konongo and neighboring areas.

    Officials from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Minerals Commission reported that they were only aware of a dredging exercise authorized by the Asante Akim Central Assembly, but were not informed about the mining operations.

    In an interview with Citi News, Suhuyini suggested that the involvement of government officials in illegal mining undermines efforts to combat the issue.

    He attributed the persistence of galamsey to inadequate scrutiny and oversight in community mining programs, which he claims are often used to provide jobs for party supporters without proper training or regulation, resulting in environmental damage.

    Mr Suhuyini also questioned the Asante Akim Central Assembly’s assertion that they were only informed about dredging, suggesting that they might have intentionally misled the public.

    “Look at how the community mining is done across the country. It is preserved or reserved as jobs for their boys in the various communities where mining takes place.

    “No proper scrutiny and supervision is done. These people just engage in the destruction of their forests and land that is allocated to them. So I’m not surprised that it is happening in Konongo.”

    “I’m not surprised that it is happening in the Upper East. I’m not surprised that it’s happening even in the Savannah region, around the Bole-Bamboi areas, where people are given these parcels of land because of their affiliation to the New Patriotic Party without any supervision, without any training, and they just engage in destruction.

    “It is evidence of the fact that this government has simply checked out from the pretentious fight that they started because they have seen clearly that people have seen through the facade.”

  • My govt will establish a national day for prayer, thanksgiving – Mahama

    My govt will establish a national day for prayer, thanksgiving – Mahama

    The flagbearer of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), John Dramani Mahama, has pledged to establish an annual national day of prayer and thanksgiving if elected president in the 2024 election.

    The former President proposed this day as a means to unite all faiths in expressing gratitude and seeking divine guidance for Ghana.

    “So we will hold a national day of prayers for both the Christian and Muslim communities so that all of us together will continue to intercede for God to open the gates for Ghana so that our country will prosper,” he declared.

    Mr. Mahama made this announcement during a meeting with religious leaders in Ho, Volta Region, as part of his campaign tour.

    “We will give thanks to God for all that God has done for us because he said count your blessings and if you appreciate what the Lord has done for you he will do even more for you,” he noted.

    He emphasized the importance of giving thanks to God for His blessings and noted that appreciation often leads to further blessings.

    Drawing from biblical references and practices observed in other countries, he underscored the significance of thanksgiving in every situation.

    “Even though God expect to work hard to improve our circumstances, also recognize that spiritually you must intercede for God to open the gates for you and so in the United States, in Zambia and so many countries I have been to, I have been invited to a National thanksgiving and prayers dedication and so we intend to introduce a national day of prayer and thanksgiving,” Mr Mahama added.

  • Bimbagu residents protest against promotion of sub-chief

    Bimbagu residents protest against promotion of sub-chief

    The chiefs and residents of Bimbagu in the Bunkprugu-Nakpanduri district of the North East region have urgently requested that the National Security and the National House of Chiefs halt the process to elevate sub-divisional chief Nanik Daana to paramountcy status.

    The community opposes the decision by the North East Regional House of Chiefs and the Mamprugu Traditional Council to promote Nanik Daana, labeling the move as unacceptable and provocative.

    They have warned of potential violence if the authorities do not act promptly.

    During a press conference, the chief and residents of Bimbagu also issued a stern warning that Nanik Daana should not enter Bimbagu if the elevation goes through.

    “Ladies and gentlemen of the press, we wish to; by this press conference send a strong word of caution to the North East Regional House of Chiefs and the National House of Chiefs. We invite them on the side of caution not to elevate the Naniik Daana to Paramountcy status because it has the potential to ignite armed violence between the two communities”, the residents warned in the statement read by the youth secretary, Lawrence Tiibey Japiong.

    “We are therefore calling on them to do the needful by not elevating the said chief for peace to reign. Otherwise, we the youth will use other options and means necessary to bring lasting peace to our community once and for all.”

    The frustrated residents of Bimbagu have accused Lawyer Augustine Mahama, a native of Yunyoo, of spearheading the efforts to elevate Nanik Daana. They have warned him to avoid interfering in Bimbagu’s affairs.

    Additionally, the residents have questioned Nanik Daana’s qualifications and suitability for becoming a Paramount Chief.

    “We want to state emphatically here that the Naniik Daana is our guest. He is a guest of the Bagri Daana and any attempt to change the status quo will be resisted fearlessly. The facts must be told that the Naniik Daana is a settler within the Bagri Daana’s jurisdiction and on our farmlands”.

    “We, as peace lovers, have communicated to all those who matter in this respect as you can see from the exhaustive list of our correspondences. We are using this medium for the last time to call on the National Security Minister, the Minister of Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs, the North East Regional Minister to pray on the North East Regional House and the National House of Chiefs to halt immediately the process or actions meant to elevate the Naniik Daana to Paramountcy in the interest of peace, and to give peace a chance in Bimbagu and its environs.”

    The residents concluded by reaffirming their commitment to exclude Nanik Daana from the Bimbagu community if he is elevated to Paramountcy despite their objections.

  • Caterers to compete for school feeding contracts as Gender Ministry opens bidding

    Caterers to compete for school feeding contracts as Gender Ministry opens bidding

    The Ministry of Gender, Children, and Social Protection is set to invite bids from caterers who wish to provide meals to schools under the School Feeding Programme.

    Gender Minister Darkoa Newman mentioned that applicants will be required to set up an online profile and pay a GH₵200 application fee.

    She highlighted that this recruitment will focus solely on the 2024/2025 academic year, beginning in September.

    “All prospective caterers are welcome to apply. There are specific requirements that must be met because the Ghana School Feeding Programme needs to ensure that you can pre-finance. As you know, payments are made after the term ends, so it’s crucial to demonstrate your ability to pre-finance,” she stated during a press briefing on August 8.

    “You should have about GH₵5000 in an account to show proof that you can pre-finance, and that should suffice,” she added.

    Prospective caterers will also need to secure a business operating permit, a health certificate, and other essential documents, with full details to be provided in an upcoming publication.

    The Gender Minister further revealed plans to test a pilot system in the New Juaben South constituency in the Eastern Region and Krachi East in the Oti Region.

    These locations were selected for their reliable internet connectivity, which is crucial for the online application process.

    “The pilot will serve as the final trial for these areas. Once the national rollout begins, those who have been employed through the pilot system will not need to go through the process again,” she explained.

    The Minister also confirmed that caterers who supplied meals during the previous term have received payment for the first term, and steps are being taken to settle the remaining debt for the second term.

  • Police remove illegal occupants from GACL land at Sepe

    Police remove illegal occupants from GACL land at Sepe

    Police officers have been deployed to Sepe in the Asokore Mampong Municipality to remove squatters from land owned by the Ghana Airport Company Limited (GACL).

    The affected squatters include truck drivers, mechanics, and individuals who have set up temporary structures, such as church buildings, on the land.

    Since February of this year, notices from the GACL, posted on surrounding walls, have directed squatters to vacate the premises.

    As the demolition continues, many, including families with children, are being left homeless.

    The land, located near the Agenda 111 Hospital project site, is being cleared by court bailiffs with police support, while squatters are in the process of relocating their belongings.

    Assembly Member for the Sepe Timpom Electoral Area, Awudu Abubakar Yakayaka, informed Accra-based Citi News that local opinion leaders were not consulted prior to the enforcement of the court order.

  • Mahama won’t debate with a liar like Bawumia – Aseidu Nketia

    The National Chairman of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), Johnson Asiedu Nketia, has declared that John Mahama, the party’s flagbearer, will not take part in a presidential debate with Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia.

    He described such a debate as a “completely worthless exercise.”

    In his remarks on Joy News’ PM Express, Asiedu Nketia stated that the NDC’s decision is based on the principle of not engaging in debates with candidates they consider lacking credibility.

    “If you have watched me throughout my political life, there are two people I don’t debate. My guiding principles are two: Don’t debate an idiot and don’t debate a liar. So, any of these two who tempt me for any debate, I ignore them,” he stated.

    He further clarified his position by saying, “I am not saying the two must fit one person, but when you look at the two categorisations, you see that he [Dr. Bawumia] is a liar. That is something nobody can contest. I’m not too sure whether he’s an idiot, but at least I’m sure he’s a liar.”

    Asiedu Nketia, affectionately called General Mosquito, shared that while Mahama is interested in debates, the party’s leadership has recommended against engaging with Bawumia because they question his credibility.

    “In my capacity as the national chairman, I have made it very clear to our flagbearer that we are not going to engage in a debate with a liar,” he disclosed.

    Dr. Bawumia, the NPP flagbearer, recently invited Mahama to a live presidential debate, accusing him of avoiding the chance to participate.

    “I am looking forward to a debate with John Mahama on the economy, on the country, on governance,” Bawumia said.

    However, Asiedu Nketia dismissed the challenge, pointing to Bawumia’s history of unmet promises.

    “It has been said by ancient sages that you should never debate a liar because they believe in their lies, so you can’t win a debate against a liar. So don’t waste your time going into it,” he responded.

    He criticized Bawumia’s recent promises, such as the proposal to supply mobile phones to every Ghanaian youth, describing them as unrealistic.

    “He’s assuming that all of us are fools. Calculate how long it will take to pay for one mobile phone. When you are born today and you buy a mobile phone, you will grow up and die when you haven’t finished payment. Is that the type of person you are going to engage with in a debate?” he questioned.

    Asiedu Nketia also highlighted that, in his view, debating Bawumia would be futile because “80% of what he said in previous campaigns has not happened despite winning political power.”

    He added, “It tells you that he either assumes that Ghanaians are not intelligent, so you can just tell us anything and you can get away with it. We are not going to be part of that… he should go and debate his own records and what he has said in the past.”

    The NDC Chairman concluded by stating that although he regards Nana Akufo-Addo as more credible than Bawumia, he believes Bawumia has completely damaged his own credibility.

    He used a vivid metaphor to describe the situation: “If you have a pig in mud, don’t go and be fighting that pig. It will draw you into the mud, and the two of you will mess yourselves up.

    “And when somebody is coming out, he won’t know who is the pig and who is the human being. So don’t go in; allow him to swim in his own mud.”

  • Oyoko family opposes Abadwumhene’s destoolment

    Oyoko family opposes Abadwumhene’s destoolment

    The Oyoko family in Abadwum has strongly opposed the removal of Professor Amoako Tuffour as Abadwumhene by the Edubiasehene, Oguahyia Oduro Panin Birikorang, citing a lack of justification for the action.

    They voiced their dissent at a press conference held in the Adansi North district of the Ashanti Region, where they made it clear they do not recognize the destoolment of Nana Prof. Amoako Tuffour, now or in the future.

    Kwabena Nyarko Abronoma, an Oyoko royal family member, stated that the Edubiasehene lacks the authority to destool the Abadwumhene.

    He explained that the Edubiasehene’s role was merely to facilitate the appointment of the Abadwumhene due to the absence of a chief or queen mother at the time.

    The Asantehene had delegated this task to the Edubiasehene, but Nyarko Abronoma criticized him for allegedly not introducing Professor Nana Amoako Tuffour to the Asantehene, possibly due to personal motives.

    The Oyoko family firmly believes that only the Asantehene has the authority to remove the Abadwum chief.

    They expressed their full support for Professor Nana Tuffour, noting his significant contributions to the community, such as building a 40-seater toilet facility for the town, a 20-seater facility for the local school, five mechanized boreholes, and a palace.

    Nana Asare Bedieko, the Abadwum Akwamuhene, was shocked to learn from the media about the supposed destoolment. He dismissed the claims, suggesting they arose from the Abadwumhene’s refusal to comply with a corrupt proposal from the Edubiasehene.

    Nana Bedieko stated that the Abadwum elders alone have the authority to declare the removal of their chief, and since they were unaware of any such decision, he urged the public to disregard the reports about the Abadwumhene’s removal.

  • All you need to know about mpox terrorizing African countries

    All you need to know about mpox terrorizing African countries

    On Wednesday, August 15, 2024, the World Health Organization (WHO) declared the mpox outbreak in Africa a global health emergency due to its rapid spread, particularly in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and other African nations.

    WHO Director-General Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus explained that the surge in mpox cases in the DRC and several neighboring countries meets the criteria for a public health emergency of international concern (PHEIC) as per the International Health Regulations (2005).

    In declaring the PHEIC, Dr. Tedros said, “The emergence of a new clade of mpox, its rapid spread in the eastern DRC, and the reporting of cases in several neighbouring countries are very worrying. On top of outbreaks of other mpox clades in the DRC and other countries in Africa, it’s clear that a coordinated international response is needed to stop these outbreaks and save lives.”

    The WHO Regional Director for Africa, Dr. Matshidiso Moeti, said, “Significant efforts are already underway in close collaboration with communities and governments, with our country teams working on the frontlines to help reinforce measures to curb mpox. With the growing spread of the virus, we’re scaling up further through coordinated international action to help countries bring the outbreaks to an end.”

    Since the beginning of the year, Africa has reported over 17,000 mpox cases and more than 500 deaths across 13 countries. The Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention has labeled the outbreak as a “very high risk event.”

    What is Mpox?

    Mpox, previously known as monkeypox, is a zoonotic disease transmitted from animals to humans. It is typically found near tropical rainforests where the virus-carrying animals reside. Transmission occurs through contact with bodily fluids, skin lesions, respiratory droplets, and contaminated objects.

    Symptoms

    Mpox symptoms usually appear within 5 to 16 days after exposure but can develop up to 21 days later. Symptoms include fever, headache, muscle aches, swollen lymph nodes, chills, exhaustion, and a rash with lesions that evolve through several stages before healing. Most individuals recover within four weeks, depending on the severity of symptoms.

    Ghana’s Response

    Dr. Franklin Asiedu-Bekoe, Director for Public Health at the Ghana Health Service, announced an increase in surveillance efforts. Health professionals are now actively monitoring for early signs of mpox, with re-trained clinicians on alert.

    Although Ghana has had some cases in the past two years, no new cases have been reported recently.

    Dr. Asiedu-Bekoe noted that Ghana’s reference laboratory capabilities have improved, enhancing case confirmation processes beyond reliance on Noguchi Memorial Institute.

    Clinical epidemiologist Professor Fred Binka emphasized the importance of vigilance.

    “The rate of spread shows that the ‘Clade 1b’ strain is highly infectious so for countries like Ghana, all 16 regions must be ready and looking out for both positive and negative results.

    “In this case, negative results are also important and people must report. Once we suspect that there are cases, we must make sure that we are supplying the facilities with reagents so that they will be able to do the initial diagnosis and then send it to our reference laboratories for confirmation,” he advised.

    He advised the public to seek medical attention for symptoms similar to malaria.

    “When you have a fever, feel nauseous, or have muscle pain, do a test. If it doesn’t confirm malaria, remember that it can be some other disease, like in this case, mpox, and then seek further tests to be done,” he advised.

  • Kejetia Market experiencing ‘dumsor’ due to GHS7m debt

    Kejetia Market experiencing ‘dumsor’ due to GHS7m debt

    The Kejetia market in Kumasi has been without electricity for three days due to an unpaid debt of seven million cedis to the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG).

    Reports indicate that this power cut followed the market’s failure to adhere to a debt repayment schedule.

    According to ECG, the disconnection was a result of the management’s inability to comply with the agreed repayment terms.

    However, traders at the market argue that they have consistently paid their electricity bills to Kumasi City Markets Limited and are not accountable for the debt.

    Earlier in April, the market faced a similar disconnection over a GH¢9.7 million debt. Power was restored after a new repayment plan was put in place.

    Despite this, the ECG claims the market has failed to meet its financial commitments, leading to the current situation.

    Frustrated traders insist they are not responsible for the debt and demand transparency about its origins.

    “We are not owing. If we were, you would have seen people crowded at where we pay the bills. We don’t owe any ECG debts. They should let us know where the debts are coming from,” one trader said.

    Managing Director of Kumasi City Markets, Edmond Kofi Duffuor, confirmed ongoing efforts to resolve the debt.

    “Last June, we owed 4.9 million cedis from the original 7.2 million cedis. Between June and now, we’ve paid 3.1 million cedis from the bill that was presented to us, so it was only left with 2.0 million cedis. We’ve arranged with them that we will be paying 100,000 cedis every day,” he explained.

    Despite these efforts, traders are calling for a leadership change at the market, expressing dissatisfaction with the current management.

  • Mahama’s ‘wicked’ energy deals are draining Ghana, not Free SHS – Pro NPP activist

    Mahama’s ‘wicked’ energy deals are draining Ghana, not Free SHS – Pro NPP activist

    A member of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) has pointed fingers at the flagbearer of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), John Dramani Mahama, for being majorly responsible for Ghana’s economic woes.

    According to him, critics of NPP’s Free Senior High School (SHS) initiative must shift attention and hold the former president accountable for the challenges brought to the country.

    He added that Free Senior High School (SHS) is not draining the public purse but certain ‘wicked energy deals’ granted under Mahama’s administration.

    In a post on the X platform, he indicated that the country could save three billion Ghana cedis (GHS 3,000,000,000) out of the annual budget of 137 billion Ghana cedis (GHS 137,000,000,000) if the current government decides to abolish the Free SHS policy.

    He cited a video by World Bank Director, Pierre Frank Laporte, where he attributed Ghana’s deteriorating economy to the expensive Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) it inked.

    “Free SHS isn’t draining the country. If Govt cancels free SHS, Govt will only save 3bn out of 137bn of our annual budget. According to the World Bank Director, what is costing our economy is the wicked energy deals Mahama signed which demand that the government must find $1 billion (15 billion cedis) every year to pay for light we don’t need or use,” he wrote.

    The World Bank Director added that Ghana is paying more for power than it should be, even for electricity not used, due to the terms under the PPA contract.

    “The kind of PPAs are expensive, Ghana is paying for the electricity that is not even being produced. You have double capacity. Yes, over time, usage will improve, so your excess capacity will go down. But the fact is in the last few years, Ghana entered into some PPAs that were the wrong types, in our view and at the wrong rates at the wrong time prices and today you are paying dearly for it”.

    Between 2013 and 2016, the Government together with Independent Power Producers entered into “take or pay” agreement during a period of intense energy crisis in the country.

    Meanwhile, the World Bank has called on the government to revise some parts of the Power Purchase Agreements to revive the ailing economy.

    “The fact is Ghana entered into some PPAs that were wrong. These types, in our view, were at the wrong rate and at the wrong prices,” he said. “And today the country is being billed for many of these wrong PPAs.”

  • Ghana’s food insecurity up by 5.77% due to economic challenges – Report

    Ghana’s food insecurity up by 5.77% due to economic challenges – Report

    The July 2024 Food Security Monitor report has highlighted a worrying rise in food insecurity across Ghana, with insufficient food consumption (IFC) increasing by 5.77%.

    This surge is primarily driven by the ongoing cost-of-living crisis, marked by persistently high inflation, a weakening currency, and escalating fuel prices, which have significantly raised the cost of essential staples like maize and rice.

    This development aligns with earlier forecasts from the World Food Programme (WFP) in their February 2024 report.

    The WFP had projected that approximately 1.05 million Ghanaians would face food insecurity between June and August 2024, due to a combination of climate change, low agricultural prices, inadequate infrastructure, and limited access to education.

    Ghana’s reliance on global markets, especially for imported rice, further exacerbates its vulnerability.

    The report also shows that while IFC levels remained stable in most countries between June and July, Ghana, Nigeria, and Uganda experienced increases of 5.77%, 3.98%, and 7.5% respectively. Conversely, Zimbabwe recorded a 5.45% decrease.

    Year-over-year data reveals that most countries have seen a rise in IFC, with the exceptions being Mozambique, Rwanda, South Sudan, Uganda, and Zambia, where current levels are lower than those of the previous year.

    Additionally, the report identifies several countries as food insecurity hotspots, with over half of their populations facing IFC.

    These include Burkina Faso (56.6%), Mali (69.1%), Niger (82.6%), and Nigeria (51.5%).

  • Outpatients left in limbo as Korle Bu’s renal unit attends to inpatients only

    Outpatients left in limbo as Korle Bu’s renal unit attends to inpatients only

    The Renal Unit at Korle Bu Teaching Hospital has been made available exclusively to inpatients, despite earlier announcements that outpatients would also have access.

    This decision has left kidney patients feeling uncertain and frustrated.

    The Renal Patients Association is calling on the hospital to open the facility to outpatients, allowing them to receive the essential care they need.

    A recent visit to the renal department at KBTH revealed that while inpatients are being treated, outpatients still cannot access the dialysis center.

    Kojo Baffour Ahenkora, a spokesperson for the Renal Patients Association, voiced concern about the lack of official communication regarding when the facility will be available to outpatients.

    Despite these challenges, Ahenkora remains hopeful that the hospital will soon extend its services to outpatients.

  • Cancellation of teacher licensure exam is not under consideration – Dep. Minister of Education

    Cancellation of teacher licensure exam is not under consideration – Dep. Minister of Education

    The Deputy Minister of Education, Dr. John Ntim Fordjour, has announced that the teacher licensure exams will remain in place.

    He emphasized that these exams are crucial for cultivating professional teachers.

    During the launch of this year’s Ghana Teacher Prize in Accra, Dr. Ntim Fordjour criticized the National Democratic Congress’ proposal to abolish the exams, warning that it could have detrimental effects on the education sector.

    “There have been many reforms. We have never put a framework that recognizes our teachers as professionals, there came the introduction of the licensure exams, and now teachers have the framework to be recognized as professionals, upon whose shoulders every other professional will stand,” he stated.

    Teachers around the world are celebrated on October 5 for their tremendous contributions.

    This day shines a spotlight on the dedication of educators who consistently cultivate high-achieving students despite facing resource constraints.

    The theme of the year 2024 is, “Celebrating Excellence, Valorizing Our Teachers.” The event will take place in Kumasi, in the Ashanti region.

    Leading up to the event, significant concerns have emerged regarding teacher motivation and the licensure exams.

    Stakeholders, including key organizations such as the Ghana National Association of Teachers (GNAT), the National Association of Graduate Teachers (NAGRAT), the Coalition of Concerned Teachers (CCT), and the Teachers and Educational Workers Union (TEWU), have voiced their grievances about the state of resources in the education sector.

    Thomas Tanko, GNAT’s general secretary, has called on the government to boost funding to approximately 20% to enhance infrastructure within the sector.

    He stated, “Every year, at least 20 percent of government expenditure must be committed to education, but that is not so. We are currently doing around three percent, and now basic education has been the biggest casualty.”

    The Deputy Minister of Education highlighted the government’s commitment to providing resources for the education sector.

    Dr. Eric Nkansah, the Director General of the Ghana Education Service, underscored the importance of implementing innovative strategies to support teachers.

    “We have worked to ensure the basic issues such as teacher upgrades, promotions, and transfers, among others, have been prioritized to receive the needed attention of the management of the Ghana Education Service,” he said.

    Teachers were also commended by various leaders for their exemplary leadership and dedication.

  • Flagbearer for PNC to be unveiled on August 31

    Flagbearer for PNC to be unveiled on August 31

    The People’s National Convention (PNC) will hold elections for its 2024 flagbearer and other party executives on Saturday, August 31, 2024.

    This decision was confirmed at a National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting held on August 10. In preparation, the party has established a Congress Committee and various ad hoc committees to oversee the election process.

    According to Acting General Secretary Prince Agyemang Duah, interested candidates can collect nomination forms from the party headquarters between August 12 and August 17, 2024. This information was reported by graphic.com.gh.

    Among those who have shown interest in the flagbearer position are Bernard Mornah, the former National Chairman, and Sampson Asaki Awingobit, who previously aspired to be the party’s flagbearer in 2020.

    The PNC had announced on June 13, 2024, that the cost for nomination forms and filing fees for presidential candidates is GH¢100,000. The party plans to finalize its primaries by August 31, 2024, as it prepares for the upcoming elections.

  • AG directed to take action against Ghana School of Law over procurement violations

    The Ghana School of Law (GSL) is under investigation for procurement irregularities, as revealed by the Auditor General’s report.

    The report uncovered that GSL procured various goods and services without proper board approval and neglected the required sole sourcing process.

    The Public Accounts Committee (PAC) has forwarded these findings to the Attorney General (AG) for potential legal action.

    At a PAC meeting on August 14, 2024, MP Freda Prempeh highlighted that auditors found the Law School had not adhered to procurement regulations, including board approval and the three-source rule.

    “The Auditors noticed that payments for the procurement of various goods and services, they did not obtain approval from the board, neither did they go through the three different sources.”

    Acting Chief Accountant of the General Legal Council, Yusuf Osman, acknowledged the procedural lapses.

    “The suppliers were registered suppliers of Ghana School of Law, we had regularly engaged them in a number of transactions, at which point we complied with all the relevant procedures. Except in this instance, those additional invoices at the time of auditing were not attached to those transactions… We admit,” he said.

    He explained that while the suppliers were usually registered, some necessary documentation was missing at the time of the audit.

    PAC Chairman James Klutse Avedzi confirmed that the committee will recommend prosecution for GSL’s management.

    “You are at fault, you have flouted the law, you have admitted and so, we will recommend you for prosecution.”

  • Fast track release of provisional voter register – NDC to EC

    Fast track release of provisional voter register – NDC to EC

    The National Democratic Congress (NDC) is insisting that the Electoral Commission (EC) release the provisional voter register for the upcoming December 7 elections to political parties before the exhibition process starts.

    The NDC’s Director of Elections, Dr. Omane Boamah, criticized the EC’s delay on Facebook, accusing them of both incompetence and an intentional effort to deliver a sub-standard register.

    Mr Boamah raised alarms about the potential consequences of this delay, cautioning that the EC’s handling of the situation could lead to significant unrest in Ghana if not corrected promptly.

    Below is the full statement

    The EC must release the Provisional Voter Register (PVR) now!

    With just six (6) days to the 2024 EXHIBITION of the Provisional Voter Register (PVR), political parties are yet to receive the register.

    We strongly believe this lack of promptness exhibited by the EC is due to both incompetence and a deliberate attempt to dump a sub-standard Provisional Voter Register on political parties in a short period, to make it difficult for interested parties to critically peruse the register before the Exhibition starts, next week.

    The EC wrote to the NDC on the 18th of July 2024, requesting that we bring an external drive (2 terabytes) for the PVR to be loaded for us.

    We responded to their request by submitting the external drive with additional requests for all 16 regional register code books.

    Unfortunately, for well over two weeks, the EC refused to honour their obligation per CI 91 as amended by CI 126.

    Caught with this, the EC surprisingly wrote to us on the 8th of August 2024 now saying they will release the PVR on the 14th of August 2024, six clear days to the exhibition exercise which starts next week on the 20th of August 2024.

    This is grossly unfair!

    To make matters worse, we are told that today (the 14th of August) we will not receive the Provisional Voter Register until Friday, 16th August 2024. Leaving us with only six (6) days to package and dispatch the register to the over 38,000 Polling stations across Ghana to aid in pre-exhibition scrutiny of the register.

    We are aware of the dysfunctional IT Department of the EC, for which we earlier called on the UNDP (@ IPAC) to extend a helping hand to.

    The EC has refused and has since not followed up with the UNDP for technical support. Yet, the (deliberate) mistakes keep recurring.

    We are deeply concerned that the posturing and incompetence of the EC and its IT Department can plunge Ghana into anarchy if not remedied immediately.

    Recall the chaotic 2023 District Assembly Elections, the recent network failures during the Limited Registration Exercise, as well as Transfers and Proxies.

    These have exposed the inefficiencies and ineffectiveness of the EC.

    This deliberate attempt to disturb the electoral roll in order to benefit one political party will be resisted!

    Already, the Biometric Voter Registration (BVR) kits stolen at the headquarters of the Electoral Commission under CCTV surveillance have still not been found. Have the stolen BVR kits been used to dump illegally registered voters onto the voter register?

    The sanctity of our electoral system must be upheld at all times irrespective of who is in power!

    We call on CSOs, religious bodies, and diplomatic missions to take an interest in the activities of this current EC because (beyond verbal assurances) the Commission is not SHOWING a commitment to deliver credible elections on December 07 2024.

    The EC must release the Provisional Voter Register now!

  • Ghana School of Law in hot waters for procurement violations

    Ghana School of Law in hot waters for procurement violations

    The National Democratic Congress (NDC) has called on the Electoral Commission (EC) to urgently provide the provisional voter register for the upcoming December 7 general elections to all political parties before the start of the exhibition exercise.

    Dr. Omane Boamah, the NDC’s Director of Elections, took to Facebook to accuse the EC of both incompetence and intentional delays, alleging that this is an attempt to deliver an inadequate voter register to the political parties.

    Boamah raised alarm about the situation, cautioning that the ongoing delays and what he described as the EC’s poor management could potentially lead to serious unrest if not swiftly addressed.

    “Deeply concerned that the posturing and incompetence of the EC and its IT Department can plunge Ghana into anarchy if not remedied immediately.”

    Below is the full statement.

    The EC must release the Provisional Voter Register (PVR) now!

    With just six (6) days to the 2024 EXHIBITION of the Provisional Voter Register (PVR), political parties are yet to receive the register.

    We strongly believe this lack of promptness exhibited by the EC is due to both incompetence and a deliberate attempt to dump a sub-standard Provisional Voter Register on political parties in a short period, to make it difficult for interested parties to critically peruse the register before the Exhibition starts, next week.

    The EC wrote to the NDC on the 18th of July 2024, requesting that we bring an external drive (2 terabytes) for the PVR to be loaded for us.

    We responded to their request by submitting the external drive with additional requests for all 16 regional register code books.

    Unfortunately, for well over two weeks, the EC refused to honour their obligation per CI 91 as amended by CI 126.

    Caught with this, the EC surprisingly wrote to us on the 8th of August 2024 now saying they will release the PVR on the 14th of August 2024, six clear days to the exhibition exercise which starts next week on the 20th of August 2024.

    This is grossly unfair!

    To make matters worse, we are told that today (the 14th of August) we will not receive the Provisional Voter Register until Friday, 16th August 2024. Leaving us with only six (6) days to package and dispatch the register to the over 38,000 Polling stations across Ghana to aid in pre-exhibition scrutiny of the register.

    We are aware of the dysfunctional IT Department of the EC, for which we earlier called on the UNDP (@ IPAC) to extend a helping hand to.

    The EC has refused and has since not followed up with the UNDP for technical support. Yet, the (deliberate) mistakes keep recurring.

    We are deeply concerned that the posturing and incompetence of the EC and its IT Department can plunge Ghana into anarchy if not remedied immediately.

    Recall the chaotic 2023 District Assembly Elections, the recent network failures during the Limited Registration Exercise, as well as Transfers and Proxies.

    These have exposed the inefficiencies and ineffectiveness of the EC.

    This deliberate attempt to disturb the electoral roll in order to benefit one political party will be resisted!

    Already, the Biometric Voter Registration (BVR) kits stolen at the headquarters of the Electoral Commission under CCTV surveillance have still not been found. Have the stolen BVR kits been used to dump illegally registered voters onto the voter register?

    The sanctity of our electoral system must be upheld at all times irrespective of who is in power!

    We call on CSOs, religious bodies, and diplomatic missions to take an interest in the activities of this current EC because (beyond verbal assurances) the Commission is not SHOWING a commitment to deliver credible elections on December 07 2024.

    The EC must release the Provisional Voter Register now!

  • They fought all the time – Father of man accused of killing 18-year-old lover

    They fought all the time – Father of man accused of killing 18-year-old lover

    The father of Kweku Siaw, a 25-year-old washing bay attendant accused of murdering his 18-year-old partner in Nkawkaw, has shared his perspective on what might have led to the tragic incident.

    Speaking to reporters after the body of the young woman was discovered, Siaw’s father revealed that the couple frequently argued.

    He was visibly shocked and unable to comprehend the motive behind his son’s actions, stating that Kweku had never shown signs of being deeply unhappy or resentful toward his partner.

    He also mentioned that the night before the incident, the entire family, including Kweku and his late partner Adwoa, had shared a meal, adding to his confusion about why his son would commit such a crime.

    When questioned about whether he had ever suspected his son of being capable of such an act, he responded, “My son has never done such a thing like this before.”

    He continued to say, “We all sat together and ate yesterday. At dawn, I left the house to attend to my farm. Because there is no network coverage in the farm, I wasn’t able to receive calls. So, on my way back from the farm, I received a disturbing call that my son had murdered his wife and I rushed to the house.

    “To be frank, they fought a lot but on the day of the incident, nothing showed they had fought or had a quarrel,” he narrated.

    At the time of this report, the police have transported the deceased’s body to the morgue, and Kweku Siaw’s whereabouts remain unknown.

  • We haven’t reached medical stage of recruitment yet, beware of fraudsters – GNFS

    We haven’t reached medical stage of recruitment yet, beware of fraudsters – GNFS

    The Ghana National Fire Service (GNFS) has sent a word of caution to applicants who applied to the organization.

    The GNFS, in a post on Facebook warned prospects to be vigilant against fake recruitment schemes by certain individuals.

    Applicants are advised to stay alert and follow updates exclusively from the official social media platforms.

    “Fraudsters are targeting applicants with fake recruitment schemes. The Ghana National Fire Service has not reached the medical stage of recruitment yet. Official updates on the recruitment will be published on our website and social media platforms. Please stay vigilant, report any scams to us and the police immediately for action,” it wrote.

    Meanwhile, the Ghana Police Service, Ghana Prisons Service, and Ghana Immigration Service on August 7, 2024, announced new recruitment opportunities for individuals who applied in 2021.

    The security agency invited qualified Ghanaians to apply for various roles, including General Duty Recruits and Graduate General Duties.

    It added that applicants from the 2021 recruitment process are required to submit their details—such as full name, date and place of birth, reference number, current contact information, previous screening center, and qualifications—to recruitment@police.gov.gh by Tuesday, August 13, 2024.

    To be eligible it stated that applicants must be Ghanaian by birth, have good character, a clean criminal record, and must not have been dismissed from any public service or employment.

    They should be between 18 and 28 years old, physically and medically fit, and must hold a minimum of five SSCE/WASSCE passes, including Mathematics and English, as of December 1, 2021. Height requirements are set at a minimum of 5 feet 8 inches for males and 5 feet 4 inches for females.

    Similarly, the Ghana Immigration Service has opened its recruitment to individuals who applied in 2021.

    Interested applicants should submit their details, similar to those required by the Police Service, to recruitment@immigration.gov.gh by the same deadline.

    The same general requirements, including age, character, and academic qualifications, apply to these positions.

  • I will fund ‘no academic fees’ policy by slashing Akufo-Addo’s excessive budget – Mahama

    I will fund ‘no academic fees’ policy by slashing Akufo-Addo’s excessive budget – Mahama

    The flagbearer of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), John Dramani Mahama, has revealed plans to slash President Akufo-Addo’s extravagant budget to allocate funds for his proposed ‘no academic fees’ initiative for first-year university students.

    Mahama stated that the initiative would require between GH₵270 and GH₵290 million, a substantial reduction compared to the current presidential budget of GH₵2 billion.

    He shared these details during a speech at a gathering in Juapong on Tuesday.

    “We have costed it (no academic fees initiative) and we approximate that for all first-year students in public tertiary institutions, it should cost anywhere between GH₵270 to about GH₵290 million. Let me tell you something, the president, a few years ago, his travel budget in nine months amounted to GH₵69 million. They held one cabinet retreat at the presidency, it cost almost GH₵5 million.

    “There is so much waste in the system and even if you look at the office of the president budget alone you will be able to cut to raise enough money to pay these academic facility user fees for all level hundred students.”

    “Do you know the budget for the office of the president? It is GH₵2 billion every year. It is even now that IMF has come and they have cut it down, at a point where it used to be three point something billion Cedis every year. We do not want, especially in the first year when the students are coming in for the first time to go through what we call fee stress, that is why we call it a ‘no fee stress policy’.

    “So we are saying that we can absorb the academic user fee but it will not affect the subventions of governments to the universities and institutions of higher learning.”

    “The subventions from the government have kept declining, we are going to increase the subventions but apart from that we will make sure that universities get their subventions on time so that they can balance their budget,” he stated.

  • NAPO says goodbye to Manhyia South constituents ahead of 2024 elections

    NAPO says goodbye to Manhyia South constituents ahead of 2024 elections

    Dr. Matthew Opoku Prempeh, who has served as the Member of Parliament for Manhyia South for 16 years, has officially said goodbye to his constituents as he takes on his new role as the New Patriotic Party (NPP) running mate for the 2024 elections.

    On July 9, in Kumasi, Dr. Prempeh, affectionately known as NAPO, was introduced as the NPP’s vice-presidential candidate. During a heartfelt farewell at the Apostolic Church Ghana in Ashtown, he thanked his constituents for their unwavering support throughout his tenure.

    Dr. Prempeh reflected on the difficult beginnings of his parliamentary career and expressed gratitude for the continued encouragement and prayers from his supporters.

    NPP’s new parliamentary candidate for the constituency, lawyer Nana Agyei Baffour Awuah, pledged to build on the strong legacy established by Dr. Prempeh.

    Meanwhile, Richard Agyei Mensah Ofori-Atta, the Constituency Chairman, called for unity among party members to ensure a strong showing for the NPP in the upcoming presidential and parliamentary elections.

  • I do not support LGBTQI+ activities – Supreme Court nominee

    I do not support LGBTQI+ activities – Supreme Court nominee

    A nominee for the Supreme Court, Prof. Richard Frimpong Oppong, has strongly denied supporting LGBTQI+ rights in Ghana.

    During his appearance before Parliament’s Appointments Committee on Tuesday, Prof. Oppong addressed concerns raised by Minority Leader Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson.

    Dr. Forson referenced a confidential National Intelligence Bureau (NIB) report that suggested Prof. Oppong, known for his libertarian views, might advocate for LGBTQI+ issues if appointed to the bench.

    In response, Prof. Oppong firmly rejected the suggestion, stating that he does not support LGBTQI+ activities. He emphasized that the report’s assertions were inaccurate and did not represent his personal beliefs.

    “Absolutely wrong and I reject in the strongest possible terms wherever those views are coming from because as I said as an academic I have written about the subject from the perspective of my specialty. From the perspective of conflict of laws.

    “I said I have my wife here, I have my three daughters here, actually, they will be very surprised that anybody thinks that I am going to inflict LGBTQ on the country.”

    When Prof. Oppong was asked a similar question by Mahama Ayariga, the Member of Parliament (MP) for Bawku Central, he provided clarification, “I am a lawyer, I am not an anthropologist, I am not a sociologist…from a personal perspective I am married, my wife is here and I know whatever she is giving me is the best [power] for me.”

  • Akufo-Addo isn’t receiving full credit for his achievements – Gabby

    A leading figure in the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Gabby Otchere-Darko, has expressed frustration over the lack of recognition for president Akufo-Addo’s significant achievements.

    Despite notable progress under President Akufo-Addo, particularly in education and health, Mr. Otchere-Darko feels that these contributions have not been given due credit.

    In an interview with Umaru Sanda Amadu on Face to Face on Channel One TV, Mr. Otchere-Darko pointed out that while overall conditions have improved, the quality of education has been preserved even with increased access.

    “If more children are gaining access to education, and the results show that the quality of education has not fallen, what other problems matter? And there are more teachers than they had before. Teachers are not complaining that they have not been paid their salaries. I think that Akufo-Addo has not been given the credit that he deserves.”

    He highlighted that many businesses were nearly failing during Mahama’s presidency because of frequent power outages, often referred to as “Dumsor.”

    In comparison, he noted that Akufo-Addo’s administration has shown resilience, contrasting with Mahama’s government, which had to secure an International Monetary Fund (IMF) bailout despite no global economic crisis at that time.

    “In 2015, and 2016 we didn’t have any global crisis, yet we have queues at our filling stations. In 2015, and 2016, go and ask Ghanaian barbers, seamstresses, hairdressers, cold store operators, and hoteliers. Hotels were refusing to accept people because they could not afford to turn the lights on for their generators.

    “People were working and using most of their salaries to pay electricity bills, to keep the generator on. All these things happened even though there was no global crisis.

    “The global crisis that the world went through that Ghana suffered badly, and Ghanaians suffered, what if we didn’t have Akufo-Addo and we had somebody else? Compare what happened maybe 2014, and 2015 when we were forced to go to IMF for a bailout when we didn’t have a global crisis.

    He recognized the difficulties Ghanaians have endured over the past three years, but observed that conditions are beginning to stabilize.

    “People have struggled for the past three years, there’s absolutely no two ways about that. It’s called the cost of living crisis. And it’s not peculiar to Ghana, but because of our vulnerabilities, it has hurt us the most than many countries… Every Ghanaian can say that they can see some level of normalisation.”

  • Hemophilia treatment halted at KATH due to drug shortage

    Hemophilia treatment halted at KATH due to drug shortage

    Patients with hemophilia at Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital (KATH) are facing significant difficulties due to an alleged medication shortage.

    Hemophilia is a rare genetic disorder that impairs the blood’s ability to clot properly. This condition is typically inherited and is caused by a deficiency or absence of certain clotting factors, which are proteins in the blood that work together to stop bleeding.

    The Ghana Hemophilia Society has linked this shortage to delays in processing import permits for donated drugs by the Food and Drugs Authority.

    As a consequence, prophylaxis treatments have been halted, depleting the hospital’s stock and leaving patients needing surgery or urgent care in a precarious situation.

    Parents of affected children have voiced their concerns about the shortage to Citi News.

    In response, Dr. Yaw Opare Larbi, the Deputy Medical Director of KATH, stated that although the hospital has enough medication for immediate treatment, the limited supply is impacting the administration of prophylaxis.

    The hospital is currently rationing available medications to prioritize those with active bleeding, with prophylactic treatments being temporarily suspended.

    People with hemophilia may experience prolonged bleeding after an injury, surgery, or even spontaneously, especially in joints and muscles. The severity of hemophilia varies depending on how much of the clotting factor is missing.