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Tag: Akufo-Addo

  • Akufo-Addo launches GHS219m GALOP project

    President Nana Addo Dankwa Akuffo-Addo has launched the Ghana Accountability and Learning Outcomes Project on Thursday, 18th June, 2020.

    The US$219 million Project comprises a set of interventions that addresses constraints from teaching to learning in our schools.

    Through GALOP, teachers, in the early grades, will be provided with continuous training, in line with the new curriculum; schools will receive teaching and learning materials; heads of schools will be trained on improved school management techniques; and supervision and assessment systems will be strengthened.

    Ten thousand (10,000) low-performing basic schools, across the country, have already been selected to benefit from the Project, and I am confident that the implementation of GALOP will help drive standards and quality in these schools.

    Source: Class FM

  • Ibrah One threatens to kill the President?

    I wonder why anybody at all can just wake up and issue death threats at the president or other public officials without taking into consideration the repercussions of their actions, sadly many sane minds refuse to condemn these acts and only find their voices when such miscreants are arrested.

    Nobody is stopping #Ibrah from doing politics, none is preventing him from criticizing the president or his government but to go beyond that to threaten the life of the president is an issue that must not be taken lightly.

    There has been several instances where he has gone on this tangent and later went behind the scenes to go plead for clemency with the excuse of a hacked account but this time around the security operatives must go all out for him, get him arrested immediately and made to face the full rigors of the law.

    We can’t have just have anybody wake up to take the security of the nation for granted. He must be dealt with drastically, so as to serve as a lesson to others who think like he does.

    I know some people won’t condemn his utterances but will suddenly find their voices to roar when the gentleman is finally picked up just as they did when #KwabenaOwusuAdjei was arrested.

    Let us not condone such recklessness all in the name of politics, let us bear in mind that wrong is wrong, no matter who is doing it.

    #ArrestIbrahNow
    #BigScoutMedia

  • I reopened schools ‘advisedly’; coronavirus can’t put our education on hold Akufo-Addo

    President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo has said Ghana cannot put education, health and issues of social justice on hold just because of the COVID-19 pandemic.

    Announcing the resumption of school for final-year students of the universities, the President said in his eleventh televised address to the nation on Sunday, 14 June 2020 that: “From tomorrow, Monday, 15 June 2020, the last batch of institutions in this phased approach, our educational institutions, will begin to re-open, with final-year students in our tertiary colleges and universities returning to school to prepare for and take their exit examinations”.

    “As has been stated, final-year senior high school (SHS 3) students, together with SHS 2 Gold Track students, will resume on 22nd June; and final-year junior high school (JHS 3) students, the week after, on 29 June”, the President said.

    According to the President, “The decision to include our schools in phase one of the easing of restrictions was taken advisedly”.

    “Some argue that we are putting the lives of our students, teachers and non-teaching staff in danger by this re-opening, citing the examples of other countries, who have done so and recorded spikes in their infection case counts”.

    “I have stated, on several occasions, that there is no one-size-fits-all approach to the resolution of this pandemic”.

    “We have our own unique situation in the country, and we have always taken that it into account in dealing with this disease, much as we are prepared to learn from the examples of others”, he said.

    President Akufo-Addo noted that “over the last three (3) months, every aspect of our national life has been affected by this virus”, noting: “We have had to take deliberate steps to ensure that our society, in the face of the pandemic, is able to function, and continues to strive to deliver the results of progress, prosperity and development, for which we all yearn”.

    “Saving lives, jobs and livelihoods, revitalising our economy, and safeguarding the future of our country have been at the heart of this endeavour”, adding: “We cannot say that because of the pandemic, we are no longer interested in issues of social justice such as education and health”.

    Education, the President said, “indeed, is the key to the future of our country”.

    “The quality of education that our educational institutions produce, ultimately”, he noted, “will determine the success or otherwise of our nation”.

    “We, therefore, have to find a way of guaranteeing the prospects of the generation of young people who are the objects of education today, and who represent our future”.

    “We have to do everything within our power to protect their potential, and, thereby, help preserve our future”.

    “We cannot afford to let the pandemic undermine our chances for survival and progress. We have to confront our present and future with confidence, knowing fully well that we must remain, at all times, vigilant and careful”.

    “So, from tomorrow, operating with half the class size, final-year students will begin a six-week period of learning to finish their respective programmes. Subsequently, for a period of four weeks, they will sit for their exit examinations. It must be put on record that some final-year university students will not be returning to school, as some of them, through virtual means, have already sat their exit examinations”, he announced.

    Prior to their return to school, the government, through the Ministry of Education and the Ghana Education Service, has ensured that all tertiary institutions, public and private, have been disinfected.

    Universities, with their own hospitals and clinics, have been equipped with the necessary personal protective equipment, and have isolation centres to deal with any positive cases, the President noted.

    “All other institutions, without their own clinics and hospitals, have been mapped to health facilities”, he said.

    He, however, said: “There will be no mass gatherings and no sporting activities. Religious activities, under the new protocols, will be permitted. Social-distancing and the wearing of face masks must become the norm on campus”.

    “To aid in this effort, a total of six hundred thousand (600,000) face masks has been distributed to the tertiary institutions. This is to enable every student, teaching and non-teaching staff to have three (3) reusable face masks. In addition to this, one thousand seven hundred (1,700) Veronica buckets, two hundred thousand (200,000) litres of hand sanitisers, three thousand, four hundred (3,400) litres of liquid soap, and nine hundred (900) thermometer guns have been distributed, with the transportation and delivery of these items being overseen by the special logistics team of the Government Committee, chaired by the sagacious, experienced politician, the Senior Minister, Hon. Yaw Osafo Maafo, that is supervising the re-opening of the schools”.

    He also said: “I met with the Vice-Chancellors of the universities, both public and private, last Tuesday, who pledged that they would co-operate to ensure that this exercise is effectively undertaken, and I thank them very much for their co-operation. Our intention is to secure the lives of the nearly two hundred thousand (200,000) students, lecturers and non-teaching staff, who will be returning to campus from tomorrow, and I appeal to them also to do their bit to help us succeed. I urge them to adhere to enhanced personal hygiene and social distancing protocols, wash their hands with soap under running water, refrain from shaking hands, and wear their masks to, in and from the lecture halls, and on the campus, generally”.

     

    Source: Class FM

  • Akufo-Addo in trouble as former friend and staunch supporter blasts him again

    President Nana Addo Dankwah Akufo-Addo has been in office for about three and half years and he is doing everything in his power to transform the country.

    A section of Ghanaians have however expressed concerns about the government’s performance, citing areas such as infrastructure, corruption, etc as part of the failures of the Akufo-Addo led NPP government. Other people have also praised the government for being impressed by the government’s performance. They cite areas such as free SHS, NABCO, restoration of students allowances, etc. as some of the victories of the Akuffo Addo led administration.

    Among the people who are not very happy with Nana Addo’s government is his own former best supporter and friend, Kwame Asare Obeng, also known in showbiz circles as A Plus. A-Plus was a very loud critic of the erstwhile Mahama led NDC Government and supporter of Nana Addo Danquah Akuffo Addo. He spoke on several occasions against the ills of the Mahama administration.

    After Nana Akufo-Addo won the elections in December 2016, things have suddenly changed for A-Plus. The musician has criticised the Akuffo Addo led government on several occasions.

    In his latest attack on the government, A Plus has disclosed his love for the president, but he said he will not vote for him again in 2020.

    “I Ilike him and I will not vote for him because I do not like his leadership style and he has not been able to be the strong man we expected him to be.

    “Everything is about them; even in Dubai where the climatic conditions are not the best, climate, they import black soil to plant flowers. Here, politicians can have good healthcare and schools but the people cant have it.” he said.

    He has blasted the government for not decorating the nation in spite of all the good soil that God has blessed us with.

    The main motivation of A Plus’ sudden change is still not clear to Ghanaians. Some people however allege that the musician wanted to be given some contracts but which was denied him. He has however benefited from some government contracts after Akufo-Addo became president.

  • Minority Caucus condemn manner of arrest of ‘NDC man of God’

    The Minority Caucus in Parliament has condemned and denounced the manner of arrest by National Security operatives of Apostle Kwabena Owusu Agyei a self-acclaimed pastor on Tuesday.

    According to the Minority Caucus, the manner of arrest of Apostle Kwabena Owusu Agyei violated his fundamental human rights.

    Speaking to Journalists at Parliament House on Wednesday, the Minority Ranking Member on the Committee on Interior, James Agalga said article 19 of the 1992 Constitution enjoins arresting officers to respect the innocence of suspects until they are proven guilty by a court of competent jurisdiction.

    James Agalga pointed out that the arrest warrant was not read to the suspect before he was whisked by security personnel and the display of the suspect before the cameras could prejudice the outcome of any future trial of the suspect.

    He said the government has allegedly decided to intimidate people who criticize the wrongdoing of government and state agencies which according to the Minority is unfortunate.

    Apostle Kwabena Owusu Agyei, Founder and Leader of the Hezekiah Apostolic Prayer Ministry, who allegedly threatened to ‘kill’ Mrs. Jean Mensa, the Chairperson of the Electoral Commission (EC) has been remanded by an Accra Circuit Court.

    The self-styled man of God is also said to have insulted President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo.

    He has been charged with the threat of death, offensive conduct to the breach of peace, and possession of a narcotic drug.

    He is said to have threatened the life of Mrs. Jean Mensa after insulting her and the President.

    He has denied all the charges and would make his next appearance on June 23.

    Police Sergeant Frederick Sarpong, told the Court presided over by Mr. Emmanuel Essandoh that the accused, on Thursday, June 4, made a live video of himself on Facebook and YouTube threatening to kill the EC Chairperson if she went ahead with the compilation of the new voters’ register.

    In the same video, he rained insults on Mrs. Jean Mensa and the President, Nana Akufo-Addo.

     

    Source: Peace FM

  • This is what will happen if Akufo-Addo wins the 2020 elections

    The New Patriotic Party (NPP) has been in power for about 3 year’s now and is said to have performed better than any political party ever to exit in the country but most people don’t accept that. Things to happen when the NPP comes to power are listed below:

    1. Better economy.

    The economy of Ghana has been at it’s worse during the regime of the NDC and the NPP coming to power made it better and this has made the president receive awards from international organizations for the great job he has done for the country.

    2. Increase in the standard of living.

    The standard of living among Ghanaian’s is low for now this is because of the corrupt practices and acts which has lost the country alot of money and the current government is fighting hard to get them back and this would make 2020 a good year for Ghana. Better economy leads to high standard of living so the country having a better economy would lead to high standard of living.

    3. Better education.

    The introduction of free SHS has made the country a better place as most people uneducated youth have all started to go to school, and this has made the number of uneducated youth decrease in the country, most youths who had no access to Education has now and it shall continue.

    4. Better health service.

    The outbreak of covid-19 has opened the eyes of Ghanaian politicians to invest into the health sector so this has made president to decide to build hospitals in all districts around the country and this would make the health sector stronger than ever.

    5. High level of employment.

    The government of Ghana is training over 60,000 youths to be entrepreneurs and this has lead to the creation of much jobs in the country so as employment.

    Source: Jaradmoxley20

  • Who will you vote for? ‘Akufo-Addo’ or ‘Mahama’. 2020 election.

    As the 2020 election is fast approaching, it is up to Ghanaians to decide who to rule the country. Thankfully, we have quite a number of contestants to choose from.

    The main candidates who are most liked in terms of Ghanaian politics are now Nana Addo Dankwah Akuffo-Addo and the former president John Dramani Mahama.

    Former president John Dramani Mahama served the nation as president from the year 2013 to 2016. He had the chance to shiw Ghanaians what he can offer.

    During his era, he did what he could for the country.

    Some of his innovations include infrastructural development such as roads, hospitals, schools, extension of electricity to rural areas, provision of water and many others.

    Some of his most memorable infrastructures are the Kwame Nkrumah Interchange, AKA Ghana Dubai. The Kejetia lorry park.

    Those are some of his achievements for the nation.

    Nana Addo Dankwah Akuffo-Addo, the current President of the great republic of Ghana. He took the mandate from the hands of John Dramani Mahama from the year 2017 up to date. He has been granted a four year trial by the Ghanaian voters to show what he has for the country.

    Nana Addo Dankwah Akuffo-Addo has done a lot for the country since his term of power.

    Here are some of the things that he has done so far.

    His key point, during the campaign, the free Senior High School has been fulfilled. He did that immediately he took over power.

    Some other achievements are; provision of ambulances for health purpose, construction of roads which are ongoing, and many other things that might come to mind.

    In view of this, the two leaders, namely; Nana Addo Dankwah Akufo-Addo and John Dramani Mahama have been given enough time to justify that the deserve another four years in power.

    They have both done what they can; each of them thinks that he has done well in his era.

    Now it is up to us, to judge the two with our thumbs.

    Who deserves another four years?

    Type your answer at the comments section below.

    Source: News Hub Creator

  • Modern teaching and learning approaches will counter coronavirus effects on education – President

    President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo Thursday stressed the need for the adoption of modern teaching and learning approaches to counter the negative effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on the country’s educational regime.

    Noting the drastic way that the coronavirus had changed, globally, the way things are done, including that of the educational sector, he said it was of utmost importance that modern technology was harnessed to improve educational outcomes to safeguard the future prosperity of the country.

    In an interaction with Vice Chancellors of public universities at the Jubilee House, Accra, ahead of the partial reopening of tertiary institutions on Monday, June 15, 2020, President Akufo-Addo reiterated that education was the key to the future of the country, and measures were being taken to ensure that the crisis does not impact on the quality of education of children and the youth.

    As a result, Government, he said, was initiating a learning management system to promote electronic learning and online educational interaction in all tertiary institutions across the country.

    He stated that learning management systems would enable the government access the effectiveness of e?learning and online interactions.

    President Akufo-Addo spoke about the Open University concept, which he said government was taking a keen interest in to see how it would contribute to quality education in the country.

    Government, he said, was working to ensure that universities provided quality distance learning as was being delivered by Open Universities.

    President Akufo-Addo indicated that his decision to order the reopening of schools for particularly final year students is to prevent the past experiences of where the education of Ghanaian students were interrupted due to political decisions.

    “We know here in Ghana, we have examples, very painful examples of what happened to generations of Ghanaians whose education was interrupted, sometimes by purely political events not by pandemics, but by political events and its taken a long time for the victims of those political interventions in the life of our educational system, to recover and for our system to recover.

    “If there is any way we can prevent this generation also suffering in their evolution from the pandemic, we should do so, ” he said.

    The President pointed out that “Education is the key to the future of our country, the quality of education that our educational institutions will produce will determined the success or failure of our nation,” adding that ways have to be sought “to safeguard that future.”

    “Safeguarding that future means essentially safeguarding the prospect of the generation of young people who are the objects of education today,” he stressed.

    President AKufo-Addo was confident that the limited reopening of universities would serve as a good example for the country, as there would be space for compliance with health protocols relative to the COVID-19 pandemic.

    “If it succeeds, then the country will be reassured that we can begin to step up with confidence to the future that comes ahead of us,” he said

    Professor Ebenezer Oduro, Chairman of the Vice-Chancellors of Ghana, assured the President that contrary to media reports that some universities have decided not to open despite the government’s directives for them to open, all universities would adhere to the directive in absolute terms..

    “Come the 15th, that is Monday, all universities will reopen as you have directed.

    “We believe that the orders were given in some context, and that tells us that we need also to apply wisdom and some level of discretion in getting the students to campus to complete their academic work,” he said.

    Prof. Oduro, who is also the Vice-Chancellor of the University of Ghana, the revealed that the universities had reached an agreement with the students’ body to adopt a “blend approach” that would see the continuation of online studies, and the opening of classrooms to those who would want to walk in and study.

    He assured also that all safety protocols would be observed.

     

    Source: GNA

  • Akufo-Addo promotes Deputy Ashanti Regional Police Commander, 1,244 junior officers

    President Akufo-Addo has upon the recommendation of the Police Council promoted Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) Mr. David Agyemang Adjem, Deputy Ashanti Regional Police Commander to the rank of Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCOP).

    Three Doctors – Desmond M. Addo, Christiana A Asare and Samuel Ofori all of the Police hospital have also been promoted by the Inspector-General of Police, from Chief Superintendents to the rank of ACPs with the approval of the Police Council effective 1st June 2020.

    Also promoted by the Inspector-General of Police, Mr. James Oppong-Boanuh are 1,244 Junior Police Officers of various ranks, in accordance with the Police Service Regulation 2012 (C.I.76).

    These are five Inspectors promoted to the rank of Chief Inspectors; 1,224 Corporals promoted as Sergeants; five Lance Corporals whose promotions were withheld due to cases pending against them; four officers who were inadvertently left out of the recent Administrative Promotions; three persons whose promotions were deferred and two others who have also been reinstated after acquittal from disciplinary charges.

    Source: Kasapa FM

  • Suaman DCE in trouble as Minister threatens to report him to Akufo-Addo over galamsey

    The District Chief Executive (DCE) for Suaman in the Western North Region, Christian Baah, is in trouble for allegedly superintending over illegal mining activities popularly known as galamsey in the area.

    The Minister of Lands and Natural Resources, Kwaku Asomah-Cheremeh, has threatened to report the DCE to President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo for overseeing galamsey in the area.

    Asomah-Cheremeh alleged that the DCE was complicit in the resurgence of galamsey at Dadieso by allowing excavators that were seized from illegal miners and put under his care to be returned to the pits.

    He made the threat when he led a team of military men to the site to clamp down on the activities of illegal miners who had invaded the area and were destroying land and water resources.

    The illegal miners upon seeing the military escaped and left behind mobile phones, bags, and other belongings.

    The minister became angry and said the resurgence of galamsey in Dadieso was because the DCE had failed to play his role and undermines the President’s directive on galamsey in the country.

    He said “The last time we came here about two months ago, we found nine excavators and asked the DCE to take charge of them, but when we returned to convey the excavators away, their essential parts had been removed and we could not drive them away. I then tasked him to replace those parts.

    “We later got information from National Security that the galamsey operators were back to work and so we came back unannounced, and lo and behold, the same machines are being used to destroy the environment.”

    “It is the President who appointed all metropolitan, municipal, and district chief executives (MMDCEs) and so they must not act in a way that will defeat the appointing authority’s vision. I am going to officially report the conduct of this DCE to the President at our meeting on June 17, so that action will be taken,” he added.

    Source: pulse.com.gh

  • Video: Owusu Agyei pouring libation on Akufo-Addo’s father’s tomb for only one term leaks

    Apostle Kwabena Owusu Agyei is a very known renowed man of God who is known as Politician Pastor for the National Democratic Congress (NDC) but was once known as a Pastor for the New Patriotic Party (NPP) as to what made him lost interest, no one knows yet.

    Yesterday he was arrested appeared in Court for threat of death, offensive conduct conducive to the breach of Peace and possession of narcotics.

    Apostle Kwabena Owusu Agyei is in a very tormenting moment after he threatened the Electoral commission Boss, Jean Mensah to get rid of her as he invoked curses on the President of Ghana.

    Meanwhile, Apostle Kwabena Owusu Agyei’s video of him pouring libation on President Akufo Addo father’s tomb to seek for Akuffo Addo’s life as he wanted history to repeat itself like the late Prof. Atta Mills death.

    In the video sighted, he was busily incanting words on Akuffo Addo father’s tomb as he pours libation on it in order to tell the gods of his plea so it can be granted for him.

    Source: Ghcelebritiesinfo.online

  • Housing Deficit: Akufo-Addo is completing all projects from Kufour regime till date – MD

    Managing Director of State Housing Company, Kwabena Ampofo Appiah has refuted claims that the Akufo-Addo government has abandoned housing projects started by previous governments.

    According to the Managing Director of State Housing Company at the behest of President Nana Akufo-Addo is ensuring the completion of all housing projects in the country, from the erstwhile Kufour administration till date.

    He disclosed this during an interview on Peace FM’s ”Kokrokoo” on Tuesday, June 9, 2020 stating ”currently, under His Excellency Akufo-Addo, the priority of the government is to complete every project that was started regardless of the administration. So, the Asokore Mampong housing project is completed. It’s completed now 100 percent and named after Otumfuo. Koforidua, Wa and Tamale, we’re starting to complete it as well”.

    He explained why the projects have delayed saying ”the long time of neglect, for about 8 years, nothing happened in those areas. So, when you come, you have to go back to the land owners and with the contracts which were terminated, you have to make sure it’s properly done. There is a lot of work that needs to be done including engineering work. So, when these projects are abandoned, it comes at additional cost to the State. Unfortunately for Ghanaians, the two Presidents that succeeded His Excellency J.A Kufour didn’t take it on”.

    Mr. Ampofo Appiah added that his outfit has completed some of the projects and are working hard to leave no stone unturned.

    ”…currently, we are working to make sure the projects are completed. Even including projects that the late President began at Adenta which were abandoned under the erstwhile John Mahama regime but we’re completing those projects. John Mahama also commenced some projects in Adenta but those projects, when we came, we did not abandon them. We’re completing them. They are Ghanaians’ money and when we complete them, Ghanaians will be the ones to settle in. There’s top priority on this government that projects that have been neglected in bushes and wasting away, we will bring them all back to fruition for Ghanaians to find shelter as we’re also doing new projects.”

     

    Source: Peace FM

  • NPP members invoked curses to satisfy their displeasure – Anim Piesie blames Akufo-Addo

    A Communications team member of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) has blamed President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo as the master minder behind the disgraceful curse by some members of the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP).

    During a panel discussion on UTV’s ‘Adekye Nsroma’ show, the NDC Communicator noted that “these are some of the actions a party face during internal elections when the leader of the party selects specific persons he wants to work with. This has been the norm in NPP ever since Akufo-Addo led the party till date”.

    He condemned the action but stressed “persons in the NPP who invoked curses on their authorities did that to satisfy their displeasure . . . because it is sad and disheartening when a leader’s decision causes your disqualification, when under normal circumstances it should not be so”.

    Anim Piesie called on executives of the NPP to try and solve problems it has with its aspiring parliamentary candidates to bring peace in the upcoming elections.

    NPP directs suspension

    The General Secretary of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Mr John Boadu, has directed constituency executives of the party to suspend all persons who claim to have invoked curses on the party leadership on allegations that their preferred candidates were disqualified from contesting the party’s upcoming parliamentary primaries.

    Mr Boadu addressing a press briefing Monday said the party was completely appalled by “such gross misconduct”.

    Juaben Curse

    About 300 NPP supporters in the Juaben constituency of the Ashanti Region on June 5, 2020 defied Covid-19 safety protocols to demonstrate against the disqualification of their preferred aspiring parliamentary candidate.

    They were protesting what they described as a party decision to allow the MP for the area, Madam Amma Pomaa Boateng to run unopposed in the NPP primaries.

    They also slaughtered sheep and invoked curses on any member of the party leadership whose actions would result in the disqualification of their preferred candidate.

    Tano North

    Similarly, some party members in the Tano North constituency, where Freda Prempeh was the Member of Parliament also invoked curses on the leadership of the party for allowing Freda Prempeh to re-contest the primaries unopposed.

    Offinso South

    In the Offinso South constituency in Ashanti, some disgruntled members of the party last Thursday also invoked curses on persons they said influenced their disqualification of their preferred candidate Dr Yaw Opoku.

    Armed with a fowl, a bottle of schnapps and a crate of eggs, the youth numbering about 100, called on all the river gods in the area to deal with any patty official who was invloved in the disqualification.

    Source: Peace FM

  • Declaring Akufo-Addo flagbearer without election undemocratic, inappropriate Agbodza

    Mr Governs Kwame Agbodza, MP for Adaklu on the ticket of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) has described as “inappropriate” the decision of the New Patriotic Party to declare President Akufo-Addo its candidate without an election or Congress even if he had no competitor.

    The NPP last week said it accepted President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo as the flag bearer of the party for Election 2020 and will declare him as the flag bearer of the party for the 2020 polls.

    The General Secretary of the party, Mr John Boadu, announced this to the media after a National Council meeting of the party Wednesday night [June 3, 2020].

    According to him, the National Vetting Committee of the party reported to the National Council that at the close of nomination, it was only President Akufo-Addo who had filed to contest as the flag bearer of the party.

    Although the National Council accepted the report and in due time the President will be declared as the flag bearer by popular acclamation, Mr Agbodza said that was “not democracy”.

    He was speaking on New Day on TV3 where he took the NPP to task for not showing they are real apostle of democracy as “they claim”. According to him, there should have been an election for the party to decide whether they are satisfied with the bad performance of Akufo-Addo. He said it was not too late for the party to “do the right thing”.

    The NPP and the NDC have been trading accusations over who is most ready for the upcoming election. The NPP say the NDC has no running mate while the NDC says the NPP has no flagbearer for the 2020 poll.

    Source: My News GH

  • Year of Roads: Evaluation for Accra-Tema Motorway expansion completed Akufo-Addo

    President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo has said an evaluation for the expansion of the Accra-Tema Motorway into a three-lane dual carriageway has been completed.

    According to him, the project is awaiting approval from the Public Private Partnership Approval Committee of the Ministry of Finance to engage the contractor to commence work.

    Speaking at the commissioning of the phase one of the Tema Motorway interchange on Friday June 5 2020, President Akufo said; “Evaluation for the expansion of the AccraTema Motorway into a three-lane dual carriageway with service roads under a Public Private Partnership arrangement has been completed. We are awaiting approval from the Public Private Partnership Approval Committee of the Ministry of Finance to engage the contractor”

    “The economic benefits of these and many other trunk roads being undertaken by the Ghana Highways Authority, the Department of Urban Roads and the Department of Feeder Roads will be immense. Government is committed to the successful completion of all the projects, and I urge the Ministry of Roads and Highways to see to their expeditious completion,” President Akufo-Addo added.

    The recently commissioned Tema Motorway interchange, which had a June 2020 deadline was financed by the Japanese government with an estimated US$56 million earmarked for the project.

    Additionally, President Akufo-Addo had earlier tagged the year 2020 as the “Year of Roads.”

    Speaking at a media encounter in December 2019, he flaunted his administration would embark on an aggressive road development across Ghana in 2020, saying “Next year is the year we will adopt as the year of roads.”

    The president noted roads are critical in the development of any nation and that the development of the much-touted roads under the previous John Dramani Mahama administration was untrue.

     

    Source: www.ghanaweb.com

  • Ahafo Region dedicates it’s inauguration to President Akufo-Addo

    The MP for Asunafo North Constituency who doubles as the Ahafo Regional Minister, Evans Opoku Bobie disclosed in his statement to the media during the official inauguration ceremony of the Ahafo Regional Coordinating Council revealed that the region has been dedicated to President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo.

    Undoubtedly, the creation of the Ahafo Region became a reality because of the tenacious Nana Akufo-Addo.

    It is very imperative to note that Traditional authorities and various youth groups in the Ahafo Area have been petitioning successive Governments on the creation of the Ahafo Region for over forty years ago but it couldn’t materialise.

    The timely intervention of Nana Akufo-Addo, who acted on the Article 5 of Ghana’s Constitution upon receiving a petition from the people on the demand for the creation of a region. The Council of State advised the president that, indeed, there is substantial demand for the creation of the Ahafo Region.

    A Commission of enquiries was set to organise public hearings, sampling of opinions and referendum was held on the 27th December 2018 for the creation of new regions in Ghana of which Ahafo was not exempted.

    Ahafo Region registered the highest percentage turnout of registered voters’ in the 2018 referendum Where 90.41% of registered voters’ participated in the polls which glosses into 277, 663 out of 307, 108 voters’. The people of Ahafo Region dangled into a total pool of exhilaration when the results of the referendum was announced.

    The region was created on the 13th of February, 2019 by Constitutional Instrument (C. I ) 114.

    GOASO was announced as the CAPITAL on the 14th February, 2019 of the new Ahafo Region which was created out of the old Brong Ahafo Region.

    The Regional Minister, Hon. Evans Opoku Bobie ( MP) stated emphatically on a rounded pricket that, the creation of Ahafo Region was part of the president’s effort to bring Governance and Development to the door step of the people, particularly, hard and soft infrastructure. Therefore, H. E. Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo deserves Brobdingnagian panegyric. Municipal District Chief Executives, Paramount Chiefs, Security officials, Departmental heads and other important personalities were all present at the inaugural ceremony.

    According to the Section 188 (2) of the Local Governance Act 2016, (Act 936) mandates the Ahafo Regional Coordinating Council the approval of the by-laws of the District Assemblies in the region subject to their consistency with national legislation.

    The provision of back-stopping support for the performance of any function assigned to the District Assemblies in the region in respect of which a particular District Assembly is deficient in terms of skills and workforce. The performance of any other functions assigned to to it by or under an enactment.

    Moreover, the Ahafo Regional Coordinating Council has an oversight responsibility for second-cycle educational institutions and regional hospitals in the region on behalf of the Ministries of education and health. The resolution of any conflicts between a District Assembly in the region and any agency of the central Government, public corporation, statutory body, Non-Governmental Organisation and individual.

    The Council is also responsible to provide a District Planning Authority with the information and data necessary to assist the Authority in the formulation of a district development plan.

    The Office of the Ahafo Regional Coordinating Council started operating in April 2019 with the posting of key management staff to the region by Head of Service of Local Government service.

    It is worthy to note that the Article 256 of Ghana’s Constitution and Section 187 of the Local Governance Act, 2016 (Act 936) establishes the membership of the Regional Coordinating Council as the Regional Minister and Deputy or Deputies, the presiding member of each District Assembly in the region and the District Chief Executive of each district in the region, two chiefs from the Regional House of Chiefs and the Regional heads of the Decentralised Ministries in the region as members without the right to vote.

    The Regional Minister remains the chairperson of the Regional Coordinating Council with the Regional Coordinating Director as the secretary.

    Hon. Evans Opoku Bobie (MP) called on every tom, dick and harry to support the Ahafo Regional Coordinating Council to make it one of the best among the sixteen regions in Ghana. He used the opportunity and advised the audience to stay alert and observe all the COVID-19 protocols so that we can all defeat this Coronavirus Pandemic.

    He congratulated the COVID-19 team in the region, security agencies and the entire people of the region on the COVID-19 fight. So far, Ahafo Region is the one and only Region that has not recorded a single case of Coronavirus Pandemic.

    Source: Francis Agyapong Nimpong, Contributor

  • Its unfair to give us GHC70 after promising us GHC150 daily Contact tracers cry to Akufo-Addo

    Contact tracers in the Ashanti Region have cried out to President Akufo-Addo to intervene as their daily allowances promised them has been slashed.

    According to them, their allowance for the month of May was reduced drastically for reasons unknown to them.

    President Akufo-Addo in his fifth address to the nation promised to give contact tracers GHC150 daily allowance for their efforts in the fight against COVID-19.

    “An insurance package, with an assured sum of three hundred and fifty thousand cedis (GH¢350,000) for each health personnel and allied professional at the forefront of the fight, has been put in place, with a daily allowance of one hundred and fifty cedis (GH¢150) being paid to contact tracers,” the President said.

    But that joy of receiving the GHC150 daily allowance was cut short after their emolument for May was reduced.

    They indicated that their GHC150 daily allowance as promised was given to them in the month of April, however, it got reduced to GHC70 in the month of May.

    Describing the situation as unfair, the Coalition of Contact Tracers wants President Akufo-Addo to fulfill his promise.

    They have therefore written an open letter to President Akufo-Addo to address their concern.

    Read their statement below

    Good day sir,

    Accept a warm felicitation from us.

    We pray our letter finds you in a good health condition as you lead your beloved country in this fight against an invisible enemy.

    Mr President, on Sunday, the 5th of April 2020, you made a public announcement that Contact Tracers across the country would be given a Ghc150 daily allowance for their efforts in the fight against Covid-19. This announcement was very timely and welcoming since by then none of us knew how much we were getting even after working for days.

    Mr. President, for the month of April, the money was paid as you announced and we thank you for that.

    However, for the entire month of May, the money was not paid until on the 1st of June when we were asked to come the next day for our monies. We proceeded to our accountants for the money the next day only to be informed that, we are taking Ghc70 per day and not the announced Ghc150 per day.

    So Mr. President, we would like to humbly enquire whether your office has reviewed the amount or some entities within the region want to “cheat” us.

    Mr. President, when the announcement for the recruitment of health professionals to work as Contact Tracers was made, almost everyone was afraid to partake. A few of us showed up for the orientation and training, and a few among those who showed for the training actually showed up for work for fear of contracting the virus. But some of us against all odds sacrificed and contributed our quota in this fight. We faced some stigmatisations and distancing from even family members due to fear. People feared getting close to us just because of the work we do. But that did not deter us in fighting to make Ghana safe again.

    The successes chalked in the fight would not have been possible without our tireless efforts in Tracing and Testing some 153,056 people and recording 4956 positives. This could not have been possible without us.

    Mr. President, it is unfair for us to work all week including Saturdays and Sundays only for us to be denied what is due us. It is unfair sir.

    So we call on your esteemed office to issue a statement, possibly through the daily Ministerial Press Briefings to shed some light on this issue.

    Thank you Mr. President

    Convener

    Coalition of Contact Tracers, Ashanti Region.

    0200983057

    Cc:

    Minister of Health

    Minister of Information

    Director General, GHS

    Source: abcnewsgh.com

  • I feel pity for Akufo-Addo Kwesi Pratt

    The Managing Editor of the Insight Newspaper, Kwesi Pratt Jnr who was speaking on Peace FM’s morning show ‘Kokrokoo’, has said it is not easy to be a Head of State of any country especially in an era where the world is battling the coronavirus pandemic.

    According to him, it will be an act of wickedness not to feel sympathy for President Akufo-Addo amidst all the struggles of the economy.

    “I feel pity for the President (Akufo-Addo) . . .” Kwesi Pratt Jnr stated.

    “In this current dispensation; every President should be pitied . . . in Ghana anyone who doesn’t sympathize with the President in this current state is wicked . . . In the first place, the economy is not doing so well and to carry this burden as President of Ghana; it is huge and so I feel pity for the President,” he averred.

    Number of Testing

    On the other hand, Kwesi Pratt Jnr has asked authorities to up their game in the number of tests being conducted.

    According to him, other countries are doing well with testing so there is a need to do more.

    As at Sunday 31st May, 218, 425 tests have been conducted according to the Ghana Health Service.

    Restrictions eased, gatherings should not be more than 100 people

    President Akufo-Addo has introduced a phased approach of easing of restrictions especially in public gatherings and school attendance.

    In his 10th address to the nation on measures being taken against the spread of COVID-19 he said effective 5th June, churches and mosques can start meeting with a maximum congregation of 100 and the mandatory wearing of nose mask.

    “In addition to mandatory wearing of masks, a register of names and contact details of all worshippers must be provided; maximum duration of one hour per service,” he said.

     

    Source: Peace FM

  • I will vote for Akufo-Addo, else John Mahama will jail him for the many scandals

    My fellow Ghanaians, this is to appeal to your sense of pity and compassion to vote and retain the president Nana Addo Dankwa Akuffo- Addo in power to avert a situation where the over 70-year old man would be sentenced to jail.

    The president although noted for the implementation of the free SHS policy, amidst other flagship government promises is also popularly for his taste of prosecuting and prompting the sentencing corrupt officials in the erstwhile Mahama administration to prison. If karma is anything to believe and go by, then you and I know that with the number of corruption that have rocked the Nana Addo government, should he lose the December 2020 elections, the president and other top officials of his government, may just spend the rest of their earthly years at the Nsawam prison.

    Here is a list of corruption cases that can land the president and his officials in jail should they lose power;

    Number 12

    Lots of NPP officials and even the president, Nana Addo were implicated in the Anas Aremeyaw Anas expose titled number 12. In the said expose, former president of the Ghana Football Association (GFA), was seen and heard bragging about how a portion of bribe he took from a group who be going to the pocket of president. This now, no investigation has been carried out on the allegation. But the NDC has promised to review the case and its evidence should they win power.

    BOST contaminated fuel

    The Bulk Oil Storage and Transportation (BOST) which was then headed by known NPP figure Alfred Obeng Boateng was accused of selling contaminated fuel to consumers. Reports indicated that, the acts were being carried on by the Movenpiina Oil, BOST and another unregistered oil company Macwest. The Managing director, Alfred Obeng Boateng was removed from office, the issue was widely discussed by the media but it just ended there. The NDC once again has promised to revive the case should the party win power in 2020.

    The GRA embezzlement saga

    Another issue the NDC would not forget should they win power is the Ghana Revenue Authority embezzlement saga. Reports are that, an account officer at the Domestic Tax Division of the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) in Tamale was arrested for stealing GH¢2,430,774.30 belonging to the state. The culprit, Fuseini Hamza, was slapped with 12 years in prison following investigations and 8-month proceedings in court. The NDC, however, believe that Fuseini is just a small fish in the oceans of sharks and as such would revisit the case should they win power.

    Galamsey Escavators

    The issue of the missing escavators seems to be dying but the NDC would be revisiting it should they come to power. Many names of people in the NPP have popped up and no proper investigations have been carried out so far.

    The scandals are many. I love Nana Addo and I can’t watch him suffer in jail.

    Fellow Ghanaians, looking at all these cases, if you do not vote for Nana Addo come 2020 elections, Nana Addo and his top officials may just end up at the Nsawam Prisons.

     

    Disclaimer : “Opinions expressed in this article are the sole responsibility of the author(s) and do not in any way reflect those of backend.theindependentghana.com. Our outfit will hereby not be liable for any inaccuracies contained in this article.”

    Source: operanewsapp.com

  • President Akufo-Addo condemns police killing of unarmed black man in the U.S

    President of the Republic of Ghana Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, has joined the global call for justice for the late African-American, George Floyd who died in Powderhorn, a neighborhood south of downtown Minneapolis.

    Unarmed George Floyd was killed by a white police officer for an offense best known to same on May 25, 2020.

    President Akufo-Addo expressed his displeasure about how the United States of America, which is the beacon of Democracy in the world, still continues to battle racism in the 21st century.

    Nana Akufo-Addo took to his Facebook page to join people who are seeking justice globally for the late George Floyd.

    “Black people, the world over, are shocked and distraught by the killing of an unarmed black man, George Floyd, by a white police officer in the United States of America. It carried with it an all too painful familiarity and an ugly reminder.”

    “It cannot be right that, in the 21st century, the United States, this great bastion of democracy, continues to grapple with the problem of systemic racism.”

    “On behalf of the people of Ghana, I express my deep condolences to the family and loved ones of the late George Floyd.”

    “We stand with our kith and kin in America in these difficult and trying times, and we hope that the unfortunate, tragic death of George Floyd will inspire a lasting change in how America confronts head-on the problems of hate and racism.” Akufo-Addo wrote.

    Source: www.ghanaweb.com

  • Catholic Bishops Conference vows to adhere to protocols set by President Akufo-Addo

    On 31st May 2020, President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, in a televised address to the nation announced that religious services can commence in a church or a mosque with twenty-five percent (25%) of members in attendance, with a maximum number of one hundred (100) congregants with a mandatory one-meter rule of social distancing between congregants. He added that the maximum duration of service should be an hour.

    In relation to this directive, the General Secretary of the Ghana Catholic Bishops Conference, Rev. Father Anondee has said that the clergy accepts this directive and will ensure that the protocols are observed.

    Speaking in an interview with Samuel Eshun on the Happy Morning show, he stated: “It is a welcome development. It will afford us the opportunity to come together to worship and have masses which we have missed for months now. This is not to say things will be as they were but we will certainly have to observe the protocols that have been prescribed. We are going to follow strictly what the president has asked us to do and then we will conduct our religious activities in a manner that will not promote the spread of the virus”.

    When quizzed by Samuel Eshun on the duration of service stipulated by the Government, he noted that the clergy had no problem with that as it afforded them the opportunity to congregate for worship. “We are in challenging times, so we have to face the challenge head-on. We just have to do what we can”, he added.

    He made known that contrary to the belief people may hold, the clergy did not force the Government to ease the restriction on the ban of social gathering.

    Source: happyghana.com

  • Akufo-Addo has succumbed to uneducated pressure Sam George

    In less than 24 hours after President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo eased the restrictions on social gatherings by allowing churches and mosques to operate with only 100 congregants per hour, Member of Parliament for Ningo-Prampram, Sam George has tongue-lashed Akufo-Addo for his action.

    According to him, the President has bowed to the pressure of ignorant people to allow churches and mosques to function.

    The Ningo-Prampram MP has called on Akufo-Addo to order the closure of churches until further notice.

    “What kind of meaningful church service can you have with 100 people for a maximum of 1 hour? Mr President, you have fortunately succumbed to uneducated pressure. Keep the churches closed,” he said.

    The MP made this claim in a Facebook post sighted by GhanaWeb.

    Read below his Facebook post

     

    Source: www.ghanaweb.com

  • Ban on funerals, pubs still in force; private burials of up to 100 people encouraged Akufo-Addo

    The ban on funerals in the country remains in force despite the relaxation of restrictions on social gatherings.

    According to President Akufo-Addo in his tenth televised address to the country, private burials of up to 100 people are being encouraged to ease the pressure on mortuaries in the country.

    “Private burials, now with a maximum of one hundred (100) persons, can continue to be performed. Restaurants, providing seated services, can operate under appropriate social distancing arrangements and hygiene protocols. Individual, non-contact sports can go ahead. Conferences, workshops, weddings, and political activities, except rallies, can now take place, but with limited numbers not exceeding one hundred (100) persons present, with the appropriate social distancing and hygiene protocols.”

    The President while allowing churches and mosques to operate from Friday, June 5, 2020, however, clarified that beaches, drinking pubs, and crusades remain suspended.

    “I have, by Executive Instrument, provided for these new directions, and extended the suspension of the remaining public gatherings, as set out in E.I. 64 of 15th March, until 31st July. In here, I refer to the suspension of sporting events, nightclubs, cinemas, drinking spots, bars, beaches, festivals, funerals, political rallies, and large religious gatherings such as crusades, pilgrimages, and conventions.”

    Source: abcnewsgh.com

  • When they were young: Pictures of Akufo-Addo and John Mahama as kids

    It may seem very difficult to believe but the immediate past President, Mr. John Dramani Mahama and the current President of the Republic of Ghana, Nana Addo Danquah Akufo-Addo, were once children.

    It would amaze you to know that, these two important personalities have also sat on floors to play games with their neighborhood friends, suffered punishments from their parents and have been beaten to eat their meals.

    Seeing childhood pictures of Presidents make one realize, they had a humble beginning and were once young and  innocent.

    Their decision to serve as leaders of this country has subjected them to various forms of criticism from most people, because of the bold decisions they take sometimes on behalf of the entire population.

    His excellency Nana Addo Danquah Akufo-Addo grew to become the General Secretary of the Peoples Movement for Freedom and Justice in 1977. He also established a law firm and the Ghana Committee on Human and Peoples Right.

    He was voted as President on 7th December 2016 after beating his major contender, John Dramani Mahama of the NDC over one million votes. One major achievement associated with his Presidency is the introduction of the free Senior High School Policy.

    Born on November 29, 1958, Mr. John Dramani Mahama become the President of Ghana from July 24 2012 to January 7, 2018 after he lost the 2016 elections to President Nana Addo Dankuah Akufo- Addo. Mr. John Dramani Mahama inherited late President John Evans Atta Mills.

    He is an expert in communication and served as a Member of Parliament for the people of Bole Bamboi from 1977 to 2009. He has many infrastructural achievements in his name as President.

    Source: opera.com

  • President Akufo-Addo eases some coronavirus restrictions

    President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo has announced the easing of Coronavirus restrictions that would enable the partial reopening of some sectors of the economy from June 5, 2020.

    However, restrictions placed over the past eleven weeks on certain public gatherings, including sporting events, nightclubs, cinemas, drinking spots, bars, beaches, festivals, funerals, political rallies and large religious gatherings such as crusades, pilgrimages and conventions have been stayed until July 31, 2020.

    Also, the country’s air, land and sea border remains closed to human traffic until further notice. But Ghanaians stranded abroad would be evacuated back under “a special dispensation,” and will undergo the mandatory quarantine and safety protocols.

    In a televised address Sunday to give an update on measures to curb the spread of the virus, the President outlined a phased process for safely easing restrictions in a select list of public gathering, based on the risk profile, socio-economic impact and the capacity of the country to enforce and respond to a spike in infections.

    Those measures, he said, were the outcome of two weeks of consultations with relevant stakeholders, who agreed, based on the analysis of data, that a strategic, controlled, progressive, safe easing of restrictions to return the country to normalcy be rolled out.

    Thus, as the first stage of easing the restrictions, religious services are to commence with 25 per cent attendance, and with a maximum of100 congregants worshipping at a time in church or at the mosque.

    In addition, religious gatherings are not permitted to go beyond one hour, and congregants are required to maintain a mandatory one-metre rule of social distancing, wearing of mask at all material times and keeping a register of names and contact details of all worshippers.

    Also, religious institutions that are desirous of opening their premises to their members, such as churches, mosques and others, must provide handwashing facilities, disinfect, fumigate and put in place the requisite logistics needed to guarantee safe opening and operation.

    “They must work with the designated, regulatory bodies and undertake test runs of the protocols I have outlined. I would appeal to them, in the case of Christians, on the first Sunday of re-opening, i.e. 7th June, in the case of the Adventists, Saturday, 6th June, and in the case of Muslims, on the first Friday, i.e. ?al?t al-Jumu?ah on 5th June, to dedicate their worship to prayers for the nation in these challenging times,” the President said, saying that specific guidelines for safe reopening of churches and mosque would be outlined in detail by Monday, June 1, 2020.

    President Akufo-Addo also indicated that schools would be reopened for final year junior high, senior high and university students to resume classes ahead of the conduct of their respective exit examinations.

    He said final year university students are to report to their universities on June 15, 2020, whilst final year senior high school (SHS3) students, together with SHS 2 Gold Track students were to go back to school on June 22, 2020.

    The President indicated that final-year junior high school students were to report back to school on June 29, 2020.

    However, JHS class size is limited to 30 students, a maximum of 25 students for the SHS, while university lectures are to take place with half class sizes.

    The President further announced that all final year students of educational and training institutions, which are being managed by Ministries other than the Education Ministry, were to return to school on June 15, 2020, to complete their exit examinations.

    He was emphatic that before the opening of schools and universities, the Ministry of Education, and the heads of public and private educational institutions, should fumigate and disinfect their institutions, disclosing that the ministry would provide students, teachers, and non- teaching staff with re-usable face masks.

    But all other educational facilities, private and public, for non-final year students, will remain closed till further notice.

    The President announced also that private burials could continue to be perfomed but with a maximum of 100 persons.

    And restaurants, providing seated services, could operate under appropriate social distancing arrangements and hygiene protocols.

    “Individual, non-contact sports can go ahead. Conferences, workshops, weddings, and political activities, except rallies, can now take place, but with limited numbers not exceeding one hundred persons present, with the appropriate social distancing and hygiene protocols,” he stated.

    President Akufo-Addo also exempted market places, workplaces, public transport, and constitutional and statutory bodies such as the Electoral Commission, the National Commission for Civic Education and the National Identification Authority from the restrictions.

    Cautioning however that their activities must be conducted in accordance with social distancing and the necessary hygiene and safety protocols, he stated that regulatory agencies would undertake random checks to ensure conformity with the set rules, and the security services would be tasked to enforce them.

    “Should any institution fail to adhere to these directives, its activity will be immediately prohibited, and relevant sanctions applied,” he added.

    President Akufo-Addo called on Ghanaians to remain vigilant, respect the enhanced social hygiene and distancing protocols as the country is opened through a phased process.

    “Fellow Ghanaians, now, more than ever, we must adhere to enhanced personal hygiene and social distancing protocols, wash our hands with soap under running water, refrain from shaking hands, and wear our masks whenever we leave our homes.

    “It is said that with greater freedom comes greater responsibility…We cannot afford to let our guard down, and ruin the successes we have chalked over this period,” he said.

    Ghana’s Coronavirus count stands at 8,070 positive cases, with 2,947 recoveries, 36 deaths, with 13 persons critically ill and one person on a ventilator.

    Source: GNA

  • Akufo-Addo addresses the nation tonight?

    President Akufo- Addo is likely to address the nation tonight, on measures put in place to tackle the Covid-19 pandemic in the country.

    He is expected to touch on key things such as the ban on social gatherings, the opening of international borders and whether students should return to school or not.

    Many reports however suggest that the president will lift the ban on social gatherings but borders will remain closed.

    Final year students in the universities and Senior High Schools might be returning to school amid strict adherence to Coronavirus protocols.

    Final year students of universities can now go to school and complete their project works and write their end of semester exams.

    However, some Ghanaians feel since  the cases keep increasing ,it will be in everyone’s interest if president treads with caution. Former President Mahama also suggests that the government should conduct mass testing before easing the restrictions.

    source;operanewsapp.com

  • Lockdown entire country for 10 days rather than easing restrictions CEGA to Akufo-Addo

    Center for Ethical Governance and Administration (CEGA) has called on President Akufo-Addo not to ease restriction as the number of Coronavirus cases has surged to over 7000.

    According to CEGA, government should rather lockdown the entire country completely and comprehensively for 10 days and use the period to conduct mass or random testing in order to substantially contain the disease before any consideration.

    In a press statement, CEGA stated that “In this regard, we urge the President and all state institutions including the Electoral Commission of Ghana and the National Identification Authority not to be motivated by any non-health considerations to undertake any mass gathering activities to recklessly jeopardize the lives of Ghanaians.”

    “We call on His Excellency the President to rather lock down the entire country completely and comprehensively for 10 days and use the period to conduct mass or random testing in order to substantially contain the disease before any consideration can be given to ease the restrictions on social or physical distancing and other hygienic protocols meant to protect the lives of Ghanaians.”

    Below is the full statement

    CENTER FOR ETHICAL GOVERNANCE AND ADMINISTRATION (CEGA)

    WORDS OF CAUTION TO PRESIDENT AKUFO-ADDO ON COVID-19
    FROM CEGA

    In a few days time, the President of the Republic and Commander In Chief of the Ghana Armed Forces, President Akufo-Addo will address the nation on his policy direction on Covid-19 situation in Ghana.

    So far there are mixed apprehensions among sections of the Ghanaian society on whether or not the President should take the unchartered course of easing the restrictions imposed under Executive Instruments including easing the ban on social and political gatherings.

    Undoubtedly, these measures were suprisingly implemented without serious official commitment to enforcement. And the measures appear not to have been able to contain and or prevent the vertical spread of the pandemic in Ghana.

    Strangely enough, and in the midst of rising number of cases of the pandemic, various interest groups such as Religious organisations, Educational institutions and business communities were mounting pressure on His Excellency the President to ease the restrictions.

    These parochial interest groups have adduced one reason or the other as to why the President should look towards the direction of easing the social and political restrictions currently in force.

    On one extreme and worrisome end is the immense political pressure being mounted by the President’s own political party, the NPP to ease the restrictions in order to afford them the opportunity to conduct their primaries to elect their parliamentary candidates, and go to Congress to confirm the President and his Vice President for the Party’s 2020 ticket.

    In the midst of all these contending and confusing interests is the vexed question of the restrictions being eased to enable the National Identification Authority (NIA) to proceed to the Eastern Region to continue with the registration of people for the issuance of ECOWAS Identity Card.

    As these apparent parochial interests play up, there has not been any due cognisance of the rising numbers of positive cases in the fast spreading Covid-19 epidemic in the country.

    At the time of going to Press on 29th May, 2020, Ghana has recorded 7,616 Covid-19 infection cases.

    Given the ferocious nature of the spread of this deadly pandemic, the CEGA strongly urges the Pressident to err on the side of caution and be mindful of the fact that the lives of over 30million Ghanaians depend on what decisions he takes and announces on his next address to the nation.

    The President has often been quoted as saying “we can bring our economy back but we cannot bring back lost lives”

    During the recent Heads of State Virtual Summit on the pandemic, His Excellency the President is on record to have profoundly advised his fellow heads of state not to be swayed to follow examples of other countries, but rather to take decisions based on their own country specific conditions and circumstances.

    Given our soaring number of the epidemic, in addition to the position taken by the Ghana Medical Association (GMA) and other health professionals and experts against easing of restrictions, the CEGA is of the strongest view that easing the restrictions under the EI 64 will not be in the best interest of the people in the country.

    In this regard, we urge the President and all state institutions including the Electoral Commission of Ghana and the National Identification Authority not to be motivated by any non-health considerations to undertake any mass gathering activities to recklessly jeopardize the lives of Ghanaians.

    We call on His Excellency the President to rather lock down the entire country completely and comprehensively for 10 days and use the period to conduct mass or random testing in order to substantially contain the disease before any consideration can be given to ease the restrictions on social or physical distancing and other hygienic protocols meant to protect the lives of Ghanaians.

    We advice this, because any other decision to the contrary will amount to reckless disregard for the lives of Ghanaians.

    Ghanaian lives must matter more to the President and all than Ghanaian votes.

    Signed:
    Dr. Pius Essandoh
    Director of Health
    0246141460
    Mike Aflu
    0500349077
    Mark Takyi-Banson
    0556532767

     

    Source: www.ghanaweb.com

  • Meet Ghanaian President Nana Akufo-Addo Beautiful Children (Photos)

    Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo who is the current president of Ghana was born in Accra, Gold Coast, to an unmistakable Ghanaian regal and political family as the child of Edward and Adeline Akufo-Addo. .

    He began his essential instruction at the Government Boys School, Adabraka, and later went to Rowe Road School (presently Kinbu), in Accra Central.

    D.O.B: 29 March 1944, Accra

    Parents (Guardian): Edward Akufo-Addo, Adeline Akufo-Addo

    Life partner: Rebecca Akufo-Addo

    Nationality: Ghana

    He is blessed with five(5) daughters and they are beautiful indeed although they rarely appear in public and getting all of their photos was a bit difficult because of they are rarely seen in public.

    Note: Most of their photos were not online due to their private/lowkey lifestyle..

    Edwina Nana Dokua Akufo-Addo

    Edwina Nana Dokua Akufo-Addo was born in 1984 to the leader of Ghana, Nana Akufo-Addo.

    Her kin are Gyankroma Akufo-Addo a.k.a Funmi, Valerie Obaze and Yeboakua Akufo-Addo.

    Her mom was the late Eleanor Nkansah-Gyamenah prominently known as Obaa Saa.

    Contact The Photos To Contact Her

    Akufo-Addo’s little girl, Edwina Nana Dokua Akufo-Addo

    The late Eleanor, who hailed from Asante Mampong, passed on in the mid 90s from a condition called Rheumatoid Arthritis.

    Edwina Akufo-Addo, as most offspring of Ghanaian legislators, supposedly had her auxiliary and tertiary instruction in the UK.

    Nana Dokua has been connected to Kimathi Rawlings, child of previous leader of Ghana, Jerry John Rawlings. There were even reports that the two were getting hitched. Anyway the groups of the two came out to subdue the reports, saying it was “by and large creation”.

    Edwina Nana Dokua Akufo-Addo used to possess an apparel store, Eleanor’s Closet in Osu. She shut down the shop because of low support.

    Gyankroma Akufo-Addo

    Gyankroma Akufo-Addo is the girl of Ghana’s leader Nana Akufo-Addo. She was brought up in the UK.

    Gyankroma, who is otherwise called Funmi, a Yoruba name, has three sisters Edwina Nana Dokua Akufo-Addo, Valerie Obaze and Yeboakua Akufo-Addo.

    Her mom, Remi Fani Kayode, is a Nigerian. Remi is the senior sister of mainstream disputable lawmaker Femi Fani-Kayode.

    Funmi’s mom and Akufo-Addo were hitched for a long time before they separated genially.

    Gyankroma Akufo-Addo right now lives in Ghana and fills in as a Director of Creative Art Council

    Gyankroma Funmi Akufo-Addo, Edwina Nana Douka Akufo-Addo and Valerie Obaze are at present visiting Japan.

    Her mom, Remi Fani Kayode, is a Nigerian. Remi is the senior sister of mainstream disputable lawmaker Femi Fani-Kayode.

    Funmi’s mom and Akufo-Addo were hitched for a long time before they separated genially.

    Gyankroma Akufo-Addo right now lives in Ghana and fills in as a Director of Creative Art Council

    Gyankroma Funmi Akufo-Addo, Edwina Nana Douka Akufo-Addo and Valerie Obaze are at present visiting Japan.

    They have been located in the city of Japan in Japanese customary outfits

    Adriana Dukua Akufo-Addo

    Nana Akufo-Addo third on the list of Nana Akufo-Addo

    Yeboakua Akufo-Addo

    She is the fourth daughter on the list of Nana Akufo-Addo children

    Valerie Obaze

    Meet the honor winning magnificence Entrepreneur officially known as Valerie Obaze. The delightful business person has been hailed as an ‘African skincare pioneer’ by Forbes.

    excellence image has been included in a plenty of distributions, for example, Elle magazine in addition to the fact that she is an insightful representative. Valerie is likewise the organizer of Mumpreneurs arrange established in 2015. R&R extravagance is the ideal mix of real items and the response to numerous skincare issues.

    Please don’t forget to SHARE and kindly drop your comments..

    Note: Most of their photos were not online due to their private/lowkey lifestyle..

    Source: opera.com

  • Akufo-Addo committed to equitable distribution of health facilities Bawumia

    The Vice President, Dr Mahamudu Bawumia has reiterated President Akufo-Addo’s commitment to providing an equitable distribution of healthcare facilities across the country.

    The Akufo-Addo government has undertaken extensive health infrastructure projects in rural communities across the country, and with the Coronavirus pandemic exposing the nation’s deficit in equitable spread of facilities, President Akufo-Addo has announced an audacious investment to build 88 new district hospitals and 6 regional hospitals.

    Speaking at the launch of government scholarship for postgraduate training of doctors in Ghana at the Jubilee House on Thursday, Vice President Bawumia said despite the government’s efforts in concentrating healthcare facilities in deprived communities in the past three years, the outbreak of the Coronavirus pandemic has exposed the inequitable distribution of health facilities in the country, hence President Akufo-Addo’s bold initiative to solve the age-long problem.

    “Whilst we can all be proud of what we have managed to achieve so far in the fight against the pandemic, we have also been humbled by the ferocity of the pandemic, laying bare some of the shortcomings in our health system and what we have not done well as governments,” Dr Bawumia said.

    “The underinvestment in our health infrastructure, our material shortfalls, our manpower capabilities, and our vulnerabilities in fighting medical catastrophes are hard lessons.”

    “We have achieved phenomenal progress in access in the past three years. President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo has set the tone of what is ahead of us. He is making clear that improvements in the distribution of health infrastructure is a high priority for his government.”

    “The focus is on delivering on the largest investment by any government in our healthcare infrastructure in the last fifty years by constructing

    88 standard design 100-bed hospitals with accommodation for doctors and nurses in the Districts without hospitals, 6 new regional hospitals in the six new regions, and infectious disease centres for each of the three ecological zones: coastal, northern and middle belt zones in the country, and as well as the Ghana Centre for Disease Control,” Dr Bawumia stated.

    The Vice President further indicated that the government will complete on-going hospital projects and their related infrastructure, as well as review major bottlenecks in the acquisition of medical equipment, including the excessive reliance on loans.

    The launch of the scholarship for postgraduate training of doctors is a fulfilment of a promise by President Akufo-Addo to fully fund the postgraduate training of Ghanaian doctors.

    Postgraduate training scholarship for doctors

    About 918 doctors who have been enrolled by the College of Physicians and Surgeons will benefit in this year’s scholarship programme.

    Their entire fees for the 2019/2020 academic year has been fully covered by the Scholarship Secretariat under a new government arrangement.

    Government, in fulfilment of its 2016 election promise by President Akuffo-Addo to fund the postgraduate training of doctors, decided to absorb the fees of doctors who enrolled for postgraduate training for the 2018/2019 academic year through the Ministry of Health.

    The Scholarship Secretariat has now taken over the settlement of the fees under a new arrangement, which was launched on Thursday.

    Source: Class FM

  • Kweku Baako demystifies Akufo-Addo’s role in ‘Kume Preko’ demo

    On May 11, 1995, a new history was written in Ghana as hundreds of Ghanaians trooped to the streets in protest against the Military rule of former President Jerry John Rawlings.

    The demonstration, which is known to be the biggest in the country, was held against the atrocious hardships imposed by the Rawlings’ regime.

    Twenty-five years down memory lane, the instigators of the demonstration in the persons of President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, seasoned journalists Abdul Malik Kweku Baako, Kwesi Pratt, and politicians Dr. Nayarko Tamakloe, Akoto Ampaw, Victor Newman, Napoleon Abdulai, Kwaku Opoku, Dr. Charles Wreko Brobbey and Agyeri Blankson have been reminiscing about their revolution.

    The leaders recently met at the residence of Mr. Agyeri Blankson to mark the 25th anniversary of the “Kumepreko” demonstration.

    In recalling the formation of the nine-member leadership of the Alliance for Change (AFC) which ignited the demonstration, there has arisen an argument over the role of President Nana Akufo-Addo in the group.

    Since precision is key to history and in order not to distort facts, seasoned journalist Abdul Malik Kweku Baako has sought to put to final all questions regarding the role and impact of President Akufo-Addo to the revolution of 1995.

    According to Kweku Baako, he needs to rehash the position of the President to lay to rest misconceptions that he wasn’t an active member of the Kumepreko protest.

    In setting the record straight, Kweku Baako stated emphatically that the President played a significant role as the AFC Spokesperson.

    “Have you Akufo-Addo anywhere anytime suggest that he was leader of the AFC? I haven’t heard that . . . That meeting we held in the house of Agyiri Blankson, in a very interesting way, Agyiri Blankson was recollecting history of kumepreko. How it began in his house and all those, he was telling the story and how we constituted the nine-member leadership collectively”.

    “Then Agyiri Blankson, in the process, said ‘oh and we made Nana the leader’; at the moment, I stood to correct him but the President was faster. The President said; ‘Hold on! That’s not correct. I was the Spokesperson, not leader’. So, where is this coming from? Everybody was present and nobody can deny this thing I’m saying,” he stated.

    Source: Peace FM

  • Akufo-Addo government to complete 998 SHS facilities by end of July – Abronye DC

    Bono Regional Chairman of the ruling New Patriotic Party, Kwame Baffoe (Abronye DC) says as part of measures by his parties government to close the gap in the infrastructure deficit of the nations senior high school system, a total of 998 educational facilities are set to be completed across the country by July this year.

    Speaking on Net 2 TV Wednesday, Abronye said the agenda by the Akufo-Addo led government to increase the infrastructural capacity of senior high schools in the country is to make the Free Senior High School policy by the current government successful and sustainable.

    He took a dig at Former President John Dramani Mahama and his NDC administration by claiming they wasted some $156 million which could have otherwise benefited the nation immensely on fruitless ventures while amassing some of the money.

    “Unlike Mahama who went for $156 million dollars and squandered it, all these infrastructures that the current goverment is putting up is from the tax we all pay in this country. Within this short period, we have had a truthful leader who has been able to put up 998 classroom blocks and dormitories in just two years. This has never happened before in the history of this country.

    If this was an NDC government all revenue the country is gaining from its oil resources would have been squandered in the name of capacity building. John Mahama would have gathered a few people and come back to tell us they taught computer, basket weaving and how to ride a bicycle. Yes, our oil money was used to teach people how to ride a bicycle under John Mahama.” He said.

    He alluded that come December when Ghanaians go to the polls they will be faced with two options which is a judicious choice in the person of President Akufo-Addo and the second option of a “fraudster” in the person of ex-president Mahama.

    Source: www.ghanaweb.com

  • Coronavirus: Open the churches – Prophet Elisha Amoako tells Akufo-Addo

    The Founder and General Overseer of Alive Chapel International, Prophet Elisha Salifu Amoako has asked President Akufo-Addo to hasten plans to lift the ban on social gathering for churches to start operations.

    Heads of Christian Ecumenical Bodies in Ghana earlier expressed their readiness to resume church activities.

    The heads came up with a proposal, spelling out modalities under which they can safely perform their programmes without putting the lives of congregants at risk.

    The proposal was after a meeting between President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo and leaders of the Christian faith at the Jubilee House on April 21, 2020.

    In a video which has gone viral on social media, Prophet Elisha Salifu Amoako mentioned that religion plays a very vital role in the lives of people and that the absence of it is causing more harm than good.

    He called on the President of the Republic of Ghana, Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo not listen to people who want to influence the reopening of the church.

    Prophet Elisha Salifu Amoako cited the President of America, Donald Trump, who has argued that the Church render essential services and so needs to operate.

    According to Prophet Elisha Salifu Amoako, the church is a disciplined entity and that it will adhere to all the safety protocols when the government heeds to their call.

    “This is the time the nation needs more prayer, not less prayer, doctors have tried, we have tried what we can do but nothing seems to work. We must run back to God. We, the churches are very disciplined and discipline starts form the Church,” he said.

    The man of God mentioned that the coronavirus pandemic has come to live with us and that as human beings we must learn to live with it for life to go on.

    Meanwhile, the President of the Republic of Ghana while speaking at the virtual Eid-ul-Fitr celebration hinted that stakeholder consultations are taking place on the way forward towards the easing of restrictions, so that the social and economic lives of Ghanaians can go back to normal.

    “I expect these consultations to conclude this week so that I can announce to Ghanaians a clear roadmap for easing the restrictions. We have to find a way back, but in safety, for we cannot be under these restrictions forever” he added.

    Source: Atinka Online

  • COVID-19: Consultations conclude this week ahead of easing restrictions

    President Akufo-Addo says he can only announce a roadmap for easing COVID-19 restrictions after stakeholder consultations on the matter conclude this week.

    The restrictions have been in force since March 15 as part of measures to contain the spread of the Novel Coronavirus in the country. They included a ban on social gatherings, closure of schools, shutting of Ghana’s national borders and a partial lockdown of Accra, Kumasi and Kasoa.

    Today (May 24, 2020), President Akufo-Addo said safety must be a key factor in the lifting of restrictions.

    He said: “Stakeholder consultations are taking place on the way forward towards the easing of restrictions, so that our social and economic lives can go back to normal. I expect these consultations to conclude this week, so that I can announce to Ghanaians a clear roadmap for easing the restrictions. We have to find a way back, but in safety, for we cannot be under these restrictions forever.

    “I am fortified in this view by three (3) considerations. Firstly, sad though any premature death is, the hard fact is that the rate of deaths in Ghana amongst confirmed cases is very low one per one million, i.e. 0.0001%, one of the lowest in Africa, and, indeed, in the world, this, despite the very high number of tests we are carrying out. This has been so since the very beginning of the outbreak over two (2) months ago. The number of positive cases stands at six thousand, six hundred and eighty-three (6,683), out of one hundred and ninety-four thousand, seven hundred and sixty-three (194,763) tests conducted, with one thousand, nine hundred and ninety-eight (1,998) recoveries. This means that our positivity rate, that is the ratio of confirmed cases to the total number of tests conducted, is 3.43%, which, again, is one of the lowest in Africa, and in the world. Furthermore, virtually all the thirty-two (32) corona-related deaths, that have so far been recorded, were of persons with, what the doctors call, comorbidity, i.e. with other underlying causes and diseases. Most of them died within twenty-four (24) hours of admission to hospital. May their souls rest in peace. It appears that, by the grace of God, Ghanaians are not dying of this virus in the numbers that were originally anticipated and feared.

    “Secondly, the numbers of severe virus cases that have been hospitalised have been persistently low since the outbreak. The fear that our hospitals would be overburdened, and, indeed, overwhelmed has, so far, again by the grace of God, not materialised. As we speak, there are sixteen (16) severe cases in six (6) hospitals across the country, none of them on a ventilator. We pray for their speedy recovery.

    “Thirdly, we now have a more robust mechanism for enforcing our central strategy of defeating the virus the application of the 3Ts, tracing, testing and treating. The tracing teams are more experienced and more efficient; testing capabilities are no longer concentrated in Accra and Kumasi, but spread more evenly across the country in Ho, Tamale, Navrongo, Takoradi and Cape Coast; treating capacity has been considerably enhanced with isolation facilities better distributed across the nation”.

    President Akufo-Addo also urged the public to continue adhering to social distancing protocols and hygiene protocols.

    “These developments, and continuing strong adherence to the social distancing and hygiene protocols, including wearing masks and strengthening our immune systems by eating our own foods, will enable us to face the future with greater confidence, as we battle to defeat the virus, and pray for our healthcare workers”.

     

    Source: Graphic.com.gh 

  • Application for GH¢600m stimulus begins tomorrow, interest rate at 3%

    The application process for accessing the GH¢600 million COVID-19 Fund will start tomorrow, 20th May 2020, and end on Saturday, 20th June 2020.

    The beneficiaries are expected to be either self-employed, sole proprietors, or engaged in a limited liability, partnership, or joint venture arrangement.

    The criteria states that the qualifying enterprise is expected to belong to a trade association or group, and be registered with the National Board for Small Scale Industries (NBSSI).

    Out of the GH¢1.2 billion fund earmarked to assist businesses impacted negatively by COVID-19, GH¢600 million will be disbursed as soft loans to Medium, Small and Micro Enterprises (MSMEs), with up to a one-year moratorium and a two-year repayment period.

    The rate of interest on the GH¢600 million facility is three percent.

    Additionally, selected participating banks will provide negotiated counterpart funding to the tune of GH¢400 million, making, in all GH¢1 billion for disbursement under this Business Support Scheme.

    The entire scheme set to attract some 180,000 beneficiaries across the country.

    The funds under the Scheme will be managed by NBSSI and will be supervised by a loans committee, composed of one representative each of the Ministries of Finance and Trade and Industry, a representative of the NBSSI, and a representative of the participating banks.

    Audit firm, KPMG, will act as technical advisors to the Scheme.

    President Akuffo Addo said at the launch of the COVID-19 Alleviation Programme that “Disbursement of the funds will be effected through the participating banks. Transparency and accountability will be the hallmarks of the operation of the Scheme”.

    He indicated that the scheme is targeted at MSMEs in the formal and informal sectors, which have been affected by the economic downturn caused by the pandemic, with MSMEs in growth sectors that require additional capital to expand their business to meet growing demand for COVID-19 related goods and services, also eligible to apply.

    The beneficiary sectors include agri and agro-businesses; manufacturing; water and sanitation; tourism and hospitality; education; food and beverages; technology; transportation; commerce and trade; healthcare and pharmaceuticals; and textiles and garments.

    In order to ensure a smooth application process for all eligible candidates, application forms have been made available online on the website of NBSSI, which is www.nbssi.gov.gh.

    It is also available via USSD code across all mobile networks, and applicants can also call the CAP Business Call Centre on 0302 477 777, or visit the nearest NBSSI Business Advisory Centre for assistance with their applications.

    Source: Class FM

  • Akufo-Addo launches one billion-cedi stimulus package for SME’s

    President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo has launched a One billion Ghana Cedi stimulus package to provide relief to Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), hard-hit by the novel coronavirus pandemic.

    The COVID-19 Alleviation Programme (CAP) Business Support Scheme, to be administered by the National Board for Small Scale Industries (NBSSI) is to help lessen the effects of the economic crisis, like no other, caused by the pandemic.

    It would provide additional capital for business expansion to meet the demand for respiratory illness-related goods and services.

    At a ceremony at the Jubilee House, President Akufo-Addo said the flu-like virus had exacted a huge toll on world economies, including that of Ghana – reduced productivity, job losses and steep decline of revenue for government, businesses, households and individuals.

    The MSMEs, which account for 70 per cent of the country’s Gross Domestic Product and represent 92 per cent of businesses are among the hardest hit, and therefore the need to be given special attention by the government.

    The President said the business support programme was an integral part of the resilience and recovery plan being put in place to ensure the renewal of economic activity and sustenance of livelihoods.

    “We are determined to protect as many jobs as possible and to help as many businesses as possible get back on their feet.”

    Out of the amount earmarked for the scheme, GH¢600 million would be disbursed as loans to MSMEs with a one-year moratorium and a two-year payment period with three per cent interest.

    Additionally, selected banks that would participate in the programme would provide a negotiated counterpart funding to the tune of GH¢400 million to be disbursed under the scheme.

    President Akufo-Addo expressed optimism that the scheme would help the nation’s economy to get back on track.

    He gave the assurance that, “transparency and accountability will be the hallmark of the operation of the scheme”.

    “I am passionate about the scheme working. Government is investing a lot in it, and I am confident that the proper application of these funds will help our nation bounce back stronger and better than before.

    “This whole scheme is meant to engender compassion and hope, the pillars on which we build a post-COVID-19 Ghana.”

    He urged persons and businesses who accessed the facility to utilise the funds for the intended purpose “so that together, we can work to grow our economy once again”.

    The programme, targeted at MSME’S in both the formal and informal sectors, is expected to attract over 180,000 beneficiaries.

    The allocation of the funds would be supervised by a Loans Committee composed of one representative each from the Ministries of Trade and Industry and Finance, the NBSSI, and the participating banks, with the KPMG acting as the technical advisors to the scheme.

    The scheme is targeting businesses in the Food and beverages, technology, transportation, commerce, trade, healthcare and pharmaceuticals, textiles and garments sectors.

    Beneficiaries must either be self-employed, sole proprietors or engaged in limited liability partnership or venture arrangements

    Source: GNA

     

  • NPP-diaspora branches commend Akufo-Addos handling of Covid-19 pandemic

    The diaspora branches of the governing NPP have jointly commended President Akufo-Addo on his handling of the coronavirus pandemic.

    The members say based on their experiences in the diaspora in relation to the pandemic, they feel “compelled to extol the commitment and the pragmatic strategies based on expert advice to contain the pandemic and to commend the President and his government for that.”

    “The Covid-19 has inundated the global community, taking lives, crumbling economies and social cohesion of all countries requiring bold leadership such as what Nana Akufo-Addo is demonstrating in Ghana,” a statement from the International Affairs, NPP said.

    The group says the timely closure of the borders of Ghana, mandatory quarantining of all travelers from abroad on the night of the closure of borders and the three-week lockdown in parts of the country helped to contain the outbreak.

    The group also commended the president on the stimulus packages meant to reduce the economic burden of Ghanaians due to the pandemic.

    They lauded among others, the 50 percent bonus for frontline health workers and three-month free water and electricity subsidies as a step in the right direction.

    “As much as possible, all Ghanaians should continue to observe all safety protocols put out by the President, local and international bodies to effectively contain the pandemic,” they said.

     

     

  • Coronavirus: Im determined to protect jobs Akufo-Addo

    President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo has assured Medium, Small and Micro Enterprises that he is determined to protect their means of livelihoods of the people of Ghana that has been negatively impacted by the outbreak of the novel Coronavirus, Covid-19.

    Speaking at the “Presidential launch of the Coronavirus Alleviation Programme (CAP) Business Support Scheme” at the Banquet Hall of the Jubilee House, President Akufo-Addo said the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic on jobs in Ghana cannot be overemphasized. However, he is determined to do everything in his power to protect jobs at all levels of the Ghanaian economy.

    “I am passionate about the scheme working, the government is investing a lot in it and I am confident that the proper application of these funds will help our nation bounce back stronger and better than before” President Akufo-Addo noted.

    “The business support programme is an integral part of the resilience and recovery plan which is being instituted by the government to ensure the renewal of economic activity and sustenance of livelihoods. We are determined to protect as many jobs as possible and to help as many businesses as possible get back on their feet” President Akufo-Addo added.

    PRUDENT USE OF LOANS

    President Akufo-Addo urged all persons who intend to access the two financial avenues, Adom microloans for smaller enterprises and the Anidasuo soft loans for larger enterprises, to use the resources for the sole purpose for which they are advanced to them.

    “I urge all beneficiaries to use the funds received for the intended purpose so that together, we can work to grow our economy once again” President Akufo-Addo stated.

    EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF NBSSI

    Executive Director of the National Board for Small Scale Industries (NBSSI), the body tasked to manage and administer the Coronavirus Alleviation Programme (CAP) Business Support Scheme, Mrs Kosi Antiwiwaa Yankey-Ayeh, in a brief remark observed that out of the six hundred million (600 million) earmarked by the government to support Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) and a further four hundred million (400 million) from the commercial banks, MSMEs have a window of opportunity to access soft loans at a 5% interest rate with a one-year moratorium and a repayment period of two (2) to three (3) years.

    APPLICATION PROCESS

    Madam Yankey-Ayeh indicated that Applicants can register via phone, text, online, and paper application. Applications she said will be received on a central portal, applicants will receive a message via text or email specifying their unique reference code, a URL and the next steps they ought to take. With the reference code, they will be able to go through the application process.

    The technology platform will pass on the data gathered to the financial institutions/telcos and subsequently, they will assess the applications and issue a recommendation. Once the recommendation is approved, funds will be disbursed directly to successful applicants. She indicated that disbursements to successful applicants will be made via Mobile Money Transfer or Direct payment into the bank accounts of applicants.

    Source: Starr FM

  • 88 hospitals promise: These are the districts that will benefit

    In his 8th address to the nation on the Coronavirus pandemic, President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo announced the construction of hospitals in some 88 districts across the country.

    “There are 88 districts in our country without district hospitals; we have six (6) new regions without regional hospitals; we do not have five infectious disease control centres dotted across the country; and we do not have enough testing and isolation centres for diseases like COVD-19. We must do something urgently about this.”

    “That is why Government has decided to undertake a major investment in our healthcare infrastructure, the largest in our history. We will, this year, begin constructing 88 hospitals in the districts without hospitals,” he said.

    “Each of them will be a quality, standard-design, one hundred bed hospital, with accommodation for doctors, nurses and other health workers, and the intention is to complete them within a year”, Akufo-Addo said.

    In a letter circulated to the media, the Minister of Local Government and Rural Development has instructed traditional leaders in all identified 88 districts to provide lands to government for the construction to start.

    In the regional breakdown of districts, Ashanti will have 10, Volta (9), Eastern (8), Greater Accra (7), Upper East (7), Oti (5), Upper West (5), Bono (5), Western North (5), Savanna (3), Bono East (2), North East (2).

    Below are the 88 districts that will benefit from President Nana Addo’s promise.

    Source: pulse.com.gh

  • Covid-19 discussion should move from AFP fact-check of Akufo-Addo Dr. Aboagye urges

    Dr. Dacosta Aboagye, the Covid-19 risk Communication Director has urged Ghanaians to focus on strides being made in the fight against Covid-19 when discussion the subject.

    The Director of Health Promotions at the Ghana Health Service says the discussion should also focus on the preventive and control measures to stop the spread of the disease.

    These, Dr. Aboagye said would lead to the easing of restrictions imposed by the president to contain the spread of the virus.

    He said focusing the discussion on comments made the President Akufo-Addo and its subsequent fact-check and declaration as false by French News Agency is not beneficial.

    “I believe we have done some amazing things with this Covid-19 fight,” he said, imploring the achievements to be highlighted in discussions on the subject.

    President Akufo-Addo had said Ghana “has administered more tests per million people than any other country in Africa.”

    But refuting this, the AFP said it has found from available statistics that Ghana is behind South Africa and at least two other African countries.

    Source: myjoyonline.com

  • Public office shall not be an avenue for enriching oneself – Akufo-Addo

    The President of the Republic His Excellency Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo upon his investiture on the seat of government forewarned his appointees that public office under his watch shall not be a means of enriching pockets at the expense of the taxpayers. This meant a solemn commitment to guarding the nation against pilfering and thievery which the nation has suffered from for long years.

    The solemn commitment made gave the entire nation surety that previous officeholders who had misappropriated funds and caused the public purse to bleed would face the rigours of the law. Even though opposition and some public opinion leaders had doubted the President and his political will to convict, he has shown commitment through state prosecutors in a way that reimburses our stolen funds and toward deters persons with ill-intent from stealing from national coffers.

    This week saw three ex-officials prosecuted to the tune of 16years in jail for engaging in acts that cause financial loss to the state and amounts to thievery.

    This action leads many possible prosecutions that may unfold as time goes on. The President and the attorney general have stated that it takes time to call for justice in the rule of law but justice even if delayed will do its due course in cases where persons have been seen to have misconducted themselves with taxpayers funds.

    The approach and will of government to protect the public purse by chasing persons such as Opuni of COCOBOD and some other 30 or more persons is a tantamount to exhibition of the ordinary Ghanaian to demand accountability, probity and justice of public official.

    One Ghana, One movement to fight against this canker called corruption.

    God Bless His Excellency Nana Addo,
    God Bless the NPP,
    God Bless Ghana.

    …Signed…

    Nana Boateng
    NPP Germany Branch Communications Director.

     Source: NPP Germany

  • Akufo-Addo’s elephant-size government list continue to spiral Okudzeto Ablakwa

    The North Tongu Member of Parliament has joined calls for President Akufo-Addo to downsize his size of government owing to the state of the Ghanaian economy.

    “It is deeply worrying to observe that President Akufo-Addo cannot seem to help himself. Despite widespread public outrage over his penchant for an elephantine-sized government; the number of Presidential Staffers has increased from 28 in 2018 to 36 in 2019. Also, the list of junior political appointees has shot up from 254 in 2018 to 270 in 2019,” Ablakwa wrote in a Facebook post hours ago.

    His concern comes after the President submitted to Parliament, albeit belatedly the Annual Report on Presidential Office Staff for January to December 2019 as required by the Presidential Office Act, 1993 (Act 463).

    Commenting on the list, the North Tongu lawmaker contended that the advocacy to amend Act 463 to place a cap on the number of political appointees that should be appointed (311 out of a total staffing of 934) has become even more relevant now than ever.

    “Perhaps we should be asking President Akufo-Addo to help us better understand exactly what he meant by protecting the public purse,” he questioned

    Source: Kasapa FM

  • Corruption is now an ‘appetizer’ in Akufo-Addo’s government – NDC’s Eric Adjei

    Deputy Bono Regional Communications Officer for the National Democratic Congress (NDC) Eric Adjei has said that corruption is now an appetizer for members of the ruling government.

    “It is sad that members of the ruling government have embraced corruption as an appetizer, all because their leader will vindicate them when the need arises,” he said.

    According to him they (NDC) made sure guilty individuals in their administration were prosecuted especially public appointees according to the rule of the law, but “members of the current government have given the go ahead by the President to be involved in scandalous actions, since he always comes in to clear his own of not being guilty whiles investigations surrounding corrupt practices are ongoing”.

    As a panelist on UTV’s ‘Adekye Nsroma’ newspaper discussion segment, the NDC Communicator blamed government for the increase in COVID-19 confirmed cases especially in Obuasi because “President Akufo-Addo lifted the partial lockdown ban based on political science findings and not medical science basis as claimed”.

    Eric Adjei urged Ghanaians to be vigilant on procedures taken by the EC towards he upcoming elections to prevent the nation from any destruction.

    Source: Peace FM

  • Akufo-Addo sacks Tarkwa-Nsuam MCE

    President Akufo-Addo has terminated the appointment of the Municipal Chief Executive (MCE) of Tarkwa-Nsuam Municipal Assembly, Gilbert Ken Asmah with immediate effect.

    A source close to the Western Regional Coordinating Council (WRCC) told Takoradi-based Empire FM that the sacked MCE is alleged to have dabbled in chieftaincy matters, illegal mining (galamsey) and other intra-party conflicts in his constituency.

    Former Presiding Member for Tarkwa-Nsuaem Municipality and a close ally of George Mireku Duker, Member of Parliament for the area, Benjamin Kessie is said to have been nominated by the President as the person to take over from Mr Asmah.

    Source: Starrfm.com.gh

  • Stop ‘pressuring’ Akufo-Addo to open churches – Prof. Agyekum tells pastors

    Dean of the School of Performing Arts at the University of Ghana, Legon, Professor Kofi Agyekum has responded to the statements by some pastors regarding the closure of churches in the country.

    President Nana Akufo-Addo, in his ninth update on COVID-19 on Sunday, May 10, 2020, extended the ban on public gatherings till the end of the month, 31st May.

    This also means that churches will remain closed until the said date.

    The President added that he will announce a systematic plan to ease the restrictions in order to bring the nation back to normality.

    However, some men of God are not enthused about the directive of the President.

    One of those men is the founder of Life Assembly Worship Centre and Presidential candidate for the Ghana Union Movement (GUM), Rev. Christian Kwabena Andrews, popularly known as Osofo Kyiri Abosom, who has issued a warning to President Nana Akufo-Addo and his government.

    According to Osofo Kyiri Abosom, God is outraged about the closure of churches and so cautioned that if the ban is not lifted after the extension date, God will visit his wrath upon the nation.

    He stated that something worse than the Coronavirus will happen in Ghana should churches remain closed after 31st May.

    But, in a quick reply, Professor Kofi Agyekum popularly called Opanyin Agyekum said on Peace FM’s ”Kokrokoo” that ”it’s not only in church that we serve God”.

    ”In fact, how many hours do we even spend in church?” he questioned the Pastors.

    Listen to his submissions below:

    Source: Peace FM

  • Akufo-Addo endorsement not personal, its a speech I read on behalf of Afadjato chiefs Honyenuga

    Supreme Court Judge Nominee Justice Clemence Jackson Honyenuga has said he did not endorse the presidency of Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo in his personal capacity but was a speech he was elected to read on behalf of the chiefs and people of Afadjato when the President visited the Volta region.

    According to Justice Honyenuga, the state-owned Daily Graphic which reported the story misrepresented him and did not state that the endorsement was not his, but a speech he was elected to read on behalf of the chiefs.

    He also indicated that the assertion that the president visited his traditional area was untrue as the President visited the Afadjato area where he was selected to speak on behalf of the traditional leaders.

    Justice Honyenuga gave the explanation when he appeared before the vetting committee of parliament on Monday, 11 May 2020.

    Justice Honyenuga who is also the Paramount Chief of the Nyagbo Traditional Area earlier this year in his welcome address to President Akufo-Addo at a durbar of chiefs and people of the Afajato South District, was full of praise for the Akufo-Addo-led administration.

    “We wish to congratulate you for the excellent manner you are governing this dear country of ours, Ghana, and the significant gains made in the economy in your first term”, adding: “It is true that you have won high admiration, not only in Africa but also in advanced democracies.

    “Your flagship programmes, like the Free Senior High School, Planting for Food and Jobs which has increased food production and has even led to exports; One District-One Factory, among others, has (sic) increased food production and has (sic) improved upon the standard of living of many Ghanaians”, he said.

    “Indeed”, he added: “For special mention is the Free SHS, which has broken boundaries and has greatly bridged the gap between the rich and the poor”, observing: “This programme has also broken the record, which was held by the first President of the Republic of Ghana, Dr Kwame Nkrumah, who gave free education to our brothers and sisters in the northern part of Ghana”.

    The chief continued thus: “Your Free SHS programme is unprecedented in the history of Ghana, in a first term, as it covers the whole country”.

    The Daily Graphic newspaper quoted Justice Honyenuga as calling on Ghanaians to give President Akufo-Addo another term to implement his vision for the country.

    “We wish to congratulate you for the excellent manner you are governing this dear country of ours; it is our hope that with your vision and the gains made in your first term, Ghanaians may consider giving you another four years,” he stated.

    Justice Honyenuga was widely condemned for the endorsement taking into consideration his position as a Court of Appeal Judge who is barred from making such political endorsement per the code of their conduct.

    Source: Class FM

  • Frontline health workers will be remembered in our history Akufo-Addo

    President Akufo-Addo has lauded frontline health workers aiding the fight against Covid-19 in the country.

    In his address to the nation on Sunday, May 10, 2020, he expressed his satisfaction and appreciation towards the relentless efforts made by these health workers to treat and control the spread of the virus.

    “Let me, once again, thank the healthcare workers, including all those responsible for the tracing, testing and treating, for their heroic contribution to the fight against the pandemic. They will be long remembered in our history”, he stated.

    He said, while all measures including tax exemptions put in place for the frontline health workers still hold, government is committed to providing the necessary essentials needed in the fight against the virus.

    “In addition to the incentive package instituted for all healthcare workers, Government has so far distributed the following to healthcare facilities across the country: four million, two hundred and forty thousand, seven hundred and nineteen (4,240,719) gloves; two million, five hundred and seventy-six thousand, three hundred and thirty-three (2,576,333) nose masks; sixty thousand, eight hundred and twenty-three (60,823) goggles; sixty thousand, one hundred and thirty-two (60,132) litres of sanitizers; fifty thousand, seven hundred and seventy (50,770) head covers; forty one thousand, nine hundred and ninety-two (41,992) gowns; forty-one thousand (41,000) medical scrubs; and thirty thousand, seven hundred and eighty-three (30,783) N-95 face masks.

    “Further, we have extended this gesture to other frontline actors engaged in the fight, with the presentation of five thousand (5,000) PPEs to members of the media, and tomorrow, Monday, 11th May, ten thousand domestically-produced face masks and more money will be delivered to the National Commission for Civic Education (NCCE), to enhance its capacity to undertake the important work it is already doing.”

    The President also used the platform to send a congratulatory message to the Ghana Registered Nurses and Midwives Association as it celebrates its 60th anniversary on Tuesday, May 12, 2020.

     

    Source: myjoyonline 

  • Fight against COVID-19: Akufo-Addo visits Noguchi

    President Akufo Addo on Sunday May 10, 2020 visited the Noguchi Medical Research Centre at the University of Ghana to familiarise himself with the operations of the centre.

    Noguchi is the heartbeat of Covid-19 testing centres in the country.

    President Akufo-Addo was received by the managers of the medical facility who took him round the operational areas and explained the processes that samples go through before results are declared.

    He assured them of adequate support to make their operations more effective.

    Ahead of the visit, the president had presided over a three-day cabinet retreat at Peduase where the effects of the Covid-19 pandemic on the economy had been discussed.

    He is said to have driven straight from Peduase to Noguchi for the inspection.

    President Akufo-Addo later in the evening addressed the nation spelling out further steps to contain the pandemic.

    Source: Daily Guide Network

  • Assembly members petition Akufo-Addo to allow District Assemblies convene meetings

    Some assembly members in the Ellembelle District of the Western Region have petitioned President Akufo-Addo to allow District Assembly meetings to be reconvened to enable members discuss issues pertaining to the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic and the role assembly members could play to educate their communities to avoid the spread of the virus.

    According to the elected assembly members, since the Assembly had not called a meeting upon the outbreak of the Covid-19, one-third of the members numbering 24 wrote to the Assembly to invite them for an emergency meeting.

    Spokesperson of the group, Mr. Mac Donald Kwofie who is the assembly member for Sanzule-Bakanta electoral area said the District Chief Executive (DCE), Mr. Kwasi Bonzoh responded to their letter and requested to meet the 24 signatories in the letter.

    As expected, Mr. Bonzoh met the members within the premise of the assembly, in addition, to five other officials from the District Assembly’s office including the District Coordinating Director, Mr. Atsu.

    Before the meeting started, the DCE was categorical on the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic which has suspended all public meetings of not more than 25 people except Parliament.

    Mr. Bonzoh told the Assembly Members that “I will be the last person to flout the President’s directive on safety protocols”.

    Upon counting the number at meeting, the said they were 29 and therefore dismissed the meeting.

    Speaking to GhanaWeb’s Western Regional correspondent, Mr. Mac Donald asked the President to reconsider the directive since it was affecting consensus building at the local government level.

    He said since Parliament meets to represent their constituents and explain policies to them, same privilege must be extended to the District Assembly.

    According to him, Assembly Members have a crucial role to play in fighting COVID-19 yet no Assembly Members has been invited for a meeting on how to fight the disease.

    Mr. Kwofie said Assembly Members have nothing in terms of Personal Protective Equipment (PPEs) to distribute to their communities.

    In a communique issued and signed by the Members and copied to GhanaWeb, they appealed to the President to call the DCE to order to remove all the personal photographs on all COVID-19 items paid by the tax payers and donation from corporate Ghana and emboss the items with Ministry of Local Government and Rural Development (MLGRD) or the District Assembly.

    “The DCE must hand over all COVID-19 items for the communities to the unit committees through the elected Assembly Members within five days”, the statement emphasized.

    The communique also stated that the DCE must stop discrimination in the distribution of COVID-19 funds and donations.

    The communique further reminded the DCE not to fight the pandemic with party faithfuls, and tell members of the Assembly the committee managing the Covid-19 fund without Finance and Administration sub-committee decision for general Assembly approval.

    Failing to elect Presiding Member

    These Assembly Members have bemoaned on how the Ellembelle District Assembly was working without a Presiding Member (PM).

    They urged the DCE to invite all the Assembly Members as a matter of urgency to elect a Presiding Member to chair meetings for the smooth running of the Assembly.

    “The DCE must invite all members of the Assembly to elect a Presiding Member at the Yinson Hall at NASS where the social distancing protocol could be observed”, the statement requested.

    The communique also reminded the DCE not to spend the Assembly revenue or Common Fund without approval by a well constituted General Assembly as stated in section 170 of the Local Government Act, 2016 (Act 936).

    The Members urged the DCE to account to the Assembly without delay all expenses incurred on Assembly projects without approval from the Assembly and all donations received either in cash or kind to help prevent Covid-19 on or before April 30, 2020.

    Galamsey activities in Ellembelle and other concerns

    The communique also urged the DCE to arrest illegal miners and those behind it which has destroyed the river bodies, the land of Nkroful Agricultural Senior High School (NASS).

    The communique also asked the DCE to dissolve all Community, Water and Sanitation

     

    Source: www.ghanaweb.com

  • Cabinet holds 3-day retreat on #Covid-19 data, implications

    President Akufo-Addo is to lead a three-day meeting of Cabinet to examine data gathered so far on the impact of the #Covid-19 disease across all governance sectors in Ghana.

    The meeting, according to Information Minister Kojo Oppong Nkrumah, starts Thursday and will expect sector ministers to report on the impact of the disease across their ministries and recommendations thereof.

    Oppong-Nkrumah announced the meeting at the usual #Covid-19 press updates in Accra.

    “It would be recalled that from the onset of the pandemic the Minister responsible for Finance, the Honourable Ken Ofori-Atta briefed the nation through parliament on the projected economic impact of the pandemic and measures that the government was projecting to take to mitigate the impact.

    “Since then, under the leadership of the President the government of Ghana has rolled out a number of measures in responding first, to the health crisis specifically, and second, to the socio-economic challenges that come with managing it. These measures as you would recall include free water for three months, free electricity for three months for lifeline consumers and 50% discount for non-lifeline consumers, among others…”.

    Credit: Graphic.com.gh

    Source: www.ghbase.com

  • Government begins 3-day cabinet retreat to assess COVID-19 impact on economy

    The President, Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo and his cabinet will later today, Thursday, May 7, 2020, begin a 3-day retreat to review data gathered on the effects of COVID-19 on all sectors of the economy.

    The Minister for Information, Kojo Oppong Nkrumah who made this known to the public said the government now has more concrete data on the impact of COVID-19 on the various sectors including education and health.

    “President Akufo-Addo and his cabinet over the next three days will commence a process of examining data so far gathered on the impact of COVID-19 across all sectors in Ghana,” he said at a press conference on Thursday, May 7, 2020.

    Kojo Oppong Nkrumah said all ministers have been directed to present reports about the impact of COVID-19 on their respective sectors and make recommendations on how the sectors can recover.

    He said the information from the retreat will enhance in putting together the 2020 mid-year budget review.

    “The President has instructed all ministers to present reports on their sectors and profer recommendations for recovery at a cabinet retreat starting today [Thursday] and will go on for the next three days…The Government of Ghana will examine the observed impact, the recommendations that are being made, the implications and will enhance preparations for laying same before Parliament during the mid-year review,” he said.

    Source: citinewsroomÂ