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Business News of Monday, 10 August 2015
Source: B&FT
STC to diversify its operational activities
The Intercity State Transport Company Ltd. (STC) is in the process of diversifying its operations as part of strategic measures for creating additional revenue generation streams to enable it remain in business, in view of the current keen competition prevailing in the transport sector of the country.
"For now, the company has acquired licence from the Driver and Vehicle Licencing Authority (DVLA) to enable it set up 24-hr DVLA centres in Accra, Kumasi and Takoradi, and to be replicated in the other regional capitals to help reduce pressure on the statutory DVLA and enable workers to access the facilities after work," said Rev. Samuel Nuamah Donkor, Managing Director of STC, when he briefed the media in Accra on the current state of the once-vibrant transport company.
He said it is very sad to see this state institution that used to be the leader in the country's transport business in this situation now. Rev. Nuamah Donkor said when he assumed duty he had to quickly put sweeping strategic plans in place to redeem the company from its total collapse, and God being so good it has started finding its feet with the importation of about 100 new buses from Scania in Sweden and M.A.N. of Germany, which will be hopefully delivered by end of year.
He said the about-350 workforce of the company has decided to sacrifice 50% of their salary into a special fund to complement any assistance from the public to purchase buses and offset repair costs for its over-aged buses. Rev. Nuamah Donkor said what the staff has done has indeed touched the hearts of many organisations and individuals, and the Ghana Standards Authority on reading the selfless contribution of the STC staff has presented a cheque for GH¢5,000 to the company as its contribution toward the revamping of STC.
He said the company has now moved away from the era of state-reliance to a limited liability company, and has to survive by its own initiatives.
He explained that the company has created a platform for other transport companies to partner the STC in its operations, based on mutual understanding.
For more news go to: www.thebftonline.com
This article has 6 comment(s), give your comment
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Published: 4:01 PM May 23, 2009 Updated: 6:41 PM November 1, 2020
DAME Bradbury s School explored the smells and sounds of Ghana during a special multi-cultural day. The event was arranged to coincide with a visit to the school by Joseph Donkor, Head of Future Academy School in Ghana, which is a link school with Dame
DAME Bradbury's School explored the smells and sounds of Ghana during a special multi-cultural day.
The event was arranged to coincide with a visit to the school by Joseph Donkor, Head of Future Academy School in Ghana, which is a 'link school' with Dame Bradbury's.
Children at both of the schools have been exchanging letters, photographs and DVDs, to gain a better understanding of each others' lives.
Highlights of the day included dance and drumming workshops with African cultural arts ensemble, Nzinga Dance, sessions about the African country's culture, history and food with Ghanaian Tanya Bunney, and cooking black eyed bean curry and deep-fried spicy plantain with staff and parents.
Pupils also created two enormous printed wall-hangings and there was story-telling, fruit-tasting, flag-making and learning all about chocolate.
The children and teachers also dressed up in the colours of the Ghanaian flag.
Headteacher Jane Crouch said: "This was a vibrant, exciting day for the pupils which really helped to give them all an insight into another country's culture.
"It meant even more to us having our Ghanaian visitor, Mr Donkor, with us - they have all been so excited to meet him and hear about his school. |
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Home About us Projects Events Invest Shop
GRACE ACADEMY
Grace Academy provides education to more than 100 children between the ages of 3 and 12. Together we have managed to build a school that facilitates access to the most isolated families.
A self-sufficient school that, with aid from the district, follows the Ghanaian educational plan that allows students to go to Ando to study at Junior High School.
How has it been built?
In 2019, Crowdfundings, events and solidarity sales were held to raise money. The Aklobotonu community went out of their way to build and have the necessary workers and material.
How does it work today?
Nukoko has hired 5 teachers who will soon be funded by the district. Thanks to a donation we were able to buy books for the students and blackboards for the classes. Families pay a small tuition to cover the costs of materials, exams ...
© Asociació Nukoko Volta Region - All rights reserved |
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For 91 Days @for91days
· August 2019 · 3 min read · Ghana · #ghana
At around 20,000 people, Axim is the westernmost city of any size in Ghana. We took a weekend trip here, staying at the fabulous Ankobra Resort, and checking out both the town and its amazing old Portuguese/Dutch fort, Saint Anthony.
Our hotel was located about a few kilometers away from Axim, along the beach, and we decided to walk into town. It took about 40 minutes, and although it was nice to stroll along the beach, it's probably not the most beautiful way to approach Axim — we went past a noisy construction team installing new wave-breakers along the coast, and then into a rundown neighborhood, where our appearance caused confusion among the local children, followed by immense joy. Apparently, not many tourists make it to Axim, and even fewer find themselves in this area of town.
It didn't take us long to realize that Axim is far from the most exciting city in Ghana. Besides the fort, there are a couple ruined colonial buildings haunting the hilltops… and that's about it. Axim is not a place you'll want to spend a ton of time in; I don't even know if you could. If you come here, you come for the beaches, and resorts like the Lou Moon Lodge (reportedly wonderful) and the Ankobra, where we were staying.
But there is one big reason to make an excursion into the town, and that's Fort Saint Anthony. The second oldest fort in West Africa after Elmina's, it was built in 1515 by the Portuguese. Saint Anthony was sold in 1642 to the Dutch, and then again in 1872 to the British. As with other forts along the Gold Coast, the original purpose was as a base for the peaceful trade of materials… though soon enough, it would later be used as a slaving center. The construction was much the same as the fort in Elmina; gleaming white walls, and a size which absolutely dwarfs the town's other buildings. There's naturally a great view over the surrounding area, and dark dungeons in which slaves bound for America were kept.
What made our visit to Fort Saint Anthony special was our tour guide, who seemed almost relieved by our appearance. Axim's fort gets none of the tourism enjoyed by those of Elmina and Cape Coast… in fact, he told us that it been several days since the last foreigners had found their way here, and seemed about ready to jump out of his skin. So, we were treated to a high-energy tour with a guide that was happy to take his time and explain every bit of history he knew.
After our tour, we sat down in the shade on one of the fort's many staircases, gathering our strength before leaving Axim. The guide joined us; he was a kid of maybe 19 or 20 years, and full of questions. He wanted to know about our countries, jobs, cultures, families, favorite foods, what we thought of Ghana, other places we had been, and so on. It was fun to have such a wide-ranging chat, and it helped him pass the time. It's funny the way the brain works — St. Anthony was obviously impressive, but I already find it easier to remember details of our long conversation in the shade, than architectural details or historic facts of the fort.
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} | 7_11924 | Home News Education Global Prayer Arena donates laptops, bags to Bolga Preparatory School
Global Prayer Arena donates laptops, bags to Bolga Preparatory School
Global Prayer Arena, a non-governmental organisation based in the United Kingdom (UK), has donated 20 laptops and accessories, including a modem to the Bolgatanga Preparatory School in the Upper East Region.
The donation was facilitated by Colonel James Bugbilla Sabia, an old student of the school, to enhance the teaching and learning of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) subje.
The NGO also donated 300 school bags, three footballs and soft drinks and biscuits to mark the return of the school children to school for the new academic year at a total cost of more than GH₵50,000.00.
Col. Sabia, who completed the school in 1988, said the cost of the internet data to power the modem had been catered for and advised the pupils to study hard to be successful in life and give back to the school.
Mrs Lauren Obeng Owusu, Secretary to the Global Prayer Arena, said the donation was part of the helping arm project, a charity arm of the organisation, to support deprived communities to improve their livelihood to live dignified lives.
She said the world had become a global village and access to internet and other technological equipment was critical to learning new skills and expressed the optimism that the support would help to improve access and fight inequality.
"Every person on our team has the heart and desire to help the needy, especially children, because if you start young, you can change a generation and so, we are passionate about it because a lot of us come from Ghana or have Ghanaian heritage and we want to see this nation grow," she added.
Mr Frederick Obeng Owusu, Founder of the Global Prayer Arena, said the computers were student friendly and were being used by students in the UK and it was imperative for students in rural communities to have access to the same equipment to help them compete with their colleagues in the world.
"These laptops are used in the UK by students of their calibre both in secondary and junior high schools, so it would be good for them, and we believe that it is going to change the way teaching and learning is done in the school," he said.
The organisation hopes to establish educational centres in schools and communities to support rural children and women through micro loans and poverty eradication interventions.
Ms Catherine Assibi Nyaaba, Headmistress, Bolgatanga Preparatory Primary School, thanked Col Sabia and the Global Prayer Arena for supporting the school and said it would significantly enhance the teaching and learning of ICT in the school.
She, however, appealed to other old students of the school to continue to collaborate to support the school's grow and deliver students, who would contribute to nation building.
The Prayer Arena later donated some bags of rice to women drinks and school bags to children in the Zanlerigu community in the Nabdam District as part of the charitable works of the organization.
Bolgatanga Preparatory School
Global Prayer Arena
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Home » Projects »
Computers For a Village School in Ghana
Projects / Extra Mile Ghana
Thanks to Activated Ministries the school at Bosovilla, Ghana which serves over 600 students from four different villages, just received four brand new computers! As a result, the 120 older students will now have regular IT classes!
In recent years, Ghana has progress rapidly in the use of computers. In the capital, Accra, computers are used in many homes and business. One can find an endless number of internet cafes, computer supply shops and computer training schools. But in the far flung villages like Bosovilla, where connection to electricity only came recently, computers are almost unheard of.
The story actually begins when Christie, a former employee of Extra Mile, told us that she was taking exams and applying to a teaching school in order to become a teacher. When she passed her exams and it came to our notice that she didn't actually have the money needed to enroll in the school, we were able to find a local businessman who was willing to sponsor her studies.
After three years of training, Christie graduated and, as part of the required national service scheme, she was posted to Bosovilla. The shock of living so far removed from society quickly hit home when Christie arrived there and discovered that there was no electricity, no running water, no shops, no nothing, except dust, cocoa farms and the school. Being an energetic and dedicated young woman she cheerfully took up her job of teaching 60 preschoolers daily. She told me later that she was surprised how much energy it took. "I felt sick at the end of each day."
One day when she was on leave, she came to visit us and we got to talking about the children in the school. Christie told me "They have no idea what the world is like. All they know is the village and the farm. Some of them aren't even motivated to study as they don't know what the possibilities are." We came up with a plan to get donated books for the school in order to expose the children and young people to pictures and literature from the outside world. A few months later we were able to deliver the first batch of colorful bright reading books! The staff and teachers were thrilled to get the books and also happy that we had taken an interest in their school. They then asked if we could somehow help them get computers for the school.
We were able to get two computers donated locally. Then we applied to Activated Ministries for this need and were so happy when they agreed to give four more computers! Now the school would have seven computers! It took several months to get all the details worked out and then wait for the computers to be shipped from the US. Finally, we found ourselves on the road to Bosovilla with the four computers in the back. As we drove, I thought that I had never seen so many potholes in my life! The driver tried to get around them by swerving all over the road but it didn't really work and thinking of the computers, I would cringe each time the car went "thump thump" through a pothole. Once we had run "the pothole gauntlet" which took over 4 hours, we came to the dusty dirt road that turns off from Oda. When I say dusty, I mean really dusty. When we arrived we had to dust everything, including ourselves.
We were very happily received by everyone at the school. The older boys unloaded the computers. After we had taken some photos in front of the school we took the computers inside to set them up. Even though the village now has electricity, it happened to be off that day. Thank God for the generator! Within a few minutes they had it up and running and we worked on setting up the computers. We set up the four new computers next to two already there and the library turned into a computer lab! Many of the older students and members of the PTA were there to watch the event. So with a crowd of 30 people watching, the two IT teachers and I set everything up and got it running. I was so relieved when finally all the cables, mouses and keyboards had found their way to the right places. Whew.
Next we brought in some of the young people who would be having classes on these computers. We sat them down for a little impromptu "orientation class". I could tell that these students have had a few classes about computers. One young woman actually found the Word processor and started typing her name. Others browsed through the photos and videos that are included with Windows 7 and one young man went straight to the games! The two IT teachers helped them and pointed things out to them as they went along. Michael is one of the IT teachers and he also teaches biology and social studies. He told me. "These new computers will make our IT class much more possible. We have been trying, but it's not easy without enough computers."
Isaac, the headmaster, was thrilled to see all the computers lined up there in the library/computer lab. He was the one who first appealed to us for computers. He kept leaning over the students shoulders to see what they were doing and helping them if they were stuck on something. Even to me it was amazing to be way out here in such an isolated place but to see all those students sitting there on computers. I felt like we had helped bring real progress to the region.
I was actually surprised to find such a large, well-organized school in such an small village. The students were tidy and orderly in their uniforms and some of the school buildings were new. The whole outside of the school was well painted. But what impressed me the most was the teachers. I was shocked at first to drive all the way out there and find such friendly, dedicated, intelligent people. They seemed very capable of teaching the many kids in their care. I found out from talking to Christie, that one of the major problems the school faces is lack of teachers. Sometimes a person will be assigned to that school but will never even show up. There are almost two hundred kindergarteners who are usually divided in three classes but one of the teachers just left, so now all those little kids are divided between Christie and one other teacher. I really admire Christie and the other teachers for the challenging job they do.
The actual village of Bosovilla is very small with a population of just over 1,300 people. There aren't even any real shops there, just a few small tables where people might sell odds and ends. It's impossible to buy any kind of food supplies or staples besides the locally grown and prepared "fufu" and perhaps some soup made with palm oil and meat. The reason the school is so big is that it serves four other villages as well as Bosovilla. Some of the children and young people walk as much as a mile each way to come to school everyday. Others, who live too far to walk, board with friends or relatives in the village and go home on the weekend.
About half of the young people at the school will leave the village for work or further study. For those who leave, having that basic knowledge of computers will greatly help them and broaden their work and study options. They will also be much more likely to access the internet where it is available in bigger towns. For those who remain in the villages, we never know what will happen as a result of their computer studies. Perhaps after studying computers in school, those teenagers will return to their villages and want to get computers for themselves and their families. These classes could help bring progress to many people. Thank you Activated Ministries for making this progress possible.
Maria Peck
Activated Ministries
Bosovilla Ghana |
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Global Citizen Journey is proud to announce the completion of the Western Heritage Home Children's Home and Community Learning Center in Axim, Ghana.
In Fall of 2006, 30 North American and Ghanaian delegates spent three weeks in Axim, Ghana, sponsored by Global Citizen Journey. There we engaged in group facilitation processes, sponsored a Town Hall, engaged in various educational, health, sanitation, women's workshops, and conflict resolution mini-projects. We also embarked on an ambitious longer-term project to support Western Heritage Home, our hosts in Axim, in building a Children's Home/Community Learning Center in Axim.
It took us about two years, but the facility is virtually complete. All of us GCJ delegates, North Americans and Ghanaians alike, look back with pride and a little awe on this life-changing experience. We have made new life-long friends. Our understandings of our own and each other's cultures have deepened. We have proved Ghanaians and Americans can work as a team. None of us will ever look at the world in quite the same way again.
As Global Citizen Journey travels to other countries on other Journeys, we North American GCJ Ghana Project alums are staying in Ghana to focus exclusively on our work there. To support our work, we have formed a non-profit called "Ghana Together."
We of Ghana Together are grateful to Global Citizen Journey for its vision, teachings, and for initiating our connection with our partners in Axim. We are building our future on the conceptual underpinnings we received from GCJ about interpersonal understanding across cultures, how to be "global citizens," and how to use group facilitation processes to develop close relationships with our Ghanaian friends and draw out the power of the Axim community. All of us who have at some time participated as delegates in a GCJ Journey, regardless of the country of destination, feel a sense of family and shared heritage. We encourage others to follow our footsteps. We invite you to read about our Ghana Journey and this blog, an accumulation of thoughts and events during and after our journey to Axim.
posted by Maryanne at 1:16 PM
WHH Community Learning Center Nearly Ready for Operations
Thanks to a generous grant to Global Citizen Journey Ghana Project from the Boeing Corporation's West African headquarters, the Western Heritage Home Board of Directors has been able to fund the completion of the second floor of the WHH Children's Home/Community Learning Center. This marks the completion of GCJ's legacy project in Axim.
Local workers are laying tile, painting, installing electrical fittings, fans, etc. When finished the Board plans to start computer learning classes for teens and older adults, and launch a remedial exam center for local students studying for their secondary school graduation exams.
Students who finish secondary school must pass comprehensive exams covering their entire educational experience to be able to qualify for technical school. Typically, students spend about three months preparing for these exams, in study groups with a trained tutor. There is no such program in the Axim area currently, and most students either end their education without taking the exams, or go to live with family in larger cities that do have such exam study centers. The WHH Board plans to sponsor a program in Axim in their facility—a major addition to the educational opportunities in this area.
The building will also provide room for volunteers, community meetings, and modest conferences, leadership training, and women's entrepeneurial activities.
We are grateful to Produce Buying Corporation for a cash donation, and also to Volta Aluminum Corporation for a deep freeze, fridge, sewing machines, two gas stoves, a blender, and other items. Both are Ghana-based companies.
And, Global Citizen Journey Ghana Project delegates and Western Heritage Home Board and staff join to thank Boeing West Africa and the more than 250 individuals and families who helped fund this project. We have been told this is the first substantial building erected in Axim since the British left exactly 50 years ago! The much-needed facility will provide a home for many activities aimed at improving the educational, social, health, and economic life in Axim.
posted by Maryanne at 12:26 PM
WHH Children's Home Operational
Rich and Maryanne visited Axim in April 2008, and found to their immense satisfaction that the WHH Children's Home is up and running with twenty children in residence. All but one of the children attend Manye Academy daily. Charlotte will continue at Morning Star Academy until the end of the term in September, and then she'll transfer to Manye.
Generous friends had given some cash to take with us, and we were able to provide some finishing touches to the children's residence: screen doors for malaria prevention; some adult-sized chairs; bookcase, kitchen storage shelves and work table; extra mops, brooms, etc. so the children can help with Saturday family cleanup activities; hoes for farming; wall clock; and shelves for books and learning materials.
We had an emotional moment when walking home from the Catholic Youth Service with the children, and upon seeing the roof of the building in the distance, one yelled, "See Mum, there's our Home!!"
Other generous friends donated a dozen used laptops, and 35 chess sets. The press came for the dedication ceremony. Meanwhile, we taught the older kids and some staff how to play chess.
Eli, a young friend, who recently graduated from a three-year program in computer technology and networking, is setting up Ubuntu on the computers.Soon they will be placed in service in the Computer Learning Lab on the second floor.
posted by Maryanne at 11:39 AM
Hand-washing Promoted in Schools in Axim
[Posting article from "The Daily Guide", a newspaper published in Accra, Ghana]
Unfortunately, we have no photo of the dedication or of children using the veronica bucket method)
IN ORDER to break the chain of infection and inculcate the habit of hand-washing among pupils, an American professional nurse, Madam Jeanie Birchall has donated hand-washing materials to some basic schools in the Nzema East District of the Western Region.The gifts, which were made up of 40 wash basins, 40 stands, 40 'Veronica' buckets, napkins and packets of soap, were delivered to seven basic schools and an orphanage in Axim last week Tuesday. The beneficiary institutions were the Catholic, Methodist and Anglican basic schools, Manye Academy, Saint Augustinus Preparatory school, Roman Catholic Creche, Axim Girls' Secondary School and Western Heritage Home.
In 2006, Madam Birchall, who is a member of Global Citizens Journey, a Non-Governmental Organization, went to some schools in the Nzema East District to teach hygiene, and followed it up with the donation.
Mr. John Abugri, Nzema East District Environmental Health Officer, who presented the items on behalf of Madam Birchall, entreated teachers to intensify the teaching of environmental hygiene and personal cleanliness in basic schools.Having demonstrated the proper washing of hands to the pupils, Mr. Abugri pointed out that parents should promote environmental sanitation in order to reduce diseases and medical bills.
Receiving the items, Nana Akye Blay, Public Relations Officer of the Nzema East District Education Directorate, expressed the gratitude of his outfit for Madam Birchall's gesture.He intimated that teachers in the beneficiary schools would ensure that the items are put to good use in order to fulfill the objectives of the donor.
From Sam Mark Essien, Axim
REPORT ON THE CHILDREN SINCE THEY MOVED INTO RESIDENCE
(Note: not the greatest photo, technically, but shows most of the children and James Kainyiah, Chair and Founder of the Western Heritage Home Board.This report covers the period between 05/12/2007 to 02/01/2008. It was compiled by WHH staff.
05/10/07 The children came into residence. They brought their things in the morning and went to school. They came back after school at 3pm. They were served their 1st meal of Jollof rice and boiled eggs at 4pm. 10/12/07 Peter A. had a severe stomach ache. He was given aerodros and the pain went down.
11/12/07 Dorothy A. also complained of pains in the stomach. She was given the same treatment and the problem was solved.
12/12/07 Adiza developed boils on the head, Wahab complained of stomach pain, they were both taken to the hospital.
15/12/07 Olivia also complained of stomach pain, Eric M. also had the same problem.
17/12/07 Mother started deworming all of the children with Litamox. They were all dewormed in batches. It was found out that the children were suffering form worms. Now they are all better.
15/12/07 Mr. Chamsu the Country Director for the Boewing Company visited the home to acquaint himself with current developments. He visited with Nana Kaku Bulu alias James Kainyaih of Jamkay Enterprise who is also the Board Chairperson for the Heritage Home. Mr. Chamsu gave the children 2boxes of kalypo drink (24 in a box) and some biscuits. One box was reserved by the children but other box was reserved for X-mass.
24/12/07 Philomina M. became seriously sick. She was so weak that she couldn't walk. She was carried on the back by one of the cooks to her caregiver since it was near X-mass for lack of money and also it is reported that the sickness is recurring, she was treated with the usual medicine the caregiver often uses for her. Mother will consult her for details of the medication.
25/12/07 She returned to the home quite well. She is till here.
24/12/07 A man gave his name as Moses donated to the home 1 crate minerals and half bag of rice.
24/12/07 Nana gave meat to the children enough for 1 meal.
24/12/07 A live goat was donated to home by Inspector Adarkwa of the Ghana Police Service-Axim
30/12/07 Madam Beatrice Woode Essiene who has returned from UK donated the following items to the home.
1. 1 panful of cassava
2. 1 big bunch of plantain
3. 1 small panful of beans (about 10 margarine cups)
4. 1 gallon Gino oil
5. 4 tins mackerel
6. 40 margarine cups of gari
7. 1 maxi bag of rice
31/12/07 Fredrick J. knelt on a broken bottle that has contained his pomade. A deep cut was made on his left knee, he is being treated. The wound is almost healed.
Isaac Anvo K. is coughing. He is being treated with local herbs and the situation is under control.
A few caregivers have also donated a few items.
Mrs. Theresa Essien a widow also brought a head load of cassava on 28/12/07. this served as a meal for the children. It was pounded into fufu.
Mmo Nyona a caregiver also brought 2 smoked fish on 26/12/07.
Since the beginning of the year 2008, from the 1st to the 2nd nothing has happened to any child. They are all happy.
The mother took them to church on Sunday 23/12/07. on the 30th 10 of them also went to church. Only 10 went because they were leaving home earlier for the 7:30am service. Breakfast was not ready yet because they left earlier, so, only older children who said they could skip breakfast and take it later went to church.
The children celebrated the X-mass season with special soup made from the donated goat. It was slaughtered and half was cooked for them.
Half was preserved and this has been cooked for them. They enjoyed groundnut soup and fufu for 2 lunches from it. They are happy.
Compiled by Madam Anna E., Mother
Christmas Greetings from Ghana
James and Justine Kainyiah called today and asked us to convey on behalf of the Western Heritage Home Board, staff, and especially all the children whose lives have been touched by us, a heartfelt Christmas blessing. They especially thank Global Citizen Journey and its Ghana Project delegates for their continuing support and friendship. And they wish they could personally thank the many North Americans who have helped build the orphanage/community center facility and all the other projects we've worked together on during 2007. The orphanage enjoyed Opening Day on Dec 5, and is now providing a home for 28 children. Those of school age are attending nearby Manye Academy, a public school, thanks to our collective efforts.
Not all of the children shown in the photo above are living in the orphanage but all are in need. Most are living with their extended families, but their families do not have the financial ability to keep them in school and in many cases, to provide adequate food. Thanks to your help, many of these children will see their lives improve during 2008. They are are on a new and hopeful path.
We Global Citizen Journey Ghana alumni also add our heartfelt thanks to all of you for an amazing and wonderful year.
Small small update
I had a nice conversation with Anastasia today. She said "the children are wonderful. They LOVE it here." She said today was so nice, because it was a holiday, and so she worked with them on spelling a lot–first the boys, then the girls, then back to the boys, back to the girls, with an assignment for Monday. They also worked on reading, and those who can read are helping those who can't.
She said they also are working on "please" and "thank you." They must say, "please". She said most did not do that or say their own names clearly.
I asked her if they're sleeping OK at night (new place, scary???). She said they are "sleeping well, very very well." She emphasized how much they really really love the sheets on the beds (probably a new experience maybe for all of them). They also love their school uniforms.
We talked to Mr. B (Manye Headmaster) on Wednesday. He said "the children are doing well, they're doing well. They're into a regular life now—home and school." He has tons of ideas of how their lives should be ordered from sunup to sundown. We suggested he work with Esi on all of that!
Anas' computer is stlll down. Had conversations with Frank, Anas, and Leif today on that. I think we're getting it worked out.
MOVING DAY AT WHH CHILDREN'S HOME IN AXIM, GHANA
WE DID IT!! Believe it or not, on Dec 5, 28 children moved into the Western Heritage Children's Home, right there on the hill above Manye Academy, a short walk from the main road, and downtown, into their brand-new beautiful "Happy Blue" Home!
Unfortunately, our Jerome who was there to witness the entire thing had his camera stolen in Amsterdam on the way back from Ghana, and so we have not one photo to show at this time of this "highlight of the year" event. But keep an eye out—the Ghanaians are trying to get some digital shots to us.
Last we heard, the kids had moved in. They arranged the beds the way they like them! Someone gave them a huge roll of bed sheeting, and they were trying to cut "sheet-size" lengths for their mattresses on the bunkbeds. The mattresses themselves were a gift from Volta Aluminum Co (Valco) in Ghana (thank you, you good guys, you). The only scissors they had wouldn't cut it, so Jerome used his pocket knife to start the cut, and they tore them. We heard Annie, our home mother, was last seen sitting on the table hemming sheets.
She was sitting on the table, because thus far we have NO CHAIRS. Nor do we have kitchen counters, cabinets, etc. But, the kids are happy; they consider themselves "pioneers", moving in before everything is perfect, and paving the way for others.
Older kids are taking responsibility for the younger ones. When James left on Sunday about 6:00 the older kids were ironing the uniforms for the younger ones for school on Monday morning (ironing and wearing freshly pressed school uniforms is just what you do in Ghana!)
A little harmless green snake creeped into the girls' bathroom, and caused shrieks and screams all around. The boys set up a make-shift soccer field, with bricks for goal posts. They loved the big styrofoam "world puzzle" Jerome brought. WHERE IS GHANA????
John, our Ghanaian public health extraordinaire, reported he'd delivered 34 veronica buckets to the schools and orphanage, and will soon conduct workshops with staff on their use.
Mr. Browne, Headmaster of Manye, says the kids are attending school every day, and are "doing well." He has a million ideas for how their lives should be ordered, from sunup to sundown. Mr. Browne, we love you, your many good ideas and your unending caring spirit.
We look back on this event-filled year in wonder and amazement. We've accomplished a lot, and we've really had a lot of fun, too. And we're not done yet…
Photos from Axim Ghana
Labels: Ghana, Scenes from Axim
Children – Church – Village near Axim Ghana – Library at Legon Campus, U of Ghana
Global Citizen Journey Alums return to Axim, Ghana and engage in various projects
In addition to the "BIG" events in Axim Ghana — Kundum, Manye Science Day, and WHH Building Dedication — we engaged in many other activities.
RICH and MARYANNE visited a UN Refugee Camp about 25 km from Axim Ghana and surrounding villages in the Nzema East District. We traveled there with Major Domino the Camp Manager and Clifford, his body guard. In the villages, there was no electricity, no sanitation to speak of, and no sure source of clean water. Yet, when asked what they liked about their village or what was special about it, people said they liked the people because they are not greedy. They liked their coconuts and fish and their beach. One woman said she liked the sunsets (Atlantic Ocean setting). The kids said they liked their school, which was one room with nothing in it at all except one blackboard. They also said they very much wanted water, sanitation, "lights" (i.e., electricity), better school, and closer medical facilities. They have to walk several miles to a clinic, esp. difficult for woman in labor. They welcomed us warmly in a dignified manner, setting up two plastic chairs for us under a small canopy of rattan and leaves. They gathered around their spokesman to welcome us and answer our questions. It was a very special and emotional experience for us.
BARBARA interviewed more than 30 people, men and women, about their life stories, including market women in Axim Ghana. She will publish this information in some form. The stories she heard are inspiring and moving. Barbara conducted AI sessions in several other venues as well. At the end of the journey, she traveled to Konongo School to help dedicate the books for which she raised major funding. While there, she conducted Appreciate Inquiry sessions for the teachers, and two sessions of 500 high-school students in each session. Who knows what these young Ghanaians might be inspired to do?
TOM visited the Ghana Telecom to learn more about plans for internet access.
SUZ conducted a numbe of HIV-AIDs sessions with the Methodist Youth Group, the kids at Manye Academy, and groups in Cape Coast. She made a big hit with her colored condoms!
TOM, RICH, and MARYANNE met with the District Head of Dept of Education, headquarters in the town of Axim, along with many circuit heads. We discussed science education. They asked if we could find a scientist who is highly creative and innovative to help them teach the concepts in their curriculum with all local materials that they don't have to buy. They have so little money. One told of needing milk of magnesia to do an experiment, but couldn't find the money for it. They told us HIV-AIDs education starts in every class, beginning with nursery school and up, every day, the first thing in the day, in an age-appropriate manner. They are well aware of the threat of HIV-AIDs and are determined to manage it. They cannot afford antiretroviral drugs, so if a person gets the disease, there is not much hope.
RICH met with Reverend Banson, Pastor, and Isaac Bentil, Lay Leader, of the local Methodist Church. They are interested in forming a sister-church relationship with an American Methodist Church. The church in Axim Ghana has a cluster of smaller village churches associated with it and served by Rev. Banson.
BARBARA and LOUISE conducted an Appreciative Inquiry session with the Western Heritage Home Board. WHH is very fortunate; the Board is composed of well-established, mature local leaders from Axim. As an active locally-based NGO, WHH, although relatively new, is beginning to enjoy wide respect in the community. During the workshop, they focused on what is positive and special about WHH, what their dream for the organization is, how to design their Board and staff to achieve the dream, and how they themselves can strengthen their commitment and skill to achieve those dreams and goals. It was a wonderful session. We especially enjoyed seeing Awulae, the King of Lower Axim, with probably several hundred years of tradition behind him, partnering with Anastasia, a young, computer-trained woman of 22, who wants Hillary to become our US President, so then maybe Ghana will elect a woman president someday, too! Somehow, together, they represent Ghana as it now is, during its Jubilee Year of 50 years of independence.
BRYCE got to know the Axim Beach Hotel staff well, and also the birds and other "wildlife" around the hotel—mostly birds and geckos. He interviewed each individual orphan, and got some really good shots of each of them. Bryce has a natural affinity for small children, and at 14, was a big brother to kids, esp. during the Kundum Festival. Bryce was also our "water treasurer", making sure we had enough safe water on hand and collecting money for it. Some of the girls decided he needed an "African" hairdo, and braided his hair!
LOUISE joined in the Science Days, joined Barbara in the AI session with the WHH Board and staff, and did a lot of videography. She and Bryce showed us all how a Grandmother and Grandson can have a wonderful friendship and a lot of fun together! She made sure Bryce and she experienced everything, including church, exploring the beach, exploring the town and people, drumming, helping drag in the fishing nets, and engaging at Manye during Science Days.
MARYANNE worked with Anastasia and Esi (WHH Staff) on the WHH bookkeeping system and on financial matters generally. The staff has done a remarkable job of ensuring receipts and data entry for the hundreds of purchases needed to supply all the materials, labor, transport, etc. for the building project. This is not an easy task, given the fact that this is basically a cash-only economy. We also updated the WHH office computer's anti-virus software.
BARBARA and MARYANNE met with the King, Awulae Attiburukusu III, who welcomed us, and discussed the new fishing harbour being built, the new girls secondary school which he initiated, his efforts to enforce stopping inappropriate "easing" on the beach, thereby fouling the very area where the fish are brought in, the new compulsory education ruling and the government's capitation grant to pay basic school fees, and the recent finding of a high grade of oil in the ocean not far from Axim. This relatively young King has studied business administration in California, and plans to continue next year. He hopes to do a few internships in American companies. He is known as a man of principle, who takes his duties seriously and does his best for this economically-challenged community. We are very fortunate to have his welcoming and suportive presence when we are in Axim.
BARBARA, RICH, and MARYANNE with James, attended a funeral in a small, very well-kept village about 1.5 hrs drive from Takoradi. It was in a beautiful tropical jungle, with banana and plantain trees, coops for chickens and rabbits, and a nearby forest where their hunters find food. Funerals are important to Ghanaians. Although many leaders are trying to convince people to have simpler, less costly funerals leaving more money for investment, school costs, etc., the people themselves use funerals to maintain family ties and to reconnect with their villages. Gifts of money are given to the bereaved family, to help defray expenses. We were honored by the chief pouring libations to bless us and the event. He poured a small amount of gin on the ground, offering up his prayers as he did so, and then each of us took a small sip of gin from a glass, spilling some on the ground, and offering up our own prayers and blessings as we wished. There were drummers, and we were told the dancing was the traditional funeral dances. The man who died was a 49 year-old school teacher, and we met some of his fellow teachers who genuinely were mourning his death and the loss to his students.
JEANIE, with our Ghanaian friend John, raised money and arranged to construct 34 veronica buckets, which we dedicated. "Veronica buckets" are used for hand sanitation. They will be distributed to five local schools, near the lunch facilities, and also in the WHH Children's Home. These are hand-washing stations to be used when piped water is unavailable.
And we all enjoyed the beach, visiting with our Ghanaian friends, and the care and concern of the Axim Beach Hotel staff. For the most part, and with care, we stayed healthy.
Ghana is a "third-world" country, so there are safety and health challenges, but by taking precautions we had a good time and kept safe. Perhaps our biggest fear and danger is the possibility of auto accidents. We insist on seat belts, and firmly tell drivers to slow down. One of our members actually saw a little boy killed when he ran into the street and was struck by a truck. This was traumatic, and highlighted how dangerous the roads are. We were careful about our malaria prevention, too, and about hand sanitation, and about not overdoing it in the warm and humid weather conditions.
In general though, Ghana is a warm and welcoming country, with interesting people, culture, and tourist sites. The "new" re-dominated money made it easier for us, because it's more like the US dollar — no more "millions" of cedis for ordinary purchases. The STC bus we rode from Accra to Takoradi was efficient, and handled our eight suitcases (the science stuff, remember?) with ease. The MTN cell service was having problems, but generally, the cell phone system works extremely well. The electrical power is off quite a lot—we used our headlamps! We saw the potential for photovoltaics, with the very dependable 12 hours of daylight and generally evenly warm temperatures of around 80-85F. The only internet connection in town, at the Beach Hotel, was down the entire time we were there, with the exception of about 15 minutes (just time to update the virus checker!). There is a Swiss man there who is trying assist the manager to get it working, coordinating with the provider in Takoradi. We did see fiber optic cable being laid along the roads. Ghana is hosting the Pan Africa Games in 2008, and is laying cable to improve communications for that event, so we hope ordinary folks will benefit from that in time.
Ghanaians are proud of Ghana in spite of some corruption, poverty, poor environmental quality, and other woes. They told us over and over that Ghana is peaceful and they are proud of that. They like their drumming and music, and beautiful cloth and traditional festivals and so do we! They are proud of their democracy and their new modern money, with its foolproof iridescent stripe against counterfeiting. We were told again and again that they are the "financial capital" of West Africa. A man in an extremely poor village said he was proud of the new President's house, because Ghana's President should have a beautiful house! (Others think it's an extravaganza, but…). One man told me he was proud that the Americans have built "the biggest embassy in West Africa" right in Accra. W visited the central library on Legon Campus and enjoyed using the completely modern computerized catalog search system. We heard from a student that their University of Ghana is the "Harvard of West Africa" and that the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology in Kumasi is a leading West African university. They have what might seem to be very challenging problems, but hope appears to be alive and well. They are blessed with a rich traditional culture and a democratic spirit.
We Global Citizen Journey alums have an ongoing relationship with Axim and the Nzema East region. If you have ideas about how this area might develop economically, or how children can be given a boost, or how you may wish to support a project in the area, please contact us. We are in regular communication with leaders there, and may be able to find the right match for you.
—The GCJ alum group.
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} | 54_9 | The Ghana European Railway Consortium (GERC) signed a USD 2.2 bn Build, Operate and Transfer (BOT) concession agreement with Ghana's Ministry of Railways Development for the construction of the Tema – Accra – Koforidua – Kumasi Eastern Railway Line.
According to the terms of the contract, the new 340km double-track electrified standard-gauge eastern line should be completed within three years. Upon completion, the 24 passenger and six freight trains will be operated by GERC for 27 years before transferring ownership to the Ghanaian government.
For this project, the renowned Austrian company and technology leader, Voestalpine a member-company of the GERC, will supply the most comprehensive and innovative railway infrastructure, signalling solutions, high quality rails, points and turnouts, which will provide for safe and efficient rail transport.
The line, which is expected to carry between 12,000 and 18,000 passengers a day and 4 million tonnes of freight per year, will have three major stations in Accra, Koforidua and Kumasi and 30 sub-stations along it's double track course.
For further details, please read this article published by the Rail Journal.
Incoming Mission "Future of Building" Vienna 2019
Delegation from Ghana and Nigeria visited top companies in Austria
Successful Austrian Trade Mission to Ghana and Sierra Leone
Exploring future markets in Accra and Freetown
OOA Architecture featured in the 2020 edition of Domus 50 best Architecture Firms
The Orthners are excited to be amongst the very few chosen from Africa |
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Gov�t Sources $990 Million For Eastern Rail Project
/ Economy, Business
Collins Dauda
Government is sourcing $990 million from the Investment and Commercial Bank of China for rehabilitation works on the Eastern Rail lines; Nsawam to Accra and Achimota to Tema.
Another $1.95 billion is being sought from the Exim Bank of China for rehabilitation works on the Nsawam to Kumasi rail lines.
In an interview with the Ghana News Agency in Accra on Tuesday, Emmanuel Opoku, Acting Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Ghana Railway Development Authority (GRDA), noted that $500 million dollars would be taken from the $3 billion Chinese loan facility for rehabilitation works on the Western Rail line.
He noted that currently all three rail lines including the Western, Central and Eastern were not in good shape due to bad tracks.
�Rehabilitation works would include mainly the tracks, bridges, signals and telecommunication systems,� he said.
Mr. Opoku said as part of the rehabilitation works, all the gauges (distance between the two sleepers) would be upgraded from 10.67 millimetres to 14.35 millimetres to enable it to link Ghana to other ECOWAS countries.
�The use of the standard gauge would enable us increase the speed of our trains from 57 kilometres per hour to about 180 kilometres per hour,� he added.
Mr. Opoku said government had instituted plans to extend the railway service to the Northern sector and the Volta Region as well.
�Currently, only the southern sector of the country makes use of the rail services due to some socio-economic importance.�
He said the Western Line is linked to the Takoradi Port while the Eastern Line is linked to the Tema Port with the Central Line being linked to both Takoradi and Tema Ports.
Mr. Opoku said GRDA was established in 2009 to regulate activities on the rail sector, while the Ghana Railway Company Limited was to see to the operation of the train services.
�One of our mandates is to work on how we could get the private sector to invest in the nation�s rail sector,� he said.
Mr. Opoku said GRDA had put in place measures to ensure that all coaches that would be imported into the country would be able to take only a specific number of passengers to avoid overloading.
He said the Authority had taken into consideration issues raised by the disability associations on the need for them to import coaches, which were disability�friendly.
Mr. Opoku said rehabilitation works on the rail lines would reduce traffic on the roads and provide safe means of transport for those who use them.�It is environmentally-friendly and would help reduce pollution of the environment,� he added.
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} | 81_87914 | Regulating community mining: Let's try the assemblies and local authorities
Residents of Wassa Akropong in the Wassa Amenfi East Municipality of the Western Region believe that local assemblies and chiefs will do a better job regulating mining activities than the present arrangement of a total ban and periodic policing.
Nana Owedie Krokoo Ansah II, Abakomahene of the Wassa Amenfi Traditional Area recalls that the Chinese arrived about five years ago mainly to mine. "They came here about five years ago. Most of the Chinese here came because of illegal mining known as 'galamsey'. They do other things like sale of spare parts and Chinese food ingredients but mainly they are into mining," he said.
The town has been into gold mining since the 1970s, witnessing operations of big mining companies. However, like most mining communities in Ghana, the youth of the town hardly benefit directly from the operations of these big mining companies. As a result, they resort to illegal mining popularly known as 'galamsey'.
The Chinese presence came with sophisticated equipment into galamsey.
"When our people mined without sophisticated technology and equipment, we could still drink from our river bodies and there were no pits. However, with the coming of the Chinese, we saw the introduction of technology such as excavators that can dig a large portion of land in an hour. We cannot blame them solely because we have no idea the arrangements made with government authorities with regard to reclamation. There are many lands they have destroyed without reclamation."
The benefit the people here have reaped from these Chinese nationals is mainly employment which has directly impacted families. Mr. Mensah reiterated that the youth developed the town mainly through employment created through 'galamsey'. "I cannot deny the employment benefit our town has reaped from the coming of the Chinese. They have empowered the youth and the youth have in turn developed the town."
Despite this benefit, there have been some devastating impact.
Nicholas Nyame, a cocoa farmer at Wassa Akropong who has been into farming for over 40 years, lamented how the activities of the Chinese have destroyed their lands and water bodies.
"As a cocoa farmer I can say activities of the Chinese are sometimes devastating. Their mining activities have destroyed our farming lands. They also do not reclaim the lands, leaving pits open. These pits hold water and sometimes people fall into them and die" he said.
The concern of the people of Wassa Akropong is largely the reclamation of land after galamsey activities. They also worry about how the Chinese come into the town to operate disregarding local authorities. "We later noticed their work was destroying our water bodies and lands. However, we were all looking for money so we the Ghanaians kept leading them on without any regulation. Even in cases where government had laid down rules to be followed like reclamation, we did not enforce that. We just let them keep going."
Robert Nyan, the Constituency Chairman of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), thought otherwise. "No Chinese backs a political candidate. I have never seen that. The Chinese do not do politics. We the locals take them everywhere. They work with whichever party that is in power. Currently what they know is that the NPP is in power and not the NDC".
The Government of Ghana put a ban on galamsey activities in the country, obviously affecting Wassa Akropong. But the residents say that approach is too drastic.
For Nana Kumi Daffour, the Constituency Organiser of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), the ban led to the party's loss in the constituency in the 2020 elections. "During the electioneering the people were observing with the intention of punishing us during the elections because of how the illegal mining issue was handled. We lost bitterly. I advised our leaders in a meeting to be circumspect in tackling this menace because I've been the party's organizer here for 20 years and know what it meant to them."
Mr. Daffour continued, "I told them to let the assembly plus other stakeholders enforce the laws by taking the required monies from the miners for reclamation. If they refuse to reclaim, they would be refused relocation to another mining site.
"It is good government has halted their works. The rate at which they were messing up the water bodies was alarming. We still haven't recovered yet. However, regulation of their activities will really help in terms of how far they should operate, at least 50 metres away from our water bodies. The chiefs are in charge of the land and so if a miner consults with the chief before beginning operation, he/she would be regulated. The free range operation is not helping. The chiefs do not even know about those with legal permits. We are always taken by surprise. Should the chiefs be empowered, it would be difficult for people to mine haphazardly especially without the required permit," Nana Ansah II said.
"Government must come up with an outline that will determine the role of all stakeholders especially the assembly and the chiefs so that people don't just barge in, to mine haphazardly. So long as you mine here, the community must benefit." Radio presenter Matthew Mensah.
"The entire regulation must be placed in the hands of the assembly and the chiefs. The Minerals Commission cannot do this work effectively. They do not live with us. They come here once in a while for inspection. However, the assembly is with us and they can come around regularly to ask why pits have been left uncovered. That will work", said Nana Mensah, an opinion leader.
For the people of Wassa Akropong, government's total ban on galamsey is harsh. Rather, they believe streamlining such mining activities including those of the Chinese, is the way to go.
Patrick Kuevi
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} | 2_111523 | 15.10.2005 Regional News
Wassa West generates A21.7 billion in nine months
Tarkwa (W/R) Oct.15 GNA, Wassa West District Assembly generated over 1.7 billion cedis (=A21,746,713,983.00) as at the end of September 2005. The amount represents 66.5% of the total Internally Generated projection of two billion, six hundred and twenty-four million, three hundred and forty-eight thousand cedis A22,624,348,000.00). Mr. Emmanuel Kwasi Ayensu, Wassa West District Chief Executive said these at the second ordinary meeting of the fourth session of the District Assembly at Tarkwa on Friday.
In the area of grants from the Central Government Agencies, he stated that the District Assembly received a total of A23.3 Billion Cedis as Mineral Development Fund.
Mr Ayensu said the Assembly also received A21.6 billion and =A2875 million being payments for the First and Second Quarter allocations of the Common Fund (C.F.). Touching on sponsorship, he disclosed that the District Assembly was to sponsor ten (10) candidates at Nurses Training Colleges throughout the country, adding, "it would spend two million cedis on each sponsored candidate".
He said the sponsored candidates would, on completion, serve the District for a specified period of time. He announced the construction of an Inner Perimeter on five playing fields in the District, namely; the Tarkwa Na Aboso Park, Aboso Victoria Park, Darmang Community Park, Prestea Scot Park and Bogoso. Furthermore, Mr Ayensu said in line with the determination of the District Assembly to improve conditions at the Tarkwa Na Aboso Park, eligible consultants were being invited to submit drawings on the upgrading of facilities at the park.
"It would then be followed up with discussions with the mining companies on how best the District assembly could collaborate with them to carry the rehabilitation through," he added. |
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} | 43_52795 | Home Uncategorized IGP withdraws lockdown operation order to personnel
IGP withdraws lockdown operation order to personnel
Ricky Nkansah
The Inspector-General of Police has withdrawn an order directing its personnel to be on standby for a lockdown operation in Accra, Tema, Kumasi, and Obuasi over the novel coronavirus pandemic.
An internal police communiqué sighted by Citi News said that "further directives on the contents will be issued in due course."
An earlier document from the police sighted by Citi News indicated that the Ghana Police Service was putting a strategy in place for a lockdown.
The police were to be supported by the Ghana Armed Forces, the Ghana Immigration Service and the Bureau of National Investigation.
The joint operation highlighted a number of roads and areas that were to be "sealed" during the lockdown.
In Accra for example, the Accra to Winneba route, the Accra to Kumasi route, the Accra to Akropong route and the Accra to Dodowa route, among others were cited for blocking by security personnel.
In its threat analysis, the police service noted that there was the possibility of "agitations and adverse reactions against the lockdown order."
It also said there was "the likelihood of criminal elements taking advantage of the lockdown to loot businesses, stores and shops."
There were to be 24/7 roadblocks and snap checkpoints to ensure compliance with the lockdown.
The police were also to conduct "robust day and night patrols to enforce directives" per their strategy.
All persons disregarding the lockdown were to be arrested and prosecuted.
Manpower for the lockdown
In view of this, the police service planned to "deploy all available uniform and plain cloth personnel for the operations."
The Motor Transport and Traffic Directorate (MTTD) was to deploy "all traffic personnel to manage and enforce the lockdown."
The National Patrol Department was to release 200 personnel "including senior police officers and inspectorate to support the exercise."
The Criminal Investigation Department was also directed to release 400 personnel.
Other parts of the service expected to provide manpower were the Operations department, the Police Hospitals, the Chief Staff Officer and the Regional Commanders.
Gov't close to a decision on lockdown
On the question of a possible lockdown in parts of the country, the Minister for Information, Kojo Oppong Nkrumah, has said the government is close to making a decision.
The Finance Minister has been directed to conduct an economic impact assessment of potential lockdown measures on the country.
President Nana Akufo-Addo has also said the government is holding extensive consultations on the matter.
"A responsible government is required to look at all the implications before decisions are made. And that is the exercise we are currently engaged in and I am hoping that much sooner than later we will come to an agreement on what those measures are and the Ghanaian people will be informed," the President said on Thursday.
Already, there is a ban on public gatherings in place.
Ghana has also closed all borders into the country to human traffic.
Ghana currently has 136 cases of the virus with three deaths.
The information available indicates that the virus has been detected in the Greater Accra, Ashanti and Upper West Regions.
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Tema Police Turn Seized Motorbikes Into Scrap
The Tema Regional Police Command has turned a number of seized motorbikes into scraps for sale to the Tema Steel Company. The scraps are to be converted into steel products. The bikes were seized in separate exercises mounted by the police in Tema to clamp down on criminals and unlicensed motorbikes in the metropolis. The exercise, which took place at the forecourt of the Tema Regional Police Command, was in line with the law which allows the auction of motorbikes and vehicles when owners refuse to collect them after due legal processes and public announcements. Speaking to the media in Tema on Friday, the Tema Regional Police Commander, DCOP Maxwell Atingane, said proceeds from the sale would be lodged in the Consolidated Fund. At the time of briefing, mechanics were busily engaged in the dismantling of the auctioned bikes under close supervision of the police. DCOP Atingane said the police would ensure that criminals who used motorbikes in criminal activities including robbery, stealing and bag snatching were cleared from the metropolis. He said they had been a nuisance to the public and therefore must be discouraged from operating. DCOP Atingane said a decision was reached to convert the motorbikes into scrap to ensure that the seized bikes did not get back to the original owners. He said the police had gone through all the legal processes before undertaking the exercise, which, according to him, would benefit the productive sector of the economy. DCOP Atingane said announcements were made for owners to collect their bikes after satisfying the necessary conditions but they failed to respond except those with genuine cases who presented documents to collect their bikes. DCOP Atingane said the clampdown on criminals would be extended to Ashaiman and its environs to clear criminals from the area as well.
Story from peacefmonline.com News:
© peacefmonline.com |
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News Videos | TV
Ghanaians Abroad
Operation Halt II: Soldiers are humans, they can be compromised - Pratt
Galamsey has ruined water bodies and farmlands across the country
Thu, 20 Oct 2022 Source: peacefmonline.com
Seasoned Journalist, Kwesi Pratt Jnr. has cast doubts over the confidence of the Military to combat the galamsey menace.
According to the Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Samuel Abu Jinapor, the Military will be fully in charge of 'Operation Halt II', the second phase of the exercise aimed at stopping the galamsey.
The Minister noted in an interview on Peace FM's morning show "Kokrokoo" that the Operation Halt II has commenced with the soldiers seizing some excavators belonging to the galamseyers.
"As I speak with you now, they have seized almost close to 30 excavators. It has already begun. It started about two or three days ago and it's going to be sustainable...The soldiers are going to go on for as long as it takes.
"They will decide. They will make those decisions, not me, the Minister...they will have command and control responsibility in terms of when to go, how to go, where to go, how to go about their operations; all of it will be in the hands of the Military. We are responsible for policy but they will conduct operational implementation," he said.
Touching on the subject during "Kokrokoo" on Peace FM, Kwesi Pratt opined that people should not think the soldiers cannot be compromised in the mandate given them.
He argued that the soldiers are "humans like us".
"They don't put water in their vehicle. They pay for fuel too . . . They are humans like everybody is. They don't have the real power. The real power is vested in the leaders," he stated.
Source: peacefmonline.com
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} | 13_89117 | Gov't Deploys Soldiers To Fight Galamsey
The Minister of Lands and Natural Resources, Samuel Abu Jinapor, has announced that the government has deployed soldiers to the communities where the illegal mining is ongoing to help fight against the menace.
According to him, the new measures are being implemented by the Government to combat illegal small-scale mining, otherwise known as "galamsey".
He said unlike the previous military operations which took three months, the new military campaign would be a sustained effort until the galamsey menace is brought to a satisfactory situation.
The Minister who said this during the Meet The Press Encounter series held in Accra called for a change of attitude and collaboration with all stakeholders to help win the fight against galamsey.
According to him, the government has also allocated significant funds and logistical support for the operation being spearheaded by Operation Halt II.
He urged the media to constantly educate the and sensitize the public on the adverse effects of galamsey and various diseases such as kidney problems and blue ulcers affecting inhabitants in the mining areas.
The Minister further noted that measures being implemented by the Government so far to stop the galamsey menace including the procurement of speed boats to patrol rivers, training of river guards, forest reserves declared as "red zones" for mining, and distribution of mercury-free gold processing machines (gold kachinas) to small-scale miners.
He said collaboration between the Lands Ministry and the Attorney-General's Office to prosecute illegal miners, both Ghanaians and foreigners, rolling out of Community Mining Schemes for local people, recruitment and engagement of about 80,000 people for alternative livelihood program, frequent operations by the military (Operation Halt) to mining sites to arrest and burn excavators belonging to illegal miners and setting up of 83 district mining committees to oversee mining at the district level.
Mr. Jinapor pledged the total and unflinching support of the President and the Ministry towards fighting the galamsey menace, with integrity and transparency without shielding anybody, irrespective of one's political affiliation or standing in the society.
Tagged: galamsey Ghana armed force Illegal mining Land ministry Soldiers Share
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} | 0_113122 | Ghana: Govt Commences Work On 78km Western Rail Line - Railways Minister
Ghanaian Times (Accra)
By Lawrence Markwei
The Ministry of Railways Development has started work on the new standard gauge line from Manso to Huni-Valley, spanning a distance of 78 kilometres under the Western Rail Line.
The project was being undertaken under a loan facility of €500 million, however,€68 million has been extended to the contractor as mobilisation money to move to site.
The commencement of the project was made known by John Peter Amewu, the Minister of Railways Development, when he took his turn to address the media in Accra yesterday under the auspices of the ministry of Information "Meet the Press" series.
The Minister also used the platform to address development in the railway sector.
He said the Western Railway Line from Takoradi to Kumasi was a major route for transportation of minerals and other bulk commodities such as manganese and bauxite.
Mr Amewu said in order to build capacity for maintenance and sustainability of the sector, the Ministry in collaboration with the Ghana Railway Company Limited, has partnered the George Grant of Mines and Technology to upgrade the old Railway Training Institute located at Sekondi into a degree awarding institute to provide training in engineering and other ancillary programmes.
He said additionally, the Railway Location Workshop Complex, also situated at Sekondi, has been upgraded and equipped for it to become a one stop workshop to serve the railway, mining, petroleum, and agricultural industries in the Western Region.
Touching on the development of the Eastern Railway Line, he said the line was earmarked for development on the standard gauge from Accra through Boankra Inland Port to Kumasi, adding that it would also include the development of two branch lines from Achimota to Tema and from Bosuso to Kyebi.
Giving insight to key achievements under the Ghana-Burkina Faso Railway Interconnectivity project, he said the Tema-Mpakadan line, spanning 97.7 kilometres, was about 90 per cent complete while the Mpakadan-Aouga dougou section, spanning 1,100km, was going through procurement process under a "Build-Operate-Transfer" model.
He said the government was bent on revitalising the railway sector to enhance trade and industrial growth in order to reduce poverty and propel economic growth.
Read the original article on Ghanaian Times.
Copyright © 2021 Ghanaian Times. All rights reserved. Distributed by AllAfrica Global Media (allAfrica.com). To contact the copyright holder directly for corrections — or for permission to republish or make other authorized use of this material, click here. |
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} | 75_110665 | PSC on fact-finding mission
in Latest news, Science & Technology May 8, 2014
An 18-member Parliamentary Select Committee on the Environment, Science and Technology, on Tuesday paid a day's fact-finding visit to some galamsey sites in Dunkwa-on-Offin in the Upper Denkyira East Municipality.
The chairman of the committee, Edem Asiamah, who is also the Member of Parliament for South Dayi, said the visit was at the instance of the Speaker of Parliament, Mr. Doe Adjaho who made the request on the floor of Parliament.
The Chairman said the Speaker demanded that a fact-finding visit be made by the Committee to some selected galamsey sites in the Central and Ashanti Regions, to compile a comprehensive report ahead of this year's world Environment Day, slated for June 5.
Mr Asiamah bemoaned the rate at which the country's water bodies and environment were being polluted and degraded.
He said government spends huge sums of money in treating water bodies to serve as source of drinking water to millions of Ghanaians, and also reclaims uncovered mining pits that are left by galamsey operators, coupled with the danger it poses to lives and properties.
Mr. Asiamah urged the Municipal Security Committee (M– USEC) to double efforts in clamping down on the activities of galamsey operators, and also appealed to traditional leaders, the Assemblies and other stakeholders to help curb the galamsey menace that has bedevilled the entire nation in recent times.
Nana Obeng Nuako the third, Dunkwahene, for his part, appealed to the Assembly and the Minerals Commission to liaise with chiefs, by providing them with the necessary guidelines pertaining to legal mining activities to enable them to help the security agencies flush out illegal operators.
The visit took members of the Committee to Denkyira Kyekyewere and Asikuma both in the Upper Denkyira East Municipality. GNA |
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} | 14_117972 | No one involved in 'missing excavators' saga will be spared – Nana Addo
byNii Larte Lartey
President Nana Akufo-Addo has assured that persons behind the disappearance of the seized excavators will not go scot-free regardless of their status or political affiliation.
In his fourth State of the Nations Address today, Thursday, President Akufo-Addo disclosed that the police have arrested and investigated some persons suspected to be complicit in the disappearance of the excavators seized from some illegal miners in the country.
"The Inter-Ministerial Committee, along with Operation Vanguard, were determined to disrupt galamsey activities, by confiscating equipment that was employed in these activities. In this regard, 12,000 'changfan' machines that go on the river and scoop up the riverbed were seized and destroyed on-site. Some excavators were also seized, and a number of them have gone missing. The Police have arrested and charged some of the alleged culprits, and investigations are ongoing. No one involved will be shielded, no matter what their positions or political colours are," the President said.
It has emerged that mining machinery including excavators, which were seized by the Operation Vanguard Task-force has disappeared.
This came to light when the Minister for Environment, Science, Technology & Innovation and Chairperson for the Inter-Ministerial Committee on Illegal Mining (IMCIM), Professor Kwabena Frimpong-Boateng made an official complaint to the police for investigation.
So far, six persons have been arrested in connection with the missing excavators and since granted bail.
The six, include the suspended First Vice Chairman of the New Patriotic Party in the Central Region, Ekow Ewusi, who was also heard in an audio recording with Professor Kwabena Frimpong-Boateng discussing the prospect of mining on some concessions.
Inter-Ministerial committee retrieves seven missing excavators
Seven of the seized excavators that went missing have been retrieved during an operation by the Inter-Ministerial Committee against Illegal Mining.
The seven are part of some 20 excavators that were impounded in Apraman and Topraman in the Eastern Region.
The exercise which was undertaken by a special committee under the IMCIM tasked to retrieve all missing excavators could only move ten of the excavators to the Apraman Police station due to the immobility of the other ten.
Three persons were arrested during the operation and have since been granted bail.
Leader of the team Nana Yaw Boadu in an interview with Citi News expressed the resolve of his outfit to retrieve all missing excavators.
"The team responsible for retrieving the excavators that have gone back to the miners and again stopping the operations of the galamsey people went to Apraman and other areas and we were able to impound 20 excavators but unfortunately out of the 20, we were able to track only ten to Apraman police station."
"And out of the ten that were tracked to the Police station, seven were part of the seized ones that were returned to the miners. When we went there, the miners were able to disengage the excavators. You go there, you will notice that the monitor and other parts [of the excavator] have been removed to the extent that some removed the starter from the machine."
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} | 50_65515 | Home News General News 202109
CJ Calls For More Resources To Facilitate Justice Delivery
/ General News, News
The Chief Justice, Mr Justice Kwasi Anin Yeboah, has called on the government to commit more resources to the Judiciary to facilitate effective justice delivery in the country.
He said the Judiciary, as an institution, was facing serious challenges in terms of personnel and infrastructure, leading to many areas, including urban centres, being denied access to justice.
"For example, from Accra Central, there is not a single court up to Amasaman. The same situation is true for Kumasi Central to Obuasi," Mr Justice Yeboah added.
He was speaking at the 40th annual general meeting (AGM) of the Association of Magistrates and Judges of Ghana (AMJG) in Accra yesterday.
The AGM was on the theme: "The quandary of the judge in the digital world".
The CJ, however, said: "Nevertheless, we still have to adjust to these constraints and hope the State will apply a bit more resources to provide court infrastructure to support justice delivery."
He expressed appreciation to the government and members of Parliament for constructing new courts from the District Assemblies Common Fund, but said more still needed to be done.
The AGM was attended by judges and magistrates from across the country, as well as some retired judges.
Also present were a Deputy Attorney-General, Mr Alfred Tuah-Yeboah; the outgoing President of the Ghana Bar Association (GBA), Mr Anthony Forson, and the General Secretary of the Judicial Service Staff Association of Ghana (JUSSAG), Mr Derrick Annan.
Ratio of judges to population
The Chief Justice described the ratio of judges to the population of the country as "not the best".
"In a population of over 30 million, we have less than 404 judges and magistrates administering justice in a litigious society like Ghana," he said.
He said the limited number of judges, coupled with the infrastructure deficit, made it difficult for people, especially the poor, to have access to justice.
He, however, reminded judges of their duty to serve, adding: "We have to do our best within the limited logistic constraints to serve the justice needs of our compatriots."
Justice Yeboah further challenged judges to adhere to the law and their code of conduct in all their endeavours.
He said the Judicial Council would not hesitate to apply the necessary sanctions and disciplinary action on judges who flouted the law and the ethics of the profession.
"Maintaining the prestige of judicial office is essential. Avoid all impropriety and the appearance of it in both your professional and personal conduct," he said.
The President of the AMJG, Mr Justice Senyo Dzamefe, a Justice of the Court of Appeal, decried the constant delays in the payment of allowances to judges.
He said as of now, judges had not been paid any fuel and robing allowance in 2021, while book allowance had been outstanding since 2019.
"It is sad that judges in the country will have to fight every year for their legitimate allowances to be paid," he said.
Mr Tuah-Yeboah said technology and digitisation, which the government was pursuing, had become an effective means through which justice was administered to the public.
He said his outfit was working to ensure constant improvement in the conditions of service of judges.
Fraternal message
For his part, Mr Forson said judges played a critical role in the promotion of the rule of law and, therefore, there was the need to always safeguard and protect the independence of the Judiciary, as well as promote the welfare of judges.
He said justice delivery could only be effective if people who worked in the sector were adequately taken care of by the government, adding that the GBA would continue to support and defend the Judiciary at all times.
Source: graphiconline.com
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{
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} | 90_141905 | Betway Talent Search Begins …in Takoradi
Betway Ghana last weekend began the tryouts for the Betway Talent Search (BTS) in Takoradi, the Western Regional capital.
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The BTS, is a football scouting project aimed at unearthing football talents for young footballers between the ages of 18 and 25.
The project has former Black Stars captain and the Technical Coordinator for the national football team, Stephen Appiah, as its icon. Other members of the scouting team include Maxwell Konadu, Eric Antwi Ofori, Coach Eben, Ben Adjei, Twumasi Forkuoh, Prince Odei and Godfried Aduobe.
The Takoradi event saw close to 500 footballers participating out of which 16 were selected by the technical team. According to the icon of the project, Stephen Appiah, his motivation for joining and endorsing the project is grounded in how he was discovered as a footballer and his desire to see grassroots football revived in Ghana again. "Ghana has a lot of football talents with most of them coming from poor backgrounds and hence cannot afford the academy system. Projects like this give aspiring professional footballers the opportunity to exhibit their talents and make it to the top". Stephen Appiah said.
On his part, Coach Eric was very impressed with the turnout at the event and the amazing talents exhibited. He said "the Takoradi event sets a good precedence for the subsequent events because of the quality of talent we have seen here today".
Marketing Manager for Betway Ghana, Kwabena Oppong Nkrumah explained why the Betway Talent Search targets footballers between the ages of 18 and 25. He noted that football talent searches usually focus of young footballers under 12 and 16 years, leaving those between 18 and 25 out. It is for this reason that the Betway Talent Search decided to target footballers between the ages of 18 and 25.
The Betway Talent Search continues in the Koforidua in the Eastern Region on Saturday, 15th July, 2017 and then in the Ashanti Regional capital of Kumasi on the 22nd of July, 2017 and then finally in Accra on the 29th of July, 2017.
The Betway Talent Search sits alongside the Betway sponsorship of Ashanti Gold S. C as part of Betway's commitment to driving interest and support in Ghanaian football.
Tags: accraappiahAshanti GoldAshanti Gold S.C.Association footballBen AdjeiBetwayBetway GhanaBookmakerscaptain and the Technical Coordinator for the national football teamcoachEbenEric Antwi OforifootballghanaGhana national football teamGodfried AduobeMarketing ManagerMaxwell KonaduOdeiprinceS. CsportsStephen AppiahTwumasi Forkuoh
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{
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} | 84_110840 | 01.06.2021 Personality Profiles
Jesse Roland Prah, The Young Ghanaian Graduate Cultivating 300 Acres of Rice In Takoradi
Jesse Roland Prah
01.06.2021 LISTEN
Like many great entrepreneurs, the CEO of Roland Rice, Jesse Roland Prah, stumbled on entrepreneurship. The old student of Mfantsipim School did not set out to be a rice farmer. He took an opportunity when it presented itself.
Roland Rice is a local rice brand grown, milled, processed and packaged in Takoradi. It comes in different packages.
Narrating his success story to Takoradi Innovation Center (TIC) Hub, the Takoradi-based entrepreneur said he was left without a job after his national service. Even though the graduate of University of Education-Winneba had trained to be a teacher, there was no school for him to be placed in.
The frantic search for a job led him to a company that was looking for engineers to supervise a rice farming project in the Shama District. He applied despite his background in education.
"My employers could see from my CV that I had no engineering background. I, however, insisted I could do the job when I was called. Thankfully, I had earlier done some internships which saved me. I was given the job," he explained.
Before his contract ended, he had secured a piece of land from the indigenes of the locality to start his own rice farm because he could not afford to be jobless again. This was the birth of Roland Rice.
Today, Roland cultivates a 300-acre rice farm. He mills, processes and bags his local rice all by himself. His dream is to scale up the business to employ more young people.
He was adjudged the best rice farmer in the Shama District in 2018. His product, Roland Rice, has a wide distribution network spanning from the Ashanti region down to the Greater Accra, Western and Volta regions of Ghana.
The story of Roland is a summary of one thing; the lack of opportunity can be an opportunity.
Source: Scribe News
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} | 66_136416 | Gov't to reposition Prisons Service as centre of excellence in corrections management – Bawumia
The Vice President of the Republic, His Excellency Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia has stated that government is making efforts to reposition the Ghana Prisons Service (GPS) as an excellent centre of reformation and rehabilitation in line with modern regime and best practices in corrections management.
Dr. Bawumia said this when he inaugurated the 8th Governing Council of the Ghana Prisons Service today at the Ministry of the Interior. The council is mandated by the 1992 Constitution to advise the President on matters of policy relating to the management and maintenance the prison system of Ghana.
He said government is concerned with the challenges of the Ghana Prisons Service, especially overcrowding in the prisons and therefore charged the newly sworn-in prisons council to work towards transforming the prisons into internationally acceptable standards, adding that government will retool the service with essential logistics such as operational and utility vehicles.
"To address the issue of overcrowding properly, government remains focused on spearheading the introduction of non-Custodial sentencing as alternatives, and expansion of existing prison infrastructure," he stressed.
Dr. Bawumia also said government is committed to the passage of the Prisons Service Bill 2021, which seeks to improve the regulatory framework with respect to the administration of some key areas and also incorporates the United Nations Standard Minimum Rules for the Treatment of Prisoners (the Nelson Mandela Rules) to further engender humane treatment and rights of inmates. He charged officers
The Chairman of the Council, Most Reverend Peter Paul Yelezuome Angkyier thanked the President of the Republic of Ghana, His Excellency Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo for the confidence reposed in them and pledged the commitment of the council to work tirelessly in collaboration with other stakeholders to ensure the reformation, transformation and rebranding of the service as enshrined in the 10-year strategic Plan of the service.
The 13-member council is made up of the Chairman, the Minister for the Interior, Honorable Ambrose Dery, the Director-General of Prisons, Mr. Isaac Kofi Egyir, Buipe-Wura, Mahama Abdulai Jinapor II, and Hon. Ophelia Mensah.
Others are Mrs. Yvonne Atakora Obuobisa of the Attorney-General's Department, Rev. Dr. Comfort Asare-Director of the Department of Social welfare, Chief Legal Officer of the Service and representative of senior officers, Deputy Director of Prisons (DDP) Gloria Essandoh, Dr. Frank Serebour-president of the Ghana Medical Association and Mr. Vincent Kizito Beyuo Esq, president of the Ghana Bar Association.
The rest are Chief Officer Alhassan Koka, representative of junior officers, Rev. Dr. Cyril G. K. Fayose of the Christian Council of Ghana and Madam Sarah M. Asante.
Tags: Ghana Prisons ServiceGPSHis Excellency Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia |
{
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} | 90_124441 | Veep Charges Military To Do More Intel. Gathering
Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia has called on the military to redouble their intelligence gathering and sharpen their readiness to neutralise any attack on the nation by terrorists.
"Our sub-region is faced with the serious problem of terrorist activities as our neighbours are presently battling jihadist movements and the threat is moving closer home," he said.
He made the remarks when he addressed soldiers during the general parade held by the Ghana Army as part of activities marking Army Week celebrations held at Teshie in Accra.
The celebration was themed: "Ghana Army-Providing Security for National Development".
He said government would continue to work closely with the Military High Command to ensure that their logistics and operational needs including equipment, clothing and accommodation were adequately met and on time for both their internal and external operations.
"I can assure you that the Ghana Army would receive its fair share of the support being provided by the government to the Ghana Armed Forces," he said.
Government, he said, had embarked on projects in the areas of housing, provision of equipment and training to ensure that the morale of troops and their dependents always remain high as they go about their duties.
"The barracks regeneration project embarked on by the government is ongoing and very soon your accommodation challenges will be a thing of the past," Dr. Bawumia announced.
He urged all troops to continue to work to promote cordial civil-military relations in the country.
"The need for good working relations with your sister security services and intelligence bodies is very essential in times of terrorist threats in our sub-region. There is no need to spend our energies attacking each other. When terrorists attack, we need to be together, in the right frame of mind and posture, to react appropriately," he explained.
There was a display of foot and rifle drills by personnel on parade to show their ability to move and act as a team.
Awards were given to two personnel for their show of professionalism in the discharge of their duties.
Warrant Officer Class One Peprah Moses Anane received an award for saving his life and the lives of other soldiers at Bundase, by locking a grenade from exploding within five seconds.
Corporal Afful Kwadwo Samuel also received an award for saving others after he was shot on the left arm at Alavanyo before seeking medical treatment.
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{
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} | 5_145977 | General News Sat, 24 Jun 2006
Define the position of Ghana Railway Company
Takoradi June 24 GNA - Mr Dominic Azumah, Deputy Ranking Member of the Parliamentary Select Committee On Roads and Transport, on Friday said the government should clearly define the position of the Ghana Railway Company (GRC).
He was speaking at a meeting of the Committee with a section of the management and staff of the company as part of the committee's one-day working visit to GRC and the Takoradi Port at Takoradi.
Mr. Azumah said the relationship of the company with the government is not clear.
He said the government should either make GRC a subvented organisation or a fully-fledged private company.
He said if it is declared a subvented organisation the government should meet its needs.
Mr Azumah said the company could source funds to improve its operations as a private organisation. Economic Committee Railway 2 Takoradi
Mr Samuel Kweku Obodai, chairman of the Select Committee and Member of Parliament for Agona West said past governments did not pay much attention to GRC.
He said the committee would find out how the government could help and increase its assistance to the company.
Mr Obodai assured workers of the company of the Committee's assistance and urged them to work hard and to have patience, while solutions were being found to their problems.
Mr Emmanuel Opoku, acting Managing Director of GRC, said the workers have not been paid for the past two months.
Hesaid until two months ago, the company had not been receiving government subvention.
Mr Opoku said many of the company's rail lines are not working and it had not been able to meet its transportation target for bauxite and manganese.
Mr Samuel Kokovina, General Secretary of Railway Workers Union, said the company has not been able to increase its tariffs on manganese for the past 15 years.
He said this is because the company is indebted to the Ghana National Manganese Company.
Source: GNA |
{
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} | 6_19923 | LESSONS FROM AIRTEL'S TOUCHING LIVES – BY ABUBAKAR IBRAHIM
LESSONS FROM AIRTEL'S TOUCHING LIV ...
Kwame Gyan March 29, 2012
It is often said when all life throws at you are lemons, you use them to make lemonades. I have become an ardent viewer of Touching Lives since the first season was aired a few years ago. I find it motivating and I must say it comes across to me as an initiative worth emulating by corporate Ghana especially in the light of erroneous widespread beliefs that corporate Ghana takes so much away and gives very little in return to the communities in which they operate.
This week on Airtel Touching Lives, the producers brought me closer to the support given to eight cobblers living in Bolgatanga and to a very old village in the Upper West Region called Zimuopare whose water dam has been in a dilapidating condition for years.
The 8 Cobblers of Bolgatanga with their seamstress colleagues
The story of the eight cobblers is inspiring, for not only are they all physically disabled, but they have not allowed their disability to impede their ability to earn a living by repairing and making shoes, dresses and bags. Therefore, when Stephanon Nsoh Adukoh, the man who recommended this group of artisans to Airtel Ghana as deserving support, needed his shoes fixed, he knew exactly where to go: the Rehabilitation Centre located on the edge of the market square downtown Bolgatanga where the Cobblers are operating from. Indeed, these artisans are not only providing a service to their community, they are also creating jobs as the apprentices currently under their tutelage will also go out and provide similar services to the communities.
Again, watching the precarious nature of the water dam for the people of Zimuopare, I was relieved to learn among other things that the people of this village had in the past not just folded their arms and did nothing about their situation, but on two occasions attempted to build a dam.
In the 1950's the community was mobilized to build a dam. The men dug with pick axes and hoes while the women molded the clay and sand to construct the walls. As they had no real knowledge of dam construction, the project failed. They again attempted in year 2000, with similar results.
What is left of the current dam for the people of Zimuopare
Airtel is touching the lives of the villagers in Zimuopare with the logistics and technical know-how, which has eluded them all these years. Lessons are still being learnt by viewers across the length and breadth of Ghana of selflessness, determination, sense of community and having the human feeling to touch lives. Airtel's sense of community, giving back to society, building dreams, giving hope and social responsibility needs lauding and is worth emulating.
Reply Isaac Sunday • 9 years ago |
{
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} | 79_29836 | Ghana, Burkina Faso firm ties – Bawumia
BusinessForeign NewsLocal NewsNewsPolitics
The government of Ghana is dedicated to deepening relations with her northern neighbour and is undertaking a number of projects to concretise this relationship, Ghana's Vice-President Dr Mahamudu Bawumia has said.
These include the Railway Interconnectivity Project linking Ghana and Burkina Faso intended to ensure greater cross-border trade and regional incorporation.
Ghana is also devoted to ensuring greater mutual relations with her northern neighbour through the 225 kilovolts Bolgatanga to Ouagadougou Power Interconnection Project, which will see up to 100 megawatts of power supplied directly to Burkina Faso from Ghana.
Dr Bawumia gave the assertion when Burkina Faso's Minister of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation, Alpha Barry called on him at the Jubilee House, Accra on Friday, 14 December 2018.
Mr Barry is in Ghana for the closing ceremony of the 12th Session of the Ghana-Burkina Faso Permanent Joint Session for Cooperation.
The session discussed a number of topics including political, security, legal and diplomatic relations; economic, trade and investments; energy and infrastructure; and agriculture, water resources and environment.
Dr Bawumia stressed the need to integrate critical infrastructure linking the two countries, as such projects have the capacity to remove supply-side constraints and enhance the competitiveness of the two countries.
Mr Barry praised the cordial relationship between Ghana's President, Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo and his Burkinabe counterpart, Roch Marc Christian Kaboré, which has further deepened the already friendly relations between the two governments and peoples.
There is also the need to build the capacity of Burkinabe and Ghanaian technicians in the area of electricity generation and transmission, he indicated.
Mr Barry was supposed to return to Ouagadougou yesterday.
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} | 72_34414 | Home/LOCAL NEWS/Demo against bad roads …at Atwima Techiman
Demo against bad roads …at Atwima Techiman
Justice Dzido Send an email June 24, 2021
THE DEPLORABLE road network within the Atwima Techiman-Denchemuoso, near Kumasi, has sparked a massive protest in the community.
Hundreds of people that reside in the various communities in the Atwima Techiman area decided to hit the road in their numbers on Tuesday morning to demonstrate.
The demonstrators were wearing red armed bands and they were singing war songs, amidst the issuing of threats to deal with the contractor for the project.
According to them, Asabea Construction Limited, who has been awarded the contract to construct the road, has left the construction site for some months now.
They bemoaned that the roads are very bad to the extent that vehicles could not move on them anytime it rains in the community, causing problems for them.
The demonstrators said they have kept mute and suffered for so many years due to the deplorable road network, but they are now running out of patience.
They said they were expecting the authorities concerned to order the contractor to quickly return to site and work now, else they would advise themselves.
In response to the demands of the demonstrators, the Ashanti Regional Highway Director, Edmund Obeng, has assured that the contractor would resume work soon.
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} | 90_141694 | JOHN BOADU DENIES ANY DIRECT OR INDIRECT CONNECTION WITH MINING ACTIVITIES IN THE COUNTRY
The attention of the NPP General Secretary, John Boadu, has been drawn to some news making rounds on social media linking him with some mining activities including "galamsey" in the country. Mr. John Boadu categorically refutes these allegations, which he submits, are baseless, malicious and unmeritorious.
Indeed, the failure and inability of the individuals making the said allegations to provide any modicum of substance to back their allegations despite being challenged to do same on many occasions, bears ample testimony to the manifest falsity and mischief they are engaged in.
The allegations are thus false statements deliberately being made by his detractors with the view to injuring his hard-won reputation, and to lower his good image in the eyes of right-thinking members of the society.
For the avoidance of doubt, the General Secretary wishes to state emphatically that he has no mining concession(s) anywhere in the country or elsewhere whether acquired and operated legally or illegally, and has not authorized anybody to operate a mining concession on his behalf.
He has also never owned an excavator or a mining concession, nor has he ever been involved either directly or indirectly in any form of mining activity in the past or at present. The General Secretary is therefore cautioning individuals who are using his name to perpetuate this illegality to desist forthwith.
As a law-abiding citizen of this country, whose support and fidelity to the government's renewed fight against the debilitating "galamsey" menace, is unquestionable, Mr. John Boadu would be the last person to engage in this abominable enterprise, which is threatening the very existence of our generation and the unborn.
On account of the foregoing, the General Secretary, is, by this statement, serving notice to the general public that he takes a very serious view of this defamatory matter, and has accordingly instructed his lawyers to proceed to court to vindicate his right against all persons behind these mischievous acts as well as media houses that provide their platforms in furtherance of this mischief against his person.
Alhaji Iddi Muhayu-Deen
Press Secretary to John Boadu |
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} | 20_112177 | Banks urged to create Share-holding Rights
in Business February 6, 2012
Mr Isaac Kwame Asiamah, Member of Parliament (MP) for Atwima Mponua Constituency in the Western Region, has appealed to micro financial institutions to create share holding rights to enable their customers to buy shares and own part of the company.
He said, "When this is done it would not only encourage their customers to cultivate the habit of saving, but also support the growth of the company as well".
The MP made the appeal at the inauguration of the Nyinahin branch of Noble Dream Financial service at Nyinahin in the Atwima-Nwabiagya District of Ashanti.
Mr Asiamah also urged the management of the Bank to grant soft loans to their customers to expand their farms and businesses.
He advised prospective loan beneficiaries to pay back the loans granted them to enable their fellow customers to also benefit.
Mr Asiamah appealed to the bank staff to show great customer care, to enable the bank to attract more customers.
Mr Owusu Afriyie, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) OF Noble Dream Financial Services promised to provide good financial services to customers.
Mr Afriyie said the Bank was prepared to add 40 per cent interest to any amount a customer would deposit at the Bank.
The CEO said the bank had a set of financial products that met the needs of all categories of customers, adding that the highly trained and motivated mobile bankers were ready to help customers solve their financial problems.
Nana Amanpene Boateng Twum II, Nyinahinhene thanked the bank for opening a branch in the town and pledged the support of the traditional council to investors who want to do business in the area. GNA |
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} | 21_67705 | About 100 Affordable Houses To Be Built In Kumasi
LISTEN JUL 30, 2018
The State Housing Company (SHC) is putting up affordable houses for sale in Kagyasi, suburb of Kumasi in the Ashanti Region.
Managing Director of the rejevenated state agency, Kwabena Ampofo Appiah, in a Facebook post, said: "Ground broken for new homes in Kumasi. State Housing Company LTD making home ownership easy," giving hope to many accomodation seekers in Kumasi.
He posted pictures of graded land ready for costructuon to commence.
The SHC is targeting to build about 100 houses within two years.
"We are putting up 2/3 bedrooms for sale at very competitive prices", a source has said.
It has also been gathered that the SHC would this year complete the affordable housing projects in Kumasi which were started more than a decade ago during the government of John Agyekum Kufuor.
"SHC is charting a new course with the needs of our clients who are the core of our service delivery and so the houses would be delivered on time," the source assured.
The source added that funding for the project would be generated internally.
The new Management has entered into several agreements with some state institutions to put up homes and offices in an attempt to turn things around for the company.
SHC has already signed an MOU with Ghana Immigration Service as well as the Ghana Health Service. In the MOU with the GIS, State Housing is to provide 1,000 housing units to the officers of GIS as well as construct state-of-the-art Regional Offices across the country. |
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} | 90_132483 | KPM To Popularise Baseball In Tema
A Tema-based organisation, KPM Africa Baseball Limited, has initiated a programme to popularise baseball as an alternate game with mass following among the youth of Tema.
Baseball, a sport which enjoys tremendous following in the US, especially and more recently in almost all parts of the world is barely known in Ghana.
KPM has therefore founded the Tema Baseball 1 Community Development League, to give the youth another popular sporting choice, aside football that could be developed up to the international level.
Briefing the press at Tema yesterday on efforts to attract the youth into the new game, Mr. Charles Mason, an advisor to KPM said so far about 187 registered youth played the game in two seasons this year, featuring a total of 10 teams.
Mr. Manson who is also the Human Resource Director of VALCO Aluminium Company and a former baseball player said the sports combines mental, physical and athletic prowess making an exciting process of teamwork, learning and character growth for any youth who choose to participate.
In line with its plan to promote the game in the country, he said KPM had set itself an ambitious target for next year under which it would build and manage four league baseball in the country, covering ages eight to 21 years.
He has therefore appealed to the corporate community as well as individuals and philanthropists in the community to support KPM both in kind and in cash to realise its' goals. He said, there was the need to buy protective gear for the boys and prepare or improve on some of the existing pitches in Tema for practicing.
He said the community would benefit by having their youth inspired and committed to learning and participating in team oriented environment adding that "a mind is a terrible thing to waste and a strong body leads to a strong mind if properly developed.
Mr. E.K. Sackey, the founder of KPM, on his part appealed to parents and guardians to volunteer their time during games to support their children to develop their skills in a new sports with the potential to grow. |
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} | 29_123742 | Ghana FA partners with FIFA to provide thirty-three thousand footballs to schools in Ghana
by ⚽
in Football, Ghana
The Ghana Football Association (GFA) in collaboration with FIFA and the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), the Ministry of Youth & Sports and Ministry of Education have resolved to provide over thirty-three thousand (33,000) footballs to schools across the country.
This initiative is to use football as a tool for social development and also support schools to improve the lives of school children around the country.
This program through the Football for School by FIFA is for schools who have qualified teachers to teach physical education and for students aged from 4 to 14 years old.
The GFA together with the Ministry of Education and the Ministry of Youth and Sports will roll out this program in January 2023.
Schools and Colleges sports remain a key member of the Ghana Football Association in the development of grassroots football.
The over 33,000 footballs will be sent to Ghana by FIFA and it is expected that the Ministry of Education will facilitate the clearing of the footballs for the timely start of the program and equitable distribution to schools in all regions and for boys and girls.
The Football for School program comes as an addition to the Football Association's commitment to grassroot football. It will be recalled that the Technical Directorate early on launched the 'Football 4 Girls' project in September 2022 to empower young girls through football.
About three thousand schools are expected to benefit from the program
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} | 71_48029 | Govt. set to start Work on Adenta Bridges from next week
8th November 2018 Ghana News Online 0 Comments contractors, Ghana Police Service, MTTD
The Ministry of Roads and Highways has announced that work on the six (6) uncompleted pedestrian bridges in Adenta will commence within a week.
Temporarily, the Ministry in collaboration with the Interior Ministry has requested the Ghana Police Service to deploy officers of the Motor Traffic Unit to prevent further deaths.
A statement from the Inter Ministerial Committee on road safety issued on thursday night, said government regretted the deaths of residents who had been killed by speeding vehicles. The statement further said work had already been ongoing in recent weeks to address the situation and that procurement processes were now near completion.
Contractors working on the project abandoned the project abandoned it as a result of failure by the Mills-Mahama administration to honour payments due them.
As part of efforts to renew work on the project, the Akufo-Addo administration settled 50% of their debt and has been working to get work resumed in November 2018.
Though official Police records say twenty-four (24) deaths and sixty four (64) injuries have been recorded on the stretch this year, media reports suggest almost two hundred (200) pedestrians have been killed.
Contractors handed over the project without completing the bridges. The Ministry says it is making frantic efforts to correct the situation and appealed to residents to assist in containing the situation.
The project commenced in July 2008 and was handed over in June 2018.
Drivers have also been cautioned to observe speed limits while pedestrians have also been encouraged to use the signalized intersections as much as possible.
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} | 12_107741 | President Akufo-Addo's Message on the State of the Nation
Mr Speaker, I am glad to be here again in this august House to perform one of the most pleasant duties on the calendar of the President of the Republic, that is to give Honourable Members and the Ghanaian people a Message on the State of the Nation. It will be the fourth of my current mandate.
In accordance with protocol and convention, it is good to see that First Lady Rebecca Akufo-Addo, Vice President Mahamudu Bawumia, Second Lady Samira Bawumia, Spouse of Mr. Speaker, Mrs. Alberta Ocquaye, new Chief Justice Anin Yeboah, and Justices of the Supreme Court, Chairperson Nana Otuo Siriboe II, and Members of the Council of State, Chief of Defence Staff Lt. Gen O.B. Akwa, the new Inspector General of Police, Mr. James Oppong-Boanuh, and Service Chiefs, are all present. Mr. Speaker, the House is duly honoured by the welcome attendance of the former Presidents of the Republic, their Excellencies Jerry John Rawlings and John Agyekum Kufuor, former First Lady, Her Excellency Nana Konadu Agyemang Rawlings, and the Dean and Members of the Diplomatic Corps.
The House is aware that, since my last appearance, we have a new Chief Justice in the person of Justice Anin Yeboah, who has succeeded Justice Sophia Abena Boafoa Akuffo. His appointment has been met with broad acceptance within the legal profession and the general population, testimony to his reputation for integrity and excellence in the conduct of his judicial duties. I wish him Godspeed in the discharge of the functions of his great office, and wish Justice Sophia Akuffo a well-deserved retirement after twenty-four (24) years in high judicial office. But, knowing her, I am sure we shall hear of her again in public service of some sort. The House is equally aware that we have a new Inspector General of Police, Mr. James Oppong-Boanuh, an experienced police officer of thirty-one (31) years of service, who commands the respect of his fellow officers and the men and women of the police force and the public at large. I am confident that, as he is already demonstrating, he will be in the frontline of an impartial, politically-colour blind administration and enforcement of the laws of the country, especially in this sensitive election year. I wish him a successful tenure of office, and wish his predecessor, Mr. David Asante Appeatu, well in his retirement.
Mr Speaker, some events in life leave an afterglow long after they have ended. I believe we can confidently say that the designation of 2019 as the "Year of Return", and the events that emanated from that decision have certainly left an afterglow that Ghana can and must cherish.
Ghana became the centre of attention in the African diaspora and, indeed, much of the world as we led the way with events of remembrance to commemorate 400 years since the first captured Africans arrived in the Americas in what became the beginning of the ignominious Trans-Atlantic Slave Trade. The event, being commemorated, left deep scars and remains the source of unimaginable grief for all peoples of African descent; but it provided a great opportunity for us to demonstrate our triumph over adversity.
Throughout the year, and culminating in a glorious cacophony of celebrations, Ghana was the centre of attention in much of the world. We played host to people from all over the world, young and old, men and women, black and white, joined in spectacular celebration, a joyous re-discovery of our common identity and humanity, exploring what we can do together, through political, cultural and economic engagement, to make our future brighter and better, one our future descendants will be proud of.
Mr Speaker, it is a matter of great pride to me that all Ghanaians embraced the Year of Return, and helped to project such a positive and endearing image of our country. My heartfelt thanks to all Ghanaians and to Members of the House, in particular, for the enthusiastic welcome that was extended to our visitors, and for making the Year of Return such a resounding success.
But we are not yet done. We are building on the foundations of the Year of Return to a new level, the next stage of our re-engagement with the African Diaspora, with the theme, "Beyond the Return".
The government is seeking to build on the success, and we are putting measures in place to take us 'Beyond the Return'. The Ministry of Tourism, under its eloquent leader, Hon. Barbara Oteng-Gyasi, Member of Parliament for Prestea Huni-Valley, and the rejuvenated Ghana Tourism Authority, under its dynamic Chief Executive, Akwasi Agyemang, are leading the charge to make our country an attractive and irresistible destination, a place of pilgrimage, a nation that everyone with a hint of African blood must visit at least once in their lifetime.
I should thank two people, in particular, who have embraced their Ghanaian heritage and have played a key role in our effort to building lasting bridges between Ghana and African-Americans: Hollywood star, Boris Kodjoe and international marketing icon, Bozoma Saint John. We are grateful to both of them for leveraging their star-power to attract thousands to the land of their fathers, and to drive a fresh narrative that says Ghana is a land of opportunity; visit, invest, make it your home. We appreciate deeply their contribution and that of many others to the success of the entire project.
Mr. Speaker, I can testify to the renewed enthusiasm around the world for our country. My trips to Germany, France, Austria, Japan, Russia, the Caribbean, this past year, have brought tangible dividends, and there are growing investments in Ghana from companies in those countries.
The emphasis in our foreign relations remains with our immediate neighbourhood, and that means ECOWAS and the African Union, and Ghana continues to play a leading role in making these organisations active and relevant to the changing needs of our region and continent.
I cannot ignore the difficulties that currently exist in ECOWAS, especially with Nigeria, our age-old friend and largest member nation, closing its land borders for the past five months, and the instability and terrorist activity that is sadly blighting the lives of thousands in some parts of Nigeria, and shedding innocent blood in the Sahel and our neighbours to the north of our country. We are playing a positive role in the efforts being made within ECOWAS to bring this boundary impasse to an end, which will, hopefully, be sooner than later. The successful implementation of the Accra Initiative, involving the consistent collaboration and co-operation of security and intelligence heads from Ghana and her neighbouring countries, namely Cote d'Ivoire, Burkina Faso, Togo, Benin, Mali and Niger, continues to be our concrete contribution to the fight against terrorism in our region. Through joint security operations, such as KOUDANGOU and the ongoing Operation CONQUERED FIST, we continue to reinforce the security of our north-western, northern and north-eastern borders to guard against any infiltrations into the country. All of us have a vested interest in helping to maintain the peace, stability and security of Ghana in the current, troubling circumstances of our Region.
Mr Speaker, we never lose sight of the fact that there are many Ghanaian communities in all parts of the world, and our missions abroad have been charged anew to be alive to their needs. I am happy to report that Ghanaians in the diaspora are very much involved in whatever happens in their home country. Wherever I go, I meet with them, and they are often very well informed and insistent on accountability from government officials.
Let us never forget that the remittances from Ghanaians abroad constitute a healthy part of our economy, and I always encourage them to bring their acquired skills to invigorate the political and economic landscape.
Mr. Speaker, it is important that I make special mention of Ghana's relationship with the People's Republic of China, which has grown exponentially over the past few years. The dramatic economic transformation of China in the past two decades is a marvel to the world and a lesson for the rest of us in the developing world. We have entered into various agreements with China, the lead one obviously being the SinoHydro agreement, which seeks to deliver many infrastructural projects.
Mr Speaker, today, China is unfortunately battling an outbreak of the deadly Covid-19 virus. We sympathize with the people of China at this time of great trouble. I have written to President Xi Jinping to convey to the government and the people of China the solidarity and sympathy of the compassionate people of Ghana. We trust that, with the tough decisions being implemented to curb the spread of the virus, this nightmare will be over, and, soon, they will recover from its devastating social and economic impact.
There is a sizeable Ghanaian community in China and our government, through our Embassy, has been working with the Chinese authorities to find the best way to deal with the situation.
The Ghanaian community includes four thousand, seven hundred and sixty (4,760) students, out of which three hundred (300) are studying in Hubei Province and two hundred (200) in the city of Wuhan, the epicentre of the outbreak. We have a difficult and delicate situation on our hands, Mr Speaker, and it does not benefit anybody to try to score points by introducing ill-judged politics into this ongoing medical conundrum and humanitarian tragedy.
Most of these students are on Chinese government scholarships, and, since the crisis started, the Chinese government has done its best to keep them supplied with food and other logistics. The Ghana government, through its Mission, also supplies logistics, and the Embassy has given, so far, five hundred United States dollars (US$500) to each student.
However, we know that no amount of logistics will make up for the extreme stress and trauma that these young people are going through, and I entreat members of this Honourable House to set an example by helping to pour oil over troubled waters, instead of instigating tension and spreading fear and panic among the young people. The government is in constant touch with experts on the subject, who advise that the basic principle of public health is to confine the disease to the area of its origin, but we have not ruled out the option of evacuating the students from Wuhan, if that becomes necessary. We have put in place measures to ensure that their evacuation back into Ghana, if it happens, does not lead to the dissemination of fear and panic amongst the general population.
Mr Speaker, I have spent time talking about how well we are doing on the international scene, and the many plaudits that are showered on Ghana wherever I go. But the test of how well our country is doing can, and should, be measured by how Ghanaians themselves feel about their situation.
Ten days ago, our Vice President, and Chairman of the Economic Management Team, Alhaji Dr Mahamudu Bawumia, made a presentation at a Town Hall meeting in Kumasi in which he gave a detailed and comprehensive account of the performance of the economy under three years of management by an NPP government, led by me. He went to great lengths to identify the promises that had been made in the 2016 Manifesto that we took to the country. This document spelt the agreement between the elected government and the people of Ghana.
I do not intend to go through all over again the meticulous accounting that was done in Kumasi ten (10) days ago. It is enough to say that it being Dr Bawumia, everything he said was backed by data and his customary fact-checking. He ended by asserting that seventy-eight percent (78%) of the promises we solemnly made to the people of Ghana have been or are in the process of being fulfilled. There has, so far, been no factual challenge to his compelling testimony.
Mr. Speaker, in three years we have reduced inflation to its lowest level (7.8% in January 2020) since 1992. For the first time in over forty (40) years, we have had a fiscal deficit below five percent (5%) of GDP for three years in a row. For the first time in over twenty (20) years, the balance of trade (that is the difference between our exports and imports) has been in surplus for three (3) consecutive years. Our current account deficit is shrinking, interest rates are declining, and the average annual rate of depreciation of the cedi is at its lowest for any first term government in the Fourth Republic. Our economic growth has rebounded to place Ghana among the fastest growing economies in the world for three years in a row at an annual average of 7%, up from 3.4% in 2016, the lowest in nearly three decades. The international investor community has recognised this development, resulting in Ghana, today, being the largest recipient of foreign direct investment in West Africa. The sovereign credit ratings agencies have upgraded our ratings, and also improved the outlook for this year, notwithstanding the fact that it is an election year. This is a massive vote of confidence in the current management of the economy, as best illustrated by Ghana's successful issue of the longest-dated Eurobond ever issued by a sub-Saharan African country, with investors placing fifteen billion United States dollars ($15 billion) of orders for Ghana's forty-one (41) year Eurobond. The seven (7) year Bond attracted the lowest coupon rates ever for Ghana at six point three-seven-five percent (6.375%), compared with the nine point two-five percent (9.25%) Ghana had to pay for a similar Eurobond issue in 2016. No wonder Bloomberg, the reputable global financial media house, earlier this week, highlighted Ghana as the top candidate for an economic leap in Africa. This expression of confidence is important because it will lead to enhanced investments in our economy, and the accompanying greater numbers of jobs.
We inherited a collapsing financial sector that has led to failing banks, and considerable agony to many people. The government is having to conjure thirteen billion cedis (GH¢13 billion) to pay the 4.6 million affected customers of the banks.
This is money that we can ill-afford, and which would have gone to fund the many things that our communities are crying for. Properly utilised, thirteen billion Ghana cedis would work wonders with our perennial infrastructure deficit. But, we did think long and hard about paying all the customers of the failed banks, and we believe we made the right decision. I would like to repeat that all depositors of the savings and loans and microfinance institutions, including DKM which collapsed in 2015, will receive 100% of their deposits, too, once the validation exercise is concluded, and I am informed that the Receiver of the Savings and Loans and Microfinance institutions will begin, on Monday, 24th February, making payments to their customers, these monies, totaling five billion cedis, being in addition to the thirteen billion cedis being paid to the customers of the failed banks.
We hope that lessons have been learnt, and this will serve as a healthy caution to those who are offered unrealistic interest rates on deposits. I do not think it will be possible to repeat this grand pay-up in another lifetime. I want to assure Ghanaians that we are going to hold those who have been responsible for these failures of financial institutions (the supervisors and management of these institutions) accountable, a process which has already started. We expect that those whose job it is to supervise the banks and other financial institutions will do their jobs honestly and competently.
I am very encouraged by the many corporate governance measures that have already been put in place by the Bank of Ghana, under the strong leadership of Governor Ernest Addison, to mitigate such bank failures in the future. Thanks to the banking sector clean-up, today I am happy to say that Ghana's weak banking sector that we inherited is now well-capitalised, better managed, sound and liquid and the banks are now increasing their lending to the private sector to help propel the transformation of the economy Beyond Aid.
Mr Speaker, a year ago, I started my speech here in Parliament with a reference to the happy events in Dagbon, and my presence at the enskinment of the new Ya-Naa Mahama Abukari II. I am glad to report that, about a month ago, the now-firmly in place Ya-Naa paid a historic visit to Jubilee House. I do not think Jubilee House has ever witnessed such scenes. It would be fair to say that the Ya-Naa and his entourage certainly shook up the place, and nobody would be forgetting that dramatic, colourful visit in a hurry.
Dagbon is gradually regaining her self-confidence, and I hope the House will join me in wishing that ancient kingdom the goodwill, patience and tolerance her elders, sons and daughters need to continue the healing process, and grow from strength to strength.
Mr Speaker, the peace, that currently prevails in Dagbon, is required for progress and development throughout the country. We have spent a lot of money to ensure that the security agencies, that are charged with maintaining law and order and keeping us safe, are well resourced to enable them perform their duties. Police numbers have been increased and will be increased further until we meet the recommended ratio.
The police have been provided with more vehicles and equipment than they have ever had, including over six hundred (600) vehicles and three (3) incoming helicopters. There are now more opportunities for police officers to undergo training on the job to make them better prepared for work in our communities and keep us safe. We are building upon and improving the capacity of the cybercrime unit to confront and neutralise the criminal and dark underbelly of modern technology and the cyber-world. The government will continue to work with the management of the police service to ensure that there is proper and adequate training in modern policing methods and the equipping of the service to enable them deal with crime.
Mr Speaker, Government is committed to improving the conditions of service of all security personnel, including the police. But, nevertheless, I think it is my duty also to point out that public perception of the police continues not to be the best, and they must make a comprehensive effort to earn the confidence of the public. We cannot run a country of law and order without a well-trained and accomplished police service, that has the respect and confidence of the people. I acknowledge the work they do, but I urge them to work harder on their reputation.
Mr Speaker, I am happy to report that the equipping and rehabilitation effort is not only in the police service, but also in all the other services as well. I must make mention of the Fire Service and the Prison Service where the numbers have been increased with fresh recruitment. There are positive things happening in the Prison Service with opportunities being made available for inmates to acquire skills.
I note, in particular, with a lot of satisfaction, that, this past year, three hundred and seventy-six (376) prison inmates passed various exams in the National Vocational and Technical Institutes, Junior High Schools and Senior High Schools.
Mr Speaker, the Ghana Armed Forces continue to perform creditably in discharging their duty of defending the territorial integrity of the country. The government has retooled and equipped them to keep them in the desired state of readiness. When the government amended L.I 1332, which extended the run-out date from twenty (25) years to thirty (30) years for the 'Other Ranks', it led to the creation of new ranks within the structures of the Armed forces, and to a subsequent rationalisation of wages and salaries for all ranks within the Forces.
Government is tackling the long-standing housing problem that has faced our Armed Forces. Over five hundred million cedis (GH¢500 million) is being invested in housing projects of varying sizes for the men and women of the Armed Forces, and in refurbishing the Military Academy and Training Schools in Teshie.
Our soldiers have been active along the northern borders to protect our country and its people since the eruption of terrorist activities in Burkina Faso. They have also been working with the police since July 2017 in Operation Vanguard, which was set up to deal with the activities of illegal miners.
Mr Speaker, the mention of Operation Vanguard would seem to be the appropriate time to deal with the subject of galamsey, the popular name that has been coined for illegal mining. When we came into office in January 2017, galamsey activities were rampant in many parts of our country. Our lands, forests and river bodies were being systematically degraded and polluted without any care. And this had been the case for several years. Indeed, the previous government had given up the fight against galamsey. We determined that this was an intolerable situation, and we owed it to generations yet unborn, to tackle the problem and save our environment.
I was very much aware that the lure of gold, once it takes hold, drives away all rationality. That is not a Ghanaian characteristic, it is a human characteristic that has been displayed all over the world, throughout the ages. I was, therefore, not under any illusions about the size and scope of the problem we were taking on.
But, I was cheered by the support from a large part of the population that also recognised the danger posed by the degradation of our lands and water bodies, and the needless deaths of young people, who were being buried alive in makeshift mining pits. I welcomed, in particular, the Media Coalition, which was formed in July 2017, that lent its support to the fight against galamsey.
As I have said on countless occasions, the battle we launched was not against mining, it would be unrealistic for anyone to suggest that there should be no mining in Ghana. The Almighty, having blessed us with all these precious minerals, must surely be in agreement that we would find ways to use them to develop our country, and for the benefit of our communities.
However, taking the minerals out should not lead to the destruction of our water bodies and forests, or endanger the sustainable existence of our country. What is more, it was obvious to all that the small-scale mining, that had always taken place in our communities, had been transformed into something unrecognisable in our history by the introduction of the monster machinery that dug up riverbeds and turned serene streams into ugly, toxic, muddy, frothy ponds. It was no longer small-scale mining, and it certainly was no longer local community mining, when we saw the influx of foreigners into the most rural, isolated and densest of forests. It was no longer local community mining when rivers, hitherto, considered as sacred, were being abused and polluted.
We started with the banning of all small-scale mining, and, after about a year of the campaign, we made some progress as some rivers showed signs of coming back to life. The University of Mines and Technology at Tarkwa took on the role of training local people in sustainable mining and by the time the ban on all small-scale mining was lifted last year, about four thousand (4,000) had received the training.
This Honourable House also did its part by amending the Mining Act to raise the penalties for illegal mining, and prohibiting foreign nationals from participating in any way in small-scale mining. The nation is grateful for the intervention of Parliament.
Mr Speaker, the threat posed to the future of our country by galamsey is grave, and we cannot shirk our responsibilities in dealing with it. I am appealing to the Media Coalition not be daunted by the difficulties in the fight against galamsey. Government will not weaken its stance, and welcomes the continuous support of the Media Coalition.
The Inter-Ministerial Committee Against Illegal Mining has been working hard, and has had some successes. Under the auspices of this Committee, the Ministry of Local Government has formulated, and is implementing, the Alternative Livelihood Programme in thirty-five (35) severely affected "galamsey" Districts across the country.
Last year, five hundred (500) youth, mainly engaged in illegal mining, were trained and graduated in vocational and technical skills from Community Development Vocational and Technical Institutions. They have been provided with start-up tools and equipment. An additional six hundred and seven (607) youth are currently undergoing similar training, two hundred and forty (240) of whom are in the Community Development Institutions, whilst three hundred and sixty-seven (367) are attached to Master Craftsmen through apprenticeship at the community level.
Operation Vanguard has been largely successful, even though problems still remain. Mining with impunity on water bodies and in forest reserves has declined. More than four thousand (4,000) miners have received training in sustainable mining. The number of individuals, dying in collapsed mining tunnels and pits in the few unauthorized locations left, has reduced by more than ninety percent (90%). Operation Vanguard has been particularly effective in helping to restore the order which has permitted the reopening of the famous Obuasi mine of Anglogold Ashanti.
The Community Mining Programme has been well received by the population, and young men and women, who did not have the resources to acquire concessions and excavators and other mining inputs, and, therefore, had to do 'galamsey', have moved into legal community mining.
Now, more than twenty-thousand (20,000) individuals are earning their incomes legitimately in the community mines in Akrofuom, Atwima Nwabiagya, Atwima Mponua, Adansi North, Amansie Central, Wassa Amenfi East and Wa East Districts. Since the introduction of the Community Mining Programme, there have been no deaths due to the collapse of tunnels and pits.
The Inter-Ministerial Committee, along with Operation Vanguard, were determined to disrupt galamsey activities, by confiscating equipment that were employed in these activities. In this regard, 12,000 "changfan" machines that go on the river and scoop up the riverbed were seized and destroyed on site. Some excavators were also seized, and a number of them have gone missing. The Police have arrested and charged some of the alleged culprits, and investigations are ongoing. No one involved will be shielded, no matter what their positions or political colours are.
Mr. Speaker, we have made significant strides over the last three years in our fight against corruption, despite the scepticism of people with questionable records. We have strengthened the legal framework to fight corruption, with the help of this House, by passing into law the Witness Protection Act, 2018 (Act 959), the Office of the Special Prosecutor Act, 2018 (Act 959), the Right to Information (RTI) Act, 2019 (Act 989), and the Companies Act, 2019, (Act 992), which provides a framework for enacting a beneficial ownership register.
Government has increased budgetary allocations to all the accountability institutions of State, including the Parliament of Ghana, the Judiciary, CHRAJ, EOCO, the Office of the Attorney-General and Ministry of Justice, the Auditor General, the Office of the Special Prosecutor and the Ghana Police Service with annual increases between 25% and 34% between 2017 and 2019.
We have also implemented a change from the opaque allocation of Ghana's oil blocks to a more transparent allocation process, and advisedly so. The opaque period, 2013 to 2016, saw, according to the Ministry of Energy, the signature of thirteen (13) petroleum agreements, from which fourteen (14) wells were to be drilled. Not a single well was drilled. In contrast, in my time, over the last three (3) years, there have been six (6) drilling campaigns on three (3) different blocks, with others on the way. We will drill more and find more oil.
Some forty or more (40) high profile personalities are currently before the courts on various corruption charges and more are in the pipeline. I will like to repeat that, if evidence of corruption is presented, no one will be spared, regardless of position or political affiliation. No one is above the law. That is the true meaning of equality before the law.
Mr. Speaker, as part of our strategy to modernize the economy, deliver government services efficiently, and curb corruption, Government has over the last three years embarked on a major program of digitization of the economy with significant success. As at the end of last week, 9.2 million people have been registered for the National ID card, the Ghana card. Before the end of this year, Ghana will have a fully working national ID system, which will be a game-changer for our nation.
Mr Speaker, we are also providing infrastructure to many Zongo communities across the country, through the Zongo Development Fund.
Mr Speaker, we are seeing an improvement in the quality of our nation's sanitation, even though we still have a lot more to do. According to the Northern Regional Environmental Health Unit, in the three Northern Regions, (Savannah, North East and Northern), the number of Open Defaecation Free Communities (ODF) has increased from five percent (5%) as at June 2016 to some fifty-eight (58%) as at July 2019. The latest data from the Ministry of Sanitation and Water Resources shows that ODF communities in Ghana as a whole have increased from four hundred and ten (410) in 2016 to over five thousand (5,000) communities. Now, that is progress, and it did not just happen, it took hard work, commitment and the provision of infrastructure. In fulfilment of our manifesto commitment of "toilets for all", we have built thirteen thousand, eight hundred (13,800) toilets, which is largely responsible for this development. Mr Speaker, we have not stopped building toilets, we will build more.
Mr Speaker, another good example of deliberate, well-thought out policy, executed through hard work and commitment, that is generating dividends, is what we have done about food and agriculture in the past three (3) years.
It bears repeating that agriculture was very much in the doldrums when we came into office, with a growth rate of 2.9%. We introduced the programme for Planting for Food and Jobs, and set about to make agriculture an attractive profession. We invested resources, expertise and time, and the results have been impressive and rewarding. Growth rate in 2017 was 6.1%, and this increased to 6.4% last year.
Increased production and high yields of some foodstuffs like maize, rice, sorghum, groundnuts, soyabean, cowpea, cassava and plantain have led to a decrease in the wholesale prices in market centers in major food producing areas. Furthermore, we are no longer importers of maize, we are reducing our dependence on rice imports, and are now, in effect, net exporters of foodstuffs. Food prices are at their lowest in decades.
Mr Speaker, I must provide some examples of what I mean by things not just occurring by happenstance, but by deliberate and meticulous planning and competent execution. We recruited some two thousand, seven hundred (2,700) agricultural extension agents to give practical expertise on the farms. We are not yet at the United Nations recommended ratio of one extension officer to five hundred (1:500) farmers, but we are working to get there, and it is definitely a vast improvement on the decimated department we met on the assumption of office. With the support of Canada, three hundred (300) vehicles and three thousand (3,000) motorbikes have been deployed around the country for ease of movement for those tasked to help the farmers.
Once the foodstuffs are produced, we do not leave it to chance and risk not being able to sell and, thereby, discourage the farmers. The National Food and Buffer Stock Company (NAFCO) has been revitalised to enhance agricultural marketing, and improve access to market. NAFCO is promoting institutional procurement of produce and sales to schools and hospitals.
Mr Speaker, I am pleased to inform you that the Commodities Exchange in Ghana, which is fully operational, is promoting high productivity, price stability, increased exports, and reduced imports of commodities. Trading operations, through an electronic trading platform, commenced in November 2018.
To increase storage capacity, eighty (80) warehouses, each of a size of one thousand metric tonnes, are being built around the country. Thirty-five (35) have been completed by the Ministry of Special Development Initiatives, and thirteen (13) by the Ministry of Agriculture. The Ministry of Agriculture will complete the remaining seventeen (17) soon, and the Special Development Initiatives Ministry will complete another ten (10) by June. In other words, Mr. Speaker, every part of the value chain is planned and accounted for.
The diversification of the scheme ensures that there would be something to interest a wide variety of people. Thus, it is not only foodstuffs that are on offer; the Planting for Export and Rural Development (PERD) module promotes the following tree crops: cashew, coffee, coconut, oil palm, mango, rubber and shea. Parliament has contributed to the process of agricultural transformation by the establishment of the Tree Crop Development Authority, which is going to be responsible for husbanding the industries of these tree crops into full maturity, and expand by seven-fold our earnings from agriculture. The Rearing for Food and Jobs (RFJ) programme is developing a competitive and more efficient livestock industry that will increase domestic meat production and reduce importation of livestock. Two hundred and sixty-five (265) small earth dams have been completed under the 1-Village-1-Dam initiative. More will be done this year.
At the heart of all these efforts is the determination to make agriculture an attractive business to young, educated Ghanaians, and this is why modernisation, mechanisation and the use of technology are all part of the scheme.
Digital and internet maps of soil fertility status in the Northern Savannah Ecological Zone are being made available to facilitate informed decision making on fertilizer formulation and application. If any more proof were needed that, under this government, agriculture is a high-tech undertaking, Mr Speaker, an electronic platform has been established to capture and monitor the activities of participating farmers. As at December 2019, five hundred thousand (500,000) farmers had been biometrically registered.
Mr Speaker, it gives me great joy to be able to tell this House that modernisation is finally coming to the fishing industry as well. New ways of doing things are being accepted and our fisherfolk are now ready to take a leap into scientific and sustainable methods of fishing. For two consecutive years now, our fisherfolk have accepted a close season, and allowed fishes to spawn without disturbance in our waters. Constructions of the ten (10) long promised, much publicised landing sites, in Senya Beraku, Elmina, Moree, Mumford, Winneba, Gomoa Fetteh, Dixcove, Axim, Teshie and Keta, have finally started. Axim, Dixcove, Senya Beraku and Gomoa Fetteh will be completed by the end of this year, with the remainder being completed early next year. Construction of the Jamestown Harbour will commence in March, following the completion of technical work.
Mr Speaker, I am looking forward to the Business Resource Centres being built, helping the country to unearth some exciting, young entrepreneurs. Thirty-seven (37) of them have been completed. These centres are one-stop enterprise support centres that provide full range of business development services, investment facilitation and information services to entrepreneurs, and business enterprises at the district level. On Monday, I was very pleased to be at Kadjebi, in the Oti Region, to commission one (1) of the thirty-seven (37) BRCs that have been completed around the country. In November last year, I commissioned another one at Effiduase Asokore, in the Ashanti Region. The BRCs are all being equipped with modern IT infrastructure, and networked through a virtual private network, to facilitate efficient delivery of their operations. We have built thirty-seven (37), we are building thirty (30) more.
The young people that I met during the Presidential Pitch programme, for example, give me a lot of hope, and strike me as having the potential to benefit from the BRCs, the National Entrepreneurship and Innovations Plan, and take on the world.
Mr Speaker, the government is aggressively pursuing its plans for industrial transformation. Whilst the Business Development Ministry works on bringing out entrepreneurial skills and encouraging young people to spot business opportunities, we are paying greater attention to making Ghana an easy place to do business and set up industries.
Having won the bid to host the Headquarters of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) in Accra, the Government has provided a permanent office building to host the Secretariat, and with the appointment of the Secretary-General in Addis Ababa two weeks ago, at the recent AU Summit, the office will become operational by the end of next month. We extend our warm congratulations to the first Secretary-General, Wamkele Mene, the young South African, and assure him that we will give him our fullest co-operation to ensure he succeeds.
Mr. Speaker, we launched the Ghana Automotive Development Policy in August last year, and it has so far attracted investments and commercial interests from some very big players, including Toyota, Volkswagen, Nissan, Renault, Hyundai, Sinotruk and Suzuki. VW is building its plant at the North Industrial Area in Accra, and is due to start production by the end of April. Sinotruk has begun assembling its trucks. Toyota is scheduled to start the assembly of vehicles in Tema in the last quarter of this year. We have high hopes for this new industry, which has come to join our own Kantanka.
Mr. Speaker, we are determined, at long last, to exploit our large bauxite, manganese and iron ore deposits, which will enable us to establish an integrated bauxite and aluminium industry, and an iron and steel industry. The Ghana Integrated Bauxite and Aluminum Development Corporation and the Ghana Integrated Iron and Steel Corporation have been established by law as the vehicles for this exploitation. The processes are underway for the selection, this year, of joint venture partners for the development of the full value chain of these two multi-billion-dollar industries, which will give a tremendous boost to Ghanaian industrialisation.
Mr. Speaker, all our best laid plans for industrialization would come to naught unless we have a reliable and reasonably priced energy source. It probably says something about the progress we have made that, in discussing the state of our nation, it takes a while even to get into our power supply matters. It gives me great pleasure to be able to say that we have overcome the DUMSOR menace. But, unfortunately, I cannot say that we have resolved all our energy problems. It is still work in progress. Further, the five years of energy crisis led to the signing of what can only be described as usurious contracts that have landed our country with a huge financial burden. The take or pay contracts resulted in the country being saddled with expensive excess power, and our having to pay nearly one billion United States dollars, in 2018 and 2019, for power we did not need. We are working to find a way out to ensure reliable power supply at a cost that makes us competitive in the Region.
In the meantime, the industrialisation flagship project, 1-District-1-Factory, is progressing and beginning to show dividends. A total of one hundred and eighty-one (181) projects, spread across the one hundred and twelve (112) districts, are currently at various stages of implementation under the programme. Fifty-eight (58) companies already in operation; twenty-six (26) projects currently under construction; fifty-eight (58) AfDB small-scale projects ready for sod cutting in the early part of this year; and twenty-six (26) pipeline projects are ready to commence implementation by the 1st quarter of this year. EXIM Bank, last month, signed a one hundred million United States dollar facility with Credit Suisse to help complete, this year, twenty (20) of the export-related factories. It is envisaged that the 1D1F initiative will generate a total of two hundred and twenty-eight thousand, eight hundred and sixty-six (228,866) direct and indirect jobs. Even though the latest Ghana Living Standards Survey has recorded a drop in unemployment from 11.9% in 2015 to 7.3% in 2019, we still need to do more to create more jobs with urgency.
Struggling, existing businesses are also being revived and expanded under the 1D1F scheme. There is nothing contrary to the philosophy that underpins 1D1F if an already existing enterprise is helped to expand and employ more people.
Mr. Speaker, all our plans, all our hopes, all our expectations for a brighter tomorrow will only come to fruition if we can guarantee an educated and skilled workforce. A look at the national budget gives a clear indication of where our priority lies and it is with education.
The Pre-Tertiary Education Bill, currently before Parliament, defines the priorities. Basic education has been redefined to include Senior High School, and this covers vocational, agricultural and technical schools. The emphasis is aggressively to promote Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics education across all levels of the education system. I am aware that some of the Teacher Unions have concerns over the proposed legislation. I would like to add my voice to that of Parliament in encouraging the Unions to deepen their engagement with the Ministry of Education in order to find a consensus that will enable the Bill to go forward in peace.
Mr Speaker, it was a Manifesto commitment to leverage technology to popularise the teaching and learning of Mathematics. It was with an eye to the future that we decided to demystify mathematics, and make Ghana a mathematics-friendly country. We need more engineering and technically minded people to be able to transform the economy. I am glad to report that Ghana's teachers are supportive of the many changes that are being introduced to make these hopes a reality. Yes, the first cohort of Free SHS students are now getting ready to take their West African Senior Secondary Certificate Examination, and we look forward to them doing well.
Despite the continuing hostility of a few about the merits of the Free Senior High School policy, I am glad to note that it has been widely accepted by the overwhelming majority of Ghanaians. Yes, we still have some difficulties with infrastructure deficits, which are being vigourously addressed with the construction of nine hundred and sixty two (962) facilities – dormitories, dining halls, assembly halls and classroom blocks, together with the provision of mono desks and beds – but the argument about the importance of ensuring that all Ghana's children get a secondary school education is irresistible.
In the best of worlds, the conversation should move on to the fastest way to provide laboratories and workshops, to make all Ghana's children ICT competent. The conversation should move on to how quickly we can transform our children into technically-minded and mathematics loving students.
This Government is trying to move the conversation to Technical, Vocational and Education Training (TVET) becoming the instinctive choice for children at school. We are moving the conversation to ensuring that, when an institution is designated as a technical institution, it delivers technical courses. And, just in case I need to remind anyone, TVET has always been part of Free SHS, or, if you prefer, call it Free TVET.
I am well aware that we need a happy and contented group of teachers to ensure that the teaching and learning environment is happy and safe for our children. We have restored the teacher trainee allowances, employed sixty-seven thousand (67,000) teachers, paid tier-2 pension funds of teachers, cleared the three-year backlog of non-promotion of teachers, abandoned the three-month pay policy we inherited for newly-recruited teachers and cleared 92% of the legacy arrears, we have restored the research and book allowances that were cancelled, and we have agreed to grant teachers a professional allowance. The new promotion policy for teachers, announced some two weeks ago, has been well received by teachers. This government is determined to restore dignity to the teaching profession. We want the teachers to accept that they hold our destinies in their hands.
I am happy to note that sporting activities are finding their way back into the regular school curriculum. I am told that inter-schools sporting activities are once again attaining the keen competitive edge that those of us of a certain age remember.
Mr. Speaker, ten (10) Youth and Sports Centres of Excellence, are being constructed across ten regions of the country at Wa, Dormaa, Dunkwa-on-Offin, Ho, Koforidua, Nyinahin, Yendi, Navrongo, Axim and Kaneshie to harness and develop the entrepreneurial abilities and sporting talents of the youth. All ten (10) will be completed this year, and the six (6) newly created regions will also be provided with the same facilities from this year. Each centre will have a counselling centre (for entrepreneurship development), a conference centre, an ICT centre, a restaurant, hostel facility and offices, a FIFA standard football pitch, an 8-lane athletic track, tennis courts, multi-purpose courts for basketball, handball, tennis, volleyball and other sporting disciplines, and a gymnasium.
We are making sure there will be room for the future Alice Anums, Mike Aheys, Baba Yaras to develop their skills. We want to make sure that, when children turn on the television to watch sporting programmes, they will be able to find, on the field and tracks, Ghanaians competing at the highest levels.
It was with considerable reluctance that Government had to intervene in the administration of football, when we decided to dissolve the old GFA because of the bribery and corruption that engulfed its operation. Government worked with FIFA, established the Normalisation Committee, and helped bring a new GFA into being. I am happy to note that football, the passion of the nation, has returned to full normalcy, following the election of a new President of the Ghana Football Association (GFA), Mr. Kurt Okraku. I congratulate him on his election. The Ghana Premier League has started, and let us help "Bring Back the Love".
Mr. Speaker, this year we are going to conduct a national census, and it is incumbent on every citizen to co-operate with the Ghana Statistical Service to enable the Service produce an accurate census and data for our effective socio-economic planning.
Mr. Speaker, we never lose sight of the fact that there are always some people who might not be able to run life's race at the same frenetic pace as the majority of people. It is the responsibility of government always to provide the safety net that would ensure that the poor and vulnerable are not excluded from the development agenda.
We will continue to improve and expand social protection interventions to cover those who need them. It is critical that the social protection interventions are targeted at those who genuinely need them, and who would use them to help lift themselves out of poverty.
Mr. Speaker, the Ghana National Household Registry (GNHR), in collaboration with the Ghana Statistical Service, is collecting data on all extremely poor households in the country through inter-institutional coordination, to ensure efficiency and effectiveness in social protection spending, and eliminate duplication in targeting and selection of beneficiaries for social protection programmes.
Mr Speaker, let me give an example of the type of help. For the first time in the country's history, a dedicated fund of five million cedis (GH¢5 million) to support women entrepreneurs with disability has been established.
The fund, known as Presidential Empowerment for Women Entrepreneurs with Disability, is to provide financial support to one thousand (1,000) women entrepreneurs with disability in two years, either to establish or scale-up their businesses. So far, eight hundred and fifty (850) women entrepreneurs with disability across the country have benefitted from the fund, which is fifty percent (50%) grant and fifty percent (50%) loan without interest. The support has enabled the women to expand their businesses, and to create one hundred and eighty (180) direct jobs and many more indirect jobs.
The Presidential Empowerment for Women Entrepreneurs with Disability does not only help deliver a manifesto commitment, it is also in fulfilment of the SDG goals five (5), eight (8) and ten (10), which aim to ensure economic inclusion of women, and to harness their talents and capabilities for national development.
Mr Speaker, we have begun the process of amending the Disability Act, Act 715, to comply with the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, and, hopefully, this House will pass it before the end of the year. As part of the Disability Inclusive Policy of Government, all Metropolitan, Municipal and District Assemblies have representations of Persons with Disabilities to enable them partake in local level governance.
Mr Speaker, the general health of the people is an important ingredient in making rapid development. Sixty-five thousand (65,000) new healthcare personnel, from 2017 to date, have been recruited. The National Health Insurance Scheme is operating more adequately, and is enjoying the confidence of the increasing numbers of its users, with the number of active members up from 10.6 million in 2016 to 12.3 million at the end of 2019. I remember last year, I urged Ghanaians to renew their NHIS membership by dialling star nine two nine hash (*929#) on any mobile phone network. I am glad it has had an impact, as five million people renewed their NHIS membership through the mobile renewal service platform in 2019.
As the nation has made progress in eradicating the communicable diseases that used to be the main causes of mortality, we are in danger of falling into the lifestyle disease trap. Too many of us are overweight, and obesity is an increasing problem, even among young people. The foods we eat, the mode of cooking, and the lack of exercise are all now having a great impression on our health. It is time we all learn to take responsibility for our individual health, and accept that our health is very much determined by our lifestyle.
Mr. Speaker, one big problem we have is how we move people and goods from place to place. I am glad to report that we are making significant and verifiable progress in the railways sector. We can now take for granted and as part of the normal transportation routes, the rehabilitation of some of the old narrow-gauge lines that have been pressed back into service. The Tema to Accra line has been operational for two years, and the Accra to Nsawam line would soon be. The Takoradi to Tarkwa line was inaugurated few weeks ago, and is proving to be very popular and being enthusiastically patronised.
Mr. Speaker, there are other suburban lines that will soon be brought into our everyday lives. Those are exciting, of course, but the big one remains the Tema to Ouagadougou, or, to put it less dramatically, the Accra to Paga line. What started as the Tema to Paga railway line has become the Ghana to Burkina Railway Interconnectivity Project. Approximately eight hundred (800) kilometers of this rail line will be in Ghana, and two hundred (200) kilometers in Burkina Faso.
Mr Speaker, Cabinet has approved the final route for this line. The approximately one hundred (100) kilometre, Tema to Akwamu Mkapadan line, is the first section of the Tema to Ouagadougou rail line. At the environs of Juapong, a branch line from Tema to Mpakadan will continue through Hohoe, Nkwanta, Dambai, Yendi, Tamale, Walewale, Nalerigu, Sheini, Bolgatanga and then to Paga as the remaining seven hundred (700) kilometers of the Tema to Ouagadougou Railway line.
Mr Speaker, the consultants of the project have submitted their final report, and the two Governments have begun the final stage of procurement for the strategic investor. I am confident that, this year, the strategic investor will be chosen. The preparation for construction has already commenced with the choice of the final route, and the acquisition of land, the right of way, will start immediately.
The contractors have assured the government that the Tema to Mpakadan line, which includes a three hundred (300) metre rail bridge over the Volta River, will be completed in August. Those who travel along the Accra to Akosombo route would testify that this is a reality, as we can all see the work being done. I hope to travel on that line in August. We can safely say that the rail line journey to Paga has begun.
Work is going on to develop the railway network in other parts of the country. There will be activity on the Eastern Line this year, and construction will commence on the Kumasi to Nyinahin via Aduadin rail line. In addition to the inter-city and regional railway lines, Government is committed to developing suburban rail lines and inner-city light rail to ease the oppressive traffic situation within our cities.
What is popularly referred to as the Western Line is receiving attention. The Kojokrom to Manso section, approximately twenty-two (22) kilometre section of the line, with a three hundred and fifty (350) metre viaduct, is being developed.
To speed up the development of the line, the contractor has been asked to develop a new standard gauge line within the Port of Takoradi, to convert the Takoradi to Kojokrom narrow gauge line into a standard gauge line, and also to continue the development of the new standard gauge line from Manso to Huni Valley.
The Kumasi section of the Western Line will also receive attention this year, since government has decided to develop the Western Line from Takoradi towards Kumasi and from Kumasi towards Takoradi. Mr Speaker, I am happy to announce that development of the Kumasi to Aduabin section of the Western Line will commence this year.
Mr. Speaker, just in case there is someone here who might have missed it, I would like to announce and inform the House that, this year, the year of Our Lord 2020, has been declared the Year of Roads.
Mr Speaker, when we declared last year, 2019, as the "Year of Return", it was not because Africans in the diaspora had not been visiting Ghana throughout the years to reconnect with their past. We wanted to make a special year of it, we wanted to draw attention to it and inform the whole world we considered it important. That is the idea of the Year of Roads.
There are legitimate cases to be made for emphasis to be placed on any of the many deficits in our infrastructure. This year, this government is saying we are putting the emphasis on roads.
Gradually, the backlog of debts owed to contractors is being cleared, and many of them are able to go back to the jobs to finish them.
A list of some critical roads has been drawn up and work has started on them. Some of the names of the roads on this list have featured repeatedly in various speeches before this House in the past thirty years. Some of them have even featured on lists of roads, that have been claimed to have been built, but that have turned out to have been artists' impressions. Some of the roads on the list have, indeed, been said to have been built by so-called reputable contractors, but they have not survived two rainy seasons.
Mr. Speaker, I speak for all of us in this House, when I say the most frequent and most passionate complaints we get from our constituents are about roads.
I, therefore, expect that everyone will take an interest in the works that are being done and going to be done. Let us all take an interest and ensure that we get value for money. Never again should it be that a political party or government be allowed to claim to have built a road, a school, or a hospital when they have not done so. No longer should it be permissible that project supervisors and consultants sign off on buildings and roads for contractors to be paid for shoddy work or work not done.
We live in these communities where these fake projects are said to have been undertaken, and we should each make it our business to ensure that the work is what it claims to be, and contractors get paid for work they have, indeed, done. The Ministry has published the list of critical roads that the government is undertaking to do, and I shall not be reciting them here. I am sure we all have our favourite among the list.
However, I would mention a few, the upgrading of the Atebubu/Kwame Danso/ Kwadwokrom road, and this would be in honour of our former Chief Justice, Justice Sophia Akuffo, who once gave me a hair-raising account of a trip she took on that road. The second choice I make is the Hohoe-Jasikan-Dodo Pepeso stretch. We shall all be greatly relieved when it is finally done. There are others such as Benchema/Nkwanta/Adjayfua, Bolgatanga/Bawku, Kumasi and Greater Accra Inner City Roads, and this is the first time that four (4) flyovers and interchanges are being constructed at the same time in our history.
Mr. Speaker, I am sure that, like the Year of Return, which, after its success, has now been declared by some as the Decade of Return, we would be declaring a Decade of Roads, until we get a road network that meets the needs of a modern, industrialised Ghana.
Mr Speaker, one of the major beneficiaries of the 'Year of Return' was the creative arts industry. Our commitment to the development of Ghana's creative arts industry is absolute. I inaugurated, in December last year, the National Film Authority, whose function is to supervise an economically, self-sustaining and culturally conscious film industry in the country. The Creative Arts Industry Bill has been presented to Cabinet for consideration, and, once passed by Parliament, the Act will establish the Creative Arts Fund and an agency to promote the industry. Government has also reaffirmed its commitment to the growth of the industry, by commencing the construction of the very first Senior High School in Ghana dedicated solely to the development of the industry. I cut the sod for this construction, in Kumasi, again, in December last year. We are determined to do more.
Mr Speaker, we have a good story to tell in many areas. Once derelict State Enterprises have been revitalised. Let me list a few: State Housing Company, Ghana Publishing Corporation, Ghana Post, GIHOC, State Transport Company, Ghana Maritime Authority have all been given a new lease of life, and are functioning with greater efficiency, and becoming again profit centres.
Digitisation has also led to a remarkable improvement in the delivery of public services. We are all greatly relieved, for example, that the hassle has been removed for those who want to get passports. We are equally relieved that DVLA offices are no longer the nightmare places they used to be, and we can get driver's licences without having to go through 'goro' boys. I have not had the experience myself, yet, but I am assured that the STC has been transformed, and it is now a pleasant experience to travel on their buses.
SSNIT has given a guarantee that when people apply for their pensions, they would get them within two weeks. I am told most people get them within ten days, a far cry from the sad, disgraceful and humiliating experience that pensioners used to go through to get their pensions.
We have implemented a digital property address system which gives an address to every location in Ghana. We now have the first of its kind mobile money interoperability payment system in Africa; the port operates a paperless clearance system; business registration is now online; we can now buy electricity units on our mobile phones; and e-justice system has been implemented at the courts. This process of digitisation is also helping to curb corruption.
Mr. Speaker, for the first time in many years, Ghana has a fully functioning emergency response and ambulance system. As promised, Government has procured three hundred and seven (307) ambulances, with one assigned to each constituency. Each ambulance has a tracker that determines its location instantly from the command centre. The emergency number, one-one-two (112), has also been linked to the Ghanapost GPS system, such that if any call to the number is made using the Ghanapost GPS app, emergency services will know the exact location of the caller instantly.
We are employing drones to deliver emergency medical supplies in remote areas, and, today, Ghana has the largest medical drone delivery service in the world!
Mr Speaker, when the Electoral Commission begins the registration exercise for the compilation of a new voters register in the course of the year, I appeal to all Ghanaians to register. It is our civic responsibility.
Ghana, Mr Speaker, as she has done periodically, since 1992, is going to conduct, on 7th December, a general election, so that our people can choose the person and persons they want to manage the affairs of the nation on their behalf. This will be the eighth (8th) general election of our history in the 4th Republic. Government, together with all stakeholders, is determined to ensure that it is peaceful and orderly, so that our people can make their choice in freedom and serenity, and exercise their civic duty of helping to elect a government of their choice on 7th December. We should all commit ourselves to uphold the reputation of our nation as a beacon of democracy, and we expect the media to help lead the way in that regard.
Mr. Speaker, despite the achievements of this Government, some of which I have outlined, I hasten to add that we still have some way to go to reach the Ghana we want. Three years ago, when I first stood before you, I said, and I quote "I was not elected by the overwhelming majority of the Ghanaian people to complain. I was elected to get things done. I was elected to fix what is broken and my government and I are determined to do just that." Mr, Speaker, we have done just that. We have fixed the broken economy, we have delivered Free Senior High School education, we have brought the National Health Insurance Scheme back to life, we have revamped our agriculture, we have sanitised the banking sector, our industrial transformation is on, we are digitising the economy, and Ghana continues to be at peace. We have done much more than we inherited, we are creating conditions for young people to have hope again, and we are determined to do more. Things are working in Ghana, and Ghana is surely changing.
Mr. Speaker, our nation is in good health, and in good, competent hands!
May God bless us all, and our homeland Ghana, and make her great and strong. |
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} | 51_146239 | TESCON commends Government
Accra, Oct. 5 GNA - The Tertiary Education Students' Confederacy (TESCON) of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) on Wednesday commended the Government for the steps it had taken to improve the standard of living of the ordinary Ghanaian.
A statement issued in Accra and signed by Baffour Osei Akoto, President of TESCON of the University of Ghana, said the pursuit had gained the Government the immense commendation both locally and internationally.
It said the success cut across all sectors, ranging from health, economy, education, sports, international relations and good governance. The statement said significant among these achievements was the implementation of the Free Compulsory Universal Basic Education (FCUBE) and the provision of capitation grant, which would enable all children of school-going age to have basic education free of charge. It said the programme confirmed the Government's commitment to human resource development.
The statement commended the Government for the implementation of the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) and the appointment of Ghana as a non-permanent member of the UN Security Council. It said despite the laudable programmes of the NHIS and FCUBE there were some problems associated with their implementation and urged the Government to address these problems as a matter of urgency. |
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} | 90_78165 | John Mahama dumps family for NDC
by Kweku Antwi Jnr
Former President John Dramani Mahama might have dump his family [external and nuclear families] the moment he openly declared his intentions to contest the flagbearership of the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC).
This is because, just three days after the curtains closed on his tenure in 2016, pressure mounted through a debate between former President's family and a section of the party he led into the 2016 elections over his political future as to whether to contest again or not.
PrimeNewsGhana intercepted the front page headline of Daily Graphic published on January 10, 2018, and produce below:
Daily Graphic Newspaper on Wednesday, January 10, 2018, reported that, while former President Mahama's "immediate family insists that the former President should call time on local politics, some leaders of the NDC such as the National Organizer, Kofi Adams and the Member of Parliament for Odododiodoo, Edwin Nii Lantey Vanderpuye, have rejected the idea, insisting that Ghana's first one-term President is the NDC's best bet for Election 2020".
The paper reported that "speaking to a group of senior journalists ahead of last weekend's swearing-in of President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo- Addo, former President Mahama's younger brother and Chief Executive Officer of Engineers and Planners, Ibrahim Mahama, said the former President's family had been advising him not to contest the NDC primary to select a candidate for 2020".
The paper reported that "He (former President Mahama) agreed with us".
"John has given his all in politics to the NDC and Ghana and we think it is just fair that we allow him to rest. We were very supportive and instrumental in convincing him to partner the late Prof. J.E.A. Mills, and when the time came for him to contest for President, we supported him and advised him to go for it…Now we have advised him not to make a comeback in 2020", Mr. Mahama added.
Almost two year after the defeat and confirmation that he will not contest again, Former President Mahama has dumped his family and accepted the pressure from the party and some former government appointees to contest.
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} | 80_83749 | A/R: Mother, daughter & granddaughter burnt to death
FeaturedPolitics
Comfortable lead" was a strategy to minimise frustrations of NDC faithfuls
Outgoing Sports Minister, Edwin Nii Lante Vanderpuije has admitted that "comfortable lead" which emerged as one of the most popular refrains in the heat of the collation of results in the 2016 election was to "assuage the frustrations of supporters" of the National Democratic Congress (NDC).
Taking his turn on Starr Chat with Bola Ray on Accra-based Starr 103.5FM Wednesday, Vanderpuije who is also Member of Parliament for Odododiodoo said the statement made by Joyce Bawa, campaign spokesperson for the John Mahama campaign on the night of election day December 7 was strategically made to buy time and calm nerves as defeat stared the unsuspecting party faithful.
"Let me say that it was strategic. I've come to see that it was strategic. We have what we call the boomerang effect; when the expectations of people are so high, if you are not careful and you don't manage the expectation, and their frustration comes in, they could vent."
'We're in a comfortable lead' is to "assuage the frustration of the supporters. [It was] to minimise their frustration because the anger that would have come with the straight [admittance] that we have lost, people would have committed suicide," he said.
The outspoken politician added: "Even with this, we have reports of people committing suicide. Yes, I've heard of about three across the country. People could just not stand it… Even me, I broke down."
Incumbent President John Mahama eventually conceded defeat to main rival Nana Akufo-Addo of the NPP later in the evening of Friday, December 9 as the latter had taken a commanding lead of over a million votes difference with four of the 275 constituencies unaccounted for.
The President-elect, Nana Addo will take the oath of office to officially assume his position on January 7, 2017. |
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} | 82_145839 | Home Politics Mahama Will Not Comeback In 2020 – Family
Mahama Will Not Comeback In 2020 – Family
The immediate family of former President John Dramani Mahama has drawn down the curtain on days of speculations over the future of the former Ghanaian leader making a comeback to politics with official confirmation that the immediate past president will not lead the now biggest opposition party into the 2020 presidential election.
According to the Mahama family, the former President has paid his dues to the National Democratic Congress and the nation to the best of his ability, and it was time he leaves the stage for others to take over.
Speaking to a select group of senior journalists ahead of last weekend swearing-in of President Akufo Addo, a younger brother of former President Mahama and Chief Executive Officer of Engineers and Planners, Mr Ibrahim Mahama, stated that the Mahama family has been advising him not to contest the NDC primary to select flag bearer for the 2020 polls, adding "…and he (ex-President Mahama) agreed with us".
"John has given his all in politics to NDC and Ghana and we think it is just fair that we allow him to rest. We were very supportive and instrumental in convincing him to partner late Prof Mills, and when the time came for him to contest for President, we supported him and advised him to go for it…now we have again advised him not to make a comeback in 2020," the CEO of Engineers and Planners noted.
According to him the Mahama family shares the sentiments of persons calling on the former President not to quit politics after his failure to clinch to power in the December polls, but added that "it is important for those calling for his comeback to also respect the family's judgment."
Mr. Ibrahim, on behalf of the Mahama family has rather urge all Ghanaians, irrespective of their political and religious affiliation and ethnic background to support the newly sworn-in president, Nana Akufo Addo and his NPP administration with prayers to successfully steer the affairs of the nation.
According to Mr. Ibrahim, Ghanaians need to be measured in their expectations of the new Akufo Addo administration as the new government would need time to settle down. "The fact that Nana Addo made promises does not mean as soon as he takes office, things will change as many are expecting…things cannot change overnight. He needs time to put things in place before whatever changes he promised will start manifesting," he noted.
On the numerous promises by the NPP during the electioneering campaign, the Chief Executive Officer of Engineers and Planners noted that much as he and his family will also benefit if the government succeeds in implementing them, he nevertheless, cautions that Ghanaians should not expect them to be fulfilled overnight as "there are no miracles in governance so, I am pleading with my country men and women to be modest in their expectations of Nana's government…we should allow them some time to settle down."
President Mahama lost the 2016 elections by a shocking margin of 1.5 million votes to veteran opposition leader Nana Akufo-Addo, who polled 53.8%. Mr. Mahama thus became the first sitting President under the Fourth Republic to have tasted defeat. The president-elect was sworn into office last Saturday, January 7.
With another opportunity opened for him to contest the next presidential election, kingpins and supporters of the NDC have been calling on Mr Mahama to consider running for the 2020 elections. This call has however been shot down by the Mahama family who have advised their "son" to call it a quit, at least for now.
The uncompromising stand of the Mahama family brings to closure the former president's possible comeback and goes contrary to statements by some NDC stalwarts who have vowed to see Mr Mahama contest the seat he just lost to Nana Addo again in 2020.
First to officially make a strong case for ex-president Mahama's comeback in 2020 was former Minister of Youth and Sports and MP for Odododiodoo, Mr Edwin Nii Lante Vanderpuije.
Speaking on personality profile show – Starr Chat – on Starr 103.5 FM, Mr. Vanderpuije stressed Mr Mahama will be "forced" by party members to stage a comeback because he is the obvious choice to lead the outgoing NDC government.
"We'll force John Mahama to go," the MP for Odododiodoo told his host Bola Ray.
National Organizer of the NDC and 2016 Campaign Coordinator, Mr Kofi Adams has also supported this call. He is reported to have stated that he would reject a decision by the former president not to contest in the 2020 presidential election.
"If he decides not to run for elections, I will be disappointed…I will mobilize people against that," he recently stated on Asempa FM.
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} | 55_83071 | Mahama won't run in 2020 — Family
Just three days after the curtains closed on his tenure, there is mounting debate between former President John Dramani Mahama's family and a section of the party he led into the 2016 elections over his political future.
While his immediate family insists that the former President should call time on local politics, some leaders of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), including Mr Kofi Adams, its National Organiser, and Nii Lantey Vanderpuye, the Member of Parliament for Odododiodoo, have rejected the idea, insisting that Ghana's first one-term President is the NDC's best bet for Election 2020.
Speaking to a group of senior journalists ahead of last weekend's swearing-in of President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo- Addo, former President Mahama's younger brother and Chief Executive Officer of Engineers and Planners, Mr Ibrahim Mahama, said the former President's family had been advising him not to contest the NDC primary to select a candidate for 2020, adding: "He (former President Mahama) agreed with us."
"John has given his all in politics to the NDC and Ghana and we think it is just fair that we allow him to rest. We were very supportive and instrumental in convincing him to partner the late Prof. J.E.A. Mills, and when the time came for him to contest for President, we supported him and advised him to go for it…Now we have advised him not to make a comeback in 2020," he said.
President Mahama and wife Lordina
A case for Mahama 2020?
Historically, Ghanaian Presidents since 1992 have always served two terms. Perhaps counting on the fact that currently former President Mahama is the most marketed face in the NDC, Mr Adams said he would reject a decision by the former President not to contest the 2020 presidential election.
"If he decides not to run for elections, I will be disappointed…I will mobilise people against that," he was quoted as saying on Asempa FM.
But the first person to have officially stood up for the Mahama 2020 candidature was the immediate past Minister of Youth and Sports, Mr Vanderpuye, who insisted on Starr FM that former President Mahama would be forced to contest the 2020 elections.
However, the former President's brother believed that the family was making a better judgement.
While appreciating the support from those urging Mr Mahama to stage a comeback, Ibrahim said "it is important for those calling for his comeback to also respect the family's judgement".
Mahama on his future
While his family and some members of his party are poles apart on his future, the former President gave a hint about his future to his peers during an ECOWAS meeting in Abuja, Nigeria, in December last year.
"Many people have asked me what my plans are; I have no plans yet. My immediate intention is to take a well-deserved rest after three years of working without a single break. I guess that going forward I'll be more engaged on sub-regional, continental and global matters," he explained.
Mahama & diplomacy
For those cautioning the President to forget about local politics, their argument is informed by Ghana's voting trend since 1992 which gives two terms to every new government — NDC I (1993-2001); the New Patriotic Party (NPP) (2001-2009); and NDC II (2009-2016) and the ex-President's performance as Chairman of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).
For those in this school of thought, the President's image as a statesman may be crashed if he contests and loses the 2020 elections.
Rather, they hold the view that he should pursue international diplomacy in which he had by far excelled, given the way he handled the Ebola crisis in West Africa, the Burkina Faso political crisis after the overthrow of President Blaise Campaore, the Togolese election crisis, as well as his appointment as a member of the group of West African leaders mediating The Gambian crisis.
Apart from his role in West Africa, the United Nations also appointed former President Mahama and the Prime Minister of Norway, Ms Erna Solberg, as co-Chairs of a group of 16 eminent Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Advocates to support the Secretary-General in his efforts to generate momentum and commitment to achieve the SDGs by 2030.
Support new government
Mr Mahama courted public support for President Akufo-Addo, calling on Ghanaians, irrespective of their ethnic background, political and religious affiliation, to support the new President and his administration with prayer to successfully steer the affairs of the nation.
With the NPP making quiet a number of promises to the electorate ahead of the elections, expectations are high, but Mr Mahama urged Ghanaians to be measured in their expectations and give the new administration time to settle.
"The fact that Nana Akufo- Addo made promises does not mean as soon as he takes office things will change, as many are expecting… things cannot change overnight. He needs time to put things in place before whatever changes he promised will start manifesting," he observed.
While admitting that his family would also benefit from a successful NPP administration, he observed that the expectations would not be fulfilled overnight.
"There are no miracles in governance and so I am pleading with my countrymen and women to be modest in their expectations of Nana's government…we should allow them some time to settle down," he said.
President Akufo-Addo of the NPP secured 5,716,026 votes, representing 53.85 per cent of the valid votes cast, to beat former President Mahama, who garnered 4,713,277 votes (44.40 per cent) in the December 7 elections.
Nana Akufo-Addo was subsequently sworn into office as President last Saturday.
Source: Graphic.com.gh
Tags: Ghana NewsMahama ghanaMahama retirementPresident Mahama
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} | 58_95107 | 20.04.2004 NDC News
NDC Inactive in Eastern Region
... with about 7 months for general elections
... party adherents in state of bewilderment
With about seven months to go to the polls, the National Democratic Congress (NDC) in the Eastern Region is yet to conduct parliamentary primaries to elect their candidates to contest the 28 seats in the Region.
This has left hundreds of NDC staunch supporters confused over what is happening to the party in relation to its preparation for this year's elections.
Most of these NDC supporters express their worry or concerns any time they come together and try to discuss the party's gain in a small way in the region. Some of the supporters claim this was the time the regional branch of the party had to conduct constituency primaries to elect marketable candidates for the forthcoming elections.
According to them, when the candidates are elected earlier, it would place them in good stead as they would have enough time to campaign, put their messages across and hopefully garner more votes. Presently, the NDC occupies 8 out of the 26 seats in the Eastern Region. They are to hold primaries in 18 NPP represented areas.
While much has not been heard about the NDC primaries in areas represented by NPP MPs, the sitting MPs have also not been heard declaring their intentions to contest their seats in this year's election.
The NPP on the othe hand, has started conducting primaries in the 8 areas and has finished withfour. Where they have managed to conduct primaries successfullyinclude Afram Plains, North and South, Yilo Krobo and Asuogyaman constituencies, remaining with the Fanteakwa,Upper West Akim, Lower Manya and Upper Manya constituencies.
According to theFirst National Vice Chairman of the NPP, Mr. Stephen Ntim, the rest were stopped to enable the party have enough time to monitor the just ended voters' registration exercise which was more important (to them).
However, he hinted that with the exercise over, the party would quickly move to conduct their primaries in the remaining areas very soon. He explained that all the Constituency Executives had to do was complete a photo album of delegates, fix a date and get approval from the party's headquarters for the delegates congress to be held.
Chronicle investigation unveiled that certain key personalities expected to file their nominations as NDC parliamentary candidates were not forthcoming, apparently from the fear that they may taste the defeat their collegues had tasted in the 2000 election, and this time, on a more resounding note.
Also, some who had contested and lost but were being asked to come back, had made it clear that they were not prepared to contest this year's election. All attempts to get the reactions of the NDC from any Regional Executive proved futile as several calls to the Regional Party Office were unanswered.
Meanwhile, all the other political parties in the Region have remained silent on how they are going to select their parliamentary candidates.
Stay tuned as The Chronicle tries to conduct series on how the Convention People's Party (CPP), National Reform Party (NRP), Egle Party (EG), Democratic People's Party (DPP) and Domestication Party - the Great Consolidated People's Party (GCPP) - intend to elect their parliamentary candidates in the region. |
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} | 33_149848 | Home » Ghanaian Times » Tue 06th Dec, 2022 » 10,936 delegates to cast votes in NDC delegate's congress
10,936 delegates to cast votes in NDC delegate's congress
A total of 10,936 delegates are expected to cast their votes during the National Youth and Women Conference as well as the National Delegates Congress of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) on December 10 and 17 respectively.
Out of the figure, 1,086 delegates are expected to cast their votes to elect a National Youth Organiser while 886 delegates would do same to elect the National Women's Organiser to be held at the University of Cape Coast.
Meanwhile, for the National Delegates Congress to be held at the Accra Sports Stadium, a total number of 8,964 delegates will be expected to vote in order to elect leaders for the party ahead of the 2024 general elections.
These were announced by Director of International Relations and the Head of the National Congress Planning Committee of the Party, Mr Alex Segbefia at its Headquarters in Accra yesterday.
According to Mr Segbefia, the decision to hold the National Delegate Congress at the Accra Sports Stadium was due to the numbers involved.
He noted that the Grounds and Accommodation Committee had laid down plans to ensure a smooth and successful Congress which include a Congress Delegate Village which is being established at the University of Ghana (UG), Legon.
The purpose of the establishment of the Congress Delegate Village, Mr Segbefia said was to accommodate and transport delegates from the Village to the Accra Sports Stadium on time to prevent issues of delay.
Mr Segbefia said the Planning Committee intend to set up seventeen Polling stations to cater for sixteen regions in order to allow for simultaneously voting and reduce the number of hours spent.
He also urged media houses who intend to cover the Congress and Conference to get in touch with the communication team of the Party for accreditation as media houses who would make their way to the venue without accreditation would not be allowed to provide coverage.
Additionally, Mr Segbefia said "the Party's Communication team will provide a centralised Television and Video feed of the Congress and this will be made available to all television and radio stations. But stations will be allowed to set their own onsite studios and run live programmes as well because we want this to be open and transparent on the day."
He further assured of delegates of their safety during the Congress and Conference as security personnel would be deployed both at the venue and the Congress Delegate Village to ensure law and order.
A delegate list, Mr Segbefia indicated had been sent by the Party and therefore entreated all delegates, including aspirants to carefully scrutinise it in order to rectify any issue before the day of the Congress and Conference.
"We want our delegate to be rest assured that a delegate list has gone out. There is nothing like a perfect list, so please scrutinise it. If there are issues you have with the delegate list, especially, for the aspirants, make it known as soon as possible", MrSegbefia said.
BY BENJAMIN ARCTON-TETTEY
The post 10,936 delegates to cast votes in NDC delegate's congress appeared first on Ghanaian Times.
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} | 60_140438 | NDC to tighten security at national congress- Alex Segbefia assures
BY: Samuel Duodu
Category: Politics
Alex Segbefia
The National Delegates Congress Planning Committee of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) has made adequate security arrangements to ensure an incident-free congress on Saturday.
The committee said with the measures being put in place, it was confident of a successful congress.
Security arrangements
The Chairman of the planning committee, Alex Segbefia, stated this in an interview with the Daily Graphic in response to the security arrangements being put in place for the Saturday congress.
The national delegates congress of the largest opposition party is to elect national executives to steer its affairs for the next four years.
Mr Sebgefia said the committee at its meeting last Monday to assess the party's National Women and Youth Conferences held at the University of Cape Coast (UCC) last Saturday recorded some acts of violence resulting in the injury of two persons.
Following that the party has decided to put in place enhanced security measures in collaboration with the police for the congress.
He said the committee had also condemned the incident, and called for swift action by the police to bring the perpetrators to book to forestall a future occurrence.
Since the incident, the police have issued a statement to declare 16 persons wanted for their involvement in the disturbances that took place at the Women's and Youth conferences of the NDC.
They subsequently placed a bounty of GH¢10,000.00 on the suspects and called on the public to assist the police to arrest them.
Mr Segbefia said following what happened in Cape Coast, the committee was working in collaboration with the police to tighten security at the Accra Sports Stadium, the venue for the national delegates congress, to ensure an incident-free contest.
"The police presence with regard to the congress will be such that they can handle any eventuality," he stated.
Mr Segbefia added that "strict" accreditation processes had also been put in place to ensure that only authorised persons would gain access to the venue.
Delegates list
When asked about the delegates list which has been the thorny issue in internal party elections, the planning committee chairman said the party was working to put finishing touches to it so that it did not become an issue on voting day.
He entreated delegates to rally behind the party for a successful congress as a prerequisite for taking over power from the ruling New Patriotic Party in 2025 after victory in the 2024 general election.
A total of 8,964 delegates will be taking part in the National Delegates Congress to determine the fate of the aspirants contesting for the various national positions of the NDC.
The positions are the National Chairman, Vice-Chairmen, General Secretary and Deputies, National Organiser and Deputies, Communication Officer and Deputies and National Executive Committee members. |
{
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} | 56_118577 | Security high at NDC congress today - 9,000 Delegates to vote
BY: Samuel Duodu
Some police officers ready for the NDC congress. Picture: EBOW HANSON
Both the planning committee and the police are placing premium on security in and around the Accra Sports Stadium where the 10th National Delegates Congress of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) is taking place today to, among other things, elect new national leaders for the party.
While the police have given the assurance that they will do their part to ensure that the congress is successful, the planning committee says that it has also mapped out strategies aimed at a largely incident-free event.
Leaving nothing to chance, the security arrangements will include police presence at vantage points that lead into the Accra Sports Stadium, the Black Star Square as well as the entire radius of the stadium and within the precincts of the stadium.
Also, without proper accreditation, no one will be allowed entry into the stadium.
All these, according to the planning committee and the police, were being done to ensure that no miscreants invaded the venue to cause trouble.
Election Congress
A total number of 9,000 accredited delegates are expected to attend the congress and vote to elect national officers to run the party for the next four years.
They include party executive at all levels – national, regional and constituency as well as executive of the party's overseas branches.
Also expected to vote at the two-day event will be the Council of Elders of the party, NDC Members of Parliament (MPs) and former appointees of the NDC administration.
As part of the election, last week, the party held its National Women and Youth Conference in Cape Coast during which the women's and youth organisers were elected, but what was expected to be a peaceful event recorded some violent incidents which left two persons injured.
Following the Cape Coast conference, the planning committee of the party's congress reviewed its initial plan for today.
No accreditation, no entry
As part of its strategy, the Chairman of the Planning Committee, Alex Segbefia, told the Daily Graphic that it had been agreed that " no accredited person or delegate would be allowed access to the Congress venue."
"Additionally, apart from the party colours, anyone wearing candidates' T-shirts or any other form of paraphernalia to support a particular candidate will not be allowed at the venue grounds and the police will be out to strictly enforce this," Mr Segbefia stressed.
He explained that since it was a delegates' congress and not a rally, it was important to strictly enforce the rules of engagement for the delegates conference.
"We have reviewed what happened in Cape Coast and to avert a similar situation, we have decided if one is not an accredited delegate, he or she will not be allowed at the venue grounds and also, any other person who has any role to play will have to be accredited as well," Mr Segbefia emphasised.
Police ready
A police source at the venue grounds during a recce yesterday, also told the Daily Graphic that while its deployed personnel would be out to enforce the directive from the planning committee, it had also reviewed its role and operation during a similar exercise also held at the Accra Sports Stadium and had strategised to make this latest operation more effective and efficient.
"In addition to the agreed plans with the NDC, we have also reviewed a similar exercise we undertook when the New Patriotic Party held their congress last July and have mapped out a plan to make this operation also a success if not better.
"We will deploy personnel from the State House area towards the stadium and also at all the main access points to the stadium. At the designated car parks, within the precincts of the stadium, and in the stands personnel would be deployed.
"This is not the first time we have undertaken such an exercise so we have everything under control but we are also prepared for surprises," the source said, indicating however that they were expecting a peaceful exercise.
The stakes
The stake and spotlight is the election of the National Chairman as the incumbent National Chairman, Samuel Ofosu Ampofo, will be challenged by the incumbent General Secretary, Johnson Asiedu Nketia.
Although two other stalwarts of the party - a former Greater Accra Regional Minister, Nii Armah Ashitey, and a former Deputy Minister of Works and Housing, Samuel Yaw Adusei, are in the chairmanship race, Ofosu Ampofo and Asiedu Nketia will be the cynosure of all eyes.
Many political watchers are waiting to see whether Mr Ofosu Ampofo can retire Mr Asiedu Nketia from active politics or the man known in political circles as General Mosquito will upset Mr Ofosu Ampofo. The mantra, 'fear delegates' will prevail once again in this contest.
Mr Ofosu Ampofo is seeking re-election for a second term, while Mr Asiedu Nketia, who has been the party's General Secretary for 17 years, will slug it out with the incumbent.
There are other national executive positions such as the General Secretary and National Organiser that also promise to be hotly contested.
The General Secretary position has three leading members of the party, namely the incumbent Deputy General Secretary, Dr Peter Boamah Otokunor; the National Elections Director, Elvis Afriyie Ankrah, and a former Minister of State, Fifi Fiavi Kwetey.
The National Organiser position will also be contested by five personalities. They are the incumbent, Joshua Hamidu Akamba, Henry Osei Akoto, Mahdi Mohammed Gibril, Sidii Abubakari and Solomon Yaw Nkansah. |
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} | 93_157017 | Home News Nana Addo gov't 'sponsoring' criminality – Opposition NDC fires
Nana Addo gov't 'sponsoring' criminality – Opposition NDC fires
Kofi Portuphy is the National Chairman of the NDC[/caption] The opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC) has accused the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP) of sponsoring "criminal gangs to operate in the country with impunity". In assessing the six-month old government of President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo on Thursday at a press conference at its headquarters in Accra, the NDC ran down the "achievements" of the NPP, describing the current dispensation as an era characterized by lawlessness, insecurity and government-backed terrorism. According to the Leader and National Chairman of the opposition NDC, Kofi Portuphy, who read the speech on behalf of the party, the level and form of lawlessness currently ongoing is unprecedented. "For the first time in our fourth republican dispensation, a political party in the shape of the NPP has incorporated militancy and violent extremism into its way of operations." 'No Case' He further accused the NPP as being behind the current political vigilantism in the country. "To give meaning to militancy and violence, a group of brigands and outright criminals have assembled and given such blood-clotting names as, Invisible forces, Delta forces,Kandaha boys, Volta crocodiles etc and also given them covering from the seat of government to perpetuate their illegal existence." The opposition party went on to call out the NPP as being responsible for the shooting and killing of police officers in the country lately. They claim to have information to that effect. "Very credible intelligence information reaching us, has it that, a lot of the armed robbery and killing of our hardworking police officers is being done by some elements belonging to the aforementioned militant goon squads associated with the NPP." The party cited the Attorney General's office as part of government machinery that condones acts of violence, especially so when the Attorney General filed a 'No Case' in court to discontinue a case involving a group which they believe is an NPP vigilante group. "A typical case in point is what happened in Kumasi where criminals who beat up the regional security coordinator and also roughed-up a circuit court judge and disrupt court proceedings, are walking around as free persons because Gloria Akuffo's Attorney General's department decided to file a no case to discontinue the matter in court."
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'IGP in despair' For the NDC, all the incidents are purposefully orchestrated and executed to weaken the citizens of Ghana and to appease the "criminal groups" Nana AKufo-Addo made promises to but cannot fulfill them. They say the general sense of security in the country has broken down because the police seem "helpless" and the IGP is in "despair". The press conference generally centered on issues surrounding lawlessness, insecurity, corruption, government size, nepotism, borrowing and other issues of national concern. This comes exactly two days after President Nana Akufo-Addo met the media to give an account of his stewardship after six months in office. By PD Wedam|3news.com|Ghana Follow @3Newsgh]]>
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} | 19_76216 | Home News Judicial Service Demands Investigations into Delta Force Attack
Judicial Service Demands Investigations into Delta Force Attack
The Judicial Service has in a strongly worded statement condemned the attack on a court in Kumasi by members of the Delta Force, a vigilante group affiliated to the New Patriotic Party (NPP).
Members of the Delta Force stormed a Kumasi Circuit court on Thursday, and vandalized some court property, and freed 13 of their members, who were facing trial for allegedly harassing the Ashanti Regional Security Coordinator, George Adjei.
The Service in the statement said "this act of impunity is not only a grave affront to the independence and dignity of the judiciary, but also an attack on the rule of law and the administration of justice in a constitutional democracy."
"The Judiciary is the last bastion and bulwark for the defence and protection of the constitution and the rule of law. This barbaric incident is most regrettable and dents the image of the country which is seen as a beacon of democracy in Africa," the statement added.
Other proposals
The Service also made a number of demands including a call on the Inspector General of Police (IGP), and the Minister of Interior, to take immediate steps to provide maximum security at all times for judges.
It further demanded an immediate investigation into the incident, adding that, the perpetrators dealt with decisively in accordance with law.
"The nation's attempt at democratic governance and enforcement of the rule of law will flounder and fail if such actions are allowed to foster."
While appealing to judges and staff to remain calm and discharge their duties without fear, the Service also said it has taken note of the assurances given by the government with regards to this matter.
"The Council will keep in touch with government on the issue of security for Judges and staff and additional steps to be taken to avert any such incidents in the future."
The Judicial Council also called on the Inspector General of Police (IGP), and the Minister of the Interior to take immediate steps to provide maximum security at all times for the Judge concerned and indeed all Judges and courts in the country.
Judges panic over Delta Force attack in open court
The Judges and Magistrates Association of Ghana earlier expressed fear for the lives of its members following the incident.
According to the judges, the incident on Thursday has brought to light the threat they face each day with the inadequate security at the various courts in the country.
By: Marian Ansah/citifmonline.com/Ghana
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} | 74_2160 | Blame Nana and NPP for Delta Force Violent Raids-NDC
The opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC) believes the conduct of New Patriotic Party (NPP) Vigilante group Delta Force must be blamed on the president himself and the party's hierarchy.
According to the general secretary of the NDC Mr Johnson Asiedu Nketia the group owes what he describes as unalloyed allegiance to President Nana Akuffo-Addo and the New Patriotic Party (NPP).
"This shameful and barbaric conduct by the so-called "Delta Forces" of NPP, is absolutely repugnant, bizarre and reprehensible. These wanton unleashing of acts of banditry on the people of Ghana since the, 7th of January, 2017, when Nana Akufo-Addo took over the reins of Government, cannot be tolerated any longer in Kwame Nkrumah's Ghana in this 21st Century".
"The judiciary is the last bastion for the protection of our fundamental human rights as a People, as well as the maintenance of the rule of law in a free and democratic country like the one that we have worked tirelessly for decades to establish for ourselves"
"It is extremely shameful that less than 100 days after being handed over a peaceful Ghana by the outgone NDC Administration, the Government of President Nana Akufo Addo has shown unprecedented levels, of, WEAKNESS, GROSS INCOMPETENCE, and an INABILITY to maintain the basic tenets of law and order and its attendant twin of the protection of life and property"
Read Full Text of the release below:
PRESIDENT AKUFFO-ADDO AND NPP MUST TAKE FULL RESPONSIBILITY FOR TERROR ATTACK BY THE MILITANT LAWLESS "DELTA FORCE" ON KUMASI CIRCUIT COURT.
The National Democratic Congress (NDC), condemns in no uncertain terms and without any reservations, the attack on the Circuit Court in Kumasi yesterday, by a group of lawless brigands known as the Delta Force, who owe unalloyed allegiance to President Nana Akufo-Addo and the New Patriotic Party (NPP).
The judiciary is the last bastion for the protection of our fundamental human rights as a People, as well as the maintenance of the rule of law in a free and democratic country like the one that we have worked tirelessly for decades to establish for ourselves.
It is extremely shameful that less than 100 days after being handed over a peaceful Ghana by the outgone NDC Administration, the Government of President Nana Akufo Addo has shown unprecedented levels, of, WEAKNESS, GROSS INCOMPETENCE, and an INABILITY to maintain the basic tenets of law and order and its attendant twin of the protection of life and property.
The loud silence and unresponsiveness of the President, to calls by well-meaning Ghanaians to bring these party militants to order, has led to the dastardly unleashing of uncontrolled terror and mayhem on innocent citizens, public servants and the worse of it all; its extension in a most sinister manner to both the security apparatus and judiciary.
The National Democratic Congress considers yesterday, Thursday, April 06, 2017, as a DAY OF SHAME.
Indeed, we have labelled the day as the 'BLACK THURSDAY' in Ghana's Fourth Republican Dispensation, and shall forever remember it as a sordid black spot on the democracy of Mother Ghana.
The NDC is calling on President Akufo-Addo whose NPP is directly responsible for this dastardly attack on the Institutions of State, to act swiftly and bring his fellow party members perpetrating these ignominious acts to book in order to redeem the enviable image of Ghana as a peaceful exemplary democratic country which was bequeathed to him less than 100 days ago.
The NDC would also like to assure all State Institutions that the democratic culture nurtured among Ghanaians in almost a quarter of a century of our recent political dispensation will not be allowed to be bastardised by Nana Akuffo-Addo and his roguish Groups of lawless gangsters.
In the build-up to the 2016 General Elections, the NPP was culpable in the importation of South African Mercenaries into the country to train hoodlums in Agona Dwakua, and it is not surprising therefore that after using all kinds of subterfuge tactics to walk its way into power, Nana Akuffo-Addo has let loose his thugs on innocent Ghanaians as well as Institutions of State.
We therefore join a host of, well-meaning citizens, political Parties, and social activists, in forcefully condemning the actions of these militant and fiendish wings of the NPP.
The recent incident of raiding a law court and freeing criminals on remand, brings to the fore the high rise in the practice of organized political thuggery and terrorist activities by the NPP since President Akuffo-Addo got sworn-in as President.
The violent takeover of state agencies; offices and institutions; burning of toll booths; vandalism of police stations; are some of the dastardly acts that have been carried out by the NPP's thugs.
Of course, on numerous occasions, NDC members have been brutalised by these NPP militant wings and activists.
The lack of action on the part of President Akuffo Addo and the NPP Government to stem the rise of these deluge of lawlessness in Ghana has made it very difficult for the NDC not to conclude that there is an organized and state sponsored agenda to run the country by private party militia groups in clear violation of our Constitution which prohibits private militias.
To put it pointedly; President Akuffo-Addo and the NPP, are consciously sponsoring "state terrorism"!!!!!
Ghana is on a slippery path towards enabling the activities of terrorist groups to fester and gain roots and it must not be countenanced
The signals Ghana is currently witnessing, are very similar to what happened in countries that have become theatres of political intolerance, vigilante justice and ultimately violent terrorism and civil conflicts.
As matter of urgency; and to show a strong commitment to the fight against terror and terrorism, the NDC is calling on the Ghana Police to immediately effect the arrest of Hon. Kennedy Agyapong who in the full glare of public television, made it abundantly clear that he is the master brain behind the lawless acts of the Delta Forces, and also went ahead to dare the State to prosecute these militants, and bear the brunt of the wrath of himself and the NPP. Such arrogance!!!!
We also use this opportunity call on the following security bosses who have shown complete failure in dealing with this matter, to resign their positions with immediate effect; the Interior Minister, the Minister for National Security, the Inspector General of Police and the National Security Coordinator.
Whiles at it, we demand the following from the President Akuffo Addo Government;
· A swift action to continue with the trial of those members of the "Delta Force" who were standing trial for an attack on the Regional Security Coordinator at the Kumasi Regional Administration Offices last week;
· An immediate arrest and trial of all those involved in the attack on the circuit court;
· That the President take full responsibility for these actions.
The NDC is by this statement giving the President a 7day ultimatum for these actions to be taken.
If these actions are not taken by the end of the 7 days, we shall embark on a series of mass actions via all peaceful and lawful means to press home our demands further to ensure that this "Black Thursday" never occurs again in the annals of Ghana's history.
Ghana is the land of freedom and justice; the NDC demands justice for ALL citizens.
Never; shall the National Democratic Congress sit idly by, and watch Nana Akuffo-Addo and the NPP destroy this dear nation of ours!!! God forbid!!!!
Johnson Asiedu Nketia
Source:www.mynewsgh.com
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} | 39_4842 | NPP government sinking in corruption, thievery – Portuphy
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The opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC) has described as abysmal, the performance of the Akufo-Addo government in its first 6 months.
According to the NDC, the party has failed on many fronts, especially in the fight against corruption since it assumed office on January 7.
Addressing a press conference in response to the President's press encounter, National Chairman of the NDC, Kofi Portuphy said the government has simply failed to live up to its promises.
" The true verdict of the majority of Ghanaians is that Akuffo Addo and Bawumia have failed woefully as managers of all affairs of state..Most definitely, President Akuffo Addo is turning out to become like Kweku Ananse because in our Ghanaian folklore, Kweku Ananse always begins as the most intelligent and shrewdest person but ends up hiding his embarrassment in his web. The embarrassment that is engulfing the Akufo Addo, Bawumia government is becoming too much."
The NDC chairman also accused President Akufo Addo of superintending over corruption.
"President Akufo Addo and the NPP flew into power on the wings of mostly false allegations of corruption against the NDC government in opposition. Akufo Addo styled himself as an avid fighter against corruption. As things stand now, the NPP government is sinking in sands of corruption and the President is looking on with gaping helplessness. Now that Akufo Addo is President , he is only making unacceptable excuses to pull a veil over the massive corruption and blatant thievery that is taking place right under his nose. The President's endorsement of ridiculous cooked up BNI reports and the contaminated oil scandal involving Alfred Boateng who is Managing Director of BOST is a clear indication that the President cannot be relied upon to wage a meaningful war against corruption.
Mr. Portuphy's comments come in the wake of a major corruption scandal uncovered at the Bulk Oil Storage and Transportation Company Limited (BOST).
Since the scandal broke, many have called on the President to dismiss the Managing Director of BOST, Alfted Obeng to show his commitment to fighting corruption.
Source: citifmonline.com |
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} | 38_19541 | Ghanaians confident of peaceful general elections
As Ghana's Dec. 7 general elections approach, the majority of people have expressed confidence that voting will be held peacefully.
On Monday, more than 17 million eligible Ghanaians are expected to cast their ballots at 38,622 polling stations across the country to elect a president and 275 members of parliament.
John Osei Tutu Agyeman, a former broadcaster and media consultant, believes in the ability of the security services to ensure a peaceful atmosphere before, during and after the elections.
"We have had these same fears in the past, but the elections in 2012 and 2016 turned out to be peaceful and beautiful.
"And I believe the security services will rise to the occasion again to preserve the peace in the country," Agyeman, also director of the Institute of Media Practice, a media think tank, told Xinhua.
Sharing similar views, Director of Kingdom Concept ConsultPrincess Sekyere-Bih said "we have been assured by the Ghana police service that we would have a very peaceful election, and we hope for a peaceful outcome."
"Not only have they deployed more trained men, but this time, they have more resources to ensure peace," said she.
Although there were clashes between party supporters during the voter registration in June and July, the 2020 election campaign has been largely peaceful as the Coronavirus pandemic limited outdoor activities.
"This gives us a foretaste of what might happen.
"So it must inform about the strategies which the police will put in place for peace during the election," Aremeyaw Shaibu, chairman of the Ghana-based Coalition of Domestic Election Observers, told Xinhua.
Shaibu urged the security services to be at their professional best to ensure a peaceful atmosphere during and after the polls.
Although some were apprehensive due to some isolated events, the larger Ghanaian society is hopeful of a peaceful outcome for the elections, according to recent findings by the Center for Democratic Development-Ghana (CDD-Ghana).
"Stakeholders are important," said Rhoda Osei-Afful, an expert at CDD.
She added that the Electoral Commission (EC) "is at the helm of affairs as far as the election is concerned.
"How they engage the electorate, the political parties and their electoral officials is going to be critical in ensuring peace.
The expert also urged political parties to help their supporters channel their grievances into the EC through laid-down channels to minimise the incidents of unnecessary rancor.
The Ghana police service has identified 4,098 areas where chaos is likely to erupt ahead of the elections and provided reports to the National Election Security Taskforce to guide its tactical arrangements and deployments across 16 regions.
The 4,098 flashpoints include historical election-related hot spots and locations where other forms of violence and crime have occurred in history, said Yaw Nketia Yeboah, a spokesman for the Ghana police service.
Urging the citizenry to be law-abiding, the spokesman said: "Don't go and teach people whom to vote for at the polling station.
"If you have any campaigning to do, do it in your houses, not at the polling stations."
Monday's presidential election is the third time that incumbent President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo and former President John Dramani Mahama will run for presidency.
Political parties have shifted their campaign activities into top gear.
The two main candidates in the country's presidential election committed to a peaceful votingy signing a peace pact on Friday on behalf of their respective political parties. (Xinhua/NAN)
Tags: confidentelectionsGeneralghanaianspeaceful
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} | 70_40434 | Dear Kukua
Full text: Akufo-Addo's message to Ghanaians ahead of Dec. 7 polls
Vida Essel-Lamptey December 6th, 2020 News
full-text-akufo-addos-message-to-ghanaians-ahead-of-dec-7-polls
The President, Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo on Sunday, December 6, 2020, addressed Ghanaian ahead of the country's election on Monday, December 7.
GhanaPlus.com brings you the full text of the President message.
Fellow Ghanaians, good evening, and, once again, thank you for having me in your homes.
Tomorrow, from 7am to 5pm, we go to the polls to elect a President and two hundred and seventy-five (275) Members of Parliament, whom we shall entrust with managing our affairs for the next four years. This will be the eighth time we shall be going through this important activity in the Fourth Republic, and we can safely say that each one has been an improvement on the previous one.
We have had five (5) Presidents in the history of this 4th Republic, with peaceful transfers of power from a governing to an opposition party on three separate occasions. Redress at the Supreme Court was sought, rather than recourse to street protests and agitations, when there was dispute over the outcome of an election. Tomorrow, we have yet another opportunity to deepen further these excellent credentials.
I am fortified in my belief that we will, if, indeed, the successful holding of last Tuesday's Special Voting exercise is the measure. The Electoral Commission has already assured the country of its readiness to deliver another successful process, and it has, to that end, compiled the most credible voters' register in our history. So, it is in our collective interest to help ensure that tomorrow passes off in an orderly, peaceful, and transparent manner. At the end of the day, there should be no lingering question about the legitimacy of the election, and the winning candidate, at the end of the process, should receive the unalloyed support of all. That is how we can strengthen our democracy and the peace and stability of our nation.
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Particularly, in the wake of the pandemic, let us all adhere strictly to the COVID-19 protocols put in place at all the thirty-eighty thousand, six hundred and twenty-two (38,622) polling stations, so we can cast our ballots in safety. We should, therefore, not panic or be afraid. Many countries around the world have conducted elections within this period, and I have no doubt that Ghana will join those nations in organizing a successful general election, even in the midst of the virus.
We should all remember the words of an ancient philosopher, who said, and I quote "the punishment suffered by the wise who refuse to take part in the government, is to live under the government of worse men". Using your God-given and constitutional rights costs nothing, but staying home can come at a very steep price. So, I entreat all eligible voters to turn out in your numbers, cast your vote, and, thereby, exercise your sovereign right to the making of government in the country.
As President of the Republic and Commander-in-Chief of the Ghana Armed Forces, it is my responsibility to guarantee the peace of the nation. It is, thus, crucial that tomorrow's vote be conducted in an atmosphere of peace and security, devoid of intimidation and violence. The Ghanaian people are entitled to go about the exercise of their civic duties in peace and in freedom.
READ ALSO: A vote for Mahama is a vote for retrogression - Bawumia
The security services have assured me that they have made adequate preparations to protect the sanctity of the process. They have assured me of their determination to carry out their duties without fear or favour. Improper behaviour by any citizen, no matter their political colour, will not be tolerated, and I am encouraged by the assurance by the Inspector General of Police, as well as by the heads of the other security services, that they will be even-handed in their response to issues. That is the only way the rule of law can be upheld.
In view of the happenings on the continent, and, indeed in West Africa, the entire world is looking up to us to maintain our status as a beacon of democracy, peace and stability. In this 4th Republic, we have had the longest, uninterrupted period of stable, constitutional governance in our history, banishing the spectre of instability that disfigured the early years of our nation's existence, and the benefits are showing. Together, let us continue to lay the platform for the evolution of a new Ghanaian civilisation, which will give true meaning to the foundational values of freedom and justice on which our nation was conceived by its far-sighted, visionary founders.
Fellow Ghanaians, we can do it. So, let us be up and doing, for our destiny beckons.
May God bless us all, and our homeland Ghana, and make her great and strong.
I thank you for your attention, have a good evening, and vote safely.
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Vida Essel-Lamptey
A former Reporter and Radio Newsroom Intern at Ghana Broadcasting Corporation and former News Reporter and National Service Personnel at Ghana's largest newspaper publishing firm, the Daily Graphic, Graphic Communication Group Limited. She has over five years rich experience in the media industry working as a general news reporter with the GBC, the Daily Graphic, Methodist Times, Revelation News paper among others. Vida currently covers news reporting in Politics, Foreign and Showbiz news for GhanaPlus.
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{
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} | 77_89974 | 'A vote for Mahama is a vote for sustainable jobs' – Edem Agbana tells youth
Deputy National Youth Organizer of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), Eric Edem Agbana, has urged the Ghanaian youth to endorse the candidature of former President John Dramani Mahama in the December elections.
Speaking at a youth forum organized by the NDC constituency youth wing in Bantama in the Ashanti Region on Sunday evening, Edem Agbana explained the various job creation models in the NDC manifesto and urged the youth to have confidence that the next NDC administration will radically deal with the problem of unemployment.
He bemoaned how the Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo Addo government takes pride in touting temporal and low-paying jobs as the solution to the problem of unemployment. He said the youth of Ghana deserves better as he gave details of the party's promise to create one million sustainable jobs within four years when the NDC is voted to power.
On his part, the Ashanti Regional Youth Organizer of the party, Osman Nabali described the NPP as desperate losers whose only hope is to rig the elections.
Nabali however asked the party's youth to be vigilant and take the destiny of this country into their hands by protecting the ballot on election day.
The programme which attracted more than 300 youth in Bantama saw the likes of Dr. Hanna Bisiw, Brogya Genfi, Alex Mould, Ken Adjei, and other party bigwigs in attendance.
source: mypowerfm.com
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} | 12_110461 | Home/Ghana Politics/"Kweku Bonsam Secret on Akuffo Addo…….
"Kweku Bonsam Secret on Akuffo Addo…….
Politics:Kweku Bonsam Secret on Akuffo Addo
statenewsghanaApril 28, 2021
Popular fetish priest, Nana Kwaku Bonsam, says President Akuffo-Addo is his inspiration as he works to achieve his political dream.
President Akuffo-Addo had in his quest to become President had to contest seven consecutive times in both party primaries and at the national level before he was given the mandate to govern Ghana in 2017.
Accordingly, Nana Bonsam says he will also do the same in his bid to represent the people of Offinso North in Parliament.
He said despite the fact that he did not succeed in his first attempt, he has decided not to give up just yet as he intends to go into the legislative arm of government someday.
Kwaku Bonsam made this known while granting a radio interview in Kumasi.
"I'm still nursing the dream of representing my people in Parliament. I've not given up the dream.
"I didn't triumph the first time but I believe like Nana Addo Dankwa Akuffo-Addo failed several times before he was given the nod, my people will see reason with me in subsequent elections to give me the nod," he said.
Kweku Bonsam Secret on Akuffo Addo
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"Naturally majority of Ghanaians prefer NPP to NDC because NPP don't Lose Elections Easily'-NPP General Secretary |
{
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} | 5_156640 | Greater Accra NDC election slated for September 1
August 10, 2018 Finance
Accra, – The National Democratic Congress (NDC) Greater Accra Regional Executive Committee election, has been slated for Saturday, September 1, at the Central Cafeteria of the University of Ghana.
Over 1,000 delegates are expected to converge at the venue to elect regional officers, who would steer the affairs of the Party in the 2020 general election.
Speaking to the Ghana News Agency, Mr Ephraim Nii Tan Sackey, Secretary, NDC Greater Accra Regional Elections Committee, said all the 76 nominees who filed to contest the election had been cleared by the Vetting Committee.
He noted that the elections of the Regional Youth Executive Committee, would take place on Monday, August 27; adding that, they were yet to settle on the venue.
That of the Regional Women's Wing, had been scheduled to take place at Ada on Wednesday, August 29.
Mr Sackey urged all candidates to conduct clean campaigns without attacking each other.
He said the candidates and their supporters must be guided by the fact that, after the elections; "there is something more". |
{
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} | 86_139853 | Home Business Business News 201701
Traders make gains from Nana Akufo-Addo's investiture
/ Business News, Business
Many traders, on Saturday, took advantage of the large crowd that gathered at the Black Star Square for the swearing-in ceremony of Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo as President, to make brisk business.
They sold various items beautifully designed with the colours of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) of Blue, Red and White, but made marginal sales from those in the national colours of Red, Yellow and Green.
The paraphernalia, such as bangles, spectacles, sandals, earrings, hats, smocks, vuvuzelas, scarfs, wall clocks and flags, received great patronage.
Some food vendors also cashed in on the moment selling waakye, kenkey and fried fish, rice and stew, among others, with some branding them as NPP products.
Many photographers from various parts of the country did not miss the out on the trade boom as many NPP supporters and sympathisers, who had dressed in interesting designs and styles, wanted photographic memories for historic purposes.
Madam Kande Amadu from Kumasi, who trades in NPP paraphernalia, told the Ghana News Agency that she arrived, in Accra, on Friday, to secure a place on the pavement for her wares.
She said business had been good despite many people selling similar products.
"On a normal day, I sell between GHC200 and GHC500 a day, but today I have sold GHc1, 000, only in a half-day".
Kwasi Amoako from Kasoa who sells smocks designed with NPP colours, however, said business had been slow and attributed it to the many people trading in the same products.
He said he sold adults smock at GHc70, while that of children were sold between GH10 and GHc15, depending on the size.
Gabriel Akono, a photographer from Ashaiman, said a seven inch by five inch picture was GHc5, with an A3 sized photograph costing GHc15, while an A4 size picture went for GHc10.
Most of the photographers printed the pictures within a few minutes and gave them to their patrons, while some designed the pictures in a form of calendar.
Madam Akosua Ampoma, an NPP supporter, from Bonwire in the Ashanti Region, who was wearing an "Onaapo cloth", told the GNA that she arrived at the ceremonial grounds around 0300 hours in order to secure a comfortable place to sit.
She said she came purposely because of the love she had for Nana Akufo-Addo and the Party and expressed optimism that the Akufo-Addo Government would deliver and rescue Ghanaians from economic deprivation.
According to her, she took photographs so that she could show them to her children in the future.
Most of the party faithful were wearing newly designed NPP clothes, patterned with portraits of President Nana Akufo-Addo and Vice President Alhaji Dr. Bawumia.
Source: GNA
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{
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} | 57_63163 | Home/POLITICS/We have not sanctioned any 'Do or Die' paraphernalia – Sammy Gyamfi
We have not sanctioned any 'Do or Die' paraphernalia – Sammy Gyamfi
The opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC) says it has not sanctioned any paraphernalia or branded T-shirts bearing the inscription; "Do or Die".
The National Communication Officer of the party, Sammy Gyamfi, in a statement on Tuesday morning, November 9, 2021, said the party's attention has been drawn to branded paraphernalia, including T-shirts with the inscription; "Do or Die."
He said the said paraphernalia making the rounds on various social media platforms are meant to portray violence under a misguided and malicious misrepresentation of the "Do or Die" statement that former President John Dramani Mahama made sometime ago this year during his 'Thank You tour'.
He has, therefore, asked the public to treat such branded paraphernalia, including T-shirts with the party's logos and colours with the needed contempt.
"The General Public is hereby urged to disregard such images and treat them with the contempt they deserve," he sated, adding "neither the NDC nor any of its assigns has sanctioned these paraphernalia which are the obvious creation of some faceless individuals who are up to mischief."
READ THE STATEMENT BELOW
The attention of the National Democratic Congress has been drawn to some images of branded paraphernalia including T-shirts with the inscription; "Do or Die", making the rounds on various social media platforms.
These despicable images, some of which bear what looks like the logo and official colours of the NDC, appear to portray violence under a misguided and malicious misrepresentation of "Do or Die".
We wish to state without any equivocation that neither the NDC nor any of its assigns has sanctioned these paraphernalia which are the obvious creation of some faceless individuals who are up to mischief. The General Public is hereby urged to disregard such images and treat them with the contempt they deserve.
SAMMY GYAMFI
National Communication Officer
Source: Graphic online
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{
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} | 36_8505 | Parties turn on the style as campaign reaches home stretch
BY: Hadiza Nuhhu-Billa Quansah
• NPP and NDC beds on display Follow @Graphicgh
With barely two weeks for Ghanaians to go to the polls, a lot is happening on the political platforms. Despite the global pandemic which is hitting hard on individuals and businesses, the political parties are busy on the ground doing their campaigns.
The only thing which is missing a bit is the mammoth rallies the parties hold across the country to sell their messages to the people. This notwithstanding, the parties are organising durbars, Town Hall Meetings and door-to-door campaigns to drive home their messages to the electorate.
As usual, the two main parties are evaluating each other as the nature of politicking has changed with the advent of COVID-19. No one knows if the people's judgement is going to be based mostly on how the parties and their candidates have fared during this global crisis.
Last week, some of the political parties had to call off their political activities as a sign of respect to former President Jerry John Rawlings who passed away on November 12, 2020 at the Korle Bu Teaching Hospital in Accra after a short illness.
For the candidates of the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP), President Nana Akufo-Addo, and the National Democratic Congress (NDC), former President John Mahama, this is going to be the third time they will be facing each other.
• Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, Presidential candidate of the NPP in a shirt with the party's
Following the vetting of their papers, the Electoral Commission announced the final list of 12 presidential candidates on October 19, 2020. In all, five people were disqualified from contesting the election as there were various problems with their nomination documents.
• Mr John Dramani Mahama, Presidential candidate of the NDC wears a shirt with his name and party symbol embossed on it
The NPP and NDC took the first and second positions, while the other parties - Ghana Union Movement (GUM), Convention People's Party (CPP), Ghana Freedom Party (GFP), Great Consolidated People's Party (GCPP), All People's Congress (APC), People's National Convention (PNC), Progressive People's Party (PPP), National Democratic Party - and an independent candidate followed in that order.
• Mr Ivor Kobina Greenstreet, Presidential candidate of the CPP in a branded smock
• Madam Akua Donkor, the candidate of the GFP is seen rocking Kente outfits during her political activities
• Some NDC ladies rocking shirt dresses in their party colours
Beyond the campaign, messages are the trendy party paraphernalia which have gone viral on various social media platforms and billboards. As usual, the two big parties, NPP and NDC, have come out with various colourful Polo shirts, T-shirts with the party's symbols, scarfs, hats, umbrellas, spectacles, earrings, wig caps and nose masks.
• Some of the NDC supporters wear branded shirts, nose mask and cap bearing the name of their presidential candidate
Some of the NDC ladies recently released shirt dresses in their party colours with straw hats to match. Interestingly, NPP had Polo and T-shirts with the inscription "Two Rounds" and "Four More for Nana". Unfortunately, the positions on the ballot papers sent NPP to the first position, making the party rebrand to slogans such as "# My Choice is One", to be in alignment with its position on the ballot paper.
• One of the rebranded slogans # My Choice is One
The PPP also has a branded wax print cloth in its party colours which it is using for its campaign activities. The NDP, which is being led by former First Lady Nana Konadu Agyeman Rawlings, has colours similar to those of the NDC. The presidential candidate for APC, Mr Hassan Ayariga, is seen in videos personally distributing white Polo shirts with the APC logo in them at market centres.
• The young ones have not been left out
The CPP and PNC supporters are often seen in branded smocks (fugu) with other accessories to match. The candidate of the GFP, Madam Akua Donkor, is often seen rocking kente outfits during her political activities.
Patronage/printing
Checks by The Mirror at various markets, including the Kaneshie, Makola, Madina, the Kwame Nkrumah Circle and Kasoa markets, revealed that paraphernalia were not moving as swiftly as they did in previous election years, so only few market women had stock.
• Mr Hassan Ayariga, Presidential candidate for APC is seen in a Polo shirt with the APC logo on it
They said compared to 2016 when patronage of the paraphernalia of the various parties was high, patronage was poor this election year due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
• The PNC in some branded smocks
While some attributed the poor sales to lack of massive gatherings at rallies, others attributed the decline to the nature of the Ghanaian who waited till the last minute before buying.
Some of the printers at Accra Newtown and Accra Central who usually printed these party paraphernalia said they were not getting huge contracts as they used to; however, they saw political leaders and their followers wearing party outfits.
Papa Kwame Sika, who has been in the printing business for the past three decades, said: "I suspect some of the parties went outside the country to print instead of giving business to some of us. I have laid off most of my workers."
• The NDP, which is being led by former First Lady Nana Konadu Agyeman Rawlings, has colours similar to those of the NDC
`• Ms Brigitte Dzogbenuku, Presidential candidate of the PPP and her party faithful in branded wax prints
• Some NPP supporters in their party outfits
• Some NDC supporters wearing various party paraphernalia |
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} | 68_85751 | Give Akuffo Addo 4 More to increase infrastructure gains – Opoku Ansah
Frederick Elikplim August 31st, 2020 News
Give Akuffo Addo 4 More to increase infrastructure gains - Opoku Ansah
Mr. Davis Opoku Ansah, a parliamentary candidate for Mpraeso Constituency of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), has advised Ghanaians to re-elect President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo to the office to allow for the continuation of the massive infrastructure plans to boost the productivity of the country.
According to him, the Government had made considerable gains in improving the educational policy and infrastructure of the country, adding that, the free Senior High School Policy alone had more than 1.2 million students benefiting from it.
Mr. Ansah speaking at the inauguration of the party's constituency campaign team and working committees at Asakraka in the Mpraeso Constituency of the Eastern Region said Government in addition to the execution of its flagship Free SHS Policy had further improved upon the infrastructure of schools in the country as a means of sustaining the programme all the while absorbing the examination fees of all the final year students.
READ ALSO: I will not retract my insult, my party is in power - NPP Communicator
He noted that parents could as a result invest the monies set aside for their wards fees into their businesses or to meet other pressing demands of their families.
He added that the Akufo-Addo-led Government had also swept clean the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) debt it met when it took over from the previous government and had further improved the effectiveness and operational pace of the scheme.
"When this government took office, the NHIS was deep in debt to the extent where service providers were in debt because the government then couldn't pay them. However, we have since paid all the debts owed them," Mr. Ansah stated.
He, to the campaign team, advised them to be hardworking and diligent in their duties and to work with the values and attributes the Party held and to ensure that the Party could achieve the 30,000 vote target in the constituency through hard work and dedication.
READ ALSO: Cyril Ramaphosa warns 'hyenas' stealing Covid-19 funds
"Let's forge ahead together and work hard for victory. Let us bring out our best in this campaigning season to deliver our targeted votes," he said.
Mr. Davis Opoku Ansah furthermore vowed to place the concerns of the constituents before all else and to ensure that the social and economic needs of the people were met through the provision of the basic social amenities and more as well as to increase the employment opportunities within the constituency.
The campaign team has the parliamentary candidate and the Constituency Chairman as co-chairmen, with the executives as members.
The working committees include the advisory committee, volunteering committee, new media committee, and election and research committee.
Source Ghanaweb.com
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"Re-elect Akufo-Addo to consolidate infrastructure gains in Education" – Davis Opoku
September 1, 2020 spyDa 0 Comments Davis Opoku, education, election, Ghana, Mpraeso, National Health Insurance Scheme., OPK, Parliament, research
Davis Opoku Ansah (OPK), Parliamentary Candidate of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) in the Mpraeso Constituency, has called on members of the Constituency to re-elect President Akufo-Addo to continue his 'massive' infrastructure gains in education and other sectors of the economy.
The NPP Parliamentary Candidate said the current government had made gains in educational policy and infrastructure, saying, a policy like the Free Senior High School (SHS) had more than 1.2 million students benefiting.
Opoku, popularly called OPK, made these remarks at the inauguration of the party's campaign team and working committees at Asakraka in the Constituency.
He said the government in addition to implementing its flagship Free SHS had also built infrastructure including school buildings to sustain the program across all SHS in the country. He touched on the achievement of the ruling party in absorbing the examination fees of all Junior and Senior High School candidates, sitting the BECE and WASSCE respectively. "As a mother or parent, what these monies mean to you is that you've been given additional money for your business and upkeep."
He said the Akufo-Addo led government had also cleared the National Health Insurance Scheme debt it incurred and had made the scheme highly operational.
"When this government took over office, the National Health Insurance Scheme was heavily indebted, where service providers were in debts because the government then couldn't pay them. However, since this government took over power, we have paid all debts," he said.
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Opoku advised the campaign team and working committees inaugurated to work hard for victory, adding that, the target of the party to win 30, 000 votes in the Constituency can be only achieved through hard work and dedication.
"Let's forge ahead together and work hard for victory. Let's put in our best in this campaigning season to deliver our targeted votes," he said.
He promised to put the interest of the constituents first, saying, he would prioritize the social and economic needs of constituents in the provision of basic social amenities and employment opportunities.
The campaign team constituted the Parliamentary Candidate and Constituency Chairman who both are co-chairmen, together with the party's Constituency executives as members.
The rest is a six-member team, advisory committee, volunteering committee, new media committee, election, and research committee, among others.
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{
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} | 29_109995 | 03.10.2018 NDC News
John Mahama Weeps Over NDC Abandoned Projects
By CitiNewsRoom
Former President John Mahama has accused the Akufo-Addo administration of abandoning many of the projects started during his government's tenure in office.
The former President finds it disappointing that a number of the projects remain uncompleted since his administration left office in January 2017.
Speaking during his campaign tour of the Northern Region, Mahama described the situation as unfortunate.
"It is a pity because everything that we started has come to a standstill. I go round the country and most of the roads, where we left them on 7th January 2017, that is where the roads have ended. All the community based Secondary Schools, where we left them on 7th January 2017, that is where they have ended."
"And the tragedy is, if you ask New Patriotic Party (NPP) what are they doing about the road they will say free SHS. If you ask about the CHPS compound, they will say we have given you free SHS, when you ask about jobs, they will say we have given you free SHS," he said.
The former president is campaigning to secure his party, the National Democratic Congress' (NDC) presidential ticket for the 2020 general elections.
Between 2013 and 2016 John Dramani Mahama administration undertook many projects across the country.
Some road projects that were awarded and under construction in the Brong Ahafo region before NDC left office in January 2017 are:
1. Kintampo Town roads
2. Jema Town roads
3. Atebubu-Kwame-Danso roads
4. Sankore – Nobekwa road
5. Bechem Town road
The Mahama government also added 700 communities in the region to the national grid. These communities included Danyame, Nsesreso, Antwirifo, communities in the Nkrankwanta District and 80 communities in the Kintampo Municipality among others.
1. Construction of fifteen (15) Community Day Senior High Schools (Danyame, Techimantia, Techiman, Kasapin, Duadaso, Kintampo, Awrowa among others)
2. The absorption and enhancement of 16 other Community Secondary Schools in the region, e.g. Sankore Senior High School.
3. Establishment of a satellite campus in Techiman for the University of Education Winneba.
4. Expansion of the Nkoranza Technical Institute by constructing eleven (11) new structures for the Institute.
5. Construction of over two hundred and forty (240) six-unit classroom blocks for basic schools in the region. These projects were all at different stages of completion as at January 2017.
By: Farida Yusif/citinewsroom.com/Ghana |
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25th Nov 2020 | Source: GNA
Mr Bryan Acheampong, Member of Parliament (MP) for Abetifi and the Minister of State in charge of Interior, has said that government would not tolerate any form of violence on the Election Day.
He said many Ghanaians were afraid to vote because of fear of violence and chaos and assured that government had resourced the security agencies to deal with any disgruntled elements who would foment trouble before, during and after the elections.
Mr Acheampong said this at Nkawkaw, at the beginning of a two-day tour of President Akufo-Addo to wrap up his campaign ahead of the December elections added "we have the men to protect Ghanaians before, during and after the elections so nobody should be afraid".
President Akufo-Addo said he was contesting again on conviction of records and performance of his first term and appealed for votes to endorse his mandate for another four years of hard work and improvement in the lives of Ghanaians.
He expressed gratitude to the electorate in the Eastern region and across the country who voted for him in 2016 and said their votes on December 7, would confirm their appreciation for NPP's hardowk.
Mr Kwabena Agyei Agyepong, former General Secretary of the NPP, who accompanied the President and his team said the NPP had proved to be better managers of the Ghanaian economy than any other party and that any change would be to the disadvantage of Ghanaians and called for massive votes on December 7, for the NPP.
Mr Eric Kwakye Darfuor, Eastern Regional Minister and MP for Nkawkaw urged the people to vote for the NPP both Presidential and Parliamentary and added "vote massively for President Akufo-Addo and Mr Joseph Frimpong, the parliamentary Candidate for Nkawkaw, whom I have handed the baton to, so together they can work and bring more development to Nkawkaw and its environs."
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} | 84_151137 | Election Desk Live
Ghanaians Abroad
NDC fueling Otumfuo, Gabby issue – Boadu
Wed, 9 May 2018 Source: Class FM
Some members of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) have planned to sow seeds of tension between Asantes and Akyems in a bid to weaken the strength of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) in the Ashanti Region, Mr John Boadu, Acting General Secretary of the NPP, has said.
According to him, the NDC has seen that a united NPP will make it impossible for them to win any major elections anytime soon, therefore, their ploy to create a feud between the two ethnic groups.
Mr Boadu's comments come on the heels of a closed-door meeting between President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo and Asantehene Otumfuo Osei Tutu II following the traditional leader's complaint that Mr Gabby Asare Otchere-Darko and the president's Executive Secretary, Nana Asante Bediatuo, were plotting to undermine him.
Speaking on Ghana Yensom on Accra100.5FM hosted by Chief Jerry Forson on Wednesday, 9 May, Mr Boadu said: "Some people, especially in the NDC, are inflaming the issue.
"They [NDC] know that the NPP's strength is in the Ashanti Region, and, so, will want to do anything possible to weaken that strength. That has been their campaign over the years."
Source: Class FM
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} | 6_62621 | "PROPER MANAGEMENT OF ECONOMY FINANCING OUR FLAGSHIP POLICIES" – PRESIDENT
The President of Republic, Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, says the proper management of the Ghanaian economy, over the course of the last 2 years and 10 months in office, has resulted in his government's ability to finance his Government's flagship policies.
These policies, according to President Akufo-Addo, include the Free Senior High School, which is currently enrolling some 1.2 million pupils, the highest number of pupils in Senior High School in Ghana's history; and the programme for "Planting for Food and Jobs"; which has led to the revival of Ghanaian agriculture, bringing in its wake a bumper harvest in 2018 and exports of significant quantities of foodstuffs to Ghana's neighbours, with the same expected for 2019.
The President cited the 1-District-1-Factory initiative; the 1-Village-1-Dam policy; the restoration of allowances of nursing and teacher trainees, that were scrapped by the Mahama government; the employment of one hundred thousand (100,000) graduates under the Nation Builders Corp; and the recruitment of sixty thousand (60,000) young men and women under the Youth in Afforestation Programme as examples of some of the policies that have been implemented since he assumed office.
President Akufo-Addo made this known on Wednesday, 30th October 2019, when he addressed the 8th Edition of the Ghana Economic Forum at the Tang Palace, in Accra.
In his remarks, he noted that the macroeconomic situation that his Government inherited, at the beginning of 2017, was a dire one, evidenced in a GDP growth of 3.6%, a fiscal deficit of 9.3%, inflation at 15.4% percent, a weak external reserves position, and a banking sector weighed down by a plethora of poorly capitalised, and weak and insolvent institutions, with potentially grave consequences for the entire financial system.
"Agricultural and industrial activities were down. Unemployment, especially of the youth, was widespread, against a background of low incomes and high prices. This was the distressing state of the economy that awaited us in January 2017, despite an ongoing, three-year IMF Extended Credit Facility arrangement that had been initiated in April 2015 with the previous Mahama government," the President added.
However, since 2017, President Akufo-Addo noted that the economy has been growing consistently above 7%, and, in the last two years, has been amongst the world's fastest-growing economies, with the IMF projecting Ghana's economy, this year, to have one of the world's highest growth rates of 7.6%.
"Inflation for September stood at 7.6%, in single digits, the lowest in over two decades. Our exports are growing healthily; our trade balance account, for the first time in more than a decade, recorded a surplus in 2017, maintained it in 2018, and we expect to maintain the surplus for this year as well. We have brought the fiscal deficit down to 4.5%," he said.
The President continued, "Our external reserves, as at June 2019, stood at 4.3 months of import cover. All our macroeconomic indices are pointing in the right direction, and it comes as no surprise, therefore, that, today, Ghana is the leading recipient of foreign direct investment in West Africa."
He noted that, at the half-way stage of 2019, according to the Bank of Ghana, the banking sector recorded a profit after tax of GH¢1.67 billion, representing year-on-year growth of 36.3%, compared with 21.7% in the same period last year.
With the country, in April this year, also successfully exiting from the IMF programme, with their strong commendations on the recent management of the economy, President Akufo-Addo stated that "it is gratifying to note that these important achievements in financial and economic stabilisation have been recognised and appreciated not only in Ghana but also internationally."
Since 2017, the international rating agencies, Standard and Poor's and Fitch, have both upgraded Ghana's credit rating to 'B' with a stable outlook, up from 'B' minus with a negative outlook and 'B' minus, respectively, in 2016. This has enabled the country to access Eurobond markets at lower rates and longer maturities.
Read next article ...
The Sefwi Wiaso Training
Capo and JB in action sometime yesterday at Sefwi Wiaso training constituency executives in all the constituencies in the Western North Region on party organization, structure, ideology, electoral issues, communications, etc to adequately prepare them for election 2020 with the help of a number of facilitators. This exercise, they are going to replicate in all the regions/constituencies of the country. Congratulations to our hardworking national executives for doing so much to vindicate the confidence reposed in them by the party delegates. Election 2020 is indeed a MUST WIN for our party and our national officers are, by words and deeds, leaving no stone unturned in their unwavering resolve to delivering yet another resounding victory for the NPP for the love of country.
Read previous article ...
India and Ghana following a similar development path in creating digital economies
Ghana and India appear to be following a similar development path in the way in which both economies are run by their current leaderships. Speaking at the ongoing Future Investment Initiative (FII) summit in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia on Tuesday, 29th October, Prime Minister of India, Narendra Damodardas Modi, underscored the need for countries to speedily embrace the Fourth Industrial Revolution, as the surest bet to leapfrogging the ever-changing global dynamics of development. Prime Minister Modi stated his belief that India's commitment to leverage technology for accelerated growth is the key to its transformation. He outlined some of the initiatives taken by the government of India in their economic digitization efforts. Among others, Mr. Modi highlighted the issuance of National Identification cards to all Indians, the use of mobile phones as a payments platform, and digital address systems. "Undoubtedly, I do not see how any economy is going to catch up with the rest of the developed world without making deliberate efforts to conform to the contemporary trends of leveraging digital technology. The world is fast-changing and technological innovations should define what a modern-day economy should be", Prime Minister Modi remarked. Ghana's Vice President, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia who was also at the same event was elated by the conformity of thoughts expressed by speakers at the summit on digital technology as the new dawn for economic development. In a brief interview with the media, Dr. Bawumia indicated that many of the things India is doing in the digital technology space align with what the government of Ghana has been up to since 2017. "In Ghana, we have embarked on a progressive drive to issue national identification cards to all citizens. The process has started and expected to complete next year. We have also successfully implemented a digital property addressing system that provides physical-digital addresses for every 5 by 5 square meters", Vice President Bawumia indicated. Dr. Bawumia believes that the combined effects of the national identity cards and digital addresses will ultimately be the solution to the problems of identification and traceability of persons and property in Ghana. According to him, these interventions are needed to also de-risk the financial sector and help in the economic formalization efforts of government. Touching on the financial sector and the need for technological innovation, Dr. Bawumia expressed satisfaction with Ghana's mobile money payments interoperability system which recorded over a million transactions in the month of September 2019 compared to the about 150,000 transactions a month at the end of 2016. Launched in the year 2018, the mobile money interoperability system in Ghana has a payment architecture that allows the movement of funds across banks, mobile wallets and other payment platforms such as ezwich. With this, Ghana attains what it describes as triangular financial inclusion. The Future Investment Initiative is an international platform for expert-led debate between global leaders, investors, and innovators with the power to shape the future of global investment. Among others, the summit focused on utilizing investment to drive growth opportunities, enable innovation and disruptive technologies, and address global challenges. |
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} | 26_135228 | Three People Killed Under Mysterious Circumstances In Ashaiman
Three (3) persons, two night watchmen and a homeless man have been killed under mysterious circumstances with body parts missing within Ashaiman, in the Greater
Kate Gyamfua Leads Delegation To Germany
The National Women's Organizer of NPP, Madam Kate Gyamfua has challenged women in the party to work assiduously to help maintain The party in power.
Afigya Kwabre North MP Inspect 9 Units Classroom Block Projects
The NPP member of Parliament for Afigya Kwabre North, Hon Nana Marfo Amaniapong on Saturday 14, Inspected 9 units SHS classroom block at Kyekyewere which
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The President of the Republic, Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, has urged the Authority of Heads of State and Government of the Economic Community of West
"568 Vehicles Provided To The Police; 320 Housing Units Being Built" – President Akufo-Addo
The President of the Republic, Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, says Government, in recognition of the difficulties and dangers confronting police personnel in the discharge of
Government Sends Delegation To The Funeral Of Robert Mugabe
The President of the Republic, Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, has dispatched a Government delegation to represent Ghana at the funeral, in Harare, Zimbabwe, on Saturday, |
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} | 29_131632 | SPORTS INFRASTRUCTURE: Nana Addo congratulates Hon. Asiamah for good work done
At the Sod- cutting ceremony for the construction of Sports infrastructure for Hosting an Organizing the 13th African Games Accra 2023, the First Gentleman of the land Nana Addo Danquah Akufo-Addo acknowledged the hard work of the Former Youth and Sports Minister, Hon Isaac Kwame Asiamah MP for Atwima Mponua Constituency for bringing the tournament to Ghana for the first time in the history of Ghana.
The President in his speech at the event which was held at Borteyman said this has been possible for the excellent work done by the Ministry under the leadership of the former Minister Hon Isaac Kwame Asiamah.
Although, we were part of the thirty countries that participated in the first All-African Tournament held in 1965 in Brazzavile capital of the republic of Congo, but we've never had the opportunity to host the games.
We say Ayekoo to Hon Isaac Kwame Asiamah for making the people of Atwima Mponua Constituency and Ghana proud.
Ayekoo to the Global award winner who has been touted as the best Youth and Sports Minister since fourth republic.
You will always be remembered for your unprecedented and meritorious achievements at the Youth and Sports Ministry.
Hon Isaac Kwame Asiamah
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Next: Covid-19: Ghana records 19 deaths in two days-GHS report |
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} | 67_46460 | Our Manifesto Is A Contract – Akufo-Addo
President Akufo-Addo
President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo has stated that he still feels the 2020 Manifesto of the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP) "is a solemn social contract between the electorate and the elected" and has vowed to ensure everything is done as he appeals to Ghanaians to renew his mandate based on his first term achievements.
Speaking in an interview on radio in the Bono Region last Friday, the President said his administration had improved the socio-economic welfare of the country and every sector had been lifted which deserved continuity.
According to him, he is seeking from Ghanaians a renewed mandate to consolidate the gains made and the solid foundation laid for the country's economic and industrial development.
"My request to the people of the Bono Region is very simple. In 2016, I had no record as president when I was gunning for the presidency. You voted for me based on assurances and the record of the previous NPP government.
You have seen that the promises I made in the 2016 campaign, particularly the major ones, have been delivered. That tells you I am a truthful person," he told Sunyani-based 'Service Radio'.
President Akufo-Addo added, "Now that Ghanaians know that I am a truthful person, they should continue to have faith in me. This is my plea: have faith and confidence in me that if I promise I will deliver."
He said the good works that his government had started should not be truncated in order not to sleepwalk the nation into a crisis again, noting "I have put before Ghanaians the work we have done. If you look at what we promised and the work that we have done, please give me the opportunity to continue with my work."
"There are some of the projects which benefits do not come in handy within four years but in eight years you will be able to see the full results," the President said code-mixing the Twi and English languages.
"I am pleading that you add more to the confidence you reposed in me in 2016 while running to ascend to the presidential seat for the '4 More to Nana and the NPP' to work. Eleven out of 12 constituencies in the Bono Region voted for the NPP in 2016. Our plea is that on December 8 when the results start trickling in it will be 12 out of 12 and end it all," he added.
Earlier, the President gave admonition to politicians to avoid politics of ethnicity and tribalism, which he indicated have the potential to send Ghana into the path of destruction.
"Since the country attained independence in 1957, it has not mattered whether one is a Bono, Dagomba, Voltarian or from any part of the country; we are all one people. All that matters is what a candidate can do to benefit every Ghanaian in any part of the country," he stressed.
By Ernest Kofi Adu
Tags: general news, NPP Manifesto, politics
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} | 67_14069 | Home General "2023 is a year of restoration" – Alan declares
"2023 is a year of restoration" – Alan declares
Trades Minister Alan Kyerematen has resorted to God for economic salvation as he affirms, that despite the challenges facing the country the Akufo-Addo administration will not relent in efforts to improve the lives of the people.
A depreciation cedi and rising inflation have combined to bring untold hardship to Ghanaians, which according to experts, is far from sight.
The situation has forced the country to begin talks with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) to strike a $3billion loan facility.
But addressing members of the Calvary Charismatic Center (CCC) at Ayigya in Kumasi, Alan, who is likely contest the ruling New Patriotic Party's flagbearership race ahead of the 2024 general elections used the occasion to declare 2023 as a year of restoration.
"In the west, whether in the UK, US and Germany, many had to queue for fuel, cooking oil among others… but the situation was different in Ghana. It is not by might or by the powers that be but it is the grace of God and we thank Him for how far he has brought us".
Alan and his entourage received a rousing welcome during the 2022 crossover when he joined the CCC to cross the festive occasion with hundreds of Christians to the New Year.
"May the year 2023 be a year of restoration, reconstruction and rebuilding", the Minister declared as the huge crowd cheered him on.
The Minister appears to be courting the support from the Christian community even before the NPP opens nominations for the presidential primaries.
There are indications the Vice President Dr Mahamudu Bawumia will join the race as the ruling party works to break the eight-year political jinx.
alan kyerematen
Calvary Charismatic Center
npp primaries
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} | 43_133125 | Home Profile Akufo-Addo's 73rd Birthday: Good Wishes Pour In As Ghana And Beyond Celebrate...
Akufo-Addo's 73rd Birthday: Good Wishes Pour In As Ghana And Beyond Celebrate The Iconic Leader
Peace Ezebuiro
President-Elect Nana Addo
Born on the 29th of March 1944, Akufo-Addo's 73rd Birthday is the first he is celebrating as President of the Republic of Ghana.
President Nana Akufo-Addo has turned 73 today, Wednesday, March 29, 2017. Countless goodwill messages have been pouring in from different angles – family, friends, groups, and institutions in Ghana and beyond.
Akufo-Addo's 73rd birthday comes just about two weeks after his wife, Mrs. Rebecca Akufo-Addo celebrated her 66th birthday. To mark this special day, Rebecca took to Instagram to share her special birthday message to her husband.
Posting a photo of two of them, she wrote: "Happy birthday my dear Monsieur. I will always be inspired by your strength and resilience". See Instagram post below.
Happy birthday my dear Monsieur. I will always be inspired by your strength and resilience.✨
A post shared by Rebecca Akufo-Addo (@rakufoaddo) on Mar 29, 2017 at 4:43am PDT
Message from the Presidency
Ghana's special wish for Nana Addo on his 73rd birthday is that the President realizes his vision of "A Ghana beyond aid".
NPP Celebrates Nana
The New Patriotic Party (NPP) has also sent in heartwarming wishes to mark Akufo-Addo's 73rd birthday. In a message signed by John Boadu, the party's Acting General Secretary, the NPP wished the President a happy birthday and many prosperous years ahead.
The party indicated their pride in being part of Nana Addo's life, poured out praises on him, pointing out his numerous contributions and achievements in the service of his fatherland. They also prayed that he achieves all his set goals as president. Part of the birthday wishes read:
Mr. President, the New Patriotic Party is proud of you. We believe that during your tenure, we will see a transformed Ghana, we will see a Ghana beyond aid, we will see a Ghana that has one factory at every district, a Ghana that has Senior High School Children having free education, a Ghana that has its people believing in her future, and many good policies and programmes…
Birthday Wishes From the Vice President
In a Facebook post, Vice President Mahamamudu Bawumia also celebrated Nana Addo, calling him "My Boss". Posting a photo of two of them together, the Veep wrote:
Happy birthday to my boss, Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo. May the Almighty Allah continue to bless you, grant you good health and long life. May He also grant you immense wisdom to achieve your progressive vision for Ghana.
Message From Girls Girls
The leadership and members of Girls Girls for Nana Akufo-Addo also sent in beautiful wishes on his 73rd birthday. In a statement signed by their Coordinator, Ms. Vera Wiredu, the group wished Nana Addo "greater anointing, grace, mercies, and favor of God".
Describing the President as "God's special gift to Ghana at this point in time", Girls Girls for Nana stated that "today marks the beginning of another level of a breakthrough for Ghana". Part of the birthday message read:
You have a heart of gold and ready to serve the people of Ghana. You shall surely overcome the current economic challenges created by the N.D.C government and propel Ghana to the promise land. Yes, you can do all things through Christ who strengthens you…
Happy birthday our Daddy, leader, and President of the Republic of Ghana.
They also prayed that God gives him divine guidance, the wisdom, and good health that will enable him to achieve his dreams for the country, asserting that the president will surely lead Ghana again after the current dispensation.
Wishes From Medeama
Premier League side, Medeama SC is not left out in the beehive of birthday wishes on President Nana Akufo-Addo's 73rd Birthday. On their official Twitter handle, the club wished Ghana's President Happy Birthday and God's blessings.
Happy birthday to H.E @NAkufoAddo – President of the Republic of Ghana. From all of us at @MedeamaSC ,we wish you God's blessings. pic.twitter.com/yCk8LUYrat
— Medeama SC (@MedeamaSC) March 29, 2017
About Nana Addo
Nana Addo whose real name is William Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo is the incumbent and fifth president of the Fourth Republic of Ghana. He assumed the sit after defeating Former President John Dramani Mahama of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) in the presidential elections held on 7th December 2016.
Nana Addo under the umbrella of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), vied for the post of Ghana's president in 2008, 2012 and eventually won in his third attempt in 2016.
Nana who hails from Kyebi and Akropong-Akuapem in the Eastern Region was born in Accra to Edward and Adeline Akuffo-Addo. He studied Economics at the University of Ghana, Legon and graduated with a Bachelor's Degree in 1967. He went on and studied law in the UK and was called to the English Bar (Middle Temple) in July 1971.
Mr. Akufo-Addo has been a prominent figure in the NPP and in Ghana politics at large, having served in several political positions. Below are some of the major positions in which Nana Addo has served.
Member of Parliament for Abuakwa (1997–2004)
Attorney General of Ghana (2001 – 2003)
Minister of Foreign Affairs (2003 – 2007)
Member of Parliament for Akim Abuakwa South (2005–2009)
The BuzzGhana team is also wishing His Excellency a Happy Birthday and more prosperous years ahead.
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{
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} | 69_60772 | Ghana's First Lady lead fight to Eliminate Child Marriage.
By Papisdaff Abdullah
First Lady of the Republic of Ghana, Rebecca Akufo-Addo
The First Lady of the Republic of Ghana, Rebecca Akufo-Addo has disclosed that the elimination of child marriages in Ghana and the retention of girls in school is top on her priority list.
Delivering her welcome address at an event to commemorate International Women's Day under the theme "Press for Progress", Mrs. Akufo-Addo said the inability of Ghana to retain her girls in school directly impacts on the high levels of child marriages and teenage pregnancies the nation is saddled with.
The First Lady emphasized that the current policy of free education in Ghana from nursery to Senior High School (SHS) will be meaningless if the country cannot get its young ladies to take advantage of it.
This year's forum to make international Women's Day had Ghana' Second Lady, Samira Bawumia, former first ladies, Fulera Limann and Nana Konadu Agyemang Rawlings, as well as Former Second Lady, Hajia Alima Mahama. Chairperson of the Elections Management Body, Charlotte Osei was also in attendance.
Female Justices of Ghana's Supreme Court, Queen mothers, female members of the Diplomatic Corps in Ghana, market women, and female industry players also participated in the event. |
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} | 74_131931 | 07.12.2005 Politics
Kwabena Adjei's future on the line
By Ghanaian Chronicle
The political ambitions of one-time majority leader in parliament and a former Member of Parliament for Biakoye constituency in the Volta Region, Kwabena Adjei, in targeting the national chairmanship position of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), may be in serious jeopardy.
This is because his own constituents, who voted him into Parliament for three consecutive times (1992/1996/2000), seem to have outrightly rejected him.
The constituency executives say the National Executive Committee of the largest opposition party must act swiftly by dropping him "in the interest of justice and fair play before the party's teeming supporters and well-wishers got demoralized".
This and other claims were contained in a two-page petition filed recently against his candidature in the national race.
The petition, dated 24th November 2005 and signed by all eleven executive members in his constituency, accused him of neglect, disloyalty to the party in general, and dragging the party to court just before the general elections.
The petitioners are also accusing the former MP of neglecting the constituency soon after the NDC's defeat in the 2000 elections and also taking away all party logistics, such as vehicles and outboard motors.
"Because of his neglect of the constituency, he was not adequately informed about the constituency conference of 2004. He consequently filed a suit at a Ho High Court, placing an injunction on the conference without recourse to the party's disciplinary procedures," it said.
Other serious accusations leveled against him in the petition were that he teamed up with an independent candidate in the constituency and openly campaigned against the NDC candidate. |
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} | 2_148270 | Politics Fri, 6 Jul 2018
275 Buses: Probe Blay – Amoako Baah to BNI, EOCO
Dr Richard Amoako Baah, an aspiring National Chairman of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) has asked the Bureau of National Investigations (BNI) and the Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO) to investigate his fellow aspirant Freddie Blay who has procured 275 buses for the party.
Mr Blay had promised ahead of the NPP's delegates' conference in Koforidua on Saturday, 7 July that he will gift each constituency of the party, a bus.
Accordingly, 100 of those buses have arrived in the country with the remaining expected soon.
Touching on the funding for the buses, Mr Blay told journalists on Wednesday, 4 July 2018 that: "A financial institution is helping us".
"We're taking a bank facility to do so. It's self-paying… We do so for and for every constituency. It's not about if they vote for me first before I do it. The buses are in the country. They're in the harbour."
But speaking on Ghana Yensom on Accra 100.5FM hosted by Chief Jerry Forson on Friday, 6 July, Dr Amoako Baah said: "The EOCO and the BNI must come in and investigate the source of funding for these buses. Today the NPP will say the buses were procured by the party, tomorrow you hear Freddie Blay saying he is buying the buses for the party."
"This calls for the intervention of the BNI and the EOCO so we all know what the actual information is."
Source: classfmonline.com
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Blay bad leader - Amoako Baah
Dr Richard Amaoko Baah, an aspiring National Chairman of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), has said his fellow aspirant and acting chairman of the party, Freddie Blay has bad leadership skills for which reason he must not be voted for as substantive chair in the party's forthcoming national delegate's conference in Koforidua on Saturday, 7 July.
According to Dr Amoako Baah, Mr Blay is a leader who wants to be worshipped by his subordinates, just as, in his view, Ghana's first president Dr Kwame Nkrumah.
He told Chief Jerry Forson, host of Ghana Yensom on Accra 100.5FM Friday, 6 July that: "Freddie has adopted the attitude of Kwame Nkrumah because he came from the CPP to join the NPP."
"Nkrumah wanted to be worshipped, and, indeed, he was worshipped by some people and that is what Blay is doing," he added.
Dr Amoako Baah is contesting against Mr Blay and Mr Stephen Ayensu Ntim.
The NPP's Director of Research and Elections, Evans Nimako, said preparations are far-advanced to ensure a successful internal polls.
He asked all the aspirants to conduct themselves in a decent manner and re-unite after the polls.
Source: classfmonline.com |
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} | 25_99728 | Klottey Korle NDC Not Happy With Impasse � Alhaji Alema
An executive of the Klottey Korle Constituency of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) has called on the leadership to resolve the case involving the incumbent Member of Parliament, Nii Armah Ashietey, and Dr Zanetor Agyemang Rawlings.
The Constituency Chairman Alhaji Bashiru Nii Nash Alema, in an interview with the Ghana News Agency, said many party faithful in the constituency had expressed their disappointment at the fact that the differences between the two had led to the ineffective organisation of the party to retain the seat in the 2016 election.
He said other contestants such as Mr Philip Addison of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Nii Noi Nortey, an independent candidate and Madam Eva Lokko of the Progressive People's Party(PPP) were seriously campaigning to capture the seat, while the NDC was fighting in court.
"When two elephants fight, it is the grass that suffers," Alhaji Alema said, adding that the situation had created the impression that the NDC was not effective in the constituency.
He advised foot soldiers not to undermine one another but to do all they could to ensure victory for the NDC in the November elections.
Alhaji Alema called on the youth who were discouraged by the court case to stand firm, pending the final determination.
Mr Justice Amarlai Tetteh, the Constituency Treasurer, told the GNA it was only through collaboration between the supporters and constituency executive members that the NDC could achieve its target in the election.
He warned against activities that were detrimental to the progress of the party and called on the foot soldiers to exercise restraint while the leadership intervened to resolve the matter.
Source: Daily Graphic |
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} | 0_19032 | Ghana elections: Ministers, MPs, party chieftains defeated
Lead StoryPolitics
With the certified results so far released by Ghana's Electoral Commission, six ministers, nine members of parliaments and party stalwarts have been consumed in the fiercely contested general election held last Sunday.
The final results are now a subject of uncertainty, particularly for the ruling party, New Patriotic Party (NPP), with the possibility of a run-off in the presidential race looming.
The election, which has so far panned out as a straight contest between NPP and National Democratic Congress (NDC), has also claimed casualties in other parties.
Although the full results are yet to be released, the ones so far released show a keenly contested election between the NPP and NDC with each claiming victory in their strongholds.
Yesterday, the ECOWAS Observers Team led by former Nigerian military Head of State, Gen. Yakubu Gowon, at a press conference, said the Ghana election was devoid of fraud.
He said from the voting process, identification of voters, the secrecy of the ballot, reconciliation, counting, announcement and endorsement of results at the polling stations, the elections were free, peaceful, transparent and credible.
But the Ghanaian Vice-President, Alhaji Aliu Mahama, told THISDAY last night that his ruling party was optimistic of victory, notwithstanding the pockets of lead recorded in some parts of the country by the opposition. He said such situations were not unexpected given the fact that some were strongholds of the opposition.
Results so far recorded seem to dim hopes for the NPP. For instance, NPP's Kwadwo Opare-Hammond would not make it to the next parliament having failed to retain his seat in the Adenta Constituency in the Greater Accra region. Opare-Hammond, who had 16,646, was beaten to the seat by NDC's Kojo Adu-Asare who managed to poll 20,230.
In Krowor and Ledzokuku Constituencies in Accra, the NPP ceded their seats to the NDC. Deputy Health Minister, Gladys Norley Ashitey, failed to keep her Ledzokuku Constituency seat after polling 30,622. But Nii Nortey Duah of NDC won the seat with 42,087.
At Mfantseman West, Information and National Orientation Minister, Stephen Asamoah Boateng lost his seat to NDC's Aquinas Quansah, while in Gomoa West Constituency; NPP's Joe Kingsley Hackman also lost his to the NDC candidate, Francis Kojo Arthur.
The results were 12,511 and 15,985 respectively.
Samuel Owusu-Agyei, Minister for Public Sector Reform and NPP's MP for Efutu in the Central Region, lost his seat to the NDC's Mike Allen Hammah. The incumbent polled 12,010 votes against Hammah's 15,124.
But at Nanton, Northern Region, Alhaji Abdul-Karim of NPP, toppled NDC's Alhaji Alhassan Yakubu, polling 6,868 votes as against 6,177 for the incumbent.
NPP's former General-Secretary, Dan Botwe, won the Okere constituency of the Eastern Region with 11,974.
His closest runner up, Addo George Opare of the NDC, polled 6,729. In a close contest for the Korle Klottey seat, the incumbent, NDC's Ishmael Ashitey narrowly edged out NPP's Samuel Adjei Tawiah, polling 30,633 as against 28,011 by Tawiah.
Minister for Water Resources, Works and Housing and the MP for Salaga, Alhaji Boniface Sadique Abubakar, also lost to the NDC's Abubakari Ibrahim. He polled 16,033, while the NDC candidate polled 19,079.
Seth Adjei-Baah, popularly known as Shaaba, an independent candidate, beat the incumbent NPP MP for Nkawkaw Constituency, Kwabena Adusa Okerchiri. Shaaba polled 19,757 votes to defeat the incumbent who had 14,376 votes.
The second deputy speaker of parliament and NPP candidate for Yendi, Alhaji Malik Al-Hassan Yakubu, also lost his seat to NDC's candidate, Sulemana Ibn Iddrisu Jr. The NDC candidate polled 10,831 while the incumbent had 10,214. Also, Deputy Minister for Education and Sports, Angelina Baiden-Ammisah, lost her Shama seat to NDC's Kwadwo Essilfie.
Former Health Minister in President John Kufuor's first administration and PNC's candidate for Sisala East, Moses Dani-Baah, lost his seat to NDC candidate, Alhassan Hulutie. Freddie Blay, first deputy speaker of parliament and an incumbent member of parliament for Ellembele Constituency popularly known as Ellembele Mugabe, also lost his election. Lee Ocran, a member of parliament for the Jomoro Constituency, lost out in the election to Samia Nkrumah, the daughter of Ghana's first president, Dr. Kwame Nkrumah.
Gowon, during his world press conference where he handed ECOWAS preliminary declaration, also commended the electoral commission in Ghana, saying it had done a very good job.
"The electoral commission has so far discharged its duties with commendable competence, fairness and firmness. Indeed, the ECOWAS observer mission is of the view that the EC has, up to the time of compiling this report, lived up to its motto of transparency, fairness and integrity.
"As it is the case with all contests, the ECOWAS mission is not under any illusion to discount the possibility of disputes and legal challenges with regard to the outcome of the polls. In such eventuality, however, the mission urges all aggrieved parties to employ exclusively peaceful and constitutional means to seek redress," he said.
The ECOWAS mission promised to closely observe the concluding phases of the process, particularly the collation and declaration of results which was yet to be completed at press time. It also promised to handle whatever disputes that emanate from the declaration of results as well as make further declaration if the need arises.
ECOWAS team also offered preliminary recommendations based on its observation of the Sunday elections. It urged government to encourage the participation of women and youth in the political process. It also suggested that as a way of reducing the long queues in future elections, the electoral commission should increase the number of booths and polling station with corresponding staff.
Gowon said their field reports suggested that the elections were keenly contested in all the 230 constituencies, commending the government, electoral commission, political parties and the people of Ghana for their determination for and commitment to the electoral success of Sunday. The mission also urged the electoral body to maintain its neutrality by adhering to constitutional provisions in executing the rest of its responsibilities.
Meanwhile, the Vice-President has maintained that his party would coast home with victory at the end of the day, adding that the election has been keenly contested because the people of Ghana have exhibited their independence and right to choose their choice candidates. He said he was optimistic because his party had been pro-masses and had done the wishes of the people in the last eight years.
Mahama said for "a responsible and responsive administration" that had sustained development for eight years, the NPP would not have problems winning the elections, even though it seemed a tight race. The Vice-President said this at an informal gathering during the celebration of Eid-el-Kabir at his residence in Accra, Ghana.
Nigeria's High Commissioner to Ghana, Senator Musiliu Olatunde Obanikoro, also told the Nigerian media on the nation's observation of the Ghana election.
Obanikoro, who said he was impressed with the conduct of the election also agreed that Nigeria has a lot to learn from Ghana and commended all the Ghanaian institutions that contributed to the success of the elections.
While urging the media to take its place in the nation's democratic process, Obanikoro noted that the role the Ghanaian media played in the success of the election was massive and added that their Nigerian counterparts should borrow a leaf from them.
Source: This Day
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} | 92_147606 | AUDIO: I Will Never Touch My Monies From Parliament – Abetifi MP Elect, Assures Constituents
The Member of Parliament elect for Abetifi Constituency , Bryan Acheampong has promised to use his emolument that will accrued to him as MP, including ex-gratia to support education in the area.
Mr Acheampong said his salary, allowances and ex-gratia that will accrued to him as long as he continues to be their member of parliament will go to educational fund that he will immediately set up to support students within his constituency and Kwahu at large.
''Year on year, for as long as I remain in parliament, all these monies which would be given to me will be directly spent in Education. I am going to account to the public, I am going to account to my constituency, for them to know I made a promise that I am going to deal with education and I have done it.''
He thanked his constituents for honour done him to represent them in parliament.
Speaking to Eugene Akoto –Bamfo the Host of Agoo fm's Morning Show" ENE NSO BIO" on Monday Mr Acheampong assures his constituents that , he is committed to every promise he has made to them.
He said four key areas that will immediately engage his attention will be water, sanitation, Fulani menace and education.
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SOURCEagoofmonline.com/Ebenezer Kojo Nyavor
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{
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} | 54_86731 | Ghana: The 8th Parliament and the Drama with it
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Akufo-Addo commissions 'New Douala Barracks' at Burma Camp
May 14, 2020 spyDa 0 Comments Accra, Barracks Regeneration Project., Burma Camp, Commission, construction, Ghana Armed Forces, New Douala Barracks, President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo
President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, on Tuesday, 12th May, 2020, commissioned the 'New Douala Barracks' at Burma Camp in Accra, whose construction commenced in 2017, as part of the Barracks Regeneration Project.
It will be recalled that upon his assumption of office, and in the Asempa Budget, President Akufo-Addo announced the institution of the 'Barracks Regeneration Project', to address the accommodation challenges of the Armed Forces, and, thereby, ease the discomfort that troops and their families have been confronted with over the years..
Commissioning the New Douala Barracks, the President noted that "over the last three years, we have worked diligently to improve the state of operational readiness of the Armed Forces, by retooling all the Services to enable you to perform your roles more efficiently and effectively."
One plank of this welfare-enhancement package, he said, is the Barracks Regeneration Project, which has resulted in the completion of the 'New Douala Barracks'.
"Today, sixty-four (64) families will be the beneficiaries of four (4) new blocks of sixty-four (64) apartments. Each of these apartments has a living room, two (2) bedrooms, a kitchen and standard sanitary facilities," he said.
President Akufo-Addo continued, "It is gratifying to know that similar, on-going accommodation projects are near completion at the Airborne Force, Six (6) Infantry Battalion in Tamale, and other garrisons. In due course, they will also be commissioned, and I assure you that Government remains committed to dealing with the matters of accommodation of the Armed Forces."
The President urged the Military High Command to ensure that these accommodation units are well maintained, and appealed further to the new occupants to make sure that these facilities stand the test of time.
Touching on the road network in the Barracks, President Akufo-Addo assured the Chief of Defence Staff, Officers, men and women of the Armed Forces that "the sod will be cut next week for the commencement of construction of phase 2 of Burma Camp Roads. Indeed, the list of all roads in the garrisons have been submitted to the Ministry, and, soon, work will begin on all the roads that are not in good condition. I have to redeem the pledge I made to you about your roads, and I am doing so."
Expressing his gratitude to the Military for responding to his call to help in the fight against the Coronavirus pandemic, he stated that "I am proud of your exceptional diligence and vigilance in ensuring that the protocols and restrictions I outlined were complied with, especially during the three-week partial lockdown of Accra, Kumasi, Tema and Kasoa."
Describing their efforts in the areas of medical support, logistics chain management, the enforcement of the restrictive measures, and operations on land, sea and air as laudable, the President commended their co-operation with the other security agencies.
"Indeed, the country has also taken notice of the strengthening of relations between you and the citizenry, evidenced in your remarkable contribution towards ridding our cities of filth, disinfecting markets, and providing water and other basic services to the needy and vulnerable," he added.
With the pandemic affecting the routine training and social activities of the Army, and with the end-of-year WASSA failing to come off, President Akufo-Addo was confident that "sooner rather than later, we will have the opportunity to make up for lost time."
He reminded the men and women of the Armed Forces to continue to observe the social distancing and enhanced hygiene protocols that he has outlined for the people of Ghana.
"Do not forget to wash your hands regularly with soap under running water, use alcohol-based sanitizers, refrain from shaking hands, cover your mouths and noses when you cough or sneeze, wear your masks at all times in public, eat well and follow a good diet. I do not have to tell you about the importance of exercising," he said.
He continued, Discipline and self-discipline are easy concepts for you, the men and women in uniform, to appreciate and apply. Lead by example, so that the rest of the country can follow. I have no doubt that we, the Ghanaian people, are up to it, and, that, united, we will be able to emerge from this crisis even stronger than before."
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} | 80_22762 | Government to set up military base at Enzulebu to protect oil resources
Date: Oct 20 , 2018 , 12:30
BY: Donald Ato Dapatem
President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo inspecting a guard of honour mounted by the graduates at the ceremony in Accra. Picture: Samuel Tei Adano
A Forward Operating Base is to be constructed for the military at Enzulebu in the Ellembele District, Western Region for the protection of the nation's oil resources, President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, has announced.
He said the government had signed a contract with a firm for work to begin on the project while the Ministry of Defence and the Ghana National Petroleum Corporation (GNPC) had also ordered six patrol boats to augment the fleet of the Navy as part of moves to protect the nation's maritime resources and oil fields.
President Akufo-Addo, who is also the Commander-in-Chief of the Ghana Armed Forces (GAF), announced this at the 2018 graduation ceremony for Regular Careers Course 58 and Short Service Commission/Special Duties Course 56 at the Ghana Military Academy in Accra yesterday.
In all, 138 cadet officers, including two allied officers from Guinea, passed out.
The overall best award also known as Sword of Honour went to Junior Under Officer S. A. Appiah.
A female Junior Under Officer, Ms Akosua Serwaa Appiah, took two awards: the Chief of Army Staff's Award and the Military Cane.
Addressing the gathering, the President said the government planned to construct a new military training school to meet the requirement of the 21st century.
He explained that since its establishment in 1960, the school had not witnessed any major improvement in its infrastructure while the land on which the school was located had also been encroached upon.
President Akufo-Addo said if the newly inducted officers had the impression that their toughest time was the training they endured, they would be facing tougher challenges which would require the expertise they had acquired to deal with.
He urged the newly commissioned officers to be guided by the motto of the academy, which was, Service, Devotion and Sacrifice, to ensure it remained their guiding principle in life.
The President said the government had provided 50 high occupancy buses for transporting personnel for training aside from the 40 pickups supplied in 2017 for Operation Calm Life.
He disclosed that the government had ordered 135 vehicles, including Pickups and Land Cruisers, which would arrive within the next two months to augment the vehicular fleet of the military.
The President announced that the second phase of the asphalting of roads at the various barracks would begin very soon.
He said the sector minister would cut the sod for the commencement of the Commander-in-Chief Sports Stadia across the country beginning with the one in Tamale, adding that already funding had been secured for the new Army headquarters which would begin before the end of the year.
Beatings
President Akufo-Addo urged the commissioned officers to guard against the temptation of using their uniforms to intimidate civilian counterparts who were their natural partners in the development of the nation.
He reminded the military that it was the taxes of the civilian population that provided the means for the sustenance of the military and urged them to execute the qualities of good politics instilled in them at the academy and lead exemplary lives.
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} | 98_134202 | President Akufo-Addo commissions new officers into Ghana Armed Forces
President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo on Friday commissioned 107 officers into the Ghana Armed Forces (GAF) and called on them to safeguard the national sovereignty, territorial integrity and the peaceful development of the country.
Whilst congratulating them on their achievement, the President urged them to remain conscious of their responsibility towards the people of Ghana, whose security they are required to protect, and to uphold the blessings of liberty and the prospects of the country for future generations.
"As you enjoy the euphoria that surrounds your achievement on this memorable occasion, do not forget that a responsibility has been thrust on your shoulders…your commissioning into the armed forces is the beginning of your careers as professional officers and leaders…and you are expected to exhibit exemplary conduct," he said.
President Akufo-Addo said this when he reviewed a spectacular graduation parade of the Ghana Military Academy (GMA) and Training School at Teshie in Accra.
The parade, which featured cadets from the Regular Career Course 57 and Short Service Commission/Special Duty Course 55, had four foreign officers; two each from Benin and Guinea. This is the maiden graduation parade reviewed by the President.
"You must at all times discharge your duties professionally and diligently….remember you are to safeguard and protect the territorial integrity of the nation and its citizens and not use your position to antagonise the citizens whose sacrifices has made your training possible," the President said.
President Akufo-Addo, who is also the Commander-in-Chief of the Ghana Armed Forces, reminded the graduands that they were being commissioned into an Armed Force that has carved a niche for itself over the years as unique, disciplined and professional, urging them to work hard to bring glory and honour to Ghana, the GAF and themselves.
He congratulated the four allied cadets from Benin and Guinea, and admonished them to let their conduct reflect the training they had been given.
"As you leave the shores of Ghana to get integrated into the Armed Forces of your respective countries, I hope your performance and conduct in service would reflect the good training and traditions you have received in Ghana," he said.
President Akufo-Addo called on the graduands to be desirous of acquiring more knowledge due to the changing space of technology, which had transformed the nature of traditional security challenges.
He noted that contemporary threats to security such as drug and human trafficking, proliferation of small arms and light weapons, cyber crimes and the activities of normadic herdsmen, called for new approaches to training in military skills and strategy in order to counter the challenges.
President Akufo Addo said government was aware of the infrastructural and logistical challenges confronting the GAF and the GMA in particular, putting undue strain on the Academy in its efforts to providing quality training.
He, therefore, gave the assurance that his administration would equip the military adequately to enable it to discharge its duties effectively.
Senior Under-Officer Kwesi Arthur-Barnes was adjudged the Best All Round Officer Cadet. He received the Sword of Honour.
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} | 47_98971 | Gov't secures $100m for GAF Infrastructural facelift
NEWSTOP STORIES
The Government has secured 100 million dollars in loans to be used in giving a facelift to the Ghana Military Academy located in Teshie, a suburb of Accra, as well as constructing befitting housing facilities for military personnel across all garrisons of the Ghana Armed Forces (GAF).
The Minister for Defence, Dominic Nitiwul, addressing officers and civilian staff of the Armed Forces at the General Headquarters 2018 WASSA, disclosed that he "through the support of President Akufo Addo", laid in Parliament a loan of a hundred million dollars which he says will be used to "change the face" of the Ghana Military Academy at Teshie.
"It is expected that Mr. President will cut the sod next month. We expect that after one year when you visit the Ghana Military Academy, it will be a different Military Academy that you will see there," the Defence Minister, Dominic Nitiwul said.
The Minister further observed that part of the money "will be used to construct befitting housing facilities and accommodation for our troops, particularly, those of the other ranks across all the garrisons of the Ghana Armed Forces in Tamale, in Accra, in Secondi Takoradi, Sunyuni and in Kumasi".
President Akufo Addo, who was the Special Guest of Honour at the 2018 WASSA, commended the Ghana Armed Forces for their tremendous performance in several operations they engaged in in the year 2018, such as Operation Vanguard, Calm Life, Halt and Rad Star.
"The nation is grateful for your performance in all these operations," President Akufo Addo said.
The President further indicated that government will continue to do all within its power to resource the Ghana Armed Forces with all of its needs and wants.
"I assure you that government will not relent in its efforts at transforming the Ghana Armed Forces into a formidable force and will continue to help enhance the capacity and capabilities of the Armed Forces towards the development of our nation," the President stated.
WASSA
WASSA is an annual event celebrated by the various arms of the Ghana Armed Forces, such as the Army, the Navy, and the Air Force, which brings together family members to eat, drink and have fun at a get-together.
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} | 64_58057 | Home News "Gov't addressing accommodation, logistical needs of armed forces" – President Akufo-Addo
"Gov't addressing accommodation, logistical needs of armed forces" – President Akufo-Addo
The President of the Republic, Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, has assured the Ghana Armed Forces that they will be provided with the necessary resources to carry out their constitutionally mandated role of, amongst others, protecting the territorial integrity of the country.
Speaking at the graduation ceremony of officer cadets of the Ghana Armed Forces at the Ghana Military Academy, on Friday, 19th October, 2018, President Akufo-Addo, indicated that since assuming the reins of office, some 21 months ago, a lot has been done by his government to improve upon the logistical and accommodational requirements of the armed forces.
"For example, government took delivery, recently, of 50 robust high-occupancy Ankai-A8 buses for the purpose of transporting service personnel across the length and breadth of the country for training and related duties. In 2017, Government donated 40 pickups to the military personnel involved in Operation Calm Life," the President said.
Additionally, he indicated that Government has ordered an additional 135 vehicles, including Nissan hardbody pickups, Toyota Landcruisers, Toyota Landcruiser Prados, Toyota Landcruiser pickups and dispatch motorbikes, to improve the transportation facilities of the troops, with the vehicles set to arrive in Ghana within two months.
"I have also directed the Minister for Defence to begin the second phase of the project for the asphalting of roads in the barracks," he added.
With reference to housing, it would be recalled that, in June this year, President Akufo-Addo cut the sod for the National Barracks Regeneration Project, which has since started in Accra and Tamale, a project, the President said, will be expanded extensively in 2019.
"Next month, in November, the Minister for Defence will cut the sod for the construction of the 'Commander-in-Chief Sports Stadia Programme' for garrisons in the country, with the first to be built in Tamale. It is gratifying to note that funds have already been secured for this project. Funding has also been secured for the construction of a new Army headquarters, which will begin before the end of the year," he added.
President Akufo-Addo revealed further that a contract has also been signed for the construction of a Forward Operating Base at Enzulebu in the Western Region to protect Ghana's oil resources.
"In conjunction with the Ghana National Petroleum Corporation, the Ministry of Defence has ordered six patrol boats for the Ghana Navy to help in the protection of our maritime resources and our oil fields. We have increased, since February 2017, the UN peacekeeping daily earned amount from $30 to $35, and consistently ensured that troops are paid at their operational areas, rather than being paid here at home," he added.
Whilst acknowledging that there are still some issues to be addressed, President Akufo-Addo assured that "other accommodation and equipment needs of the Ghana Armed Forces will be duly resolved to enhance efficiency and morale."
With the Ghana Military Academy not witnessing any significant development in its infrastructure, since its establishment in 1960, the President told the gathering that he has directed the Minister for Defence to take steps to wall off the remaining lands.
"Plans have also been put in place for the building of new, state-of-the-art infrastructure to meet the requirements of a 21st century training institution. This is a legacy I would want to bequeath to the Ghana Armed Forces," he added.
Maintain good relations with civilians
To the graduating officer cadets, President Akufo-Addo stated that they are joining a profession whose members have not only upheld its image, but also continue to ensure that the territorial integrity of our nation is preserved, thereby making Ghana peaceful and stable.
"In order to execute your onerous obligations, the motto of the Academy, 'Service, Devotion and Sacrifice', must always be your guiding principles. You must bear in mind that the Ghana Armed Forces, over the years, has striven to maintain a healthy relationship with the civilian population, in line with the tenets of national integration and cohesion," the President said.
He continued, "I am reminding you, today, that your commission into the Armed Forces places great responsibility on you to guard against the temptation of using the uniform to intimidate your civilian counterparts, who are your natural partners in the development of our nation, and whose taxes provide the means for your sustenance as members of the Armed Forces."
President Akufo-Addo, thus, entreated that "to put into practice the qualities of good leadership instilled in you at the Academy, lead an exemplary life, and ensure that the men under your command also do the same."
The President also commended all the award winners on the day, especially Senior Under Officer Daniel Opoku Boadu, who was adjudged the Best All Round Officer Cadet of Regular Career Course 58.
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} | 10_94203 | Communications Manager for the Food and Drugs Authority (FDA), James Lartey, says owner of Mama Gee empire is currently being investigated for flouting FDA laws.
Elizabeth Torgbor aka Mama Gee, who operates Mama Gee empire sells sex enhancement drugs, and attraction sprays and oils has been arrested by the Food and Drugs Authority together with personnel from the Criminal Investigation Department (CID).
Mama Gee also sells herbal "concoctions" for vaginal douching which tightens the vaginal walls.
Speaking to Ekourba Gyasi on Atinka AM Drive Thursday Morning, Communications Manager for the Food and Drugs Authority (FDA), James Lartey said the authority upon information from undisclosed sources stormed the premises of Mama Gee in Madina and asked her to stop operations with immediate effect.
He added that the lady in question ignored this warning and continued to sell the drugs which led to her arrest Wednesday.
He cautioned users of the such products to be mindful of their health and think twice when consuming products that can have dire consequences on their health.
"In order for you to manufacture any product, you need to be regulated and registered. For any producer to advertise a product, it needs the approval of the Food and Drugs Authority (FDA) it does not matter the platform on which it will be advertised…she is selling products that has not been approved and her claims cannot be substantiated, we will investigate and take necessary actions" he added.
He revealed that samples of the drugs have been submitted with the police for laboratory investigations to take place.
Ghana | Atinkaonline.com | Vivian Adu Boatemaa |
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Mama Gee Arrested Over Libido, Love Charms
Elizabeth Torgbor alias Mama Gee
The Food and Drugs Authority (FDA), in collaboration with the Criminal and Investigation Department (CID) of the Ghana Police Service, has arrested one Elizabeth Torgbor, aka 'Mama Gee' over the sale of libido boosters and love charms.
The arrest follows the discovery of a video showing 'Mama Gee' granting an interview, claiming she has sexual enhancement and other products which have not been duly registered by the FDA.
The FDA in a statement signed by its Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Delese Mimi Darko, disclosed that the suspect was picked up on Wednesday, July 10, 2019, at her shop at Madina, Accra.
During the arrest several ladies were seen queued to buy the products which many have termed as husband snatching 'juju'.
The FDA, however, cautioned the public against the use of her products revealing that her claims of their potency cannot be substantiated and, therefore, should desist from patronizing them.
In the said interview, 'Mama Gee' claimed women can use sex to get what they want from a man thus she uses the products to help young ladies charm rich men in the country in return for cash.
Explaining how the charms work, she said her products 'upgrade' women's private parts to 'sweetness' making it different from others thus making them irresistible to their male partners.
"It makes your vagina upgrade from every other woman's," she said in the Twi dialect in a viral video. |
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MP In Street Fight
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Emmanuel Aboagye Didieye
The National Democratic Congress (NDC) Member of Parliament for Afram Plains North on Wednesday, August 31, openly engaged the wife of his closest pal in hot verbal exchanges that nearly resulted in fisticuffs.
The incident occurred at Donkorkrom, the district capital of Kwahu North in the Eastern Region.
The MP, Emmanuel Aboagye Didieye, who earlier this year angered teachers in the country by saying that they were alcoholics, was alleged to have verbally abused Olivia Dansoa, who responded in kind, causing a big scene in front of a provision shop at Donkorkrom.
The MP, who is noted for making unguarded statements and is alleged to have made negative comments about certain influential people in his constituency on local FM stations in the area, was prevented from physically assaulting Dansoa for daring to confront him over allegations he made on a local radio station at Nkawkaw that he had given her GH�2,000 to support her business.
After tempers had calmed down, the MP was said to have rushed to the Donkorkrom police station to ask the police to arrest the woman for allegedly threatening to kill him.
The police, upon the MP�s complaint, arrested Dansoa and later released her.
Confirming the incident to DAILY GUIDE, Dansoa accused the MP of constantly creating enemies for himself by making false allegations against people he knew.
�The MP is a close friend of my husband, Bob Ayensu, and stayed with us in our house at Donkorkrom for almost two years and is now sitting on a radio station vilifying my husband and me.�
According to Dansoa, it was her husband who prepared the ground for the MP after he expressed interest in contesting the parliamentary seat on the ticket of the NDC, adding that �Aboagye Didiye stayed with us for about a year before the general elections in 2008 and we fed him throughout his stay with us�.
Dansoa told Daily Guide that they spent so much on the MP because her husband used his own money to send him round to campaign. �After the election, he continued to stay with us for another year before he left for his mother�s village, Bomosaaso, and promised to compensate my husband for the sacrifice he made for him�.
According to Dansoa, the MP failed to fulfil his promise and rather went on a local radio station at Nkawkaw to claim that he had given her GH�2,000 to help her business.
�My brother, it is never true that the MP had given me that money but the only money I received from him was sent through me to be given to artisans working on his community project on the island, which was GH�1,000 and that money has duly been given to the artisans as directed,� she said.
She added that the MP�s false claims on air were tantamount to dishonesty and ingratitude.
�I therefore confronted him when I learnt about his presence at Donkorkrom to substantiate the allegation that he made on the radio station that he had given GH�2,000 to me, which led to the verbal exchanges,� she said, adding that the MP called her names and she also replied.
�I am surprised at the behaviour of Dideye, after all the sacrifice we made for him to become MP�, she noted, stressing that the MP had become very unpopular in the area as a result of his attitude.
When the MP was contacted, he said the whole episode was a grand scheme by Dansoa and her husband to damage his political career.
Even though the MP admitted being a friend to Dansoa�s husband, he noted that he decided to distance himself from Bob Ayensu because he made an outrageous demand which he could not fulfil.
�I was close to Bob Ayensu, one Amos Monyue and John Attipoe but after the 2008 elections the three friends came to me and said they needed GH�21,000 to be shared among them but I told them I could not get that money to help them but suggested that they should get a contractor certificate so that I could give them �school under tree� MP�s project worth GH�13,000,� he explained, adding that his friend did not accept that and decided to embark on this vicious ambition to destroy his name.
According to him, whatever Dansoa was saying were lies and that he had personally given her money, which was transferred through the Commercial Bank at Nkawkaw, adding that he had receipts for the transactions.
�I can�t readily give the total amount of money but I have receipts covering all the monies given to Madam Dansoa,� he indicated.
The MP told Daily Guide that he had personally bought a motorbike for Mr. Ayensu, given him GH�1,100 to buy a new engine for his Nissan Primera saloon car and paid for the roofing of his house at Donkorkrom. �I know it is grand scheme by these former friends of mine to destroy my political career but it will not wash,� he emphasized.
He also said on the day of the incident, it was Olivia Dansoa who attacked him verbally, but he did not reply and rather reported the matter to the police.
Source: Thomas Fosu Jnr, Koforidua
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} | 99_128525 | ERROR: type should be string, got "https://www.myjoyonline.com/afram-plains-north-mp-hands-over-completed-chps-compound-to-constituents/-------https://www.myjoyonline.com/afram-plains-north-mp-hands-over-completed-chps-compound-to-constituents/\nAfram Plains North MP hands over completed CHPS compound to constituents\nSource: Kwesi Parker-Wilson\n13 December 2021 10:56pm\nThe Member of Parliament (MP) for the Afram Plains North constituency in the Eastern Region, Betty Nana Efua Krosbi Mensah has handed over a completed Community-based Health Planning and Services (CHPS) located at Gudupe – Faaso Battor, a remote island Community to the Ghana Health Service.\nThis is the second out of three abandoned CHPS projects in the Afram Plains North area since 2017 that the MP has completed and handed over to Ghana Health Service. In December 2020, Ms Mensah from her own resources completed the facility at Abotanso and handed it over to the health authorities.\nIn 2015, three communities in the Afram Plains North area including Abotanso, Faaso Battor and Supom benefited from the construction of CHPS with proceeds of the austere 10% salary cut announced by former President John Dramani Mahama and his appointees in 2014 to bring healthcare closer to all citizens irrespective of their geographical location.\nHowever, these projects dotted across the country were abandoned after the 2016 elections.\nIn order to help address the health challenges of her constituents, Ms Betty Krosbi Mensah through her instrumentality and commitment again mobilise resources for the completion of the Faaso Battor project at the tune of Ghc 180, 000.\nAddressing Chiefs and residents of the area during the handing over ceremony, the Afram Plains North lawmaker who is also a member of the Health Committee of Parliament expressed worrying concerns about the culture of abandoned health projects across the entire country.\nAccording to her, health delivery must be a priority to all and urged government to dedicate resources for the completion of all abandoned projects started by the erstwhile Mahama administration for the benefit of all.\nThe MP assured of her continuous willingness to support her constituents in whatever means possible for the development of the area.\nAssemblyman for the Faaso Battor electoral area which comprises over ten communities, Michael Amelewu on behalf of the Chiefs and people of thanked the MP for the area for coming to their aid to complete the project.\nHe also expressed the gratitude of the people to the MP who recently supported the first phase surgery of their five-year-old son, Caleb who was suffering from a hole-in-heart condition at the Korle BuTeaching Hospital.\nDumefia (Chief) of Faaso Battor Togbe Matthew Kudanu also expressed gratitude to the MP for her foresight and prayed for God's guidance for her in all efforts.\nHe urged political parties to live delible imprints on the minds of people through their project initiatives to help residents make informed choices.\nThe Afram Plains North District Medical Director, Francis Kotua Apungu who received the keys to the facility expressed gratitude to the MP for her relentless effort at strengthening health delivery in the area describing her as a \" very proactive MP\".\nAccording to him, the facility will provide a 24-hour health service to the community.\nMr Apungu appealed to the MP and other well-wishers to help secure a Solar vaccine fridge and a motorbike for the facility.\nHe also appealed to central government to as a matter of urgency regularise the casual staff and the posting of critical staff such as Medical Doctors to help strengthen health delivery in the district and address issues of retention of Internally generated funds (IGFs).\nThe Faaso Battor CHPS Compound comprises three self-contained bedrooms, a storeroom, an Outpatient Department (OPD), a ward, a consulting room, a kitchen, and two toilets.\nThe event was attended Chief Executive Officer of Eben KB Hotels, MP for Afram Plains South, Joseph Appiah Boateng, MP for Buem, Kofi Iddi Adams, MP for South Tongu, Kobena Mensah Woyome and MP for South Dayi, Joselyn Tetteh, the District Finance Officer represented the DCE.\nEastern Regional Organiser of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), constituency and branch executives of the party.\nAfram plains\nBetty Nana Efua Krosbi Mensah\nCHPS compound\nInadequate infrastructure adversely affecting healthcare delivery at Obanda CHPS compound\nTension brews in Afram Plains North NDC over membership registration\n'SHS nurses' will only assist registered nurses and doctors – YEA responds to GRNMA\nMalaria still a major cause of death in Ghana – NGO\nAfram Plains records Monkeypox cases\nJuaboso MP commissions 2 health facilities to improve access to healthcare for residents\nWoman delivers baby boy in bush at Agyata in Afram Plains\nBlacksmith arrested in Afram Plains for manufacturing guns for armed robbers\nXavi residents get new CHPS Compound\nCommunity in Builsa North to construct CHPS compound" |
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} | 78_45449 | NPP Primaries: Akufo-Addo fights party disunity after tomorrow's polls
President of Ghana, Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo has asked for a united front after the Parliamentary Primaries which comes off tomorrow June 20, 2020.
According to him, only a united front can help the Political party deliver on its mandate to the people of Ghana.
The President observed that on Saturday, there will be no losers and no winners but rather it's the NPP that must emerge stronger from the elections united and victorious.
Akufo-Addo in a statement to the elephant family ahead of its primaries said it's imperative that the NPP during the day demonstrate to Ghanaians that it is the Political Party with credentials of attachment to principles of democratic accountability.
He reminded contestants of the need to join hands in unity after the elections to advance the principles and ideals of the political party in realization that the it is the political party capable of transforming Ghana's economy and nation in general.
The New Patriotic Party(NPP) will Saturday, June 20 elect Parliamentary candidates who will represent the party in December 2020 elections.
In all, 374 persons will battle for 101 seats in 15 regions of the country.
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} | 17_90402 | Source: GhanaWeb
Thabo Mbeki visits Akufo-Addo in his residence
South African former president, Thabo Mbeki interacts with Nana Akufo-Addo and Dr. Bawumia.
Former President of South Africa and leader of the Commonwealth Observer Mission, Thabo Mbeki has paid a courtesy call on Ghana's President-elect Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo.
The flagbearer of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) beat the incumbent National Democratic Congress (NDC) and five other candidates in the December 7, 2016 general elections by winning 53.85 percent of total votes cast.
International and corporate bodies, political opponents, religious bodies and individuals have sent their congratulatory messages to Nana Akufo-Addo.
Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo will become the fifth president under the fourth republic when he is sworn into office on January 7, 2016.
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} | 54_119162 | GJA Condemns NPP for Assault on Journos
GJA General Secretary Kofi Yeboah
The Ghana Journalists Association (GJA) has condemned the governing New Patriotic Party (NPP) and urged its leaders to call members to order and cease physical attacks on journalists in the country.
"After carefully investigating the matter, the Ghana Journalists Association (GJA) vehemently condemns the attack on the innocent journalists," a statement from GJA General Secretary Kofi Yeboah stated on Sunday, December 24.
This follows an alleged assault on three journalists from various media houses by security personnel of the NPP at the party's headquarters in Accra on Thursday, December 21.
The journalists went to cover a demonstration by NPP supporters from the Ellembelle Constituency in the Western region.
The demonstrators, who are polling station executives, were protesting against what they said was inaccessibility to registers to organise constituency elections in Ellembelle.
They wanted their polling station registers for updates but claim their Constituency Chairman, Mr Samuel Kainyah, is refusing to distribute the registers.
Some of the executives claim Mr Kainyah is acting on the orders of the Acting National Chairman Freddie Blay, thus their demonstration at the headquarters.
The GJA statement indicated that the attack left the journalists traumatised with one of the victims having blurred vision.
"Under no circumstances in our current democratic dispensation must a body, whether individual or corporate, shrug off the rule of law and employ brute to seek redress to a problem" the release added and stated further that: "The attack by the NPP security personnel was an attack on human dignity, which is guaranteed under Article 15 (1) of the 1992 Constitution as inviolable," the statement noted.
The GJA leadership is therefore expecting a probe by the party and punishment to the culprits to prevent the occurrence of such "dastardly act".
Source: ClassFMonline
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} | 79_148590 | Home / General News / NPP's Silence on Attacks on Journalists Dangerous for Press Freedom
NPP's Silence on Attacks on Journalists Dangerous for Press Freedom
Posted on February 9, 2018 by Josephine Nettey in General News
Within the last two months some five journalists have been attacked or threatened by activists of the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP). As if these acts are endorsed or supported by the NPP, the leadership of the party has remained silent on the attacks despite calls for the party to condemn such acts to deter further perpetration of similar acts by party activists.
The first incident, which took place at the party's national headquarters involved four journalists; Godfred Tanam, Prince Afum, Ebenezer Ackah and Marie-Franz Fordjoe of TV3, Ghanaweb and Citi FM respectively. In the said incident that took place on December 21, 2017, the journalists, who were covering a protest at the premises of the NPP headquarters, were brutalized by heavily-built security officials.
The security persons slapped and kicked the journalists just for covering a protest at the premises of the headquarters.
Following the incident, several public figures and organisations called on the leadership of the NPP to address the issue by condemning the assault and punishing the perpetrators.
On January 23, 2018, the MFWA followed earlier appeals with a petition to the Acting Chairman of the party, Mr Freddie Blay. Till date, the NPP has neither acknowledged receipt of the petition nor acted on it.
This complicit attitude of the NPP leadership has the potential of fostering a culture of impunity among party foot soldiers and activists with journalists bearing the brunt of their wanton aggression.
Indeed, the recent death threat issued against journalist Kwakye Afreh-Nuamah of TV3 by known party activists and the silence of the party leadership can only be seen as evidence of the consequence of the culture of impunity that is being nurtured by the party.
As if to call the bluff of the journalist, another known member of the party called the journalist and also threatened him for reporting the matter to the police.
It is regrettable that the NPP, which prides itself as a tolerant, law-abiding and media-friendly party, has failed to publicly condemn these acts by its activists. Instead, some leaders of the party and government officials have reportedly rather appealed to the threatened journalist to withdraw the case from the police.
The MFWA finds the NPP leadership's silence over its supporters' attacks on journalists rather baffling. This is because the party's general secretary recently condemned a similar vigilante attack on Kwame Baffoe, popularly known as Abronye DC, a member of the party.
It therefore appears that attacks on journalists do not really matter to the leadership of the party.
Failure to punish perpetrators of violence against journalists only goes to encourage others to abuse journalists. An entrenched impunity constitutes a major threat to the safety of journalists.
In 2016, Ghana's press freedom rankings dropped from "Free" to "Partly Free" following a number of similar press freedom violations, which were not addressed.
The MFWA is concerned about the continued silence of the leadership of the NPP on recent attacks by its activists on journalists and is therefore urging the leadership of the NPP to, as a matter of urgency, act to address the growing culture of impunity for crimes against journalists.
We urge the party to call its members to order and punish perpetrators of violations against journalists to serve as deterrent to others. The party cannot look on as journalists are abused.
The safety of Ghanaian journalists is at stake and an urgent action by the party will help assure journalists that press freedom will be promoted and protected under the government of the New Patriotic Party.
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{
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} | 25_70996 | Pressure put on NPP to punish journalist
NPP-demo
More demands have been made on the leadership of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) to take punitive action against security guards who assaulted journalists at the party's head office last Thursday.
The guards manhandled the journalists in an attempt to stop them from covering a demonstration by some members of the party.
A journalist from Media General's TV3, Godfred Tanam, GhanaWeb and Citi FM were among those assaulted.
One of them was later hospitalized but has since been discharged.
Speaking on TV3's News 360 over the weekend, General Secretary of the Ghana Journalists Association (GJA) Edmund Kofi Yeboah said it will only be by bringing the "culprits" to book that the pains of the victims will be assuaged.
"We are not very happy about the incident because it is becoming one too many," he told presenter Abu Issa Monnie.
He said the situation is creating a "grooming culture of impunity, which we think should come to an end".
"Apart from condemning the action, we are calling on the leadership of the NPP to bring these culprits to book and that is the only way [that we] will…know they also are not in support of the action."
Though some leading members of the party have apologized over the incident, the GJA scribe said: "We need to go beyond mere condemnation of such action."
He observed that attacks by political party supporters has become a canker to security.
"The leadership of the NPP must demonstrate commitment that this canker is brought to an end
Source: 3news.com
africa news akuffo addo ghana news ghana politics Local news ndc news
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} | 36_51460 | NCA Shuts Down Radio Stations
On May 9, 2019 By raskorsa
The National Communications Authority (NCA) has begun closing down radio stations operating without valid authorizations as determined by the 2017 FM Broadcasting Audit.
The closure, according to the Authority, is in line with the enforcement action as espoused by the decision of the Electronic Communications Tribunal (ECT).
According to the NCA, some stations were found to be in default during the FM Spectrum Audit in 2017.
Those stations according to NCA, were fined by the Authority.
"However, some of the stations in default were not satisfied and proceeded to the various courts; Electronic Communications Tribunal (ECT) and the High Court to appeal against the NCA's decision. This resulted in a decision by the ECT in 2018 which reviewed the status of expired FM Radio Broadcasting Authorizations and which ruled among others that Companies whose authorizations had expired reverted to the same position as a fresh applicant," the NCA stated.
According to the Authority, while some stations shut down following the decision, others did not, hence the Authority in line with Regulations 65 (1) of the Electronic Communications Regulations, 2011, L. I. 1991, is enforcing the shutdown of such FM radio stations.
Regulations 65 (1) of the Electronic Communications Regulations, 2011, L. I. 1991 states that, "A person shall not use a radio frequency without authorization from the Authority" the National Communications Authority (NCA)."
The Authority also explained that as ruled by the ECT, submission of renewal application after expiry of authorization is not a valid application and therefore shall not be considered by the Authority.
It also indicated that companies affected by the shut-down have the opportunity to submit fresh applications to the Authority if they so wish, and that their "applications shall go through the required procedure for new FM Broadcasting Authorization and the outcome will be communicated to the applicants."
The NCA stressed the fact that frequencies are national assets and not the properties of users as they are not assigned to users in perpetuity, and therefore entities are only authorized to use frequencies for a specific duration or period.
"The Authority takes this opportunity to encourage all license and authorization holders to ensure compliance with the various terms of their licenses and authorizations, and as well the relevant regulations," the Authority advised.
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} | 98_104546 | PPF condemns the shutdown of two radio stations in Ghana
Pakistan Press Foundation (PPF) in a letter to Nana Akufo-Addo, President of Ghana has expressed concern over the shutdown of Accra based Radio Gold and Radio XYZ.
PPF Secretary General Owais Aslam Ali in his letter has condemned the shutdown of both radio stations and urged the management of stations and the regulator to discuss and try to resolve the matter and resume the broadcasting.
According to the Media Foundation for West Africa (MFWA), Ghana's broadcasting and telecommunication frequency regulator, The National Communications Authority (NCA) has shut down the two radio stations on May 9.
The NCA officials along with the law enforcement agencies stormed the premises of both radio stations that are associated with the main opposition party, the National Democratic Congress (NDC) and enforced to shut down the station in the afternoon of May 9.
In a statement issued by NCA it was stated that the closures were resulted in line with Regulations 65 (1) of the Electronic Communications Regulations, 2011, L. I. 1991, which states that "A person shall not use a radio frequency without authorization from the Authority."
Highlighting the 2018 ruling by the Electronic Communications Tribunal on the status of FM stations with expired authorization, the NCA added, "Companies whose authorizations had expired reverted to the same position as a fresh applicant," adding that "these applications shall go through the required procedure for new FM Broadcasting Authorization."
In less than two years this is the second incident that the regulator has taken action against the stations. In September 2017, the NCA carried out a massive crackdown against the broadcasting industry by closing down a total of 34 radio and television stations for various violations by enforcing Section 13 of the Electronics Communications Act (2009), Act 775.
NCA has also imposed fines on a number of stations ranging from GHC50, 000 (US$11,000) to GHC61, 000,000 (US$13.8 million) depending on the violation and the duration the infraction persisted.
Tags: Broadcasting, Freedom of Expression, Media and Governance, Media Safety, Protest Letters by PPF, Radio
Category: News | خبریں
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} | 72_58711 | Media & Good Governance
Journalism for Change
Free Expression and The Law
Free Expression Violations
Home Free Expression Violations
Communications Regulator Closes Down Radio Gold, Radio XYZ
GhanaFree Expression Violations
The National Communications Authority (NCA), the broadcasting and telecommunication frequency regulator in Ghana, has shut down Radio Gold and Radio XYZ, both based in Accra and aligned to the main opposition party, the National Democratic Congress (NDC).
A statement issued by the NCA in Accra on May 9, 2019, said the closures were carried out in line with Regulations 65 (1) of the Electronic Communications Regulations, 2011, L. I. 1991, which states that "A person shall not use a radio frequency without authorisation from the Authority."
Referring to a 2018 ruling by the Electronic Communications Tribunal on the status of FM stations with expired authorisation, the NCA said "Companies whose authorisations had expired reverted to the same position as a fresh applicant," adding that "these applications shall go through the required procedure for new FM Broadcasting Authorisation."
The regulator did not mention the two stations, implying that it was a general exercise. However, only Radio XYZ and Radio Gold have been closed so far. Officials of the NCA, backed by armed police officers, stormed the premises of the radio stations to enforce the shutdown in the afternoon of May 9.
This is the second time in less than two years that the regulator has flexed its muscles against "defaulting stations." In September, 2017, the NCA carried out a massive purge of the broadcasting industry that saw a total of 34 radio and television stations being shut down for various infractions, in enforcement of Section 13 of the Electronics Communications Act (2009), Act 775.
The regulator also imposed fines on a number of stations ranging from GHC50,000 (US$11,000) to GHC61,000,000 (US$13.8 million) depending on the infraction and the duration the infraction persisted.
Much as we appreciate the need for the NCA to enforce its regulations, we find it unacceptable for the precincts of a radio station to be invaded with armed security personnel, which could be intimidating to the staff of the station. The MFWA is deeply concerned about the shutdown of Radio Gold and Radio XYZ which are a source of news, information and entertainment for thousands of listeners in Accra. We, therefore, urge the Management of the station to approach the NCA to discuss an amicable settlement of their differences for the stations to resume broadcasting.
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} | 1_152986 | Home / News / NCA Grants Amnesty To Radio Gold, Others
NCA Grants Amnesty To Radio Gold, Others
Emmanuel Donkor October 12, 2021 News
The Governing Board of the National Communications Authority (NCA) has approved the applications of some 133 radio broadcasting stations to operate in the country.
This include new applications from entities whose FM radio stations were closed down after the 2017 FM Audit as well as existing stations which applied for renewal of their expired FM Radio broadcasting authorisations.
According to a statement issued by the NCA, on October 12,2021, "The approval after a Board meeting held on October 11, 2021 is subject to the applicants attending a sensitisation workshop on the terms and conditions of FM radio broadcasting authorisations. The workshop shall clarify the legal, regulatory, and technical requirements for the establishment and operation of an FM Radio Broadcasting station".
The statement noted that provisional authorisations shall be issued to successful applicants at the end of the workshop and frequencies assigned to the applicants only upon the fulfillment of the conditions of the Provisional Authorisation.
"The public is therefore enlightened that per Section 2(4) of the Electronic Communications Act, 2008, Act 775, a person shall not operate a broadcasting system or provide a broadcasting service without a frequency authorisation by the Authority. Offenders are liable on summary conviction to a fine of not more than three thousand penalty units or to a term of imprisonment of not more than five years or to both, as per Section 73 of Act 775 of 2008," it said.
The National Communications Authority was established by an Act of Parliament, Act 524 in December 1996, which has been repealed and replaced by the National Communications Authority Act, 2008, Act 769.
NCA Grants Amnesty To Radio Gold, Others Reviewed by Emmanuel Donkor on October 12, 2021 Rating: 5
Your comments and Encouragement are welcome |
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} | 70_30205 | by Attractive Mustapha August 18, 2021, 10:09 am 2k Views
Former President John Dramani Mahama has told President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo that he has set a bad precedence following the closure of some radio stations that delayed in renewing their license.
Mr Mahama said this in the Upper East region on Tuesday August 17 when he was thanking the chiefs and people of the region after the 2020 elections.
He said "The constitution guarantees freedoms, human rights, freedom of association and so many other things, freedom and independence of the media and indeed there is a whole chapter on media freedom.
"Unfortunately, even when you have the best constitution you can have governments that try to bend it to be able to achieve whatever ends they have in terms of limiting our democratic rights. So today government can say that a radio station has delayed in paying its license fee and so we are shutting you down.
"When I talk about it I talk about it because of the precedence it can set .Because the shoe can be on the other foot the next day, they say the stick that is used to beat Takyi, it is the same stick they will use to be Baah. So the stations you don't like you can close them down today, when another government comes and it decides to do the same thing to the stations they don't like too, what kind of country will we be building?"
The National Communications Authority (NCA), the broadcasting and telecommunication frequency regulator in Ghana, shut down Radio Gold and Radio XYZ, both based in Accra and aligned to the main opposition party, the National Democratic Congress (NDC).
A statement issued by the NCA in Accra on May 9, 2019, said the closures were carried out in line with Regulations 65 (1) of the Electronic Communications Regulations, 2011, L. I. 1991, which states that "A person shall not use a radio frequency without authorisation from the Authority."
Referring to a 2018 ruling by the Electronic Communications Tribunal on the status of FM stations with expired authorisation, the NCA said "Companies whose authorisations had expired reverted to the same position as a fresh applicant," adding that "these applications shall go through the required procedure for new FM Broadcasting Authorisation."
The regulator did not mention the two stations, implying that it was a general exercise. However, only Radio XYZ and Radio Gold have been closed so far. Officials of the NCA, backed by armed police officers, stormed the premises of the radio stations to enforce the shutdown in the afternoon of May 9.
This is the second time in less than two years that the regulator has flexed its muscles against "defaulting stations."
In September, 2017, the NCA carried out a massive purge of the broadcasting industry that saw a total of 34 radio and television stations being shut down for various infractions, in enforcement of Section 13 of the Electronics Communications Act (2009), Act 775.
The regulator also imposed fines on a number of stations ranging from GHC50,000 (US$11,000) to GHC61,000,000 (US$13.8 million) depending on the infraction and the duration the infraction persisted.
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Posted on November 12, 2020 Author Enock Akonnor Comment(0)
A former Deputy Minister for Communication Edward Ato Sarpong has heavily chastised the National Communications Authority (NCA) for taking Abusua FM off air Wednesday morning ahead of an interview with the NDC flagbearer.
Mr Mahama who is on a tour in the Ashanti Region was booked for an interview on the Kumasi-based radio station only to get there and be told the signals of the station had been lost.
Management of the station had to halt the breakfast show on a sister station, Ultimate 106.9, and make way for the Akan radio host Kojo Marfo to take over the English morning show to interview the former president.
Reacting to the unfortunate event, Mr Ato Sarpong, who was speaking to Mugabe Maase on Adehyie FM said he was convinced the NCA was behind the transmission challenges Abusua FM faced this morning.
"What happened was the work of jammers and that is very unfortunate," he said and indicated taking the radio station off at that crucial time was an affront to free speech.
"It was very wrong. They can't say they didn't jam the station…The same thing happened some weeks ago when our Running Mate was about to be interviewed," Mr Ato Sarpong said.
According to the former minister, the NCA under the leadership of Nana Akufo-Addo has used its authority to muzzle dissenting views or radio station that criticise the government.
He said the mandate of the NCA was not to intimidate radio stations that do not share in the government's idea, saying when Mr John Mahama was the Minister for Communications in the Rawlings era, the NCA was decoupled from the Ministry of Communications from the by an ACT of Parliament – ACT 769.
"The ACT made the NCA an authority and not a machinery to intimidate the opposition…So if you send people to NCA and they go there to work in the interest of the party in power and not the, it is very wrong.," he said and asked the NCA to come out on the matter if they did not sanction the jamming of Abusua FM's transmission.
Source; MyXYZonline
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Akufo-Addo Is Democratic Dictator — Mahama
Former President John Dramani Mahama has described President Akufo-Addo as a democratic dictator.
According to Mr Mahama, the President has been infringing on media freedom and cracking down on divergent opinions since he assumed office.
Speaking at a mini-rally at Garu in the Upper East Region, Mr Mahama urged the electorate to vote against the Akufo-Addo administration in the 2020 polls.
"Nana Akufo-Addo parades himself as a human rights lawyer but he is a kind of democratic dictator," he said.
Mr Mahama also questioned the government's commitment to free speech claiming it had sabotaged an interview he was to have on Abusua FM.
"My running mate was going on a radio station to do an interview and you know what they did, they jammed the frequency of the radio station," Mr Mahama claimed without evidence.
"I was going on the same station to do an interview. I was supposed to start at 8 am and at 8 am they jammed the frequency of the station."
Two prominent Pro-NDC stations; Radio Gold and XYZ, were shut down by the National Communications Authority (NCA) in May 2019 for operating without a licence fueling the NDC's belief that the Akufo-Addo administration was attacking opposition viewpoints.
Back in September 2017, the NCA fined Radio XYZ GHS 4,090,000 in September 2017 for operating with a license that expired on 8th May 2016.
Radio Gold was also fined GHS 61,330,000 for operating with a license that expired on 6th September 2000.
The NCA has come out to describe Mahama's allegations as false.
Some accusations in a separate publication that were also attributed to a former Deputy Communication Minister, Ato Sarpong who criticised the NCA for purportedly disrupting Abusua FM's broadcast.
"The NCA does not have the capability to block, jam or interfere with broadcasting signals."
"As a telecommunications and broadcasting regulator, and in line with global best practice, the NCA has frequency spectrum monitoring equipment whose ability is limited to receiving signals and detecting their source, but not to jam them," it said.
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Politics of Sunday, 22 November 2020
Source: Kasapa FM
Akufo-Addo is a dictator under a democracy – Mahama
Flagbearer of the opposition National Democratic Congress(NDC), John Dramani Mahama, says President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo has destroyed his own credentials as a human rights advocate in his regime.
"He came as a human rights lawyer and standing for the rights of people but he's trampled on more Ghanaian rights than any president in the history of the 4th Republic," former President Mahama said in an interview on XYZ TV on Sunday.
Mr. Mahama described President Akufo-Addo as a typical dictator under a democratic dispensation.
He argued that unlike what pertained in his government, the current President has been seen as the worst leader who has curtailed Press Freedom in the country, as journalists are threatened in their line of duties.
"I have been president before and you can ask any journalist whether they were ever threatened in the course of their duties.
"We didn't shut down radio stations. I mean Free expression is something our constitution has guaranteed but sometimes you have people who come in ostensibly as constitutional leaders, who promise to promote democratic freedoms and rights but you find out that there can be dictatorships even under a democracy, and that's what we are finding out with this President."
The NDC Presidential Candidate returned to the Ashanti region on Friday to resume his campaign activities in the region after temporarily suspending his campaign following the demise of the party's Founder and former President, Jerry John Rawlings.
He'll climax his tour of the region on Sunday and move to the Upper East region.
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Otumfuo couldn't have said it any better: Mahama must show remorse for his errors in judgement!
Wed, 23 Sep 2020 Source: Kwaku Badu
The great Ashanti King, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II hit the nail on the head when he boldly and poignantly told former President Mahama that Ghanaians voted against him during the 2016 general elections due to 'hunger and anger'.
Otumfuo was absolutely right: Mahama's calamitous errors in judgement resulted in harsh socio-economic standards of living.
Mahama must, therefore, accept his catastrophic mistakes and apologise to Ghanaians for wilfully imposing untold economic hardships.
But that being said, in as much as the critics have their democratic rights to criticise Ex-President Mahama for deciding to stage a presidential comeback despite his terrible errors in judgement which sent Ghana's economy deeper and deeper into the mire, he is permitted by the 1992 Constitution to do so.
However, given the unpardonable economic meltdown under his watch (moved economic growth of 14% to 3.4% and a single digit inflation to 15.4%), Ex-President Mahama should do the right thing by eating humble pie and apologise to the good people of Ghana for wilfully messing up the hitherto favourable economy.
Well, if anything at all, former President Mahama should show a little remorse and beg discerning Ghanaians for forgiveness for needlessly raising Ghana's debt from GH9.5 billion in 2009 to an incredible GH122.4 billion by December 2016 with a little to show for.
Dearest reader, if former President Mahama believes that he owes no one an apology for woefully dragging the 14% economic growth in 2011 to a disappointing 3.4% by December 2016, then what right does he have to come and stand in front of the good people of Ghana to solicit for their votes in 2020?
Some of us do not suffer from chronic amnesia and can recall vividly that Ghana's Cedi to US Dollar in December 2011 was GH1.65 to $1.
However, due to catastrophic economic decisions, within five years the exchange rate took an unbelievable flight and stood at GH4.20 to $1 by December 2016.
The good people of Ghana cannot so soon forget and forgive former President Mahama for the business crippling dumsor in the last five years of the erstwhile NDC administration.
In fact, former President Mahama should stop taking Ghanaians for granted and ask for forgiveness for terribly collapsing the Agricultural sector by reducing the growth from 7.4% in 2012 to a miserable 2.5% in December 2016.
If former President Mahama really wants to lead the country again, then he should render an unqualified apology to the good people of Ghana for shrinking Ghana's GDP from $47 billion in 2011 to $40 billion by December 2016.
Who says that discerning Ghanaians have forgotten and forgiven former President Mahama for recklessly giving out large portions of Ghana's scarce resources to parasitic creatures?
Indeed, former President Mahama should, as a matter of necessity, apologise to discerning Ghanaians for unjustifiably giving apologists like Madam Akua Donkor of Ghana Freedom Party (GFP) two four wheel drive cars and a luxury bungalow (estimated to cost a staggering $470,000) for no work done.
So Ex-President Mahama thinks he does not owe the good people of Ghana any apology for egregiously giving away 58% of Ghana's bauxite to his sibling Ibrahim Mahama on 29th December 2016, just a little over one week before exiting power?
If anything at all, former President Mahama should do the honest thing by apologising on behalf of his brother Ibrahim Mahama for egregiously evading import taxes to the tune of GH12 million during his tenure in office.
What is more, former President Mahama should acknowledge the concerns of Ghanaians over the purported GH800 million dubious judgment debt payments, including the GH51.2 million to Woyome, $30 million to the Waterville and $375,000 to Isofoton which resulted in the drastic reduction of capital expenditure, and as a consequence, most contractors were not paid by the erstwhile NDC administration.
Is former President Mahama not concerned about the wilful misappropriation of $175 million loan facility secured in 2012 which was meant to provide seven district hospitals but the NDC hierarchy misapplied on the blind side of Ghanaians?
To be quite honest, some of us would be extremely surprised if Ex-President Mahama failed to beg Ghanaians for forgiveness before 2020 general elections for surreptitiously diverting $6 million of a government loan facility of $175 million meant to provide seven district hospitals into researching the then governing NDC party's chances of winning the 2016 general elections.
Well, former President Mahama should not think that Ghanaians still suffer from chronic memory loss, and therefore cannot recollect the over GH200 million SADA funds invested on trees which were reported to have burnt down, and the guinea fowls which flew to the nearby Burkina Faso without a trace. How bizarre?
Even though a competent court of jurisdiction has convicted and sentenced four former NDC officials over the embezzled GYEEDA and NCA funds meant to provide suitable employment for the youth of Ghana, former President Mahama must apologise to Ghanaians for superintending over such mess.
The last but not least, former President Mahama definitely owes discerning Ghanaians an unconditional apology over the scandalous Bus Branding, the Brazil World Cup, SUBA, amongst others.
From the look of things, unless former President Mahama decides to render an unqualified apology, the good people of Ghana will continue to ventilate their arousing disgust over his calamitous errors in judgement which culminated in harsh socio-economic standards of living.
K. Badu, UK.
[email protected]
Columnist: Kwaku Badu |
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} | 6_19654 | I bet; discerning Ghanaians will punish Mahama severely in 2020
Sat, 8 Feb 2020 Source: Kwaku Badu
In as much as the critics have their democratic rights to criticise Ex-President Mahama for deciding to stage a presidential comeback, in spite of his terrible errors in judgement which sent Ghana's economy deeper and deeper into mire, he is permitted by the 1992 Constitution to do so.
But that said, given the unpardonable economic meltdown under his watch (moved economic growth of 14% to 3.4% and a single-digit inflation to 15.4%), Ex-President Mahama should do the right thing by eating humble pie and apologise to the good people of Ghana for wilfully messing up the hitherto favourable economy.
Honestly stating, former President Mahama should show a little remorse and beg discerning Ghanaians for forgiveness for needlessly raising Ghana's debt from GH9.5 billion in 2009 to an incredible GH122.4 billion by December 2016 with a little to show for.
Dearest reader, if former President Mahama believes that he owes no one an apology for woefully dragging the 14% economic growth in 2011 to a disappointing 3.4% by December 2016, then what right does he have to come and stand in front of the good people of Ghana to solicit for their votes in 2020?
Let us be honest, some of us do not suffer from chronic amnesia and can recall vividly that Ghana's Cedi to US Dollar in December 2011 was GH1.65 to $1.
However, due to catastrophic economic decisions, within five years the exchange rate took an unbelievable flight and stood at GH4.20 to $1 by December 2016.
To be quite honest, the good people of Ghana cannot so soon forget and forgive former President Mahama for the business crippling dumsor in the last five years of the erstwhile NDC administration.
In fact, former President Mahama should stop taking Ghanaians for granted and ask for forgiveness for terribly collapsing the Agricultural sector by reducing the growth from 7.4% in 2012 to a miserable 2.5% in December 2016.
If former President Mahama really wants to lead the country again, then he should render an unqualified apology to the good people of Ghana for shrinking Ghana's GDP from $47 billion in 2011 to $40 billion by December 2016.
Who says that discerning Ghanaians have forgotten and forgiven former President Mahama for recklessly giving out large portions of Ghana's scarce resources to parasitic creatures?
Indeed, former President Mahama should, as a matter of necessity, apologise to discerning Ghanaians for unjustifiably giving apologists like Madam Akua Donkor of Ghana Freedom Party (GFP) two four wheel drive cars and a luxury bungalow (estimated to cost a staggering $470,000) for no work done.
So Ex-President Mahama thinks he does not owe the good people of Ghana any apology for egregiously giving away 58% of Ghana's bauxite to his sibling Ibrahim Mahama on 29th December 2016, just a little over one week before exiting power?
If anything at all, former President Mahama should do the honest thing by apologising on behalf of his brother Ibrahim Mahama for egregiously evading import taxes to the tune of GH12 million during his tenure in office.
What is more, former President Mahama should acknowledge the concerns of Ghanaians over the purported GH800 million dubious judgment debt payments, including the GH51.2 million to Woyome, $30 million to the Waterville and $375,000 to Isofoton which resulted in the drastic reduction of capital expenditure, and as a consequence, most contractors were not paid by the erstwhile NDC administration.
Is former President Mahama not concerned about the willful misappropriation of $175 million loan facility secured in 2012 which was meant to provide seven district hospitals but the NDC hierarchy misapplied on the blind side of Ghanaians?
To be quite honest, some of us would be extremely surprised if Ex-President Mahama failed to beg Ghanaians for forgiveness before 2020 general elections for surreptitiously diverting $6 million of a government loan facility of $175 million meant to provide seven district hospitals into researching the then governing NDC party's chances of winning the 2016 general elections.
Well, former President Mahama should not think that Ghanaians still suffer from chronic memory loss, and therefore cannot recollect the over GH200 million SADA funds invested on trees which were reported to have burnt down, and the guinea fowls which flew to nearby Burkina Faso without a trace. How bizarre?
Even though a competent court of jurisdiction has convicted and sentenced two former NDC officials over the embezzled GYEEDA funds meant to provide suitable employment for the youth of Ghana, former President Mahama must apologise to Ghanaians for superintending over such mess.
Last but not least, former President Mahama definitely owes discerning Ghanaians an unconditional apology over the scandalous Bus Branding, the Brazil World Cup, SUBA, amongst others.
From the look of things, unless former President Mahama decides to render an unqualified apology, the good people of Ghana will continue to ventilate their arousing disgust over his calamitous errors in judgement which culminated in harsh socio-economic standards of living.
Columnist: Kwaku Badu
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} | 34_78202 | Home > Business > Economy > 201306
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Another Victory For Martin Amidu...SC Orders Isofoton To Refund Monies To State
Ghana�s highest court, the Supreme Court, has ordered Spanish energy company ISOFOTON SA to refund to the Government of Ghana the cedi equivalent of $325,472 it received as judgement debt.
The money is to be repaid with interest from March 2011 to the date of final payment, the court ordered in a Friday ruling, according to Daily Graphic�s Court Correspondent, Mabel Aku Baneseh.
The ruling follows an application by former Attorney General and Minister of Justice, Martin Amidu, who said the company had no basis to make the claims because it had no contract with the government of Ghana, the breach of which should result in the payment of any judgement debt.
ISOFOTON is involved in designing, manufacturing and supplying Solar Energy products.
The nine member panel, presided over by Justice Date Baah, unanimously ruled that "the foundation which Isofoton went to court was weak because the agreement in itself was not laid before parliament.�
The court further stated that the High Court presided by Justice Ernest Obimpeh had no jurisdiction in determining the case and should have referred the matter to the Supreme Court.
�If an agreement is not laid before parliament, per the laws of the country in Article 185, it becomes null and void thus the High Court ruling that granted the judgement debt acted unconstitutionally. And that the cedi equivalent of 325,472 dollars must be refunded to the state,� the judges said.
The Supreme Court also referred the conduct of lawyers for ISOFOTON to the General Legal Council. It however struck out ISOFOTON�s agent Anane Adjei Forson�s name from the suit because he was not the proper person to be sued.
Isofoton was demanding judgement debt of $1.3 million for which the government had started paying in instalment but the Supreme Court, in March 2013 ordered the government to stop further payments until the case was determined.
It would be recalled that somewhere last year, then Deputy Information Minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa spearheading what the Mills' administration termed �Sunlight Campaigns� on judgment debts, berated former Chief of Staff in the Kufuor administration, Kwadwo Mpiani for allegedly abrogating a valid contract the Ministry of Agriculture duly signed with Isofoton and awarding it to another Spanish Company.
That decision by Mr. Mpiani, according to the government, had led to a judgment debt of $1.3 million in favour of the Spanish company.
The former Chief of Staff was reported to be out of town when the Isofoton judgment debt saga broke out but the �Sunlight Campaigners� branded his silence as deafening and a sign of guilt.
Mr. Kwadwo Mpiani vehemently denied the allegation when later reached on phone, pointing out that contrary to claims he breached the Isofoton contract and awarded it to Elecnor, he followed religiously the agreement in the Spanish Protocol signed with Government of Ghana in 2006.
He even adduced a letter written by the Ministry of Finance dated 13th April, 2007, to the Attorney General which sought to dismiss claims of breach of contract and corresponding damages being made by Isofoton against the Government of Ghana.
Enter the fray Martin Amidu, who was sacked as Attorney General for "misconduct".
The former A-G was convinced Isofoton had no legitimate basis to make any claims against the state, and despite his dismissal, the "citizen vigilante" proceeded to the Supreme Court as a concerned citizen and sought nine declarations from the Supreme Court.
And on Friday, the Supreme Court judges sitting on the case unanimously agreed with the arguments by Mr Amidu and ordered Isofoton to refund the monies paid to it by the government of Ghana plus interest.
Source: Peacefmonline.com with additional files from Graphic.com.gh
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