The bill, awaiting presidential assent, imposes sanctions on individuals involved in LGBTQ activities, with penalties ranging from six months to three years for engaging in same-sex acts and three to five years for promoting, advocating, or funding LGBTQ activities.

Speaking with News Central TV based in Nigeria, the Ningo-Prampram legislator asserted, “American businesses in Ghana are not in Ghana because of LGBTQ+,” emphasising that “they are in Ghana because they make profit.”

Sam George emphasised Ghana’s sovereignty, asserting that Americans should refrain from interfering in local politics.

He urged African nations to stand firm in their decisions, pointing out that Western countries engage in business with nations like Qatar and Saudi Arabia, despite their strict penalties for same-sex activities, including the death penalty.

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The Minority in Parliament has called for a probe in expenditure totaling GH¢68.5 million spent on photocopying past questions for WASSCE candidates in 2020 and 2021.

The Ministry of Education is alleged to have spent GH¢33.6 million in 2020 and over GH¢34 million in 2021 for this purpose, utilizing single-source procurement methods.

Member of Parliament for Ashaiman, Ernest Norgbey, speaking to the media, stressed the need for a thorough investigation by the Special Prosecutor to address what the caucus perceives as possible corrupt activities.

“We cannot countenance this, and this is fraud. If this is not corruption, what else will be corruption? A photocopy to cost GH¢78 per paper, GH¢59.10 per paper, totaling GH¢68.5 million, what are we doing? And so, we in the Minority are taking strong exception to this, and we are saying that the Special Prosecutor must look into this matter” he added.

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Ghana’s Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Samuel A. Jinapor continues to partake in major summits and meetings at the ongoing Prospectors and Developers Association of Canada (PDAC) Convention marketing Ghana’s sustainable and vibrant mining industry and by doing so wooing investors into the country by spiking their interest and exhorting their minds to the plethora of reasons that make Ghana a perfect destination for mining.

On Monday, 04 March 2024, Hon. Jinapor joined twenty two (22)other Ministers responsible for Mines and Natural Resources, captains of the mining industry, Anglo American Associations, Euro Asia Resources Group and civil society organisations to explore and exchange knowledge on the future of the industry in the wake of the global warming and the shift towards green minerals.

The event dubbed International Mines Ministers Summit was structured in way that saw the ministers and other stakeholders being empanelled to address various sub-themes that falls under the main theme which is “Striking a Balance for Success: Responsible Mining and the Energy Transition.”

In his contributions to Session One of the Summit which was themed “Sharing a Path to Success: Building a framework for collaboration”, Hon. Samuel A. Jinapor espoused the far-reaching policy directives being implemented by the Ghana government, the strong and resilient partnership between the government and the mining companies through the Ghana Chamber of Mines and the shift from ‘digging and shipping’ and value addition.

He laid specific emphasis on the importance of strong collaborations between government and large scale mining companies serving as the fundamental and solid rock on which the successes for a mutually beneficial and serene mining industry is done.

He also underscored the commitment of the government to responsible and sustainable mining practises, not just at the mineral discovery stage but throughout the entire value chain, describing its ‘non-negotiable.

He disclosed that the paradigm shift in Ghana’s mining policy from mere production of minerals to value addition is perfectly encapsulated by the recent Lithium agreement with Atlantic Lithium in which government ensured the establishment of refinery plant in Ghana and the opportunity of Ghanaian ownership through listing on the Ghana Stock Exchange.

While bemoaning the relatively insignificant benefits African countries derive from their mineral resources, Hon. Jinapor advocated for an “affirmative action” that will enable host countries of these minerals to benefit more equitably from their natural resource endowment”. This policy, he says, must deliberate, conscious and have the interest of the host-countries at the top.

He re-echoed his long-held view that African countries who take the initiative to contribute to the fight against climate change must be rewarded and incentivised to pursue that path.

While acknowledging Energy Transition as a noble and magnanimous goal, the Minister underlined the imperativeness of producers of the raw materials for clean energy benefiting significantly from the Minerals.

Again, the Lands Minister joined his counterparts on the sidelines of the Summit to close the Toronto Stock Exchange amidst thunderous applause from global participants.

Ministers at the highly important summit were drawn from Canada, Germany, Peru, Finland among others.

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Former head of the Political Science Department at KNUST, Dr. Amoako Baah, has appealed to President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo not to sign the proposed anti-LGBT+ Bill into Law.

Dr. Baah argued that, the Bill infringes on individual rights and freedoms, criticizing the drafters for overlooking these concerns.

“The Bill is not good, not because I support LGBT, but because of how they wrote the Bill. Those who wrote the Bill, I wonder what they learned to be able to write that Bill.”

He further highlighted the potential infringements on fundamental rights such as freedom of speech, opinion, and association, stating, “We have freedom of speech, freedom of opinion, freedom of association, and there is more freedom, but based on how those people wrote the bill, they have infringed upon all these freedoms.”

Questioning the morality of punishing individuals based on religious doctrines, Dr. Baah said, “If God says he doesn’t want homosexuals, fine, I don’t also support them, but has God come down to kill someone? So why would you decide that someone should be arrested or be punished? Nana Addo shouldn’t sign it; if they like, they should call him gay; it won’t matter because those who are intellectuals would know that there are issues with the bill.”

Dr. Baah also raised concerns about the bill potentially criminalizing certain sexual practices within heterosexual marriages.

He questioned whether the government would intrude into people’s bedrooms to determine their sexual activities, especially regarding anal sex between married couples.

“Right to privacy has been infringed; if your child is a homosexual and you don’t report him, that is also a sin. Why? Which kind of law is written like this? Is it because men are having anal sex with women or what? And if that is it, I can tell you that a lot of men have anal sex with their wives, and I know what I am talking about; a lot of men do that. So are we going to arrest such people also, or what?” he said in on Accra based Neat FM.

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Former Minister of Gender, Children, and Social Protection and human rights lawyer, Nana Oye Bampoe Addo, has underscored the urgent need for collective action to address the complex challenges facing sexual and reproductive health in Africa.

Delivering the keynote address at the 11th African Conference on Sexual Health and Rights in Rabat, Morocco, on the theme; “Advancing the Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights of Women and Young People in Africa,” Nana Oye reflected on the progress made over the past three decades and acknowledged the advancements in maternal mortality rates and contraceptive prevalence rates across the continent.

However, she emphasised that Africa still lags behind the rest of the world in reproductive health indicators, urging for intensified efforts to bridge the gap.

Challenges and Recommendations

Nana Oye highlighted several challenges impeding progress in sexual and reproductive health, including the prevalence of unsafe abortions, inadequate legal frameworks, and socio-cultural barriers.

She stressed the importance of adopting regional and national regulations for Assisted Reproductive Technology and addressing deep-rooted socio-cultural norms.
Moreover, Nana Oye emphasised the critical role of research in informing policy and programming decisions. She called for the collection of gender-sensitive and youth-oriented data to guide strategic interventions effectively.

Call to Action

Nana Oye underscored the need for sustained action and increased political commitment to advance sexual and reproductive health in Africa and called upon all stakeholders to prioritise gender-sensitive resource allocation, leverage technology for improved healthcare access, and advocate for policy reforms at all levels.

“My scorecard for Africa on sexual and reproductive health is that; yes, we lag behind the rest of the world, yes, we have made some progress, yes, there is more work ahead, yes, we know what needs to be done, yes, not enough has been done, and yes, let’s do it together for women and youth of Africa,” Nana Oye remarked.

The conference concluded with a renewed commitment to advancing sexual and reproductive health rights across Africa, with delegates pledging to implement concrete actions to address the identified challenges.

The week-long conference served as a pivotal platform for dialogue, collaboration, and collective action towards achieving comprehensive sexual and reproductive health for all in Africa.

The conference, held from February 26 to March 2, 2024, was organised under the high patronage of His Royal Majesty King Mohammed VI of the Kingdom of Morocco, and saw the participation of 650 delegates from 40 countries.

The event was graced by esteemed dignitaries, including the First Ladies of the Central African Republic and Zambia, H.E. Brigitte Touadera and Ms. Mutinta Hichilema, who officially opened the conference. Notable remarks were delivered by the Director-General of the International Planned Parenthood Federation.

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The former Deputy General Secretary of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Nana Obiri Boahen, has rescinded his earlier decision to leave the party.

He had expressed dissatisfaction with his role within the NPP and threatened to depart from the party ahead of the 2024 campaign.

In an interview on Accra-based Okay FM, Nana Obiri Boahen said he has reconsidered his decision to leave the party.

“I have rescinded my decision to leave the party. I must say that it’s not everything I can discuss on air” he noted.

Meanwhile, Nana Obiri Boahen has been appointed as a co-chair of the Local Government sub-committee the party’s manifesto committee.

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Founder and leader of the Movement for Change, Alan Kyerematen is on a campaign tour ahead of the December general elections.

The independent presidential candidate is on a market tour across the country to galvanise support.

During these visits, he received a warm welcome from Ghanaians who expressed their support and promised to vote for him.

He recently shared a video on social media showcasing a lively scene at a funeral, where he was surrounded by enthusiastic supporters.

In the video, Mr. Kyeramaten was joyfully showcasing the butterfly dance.

The butterfly dance is a significant aspect of Kyeramaten’s campaign, symbolizing change, transformation, hope, and positivity, as represented by the Monarch Butterfly, which is the emblem for his Movement for Change.

He explained that, the butterfly also embodies traits such as strength, endurance, spirituality, and trust, which he values as a political leader.

In the Akan language, the butterfly is known as “Afrafranto.”

Watch video below

Start the week energized and positive like the butterfly.#AlanForPresident #GhanaWillRiseAgain#MovementForChange #ButterflyDance#JobsAndCashEconomy pic.twitter.com/mAJgzOtAdo

— Alan Kyerematen (@AlanKyerematen) March 4, 2024

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Social media sensation Afua Asantewaa says that despite the outcome of her sing-a-thon, she is thankful her attempt to break the world record for the longest singing marathon made a huge impact economically and socially.

In a press release to officially respond to the results, Afua Asantewaa acknowledged the support she received from the general populace and stakeholders to make the event possible.

“I am also deeply satisfied with the opportunities it created for people to get together and enjoy their favourite Ghanaian songs. The singing marathon created an avenue for families, friends, and loved ones to step out and enjoy the Christmas festivities in an open house party style,” parts of the statement read.

“The economic value it created for vendors and other commercial entities who mounted their wares/ products and services at the venue is also another positive outcome,” Afua Asantewaa added.

The social media sensation noted that she is grateful to have inspired many young people to dream big through this challenge. 

“I am looking forward to the showcasing of more talents through the GWR and other similar ventures that will help project the rich talents and resources Ghana is endowed with. I take this opportunity to wish my other Ghanaian compatriots who have been inspired by my initiative to set their own records in the GWR, well.”

“The outcome of the attempt following the announcement by GWR is not what I expected, nonetheless, I have accepted it and have requested GWR to provide more details to enable me to pick up learnings for the future,” she added.

This comes after the GWR, last week, announced the results of Afua Asantewaa’s longest singing marathon by an individual fell through.

The GWR said this in a statement on X (formerly Twitter) adding that despite the setback they hope she makes another attempt.

They later told Joy FM via mail that Afua could not make the mark because she did not adhere to some of their rules. 

“Afua Asantewaa’s singathon attempt was not successful due to guidelines around rest break timings not being met. These rules are standard across all of our ‘longest marathon’ records,” PR Executive for the Guinness World Records, Alina Polianskaya replied to a mail by Joy FM entertainment journalist Kwame Dadzie. 

Afua Asantewaa later revealed that the Guinness World Records (GWR) breached their contract when it announced the result of her singing marathon before she could.

She explained that as of Friday, February 23, when GWR replied to a tweet, she did not know the results of the record attempt because she was unable to access the GWR email sent.

Afua Asantewaa noted that when she was sent the email on February 12, she alerted the GWR about her inability to access it.

Despite the outcome, Afua Asantewaa said she appreciates the commendations, feedback, and criticisms from people disappointed with the results.

“There have also been some misrepresentations in the media that are regrettable but nonetheless I take them in my stride. This will serve as a learning curve for my personal development. I wish to assure my fans and the public that I remain focused and determined.”

“I will announce my next projects in due course. I also wish to announce that after such an arduous undertaking, I have decided to take a short break for quality family time.”

Read the full statement below:

Afua Asantewaa shows proof she can’t access her GWR account at Hitz FM [Video]

Guinness World Records broke our contract – Afua Asantewaa

Millicent Nukornoo, a 14-year-old girl who was admitted to the 37 Military Hospital due to a heart valve condition, tragically passed away around 4:30 pm on Sunday, March 3, 2024.

Her parents, residents of Anloga in the Volta Region, were urgently seeking financial aid for their daughter’s surgery.

Citi News published a story to that effect to help raise funds for the family, with their contact details attached to the story.

Medical professionals at the hospital diagnosed Millicent with damaged heart valves, one of which was irreparably damaged. This led to swollen legs and significant discomfort.

To address her critical condition, her parents needed $16,000 for heart surgery expected to be performed at the Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital.

Rev. Daniel Quashigah of Anloga, a pastor close to the family, stated that the parents are distressed following their daughter’s passing.

He also thanked generous donors who heeded the urgent call for help.

Rev. Quashigah shared, “I sadly seize this moment to sincerely thank you and your great platform. We tearfully lost Millicent Nukornoo yesterday [Sunday] between 4:30 pm. Millicent was admitted at the 37 military Hospital on Sunday 4 February last month. The parents are in distress now.”

“However, they are extremely grateful for the prompt response you and your platform provided. They confirmed to me that because of the story you published online, he received an alert of GH¢1000, and her mother also confirmed an alert of GH¢2500 from kind-hearted Ghanaians.”

Once again, we are extremely grateful to you and your platform. May God Almighty reward your good deeds a thousand times more.”

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The Minister for Roads and Highways, Francis Asenso-Boakye, has reiterated government’s dedication to the prompt completion of all road projects initiated under the Akufo-Addo administration despite funding challenges.

During a site visit to the Obetsebi Lamptey Interchange Project, inaugurated by President Akufo-Addo in 2020, the Minister reassured the public of its completion.

Speaking to Citi News on Monday, the Minister said despite economic hurdles and delays in obtaining foreign funding, government is unwavering in its determination to complete these crucial infrastructure projects.

“Because of the debt exchange programme many of these projects that are under foreign funds have delayed. Government has taken a decision to negotiate with the contractors so that projects that are nearing completion from 80, 90% towards 100% can come to site and work.

“This project is about 88% complete. The plan is for it to be finished by September. I am personally satisfied with the timelines, and I have urged them to stay committed to completing it by September. This is a very important project,” he stated.

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Ghanaian actor and comedian, Oteele has captured the hearts of his fans with a heartwarming video of his family.

Posted on his TikTok page, the video shows Oteele with his five charming children and his lovely wife, dancing joyfully to a song.

Radiating happiness, the actor and his family display their moves and infectious smiles.

Oteele accompanied the video with a touching caption, “Family vibes.”

The video quickly went viral on social media, amassing thousands of views, likes, and comments.

Ghanaians have showered Oteele with praise for both his beautiful family and his successful career.

The couple has been happily married since 2019.

Watch video below

@oteeletv Family vibes #viralvideo #fypシ #fyp #kumawoodstars @GOLDEN QUEEN @DISWAY ♬ original sound – Oteele tv

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The Bekwai circuit court, presided over by His Honour Isaac Apeatu, has sentenced two armed robbers to 30 years each in prison with hard labor.

The two individuals attacked a vehicle belonging to Accurate Giant Company on November 26, 2022 in Tewobabi, Adansi Asokwa district of Ashanti.

They made away with an amount of GH¢40,500.

The two robbers have been identified as Martin Asante, aged 26, and Rocky Nyamedi, aged 29.

According to the prosecution, Rocky Nyamedi, a staff member of the company, was the mastermind behind the robbery.

The prosecution stated that, the police officer who traced and arrested the two suspects is G/Sgt. Eric Frimpong.

Nyamedi was arrested at Esereso in the Bosomtwe District of Ashanti, while Martin Asante was apprehended in Bibiani, Western North region.

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The Transport Operators Union and the Concerned Drivers Association of Ghana have announced a 30 percent increase in transport fares effective March 7, 2024.

In a statement, both organizations cited government’s inability to address their grievances as the driving force behind this decision.

“As representatives of drivers, we have expressed our dissatisfaction with the leadership’s failure to tackle our concerns and enact fare adjustments to mitigate the escalating operational expenses.

The persistent surge in fuel prices has severely affected our means of sustenance, resulting in financial burdens and operational challenges” the statement said.

Below is the full statement.

Regional Chairmen of both the Transport Operators Union and the Concerned Drivers Association of Ghana are announcing our intention to consider a fare increment in response to the recent hike in fuel prices across the country.

As drivers’ associations, we expressed disappointment in the leadership for failing to address the concerns and implement fare adjustments to counterbalance the increased operational costs.

The continuous rise in fuel prices has had a significant impact on our livelihoods, leading to financial strains and hardships in maintaining our operations.

We would like to express our disappointment in our leadership, Despite the escalating costs of fuel, our leadership has not taken proactive measures to increase fares in line with market conditions.

This has prompted us Regional executives to consider fare adjustments as a necessary step to sustain our businesses.

The fare adjustments are essential to ensure the financial viability of the transportation sector and to maintain the quality of service provided to the public. The failure of the government to address this critical issue has left us with no choice but to consider fare increments as a means of coping with the escalating operational costs.

We are calling on the government and relevant authorities to engage in constructive dialogue with our leaders to address the challenges faced by our sector and to implement fare adjustments that reflect the current economic realities.

Failure to address these concerns by 6th March 2024 will leave us with no choice but to increase fares.

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The Ministry of Finance has revealed that Ghana stands to forfeit approximately US$3.8 billion in World Bank financing over the forthcoming five to six years should President Akufo-Addo approve the Anti-LGBTQ Bill.

The Finance Ministry outlines that in the year 2024 alone, Ghana would witness a loss of US$600 million in budget support and an additional US$250 million designated for the Financial Stability Fund.

Such repercussions are anticipated to detrimentally affect Ghana’s foreign exchange reserves and the stability of the exchange rate.

Below is the full breakdown

Impact on World Bank-funded programmes

i. The expected US$300 million financing from the First Ghana Resilient Recovery Development Policy Operation (Budget Support) which is currently pending Parliamentary approval might not be disbursed by the Bank when it is approved by Parliament.;

ii. On-going negotiations on the Second Ghana Resilient Recovery Development Policy Operation (Budget Support) amounting to US$300 million may be suspended;

iii. On-going negotiations for US$250 million to support the Ghana Financial Stability Fund may be suspended;

iv. Disbursement of undisbursed amounts totaling US$2.1 billion for on-going projects will be suspended; and

v. Preparation of pipeline projects and declaration of effectiveness for two projects totaling worth US$900million may be suspended. Full details of the World Bank portfolio are attached as Appendix 1 & 2.

vi. In total, Ghana is likely to lose US$3.8 billion in World Bank Financing over the next five to six years. For 2024 Ghana will lose US$600 million in Budget support and US$250 million for the Financial Stability Fund. This will negatively impact on Ghana’s foreign exchange reserves and exchange rate stability as these inflows are expected to shore the country’s reserve position.

Impact on the Implementation of the 2024 Budget

The potential loss of these financial resources creates a financing gap in the 2024 budget that must be addressed either through a significant reduction in expenditures or additional domestic revenue mobilisation. Failing this, the Government’s ability to achieve the targets in the 2024 Budget will be undermined and the IMF-ECF Programme will be derailed.

Impact in the IMF Programme

While there is no direct conditionality in the IMF-ECF Programme relating to the passage of the Bill, the principles of the current IMF-ECF Programme are built on predictable financing from Development Partners (Financing Assurances) including the World Bank funded Ghana Resilience Recovery Development Policy Operations.

Hence the non-disbursement of the Budget Support from the World Bank will derail the IMF programme. This will in turn trigger a market reaction which will affect the stability of the exchange rate.

Impact on Debt Restructuring Programme

Negotiations with the Official Creditor Committee (OCC) and Eurobond holders under Ghana’s debt restructuring programme is predicated on the success of the IMF programme. Hence, a derailed IMF programme will have dire consequences on the debt restructuring exercise and Ghana’s long-term debt sustainability.

Impact on African Development Bank Programmes

The African Development Bank has indicated that the passage of the bill will not have any adverse impact on the cooperation with Ghana.

Possible adverse reaction from Germany and the wider European Community

In several discussions, with officials from the German Government, MoF officials have been informed that the German Government is against the passage of the Bill.

Given Germany’s relative strong influence in the European Union and the Official Creditor Committee, there is a need to manage the relationship to forestall a strong negative reaction.

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Fast-rising Ghanaian musician, KotokuD’Mentor is gradually emerging as a force to be reckoned with in the music space, and his latest single, “No More Sad Days,” has become the anthem that is sweeping the nation.

Released in October 2023, the track found its way into the hearts of music enthusiasts, but it’s the surge in popularity in February 2024 that has truly set the song ablaze.

The catchy beats and soulful lyrics of “No More Sad Days” have struck a chord with listeners across the country, and the song has recently gained immense traction.

The sudden spike in numbers of the song is being attributed to the endorsement of some of Ghana’s top entertainment personalities and stars.

Among them is popular entertainment personality and entrepreneur, Shugatiti.

A video of the CEO of ‘Pot OfShuga’ vivaciously jamming to the song has undoubtedly contributed to the song’s skyrocketing success.

Adding to the frenzy is the Dance With A Purpose (DWP) Academy, which happens to be one of the most popular dance groups in Ghana.

Renowned for their electrifying performances and unique choreography, DWP Academy has seamlessly integrated “No More Sad Days” into their routines, captivating audiences and further propelling the song into the spotlight.

The social media landscape has been buzzing with videos of Shugatiti and the DWP Academy members dancing to KotokuD’Mentor’s latest hit.

For lovers of music who have not heard the song or seen the videos yet, what are you still waiting for?? Join the trend now and get entertained.

Watch the video below:

Ghana’s telecom industry is set for a shakeup as the National Communications Authority (NCA) prepares to regulate how often Mobile Network Operators can adjust their tariffs.

This move comes specifically in response to the dominance of MTN Ghana as a Significant Market Power (SMP) in 2020.

Traditionally, the NCA has allowed mobile network operators to set their prices.

However, MTN’s market share, exceeding 75% across voice, data, SMS, mobile money, and revenue, has triggered intervention under Section 25 of the Electronic Communications Act (Act 775). This section empowers the NCA to regulate prices when a single dominant player exists or engages in anti-competitive practices.

The NCA had previously accused MTN of violating SMP rules by offering lower-priced data bundles compared to competitors. These practices raise concerns about potential predatory pricing to drive smaller players out of the market.

Indeed, in February last year, NCA reported that they saved the non-significant market power operators about 30% of the money to be paid to MTN for asymmetrical interconnect asymmetrical interconnect fees of about GH¢86.6 million.

This the NCA intends to help in correcting the market imbalance.

Meanwhile, the NCA had published draft guidelines for public comment.

Key points include:

Preventing Undercutting: Significant Market Power or dominant operator will be prohibited from offering the lowest prices for any service, preventing them from squeezing out competitors.

Capping Price Advantage: Significant Market Power or dominant operator prices cannot exceed those of other operators by more than 10%, ensuring fair competition and preventing exploitation of its dominant position.

Prior NCA Approval: Significant Market Power or dominant operator must seek NCA approval before changing tariffs, allowing for assessment of potential impact on other operators.

Limited Price Increases for Others: Non-SMP operators can adjust prices without prior approval but require NCA authorization if their proposed price exceeds Significant Market Power or dominant operator.

The NCA emphasised that these guidelines align with international best practices to ensure fair, reasonable, and non-exploitative pricing, particularly from Significant Market Power or dominant operators.

Public feedback is also crucial to shaping the final regulations. Ghanaians have until March 8, 2024, to submit their comments.

While the NCA attempted to level the playing field, questions still remain. Previous efforts, like saving non-SMP operators money on interconnection fees, have yet to translate into improved services or increased market share.

The effectiveness of these new regulations will depend on the NCA’s enforcement capabilities and the non-significant Market Power investments in network quality.

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Some Liberians displaced by recent demolition in Buduburam have turned the Point Hope D/A Basic School into a trading hub.

Aside trading, the displaced residents pound fufu and engage in other activities on the school compound.

Over 5000 individuals were affected by the Buduburam demolition exercise to rid the area off miscreants.

Following the demolition exercise, some Liberian nationals have taken over the school leaving pupils stranded.

On Thursday, the Central Regional Security Council ordered the residents to vacate the classrooms.

But they have refused to move from the school premises noting that, they have nowhere to go.

When Adom News visited the school premises, the squatters were busy pounding fufu, while others engaged in trading activities in the school.

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Some parents have raised concerns about the quality of the meals being served to their children in Senior High Schools (SHS), claiming that the food is unbalanced and inadequate.

The parents’ concerns come in the wake of a recent JoyNews exposé which revealed the poor quality and quantity of the food being served to students in some senior high schools.

The documentary showed many students were receiving meals that were neither nourishing nor sufficient to meet their daily nutritional needs.

Speaking on Joy FM on March 4, some parents have expressed their wish to pay for feeding because of the poor food being served.

“When you listen to them, they tell you that some of their mates do not go to the dining hall at all because of the kind of food they serve there.

“The situation is very bad. It is not the best and I wouldn’t expect anybody to defend this,” one of them said on Joy FM‘s Super Morning Show.

Another parent quizzed “What is the essence of free education?”

“My child is in Krobo girls and the situation is very bad. As of now, she can’t visit the toilet because there is no balanced diet.”

Background

JoyNews sources have confirmed an acute shortage of food items in many Senior High Schools (SHS) across the country.

For months, parents, teachers, and stakeholders have raised concerns about the alleged shortcomings of the Free Senior High School (SHS) policy, specifically regarding the provision of three daily hot meals to SHS students free of charge.

After over seven years of policy implementation, President Akufo-Addo during the 2024 State of the Nation Address in Parliament on Tuesday, February 27, emphasised the transformative impact of the Free SHS policy.

He called for an end to arguments against the policy, stating that its success should be acknowledged, and efforts should focus on improving it.

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On Saturday, March 2, 2024, UK for DMB, in collaboration with the NPP UK Branch, celebrated a significant milestone with a Unity Get-Together and Thanksgiving Service to bring together the rank and file of NPP UK members and sympathisers.

The event, organised by Team UK FOR DMB in partnership with Branch members, aimed to unify various factions and energize the base for a formidable push towards breaking the eight-year cycle.

The gathering was graced by esteemed personalities, including Chairman Otchere Darko, head of the Strategic Team UK (the lead group of UK FOR DMB project), NPP-UK Branch 1st vice Chairman Alex Appiah Mensah, 2nd Vice Chairman Ibrahim Abdul- Mumuni, Secretary Otuo Acheampong, Women Organiser Patricia Boakye (Daakyehemaa), Nasara Coordinator Issa Ayumah, Youth Organiser Ike Price Asante, Treasurer Charles Asmah, along with other Branch and chapter executives.

The presence of the special guests of honour; Dr. Mutaka Alolo, Technical Adviser to the Vice President, Ms. Abigail Swad Layea, Deputy CEO of NEIP, and Kwame Frimpong, NPP Deputy Director of Protocol, highlighted the importance and significance of the occasion.

Under the theme ’Energising Our Base to Break the Eight,’ speakers delivered poignant messages emphasizing unity and determination.

On his part, Dr. Alolo emphasised how the event was timely and the first of its kind in either Ghana or the diaspora as a process to bring everyone on board after the presidential, and parliamentary primaries. 

He stressed on the beauty of democracy and encouraged members to champion the collective interest of the elephant party over personal gains in ensuring that we win the 2024 elections to continue the many great works of the NPP government.

Dr Alolo further conveyed best wishes from NPP Presidential candidate, H.E Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, urging continued support to promote government achievements and secure victory on December 7.

Ms Abigail Sward Laryea, Deputy CEO in sharing the success story of NEIP, enumerated the great works of the NPP government over the last seven years and urged members of the diaspora to boldly share those achievements.

She mentioned that very soon a performance tracker will be outdoored to showcase all programs and projects undertaken by the current administration for everyone to see how well the NPP has performed.

She further underscored the importance of unity among Patriots and encouraged all diasporans to contribute their best to ensure a triumphant historic victory for the elephant party on December 7, 2024.

The event exuded vibrancy with a massive turnout from NPP members and sympathizers in the UK, showcasing a unified front and a shared commitment towards achieving the collective goal.

The colourful and beautiful Get-together and Thanksgiving successfully came to an end with members and guests present fully energised for the great task ahead in winning election 2024 and making Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia the next President of Ghana.

Chief for Tontokrom, Nana Adu Gyamfi has accused the managers of Asanko Gold of intimidating the youth in the area.

He indicated that, their only crime is demanding permit which authorises the company to mine in the town.

Nana Adu Gyamfi comment comes after security officers of the mining firm are reported to have fired a gunshot, leading to the death of a resident.

There has been longstanding tension between Asanko Gold and the locals over alleged trespassing on the legally acquired concessions of the company by the youth, many of whom had resorted to illegal mining for survival due to the lack of decent jobs in the area.

This latest incident follows a protest staged by residents on Friday, demanding the establishment of a Community Mining Scheme to address the ongoing disputes.

Reacting to the development on Adom FM’s morning show, Dwaso Nsem Monday, the the chief expressed disappointment.

“The company always intimidates the youth with machomen, soldiers, and police just to take what belongs to the community. They don’t respect us and refuse to bring any letter of permit to that effect” he said.

Furthermore, he stressed, “The company has not informed us that they have land there. We only want residents in the community to find work to do”.

In his view, the community is being threatened and cheated by the company.

“We do not like the conduct of the company. We appeal to the president to immediately intervene and issue a community mining license for us.” he said.

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The Eastern Regional Office of the Customs Division of the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) last year impounded 110 uncustomed vehicles in the region.

Within two weeks this year as well, the division seized 40 uncustomed vehicles.

The seizure was carried out in special operations of the division task force led by the Officer in charge of the National Vehicle Task Force, Revenue Officer King Godfred Akorligleh.

According to the Sector Commander in charge of the Eastern Region, Assistant Commissioner of the Customs Division, Mary-Anne Okonor, most of the impounded vehicles were illegally imported into the region, while some which were legally brought in had not been taxed.

She explained that many importers had abused the ECOWAS protocol on the free movement of persons which allowed the temporary importation of passenger vehicles by citizens of member-states.

Mrs Okonor said that the protocol allowed private vehicles to be in the country for not more than 90 days and 15 days for commercial vehicles upon the production of documents.

Some of the documents for such vehicles, she indicated, were valid international driving licence, matriculation certificate or log book, a valid resident permit or work permit and an insurance policy recognised by member states (ECOWAS Brown Card).

The Assistant Commissioner said the owner should also have a carnet (an international customs and temporary export-import document) recognised within the ECOWAS community.

She pointed out that vehicles not covered by such documents should not be admitted into the country.

Duties, taxes

Mrs Okonor further stated that Ghanaians who did not reside in any of the ECOWAS states were not qualified for temporary vehicles importation protocol and that they must apply to pay duties and taxes due their vehicles in full.

Some Ghanaians, she said, had abused the system for vehicles cleared under exemptions, by purchasing such vehicles without paying tax and duties.

Such vehicles, Mrs Okonor noted, were imported by the presidency, ministries and their departments, diplomats, persons with disability (PWDs), free zones and other government initiatives.

She said any buyer of such vehicles was required by law to pay duties and tax.

Vehicle smuggling

Mrs Okonor said smuggling was also another means, where vehicles were brought into the country through unapproved routes without the payment of duties and taxes as demanded by law (Customs Act 891, 2015, section 55).

She emphasised that smugglers of such vehicles later had the identification or the chassis numbers tampered with or altered that of legally imported vehicles with genuine vehicle documents.

She, therefore, advised buyers of vehicles in the region and the country to verify all documents of the vehicles by going to the nearest GRA customs division offices, to find out whether duties and taxes had been paid before purchasing them.

Mrs Okonor urged vehicle owners who had not paid the necessary duties and taxes on their vehicles to willingly declare to any customs division office in any part of the region for duties and taxes to be calculated for them to pay and that would not attract any penalty.

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Ghanaian security analyst and International Relations expert, Farouk Al Wahab has explained why diplomats especially from Europe and the United States of America (USA) are fighting against the Anti-LGBTQ Bill.

He claimed majority of these diplomats are homosexuals and lesbians thus the passage of the Bill will mean their partners cannot visit them in Ghana.

His comment follows the passage of the anti-LGBTQ+ Bill by the Parliament of Ghana on February 28, 2024.

The Bill criminalizes LGBTQ+ activities, their promotion, advocacy, and funding within the country.

The international community are warning of dire consequences should President Akufo-Addo assent to the Bill to be an Act.

But Al Wahab claimed the opposition from Europe and America is for personal parochial interest.

He claimed if the Bill becomes an Act, majority of these diplomats cannot get visas for same-sex partners if the is signed into an Act.

“This gay thing happens here in Ghana; these diplomats are given spouse visas for their partners with the same sex, especially Holland and other European countries. When the Bill is passed, Ghana Immigration will cease to give them spousal visas, especially to those from Holland and other European countries. That is the actual problem” he alleged.

Al Wahab maintained that, Ghana will not be affected in anyway if President Akufo-Addo signs to Bill into an Act.

Play attached audio for more

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The Electoral Commission (EC) has scheduled a new voters’ registration drive for the upcoming December elections, running from May 7 to May 27, according to the Commission’s calendar.

Preceding the registration, a 56-day public education campaign will commence on April 1 and conclude on May 26, 2024.

Additionally, the EC plans to provide the provisional voters’ register to political parties between July 9 and 18, 2024, while an exhibition of the voter register is set to take place from July 15 to 24, 2024.

The final voters’ register is slated for submission to political parties between August 30 and September 5, 2024.

Nomination of candidates for both presidential and parliamentary elections will open from September 9 to 13, with balloting for positions on the presidential ballot paper scheduled for September 23, 2024, followed by parliamentary balloting on September 24, 2024.

Furthermore, the EC aims to declare the results of the 2024 presidential polls within three days of the voting exercise, contingent on successful execution of the plan.

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Pollster, Ben Ephson has predicted that Dr Mahamudu Bawumia, the flagbearer of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), will choose Dr Matthew Opoku Prempeh, the Energy Minister, as his running mate.

Mr Ephson’s forecast stems from extensive research he conducted and insights gathered from individuals connected to Dr Bawumia’s camp.

He highlighted that, his research findings point to Dr Opoku Prempeh as a candidate who could secure maximum votes for Dr Bawumia in the Ashanti Region, a crucial stronghold for the NPP.

In an interview with JoyNews on Monday, March 4, the pollster expressed his strong conviction that Dr Bawumia’s selection of Dr Opoku Prempeh as his running mate would not only be strategic but also greatly beneficial for the party in the upcoming December elections.

“From the research and my interactions with some members of the NPP and what Dr Bawumia’s team is said to have done, Dr Matthew Opoku Prempeh will give Dr Bawumia maximum votes amongst the possible running mates from the Ashanti Region. So I bet Dr Bawumia will choose him (Dr Matthew Opoku Prempeh) as his running mate,” he said.

He emphasised that, a Bawumia-Opoku Prempeh ticket presents a stronger combination compared to the John Mahama-Jane Naana Opoku Agyemang ticket.

On November 4, 2023, Vice President Dr Bawumia clinched the New Patriotic Party’s flagbearer position, setting the stage for the upcoming December polls.

While Dr Bawumia has yet to officially unveil his running mate for the impending elections, analysts have been busy speculating on potential candidates.

Among those frequently mentioned by analysts are Dr. Matthew Opoku Prempeh, Dr. John Kumah, Osei Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu, Joseph Osei Owusu, and esteemed clergyman and former Chairman of the Church of Pentecost, Prof. Opoku Onyinah.

Additionally, Chief of Staff Frema Osei Opare and Communications Minister Ursula Owusu Ekulful have emerged as notable contenders in the running mate selection process for Dr Bawumia.

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The Achimota Circuit Court has sentenced a 32-year-old man to a day’s imprisonment for stealing a motorbike at Spot “M” Ofankor in Accra.

John Adonu, a.k.a. Task Force, was ordered by the court to pay a fine of GH¢1,200 in default serve three months imprisonment.

The court ordered the release of the motorbike to the complainant, Asante Boamah.

Adonu, who was held on the charge of stealing, pleaded guilty.

The court presided over by Mr Isaac Addo convicted Adonu on his own plea.

The court, in sentencing Adonu, said it took into consideration the fact that the accused person was a first offender and a young man.

According to the court, the accused person had shown remorse, and the stolen motorbike had also been found.

Prosecution led by Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) Stephen Ahiale said the complainant is an Okada Rider, and the accused person, who resides at Nsawam, is member of a task Force in the Eastern Region.

ASP Ahiale said on February 12, 2024, at about 1:00am, the complainant worked overnight and got tired.

Prosecution said the complainant parked his Apsonic Motor bike with registration number M-N-GT3853 at Ofankor Spot “M” near the Total Filling and decided to rest on a table nearby.

The prosecutor said the complainant parked the motorbike close to where he was sleeping, but he did not lock it.

According to the prosecution, the accused person and two others were present when the complainant parked the vehicle.

ASP Ahiale said soon after the two others left the scene the complainant slept off, the accused person took advantage of the situation and stole the motor bike.

Prosecution said Adonu rode the motor bike to Nsawam and sold it for GH¢3,000 to a friend at Adeiso and received part payment of GH¢1,500.

The prosecutor said the complainant made his enquires and he gathered that it was Adonu who stole the motor bike.

On February 21, 2024, luck eluded Adonu when he was arrested by the complainant and sent to the Ofankor Police Station where he was detained.

Adonu’s friend Alfred Tay quickly went to Adeiso and retrieved the motor bike from the one who dishonestly received it. The recipient of the motorbike, however, escaped.

In Adonu’s statement to the Police, he admitted the offence.

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The District Chief Executive (DCE) for Amansie South district, Clement Opoku Gyamfi, has described as unfortunate the deadly clash between the youth of Tontokrom and security personnel of AsankoGold the claimed three lives.

According to him, the situation involves two factions, and thus it is imperative that it be resolved in an amicably way.

“There is the need for a win-win approach to satisfy both the community and the company, meeting them halfway with a 50-50 percent solution as neither party should feel shortchanged” he said in an interview on Adom FM’s morning show, Dwaso Nsem Monday.

There has been longstanding tension between AsankoGold and the locals over the alleged trespassing of legally acquired concessions of the company by the youth, many of whom had turned to illegal mining for survival due to the lack of decent jobs in the area.

This latest incident follows a protest staged by residents on Friday, demanding the establishment of a Community Mining Scheme to address the ongoing dispute.

This demand for community mining scheme, Mr. Opoku Gyamfi said is being worked on.

He revealed that, the Minister of Lands and his deputy, along with other stakeholders, are working to ensure a lasting solution to the impasse.

The DCE further affirmed their commitment to revisiting the drawing board to ensure the interests of both parties are met.

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The Ministry of Finance has urged President Akufo-Addo not to sign the recently passed Anti-LGBTQ+ Bill into law.

In a press release issued on Monday, March 4, the Finance Ministry cautioned that such action could lead to severe repercussions on the country’s financial support from international organisations like the Bretton Woods Institutions.

The statement highlighted concerns that the expected US$300 million financing from the First Ghana Resilient Recovery Development Policy Operation (Budget Support), currently awaiting Parliamentary approval, might not be disbursed if the bill is signed into law.

Additionally, ongoing negotiations on the Second Ghana Resilient Recovery Development Policy Operation (Budget Support), amounting to US$300 million, could be suspended.

The Ministry emphasized that these potential outcomes could result in a significant loss of financial resources, leading to a financing gap in the 2024 budget.

To address these challenges, the Ministry called upon the President to engage with religious bodies to discuss the implications of signing the bill and to establish a robust coalition and framework for supporting key development initiatives.

“The Presidency may have a structured engagement with local conservative forces such as religious bodies and faith-based organisations to communicate the economic implications of the passage of the ‘Anti-LGBTQ’ Bill and to build a stronger coalition and a framework for supporting key development initiative that is likely to be affected.”

It also added that “the President may have to defer assenting to the Bill until the court rules on the legal issues tabled by key national stakeholders (CSOs and CHRAJ).”

On February 28, 2024, Parliament approved a bill criminalizing LGBTQ activities and prohibiting their promotion, advocacy, and funding.

Under the legislation, individuals convicted of such acts could be sentenced to 6 months to 3 years in prison, while those promoting or sponsoring such activities could face 3 to 5 years behind bars.

The Bill’s passage has sparked criticism from various stakeholders, including Virginia Evelyn Palmer, the Ambassador of the United States to Ghana.

Below is the full statement

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Ghanaian security analyst and International Relations expert, Farouk Al Wahab, has said President Akufo-Addo will not sign the anti-LGBTQ+ bill.

“It will be a difficult decision for the President. If he signs the Bill, it will affect his standing with international partners. If he doesn’t, it will affect not just his political career but that of the NPP. But I know he won’t sign.” he said.

Al Wahab made this known on Adom FM’s morning show, Dwaso Nsem Monday following the passage of the anti-LGBTQ+ Bill by the Parliament of Ghana on February 28, 2024.

The Bill criminalizes LGBTQ+ activities, their promotion, advocacy, and funding within the country.

But, Al Wahab criticized Western countries and diplomats who have threatened to sanction Ghana over the Bill.

“It is unheard of that a country would be threatened by the international community for passing a law that protects its values and culture” he bemoaned.

Al Wahab cited examples of other nations such as Israel, Brunei, Libya, and Morocco, which have laws against LGBTQ+ rights but faced no sanctions or backlash.

He questioned why Ghana should succumb to Western pressure, suggesting that the country should strengthen its ties with Asian countries like China and Japan, who prioritize business over human rights.

“Ghana should not bow to Western pressure. We should rather strengthen our relationship with Asian countries, such as China and Japan, who are more interested in doing business than in human rights.” Al Wahab said.

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A senior Political Science lecturer at the University of Ghana, Dr. Kwame Asah-Asante, has proposed that Energy Minister Dr. Matthew Opoku Prempeh is the most suitable choice for Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia’s running mate.

Dr. Asah-Asante asserted that, Dr. Opoku Prempeh has demonstrated exceptional competence in various roles, making him the preferred candidate for the running mate position.

During an interview on JoyNews’ AM Show, Dr. Asah-Asante expressed confidence that Dr. Opoku Prempeh would enhance Dr. Bawumia’s electoral prospects in the 2024 elections.

He emphasised that Dr. Bawumia recognises the strengths and advantages that the Energy Minister brings to the table, ensuring a prudent decision-making process.

“As for me, Dr Matthew Opoku Prempeh is number one. In his area of work, he has demonstrated that he has what it takes to lead anytime the call comes and all that. So he will be Dr Bawumia’s top choice for his running mate,” he said.

On November 4, 2023, Vice President Dr. Bawumia clinched the New Patriotic Party’s flagbearer position, setting the stage for the upcoming December polls.

While Dr. Bawumia has yet to officially unveil his running mate for the impending elections, analysts have been busy speculating on potential candidates.

Among those frequently mentioned are Dr. Matthew Opoku Prempeh, Dr. John Kumah, Osei Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu, Joseph Osei Owusu, and esteemed clergyman and former Chairman of the Church of Pentecost, Prof. Opoku Onyinah.

Additionally, Chief of Staff Frema Osei Opare and Communications Minister Ursula Owusu Ekulful have emerged as notable contenders in the running mate selection process for Dr. Bawumia.

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Sometimes, one wonders what lens people are looking through when vice presidential hopeful nominees are being named and no one remembers to bring up the woman who single-handedly changed the face of the NDC in 2020 after their humiliating election results in 2016.

The National Democratic Congress (NDC) led by presidential candidate, President John Mahama and late Paa Kwesi Amissah-Arthur as Vice, lost the 2016 election by a margin of almost one million votes, the biggest ever recorded in the country’s electoral history.

But following that, apart from the abysmal performance of President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo and Mahamudu Bawumia’s New Patriotic Party (NPP) led government, what could have led to the strong comeback John Mahama made in 2020?

In 2020, Ghanaians were presented with the same NDC they had just voted out a term ago with John Mahama once more as flag-bearer. The campaign messages remained largely unchanged, the only difference this time was Prof. Jane Naana Opoku Agyeman and the fresh air of patriotism she breathed into the toxic political landscape, making John Mahama’s ticket more attractive to women and others who otherwise would have never given the NDC the time of day, at least in 2021.

The conversation, therefore about who becomes John Mahama’s running mate in the 2024 elections has since been quite inconsiderate when we take into account the complete “ghosting” of Prof. Jane Naana Opoku, and how she isn’t even considered as someone who should be in the race.

In her stead, several names from the global business magnate have been floated, from Sir Sam Jonah, who has refuted it and outrightly stated he is not interested should he even be offered the slot, to the Former Auditor General, Daniel Domelevo, Former Chief of staff Julius Debrah and now RTD Commissioner of Police Kofi Boakye.

Personal preferences aside, it is objectively distasteful that we as a people would ignore the impact of Prof. Jane Naana Opoku in the 2020 general elections.

One of the events that made significant impact on women voters was “In conversation with Prof. Jane Naana Opoku”. The event assembled apolitical women in business, education, health, etc to meet prof. and to be convinced as to why NDC should be their party of choice in the 2020 elections.

Women groups who would not ordinarily associate with any political party much less the NDC showed up to listen and actively engage and in the end promised to campaign to get John Mahama elected, again.

As a result, women actively campaigned for the NDC off the strength of Prof. Jane Naana Opoku. They were proud to have a woman as running mate to John Mahama who himself has been a big advocate of women’s rights in Ghana. These efforts were evident in the 2020 elections results.

For reference, the 2016 election results for the NDC with John Mahama and Amissah Arthur were 4,771,188 representing 44.53% of the voting populace, while the NPP with Nana Akufo Addo and Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia saw 5,755,758 votes, representing 53.72%.

This, at the time, was an outright rejection of the NDC by Ghanaians. But when In 2020, the NDC re-presented the same Presidential candidate and campaign with the only clear difference being their candidate for Vice in Prof. Jane Naana Opoku, the results were staggering. More than just an improvement, the margin was considerably thinner, and a clear indication to all that the NDC was very much still alive.

There were some who were convinced that the 2020 results would be worse than 2016, and yet when the time came, the NDC pulled in 6,213,182 votes compared to NPP’s 6,730,587. For context, while the NPP’s votes may have gone up by 974,829 votes from the previous elections, the NDC’s support had increased by 1,441,994 which is no small feat.

The NPP’s lead of over 900,000 was however, quickly squandered. They would soon throw the country into chaos passing a widely unpopular E-levy bill, tanking the economy & scrambling for an IMF bailout to support an even more unpopular Domestic Debt Exchange programme.

Now, in the heart of a real crisis, the people need the experience of John Mahama to salvage what is left of the economy and the country.

So, if Prof. Jane Naana Opoku-Agyemang’s partnership has yielded this much benefit to the NDC so far, why would any rational person want anyone else at reins?

In these tumultuous times, VAT is up by 2.5%, there’s a 10% tax on bet winnings, a further threat to add ECG and emissions taxes. The Cedi keeps plummeting against the dollar, and unemployment rate at an all-time high, 2024 calls for real change; A change in government and not a change in who partners John Mahama.

Back in 2020, Prof. proved her mettle then, just as John Mahama has done so often in the past so as to become indispensable to the party today. She is a thoroughly educated, scandal-free woman who represents the best of what Ghana has to offer.

An examination of criticisms against her finds them to be mostly laced with childish sentiments like “she’s not ‘out there” and “she’s not mounting platforms to scream and perhaps insult everyone in the way we’re used to” and “she needs to match Veep Bawumia”. But those sentiments, if followed will only yield more of the same. Because at the end of the day, are we really in the market for “another Bawumia”? Or are we trying to do something different this time? Something better, something useful.

This is our country, these are our lives. We can’t continue to squander it 4 years at a time on articulate con artists, and so called economic gurus whose only legacy is to have taken our exchange rate from 3.8 to 13 cedi to a dollar in record time and launching unnecessary apps and platforms that are not only already available on Google but also useless when the basic infrastructure to support them isn’t even functional.

A woman who has taught thousands of people in academia will not be mounting political platforms to insult opponents in the name of appeasing a base. She stands tall and unblemished, bringing an aura to John Mahama and elevating his image which has until 2020 been badly battered by an avalanche of Propaganda by the NPP.

Changing Prof. now would simply mean the NDC lied to Ghanaians in 2020 when they said they believed in women, when they said they wanted an elevated aura around the presidency.

The NDC going with any other candidate will be a betrayal of Ghanaian women. Prof. Jane Naana Opoku-Agyemang is exactly what the country needs at this time.

A cool head, a voice that can calm nerves; she speaks from her heart, and most importantly, tells Ghanians the TRUTH.

At a time when Ghana is reeling under the economic crisis brought on by the insatiable greed of the Nana Addo & Bawumia Cartel, so corrupt that even corruption crusaders have given up on them. The last thing we need is another Bawumia, a man who a cursory internet search reveals as one of the most prolific liars of modern politics.

It would be a grave mistake to change Professor Jane at this time. She is a proven partner for John Mahama, one who is not in competition with him and is efficient at playing her position and supporting him as needed to get the best results.

She is the perfect embodiment of the Ghanaian old adage ‘awene pa 3nkasa’. We need more Jane Naana Opoku-Agyemangs, not fewer.

The former General Secretary of the Christian Council of Ghana, Rev. Dr. Kwabena Opuni-Frimpong, has urged President Akufo-Addo to swiftly assent to the anti-LGBTQ+ legislation following its passage by Parliament.

Describing the bill’s approval as a win for Ghanaians, Rev. Dr. Opuni-Frimpong stressed the importance of President Akufo-Addo endorsing the legislation without delay, emphasising the significance of the moment.

He expressed satisfaction with Parliament’s actions and highlighted the widespread contributions from various stakeholders, including traditional and religious leaders, on the matter.

In an interview with Citi TV on Saturday, March 2, Rev. Dr. Opuni-Frimpong emphasised the national importance of the anti-LGBTQ+ issue and urged the President to give it the attention it deserves by promptly assenting to the Bill.

“Wednesday, February 28, in our history, the Parliament of Ghana gave us something to celebrate. All that we are asking the President is to make the cycle full, he must not break it. He must assent to it as quickly as possible so that we will not only have the celebrations from Parliament, but from the Office of the President also. We want the President to quickly assent to the Bill.”

“It’s a national concern that must attract a national response from the President as early as possible. We are not denying the fact that all manner of sexual practices prevail in our country, but if you add it to our cultural norm, that is what we are talking about,” he said.

On February 28, 2024, Parliament approved a bill criminalizing LGBTQ activities and prohibiting their promotion, advocacy, and funding.

Under the legislation, individuals convicted of such acts could be sentenced to 6 months to 3 years in prison, while those promoting or sponsoring such activities could face 3 to 5 years behind bars.

The passage of the Bill has sparked criticism from various stakeholders, including Virginia Evelyn Palmer, the Ambassador of the United States to Ghana.

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The Electoral Commission (EC) will receive nominations of candidates for this year’s presidential and parliamentary elections from September 9 to 13 in a major countdown to the climax of the political season.

This will be followed by the balloting for positions on the presidential ballot paper on September 23, 2024, and the parliamentary balloting on September 24, 2024.

Furthermore, the EC expects to declare the results of the 2024 presidential polls within three days of the voting exercise, if everything goes according to plan.

In its programme of activities for the 2024 general election, obtained exclusively by the Daily Graphic, the EC will conduct a voters’ registration exercise from May 7 to May 27, 2024, and proceed with a nationwide exercise to replace missing voter ID cards from May 30, 2024.

The registration exercise will, however, be preceded by 56 days of public education on the exercise from April 1 to May 26, 2024.

Per the schedule, available to the Daily Graphic, the EC intends to submit the provisional voters’ register to the political parties between July 9 and 18, 2024, and mount an exhibition of the voters register between July 15 and 24, 2024.

The final voters register is expected to be submitted to the political parties between August 30 and September 5, 2024.

Meetings

In between the datelines, the EC — per the schedule — will hold meetings with stakeholders outside the political parties frame, and also engage the public through its “Let the Citizen Know” series.

Sources within the EC said this exercise was intended to ensure that all stakeholders understood and appreciated the efforts towards a free and fair electoral process in order to eliminate any tendencies for suspicion and mistrust.

The exercise, the source said, would be in line with the EC’s mandate to ensure and enhance open and transparent operations of the electoral processes.

The sources at the EC told the Daily Graphic that the EC would be holding its Special Voting for selected professionals on December 2, five days before the main polls.

It will be opened for security agencies and accredited media practitioners who would be performing duties during election day on December 7, 2024.

All the dates are, however, subject to review, the sources indicated to the Daily Graphic.

Results

The sources said although there was no law requiring the EC to declare the results within a specified period, the EC intended to ensure that it would be able to declare the presidential results within a maximum of three days.

The sources indicated that the Regional Collation Centres would be maintained to announce the results at the regional level.

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A rainstorm on Saturday, March 2, 2024, wreaked havoc at Ejisu Senior High Technical School, displacing numerous students.

The downpour ripped off the roof boys dormitory block of the school.

Following the incident, over 150 affected students sought refuge in classrooms, having been caught off guard while in the dining hall. Fortunately, there were no reported injuries or casualties.

The relentless downpour not only damaged the dormitory but also destroyed teaching and learning materials, including the school’s storeroom containing textbooks and other essential items.

Additionally, about seven classrooms were adversely affected by the storm.

Responding swiftly, authorities provided temporary accommodation for the displaced students, while engineers and officials from the National Disaster Management Organisation (NADMO) assessed the extent of the damage.

Ejisu Municipal Assembly’s Municipal Chief Executive, Samuel Oduro Frimpong, accompanied by the Education Director, visited the school and assured of prompt intervention.

Moreover, the storm also caused damage at the Ejisu Experimental and Krapa Basic Schools, compounding the challenges faced by the educational institutions in the area.

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After battling health issues for over a year, Mr. Ibu is reported to have passed away at dawn on Saturday, March 2, at a hospital in Lekki.

The renowned actor featured in over two hundred films and collaborated with numerous colleagues across the continent, including Ghana’s Kwadwo Nkansah, popularly known as Lil Win.

Lil Win took to social media to express his condolence, joining many Ghanaians in mourning the loss of the Nigerian actor.

On February 19, Lil Win welcomed three Nollywood actors, Ramsey Nouah, Charles Awuram, and Victor Osuwagu, also known as Awilo Sharp Sharp to Ghana.

The trio has since been spotted on set filming Lil Win’s upcoming movie, “A Country Ghana.”

In light of Mr. Ibu’s passing, Lil Win granted his Nollywood guests a day off to mourn their colleague.

He shared this in an online post while paying tribute to the late actor.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by OfficialLilWin (@officiallilwin)

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Interest rates fell for the 9^th consecutive week running in line with analysts’ forecasts.

According to the auction results by the Bank of Ghana, the 91-day T-bill eased by 83 basis to 26.99%.

Similarly, the 182-day bill also went down to 29.49% from the previous 29.74%.

Again, the 364-day bill declined by 29 basis points to 30.0%.

Based on the happenings since the beginning of the year, the rates are expected to go down further this week.

Meanwhile, the government recorded about 19.9% percent oversubscription of the treasury bills auction, as demand for the short-term instruments remained high.

The total bids tendered by the investors were estimated at GH¢4.963 billion. The uptake was estimated at GH¢4.940 billion.

Chunk of the bids this time around came from the 6-month bill. The uptake was GH¢1.843 billion.

It was followed by the 91-day bill in which GH¢1.833 billion of the bids were tendered. All were accepted.

About GH¢1.263 billion of the bids came from the 364-day bill. Once more, all the bids were accepted.

The World Bank is threatening to cancel loans earmarked in Ghana over the passing of the controversial Anti-LGBTQI+ Bill, known formally as the Human Sexual Rights and Ghanaian Family Values Bill 2024.

The Bretton Woods institution, whose funding this year is seen as critical to sustaining Ghana’s programme with its sister body the International Monetary Fund, has raised “concerns over the potential impact of the Promotion of Proper Human Sexual Rights and Ghanaian Family Values Bill on the implementation of World Bank projects and activities in Ghana”.

Parliament is expected to consider at least three major facilities from the World Bank worth at least $850 million. A withdrawal of these loans could jeopardise the entire IMF programme and the related debt restructuring programmes.

There is grave concern what the implications of this could be for Ghana’s economic recovery effort, with signs of business confidence returning and fresh recruitment staging a comeback. Already the cedi is feeling the shakes, experiencing depreciation against all major currencies on Friday.

World Bank letter

Correspondence seen by Asaase News shows that the World Bank began to issue warnings during the debate stages of the Bill.

In August 2023 the World Bank referred Ghana to a similar decision it took that month to cancel new loans to Uganda over the East African country’s harsh new anti-gay law. Interestingly, analysts have described Ghana’s “Human Sexual Rights and Family Values Bill” as even harsher.

The much-criticised bill which was passed last week in Ghana was by way of a private member’s bill, sponsored by eight members of Parliament in January 2021, and passed only last week.

In one of the letters, signed by Pierre Laporte, the World Bank country director for Ghana, Liberia and Sierra Leone, and addressed to the Government of Ghana, the Bank warned that it was likely to adopt the same hardline position it took with Uganda last year when its parliament passed the Anti-Homosexuality Act.

“World Bank Group reiterates its deep commitment to supporting Ghana in achieving its development goals while ensuring that in the implementation of World Bank projects no beneficiaries are impeded from sharing in any development benefits on the grounds of their age, gender, ethnicity, religion, physical, mental or other disability, social, civic or health status, sexual orientation, gender identity, indigenous heritage, or economic status,” Laporte wrote.

The Ugandan position

In August 2023, the World Bank declared that it would halt new lending to the Ugandan government after concluding that its anti-LGBTQ law, which had been condemned by many countries and the United Nations, contradicts the Bank’s values.

“No new public financing to Uganda will be presented to our Board of Executive Directors until the efficacy of the additional measures has been tested,” said the World Bank in an 8 August 2023 letter to Ugandan government officials which was captured by Reuters.

“Uganda’s Anti-Homosexuality Act fundamentally contradicts the World Bank Group’s values. We believe our vision to eradicate poverty on a liveable planet can only succeed if it includes everyone, irrespective of race, gender or sexuality,” the World Bank stressed.

Unlike Ghana, Uganda is not under an IMF programme. Currently before Ghana’s Parliament is a $300 million World Bank loan. The fate of that facility is still hanging as the country awaits the last step in the legislative process of Ghana’s Anti-LGBTQI+ Bill – Presidential assent.

Sources at Jubilee House said that Parliament Is yet to present the Bill to the President.

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The power sector is likely to experience an exacerbated debt of about $1.8 billion to the Independent Power Producers by 2024, the Chamber of Independent Power Generators has disclosed.

This prediction, it said, is based on the Public Utilities Regulatory Commission’s decision to further reduce electricity tariffs by 6.56%, warning of inadequate supply of electricity to the national grid.

“The power sector is likely to experience an exacerbated debt of about $1.8 billion to the IPPs alone, by the end of the year 2024. This prediction is based on Public Utilities Regulatory Commission’s (PURC) decision to further reduce electricity tariffs by 6.56% amidst escalating variable costs of electricity production such as fuel, maintenance, idle capacity charges, as a result of commissioned generation capacities coming on-grid and off-grid generations. Natural gas, for instance, sells currently at an average high price of 8.8 US Cents/mmscf, continuous depreciation of the Ghana cedi etc”.

Again, it mentioned in a statement that the generation tariffs are set as automatic upward adjustments necessitated by the increasing variable costs and other increased cost events.

Furthermore, it explained that the tariff reductions, while beneficial for consumers, have not been matched with a decrease in production costs, leading to significant financial deficits, adding, “The sector is plagued by inefficiencies, including high transmission and distribution losses, which exacerbate the financial challenges”.

“This situation mirrors the repercussions of similar tariff actions by the PURC in 2018 by 17.5% and 30% for both residential and non-residential customers, which significantly contributed to the financial gap faced by the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG). Since then, ECG has never met the revenue requirement of the sector. This has placed an avoidable strain on the ECG’s sustainability, resulting in a cycle of financial insolvency, operational and governance deficiencies”, it alluded. 

It continued that the core of ECG’s financial woes lies in the imbalance between revenue generation and operational costs.

“Despite ECG’s commitment to a fixed $43 million monthly sum to IPPs, it continues to pile up about 70% of its monthly obligations to the Independent Power Producers alone. With this tariff reduction, the Government of Ghana renegotiation appeals to IPPs may hit the rock, as the risk of default on obligations going forward becomes high”, it concluded.

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Former Oti Regional Minister, Joshua Makubu says he was a bit surprised about his removal from office.

He indicated no concerns were raised about him during his tenure in office as a regional minister for redress.

He therefore finds it strange when the President told him he could not be part of his government after the ministerial reshuffle on the 14th of February.

Joshua Makubu was speaking to Joy News’s Peter Senoo two weeks after his removal from office.

Meanwhile, some residents in the Oti Region have commended President Akufo-Addo’s ministerial reshuffling.

They said the removal of Joshua Makubu as Oti Regional Minister will provide equal opportunities for others to serve and bring the needed development.

President Akufo-Addo last month relieved some Ministers and Deputy Ministers of their portfolios as part of strategies to strengthen governance.

Mr. Makubu was removed and was replaced by Daniel Machator.

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Residents of Koforidua, the Eastern Regional capital, have expressed satisfaction with the level of development being undertaken by the government ahead of the 67th Independence Day.

Roads which have been in disrepair for years, are now undergoing significant renovations, alongside the replacement of faulty streetlights and traffic signals.

Recently, residents and commuters along the Koforidua Mamfe road were pleasantly surprised to see construction work on the previously neglected thoroughfare.

This neglected road had posed numerous challenges to commuters, with its hazardous potholes making nighttime travel particularly perilous.

Due to this challenge, some drivers had resorted to alternative routes, such as the Adukrom through Nkurakan road, despite the increased travel time it entailed.

The decision to prioritize renovations on this road was spurred by the announcement that Koforidua would host Ghana’s 67th Independence Day celebrations on March 6th.

The upcoming event is expected to be graced by esteemed dignitaries, including the President of Ivory Coast, Alassane Dramane Ouattara, as the special guest of honour.

In preparation for the celebrations, major roads in and around the Koforidua Youth Resource Center, the venue for the event, are receiving asphalt overlays, and efforts are underway to fix streetlights, enhancing the aesthetic appeal of the regional capital.

Various events have been scheduled for the celebrations, with Seth Kwame Acheampong, the Eastern Regional Minister and Chairman of the Local Organizing Committee, providing insights into the program.

“We are kicking off the festivities with the flag-raising ceremony, followed by a football match, and Monday will be dedicated to a clean-up initiative,” Acheampong stated.

The preparations involve 21 contingents representing different security agencies, 11 schools, 16 regional capitals, and 18 groups, all of whom have been diligently rehearsing for weeks.

With hotels fully booked and establishments like pubs and restaurants stocking up, the city is gearing up to welcome guests for the momentous occasion.

Some residents have expressed appreciation for the infrastructural improvements ahead of the celebrations.

“I’m impressed with the visible progress; it’s evident that efforts are being made to improve the city,” remarked one resident.

Another resident expressed gratitude for the enhancements to the road network in the area.

Restaurant and pub managers are enthusiastic about providing guests with a memorable experience during the 67th Independence Anniversary celebrations.

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Two fatalities have been confirmed following a recent accident in Akumadan, Offinso North Constituency of the Ashanti Region, on Saturday.

The National Disaster Management Organization (NADMO) verified the casualties, attributing the incident to a truck transporting a cement mixer along the Nkenkensu road towards the Local Government University construction site.

Reports suggest that the cement mixer, inadequately secured, dislodged unexpectedly, colliding with an oncoming Ssangyong bus with registration number AS 9880-12.

Regrettably, the collision claimed the lives of two individuals, who remain unidentified at this time.

Prompt emergency response teams were deployed to the scene to manage the aftermath and provide assistance to any injured parties.

Authorities have initiated an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the accident, particularly focusing on compliance with safety regulations during the transportation of the cement mixer.

Offinso North District NADMO coordinator Elijah Mamoah confirmed the incident, highlighting that it marks the second accident in the constituency within the past 72 hours.

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In a bid to tackle the prevalent chieftaincy tensions and unrest gripping the Oti Region, the Regional Minister designate, DSP Daniel Machatorh (Rtd) has called for unity among chiefs and residents, emphasizing its pivotal role in fostering economic development.

The Oti Region is ensnared in a web of chieftaincy tensions and unrest, posing a significant threat to its socio-economic progress.

Responding to these challenges head-on, Mr. Machator has taken proactive measures to advocate for peace as an indispensable catalyst for the region’s advancement.

During a poignant address at Dambai’s swearing-in ceremony for the Nkwanta Municipal Chief Executive and Krachi West, Minister Machator highlighted the cultural diversity and economic potential of the Oti region, juxtaposed against the backdrop of tribal conflicts and political upheaval.

He underscored the adverse effects of these conflicts, citing their hindrance to development initiatives and the jeopardy they pose to the safety and well-being of residents.

The Minister emphasized the paramount importance of unity, dialogue, and tolerance among the region’s diverse ethnic groups, firmly believing that sustainable development hinges upon an environment of peace and stability.

He has remained steadfast in his commitment to promoting peace building initiatives, aiming to cultivate a conducive atmosphere for growth, investment, and prosperity in the region.

Echoing Mr. Machator’s sentiments, Volta Regional Minister, Dr. Achibald Yao Letsa addressed Municipal and District Chief Executives (MDCEs), urging them to justify the trust bestowed upon them by the populace and the President.

Dr. Letsa emphasized the collective responsibility for the region’s sustainable development, urging MDCEs to swiftly implement government development policies, notably the “One District, One Factory” and “Planting for Food and Jobs” programs.

Meanwhile, the newly sworn Municipal Chief Executive for Nkwanta South, Owusu expressed gratitude to assembly members for their support, underlining the imperative need for peace and stability in the municipality.

The special aide to O. B Amoah, the current Member of Parliament for Akuapem South, Eric Apeadu Yeboah, has emerged as the winner in the New Patriotic Party (NPP) parliamentary primary for the constituency.

On Saturday, March 2, 2024, Mr. Yeboah secured 267 votes out of the total valid votes cast, which represented 49.3%, securing him the parliamentary candidacy for the constituency.

According to reports, 574 delegates gathered at the Presby Women’s College of Education in Aburi to vote in the Akuapem South constituency parliamentary primaries in the Eastern Region.

Initially, the party leadership had postponed the election following the withdrawal of the incumbent Member of Parliament, O.B Amoah, from the contest.

Subsequently, the Municipal Chief Executive of the area, Frank Aidoo, was included on the ballot.

Competing against Aidoo were Eric Yeboah Apeadu, Eric Samuel Annor Mensah, and Kwame Ofori Gyau.

The atmosphere, initially calm, became tense when allegations arose that one of the candidates had camped some delegates in a nearby room. However, swift intervention from security personnel and regional executives prevented the situation from escalating.

Frank Aidoo polled 69 votes, Eric Samuel Annor Mensah 54, and Kwame Ofori Gyae 152.

The Eastern Regional Secretary of the party, Tony Osei Adjei, who oversaw the elections, outlined plans to foster unity among party members.

He refuted claims that the delay in conducting the primaries would impact the party’s prospects in December.

In his acceptance speech, Eric Yeboah Apeadu expressed gratitude to the delegates for their support and urged them to work diligently for the party to secure victory in the upcoming elections.

The Member of Parliament for the area, OB Amoah also stressed the need for unity.

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A prominent figure within the governing New Patriotic Party (NPP), Gabby Asare Otchere-Darko has voiced his reservations regarding the Human Sexual Rights and Family Values Bill, commonly referred to as the Anti-LGBTQ+ Bill, recently passed by Parliament.

Expressing his concerns, Mr Otchere-Darko criticised the perceived severity of the bill, arguing that it fails to align with the needs of the Ghanaian populace and the fundamental rights of individuals.

He advocated for a public discourse to weigh the merits and drawbacks of the proposed legislation, highlighting the importance of engaging in an open dialogue on such sensitive matters.

Below is the post

Ghana’s parliament, in which is vested the sovereign will of the people, has democratically passed a harsher anti-LGBTQ Bill. Yes, democratically! In fact the threat of being unseated for standing for the rights of gays, etc, certainly created its own culture of silence in the…

— Gabby Otchere-Darko (@GabbyDarko) March 1, 2024

“Ghana’s Parliament, in which is vested the sovereign will of the people, has democratically passed a harsher anti-LGBTQ Bill. Yes, democratically! In fact the threat of being unseated for standing for the rights of gays, etc, certainly created its own culture of silence in the House! But, it is the decision of Parliament and one which enjoys huge popular support in the country. The world must understand that.

“But, Ghanaians must also understand that it comes with consequences. Choices have consequences. We expect the media and the politicians to be fair to the people by letting them know the pros and cons of this decision to impose stiffer penalties against gays, etc. We also expect those who believe the Bill is constitutionally wrong to do what is right and go to court.”

“That is democracy! Our institutions of democracy are still strong and alive. Let’s have faith in our democracy. Let’s respect the choices we make and their consequences and believe in the process. Ghana remains a sovereign state, with cultural norms that cannot be wished away but must be respected.

“I still believe, though, that we can balance our traditional family values with our traditional values of tolerance and diversity. That’s the Ghanaian way. The Ghanaian culture. The Ghanaian spirit. Our history. Our DNA. That is Ghanaian.”

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A clash between residents of Manso Tontokrom and private security personnel, deployed to safeguard Asanko Gold Mines Limited’s concession, has left three individuals dead.

The altercation, which occurred on Saturday, escalated when the security personnel reportedly fired gunshots, resulting in the death of a resident.

In retaliation, angry locals lynched two members of the private security team and severely injured another.

Inhabitants have for years complained of alleged brutality by military officers and thugs deployed to stop illegal miners from invading the concession of the mining company in the area.

Manso Tontokrom, located in the Amansie South District in the Ashanti Region is a community with vibrant youth without decent jobs.

The rising unemployment in the community has pushed about 90 percent of the young people into illegal mining and other social vices.

The youth for the past years have been battling with Asanko Mines which has been accusing locals of invading their legally acquired concessions.

This has often resulted in alleged military brutality as locals claim officers often deployed to clamp down on illegal mining activities harass them.

The inhabitants on Friday, March 1, 2024, staged a protest to demand the establishment of a Community Mining Scheme to end the banter.

The confrontation on Saturday, however, turned bloody between the residents and the private security personnel of Asanko Mines.

The bodies have been conveyed by the police and deposited at the morgue.

Municipal Chief Executive for Amansie South, Clement Opoku Gyamfi confirmed the incident to Citi News.

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As Ghana gears up for the upcoming general elections, the children of Ghana are earnestly appealing to various political parties to prioritize the preservation of the country’s peace and democracy.

The children are also urging political parties to conduct themselves in a peaceful and tolerant manner while safeguarding Ghana’s rich culture and traditions.

This plea was eloquently expressed by selected school children who addressed President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo and other participants at the 2024 Independence Day Awards ceremony held at the Accra International Conference Center.

The event aimed to honour 46 students who demonstrated outstanding performance in the 2023 BECE exams.

In addition to advocating for peace and democratic values, the children pledged to dedicate themselves to academic excellence in order to become future leaders.

They also appealed to the government to implement stringent measures to mitigate the adverse effects of climate change on the environment.

The Deputy Minister of Education, Rev. Ntim Fordjuor, highlighted the substantial investments made by the Akufo-Addo administration in the education sector and emphasized the positive outcomes resulting from these investments.

He noted that despite critics initially focusing solely on the Free SHS initiative, the government’s total investment in education amounted to GH¢114 billion between 2017 and 2023.

Of this amount, GH¢12.9 billion was allocated to Free SHS, with the remainder allocated to various other areas of education, particularly early childhood education.

Rev. Ntim Fordjuor emphasized the significant improvement in literacy rates, citing that now 38% of class two pupils can read, compared to only 2% under the previous government.

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President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo stated that contrary to reports that Ghanaian languages would no longer be included in final year exams, every student would indeed be required to write the selected Ghanaian language being studied at school.

This indicates that, the writing of Ghanaian language at the Junior High School level remains compulsory.

During his speech at the 67th Independence Day President’s Awards ceremony held at the Accra International Conference Centre to honour 46 BECE students who excelled in the previous year’s exams, President Akufo-Addo clarified that students taking the BECE this year would include a Ghanaian Language as part of their elective subjects.

He said stakeholders in the education sector had discussed the matter and agreed that Ghanaian languages should continue to be part of the BECE examination.

The President urged the awardees to set high goals and aspire to be great leaders in the future, emphasizing that his own presidency was made possible by the education he received.

The Independence Day President’s Awards is an event dedicated to recognizing BECE students who achieved outstanding results despite attending schools in deprived areas.

Previously, the awards only honoured students from public schools, but this year, 10 students from private schools among the recipients.

Also, two visually impaired students and two students with hearing impairments were also honoured for their exceptional performances.

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Political Risk Analyst and Economist, Dr Theo Acheampong has raised concern over the falling standards of Ghana’s democracy.

According to him, past and recent events create the impression that the Executive arm, specifically the Presidency, does not heed the counsel provided by members of Cabinet and other advisory bodies.

Speaking on JoyNews’ Newsfile on March 2, he explained that this impression is affirmed by the assertions President Akufo-Addo made while delivering the State of the Nation Address on February 27.

President Akufo-Addo has stressed that under the Constitution, the Executive power of the state is vested in the President of the Republic and that other bodies including Cabinet, and the Ministers of State all act in an advisory manner.

“There is no ambiguity about where the buck stops when it comes to responsibility for what happens in the government. It stops with the President, he or she has ultimate responsibility. It would be an unwise President that would pretend to have all the answers and refuse the advice of his officials, but the fact remains that the President holds the executive power.

“The Cabinet, and the Ministers of State all act in an advisory manner. Of course, a member of the government might take an idea, be it generated by the President or the official or a committee, and turn it into a huge success, and the honours would be claimed or shared where public perception falls. But, ultimately, the President is responsible, and, therefore, takes the credit or the blame for whatever happens in his or her government,” President Akufo-Addo explained.

But Dr Acheampong says he interpreted this statement by the President to mean that all policy decisions in the country are those he [President Akufo-Addo] approves of.

 “I thought the President was being a little bit disingenuous here if I am being honest. In the sense that he was trying to sort of shield the Vice President in a way that yes, things have happened and so ultimate responsibility lies with him because of the nature of the Executive Presidency that we practice.

“But the point for me is if your people have advised, you got advisors, you got ministers, you got people who are experts and they have proposed a particular course of action and you decide to go against it. Then that in a way tells us how imperial the Presidency almost has become. To the extent that we must push and this is where I am looking forward to the manifesto proposals that are going to come.

“The extent to which we can curtail some of these powers to ensure that the government and governance work for each and every one of us.

“Because at the end of the day even for those of us as citizens and even in the civic space what that statement from the president means, you can talk, you can do advocacy, you can do whatever you want but I can decide to go with it or not depending on the particular interest that is at stake and we have seen this with Agyapa , we have seen it with SML and a whole range of other things where ordinarily if you look at the evidence it will tell you that we should not have gotten ourselves in some of these deals and some of these transactions,” he said.

In light of this, he said the manner in which democracy is practiced in this part of the world has his colleagues describing it as a NATO nation, to wit “No Action, Talk Only Nation.”

He stressed that it was indeed time for some constitutional amendments to eliminate these imperial characteristics.

 “I will finish off with what a colleague of mine told me earlier this week. He says that we have become a NATO nation- No Action, Talk Only- and that fundamentally reflects this idea that you have got an imperial Presidency.

“An imperial sort of executive that sometimes does not listen to the best of advice because as the President says ‘the President holds the Executive power and everybody under him, cabinet ministers, everybody just acts in an advisory manner’ and that can not be good for the country,” he added.

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Controversial Ghanaian actor, Oboy Siki is in the trends again as he chose to celebrate his birthday in an unusual way.

Unlike many celebrities who will either donate to orphanages or hold lavish parties, Oboy Siki chose a different venue: a cemetery.

Videos circulating on social media captured the veteran Kumawood actor, also known as Nana Kofi Agyeman, dressed in traditional kente cloth as he stood by a table adorned with a cake and beverages.

“This is a special day for me. It’s my birthday, and I’ve decided to celebrate it at a cemetery. We will pour libation to the gods and then cut the cake,” he announced in one of the videos.

In another video shared on YouTube, Oboy Siki poured libation before cutting the cake with some friends.

Watch video for more

This comes after the veteran actor predicted his death in 2024. Oboy Siki said he would die peacefully in his sleep.

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Nigerian gospel artiste, Moses Bliss Uyoh Enang, has married his Ghanaian girlfriend, Marie Wiseborn in a solemn ceremony in Ghana.

The splendid white wedding, held in Accra, was graced by family, friends, and well-wishers across the world.

Captivating images and videos captured moments of preparation, including heartfelt prayers shared by Moses Bliss and his bride before she was escorted down the aisle by her father.

The exchange of vows and the placement of wedding bands were beautifully documented, marking the culmination of the ceremony.

Preceding this grand affair, the couple had already celebrated a civil wedding earlier in the week, followed by a traditional ceremony on Thursday, February 29, 2024.

Social media platforms buzzed with congratulatory messages and warm wishes from fans and followers, demonstrating widespread support and excitement for the newlyweds as they embark on their journey together.

Watch videos below

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The Volta Regional Police Command has confirmed the death of an inmate.

According to the Police, the inmate was found hanging in the Akatsi cell.

The deceased, Simon Doeve, accused of murder was going through committal at the Akatsi District Court and was remanded to reappear on March 13. But, he hanged himself ahead of the court date.

The police suspect no foul play as there were no signs of assault.

His body has been deposited at the Ho Teaching Hospital for preservation and autopsy.

Police brief said Doeve was remanded into police custody on February 12, 2024, but hanged himself on the same day.

Investigation revealed that at about 0350 hours, the counter non-commissioned officer sergeant Gideon Ndsuga visited the cells and detected the accused person was not part of the inmates.

When he inquired, he was told Doeve was in the washroom, only to find him hanging from the fan hook on the ceiling.

The brief said the family of the deceased was informed by Deputy Commissioner of Police, Mr Andrews Boadu Ekumah, the Regional Police Commander.

Afterwards, the family was allowed into the cells to identify him.

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