Speaking on Adom FM’s morning show, Dwaso Nsem, she recalled how she accompanied her daughter at dawn but left her halfway as Agyeiwaa headed to the El-Wak Stadium.

“I was the one who accompanied her at dawn, but I left her along the way when she said she could continue to the stadium,” she said.

She explained that her daughter arrived at the venue around 4:15 a.m., but by 7 a.m. she had tried calling her several times without success.

“I kept calling her, but she didn’t pick up. I became worried,” she added.

Her fears deepened when her eldest child informed her that someone called, to say Agyeiwaa’s bag and other belongings were with her.

“I asked how her things got to the person, and I was told to come to El-Wak. When we got there, we were told some people had been rushed to 37 Hospital and others had even died. I was alarmed and started crying because I didn’t know whether my daughter was alive or dead,” she recounted.

She said after President Mahama visited the scene, relatives were asked to proceed to the emergency ward at the 37 Military Hospital to check on their loved ones.

“That was when I saw that my daughter was part of those injured and lying in the emergency ward. All the parents there were sad. The situation was very painful to watch,” she said.

According to her, she only became calm when her daughter finally regained consciousness.

“I wasn’t okay until she opened her eyes, mentioned my name, and said ‘Ma’. That was when I felt a bit relieved,” she stated.

She said her daughter was discharged late on Thursday, but according to her, they could not immediately return home because the journey back to Kasoa was too long and her daughter was too weak to travel.

She narrated that when they wanted to stay, after they were discharged, one nurse questioned why they were still around.

“One nurse told me that government had taken care of the medical bills, so was it transportation that was a problem for us to go home after they discharged us at night? I was very angry when she said that,” she said.

However, she noted that a soldier intervened and told them it was safer to sleep over and leave the next morning.

“The night shift nurses were also very nice. They told us to stay and leave the following day,” she added.

She said on Thursday around 3 a.m., she woke her daughter up so they could prepare to go home.

Reports from the scene indicate that the recruitment exercise, which attracted thousands of applicants nationwide, turned chaotic at several centres, leading to stampedes and numerous injuries. In Kumasi and Accra, several young people reportedly collapsed while trying to enter overcrowded venues.

The Ghana Armed Forces (GAF) has confirmed that the death toll from the El-Wak Stadium incident remains at six.

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This comes after the Sekondi High Court set aside an injunction that had prevented her from contesting the seat.

According to Mrs. Cudjoe, Mr. Kwakye Ackah is an “ungrateful” person and she would like him to contest and be “disgraced,” as that is what he had wanted for her.

In an interview on Adom FM’s morning show Dwaso Nsem, she explained that the NDC had done a lot for him, but he had not appreciated the party’s support.

“We have advised him, but he is not ready to listen. The NDC has done a lot for him, and he is very ungrateful. If it weren’t for the NDC, he wouldn’t even be a member of the party,” she said.

She further revealed that she and her supporters were aware of his plots but were confident that he would not win the election.

“We went for the contest and won, but we know he is plotting against me. However, he knows he won’t win.”

When asked if Mr. Kwakye Ackah would spoil her votes, Mrs. Cudjoe responded: “He will lose. I will knock him down more than Ayittey Powers will do.”

Mrs. Cudjoe also pointed out that Mr. Kwakye Ackah was indirectly campaigning for her.

“He was campaigning for the number two spot on the ballot, which is mine. Since the court has made its decision, he’s actually campaigning for me.”

She added that Mr. Kwakye Ackah seemed envious of her success in the race.

On Monday, November 11, 2024, His Lordship George K. Gyan-Kontoh ruled that the original grounds for the injunction had changed, particularly since the NDC had annulled the contested May primary and held a fresh election.

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Isaac Oduro, a resident of the area, confirmed the tragic incident to Adom News’ Augustine Boah.

He explained that, the mother of the deceased had sent her to deliver food to her father at the farm.

However, after several hours, the deceased, identified as Mary Josontey, had not returned home.

Her father, only identified as Kwame Dagati, informed her mother that he had given Mary some work to do on the farm.

The father’s explanation raised suspicions, prompting one of the children to go to the farm to look for Mary.

Upon arrival, the child saw blood and discovered Mary’s body covered with leaves at a corner of the farm.

The sibling quickly returned home to inform the family.

After being accused of the murder, the father reportedly went into a room and consumed a poisonous chemical in an apparent suicide attempt, which failed.

He was restrained and handed over to the Police at Yamatwa.

The Police were notified, and the body of the deceased was taken to the Essam Government Hospital mortuary.

The father is also receiving treatment at Essam Hospital.

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In an interview on Asempa FM’s Ekosii Sen programme Monday, Mr. Mornah criticized the EC’s decision to disqualify him and ten other candidates, stating that the Commission did not give clear details about the alleged error.

“The EC made mistakes on their own forms, but we are not allowed to make any. What is the error they are talking about? Is it a data entry error? Is it an error of composition? How come those errors were not presented in court?” he questioned.

Following the High Court’s dismissal of his suit aimed at overturning the EC’s decision, Mr. Mornah announced that he would file a petition at the Supreme Court.

He expressed frustration with the judge’s ruling, particularly the expectation that he should have known what error the EC referred to without it being specified.

“The judge wanted me to be a wizard to know the EC’s error when they themselves didn’t make it clear,” Mr. Mornah remarked.

He pointed out that, the EC failed to reference the incomplete particulars mentioned in its communication, making the judge’s decision based on the EC’s letter from the 13th even more perplexing.

“The letter on the 13th didn’t disqualify me, but the one on the 20th did. Yet, we weren’t given any opportunity to be heard. That’s where the travesty is,” Mr. Mornah explained, noting that the lack of a fair hearing was troubling.

He also alleged that the EC had already made up its mind to exclude him from the election.

“They have already written it—that we won’t be part of the election. But we’re going to the Supreme Court, and my lawyers are working on it,” he stated.

Mr. Mornah urged Ghanaians to see him as a victim of the system.

“They are using me to make a point. The people of Ghana should see me as a saint,” he said, adding that his background in accounting means he understands that errors can happen, but without knowing the type of error, it’s impossible to fix it.

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The CUTS and the agency believe that without swift action, the bill might not be passed within the current Parliament’s term.

Ghana started the process of getting a Consumer Protection Law in 2005 and for 19 years since the process started, the document has still not made any progress.

Stakeholder consultation

The Director of West African Regional Centre of CUTS International, Appiah Kusi Adomako, and the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the agency, Kofi Kapito, expressed their displeasure at the delays at a press conference in Accra yesterday.

The agency’s CEO urged the Minister of Trade and Industry, K. T. Hammond, to expedite the finalisation of the draft bill.

He also called for the necessary stakeholder consultations to be conducted, emphasising the importance of prioritising the bill’s introduction to Parliament when it reconvenes next month.

“We urge the Speaker of Parliament, Majority and Minority Leaders and the Parliamentary Select Committee on Trade, Industry and Tourism to prioritise the passage of the bill on the Parliamentary calendar.

“We urge the MOTI and the government to provide the needed logistics for the Parliament Select Committee to be able to meet and consider the bill in record time,” Mr Kapito said.

“We further urge our lawmakers to approach this legislation with the seriousness it deserves. This is not just another bill; it is a lifeline for millions of Ghanaians.

“We need a law that is strong, comprehensive and enforceable — one that truly protects consumers from all forms of unfair business conduct,” Mr Kapito stressed.

He stated that the absence of a Consumer Protection Law in the country had contributed to the widespread and deliberate abuse of consumer rights in the country.

Mr Kapito explained that consumer rights were fundamental human rights, which the state had a binding duty to promote, protect and safeguard through the enactment of laws and their enforcement.

Since 2017, he said, the bill had been listed among the list of bills to be received by Parliament.

“However, checks indicated that the bill has never made its way to Parliament.

IMF conditionality

Without the legal framework that a Consumer Protection Law would provide, countless individuals and citizens would continue to suffer from substandard goods, deceptive marketing, exploitative pricing and other forms of unethical business conduct.

“This situation is unacceptable, and it must be addressed immediately. Unfortunately, before a law is passed in this country, either it must have the strong backing of the government or it must be part of the World Bank or an IMF conditionality.

“Our checks have indicated to us that the Affirmative Action Act that was enacted by Parliament recently was part of the IMF conditionalities. Do we need an IMF or a foreign country to tell our government that the Consumer Protection Bill is good to protect Ghanaians from unlawful and unfair business conduct?” he questioned.

Action now

For his part, Mr Adomako said: “The last time I checked, the draft document of the bill had gathered dust simply because the Trades Ministry is not interested in getting it passed, but you cannot be doing trading without protecting consumers.”

“Parliament is supposed to resume very soon and a number of bills have been listed for consideration, but we are disappointed that the consumer protection bill is not part of it,” he said.

Mr Adomako stressed that if the bill was not passed by the current Parliament, it would suffer a major setback going forward.

It was worrying that while there was the Corporate Restructuring Law that protected businesses against liquidity, there were no laws that protected consumers’ rights, he added.

Source: GraphicOnline

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Speaking in an interview on Asempa FM’s Ekosii Sen programme Tuesday, Mr. Mahama said the staff are there to ensure that the work is done.

“There is no need to confront or obstruct our staff as they are all there to work. I urge all Ghanaians to comply with our team as they install the new smart prepaid meters” he appealed.

He further warned that, anyone who tampers with our new smart meters will be dealt with decisively.

This comes as ECG undertakes a major project to replace outdated and malfunctioning electricity meters in the Accra East region with advanced Smart MMS-compliant prepaid meters.

The initiative, scheduled from September 2 to September 30, 2024, is part of ECG’s broader strategy to modernize its metering system and ensure accurate revenue collection.

The project targets key operational districts, including Makola, Teshie, Legon, Roman Ridge, Kwabenya, Mampong, Dodowa, and Adentan, with a goal of replacing 250,000 meters.

The new Smart MMS-compliant prepaid meters are designed to offer increased reliability and efficiency.

Customers will have the convenience of topping up their credits remotely using the ECG Power App or a short code (*226#), making it easier to manage electricity consumption.

Mr. Mahama expressed confidence in the success of the project.

“We are confident of replacing almost all post-paid meters with new smart prepaid meters across the country” he added.

He therefore said this upgrade is part of ECG’s Loss Reduction Project (LRP), which aims to decrease technical and commercial losses and enhance overall operational efficiency.

Source:Adomonline.com | Dorcas Abedu-Kennedy

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According to him, all decisions made during his tenure were approved by the hospital’s board.

“These claims are baseless. If the board knew it was a conflict of interest, they wouldn’t have approved it, so where’s the conflict of interest?” he questioned, adding that the accusations are nothing more than “shadow boxing.”

His comment comes in the wake of a petition filed by six health unions against extending Dr. Ampomah’s tenure as CEO.

The unions, including the Health Service Workers Union, Ghana Federation of Allied Health Professionals (Korle-Bu chapter), Health Accounting Staff Association of Ghana, Korle-Bu Senior Staff Association, Government and Hospital Pharmacists Association, and Ghana Registered Nurses and Midwives Association, listed several grievances in their petition.

These included inefficiencies during the CEO’s absence, delays in approvals leading to shortages of essential supplies, and alleged conflicts of interest.

The unions warned that extending Dr. Ampomah’s tenure would be detrimental to the hospital’s progress and the well-being of both staff and patients.

In response to the claims, in an interview on Asempa FM’s Ekosii Sen show, Dr. Ampomah said he spoke with some of the hospital’s unions, who expressed surprise at the allegations.

“I’m also on the grounds, so I asked some of the unions, and they said it took them by surprise,” he shared. He acknowledged that such challenges are not new, saying, “I understand these things; this is why Korle-Bu has not had stable leadership and no long-term planning.”

Despite the controversy, Dr. Ampomah stressed his commitment to the staff and patients at Korle-Bu.

“The union leaders’ interest is to take care of staff welfare. We provide free medical care for all our staff. We are the only government facility doing that. I have not been absent, so it’s not an issue.”

However, he reiterated that his relationship with the staff remains strong.

“There have not been any issues with staff; I have a good relationship with them,” he affirmed.

Source: Adomonline.com | Dorcas Abedu-Kennedy

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In a statement released on Thursday, May 9, the EC explained that, disclosing the serial numbers to external entities could potentially jeopardize the security of the electoral system and its processes.

The EC said it has implemented measures to guarantee the transparency of the ongoing registration procedure, affirming its commitment to openness and accountability.

“Releasing these serial numbers to any external parties, including political entities, poses a substantial risk to the security and integrity of our registration processes. That is why this has never been done since biometric voting system was introduced in Ghana.

“The Electoral Commission has nothing to hide. It is important to note that the demand for serial numbers of BVRs, if granted, could pose major risks to the security and integrity of our electoral system and operations. Prevention of such risks by declining this request, far outweighs any concerns and interests of individual stakeholders” the statement said.

That notwithstanding, the EC assured the public of a transparent process by listing a number of measures implemented in that regard.

Find full statement below:

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They are Regina Serwaa, who served as the Ballot Issuer, and George Sasu, who was the Presiding Officer.

“Following the incident that occurred during the conduct of the Ejisu By-Election today Tuesday 30th April, 2024, the Commission has undertaken preliminary investigations. The investigations revealed that the officers at the said Polling Station namely, Fumesua Pentecost Church Polling Station with Polling Station Code F311503, were Temporary Election Officials of the Electoral Commission recruited to conduct the Ejisu By-Election,” a press release signed by Deputy Chairman in charge of Operations, Samuel Tettey said.

The Electoral Commission further stated that, “Our investigations further revealed that the man in the video, walked to their table and enquired whether they had eaten. He then placed the envelope on the table and asked them to use the contents of the envelope for their lunch, following which he walked away.”

“The Electoral Commission has taken the following actions: • Withdrawn with immediate effect, the services of the two (2) Temporary Election Officers. • Held preliminary discussions with the Ghana Police Service to kick start the process for criminal investigations into the matter,” the release concluded.

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All the accused persons pleaded not guilty to the charges.

They are Ethel Anaab, a 28-year-old trader, Daniel Tetteh Botchway, a 52-year-old farmer, Kofi Nti, a 29-year-old driver, and Benette Adjei, a 28-year-old Chef.

Others are Owuraku Agyemang, a 23-year-old unemployed, Joshua Odamtten, a 23-year-old unemployed, Isaac Boateng, a 23-year-old trader, Kofi Stephen Appiani, a 20-year-old unemployed, and Roger Abeku Danso Mensah, a 30-year-old clearing agent.

The rest are Dennis Laryea, a 23-year-old unemployed, Ernest Ekuban, a 23-year-old trader, and Melvin Nortey, a 40-year-old physiotherapist.

All the accused persons are jointly held for unlawful possession of narcotic plants.

Anaab is said to have possessed 118 wraps of plants suspected to be narcotic drugs for trafficking.

The court, presided over by Samuel Bright Acquah adjourned the case to May 8, 2024.

The prosecution, led by Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) Maxwell Oppong, said that the complainants and witnesses in the case were personnel of the Ghana Military Police stationed at Burma Camp, Accra.

It said the accused persons resided at La Palm-Wine junction, a suburb of Accra.

The prosecution said, “There is a spot near Las Villas at Burma Camp, where people in La township often gather and peddle narcotic substances.”

It said the Ghana Military Police observed that the said spot had gained notoriety in narcotic peddling.

The court heard that on March 22, 2024, at about 1400 hours, the complainant and the witnesses picked up intelligence that the accused persons had gathered at the said spot peddling and using narcotic substances.

The prosecution said the team organised a swoop at the said location, which resulted in the arrest of the accused persons, adding that Anaab was found with 118 wraps of plants substances suspected to be narcotic plants and the rest of the accused persons were each found with smoking quantity of substances suspected to be narcotic plants gathered at the said spot.

It said during the operation, a quantity of similar plant substances was found in a black polythene bag yet to be connected to any of the accused persons.

The prosecution said the complainant and the witnesses arrested the accused persons together with the plant substances and handed them over to the La Police for action.

It said efforts were being made to get the plant substance suspected to be narcotic plants tested while the case was still under investigation.

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The purpose of the tour is to unite party members and aspirants who vied for the parliamentary candidacy.

Beginning on Monday, April 15, Farouk Mahama engaged with party supporters and community leaders in Yendi during his tour.

He reiterated his commitment to working collaboratively with all party members to secure victory in the December 7 general elections, with specific focus on retaining the party’s seat in Yendi.

In a press release issued on Wednesday, April 10, Farouk Mahama expressed gratitude to the party leadership, President Akufo-Addo, and Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia for their guidance in resolving issues stemming from the parliamentary primary held on January 27.

The NPP officially declared Farouk Aliu Mahama as its parliamentary candidate for the constituency following a primary contest between him and Hajia Abibata Shanni Mahama Zakariah, the CEO of MASLOC.

Hajia Abibata Shanni Mahama later lodged a petition with the party’s leadership, alleging election irregularities and calling for the annulment of the results due to disruptions during the counting process and accusations of favouritism among party officials.

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The Council states the action aims to make room for a market development project necessitated by the ongoing expansion of the Kasoa-Winneba Highway.

Last week, the Traditional Council issued a warning of impending demolition in Zone E of the Budumburam camp to pave the way for a market benefiting traders affected by the highway expansion.

The Council said the trading activities along the highway are obstructing the work of highway contractorsi

It followed through with its warning, demolishing numerous structures at the Liberia Camp.

However, some community members affected by the operation claim surprise, blaming the council for extending the demolition beyond the initially marked zones.

According to affected individuals, about 600 Liberian nationals are now without shelter due to the operation.

Jamal George, a displaced resident, expressed dismay, urging government intervention.

The Liberian Community’s leadership accuses the Ghanaian government of neglect, viewing the demolition as a covert attempt to expel them from the settlement.

They argue that the demolition violates the UN Convention on refugee settlements.

The vulnerable, particularly the elderly, now face heightened risks without a place to stay. Some have sought refuge in local schools within the Buduburam community.

The Gomoa East District Assembly is yet to respond to the matter.

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According to him, Mr. Ofori-Atta’s expertise is still needed as government work around the clock to revive Ghana’s economy.

“In no way does his capability to offer counsel in the financial realm diminish simply because he has been reassigned from the position of Finance Minister. If his expertise is deemed beneficial elsewhere, and the President believes he can contribute to negotiations or provide advice, I see no reason for significant opposition to that decision,” Fatimatu Abubakar said during an interview on TV3, on Monday, February 26.

She stated emphatically that, Mr. Ofori-Atta’s appointment is based on qualifications and not because he is related to the President.

“I am delighted to inform you of your appointment as the Senior Presidential Advisor and Special Envoy for International Finance and Private Sector Investments by the President of the Republic. I extend my heartfelt congratulations on your reassignment and wish you every success in this new capacity,” she expressed.

President Akufo-Addo appointed Ken Ofori-Atta as the Senior Presidential Advisor and Special Envoy for International Finance and Private Sector Investments, a day subsequent to his departure from the role of Finance Minister.

The Chief of Staff, Akosua Frema Osei-Opare, conveyed her congratulations and well wishes to the former Finance Minister in a statement dated February 15.

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Speaking on 3Music TV, she emphasised that in such compromises women are not only being taken advantage of or exploited but, also undermines their dignity and self-respect.

“It’s just that some men think that is how they can exhibit power…If you are a young girl and you are caught up in that situation, I’ll say to you, do not have sex with a man,” the broadcast journalist said.

“One girl told me if ‘I have sex with a man it’s not written on my forehead, nobody will know’. Yes, but it is your dignity. If you want to have sex with a man, have sex with a man but not because there is an opportunity at stake, that is your self-esteem gone,” she added.

Although she has never had any man give her such an ultimatum in the workplace, she strongly believes that it is in the interest of any woman in such a situation to not risk it.

Additionally, she noted that the blame cannot be placed at the feet of the young women in such situations as many do.

Addressing the tendency to blame young women for these predicaments, she said “It is not their fault…if you say watch ‘how you carry yourself’ then you are apportioning some blame to the young women. There is an insane man who thinks that ‘this girl, even though she is competent, I must get into her pants before she gets the job.’ So it is not the young woman’s fault,” she said.

Nana Aba Anamoah believes it is completely fine if women decide to have mutual sex however, they should never do it because there is an opportunity at stake.

“Of course, you will be confronted with so many challenges that at that point you need the job and the money…However I want to tell every young woman that exchanging sex for a job is not the way to go,” she said.

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DCOP Isaac Kwadwo Asante prevented the media from covering the event.

The individuals, suspected of causing disturbances in Kwahu Bepong, were all handcuffed and later taken to their homes for searches.

This action has caused fear and panic among the residents.

Many who had fled are now returning home, but due to the police action today, they are afraid.

They have called on Kwawuhene, Daasebre Akuamoah Agyapong II to intervene.

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Members of the Medical Laboratory Professional Workers’ Union, an essential healthcare service provider are threatening to lay down their tools.

According to the association, their grievance is over the government’s neglect of their demands for clearly defined conditions of service.

This was contained in a press statement signed by the General Secretary of the Association, Dr Cephas Kofi Akortor, on January 26, 2024.

The Union asserts that the government’s posture indicates that their services are unappreciated and undervalued.

“It is disheartening to note the lack of urgency and Management’s approach in addressing our concerns,” portions of the statement read.

Consequently, they have given the government a 14-day ultimatum to call them to the negotiation table or face strike action.

“Please take this as a formal notification to you that if after fourteen [14] days of the receipt of this
letter your outfit fails to take practical steps for us to negotiate, we shall be forced to take action in
respect to addressing our concerns,” the statement read.

National 1st Vice Chairman of the Union, Dr. Franklyn Armah told JoyNews that it is not its will to pursue industrial action as its part of its options.

However, if push comes to shove, the members of the union may have to be prioritized in ways that may affect the healthcare sector negatively.

“Strike is one of the options. When we get there and we advise ourselves appropriately and strike is the best, we will take it,” he said.

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He said such corrupt agreements would not persist under his administration, as it goes against the nation’s best interests.

Mr. Mahama stressed his commitment to enhancing anti-corruption measures and expressed his readiness to terminate the SML contract if elected.

“One would have thought that the corruption cases were enough but it has numb Ghanaians. Corruption does not shock Ghanaians the way it used to shock us”, he said.

“An NDC government under me will not recognise or accept this SML agreement. The President has hurriedly got KPMG to audit it, whatever audit they will do I say we won’t accept or respect any agreement with SML.”

He spoke at a meeting with organised labour as part of the “Building Ghana Tour” of the Eastern Region.

During the same event, Mr. Mahama remarked that Ghanaians have become desensitized to instances of corruption in the country.

He linked the current situation to the government’s perceived lack of commitment to combating the menace, citing the recent Corruption Perception Index.

Meanwhile, President Akufo-Addo has granted an extension to audit firm KPMG, allowing more time to complete its assessment of the controversial contract.

Initially set for completion by Tuesday, January 16, 2024, the new deadline for KPMG’s work is now Friday, February 23, 2024.

This extension followed a request from KPMG to the President, seeking additional time beyond the initial two-week period provided for the task.

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For anyone born on that day in 1972, it was the 52nd anniversary of then Lt Col (later Gen) I.K. Acheampong’s overthrow of Ghana’s Second Republic led by Prime Minister Dr K.A. Busia.  

While some Ghanaians opine that the day does not deserve remembering, as it was a coup by the military against a constitutionally elected government, the day cannot also be wished away and erased from Ghana’s history.

This is because, given the fallible nature of the human being, no nation can catalogue only good deeds as constituting its history.

Life’s reality is that every country’s history is a mixture of “the good, the bad and the ugly!” Mistakes must be acknowledged and corrected.

Prof. Baffour Agyeman-Duah has written a book on General I.K. Acheampong (2023) titled General Acheampong: The Life and Times of Ghana’s Head of State.

January 13th significant?

Like the Ides (15th) of March (44 BC) in Shakespeare’s Julius Caesar, January 13th is significant. Why?

On January 13, 1963, West Africa’s first coup d’état took place in Togo.

On that day, President Sylvanus Olympio was overthrown and killed by Sgt Eyadema, leading a group of colonial Togolese soldiers demobilised by France after service in French Indo-China.

Eyadema subsequently made himself the Head of State.

In Ghana, on January 13, 1972, the government of Prime Minister Dr Busia was overthrown by then Lt Col I.K. Acheampong.

This was not Ghana’s first coup d’etat though.

It started on February 24, 1966, when then Colonel E.K. Kotoka (later Lt Gen), Commander 2-Infantry-Brigade-Group in the northern sector of Ghana, and his Brigade-Major, Major A.A. Afrifa (later Lt Gen), supported by Police Commissioners Harlley and Deku overthrew the government of President Dr Kwame Nkrumah.

The bloody coup saw the killing of Army Commander Maj. Gen. C.M. Barwah. Lt Gen JA Ankrah (Rtd) then became the Head of State.

President Nkrumah, who was then on his way to Vietnam, ostensibly to broker peace for the Vietnam War was left stranded.

Eventually, President Sekou Toure of Guinea made Osagyefo co-president of Guinea until he died in Romania on April 27, 1972, aged 62.

On April 17, 1967, the 2 Recce (Reconnaissance) Squadron based in Ho staged an unsuccessful countercoup named operation guitar boy against the military junta.

The three young officers who led the coup were Lt S.B. Arthur, Lt Moses Yeboah and 2/Lt Osei-Poku. Arthur and Yeboah were executed by firing squad while Osei-Poku was jailed for 30 years. 

Incidentally, like Gen. Barwah in the first coup, Gen. Kotoka was killed in the abortive coup.

1979-1992

Apart from the period between September 24, 1979 and December 31, 1981, when Dr Hilla Limann served as President in the Third Republic, the rest of the period from 1979-1992 was dominated by Flt Lt Rawlings, the bloodiest in Ghana’s history.

Significant events include the execution of the Generals, the killing of the Judges, and the disappearance of an estimated 150 Ghanaians.

Executed Generals in June 1979 included three former Heads of State, Gen I.K. Akyeampong, Gen F.W.K. Akuffo and Gen. A.A. Afrifa.

The rest were a former Army Commander, Gen. R.E.A Kotei; Navy Commander Rear-Admiral Joy Amedume; Air-Force Commander Air-Vice-Marshal G.Y. Boakye and Border-Guards Commander Gen. E.K. Utuka. 

Gen. N.A. Odartey-Wellington, the Army Commander, was killed in action while opposing the June 4, 1979, insurrection. Colonel Roger Felli, who was the Minister of Foreign Affairs, was executed with the Generals.

On June 30, 1982, three judges and a retired Major were abducted from their homes.

Their charred bodies were found at a Military range outside Accra.

They were Justice Cecilia Koranteng-Addow, Justice K.A. Agyapong, Justice FP Sarkodie and Major Acquah (Rtd).

Discussion

The question of the military’s engagement in politics has been extensively discussed in academia.

Harvard Professor Samuel Huntington and University of Michigan Professor Morris Janowitz have written profusely on the subject.

As is the case with most subjects in academics, opinion is divided. 

Some argue that the military as an institution of discipline does not stage coups.

 It is individuals within the military who stage coups.

However, Pakistan and Myanmar (Burma) are cited as examples of countries where the military top hierarchy has led coups and governed.

Others opine that for developing third-world countries, a strong visionary military hand of discipline is needed for direction.

In 1970, a new theory called the Schneider Doctrine came into being.

Gen. Rene Schneider was the Army Commander of Chile in 1970, when Marxist Professor Salvador Allende won the presidential elections at the fourth attempt. Reacting to US objection to Chile having a Marxist President, Gen. Schneider stated as follows:

“The Armed Forces are not a road to political power, nor an alternative to that power.

They exist to guarantee the regular work of the political system, and the use of force for any other purpose than its defence constitutes high treason…”

On October 24, 1970, Gen. Schneider was assassinated.

Summary

The phenomenon of coups d’état in West Africa, which started in Togo on January 13, 1963, with Sgt Eyadema killing President Olympio, was soon to spread across the sub-region.

Gen. Acheampong’s overthrow of Dr Busia on January 13, 1972, was preceded in 1966 by the overthrow of Dr Nkrumah by Gen Kotoka, and President Hilla Limann by Flt Lt Rawlings in 1979.

While coming in through a coup may not make Gen. Acheampong a darling boy of democracy, one cannot deny his contributions to national development.

Some are the Kpong Dam, Dansoman Estates, El Wak Stadium, accommodation for the Armed Forces, Dawhenya Irrigation Scheme and above all “Operation Feed Yourself”, which immensely enhanced Ghana’s food security.

While academics have been divided on the propriety of coups against democratically elected governments, hindsight has been the better teacher.

For Ghana, we have seen it all, and we should know better. 

At age 67 on March 6, 2024, all we want is peace, not continued multidimensional corruption.

 That way, Ghana can develop like the way Malaysia, which also gained independence in 1957, has done.

Leadership, lead by example! Fellow Ghanaians, wake up!

Yaovi Alorwonu, 31, a mason; and Samuel Agbeko, 27, a driver, both residents of Ho, will serve three years each.

They pleaded guilty to the counts of conspiracy to steal, stealing and unlawful entry when they were arraigned before the court last Friday, January 19.

Each was sentenced to 12 months imprisonment on each count, with the sentences to run consecutively.

The accused persons, who were not represented by a counsel, pleaded not guilty to causing unlawful damage.

Sergeant Kwadwo Otibu-Gyan, who represented the Republic, told the court presided over by Albert Owusu Annor that the complainant (name withheld), who lives in Hohoe, also had an uninhabited house at Sokode-Etoe.

In recent times, the prosecution said, thieves often raided the house to steal the electrical cables and other fittings in the building.

The court heard on January 14, this year, that the accused persons went into the property, under the pretext of looking for scraps, and forced open the door, valued at GH¢2,000, before taking off the power cables.

Location

The prosecution said on their way out of the location, the two thieves were caught by local townsmen who retrieved the cables they had cut into pieces from them.

Alorwonu and Agbeko were subsequently handed over to the police.

In their caution statements, they both admitted the offences but denied causing damage to the door, saying it was opened before they entered the house.

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He has urged them to focus on their education for a better future.

In an interview with Adom News, Mr. Afenyo Markin revealed that, many married women face challenges in childbirth due to illegal abortions they did in while in school.

He further implored school girls to avoid using contraceptives and concentrate on their studies, emphasizing that a fulfilling sexual life awaits them after marriage.

Mr. Afenyo Markin made this known after donating 300 metal beds and streetlights to Winneba Secondary School.

He urged teachers to address these topics in a positive and engaging manner, advising them to avoid creating unnecessary toxicity among themselves.

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Islamic prayers (Adua) for Auntie Muni will be held on Sunday, January 21, at the Cantonments Police Mosque.

After the prayers, a gathering for refreshments will be hosted at Auntie Muni Waakye Joint in Labone later in the day.

Auntie Muni’s family officially confirmed her passing on Wednesday, January 3.

The 72-year-old, celebrated for her delicious waakye, succumbed to a brief illness at the University of Ghana Medical Centre (UGMC) in Accra that morning.

Alhassan Abdul Arafat, Auntie Muni’s son, shared the details during an interview, stating that his mother had initially been admitted to the SSNIT Hospital.

However, Auntie Muni requested to be discharged.

Arafat said “After two days, we realized she was still not feeling well, so we rushed her to the University of Ghana Medical Centre for medical attention, and this morning at 3:am, she passed away.”

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Warning: Contains details some readers may find distressing

“My dad had fear, constant fear. He was very afraid that someone would speak up,” says one of the pastor’s daughters, Ajoke – the first whistle-blower to reach out to the BBC about the abuse she witnessed at her father’s church, the Synagogue Church of All Nations (SCOAN).

TB Joshua, who died in 2021 at the age of 57, is accused of widespread abuse and torture spanning almost 20 years.

Now aged 27, Ajoke lives in hiding and has dropped her surname “Joshua” – the BBC is not publishing her new name.

Little is known about Ajoke’s birth mother, who was believed to be one of TB Joshua’s congregants. Ajoke says she was raised by Evelyn, Joshua’s widow, from as early as she can remember.

Until the age of seven, Ajoke says she had a very happy childhood, going on holiday with the Joshua family to places like Dubai.

But one day everything changed. She was suspended from school for a misdemeanour, and a local journalist wrote an article referring to her as the illegitimate child of TB Joshua. She was pulled out of school and taken to the SCOAN compound in Lagos.

“I was made to move to the disciples’ room. I didn’t volunteer to be a disciple. I was made to join,” she says.

The disciples were an elite group of dedicated followers who served TB Joshua and lived with him inside the maze-like structure of the church. They came from all over the world, many staying at the compound for decades.

They lived under a strict set of rules: forbidden to sleep for more than a few hours at a time, prohibited from using their own phones or having access to their personal emails, and forced to call TB Joshua “Daddy”.

“The disciples were both brainwashed and enablers. Everybody was just acting based on command – like zombies. Nobody was questioning anything,” she says.

Just a child, Ajoke would not follow the rules like the other disciples: she refused to stand up when the pastor came into the room and rebelled against the severe sleeping orders.

The abuse started soon after.

Not long after arriving, aged seven, she remembers being beaten for wetting the bed and then being forced to walk around the compound with a sign around her neck saying “I am a bedwetter.”

“The message about Ajoke was that she had terrible evil spirits that needed to be driven out,” says one former female disciple.

“There was a time in the disciple meetings – he [Joshua] said people could beat her. Anyone in the female dormitory could just hit her and I remember just seeing people slapping her as they walked past,” she says.

From the moment Ajoke moved to the church in the Ikotun neighbourhood of Lagos, she was treated like an outcast.

“She was, like, kind of labelled the black sheep of the family,” says Rae, from the UK, who spent 12 years living in the church as a disciple. Like most of the former disciples interviewed by the BBC, she opted to only use her first name.

Rae remembers a time when Ajoke slept for too long, and Joshua shouted at her to get up.

Another disciple took her to the shower and “whipped her with an electrical cord and then turned the hot water on”, she says.

Recalling the incident, Ajoke says: “I was screaming at the top of my voice, and they just let the water run on my head for a very long time.”

Such abuse was never-ending, she says.

“We’re talking about years and years of abuse. Consistent abuse. My existence as a child from another mother undermined everything he [TB Joshua] claimed to stand for.”

The abuse escalated to a different scale when she was aged 17 and confronted her dad about “accounts, first hand, of people who had experienced sexual abuse”.

“I saw female disciples go up to his room. They were going away for hours. I was hearing things: ‘Oh this happened to me. He tried sleeping with me.’ Too many people were saying the same thing,” she says.

The BBC spoke to more than 25 former disciples – from the UK, Nigeria, US, South Africa, Ghana, Namibia and Germany – who gave powerful corroborating testimony of experiencing or witnessing sexual abuse.

“I couldn’t take it any more. I walked directly into his office on that very day. I shouted at the top of my voice: ‘Why are you doing this? Why are you hurting all these women?’

“I had lost every iota of fear for this man. He tried to stare me down, but I was looking in his eyes,” she says.

Emmanuel, who was part of the church for 21 years and spent more than a decade living in the compound as a disciple, remembers that day clearly.

“He [TB Joshua] was the first person that started hitting her… then other people joined,” he says.

“He was saying: ‘Can you imagine what she’s saying about me?’ Even as much as they were hitting her, beating her, she was still saying the same thing.”

About the late TB Joshua

Temitope Balogun Joshua, popularly known as T. B. Joshua, was a Nigerian charismatic pastor, televangelist, and philanthropist.

He was the leader and founder of SCOAN, one of the continent’s leading megachurches that runs the Emmanuel TV television station from Lagos. Born on June 12, 1963 in Ondo, Nigeria, Joshua died on June 5, 2021, at his base in Lagos, Nigeria.

Watch the three-part BBC investigative documentary on TB Joshua titled ‘Disciples’:

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The challenge commenced on December 24, 2023, at the Akwaaba Village and is scheduled to conclude on December 27, 2023.

As Afua Asantewaa has not abandoned the ship and is on the verge of accomplishing her set goal, the founder of Delay Foods posted an Instagram video on December 27, 2023, showcasing her with Afua Asantewaa in a hotel.

In the video, she encouraged her friend, whom she referred to as a ‘Lioness,’ to finish strong.

“Good times with my sis @afuaasantewaasingathon. Finish Hard Lioness,” she captioned the video.

The controversial television presenter was at the sing-a-thon grounds on the evening of December 25, 2023, to support Afua Asantewaa.

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The Finance Committee chaired by Kwaku Kwarteng in the report presented to the plenary for the approved under sub-heading named 2024 budgetary allocation in paragraph 7. 10.2 noted that the authority has been allocated an amount of GH¢308,944,822 for its operation in 2024.

The allocation however does not include payments arising out of the Government and Support Agreement.

He further submitted that, the allocation therefore does not give full view of the government’s commitments to the Ghana-Card project for the 2024 financial year.

The Committee therefore urged the Ministry of Finance to make projections for payments that may arise out of the GSA and allocate same to the National Identification Authority, NIA, to give a clear picture of government commitments to the partnership and expenditure on the projects.

According to the report, the Office of the President and its agencies will in 2024 implement a number of activities which include, the celebration of Ghana’s 67th Independence Anniversary and 2024 Founders Day, maintenance activities at the Jubilee House, Peduase Lodge and six other lodges, Support state and state assisted funerals, Host Heads of State and other foreign senior government officials and Organise Cabinet meetings and retreats.

During the year under review, the Millennium Development Authority will construct and complete sustainable, climate smart irrigation systems to cover an area of 7,000 acres at Kasunya. The Authority will operationalise all anchor farmers by April, 2024.

It would train and enable 500 youth farmers as well as construct accommodation for 300 youth farmers

At the Banda Enclave, the authority would clear and develop 6000 acres of land for cultivation of various commodities, set up irrigation systems and engage prospective anchor farmers. It would also construct equipment sheed and warehousing facilities.

At Kumawu enclave, the Authority would clear and develop 10,000 acres of land for production. It will also set up irrigation systems and engage prospective anchor farmers. It would also construct equipment shed and warehousing facilities

In the area of the Public Sector Reform, the Secretariat will pursue actions towards the review of the National Public Sector Reform Strategy (NPSRS) and the implementation of the Public Sector Reform for results Project (PSRRP) and to continue to coordinate the Open Government Partnership (OGP) Initiatives through a number of activities including: Printing OGP 5″ National Action Plan, Organising Sectorial Engagements with Implementation Agencies and key stakeholders to disseminate the 5 OGP Action Plan and Organising monitoring and feedback sessions with Implementing Agencies.

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She disclosed that, she has remained unmarried since the passing of her husband, Nana Bosomprah, 13 years ago.

In a candid conversation with Abeiku Santana, Julie Juu shared details about her journey over the past decade.

Currently, Julie Juu said she is searching for a life partner to fill the void left by her late husband.

According to her, finding a man who can evoke the same emotions as Nana Bosompra has proven futile.

Julie Juu added that, since Bosompra’s passing in 2010, she has not been in any romantic relationship.

During the interview, Julie Juu shed light on the intricacies of her relationship with Nana Bosompra, the late producer of Cantata and other notable shows such as Akan drama.

Recognized as the original slay queen and a prominent figure from her Cantata days, she made these revelations while emphasizing her enduring passion for acting.

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Mr Oppong emphasised that Barari DV cannot enforce the agreement until it is presented to Parliament and ratified.

During an interview with Citi FM on Thursday, December 14, he called on Parliament to engage stakeholders before endorsing the deal.

“It is important that these calls are taken into account. The investors should understand that the mere signing of the agreement does not make it effective. They should understand that until it goes to Parliament for approval, they have signed nothing”.

“All these discourses have been very good. We should encourage it, and it’s been so substantially stable. If we continue to do this, our Members in Parliament will usually listen to us, the Executive will usually listen to us before we enter into an agreement and it ratifies the political terms and subsequently, we get ourselves in trouble,” he said.

Pressure is mounting on the government to reconsider the lithium agreement amid growing concerns that Ghana may not be receiving a fair deal.

The discussions revolve around potential resource exploitation and perceived inadequate benefits for the country, fueling public discourse and calls for greater transparency and equity.

Prominent figures, including former Chief Justice Sophia Akuffo and seasoned private legal practitioner Sam Okudzeto, have voiced their opposition to the deal.

For the former Chief Justice, the current contract echoes a colonial and Guggisberg-type arrangement.

The $250-million project, situated in Ewoyaa, Mfantseman Municipality in the Central Region, is slated to commence production in 2025.

Notably, the deal incorporates a 10% royalty and 13% free carried interest for the state, surpassing the existing 5% and 10% in other mining agreements.

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It attributed the intense dry season to the arrival of a dry continental wind in the country.

“We have the dry continental wind invading our country, and we expect this condition to last, especially for the entire period of December. We are going to be getting a lot of this dryness coming from the Sahara and the Sahel regions into our country. The dust conditions will be accompanied by winds which are coming from the northern part of the continent into our country,” Senior Meteorologist at the Agency, Frederick Cudjoe said in an interview on Citi FM.

Ghana is currently experiencing dry and dusty winds, a characteristic feature of the Harmattan season.

Based on this backdrop, Mr. Cudjoe urged Ghanaians to take necessary precautions to prevent accidents during this season.

“We advise that when visibility becomes very poor especially early in the morning and then at dawn, motorists should take necessary precautions by using their fog lights and also drive within the speed limit. Also, people who go to farms, we advise that they take the necessary precautions to prevent any fire outbreak” he said.

Mr. Cudjoe urged Ghanaians to wear nose mask to avoid inhaling particles in the atmosphere.

“Since we will be having those particles in the atmosphere, we advise that maybe we can be putting on our nose masks during this period to avoid taking in a lot of that particle into our respiratory systems” he added.

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NPP’s Council of Elders member reportedly succumbed to a brief illness on Tuesday, December 12, 2023.

Madam Amma Busia who is also sister of late Ghana’s Prime Minister in the Second Republic, Kofi Abrefa Busia was 87.

Her son, Obeng Busia confirmed her demise on Accra-based Asaase radio.

He said his mother Busia died peacefully at the Nyaho Medical Centre in Accra.

Despite health challenges that limited her mobility over the past decade, Amma Busia maintained a strong and graceful presence until her passing.

A prominent figure of the NPP, she was renowned for her spirited campaign against the government of Ignatius Kutu Acheampong and served as a notable political critic during the 1970s and 1980s, facing arrest on seven occasions due to her activism.

Following her seventh arrest, she endured a 90-day detention.

Amma Busia faced adversity early in life, losing her father at the age of six and her mother at 13.

Despite these challenges, she overcame hardships through education.

Engaging in politics after the launch of the opposition United Party (UP), which later transformed into the Busia-led Progress Party (PP) and eventually gave rise to the current New Patriotic Party (NPP), Amma Busia played a pivotal role as a founding member.

She actively challenged the Rawlings-led Provisional National Defence Council (PNDC) government during its tenure.

Upon the NPP’s victory in 2000 with John Agyekum Kufuor, Amma Busia assumed a role in the Council of State.

Recognized for her brilliance as a political organizer, formidable campaigner, and unwavering NPP member, she held the first and third national vice-chairperson positions within the party at various times.

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They include four Chinese nationals identified as Men Shi Yu, 30, Wen Yong Cheng, 30, Wen Fu Lin, 58 and Lee Pin, 60, their four Ghanaian collaborators, Edward Owusu, 25, Kwesi Frank, 42, Abudu Dramani, 41 and Joe Naburi, 27.

Two police officers, Detective Sergeant, Yahaya Andrews and Lance Corporal Azantillow believed to be protecting them were also arrested at the mining site inside the forest reserve.

During interrogation, Detective Sergeant Yahaya Andrews told the team that Chief Inspector Adusei Negga ordered them to patrol the Kokosua Forest Reserve close to Asempaneye where they are stationed.

The joint operation conducted on Tuesday, December 12 by the Rapid Response Unit and the District Forest Management of Juaboso also saw the burning of 10 excavators used by the miners.

The Krokosua Forest Reserve has come under siege recently by illegal miners who have already destroyed large parts of it.

The arrest comes on the back of a recent onslaught by the Forestry Commission to flush out pervasive mining in forest reserves across the country.

On Wednesday, 29th November, 2023 the Rapid Response Unit of the Forestry Commission conducted a similar operation in the Anwiaso East Forest Reserve, at Manse, near Diaso in the Bibiani Forest District in the Western North Region.

It was targeted at flushing out illegal miners who had entered the reserve with heavy machinery and were destroying the forest cover and polluting water bodies.

Ten illegal miners were arrested in that operation.

The team destroyed two excavators and two heavy-duty electrical plants found at the illegal mining site.

The suspects were handed over to the Dunkwa Police.

The Coordinator of the Rapid Response Unit at the Forestry Commission Headquarters, Samuel Darko-Akonor has issued a warning to individuals mining in forest reserves to halt such criminal activities.

“The unit is ever prepared to carry the fight to them to save our forest and our water bodies,” he said.

The Executive Director of the Forest Services Division of the Forestry Commission told Luv FM’s Erastus Asare Donkor; “The war on illegal mining within forest reserves continues unabated. We need the support of all, including our military, police, judiciary, media and civil society to effectively deal with this existential threat. This war must be won.”

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The stunning bride gifted her heartthrob a pair of Balenciaga Carrera BB logo slides, a fashionable footwear choice featuring a retro vibe and logo-adorned surfaces.

The groom, Jeph, displayed a priceless reaction upon unboxing the designer shoes, and the moment has become a viral sensation on social media.

Radiating joy, the enchanting bride, Alice, looked ethereal in a long-sleeved gown during the wedding reception party.

Her handsome groom, Jeph, exuded style in a sophisticated brocade suit paired with black trousers as he flaunted his dance moves.

The couple’s celebratory moments are garnering attention and admiration across various online platforms.

Check the videos out:

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This initiative aims to nurture young entrepreneurs, empowering them to generate employment opportunities for the large pool of unemployed youths in the country.

Speaking at the event, the Vice President said the introduction of the Business and Employment Assistance Programme by the YEA, is a testament of the Agency’s commitment to the cause of providing sustainable employment for Ghanaian youth.

He stressed that, the YEA has over the years implemented several initiatives and programmes as part of efforts to mitigate the youth unemployment menace including engaging 21,000 youth under the Community Police Assistants and Community Health Workers module and 2,000 youth under the Youth in ICT module in collaboration with the Ghana Digital Centres Ltd.

He mentioned that, a partnership with the National Entrepreneurship and Innovation Programme has resulted in the training of 15,000 Ghanaian youth in business skills, corporate compliance, and financial sustainability practices.

“Another partnership with the Ministry of Food and Agriculture will engage 20,000 youth under Phase 2 of the Planting for Food and Jobs programme,” he said.

Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia also mentioned that the Agency has collaborated with the Ghana TVET Service and the Ghana Energy Commission to train 20,000 Artisans as plumbers, tilers, masons, beauticians, fabricators, glazing workers, carpenters, and electricians and that under this module, beneficiaries will be duly certified after training and provided with the requisite tools and equipment to set up enterprises of their own.

The business sector, he said, was particularly affected by the pandemic amid closure of businesses during the partial and total lockdown posed liquidity challenges for some businesses and subsequently led to employers laying off staff or having to reduce staff salaries in a bid to keep businesses afloat.

He said: “The Ghana Business Tracker Survey conducted between May and June 2020 by the Ghana Statistical Service in collaboration with the World Bank and the United Nations Development Programme, indicated that as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, 46.1% of Ghanaian businesses had to reduce wages whereas 4.1% of businesses laid off workers.”

Government initiatives such as the Corona Virus Alleviation Programme – Business Support Scheme (CAP-BuSS) and the COVID-19 Alleviation and Revitalization of Enterprises Support (Ghana CARES) have provided financial support in the form of grants and soft loans to Ghanaian business to help them mitigate the challenges faced as a result of COVID-19.

Despite these initiatives, he said, some businesses have still not fully recovered and need all the available assistance to help them get back on their feet.

According to him, there still exist some associated problems businesses face including financial distress is the increase in youth unemployment and chronically law wages hence the birth of the Youth Employment Agency’s Business and Employment Assistance Programme.

“This initiative seeks to assist employers reemploy laid off workers and retain existing employees by providing a maximum of Five Hundred Ghana Cedis (GH¢500.00) per employee as salary support…I am particularly excited about the relief this initiative will provide to the Ghanaian youth, a demographic that is very dear to me. The youth of this country are our greatest resource, and it is our collective duty to ensure that they are well positioned to make significant contributions to the economic development of our dear nation.”

He averred that President Akufo-Addo government has implemented several youth-focused initiatives specifically seeking to address the challenges faced by the Ghanaian youth.

“The YouStart programme, one of such government initiatives, was successfully piloted with 70 beneficiaries and an amount of GH¢1.98 million disbursed to support youth-led (below the age of 40 years) SMEs. This initiative will be further augmented to effectively assist more youth led businesses in the coming years.”

He pointed out that government is very much aware of their complaints and concerns and is very committed to creating a favourable business environment for existing and emerging businesses.

Dr Bawumia commended the Board and Management of the Youth Employment Agency for their unwavering commitment and dedication to fulfilling their mandate towards the Ghanaian youth.

On his part, the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of YEA, Kofi Baah Agyepong explained that, comprehensive information and real-time updates will be disseminated across all of the agency’s social media platforms.

The programme he said, holds the promise of not only supporting young business people but also addressing the pressing issue of youth unemployment in the country.

He said, a substantial amount of One Hundred and Twenty Million Cedis (GH¢120 Million) has been earmarked a for BEAP and is anticipated to benefit 10,000 MSMEs and 20,000 young Ghanaians, serving as a beacon of hope for those navigating the aftermath of the global economic downturn.

Kofi Baah Agyepong said: “The severe impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on businesses nationwide, BEAP comes as part of the Akufo-Addo government’s COVID-19 Economic Recovery Programme (COVID-19 ERP). This initiative, in response to economic challenges, seeks to rejuvenate businesses and provide a much-needed boost to the economy.”

BEAP, spearheaded by the YEA, aims to offer critical support to micro to small-scale enterprises.

The primary objective is to revive MSMEs affected by the global pandemic, enabling them to rehire laid-off employees, employ new workers, and provide essential skills for enhanced productivity.

The allocated GH¢120 Million will be distributed among beneficiary MSMEs, with each expected to engage a maximum of five (5) employees. Employees will receive a monthly allowance of GH¢ 500 as a top-up to their regular salary for one year, offering crucial support for businesses to recover and expand.

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A total of 1166 suspected and 37 confirmed cases have been recorded in Kenya, Malawi, Uganda, Zambia and Zimbabwe – where the disease is endemic, with seasonal outbreaks every year – according to data reported to World Health Organization (WHO).

Of the five countries, Zambia is witnessing its largest outbreak since 2011, with nine of its 10 provinces affected. As of 20 November, Zambia had reported 684 suspected, 25 confirmed cases and four deaths. Only sporadic cases have previously been reported in animals and humans in the country. 

The outbreaks are presenting varied patterns in the affected countries. In Kenya, three deaths have been reported this year compared with zero fatalities from over 200 suspected cases in 2022. While the disease is endemic in animals in Malawi, the country reported its first ever human case this year. Human anthrax cases have been reported in three districts in Uganda, with 13 deaths compared with two deaths in 2022. The high case fatality ratio is due to patients reporting late to health facilities. In Zimbabwe, human cases have been reported every year since 2019, underscoring the need for stronger preventive actions.

“To end these outbreaks we must break the cycle of infection by first preventing the disease in animals. We are supporting the ongoing national outbreak control efforts by providing expertise as well as reinforcing collaboration with partner agencies for a common approach to safeguard human and animal health,” said Dr Matshidiso Moeti, WHO Regional Director for Africa. 

Anthrax is a bacterial disease that commonly affects domestic and wild herbivores. Humans acquire the disease through contact with infected animal carcasses or exposure to contaminated animal products. Animal-to-animal and human-to-human transmission of anthrax does not typically occur, although rare records of person-to-person transmission have been reported with cutaneous anthrax.

Cutaneous anthrax is the most common of the three forms of the disease. It accounts for more than 95% of human cases worldwide.

Joint multidisciplinary teams have deployed at country level to support assessments, identify gaps and take measures to strengthen the outbreak response. WHO is also working closely with the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), United Nations Environment Programme and World Organisation for Animal Health to coordinate response in the affected countries leveraging the One Health Platforms.

The outbreaks are likely being driven by multiple factors, including climatic shocks, food insecurity, low risk perception and exposure to the disease through handling the meat of infected animals.

Due to the scale of the outbreak in Zambia, shared ecosystem with neighbouring countries and frequent cross-border animal and human movement, there is heightened risk of regional spread of the disease. Control measures are being intensified. The national authorities have vaccinated more than 122 000 cattle, sheep and goats with support from FAO. Additionally more than 400 000 vaccine doses have been earmarked for 11 high-risk districts in the country’s Western province.

Public health measures are also being stepped up in Malawi including enhancing public awareness, disease surveillance, diagnosis, treatment, animal vaccination as well as proper handling of animal products and disposal of carcass. In Kenya, control measures are being implemented to halt the outbreak, while in Zimbabwe disease surveillance, among other measures, is being reinforced to ensure early detection of cases.

Human anthrax infections are recurrent in countries with frequent livestock infections, with the highest incidences recorded in Africa, the Middle East, Central and South Asia. Hospitalization is required for all human cases of anthrax. Individuals potentially exposed to anthrax spores may be provided with prophylactic treatment. Anthrax responds well to antibiotics, which need to be prescribed by a medical professional.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of World Health Organization (WHO) – Zambia.

The Minister of Defense and Interior, along with the Military High Command, are expected in Gomoa Fetteh to allocate lands acquired in Gomoa Fetteh to military officers.

However, chiefs and residents argue that, the disputed land rightfully belongs to Senya Bereku, not Gomoa Fetteh.

Currently, the programme is in limbo and angry chiefs of Senya Bereku are resolved not to leave the site until the last person falls.

The Acting Chief of the Senya Bereku Traditional Council, Nenyi Kweku Kormittey, said they will not permit the military to take control of the 101 acres of land.

The clash between residents, chiefs, and military officers have created tense with Senya Bereku chiefs claiming ownership of the land.

The standoff remains unresolved, and the atmosphere is charged as the chiefs are ready to face-off with the military.

Headteachers of O’Reilly and Ghana SHSs interdicted

One feared dead as stationary truck runs into bystanders at Anloga…

The incident occurred as the bus was en route to Zuarungu in the Bolgatanga East District of the Upper East Region.

The deceased individuals include two women, one believed to be in her 30s, and a young man.

Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) Charles Sampah, the Police Commander at the Bolgatanga East District Police Station, confirmed the incident to the Ghana News Agency.

He stated that the Yutong bus, carrying passengers from Garu in the Garu district, came under attack from three unidentified armed men upon reaching Kongo in the Nabdam district.

According to DSP Sampah, the unidentified armed men emerged from the bush and opened fire on the bus as it approached Kong, where there were some speed bumps. Despite the attack, the driver did not stop but continued to the Zuarungu Customs barrier, where he alerted officers. The officers relayed the information to the police.

He mentioned that because the people inside the bus were injured, the driver rushed to the Bolgatanga Regional Hospital to seek medical care for them, and the regional CID was promptly informed about the development.

He added that the ongoing investigation indicates a connection to the Bawku conflict and assured that the police are doing their best to apprehend the perpetrators.

Earlier, the Regional Police Public Relations Officer, Assistant Superintendent of Police David Fianko-Okyere, in charge of Public Affairs, said further detailed information would be provided by the Police in charge at the Zuarungu district.

Sam George goes berserk over LGBTQ+ bribery allegation

Parliament expected to approve 2024 budget today

Speaking at a press conference on Thursday, Mr Jinapor refuted Sophia Akuffo’s claims that the government had not secured the best possible deal for Ghana.

He highlighted the unprecedented 10% royalty rate, the 19% state participation in Barari DV Limited, and the inclusion of a clause mandating the establishment of a lithium refinery within Ghana as evidence of the government’s commitment to maximizing the benefits of the project.

“Suffice for me to point out that it is the first time in the history of our country that we have successfully negotiated for 10 percent royalties for any mineral which is one of the highest for the exploration of any mineral across the world” Mr. Jinapor said.

He added that, government has also secured 19 percent state participation in Barari DV Limited, the mining company in the contract which is projected to rise to 30 percent by the end of the contract.

“We have already secured 19 percent state participation in this mining company with the requirement to scale it up to a minimum of Ghanaian participation through listing on the Ghana Stock Exchange for shares to be made available to Ghanaians and Ghanaian entities.”

Former Chief Justice Sophia Akuffo insisted that the Lithium agreement that Ghana has signed is not the best for the nation.

In her view, the only way some people will say it is good for the country is because someone is going to have undue benefit from the agreement.

“People’s undue benefits must be floating around somewhere that is why somebody will find this a perfect, wonderful lease agreement. There are all forms of extraction methods which are much better. A lease is not necessarily the best methodology, there are so many other best methodologies.

“There is a joint venture, there is a service contract and even a service contract of many different permutations. This deal is not the best for Ghana,” she said in an interview on TV3.

Bawumia asks for more time to choose running mate

Historic Okomfo Anokye cola tree grows anew

Parliament expected to approve 2024 budget today

This prompt action aligns with the party’s constitutional requirement of selecting a running mate 12 months before a major election if the President is not the candidate. Twelve months hence is December 6, a day to Ghana’s next general elections, which means the party has only today to name a running mate, unless the National Council suspends the party constitutional provision and directs otherwise.

In the crucial meeting scheduled for Wednesday, the National Executive Committee (NEC) and the National Council (NC) of the party will discuss potential candidates for the coveted position.

The Vice President is expected to propose a running mate, whose suitability, in terms of general appeal to the electorates, must be accepted by the meeting.

Names like Dr Matthew Opoku Prempeh (Energy Minister), Dr Yaw Osei Adutwum (Education Minister), and Osei Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu (Majority Leader), who have been rumoured as frontrunners, will be juggling their chances against others like John Ampontuah Kumah, Deputy Finance Minister and Member of Parliament for Ejisu in Ashanti, and Deputy Minister of Education, Rev. John Ntim Fordjour, whose names have been making the rounds as well.

There has been even the mention of Chief of Staff, Madam Akosua Frema Osei-Opare.

Jubilation as 70-year-old woman welcomes twins [Photos]

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Smoking marijuana draws me closer to God – Moesha Boduong says

A strange uproar has been rising on Ghanaian social media since the country’s Vice President announced during a speech at the country’s largest university that his government will introduce a credit scoring system next year.

This revolutionary development aims to lower the perceived risk of borrowers so that Ghanaians can pick up goodies like cars with nothing more than their precious Ghana Card, the much-vaunted national ID card. 

Why would such a lip-smacking prospect generate any kind of furore at all? Who can be against a government policy that strips away the pointless burdens of having to prove income whenever one fancies a nice SUV, provided one is blessed to be endowed with the almighty Ghana Card?

There is a small issue: Ghana has had a credit referencing system akin to that being promised since 2010. And this is not the first time a timeline has been given for this ethereal system to surface.

Old Promise

More than a year ago, whilst speaking to an audience of bankers, the Veep promised the launch of this magnificent system by the end of March 2023.

The Citizen App that he says will provide the doorway to accessing the new credit scoring system was launched as part of the Ghana.gov project years ago. In its latest reporting to UNCTAD under the eTrade Readiness Assessment scheme, the government claimed that ~1500 state bodies and agencies have already been onboarded onto the Citizen App to provide services to the population.

Which then makes one wonder why there is a need to “introduce” the app next year to, among other services, offer credit scoring. Perhaps, it helps knowing that the Citizen App is an important component of the Ghana Digital Acceleration Project approved for funding to the tune of $200 million by the World Bank in April 2022. When such relatively large amounts are at stake, politicians tend to get creative about spending money. In this specific case, however, something more bizarre must be going on.

The State of Ghana’s Current Credit Scoring System

As was explained at the outset, Ghana has a credit scoring system with active players trying to make the most of the situation. According to the World Bank, so do, at least, 24 other sub-Saharan African countries.

A credit scoring system is simply a statistical representation of the likelihood of a borrower to default on a loan or other form of credit. Such a score is relied upon, among other factors, by a creditor to gauge the risk of extending a particular credit facility, such as a car loan, mortgage or postpaid phone contract. Creditors use their own internal formulas, and also consult specialised entities, called “credit bureaus” or “credit referencing agencies”, that aggregate insights about borrowers at a scale that they on their own may not be able to do.

Ghana’s first credit bureau, XDS Data, was incorporated in 2003 and commenced operations in 2004. 

In 2008, one year after the substantive law on credit referencing was passed, Dun & Bradstreet (D&B) joined the fray. Both companies however had to wait till 2010 when the Bank of Ghana formally issued full licenses and set up the regulatory infrastructure for full-blown credit referencing in Ghana. Following this milestone, promoters of the bureaus, like policymakers, heartily announced a new era of loans without collateral.

In March 2020, Legislative Instrument (LI) 2394 came into force to provide regulations for the conduct of credit referencing activities in Ghana. Sections 4 and 5 of these regulations impose strict obligations on data providers to update information on borrowers monthly and to ensure/assure the quality of the data provided at all times.

In essence, financial institutions are not even at liberty to provide credit in Ghana without running a search in view of sections 30 and 31 of the regulations.

Besides the credit bureaus, the Securities and Exchange Commission of Ghana (SEC) has also recently licensed the country’s first Credit Rating Agency, Beacon. Typically, rating agencies target large corporations and may rate either the corporate client itself, its securities, or other financial instruments issued by it, or both. What this means is that Ghana now has a domestic equivalent of the well-known Fitch and Moody’s.

Beacon has so far only been able to complete one rating action in the one year since it started operating, but 14 other companies are in the queue. Obviously, as should be clear from the processes as outlined below, Ghana Card will make no dent in this backlog.

So What “Credit Scoring” again?

Given these various obvious facts, the Veep’s claim that the absence of credit scoring in Ghana is what has increased the risk-perception rating of borrowers in the eyes of creditors, and thus stunted availability of credit, is very strange, especially in a country where the base interest rate hovers around 30% and many borrowers have to contend with rates exceeding the 40% mark.

In response to the mounting confusion, the Technical Advisor of the Veep took to social media in a bid to shine more light.

His main arguments are as follows:

• The current credit scoring system excludes 80% of adults. 
• The current system is “bank-led” and has failed to expand its data sources beyond the traditional banking system.
• The proposed system will ride on the vaunted Ghana Card system, giving it access to a broader range of demographic and other forms of data, thereby embracing more effectively the population of the country.
• The data from this new and humongous constellation will improve credit decision-making, widen the net for more people to benefit from credit, and modernise the Ghanaian economy.
• The proposed system will make it easier for individuals to access their scores by posting them online.

These positions were more or less corroborated by a political risk analyst affiliated to the same think tank as this writer, but with an interesting new twist. Whilst acknowledging the existence of a credit referencing system in Ghana, the author disputed the maturity of the system to the point where it can generate individual credit scores.

In the rest of this short essay, we shall explore why none of these arguments hold much water.

Does the Existing Credit-Scoring System exclude 80% of adults?

No, it doesn’t.

According to the Bank of Ghana’s (BoG’s) own data, nearly 8.8 million Ghanaians have credit data captured by one of the country’s credit bureaus.

Roughly half of all active companies registered in the country are also captured.

Data from the 2021 census would thus indicate an adult population coverage level of nearly 50%. Not the 20% claimed by the Technical Advisor to the Veep.

Even more importantly, users report that more than 85% of the time when they attempt to query a borrower’s credit, they get a hit, suggesting that for the vast majority of economically active citizens who actually want credit, coverage exists.

After flattening between 2016 and 2018, usage of the existing credit referencing/scoring system has increased considerably, with more than 9.3 million checks being conducted by creditors annually. As well as information on more than 15 million credit transactions covered.

Of course, a system that covers every adult, small business, and every financial transaction in the economy will be more ideal, but such a system is very hard to establish anywhere in the world.

In the United States (US), arguably the most advanced credit market in the world, research by the US government’s Consumer Finance Protection Bureau has revealed that roughly 22% of Americans are “invisible” to the credit referencing/scoring system due to having no credit score at all or information too scanty to compute a score.

Whilst it makes sense to keep looking for ways to ensure the coverage of every adult and small business, it is essential to be clear as to how that could be achieved. The suggestion that the Ghana Card is some kind of silver bullet for killing credit invisibility is wholly unsupported since it is not a lack of civil identity that restricts individuals from engaging in reportable economic activity. 

At any rate, as will become obvious shortly, the issue of ensuring deep and broad reporting of economic activities is very well understood but never has the use of a particular civil ID been cited as the solution. Many of the most advanced credit markets in the world allow residents to use multiple IDs without favouring any one system.

Is the Existing System Limited to Banks?

Not at all.

As the data below from the BoG shows, the Ghanaian credit bureaus obtain their data from sources that go beyond the traditional banking system, including government agencies and retailers.

Furthermore, in 2021, the BoG, activated powers under section 13 of the LI 2394 regulations to demand that other data holders in the economy not reporting to the credit bureaus commence doing so. The directive is so informative about the state of credit referencing in Ghana that it is worthwhile publishing it in full.

The delay in reporting by some utilities, mobile network operators, fintech institutions and mobile money platforms, contrary to law, is due more to unwillingness to foot the data and data security infrastructure bill than to the absence of policy intent. Some major commercial data owners are also averse to the loss of competitive advantage if their competitors can access the same market insights that they have. 

None of these problems can be fixed by introducing a new system backed by Ghana Card. What is required is effective implementation of the law, continuous sensitisation, and the encouragement of data infrastructure pooling by industry associations.

Reporting Gaps not Unique to Ghana

It bears mentioning also that everywhere in the world, some data reporters are preferred more than others by credit bureaus. 

According to IFC data, banks predominate globally in the ranks of data providers simply because creditors think they are best placed to help them with information about a borrower’s payment habits.

Courts and public databases for instances are consulted by less than 30% of credit bureaus worldwide.

Likewise, 95% of credit bureaus track debt defaults but only 44% of them bother to link to tax information.

There are many practical and operational reasons why credit bureaus favour some data sources over others. None of these reasons will cease to exist because the government chooses to launch its own scheme.

Will adding the Ghana Card to the mix make any difference?

Not in the least.

The current process has already made accommodation for the use of the Ghana Card dating back to 2012 when both the Ghana Card and credit scoring system were in their infancy. Nothing stops the banks, telecom companies, and any institution that are now required by law to collect Ghana Card information during transactions from adding the Ghana Card number to the reports they file to the credit bureaus. 

The Ghana Card database has far fewer fields per subject than the reporting template used by the credit bureaus. Thus, the credit bureaus, whose template can accommodate 178 unique data fields, have richer data on many citizens than does the operator of the Ghana Card system. Below, the credit reporting format is reproduced in part to make a point.

It should be clear from the above that not only does the reporting pipeline for credit bureaus allow them to enrich the profile of a subject/citizen with multiple ID cards, including the Ghana Card, it also allows for such fascinating data sources as e-Zwich, SSNIT data, and voter records.

Once again, the challenge here is with respect to the cost of the infrastructure and the efficiency of management processes at the level of each data reporter. One cannot expect a Makola shop, however large, in today’s Ghana, to comply with the law that says that data on any credit they extend should be compiled in CSV files and submitted to credit bureaus. The reason is not because Ghana Card is not in the mix, but simply because they likely lack the capacity in terms of personnel and equipment. It is inconceivable how an entire Vice Presidential policy unit confronted with such a challenge would suggest that Ghana Card somehow “addresses the problem”. 

Nor can this be considered the burden of the credit bureaus either. This is an extremely tight-margin business. One of the 3 bureaus initially licensed dropped out for sheer inability to make ends meet. 

What about “tighter integration” of the ecosystem to create a “national credit platform”?

The integration idea is dangerously seductive until one delves into the details.

There must be a reason why in every serious country, competition among not just credit referencing/scoring bureaus but also among models, formulas, and approaches is the right way forward. Whilst the underlying algorithms may be similar such that in the US, for instance, all the three major credit bureaus license the FICO model from Fair Isaac (as indeed does some bureaus in Nigeria), and then flavour it their own way, the practice is nonetheless for different lenders and economic actors to explore increasingly creative ways to lend to more and more previously excluded people without worsening default risk.

No one denies that all credit data users in Ghana, especially the financial institutions, are on the lookout for better insights about their borrowers. Or that the current credit scoring system needs a lot of enhancement to meet the aspirations of its users. What is being contended is the reason for this inadequacy. It neither stems from the absence of Ghana Card from the scene nor from the lack of conceptual recognition that reporting must improve.

Forcing through more data-sharing across the government ecosystem, however, runs the risk of coming foul of privacy restrictions in the credit referencing/scoring law itself. As the regulations clearly say, consent is key except in cases of aggravated default.

The idea that the Citizen App Credit Scoring system will simply hoover data from all over the place and serve it through an online system is contrary to law as section 14 of the regulations clearly state that any provision of data to a credit bureau or agency must be by consent. The situation would not be different for a government app.

What about the suggestion to move from “referencing” to “scoring”

First, the current credit bureaus have the capacity to produce individualised credit scores and do issue them. Dun & Bradstreet (D&B), for instance, was founded in 1841 and has had a long time to perfect its craft. It is probably the leading credit scorer of businesses worldwide, and its proprietary Paydex system is widely known. It would make no sense for D&B to set up a subsidiary in Ghana and not provide it with scoring capacity so long as data providers make the data available. D&B regularly markets its products to financial institutions and affirm its ability to generate scores, as attested to by the brochure extract below.

The credit bureaus provide an online avenue for anyone to apply and access their reports. Nonetheless, because the law requires that they provide a free report annually to individuals, there is no business incentive in it for them to focus on “self-reporting”, with the end result that last year, only about 500 people requested for their reports and the embedded scores. In these circumstances, it is not surprising that the vast majority of Ghanaians don’t know their credit scores (bearing in mind, of course, that even in the US, some surveys show up to 61% of respondents not knowing their scores).

The bureaus focus on marketing to commercial entities who pay per use. Efforts to develop subscription products have been very challenging and credit transaction volume is still quite low, limiting the number of paid hits from which the bureaus make their money (still, the volume in Ghana is 9x that in Uganda). 

It is perplexing however for some commentators to insist that there is no credit scoring per se in Ghana despite the abundance of evidence. Even lenders targeting the low-end of the market feature their stance on credit scores in their promotions.

The bureaus also attempt to educate the public on their websites.

It will be curious to know how the likes of Thomas Blankson and others at XDS who have been labouring since 2014 to enhance local credit scoring would think of this. Or how those who have to ensure the privacy and security compliance of the system, like the Isaac Benings of this world, think of this whole debate. But given the political sensitivity, public commentary is too much to expect from the bureaus themselves.

Anyway, no one can force a creditor to make a credit decision

Because technical judgement goes into the quality of a credit reporting system, competition is essential. Lenders need to be able to switch a credit scoring provider if their predictions of credit risk over time do not align with the reality as perceived by the lender. 

And whilst the law says that the lender must obtain a credit report before making a decision, it cannot force the lender to rely on any one report, score or formula to determine who is likely to pay or not. At most, it can seek to prevent deliberate discrimination or other unlawful behavior. In the end, however, every institution is responsible to its shareholders for making sound credit decisions.

That is why regardless of the existence of credit bureaus, all serious lenders and businesses exposed to counterparty risk develop their own internal systems to protect their business.

The process of how MTN Ghana models the credit risk of its Qwik Loan borrowers is so interesting that it bears posting in full an extract from Vincent Guermond’s fascinating 2022 survey of the subject.

Yes, in case you missed it, dear reader, some telco operators are going to the extent of using battery power levels to improve their ability to model credit risk. 

It would be arrogance of the worst sort for any government to believe that it can budge in and outperform frontline economic actors with skin in the game as to how to manage risk. What the government can obviously do is to improve the overall macroeconomic environment, strengthen privacy-preserving data-sharing in the ecosystem by making and enforcing the right regulations, and use its convening power and moral authority to promote innovative thinking by key decision-makers.

So, is there no way Ghana can be creative for its own needs in this area?

There are indeed scholars, analysts, and visionaries who have questioned the traditional credit referencing approach given the peculiar nature of the African economy. 

For example, Management Professor Marc Epstein and then Opportunity International CEO, Christopher Crane after field research in Ghana wrote a paper in 2005 (later added to the compilation, “Business Solutions for the Global Poor”), containing some ideas of how credit risk management needs modification to better suit contexts such as Ghana’s. This foundation was built upon in 2013 by Nigerian academics into a framework that has yet to be translated in the real world.

Building novel credit scoring systems that adapt well to the African terrain would likely be the product of entrepreneurial thinking among competing credit scoring providers than something that emanates from government fiat. It would require even greater objectivity and impartiality on the part of the government to enforce regulations that level the playing field so that the best ideas can emerge. The government picking and choosing winners in such a fraught and complex domain will likely lead to technical obsolescence and the lost of trust in the reliability of the system.

For example, the government has made its policy intent clear that it wants to promote more credit to consumers regardless of station. The truth however is that for businesses the aim is to find profitable customers, not just any customers. If the sense grows that the government is motivated by electoral outcomes in boosting credit regardless of ability to afford credit, businesses will simply disregard the state-controlled credit-scoring system and rely even more on their internal systems, defeating the purpose of removing information asymmetries in order to lower the risk perception and thus the cost of credit.

What is the fear or harm though?

So, maybe an extra credit scoring mechanism would be redundant, so what? Ungrounded overenthusiasm on the part of politicians is an inalienable part of the political system, why should people fret too much? This author was rattled by the announcement to launch a credit scoring system anchored on the Ghana Card and accessible through the Citizen App because it follows a worrying pattern. 

Because the Ghana Card system is extremely expensive and dominated by the private half of the putative Public-Private Partnership model, a lot of decisions of how, where and why to use it for what and which purposes tend to be driven by whether it will lead to more people opting to pay the hefty fees to acquire cards on a premium basis. 

The private investor, who has been assured of hundreds of millions of dollars in financial return (with government exposure to the partner in the next few years alone topping $100 million besides the government’s own costs of personnel and vehicles etc. for the enrollment aspect) constantly scans the economy for opportunities that they can muscle in using the Ghana Card as mere pretext.

That is the only way to explain why and how the Ghana Card gets injected into scenarios where it is either redundant or useless all the time in recent times. Sometimes, real damage can result.

Last year, Ghana’s already beleaguered football league nearly suffered a fit when, totally inexplicably, a decision was taken that footballers and their clubs will be denied registration if they did not enroll onto the Ghana Card. Similar wooly-headed interferences by the Ghana Card, where it adds no clear value, are distracting from serious stuff.

The country is in the middle of transitioning from a model where people own their own liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) cylinders and fill them at various dispensing points to one where the cylinders are picked up from a few select points and returned empty for a full or partially full one. The whole model has been fraught with stakeholder disquiet and operational confusion. 

Yet, rather than concentrate on fixing the incoherence of banning the filling of self-owned cylinders at retail points whilst promoting the pickup of cylinders at circulation depots, where there will still have to be instant filling to allow for different volumes to be sold, the downstream gas operator is instead insisting that gas will not be sold to citizens without Ghana Cards. Knowing very well that millions of Ghanaians do not have the card and can only get one within a reasonable timeframe if they pay through the nose at a so-called “premium center“.

As should be clear from the above, the Ghana Card has no exceptional role to play in enhancing Ghana’s credit scoring system. This is so painfully obvious as to be mind-numbing.

If the government insists on going ahead with the idea of launching a new credit-scoring system accessible through the Citizen App, instead of just adding a simple, non-revolutionary, button in the user interface for a citizen to request their current scores from the bureau, purely as a matter of convenience, then we will have to take counsel from an old Igbo saying. It is said that when you see a toad in broad daylight, you must focus on what must be pursuing it.

According to the 4^th Quarter Labour Statistics Report by the Ghana Statistical Service, the unemployment rate in the 4^th quarter was 11.5%, the lowest recorded across all quarters in 2022.

The 4th quarter unemployment rates are higher for females (12.5%) compared to males (10.3%); and higher in urban areas (14.3%) compared to rural (7.8%). The patterns are consistent with what was observed for the previous three quarters.

The GSS also said two in every three (68.1%) employed persons 15 years and older in the fourth quarter were in vulnerable employment (i.e. self-employed without employees or contributing family workers), the highest recorded across all quarters.

All regions except for Greater Accra had more than half of the employed persons in vulnerable employment.

The highest rate of vulnerable employment in the 4^th quarter was recorded in the North East (92.1%), Savannah (90.6%), and Northern (84.2%) regions.

Over 2.1 million persons aged 15 to 35 years were not in education, employment, or training (NEET) across all quarters.

In the 4th quarter, one in every five persons (20.2%) aged 15 to 35 years was NEET.

Greater Accra recorded the highest NEET rate (26.5%) in the fourth quarter followed by the Ashanti (22.9%) and Upper East (22.9%) regions. All 16 regions recorded double-digit figures for youth NEET in all quarters with the lowest recorded in Oti in the fourth quarter (11.2%).

The Annual Household Income and Expenditure Survey (AHIES) is the first nationally representative high-frequency household panel survey in Ghana.

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We set the ball rolling with the Hohoe Constituency, which would once again be a battleground for the governing New Patriotic Party (NPP) and the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC).

Since the inception of the 4th Republic, the NDC has represented the people of Hohoe in parliament, until December 2020, when John Peter Amewu led the NPP to break the deadlock.

Through the influence of government projects and personality, Mr Amewu convinced electorates to
endorse his candidature with over 5,000 votes difference.

He polled 26,952 votes representing 55.26% against NDC’s Margaret Kwaku’s 21,821 votes representing 44.47% of total votes.

Research revealed that the NDC lost the seat on the premise that their candidate originates from the Guan District, hence electorates would prefer a full citizen of the constituency to represent them.

Other findings were that the campaign machinery deployed by Mr Amewu which was engaging electorates at the grassroots played a significant role in his victory. He was seen at almost every public gathering, made money and logistic donations, and promised relevant development projects.

However, there is information from his backyard indicating the legislator is considering pulling out of the contest for 2024.

While some say he would step down to partner Alan Kwadwo Kyerematen, others say he is unsure of maintaining his seat and hence would want to do himself that honour, by resigning after serving just a term in parliament.

Learning of this, some electorates believe his nemesis would catch up with him with the numerous unfulfilled promises. The promises range from the construction of school buildings, and roads to traditional council secretariats among others.

Moreso, Mr Amewu has been ‘missing’ in the constituency unlike previously when he used to frequent the area and attend almost all public gatherings.

That notwithstanding, he has contributed immensely to the development of human resources in the constituency. He also facilitated the development of sports by constructing a stadium in Hohoe, the first of its kind in the constituency.

The NDC on the other hand has directed attention to the seat, with its National Chairman, Johnson Asiedu Nketia, leading forces to reclaim it.

Its delegates elected Worlanyo Tsekpo as parliamentary candidate, who hails from Alavanyo but is supposedly not a local boy, hence not well known in the party, and his home village.

However, the NDC is focused on winning the seat, and with him as their candidate, hence its bigwigs continue to visit the constituency.

The latest was the visit of the Member of Parliament for North Tongu, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa to represent the NDC’s flagbearer, John Dramani Mahama at the coronation of traditional rulers of Gbi Atabu.

This is one of the numerous measures the NDC has adopted to win back the hearts of the electorates in the Hohoe Constituency.

Would the acclamation of John Peter Amewu once again, favour the NPP, or there should be an open contest to allow the delegates to decide on who represents the governing party in the 2024 parliamentary election in Hohoe?

Our research points out some notable names from the Hohoe Constituency as faces likely to show up for the primaries, irrespective of the uncertainty of Hon. Amewu’s political future.

The names include Prince Ellis Antsroe, a native of Alavanyo and an international energy expert whom there is a school of thought that he could be a perfect parliamentary candidate for the NPP.

This projection is on the premise that Mr Antsroe has over the years built a strong relationship with the delegates with his benevolence and contribution to the growth of the party.

Some party folks believe he could help the NPP split the Alavanyo votes with the NDC’s Worlanyo Tsekpo, while engaging in rigorous campaign activities to gain a majority of votes from the rest four traditional areas within the Hohoe Constituency.

The Chief Director of the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources, Prof. Patrick Agbesinyale has also been listed as one of the potential stalwarts to contest in the NPP parliamentary primary.

He hails from the Gbi traditional area and has dotted the constituency with his good works, being a sole financier for agriculture policies that created jobs for constituents.

The NPP Volta Regional First Vice Chairman, Ken Ayim is also said to be lacing his boots ahead of the primary, hoping to use his influence to convince delegates and subsequently electorates to vote for him as the next MP for Hohoe. He was an instrumental figure in campaign activities that saw the NPP win the Hohoe seat.

The Hohoe MCE, Noble Awume is also said to be among the people interested in the Hohoe parliamentary seat.

Being the representative of the President, he has enough grounds to advertise himself and use projects initiated under his administration as a yardstick to persuade the delegates to elect him in the primary.

Prof. Patrick Agbesinyale, Ken Ayim, and Noble Awume are indigenes of the Gbi Traditional Area.

Any potential aspirant from the list to represent the NPP in the Hohoe Constituency would have to face the NDC Parliamentary candidate, Worlanyo Tsekpo who is a native of Alavanyo.
 
In the absence of the former front-runners in the 2020 election, this will mean a clean sheet for the new entrants in the 2024 parliamentary election which is barely twelve months away. Will it be an all-Alavanyo affair or a battle between Alavanyo and Gbi?

If the NPP produces a parliamentary candidate from Alavanyo, then the Hohoe Constituency will see an all-Alavanyo affair in the 2024 parliamentary election.

However, if the NPP fields a parliamentary candidate from Gbi, just like John Peter Amewu, then it will be a battle between Alavanyo and Gbi in the 2024 election.

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Speaking on Kumasi-based radio Ezra FM, the veteran actor claimed his exclusion at the time grossly affected the industry particularly because he remains the most marketable Ghanaian actor.

“They sidelined me, and now they blame the emergence of CDs for the collapse of the industry, which is not true. But they will not accept this fact,” Agya Koo lamented.

Agya Koo reminisced about the once vibrant Kumawood industry, noting that his name was synonymous with Ghanaian cinema, especially among the Ghanaian diaspora, notably in the USA.

He emphasised that, inquiries about Ghanaian movies would invariably include a key question: “Is Agya Koo part of the cast?”  This, according to him, was evidence of his unmatched marketability and influence at the time until he was sidelined.

“Though I was not the only one acting at the time, any time people wanted to watch Ghanaian movies, they mentioned the name Agya Koo. Why didn’t they ask for someone else’s name?” he stated. 

Prior to the ruling New Patriotic Party’s (NPP) presidential elections early on this month, Agya Koo dropped a new song to support Kennedy Agyapong’s presidential bid.

Agya Koo has not hidden his support for the Member of Parliament for Assin Central and was quite vocal about the business man’s capabilities to govern the country after his loss.

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The school selection management system which went live yesterday in the morning received 598,839 results from the West African Examinations Council (WAEC), out of which 585,797 candidates qualified to be placed.

Those placed automatically in one of their choices represent 81.56 per cent of the qualified candidates.

A statement issued by the Ghana Education Service (GES) said those placed automatically marked a “significant improvement compared to last year’s, with over 100,000 more students placed”.

The statement, however, noted that 108,025, representing 18.44 per cent qualified candidates could not be matched with any of their choices.

GES further explained that heads of institutions would begin registration and orientation from Monday, December 4, this year.

“All such students are, therefore, to do self-placement to select from available schools,” it added.

The GES urged those who had been placed to access the placement platform by obtaining a placement pin code from an approved vendor and logging on to the site www.cssps.gov.gh for more details.

The statement said if a student was not matched with any of the choices from the automatic placement system, they could be redirected to the Self-Placement Portal.

From the portal, the students are to provide details, including the region of school of choice, residential preference, the school and the programme of choice.

The GES explained that schools selected on the self-placement portal could be changed as many times as the candidate wished until they enrolled in a school.

Assurance

The GES assured students, especially those who could not be matched with their choices during the automatic placement, parents and the general public that all schools with vacancies had been uploaded on the portal for students to select from during self-placement without hitches.

It explained that apart from the National Solution Centre at the GNAT Hall, Adabraka and the Regional Solution Centres at the various Regional Education Offices, the public could also call the helpline, 0308258001 for all concerns.

Don’t pay money

The GES added that the computerised school placement was merit-based and, therefore, advised parents not to pay money to unscrupulous persons who promised to change their schools.

Statistics

A total of 600,900 candidates, made up of 300,404 males and 300,496 females from 18,993 participating schools, entered for the Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE) for School Candidates.

The figure includes 53 candidates with visual impairment, 366 with hearing impairment and 54 candidates with other special educational needs.

Out of the number, 3,366 candidates were absent for the examination which was conducted at 2,137 centres across the country.

The BECE for Private Candidates recorded 1,839 candidates.

This was made up of 942 males and 897 females.

 Fifteen centres, mostly in the regional capitals, were used for the examination.

Out of the number of candidates who entered for the examination, 61 were absent.

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The two are currently before the Amanfrom District Court.

According to the Head of Ga South Municipal Physical Planning, Thomas Yaw Dettoh, they had visited the construction site on three separate occasions to halt the projects.

The grounds for intervention included the allegation that the developer, David Kobia, was building on a road and engaging in unauthorized sand-winning activities that posed a potential threat to the residents in the area.

Dettoh further explained that, on the third visit, David Kobia took matters into his own hands by mobilizing his workers, who reportedly detained the planning officials in the house and subjected them to assault.

Undeterred, the officials returned on the fourth day with police support from the Weija Divisional Police Command, leading to the subsequent arrest of the suspects.

The charges against the Kobias include assaulting public officials and resisting lawful arrest.

The Chief Magistrate, Her Worship Emilia Abrokwa, granted bail to the second suspect, Peter Kobia, in the amount of Ghc 40,000, with three sureties.

However, the main suspect, David Kobia, failed to appear before the court.

The suspects are scheduled to appear before the court on 13th December 2023.

The case is now under the jurisdiction of the Amanfrom District Court, where the legal proceedings will determine the outcome of alleged incident of violence against Municipal authorities.

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The incident happened at at Torgahkope in the Ga South Municipality of the Greater Accra Region.

According to the Unit Committee Member for Domeabra, Joseph Akrashie, he received a distress phone call informing him of a suspected murder.

The caller reported that, an individual had been killed and thrown into the Densu River.

When he rushed to the scene, Akrashie, along with others, they found the lifeless body submerged in the river.

He said they were unable to recognise the deceased due to the decomposing state of the body.

Mr. Akrashie said they called police from Danchira who managed to retrieve the body from the river.

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According to the Executive Secretary of COPEC, Duncan Amoah, the presence of a high concentration of manganese in the fuel currently sold in the Ghanaian market is causing damage to the engines of cars.

“We have had to go down to do some checks to realise that there is clearly some amount of manganese in some of the products across board with the OMCs that has been quite sensitive to some of the vehicles, particularly Hyundai vehicles,” Mr Amoah confirmed.

COPEC indicates that there’s a surge in such complaints and if not checked by the NPA, to ensure that the Oil Marketing Companies comply with the acceptable standards, the situation could worsen.

The Executive Secretary of COPEC gave NPA a one-week ultimatum to address the issue.

“…We are quite worried and now asking the NPA to ensure that latest by next week, whatever needs to be done to ensure that no consumer is badly affected by these challenges (is done). We would be forced to sue the NPA,” he said.

But the Head of Economic Regulation at the NPA, Abass Ibrahim Tasunti says it is aware of the situation and taking the right measures with the Ghana Standards Authority (GSA) to correct the anomaly.

“We have quickly worked with GSA to address this problem and the solution is that we have to reduce the manganese level so that the consumer’s problem will be resolved,” he said.

According to him, GSA has already drafted an amendment to reduce the manganese level so that for regular gasoline, the manganese level will be a maximum of six milligrams per litre from the 80 milligrams per litre that we currently have and for premium gasoline to be two milligrams per litre.

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This surprise came as part of the celebrations for her recent birthday, leaving her deeply moved by the outpouring of love and support from her admirers.

May had organized a charity event to mark her birthday, which saw the presence of several notable Nollywood actresses, including Uche Nnanna, Anita Joseph, and Rita Edochie, among others.

Videos circulating online captured the emotional moment when May was presented with this generous gift, a collaboration between her fans and actress Anita Joseph.

Expressing her heartfelt appreciation, May found it difficult to put her emotions into words, as this incredible surprise touched her profoundly.

She emphasised the extraordinary aspect of this gesture, as she had never personally met or interacted with any of these individuals who showered her with this indescribable love.

“I was made to understand that @patienceblogs pulled this stunt on her YouTube channel (Patience Blog Official) in conjunction with @realanitajoseph and @bella_jordie. Words cannot describe the moment this awesome surprise came during @maysoasisfoundation PROJECT FEED & EMPOWER A WIDOW!”

In a touching Instagram post, May expressed her gratitude, saying, “I’ve never seen or met any of you yet you show me unexplainable love. Thanks, y’all from deep within for this gesture and generosity. May God bless and reward y’all immensely.”

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by May Yul-Edochie (@mayyuledochie)

May Edochie also humorously acknowledged @cutemisianoskincare for their part in this heartwarming conspiracy, while appreciating their ability to keep a secret.

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In a statement issued in Accra on Friday, the Committee said the guidelines outlined the procedures and rules for the primaries that would elect a presidential candidate for the 2024 general election.

“The Electoral Commission (EC) shall supervise the conduct of the elections and shall have the full responsibility of ensuring a transparent, free and fair election. No persons, whether party officials or otherwise whatsoever shall act in contravention to the EC and these guidelines.”

The Committee added that “the security activities rest exclusively with the police and access beyond security perimeters is restricted to Delegates, Presidential Elections Committee Members, Contestants and their accredited agents. The Presidential Elections Committee of the Party is the entity with the Constitutional mandate from National Council to oversee the organization and conduct of the election for the Presidential Candidate,” the Committee stated.

The Committee also said that there shall be no campaign, canvassing for votes or gathering of party people for any purpose whatsoever a day before voting, adding that there shall be no camping of delegates, accreditation is constituency specific and that the media will be granted accreditation.

“Voters are expected to “walk in” freely by themselves. The physically challenged may be assisted. A voter must wait to be cleared before entering the perimeter- Queue Control. No voter shall wear the colour or effigy of a contestant at the voting center (i.e. T-shirts, cap, posters of contestants). Delegates shall not be allowed to enter the voting screen or booth in groups or in pairs.”

“Voting shall not take place indoors but in an open place in the full glare of the public. It is an offence for unaccredited persons to enter the voting perimeter. A delegate who has already cast his/her vote shall not be re-admitted into the voting perimeter. Any person found directing a delegate on which contestant to vote for commits an offence and shall be removed by the police,” the Committee stated.

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According to him, his relationship with former President John Dramani Mahama remains exceptionally strong.

“I announced Mahama as the running mate in 2008 and served as the campaign manager, so when did I become anti-Mahama? It just doesn’t make sense. Sometimes I even think people envy us because I am one of the few ministers who has represented Mahama worldwide more than anybody” he said in an interview with the media.

Mr. Afriyie Ankrah set the records straight after claims that, his perceived animosity towards Mr. Mahama may have contributed to his defeat in the National Democratic Congress (NDC) General Secretary election.

He explained that, despite entering the contest late, he was confident of victory due to his extensive contributions to the party.

“Many things happened on the election day and I can’t delve into all the specifics. My coordinators informed me of some issues, but I have moved on. It’s just like having a bad day at work. Even Ronaldo and Messi miss penalties; that result does not define who I am. I am now working closely with the other executives for the betterment of the party,” he added.

Mr. Afriyie Ankrah lost to Fifi Fiavi Kwetey in the national executive elections held at the Accra Sports Stadium last year.

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According to these drivers, the recent reduction in fuel prices cannot be enough reason for the reduction in fares by 10%.

They argue that, there are several other factors when it comes to running the transport business, and until prices of spare parts and lubricants are reduced, they will not be in a position to reduce the fares.

Speaking to JoyNews, the drivers urged their leaders to reconsider the new directive.

“It is true that they have reduced the fare, but the problem we are facing is that our executives are finding it difficult to give us the prices so we are waiting for them,” one driver said.

Another added that, “we are never told when a reduction is about to take place. It was on radio that I heard of the 10% reduction.

“This reduction was not accepted by us. Our leaders did not have a sit-down with government to deliberate on this latest reduction. We didn’t see that happening this time,” another driver noted.

Meanwhile, some passengers say they are being cheated by the drivers since a hike in fuel price always results in fare increment, hence a reduction should result in a cut back.

“As far as fuel prices go down, the drivers are supposed to reduce the transport fares so that passengers can enjoy the benefit. The drivers are not being fair to the passengers,” one woman stressed.

Another male passenger added that, “I think the drivers are just interested in making profit because if fuel price has been reduced then they should also try as much as possible to reduce the fare but that is not what we are seeing here.”

Background

Transport fares were reduced by 10 percent effective Wednesday, May 17, 2023, following the recent downward trend of petroleum prices.

Road Transport Operators announced reduction in a release jointly signed by Emmanuel Ohene Yeboah, General Secretary of Ghana Road Transport Coordination Council, and Godfred Abulbire, General Secretary of Ghana Private Road Transport Union (GPRTU).

The new fares were to apply to shared taxis, intra-city buses, popularly called tro-tro, intercity (long distance) buses, and haulage vehicles.

The release stated that the reduction was in line with the Administrative Arrangement on Public Transport Fares, and was a response to the observed reductions in the prices of petroleum products over the period.

It urged all commercial transport operators to comply with the new fares and post them at their loading terminals.

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