All posts by Afia Coke

News, Politics

Komenda Sugar Factory will be revived to serve it’s purpose – Mahama re-assures

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Former President John Mahama has reiterated his avowed pledge to revamp the abandoned Komenda Sugar factory to serve its intended purpose

The former President who was speaking during his tour of the Centeal region noted with concern the effort the late former President, Prof Evans Atta Mills, an indigene of the area, committed himself to build the factory, which was to create jobs and to save Ghana, millions of dollars in sugar imports to cushion the economy.

He said “we handed a prospective enterprise to them but they mismanaged it. We will revive it when we come to provide jobs for the people” he intimated

 

He continued .. “We were outsourcing funds for farmers to grow sugarcane to operationalize it but after he handed it over to them, they failed to operationalize it”

“ Under Professor Mills, a son of the soil, the then NDC government channelled a lot of development in the Central region and the next NDC government will not neglect youl’ – Me Mahama added

The NDC 2024 candidate who was addressing chiefs during a courtesy call on the Omanhene of the Oguaa Traditional area, emphasized … “We had lots of projects under Professor Mills. We built the Kotokuraba market, the Cape Coast stadium, Elmina Fish Processing plant and the Komenda Sugar factory” among others including roads, schools and health infrastructure many attest to today.

John Mahama made these remarks when he and his entourage paid a courtesy call on the Oguamanhene Osaberima Kwesi Attah II at Enintsimadze palace as part of his tour of the Central Region.

You will recall that the Komenda Sugar Factory started production of Sugar after the completion of the first phase of the project

Raw materials for production was to be supplied by outgrowers who were to receive high gain seedling variety under cultivation at a nursery.

It was estimated that Komenda Sugar factory was going to create direct and indirect jobs to over 7,000.

After years of lip service government brought in West African AgroTech to manage the company but that has been stalled as a result of lack of funding.

News, Politics

Ken Ofori-Atta’s continuous stay in office, baffling – Mahama

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2024 Flagbearer of the National Democratic Congress, John DRAMANI Mahama has questioned Finance Minister,Ken Ofori-Atta’s continuous stay in office despite his abysmal performance, which has plunged Ghana’s economy in crisis.

Speaking at Twifo Praso in the Central region as part of his #Building Ghana tour, the former President recounted how some NPP MPs, fed up with the the status quo, petitioned the President to fire his cousin.

” I can’t understand why the President has refused to remove his brother from the the Finance Ministry.
He has refused to listen to everyone.
Eighty NPP MPs signed a petition for removal of the Finance Minister but the President refused” he queried

He added .. “it’s difficult to apprehend why the same person is kept at the ministry, despite the glaring failure”

He intimated that Nana Akufo Addo himself has lost hope and has confessed that openly.

“He told journalists recently during an interview, who ever will take over as next President after him will restore the economy” – Mr Mahama recalled.

The NDC flagbearer, who several independent polls have tipped to win the next election said the next election must be a communal labour and that Ghanaians must come out in their numbers to vote against the current government.

News, Politics

Next NDC Government will resource Geological survey to explore more minerals

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Former President John Mahama has pledged to adequately resource Ghana Geological Survey and other agencies to scale up exploration for other potential minerals in large quantities for commercial use.

According to the NDC 2024 candidate, Ghana is blessed with natural resources and it’s incumbent on future governments to tap them for maximum benefit, after lessons learnt from previous agreements that have not inured to the benefit of the nation.

“Resource the Geological survey to conduct explorations across entire country so that when the foreigner come for mining then we can have a good bargaining chip” he said.

Mr Mahama who was speaking at Abura Asebu Kwamankese on Day One of his tour of the Centeal region further noted… ” We don’t do the exploration ourselves and after they have done the explorations, they then apply for the mining lease and that gives us little to take home”

Per the current arrangements according to John Mahama, Ghana only enjoys only 3% of royalties which hitherto was pegged between 6-12%.

“Ghana only gets 10% free carried interest, 3% royalties and cooperate income tax of 35%” he lamented.

John Mahama assured that the next NDC government will change the narrative so posterity will be glad of the investment from minerals proceeds in their communities.

“Our youth should be able to identify a particular developmental projects gotten from these mined natural resources mined in their communities” he said.

In a brief remark, the Omahene of Abura-Asebu-Kwamankese (AAK), Okakaben Aidan Andoh X expressed worry about the high employment rate within his jurisdiction.

According to him his traditional area is endowed with natural resources including Lithium.

Government is already under pressure to abrogate the Lithium agreement with only 13% stake for Ghana, signed recently, because critics strongly believe it’s a complete rip off

News, Politics

Debt ridden Ghana, now laughing stalk on the global stage – John Mahama

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Former President John Mahama has decried Ghana’s sunken image today on the global front.

According to him, the country today has been run down as a result of bad governance to the extent that ii has become laughing stalk.

John Mahama was speaking during his tour of the Central region said in spite of he excessive borrowing, government is now desperation begging for debt forgiveness to save the economy from crushing.

The 2024 candidate of the National Democratic Congress, NDC described the situation as unfortunate.

He said at this crisis stage, Ghana needs experience hands to save the economy from its current quagmire.

“The current state of the country is very sad because the finances of the economy is descipated and the country is pleading for debt forgiveness” he lamented.

John Mahama added that the hardship Rosa is affecting all or respecting of political affiliation

“Nana I am sure your and your sub chiefs are also feeling the heat” he told the Chiefs and people of Cape Coast.

He blamed the development on impunity and wanton corruption by the current Nana Akuffo Addo-Bawumia led administration.

Mr. Mahama made these remarks when he paid a courtesy call on the Oguamanhene, Osaberima Kwesi Attah II at Enintsimadze palace as part of his two-day #Building Ghana Tour.

According to the World Bank, Ghana’s public debt as of October 2023 is 76.63% of Gross Domestic Product (GDP).

FITCH, S&P, Moody’s and other rating agencies have all rated Ghana low.

Ghana in February this year started talks with China to restructure bilateral loans as she slowly moves forward in its goal to reorganize about $30 billion of public debt.

News, Topstory

We cannot bless same-sex marriage’ – Ghana Catholic Bishops’ Conference

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The Ghana Catholic Bishops’ Conference has served notice Catholic priests are not authorized and will not bless same-sex marriages.

The leadership of the Church in Ghana has been compelled to react following the growing anxiety among congregants over recent comments on the rights of gays and lesbians.

In a press statement dated December 21, 2023, the Ghana Catholic Bishops’ Conference described as misinformation, an interpretation of the document, published on December 18, 2023, from the Dicastery for the Doctrine of the Faith suggesting that Pope Francis has granted formal permission for Roman Catholic priests to perform blessings for same-sex unions.

“We, the members of the Ghana Catholic Bishops’ Conference, have seen the need to issue this statement in the wake of the publication on 18 December 2023 of a document from the Dicastery for the Doctrine of the Faith entitled “Fiducia Supplicans” (Supplicating Trust: On the Pastoral Meaning of Blessings”).

“Following its publication, some TV and radio news items as well as posts on the social media have falsely stated that Pope Francis has formally given Roman Catholic priests the permission to bless same-sex marriages.

“This publication has caused a lot of consternation among many people, Catholics and non-Catholics alike. We would like to make the following points,” part of the statement said.

The statement signed by Most Rev. Matthew Kwasi Gyamfi, Catholic Bishop of Sunyani and President, Ghana Catholic Bishops’ conference continued “Firstly, the Declaration does not give Catholic priests the permission to bless same-sex marriages. This is clear from the following statements in the Declaration.

“In the introductory paragraph, the document says, ‘this Declaration remains firm on the traditional doctrine of the Church about marriage, not allowing any type of liturgical rite or blessing similar to a liturgical rite that can create confusion’.

“The Declaration also defines marriage as the “exclusive, stable, and indissoluble union between a man and a woman, naturally open to the generation of children” (par. 4). It adds that it is only in the context of marriage “that sexual relations find their natural, proper, and fully human meaning”.

The Bishops’ Conference emphasizes that the prayers and blessings offered to individuals, including those in same-sex relationships, are intended to guide them toward conversion rather than legitimizing their lifestyle.

Most Reverend Matthew Kwasi Gyamfi, Catholic Bishop of Sunyani and President of the Ghana Catholic Bishops’ Conference, reaffirms in the statement that priests cannot bless same-sex unions or marriages.

“The blessing which the Declaration says could be given to everyone refers to prayers that people may request for. For those in the state of sin, the prayers are meant to lead them to conversion.

“Therefore, the prayers for persons in same-sex relationships are not intended to legitimize their way of life, but to lead them on the path of conversion (cf. paragraphs 38, 42-45).
“In conclusion, we wish to reiterate that priests cannot bless same-sex unions or marriages.”

Find below full statement

 

News

Burial of the late Lt General JH Smith

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The burial service for the late Lieutenant General Joseph Henry Smith, will take place at the Al-Azziz Mosque at Burma Camp, Accra on Saturday, 23rd December, 2023.

Lt General Smith died on Tuesday 19th December 2023, after a short illness.

He will be given a full Military burial and in accordance with Muslim tradition.

Filing past will commence at 0700hrs at the Al-Azziz Mosque until 0845hrs when religious service will commence.

All sympathisers and well-wishers should please be seated by 0800hrs.

End of Announcement

Issued on behalf of family
by Ambassador Victor Smith

News

Ghana Gas Staff join mounting pressure on ECG to pay outstanding debts

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The Senior Staff Association of Ghana Gas Company Limited has served notice of possible power outages in the coming days if the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG) does not pay outstanding debts.

According to a statement signed by its Chairman, Richmond Kabiru Alamu on Wednesday, December 20, the high level of indebtedness has “far-reaching’ repurcussions which could potentially disrupt the delicate balance within the energy sector”.

Ghana Gas is therefore urging the power distributing company to make immediate payment due, particularly, to Ghana Gas.
“The inability to settle financial obligations not only hampers Ghana Gas’s ability to maintain infrastructure and operations but also reverberates through the entire energy supply chain, affecting stakeholders and service providers alike.”

The Senior Staff Association of Ghana Gas Company Limited further stated that “the energy sector, a vital component of Ghana’s economic growth, is now at risk of disruption,”.

“Despite these directives, ECG’s non-compliance persists, leading to a situation where critical entities like Ghana Gas are left in financial limbo, struggling to fulfill their obligations and maintain operational efficiency.”

It explained that the International Monetary Fund (IMF), which is helping Ghana to resuscitate its sunken economy, directed timely payments to state-owned enterprises as part of international best practice.

“ President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo and Vice President Dr Mahamudu Bawumia also made a similar call” the statement added.

The statement later insisted: “Adherence to IMF conditionality and presidential directives is crucial for maintaining financial stability and ensuring the seamless functioning of critical entities within the energy sector.
“The government and relevant authorities must address this issue promptly to mitigate the potential economic fallout and uphold Ghana’s reputation as a responsible and stable investment destination.”
DONATION OF MOTORBIKES
The heavily indebted Electricity Company of Ghana has come under fire for what critics and stakeholders in the sector describe as misplaced priority after the recent donation of motorbikes to the Ghana Police Service.
The 200 motorbikes presented to the Police Adminsitration last Monday, 11 December, 2023, is the first batch of 1,000 motorbikes to be presented according to the ECG Board Chairman, Keli Gadzekpo .
It will be recalled that on 15th December, 2023, the workers union of Ghana Grid Company, GRIDCo also issued threats to plunge the nation into ‘dumsor’ this Christmas if the financial status of the company is not improved with
“The main cause of the poor cash flow situation is because the Cash Waterfall Mechanism which is used as the mode of payment to the industry players within the sector is not working and is suspected to have been discontinued,” they stated.

News, Politics

Decision to force party chairperson, other leaders out of office is unconstitutional – CPP

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The Council of Elders of the Convention Peoples Party, (CPP) has declared the decision to force out party leaders, including the Chairperson and General Secretary, as unconstitutional.

A statement signed by the Chairman of the Council of Elders, Felix Amoah, condemned the move, revoked the so supposed decision by the National Executive Council, and described as unconstitutional the establishment of an Interim Council.

The CPP re-affirmed Article 68 of the party’s constitution, and its resolve to restore calm after the so-called vote of no confidence that led to the removal of key elected officers, including Chairperson, Nana Akosua Frimpongmaa Sarpong Kumankumah, and General Secretary, Nana Yaa Jantuah, who has since announced her resignation from the party.

Part of the statement read… “The council of elders have also become aware of the involvement of its former secretary, comrade Subiri Isah in a fresh uncalled for legal action against the chairperson and leaders of the party, supposed to have been triggered by the party, to force her to resign her position unaccountably. Comrade Isah is therefore urged to immediately withdraw this unnecessary latest suit from court.

It added .. “In view of this situation, the chairperson and leader is hereby urged to convene a central committee meeting to take quick remedial action pursuant to stemming the further deterioration of the fortunes of the party,” the statement added.

 

The council accused the 2020 flagbearer of the party, Ivor Kobina Greenstreet, and others of being behind the internal discord.

“The council’s aim is to restore stability of the party as a prerequisite for the forward march of the CPP. Given the above, the supposed decision by some members of NEC to set up the Interim Council after all business of the NEC is unconstitutional and is hereby revoked. The attempts to force the current Chairperson and leader of office is also unconstitutional,” part of the statement read.
The Council of Elders expressed awareness of legal actions initiated against the Chairperson and leaders by former secretary Subiri Isah.

The statement urged Isah to withdraw the ‘uncalled-for’ legal action, emphasizing the need for internal resolution to prevent further deterioration of the party’s fortunes.

The power play within the party was triggered by a petition presented at the National Executive Council (NEC) during a meeting in Kumasi on Tuesday, December 5, 2023.

The petition, submitted by CPP members from various parts of the country, urged the NEC to compel all national executives of the Nkrumahist party to either voluntarily resign or face removal over allegations of incompetence.

This resulted in a vote of no confidence in all national executives, leading to significant tension during the meeting.

News

Night motorbike visibility and patrols this Xmas launched

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The Ghana Police Service has launched a ‘Night Motorbike Visibility’ initiative in the nation’s capital, Accra to maintain law and order during the Christmas and New Year festivities.

The exercise, backed by enhanced Community policing, targets crime prone areas and major highway intersections, according to the Service, and this will be replicated in other regional capitals and major towns.

The Police Administration, which has in recent times been equipped with a fleet of vehicles and motorbikes has stepped up day and night patrols nationwide as part of crime prevention measures.

 

Last week, the Police took delivery of 200 motorbikes donated by the Electricity Company of Ghana to enhance operations. This forms part of a consignment of 1,000 motorbikes pledged.

You will recall that in August 2021, the Inspector General of Police, Dr. George Akuffo Dampare, launched the Horse Patrol operations at the National Joint Operations Headquarters-Accra.’

The patrol, is part of the Ghana Police Service’s crime prevention and detection, which will provide security in a friendly and interactive manner’ he said at the launch.

He said their deployment is to complement other interventions such as Community Foot Patrol, Visibility Patrol, and the Motorcycle Traffic Management and Mobility Teams especially in Tema and Accra.

News

WAEC releases 2023 WASSCE results

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The West African Examinations Council, WAEC has released provisional results of candidates who sat for the 2023 Ghana Only Version of the West Africa Senior Secondary Certificate Examination, WASSCE.

WAEC in a press statement dated Monday, December 18, 2023 said it will make available login details to heads of school to enable them access the results of their candidates.

According to the statement, The results of 4,878 candidates have been blocked for failing to return learning support materials supplied to them by their schools and such candidates are to contact their schools.

It also cautioned all its stakeholders to be wary of fraudsters who promise to upgrade results for a fee.
“Candidates are to note that WAEC results are secured and can be authenticated using its results verification system. The WAEC QR code can be downloaded and used to verify results.”

Meanwhile, the results have been hosted online and candidates who so desire may access their results at the Council’s website.

Performance Statistics

A total number of 448,674 candidates made up of 212,453 males and 236,221 females from 975 schools entered for the examination.
This figure is 5.8% higher than the 2022 entry figure of 422,883.

A total number of 3,404 (0.75%) were absent from the examination.
More soon

News, Politics, Topstory

‘Don’t sit on the fence, get out and vote’ – NDC rallies Ghanaians to participate in tomorrow’s district elections

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The opposition National Democratic Congress is rallying Ghanaians to fully participate in the District Assembly elections scheduled to take place tomorrow, 19th December, 2023.

The call comes amidst fears about a possible record low turnout following the very poor publicity towards this year’s exercise.

A statement signed by NDC National Chairman, Johnson Asiedu Nketia acknowledged apathy towards the elections over the past few years but says the current situation, has been compounded by certain government decisions which have further weakened the capacity of the various Metropolitan, Municipal and District Assemblies to deliver, thereby diminishing public interest in governance at the local level.

“As we speak, almost all Metropolitan, Municipal and District Assemblies have been put into a state of financial distress by the failed Akufo-Addo/Bawumia NPP government. The current financial state of majority of MMDAs today is a reflection of the state of mismanagement that our economy and country as a whole has witnessed under the current government.’ he noted
The NDC National Chairman further explained that as a result of the obnoxious and anti-development Capping and Realignment policy of the Akufo-Addo/Bawumia government, the District Assembly Common Fund (DACF) is being diverted for other purposes. This situation has left many of these MMDAs highly encumbered and incapable of undertaking any meaningful development at the local level.”
“In most cases, between 20% to 50% of the IGF of various Assemblies is capped, while in some instances, everything including market tolls, toilet fees and mortuary fees are taken by central government, leaving the Assemblies with nothing.” he emphasized.
He expressed regret at the development which has left many MMDA’s virtually bankrupt because Common Fund payments are in arrears for several quarters and cannot undertake developmental projects at the local level.
He however assured, that come 2025 the next NDC government will make frantic efforts to reverse the trend.
This among other bold steps shall include
1. Empower Assemblies to generate and retain more internally-generated funds to finance their operations and other activities.
2. Complete the operationalisation of sub-district structures (Town and Area Councils and Unit Committees) with the allocation of a percentage of the Assemblies revenue to fund micro projects within their jurisdiction.
3. Reduce drastically the number of Ministers and redirect the savings made to pay allowances to Assembly members and

4. Reverse the current trend of recentralisation of award of District-level contracts to ensure real devolution of power to the districts.

Find below the full statement

 

News

Childhood’s Disability Screening App launched

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The Director in charge of Special Education Division at the Ghana Education, Helena Mensah, says the launch of the Childhood’s Disability Screening App, marks a significant milestone in the delivery of inclusive education.

According to her, the initiative being piloted in Ghana creates one of the best opportunities for teaching and learning in special schools.
The disability screening app, called Disability Detect, was developed by Chance for Childhood in partnership with Entain’s Ennovate Innovation Hub.

In a brief press release, the Director in charge of Special Education Division at the GES expressed optimism that ehe tool will ensure such special children are not left out and that their physical disabilities are detected early enough for the right interventions.

Madam Helena Mensah noted with appreciation how the new project, being piloted in Ghana will, address one major challenge that many educators and parents face iparticularly in identifying disabilities in children because they do not have adequate capacity and easily accessible screening tools to detect such difficulties.

This transformative technology heralds a radical new approach to supporting the complex challenges faced by millions of children who are being excluded from education and are unable to reach their potential.

“This toolkit is a game-changer for early childhood education in Ghana,” said Anna-mai Andrews, CEO, Chance for Childhood.

She continued…. “By equipping teachers and parents with the knowledge and tools to identify developmental delays and disabilities early, we can ensure that every child is given the support they need to thrive.”

Disability Detect is an easily accessible mobile app that equips teachers and parents with the necessary tools to screen pre-school aged children for developmental delays and disabilities. The application is designed to work even in low technology environments, ensuring that every child, regardless of their circumstances, can reach their full potential.

Chance for Childhood has trained 40 teachers on the Disability Detect App to pilot it in 20 governmental pre-primary schools to identify children with developmental delays and disabilities early in their lifetime, so that effective interventions and support can be provided. It is also expected to enhance individual and organisational capacity in the identification of children with developmental delays and disabilities by improving training, knowledge, and skills.

For more information about the Disability Detect App, please visit www.chanceforchildhood.org or contact supportercare@chanceforchildhood.org

About Chance for Childhood

We believe that no child should have to fight for a safe, happy childhood. We exist to ensure that every child in Africa can thrive from their early years through to adulthood.

We don’t work alone. Together with partners, supporters, children and their communities, we protect, educate and create lasting change for every child threatened by violence, neglect and conflict.

We specialise in ensuring access to inclusive education and safe spaces so that children in
Africa can play, grow, learn and thrive.
Media Contact
Louise Baker – Head of Marketing and Communications, Chance for Childhood
media@chanceforchildhood.org