All posts by Piesie Okrah

Busines, News

Abuya Foundation equips over 400 women with training in soap making

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Over 400 women from Nakpayili and Bimbilla have benefitted from a training in soap making.

Organized by Abuya Foundations for Women Empowerment, the two days training offered the women the opportunity to learn first hand skills that will change their lives for good.

The training, which originally targeted 300 women, ended up recording excess numbers as women who were initially invited shared the good news with other compatriots.

According to its CEO, Iddrisu Aminu, “And as an entity with the wellbeing of women at heart we quickly adjusted to take all on board.

“These women thronged the venues for the training both at Nakpayili and Bimbilla with excitement, beaming with smiles and couldn’t simply be turned away.”

This was an opportunity for the women to be imparted with valuable skills, he added, stressing the point that it will also create employment opportunities for the women of NANUNG.

On behalf of the CEO, Tahidu Abdul Jalil, speaking to the media said that Iddrisu Aminu further has intentions of supporting the women with start up capitals soon.

He, however, indicated that he was happy to see the women learn and get equipped with knowledge that will change their lives positively.

He added that the foundation’s work is not political.

“This is a non-profit non political movement. We are only but an organization with the sole aim of making life comfortable for the Ghanaian woman,” he said.

The elated women expressed their profound gratitude to the CEO of Abuya Foundation for his generosity and requested his support of funds to kickstart production since this was the only way they could help practicalise the skill acquired during the training.

Meanwhile, the Abuya Foundation says it has received a lot of proposals from more women and intends to roll them all in, in its next set of communities, which will be announced soon.

 

Source: Myxyzonline.com

Busines, News, Politics, Topstory

Ablakwa provides ‘evidence’ to back Rock City Hotel losses claim

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Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, the Member of Parliament for North Tongu, has provided documents to substantiate his claims that Rock City Hotel is operating at a loss.

This comes after the MP vehemently opposed the decision by the Social Security and National Insurance Trust (SSNIT) to sell 60 percent of its shares in four hotels to Rock City Hotel, alleging that the hotel was unprofitable and promised to provide evidence to support his assertion.

Minister for Food and Agriculture, Bryan Acheampong, owner of Rock City Hotel has refuted allegations that his hotel is operating at a loss and challenged Ablakwa to provide evidence to support his claims.

However, in an interview on Accra-based Metro TV, Ablakwa revealed that according to documents he obtained, Rock City Hotel had reported to the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) on March 12, 2021, that they expected to incur losses for that year, contradicting the Minister’s assertions.

Additionally, Ablakwa alleged that Rock City Hotel failed to file tax returns with the GRA for the entire year of 2022, further supporting his claims of the hotel’s financial struggles and questionable business practices.

“12th March 2021, they posted returns and said that year, they would be making losses, then two years later, they returned on the 9th of March 2023 and did a debit adjustment that they had two withholding taxes, which came up to GHC20,782. And that’s all you have for 2021. So, they told the GRA on the 12th of March that that year, they will make losses,” he stated.

He added, “As for 2022, there were no filings at all. If you notice, no filings at all. Then I break this news. I go to CHRAJ on the 17th of May. I broke the news here on this show. The following week, they rushed to the GRA. So, you see here, 23rd May 2024 that we [hotel] now want to come and make do our tax obligations for 2022, for two years ago.”

The MP questioned how the hotel got a tax clearance certificate to participate in the bid when it had not filed its taxes for two years.

“So, it means that when they put in the bid, they clearly didn’t have a tax clearance certificate. So, you see here that after my exposé, they go to GRA on 23rd May 2024, and say we will post losses. We made losses for 2022. Then they went back again the same day and said, no, we are changing that fact.

“We believe that if you process the profits we made, we can pay a tax. A tax liability of 395,000 Ghana cedis, bizarre. And so, on that 23rd May, they are then asked by GRA to pay a penalty of 4,390 Ghana cedis. According to the SSNIT statement that was put out on the 19th of May, a copy of which I have here, if you look at the timelines, they said they started this process in 2018 and got the transaction advice in 2018.

He stressed, “Then they started the bid for the hotel purchase, the tender, for the sale of the hotels in 2022. So, you hadn’t filed your taxes for two years. How did they get a tax clearance certificate to participate in the bid? So, 2022, it was after my exposé that they hurriedly rushed to GRA, and they went there twice,” he pointed out.

“First, they say, we made losses in 2022. Then they went back and said, no, the way the trajectory, the way this MP is going, we made some profits. So, they amended the records, and they were fined. This is the penalty that they paid 4,390 [Ghana cedis]. Significant development after my petition to CHRAJ.

He claimed Rock City Hotel only filed its taxes on April 20 after the first quarter that they would make losses that year.

“So, when I said that what you [Rock City Hotel] have told GRA about your operations last year – that you will make no profits and you are now going to buy a Labadi Beach Hotel making a profit of one hundred and fifty-eight million, it should have been the other way round.

“Labadi Beach Hotel is more profitable. I was speaking to the documents; I was speaking to the intercepted fillings at the GRA, fact.”

 

Source: Citi News

News, Politics

We’re taking back all seats in Eastern Corridor – Fmr GCB Bank MD declares

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A former Managing Director of GCB Bank, Ernest Agbesi, has said that as the country enters another crucial electioneering period, people should be guided by the fact that no one wants to die just to elect someone.

Speaking to the media after he led a team on behalf of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) to donate 15 motorbikes (the second batch in a series) to all the 9 orphan constituencies of the party in the Eastern Corridor of Ghana, Agbesi said that while Ghana is a peaceful country, should anyone foment trouble, they will be squarely matched.

He also expressed great confidence that the NDC will win back all the seats within the northern parts of Ghana that they lost during the 2020 general elections, adding that the current realities will go against the opposition New Patriotic Party (NPP).

“Ghana is a peaceful country so I don’t think we need people to come and be telling us or preaching peace to us. Nobody wants to die because of elections so I believe, personally, that there’s not going to be any problem but as a party, like our leaders are saying, we are prepared for peace but if they bring violence too, I think our people are ready for it.

“As for the Eastern corridor, we are taking it back because it is our traditional seats. Some places, they used money but Ghanaians have realised that if they give you money today and you spend, before the next four years, you are going to be suffering. So, we are wide awake now. I don’t think anybody will go and collect money to sell his vote out. No. the reality is on the ground and people are seeing it. So, we are taking back the Eastern Corridor from Kpandai to Zagzugu Tatale, to Gushegu Karaga, Bunkurugu Yunyo, we are taking all because they are our seats,” he stated.

Speaking on behalf of all the other constituencies, during the presentation of the motorbikes at Yendi, Abukari Dawumi, the Member of Parliament for Wulensi, expressed gratitude to Ernest Agbesi and the team for the generous donation.

He explained that with these motorbikes, it will be much easier to mobilise people ahead of the December polls and to ensure that people come out to vote for the National Democratic Congress (NDC).

“I’d like to thank Chief Agbesi and the team for intervening in this matter to support our constituencies to be able to carry out their work responsibly. Even though my constituency is not an orphan constituency, but I think that an intervention such as this one will help us to mobilise our members to come out and vote for the NDC to actually carry the day on December 7th. Our constituency happens to be one of the difficult constituencies where one election, one political party wins and another election, another political party wins but this time around, we intend to make history by making sure that this time around, the NDC becomes the first party to win the seat two terms consecutively.

“And I think that the provision of motorbikes to support in our campaign will facilitate our chances of winning in the 2024 general elections for both the president and the parliamentary candidate. So, we can’t thank Chief Agbesi and the team enough for this wonderful intervention,” he said.

Ali Adolf, NDC Northern Regional Chairman, also indicated that the party is hungry for power and will do all that is legally possible to win it.

“With the registration over here, we gave it every attention. It’s nothing less than 90%. We gave it the attention that it required. We are very hungry for power. So, we took the pain to ensure that at least we sensitise the people and those who have attained the age of 18 got themselves registered.

“If you don’t have voters, you cannot talk about getting power. And so, we did a lot of sensitisation to let people come out to register. We are now assured that victory will come for sure,” he said.

The NDC is looking for a comeback to political power in the December 2024 general elections, with its leader, John Dramani Mahama, hopeful of becoming president of Ghana again for his last four-year term.

 

Source: Myxyzonline.com

News, Politics, Topstory

You’re a liar; NDC Govt left money in COCOBOD coffers before exiting office – Eric Opoku tackles JB Aidoo

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The National Democratic Congress’ Member of Parliament for Asunafo South, Eric Opoku, has accused Joseph Boahen Aidoo, the Chief Executive Officer of the Ghana Cocoa Board, of misleading the public about financial challenges he purportedly faced upon assuming office in January 2017.

In an interview on Joy FM’s Super Morning Show, Mr. Aidoo claimed that, when he took charge of Cocobod, there were no funds left from the $1.8 billion secured by the previous administration in 2016.

He attributed this to expenditures on cocoa purchases and operational costs.

Reacting to these statements on Asempa FM’s Ekosii Sen programme Thursday, Mr. Opoku, who is the Ranking Member on the Parliamentary Select Committee on Food, Agriculture and Cocoa, disputed Mr. Aidoo’s claims.

“They are all lies. The Cocobod CEO is telling lies. Cocobod’s coffers were not empty when the CEO took over in 2017” he said.

Highlighting discrepancies, Mr. Opoku referred to President Akufo Addo’s budget statement, which indicated that the loan taken in 2016/2017 was still in use.

He stressed the importance of transparency to Ghanaians.

“I have notes and evidence to show that everything he said was untrue. If the budget states this, and the President presented it in Parliament, then Mr. Aidoo is clearly lying about not finding any money” he noted.

Mr. Opoku therefore challenged the narrative by Mr. Aidoo, aiming to clarify the financial situation and ensure accountability to Ghanaians.

 

Source: Adomonline

News, Topstory

Mahama vows to investigate and reclaim stolen state lands under Akufo-Addo when elected

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The flagbearer of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), John Dramani Mahama, has pledged to investigate and reclaim state lands allegedly misappropriated under the current NPP government.

The former president accused the President Akufo-Addo and Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia government of “disposing off state lands and properties at an unprecedented rate”.

In a post on X on Thursday, June 20, Mr Mahama emphasised that such actions cannot continue unchecked, and he is determined to ensure that these lands are reclaimed for the state when elected to lead the country.

“The Akufo-Addo and Bawumia government is disposing off state lands and properties at an unprecedented rate. When elected, my administration will prioritise the investigation and re-possession of these lands,” he posted.

Mr Mahama’s concerns come at a time most families and land owners in Accra and Kumasi have raised issues about their properties being encroached upon by persons related to high officials in government with armed security officials.

Background

Similarly, there have been concerns against the sale of a 60 percent stake in four hotels owned by the Social Security and National Insurance Trust (SSNIT) to powerful persons closer to government.

The hotels, including the popular  La palm Beach Hotel in Accra, Royal Ridge Hotel, and Busua Beach Hotel, are being sold to Rock City Hotel, which is owned by the Minister for Food and Agriculture, Bryan Acheampong.

The development triggered a street protest by SSNIT contributors and some labour groups led by the Member of Parliament (MP) for North Tongu, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa.

Dubbed ‘Hands off our hotels’, the protest on Tuesday, June 18, aimed at compelling the president to prevent the sale of these hotels to the detriment of Ghanaian workers who contribute monthly to SSNIT.

Despite the agitations by some labour unions and civil society organisations, spokepersons of the ruling NPP have jumped to the defence of the minister whom anti-corruption crusaders have accused of dabbling in conflict of interest.

The rapid sale of state properties, Mahama states, undermine public trust and deprives future generations of valuable national assets.

Meanwhile Bryan Acheampong, the Minister for Food and Agriculture who has come under fire for his role in the controversy, has affirmed his hotel’s strong financial standing and ability to purchase the 60 percent shares of SSNIT in the four hotels.

He said in an interview with Citi FM’s Umaru Sanda Amadu  that Rock City Hotel “grows on the back of the investors”, stressing that he is well positioned to take over the state properties in question.

“It grows on the back of the stakeholders and whatever we can leverage to grow…Look at the document that was presented to SSNIT. They have more than the capacity to enter into the transaction and more than the capacity to do so. Much more than the capacity.”

“I mean this is the company that currently has 1000 rooms here in Kwahu. 1000 rooms. And in two or three years, they will add another 2000 rooms. This is the biggest hotel in Africa,” he elaborated,” he added.

 

Source: Myxyzonline.com

Busines, News

7.3m people in Ghana multidimensionally poor – Report

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The latest Ghana Multidimensional Poverty Report published by the Ghana Statistical Service (GSS) has painted a stark picture of poverty levels across the country, revealing that employment and living conditions are the largest contributors to multidimensional poverty.

Employment and living conditions contribute the highest to multidimensional poverty in most regions ranging from 47.8 percent to 12.7 percent and 35.9 percent to 15.5 percent respectively.

According to the Director of Social Statistics at the GSS, Omar Seidu, the root causes of the complex poverty are often linked to educational attainment of household heads.

“Four out of ten households where the head of household has no education, then that household is multidimensionally poor,” he explained.

Key Findings: Widespread Poverty

The report identified that a total of 7.3 million Ghanaians, representing 24.3% of the household population, are multidimensionally poor.

This type of poverty measures deprivation in several dimensions simultaneously, including education, health, and living standards. Of these, 43.8% are experiencing severe poverty.

Rural vs. Urban

Multidimensional poverty affects a significant portion of the rural population, with 36.7% of rural residents falling below the poverty threshold. The severity of poverty is nearly identical in rural (44.0%) and urban (43.4%) areas.

Regional Disparities

The Savannah Region stands out with the highest proportion of multidimensionally poor households, at 49.5%, almost double the national average of 24.3%.

Despite this, the Ashanti Region has the largest number of multidimensionally poor individuals, totaling 959,031.

Seidu highlighted, “However, the actual number of persons who are multidimensionally poor, the Ashanti Region tops (18%) because it has a lot of population. This is more than most of the regions.”

The Multidimensional Poverty report showed that nine regions exhibit alarming poverty levels, with over a quarter of their populations facing multiple deprivations. These regions include Savannah (49.5%), North East (48.1%), Upper East (43.0%), Oti (40.8%), Northern (38.4%), Upper West (37.4%), Volta (27.3%), Western North (27.0%), and Western (25.7%).

Employment and Living Conditions

Employment contributes 32.6% and living conditions 27.9% to multidimensional poverty, making them the primary factors. Health insurance also plays a critical role, accounting for 21.5% of the poverty indicators.

Demographic Insights

The incidence of poverty is notably higher among female-headed households (27.0%) compared to male-headed households (23.0%). Younger household heads below 25 years and older heads above 60 years are also more susceptible to poverty.

Educational Disparities

Educational attainment significantly affects poverty levels. “Four in ten multidimensionally poor persons have never attended school,” the report indicates. Households whose heads have only basic education have a poverty incidence of 20.0%, which is 12.9 percentage points higher than those with tertiary education (7.1%).

Sectoral Impact

Households headed by individuals working in agriculture face the highest poverty rates (34.3%), compared to those in the services sector, who are more than 5.5 times better off, and those in the industry sector, who are 3.8 times better off.

The findings underscore the need for targeted interventions to address the root causes of multidimensional poverty. Enhancing educational opportunities, improving living conditions, and creating sustainable employment are crucial for alleviating poverty and fostering equitable development in Ghana.

 

Source: Myjoyonline.com

News, Topstory

Ambulance case: Jakpa’s WhatsApp messages with Attorney General admitted into evidence

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The High Court in Accra has admitted into evidence WhatsApp messages between Richard Jakpa, the third accused in the ongoing ambulance procurement trial, and the Attorney-General, Godfred Yeboah Dame.

Jakpa, a businessman, standing trial with a former Deputy Minister for Finance who is currently the Minority Leader in Parliament, Dr Cassiel Ato Forson for causing financial loss to the state through the procurement of the ambulances.

During a cross-examination, the third accused on the WhatsApp chat, the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP), Yvonne Atakora Obuobisa suggested that he (Jakpa) did not tender all the messages to the court earlier because he knew that if he had tendered all the messages it would show to the court that he harassed the A-G with countless messages to which Godfred Dame barely responded.

But Jakpa disagreed with the suggestion and explained that “If she decides to include deleted text messages and voice calls, and deleted text messages and if you add all of them they are still not up to the 68, he is claiming and text messages are different from voice calls,” he said.

Again, the DPP said when Jakpa requested a private meeting with the A-G, he just sought to take advantage of his relationship with Justice Kulendi to get the A-G to agree to a private meeting with him, reports Graphic Online.

However, Mr Jakpa said there was nowhere in his message for that meeting did he mention Justice Kulendi’s name.

Trial judge, Justice Afia Serwaa Asare-Botwe noted that the court had previously admitted WhatsApp chats from the third accused, and therefore could not reject what the prosecution described as the complete conversation.

However, she emphasised that the court reserves the right to determine the weight of the evidence presented.

 

Source: Myxyzonline.com

News, Politics

Alhaji Hudu Mogtari donates motorbikes, pick-up truck to NDC in Upper West Reg

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A former Parliamentary Candidate aspirant of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) in the Wa Central Constituency, Alhaji Hudu Mogtari, has donated a pick-up truck and twenty-five (25) motorbikes towards bolstering the party’s efforts in the upcoming 2024 campaign in the Upper West Region.

The gesture was to reassure his resounding display of commitment to the NDC party.

Alhaji Mogtari also donated an amount of 30,000 Ghana Cedis as seed money for maintenance and fueling of the items donated.

He made the presentation ahead of a fundraising dinner organised by the Upper West Regional Executive Committee of the NDC.

Former President and flag bearer of the party,John Dramani Mahama, NDC’s National Chairman Johnson Asiedu Nketia and the host regional chairman, Mr Nasir Sani received the items on behalf of the party.

Speaking at a brief handing over ceremony, Alhaji Hudu Mogtari disclosed the gesture is the maiden of many contributions he intends for the party’s 2024 campaign.

“We have donated these items to help with the work of the NDC in the Upper West Region. We know 2024 elections is not going to be an easy task and we need all boots on the ground to make sure that we go round, we sell the message of the NDC so that we can win all the eleven parliamentary seats in the upper West Region,” he said.

Alhaji Mogtari added that the “token of 25 motorbikes and a pick-up truck is to aid those who will be doing the work, because people need to move around and they would need these vehicles and that’s why we have donated.”

He further admonished the party leadership to effectively utilise the items for their intended purpose of vigorous campaign to win power in the December polls.

 

Former president John Dramani Mahama commended Alhaji Mogtari for the intervention.

“Thank you very much my brother-in-law for this handsome donation. Upper West is one of the critical regions for the NDC because it was midwifed by our tradition and we take the region very seriously and that’s why we aim to win all 11 seats in the Upper West region,” John Mahama said.

On the part of the National Chairman, Mr Johnson Asiedu Nketia charged the regional leadership of the party to make sure that the positive impact of the donation is felt on the campaign.

The Upper west Regional Chairman of NDC, Nasir Sani, pledged the items will be put to good use.

The donation of a pick-up vehicle and several motorbikes towards the party’s campaign efforts has been described by many party supporters as a move that will come in handy for the upcoming elections.

Background

Formerly serving as the Programme Lead for the African Union Smart Safety Surveillance (AU-3S) Programme, Alhaji Mogtari’s expertise in building and strengthening health regulatory systems across Africa is unparalleled.

Before his continental endeavors, he served as the Chief Executive Officer of the Ghana Food and Drugs Authority, spearheading crucial initiatives in medicines’ regulatory harmonization and safety standards.

Beyond his professional achievements, Alhaji Mogtari’s commitment to community development and social justice has earned him widespread admiration.

 

Source: Myxyzonline.com

News, Topstory

Lab workers’ strike worrying; Gov’t must sit up quickly – Dr Anaba

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Former medical superintendent of the Ridge hospital, Dr Thomas Winsum Anaba has criticised the Akufo-Addo government’s reluctance to meeting the demands of the striking Medical Laboratory Professional Workers’ Union (MELPWU).

The group announced a strike on June 17 over the lack of conditions of service for its members, despite nearly two years of negotiations with the Fair Wages and Salaries Commission (FWSC).

The Fair Wages and Salaries Commission (FWSC) and the Ministry of Health  met with the leadership of MELPWU last week to negotiate their conditions of service but the meeting was inconclusive.

Dr Adu Gyamfi, Public relations for MELPWU told Power FM News that the government was not committed to meetingn their demands which they had been drumming home for the past 2 years, saying ” the government says 2 out of the 13 allowances we are demanding will only be admitted for execution.”

But Dr Anaba, who spoke to Piesie Okrah on TV XYZ Wednesday night, bemoaned the strike action by MELPWU but hastened that the government was not treating the professional laboratory workers fairly.

He wondered why a group of people rendering such an essential servie in state hospitals would be treated in a way that had to trigger a nationwide strike while CEOs of state institutions such as the Ghana Cocoa Board are drawing fat allowances for less work done.

“Some of these CEos take fat allowances; others even take allowances for entertainment,” he stated and urged the government “to sit up” and act swiftly to end the strike.

Dr Anaba, worryingly indicated that patients visiting some public health facilities for lab services have been left stranded due to the strike, as some are forced to pay for higher costs of lab services at private facilities.

He added that the strike is causing unnecessary “mortalities” that does not speak well about the handlers of the matter before the Fair wages and Salaries Commission.

Meanwhile, the General Secretary of the Medical Laboratory Professional Workers’ Union, Cephas Kofi Akortor, claims the FWSC has failed to fulfil all the promises made to the National Labour Commission, which is a contributory factor for their strike.

CEO of Fair Wages and Salaries Commission, Ben Arthur.

“Fair Wages is not being fair. Fair Wages should have been a bit more proactive in their engagement because we are essential service workers. We should not be treated like any kind of people,” he told Joy FM News on June 19.

Mr Akortor further alleges that the Commission has always treated the union with contempt.

According to him, each time the FWSC agreed to engage with MELPWU, it was always in response to a protest.

“We have never written to them [FWSC] requesting a meeting and Fair Wages will act upon that. At all times our engagement will take about three months cycle. We will have one meeting today, the next engagement will be about three months later, four months later. It has not been fair,” he added.

 

Source: Myxyzonline.com

News, Topstory

Adults aged 25 and above constitute majority of HIV population – AIDS Commission

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The Ghana AIDS Commission has expressed concerns about the increasing rate of new HIV infections and the age groups most affected in the country.

The Commission has therefore emphasised the need for Ghana to announce and implement plans to achieve epidemic control.

Ghana recorded a 9.0% increase in the HIV population from 2013 to 2023, with an expected increase of 6.8% from 2023 to 2030. New HIV infections stand at 17,774, a 14.8% decrease. Additionally, 12,480 deaths were recorded, marking a decrease of 20.5% in annual AIDS deaths from 2013 to 2023, with an expected further decrease of 58.1% from 2023 to 2030.

The total HIV population is 334,095, with new infections at 17,774. Accra, Ashanti, and the Eastern Region have the highest numbers of HIV cases in the country, while the Bono Region leads with an HIV prevalence rate of 2.12%.

Presenting the dissemination of the 2023 national and sub-national HIV and AIDS estimates and projections at a press conference in Accra on Wednesday, the Director-General of the Ghana AIDS Commission, Dr Kyeremeh Atuahene, called for stringent measures to be put in place to enable the country to achieve epidemic control.

“Adults aged 25 and above constitute the majority of the HIV population, which is about 84.7 percent. You can see quite clearly that the bulk of the people either dying of AIDS, being newly infected and being one of the HIV population in the country lie between the ages of, 15 to 49.

“That’s where you see the bulk of the population. This population is an economically active population. These are the people who work and earn income to support the country as well as the dependent population in the country.”

“That is the aged and the children who are not working. I’m making this point because it shows quite clearly that HIV is a developmental issue. It’s an economic issue, and it’s also a business issue.

“And so we should remember that our ability to eliminate AIDS or end AIDS and achieve epidemic control in the country should be the business of everyone, and therefore, we need to work together,” he stated.

 

Source: Citi News

Busines, News, Sports

I’ll set up regional agro-processing zones when elected – Mahama

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Former President  and the flag bearer of the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC), John Dramani Mahama, has reiterated his commitment to revamping the agriculture sector to create sustainable jobs for the youth when elected in the December elections.

He emphasised that his plan is to establish agro-industrial processing zones in all 16 regions in Ghana in collaboration with the Ghana EXIM Bank to enhance the value of crops for which the regions have a competitive advantage.

In a Facebook post after touring the Northern part of the country recently, Mr Mahama explained that the move is not to only create jobs for the people of Ghana but also to enable Ghanaians to gradually reduce their dependence on the import of raw materials.

“I am passionate about creating a thriving agricultural sector and am committed to delivering on my promises to support small businesses and farmers across the country”, he stated while reassuring Ghanaians that “Agriculture and agro-processing are a priority for me.”

Below is his post

During my recent visit back home, I had the privilege of meeting with a cashew nuts businessman, Mr Taylor, and his dedicated staff. It was a humbling experience to hear their stories and campaign for their votes in the 7th of December election. It was touching to hear about the importance of his business and how it has provided employment opportunities for young people in the area.

This is why I remain committed to supporting small business owners like Taylor and fulfilling my promise to set up regional processing zones. Agriculture and agro-processing are a priority for me, and empowering farmers and supporting agro-industrial processing will significantly impact our economy.

My plan is to establish special agro-industrial processing zones in all sixteen regions and, in collaboration with the Ghana EXIM Bank, enhance the value of the crops for which they have a comparative advantage. This strategic move will not only open new job opportunities but also enable us to gradually reduce our dependence on the import of strategic products currently imported as raw materials.

I am passionate about creating a thriving agricultural sector and am committed to delivering on my promises to support small businesses and farmers across the country. Together, we would build a prosperous and sustainable future for Ghana.

#LetsBuildGhanaTogether
#Mahama4Change2024

 

Source: Myxyzonline.com

 

News, Politics

Parliament finalises draft bill to introduce paternity leave & extend maternity leave

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The Parliament has finalised the draft bill for the extension of maternity leave and the introduction of paternity leave.

The Labour (Amendment) Bill, 2023, was initiated by Member of Parliament, Madina, Francis-Xavier Sosu.

The Bill which seeks to amend section 54 of the Labour Act provides that “a male worker is entitled to a period of paternity leave for a minimum of two weeks and a maximum of four weeks in addition to a period of annual leave which the man worker is entitled to, if the man worker produces a medical certificate issued by a medical practitioner or midwife indicating the expected date of the confinement of the spouse of the man.”

The clause further provides that the man worker is entitled to be paid his full benefits and remuneration which the man worker is entitled to. The clause allows the paternity leave to be extended for a period of at least two weeks where the spouse of the man has a caesarean section, or stillbirth or where two or more babies are born in the course of the same confinement.

Also, a male worker who adopts a child of not more than three months is entitled to paternity leave.

Also, Clause 2 of the Bill which seeks to amend section 57 of the Labour Act, 2003 (Act 651) substitutes “twelve” with “seventeen and at most twenty-six weeks” and by the insertion after subsection (1) of a provision which allows a woman worker who adopts a child of not more than three months to be entitled to maternity leave.

The clause further provides for the extension of maternity leave for an additional period of two weeks where the confinement is abnormal, where the woman worker has a cesarean section or still birth, or where in the course of the confinement two or more babies are born.

Additionally, Clause 3 of the Bill seeks to insert a new clause after section 57 to provide for flexible working conditions.

It provides that a female worker who is pregnant or lactating may apply to the employer for flexible working conditions; an application for flexible working conditions shall be in writing and indicate the reasons for the application.

Also, the employer is required to give a written response to the applicant within fourteen days stating whether the employer grants or refuses the application.

Following the completion of the draft Bill, the Bill will proceed to be gazetted, and read for the first time on the floor of the House, before being referred to the relevant committee for consideration.

It will be recalled that Madina MP, Sosu, initiated the Bill in October 2023, and conducted a stakeholders’ engagement to consider the objects of the Bill on Monday, March 4 2024 at Parliament House.

According to Mr Sosu, “the Bill forms part of efforts to achieve gender parity, and realise a free, fair, inclusive, progressive, and just society for all.”

The Madina MP who doubles as deputy Ranking member of the Constitutional, Legal and Parliamentary Affairs Committee of Parliament has so far initiated 17 Private Member’s Bills.

These include the death penalty bills, anti-witchcraft accusations bill, community sentencing bill, and bill to remove taxes on sanitary pads, among others; with three having been passed by Parliament, and one receiving Presidential assent.

 

Source: Myjoyonline.com