All posts by Piesie Okrah

News

PAC refers National Blood Service to AG over procurement breaches

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The Public Accounts Committee (PAC) has referred the management of the National Blood Service to the Attorney General for prosecution in light of procurement infractions highlighted in the 2022 Auditor General’s report.

The report outlines that the National Blood Service engaged in the procurement of goods and services totalling over GH¢130,000 without following proper procurement procedures, including the solicitation of alternative quotations.

James Klutse Avedzi, the Chairman of the Committee, made this announcement during the PAC sitting in Accra on Tuesday.

Avedzi emphasized the serious nature of the infractions, particularly the uncompetitive procurement practices observed at the blood service

Addressing the committee, Avedzi stated, “The next infraction is uncompetitive procurement. So there is a challenge at that office where we are doing restrictive tendering without seeking approval. If you want to do procurement, instead of looking for a minimum of three invoices or quotations that one too, you fail to do and this one we don’t have any option than to refer you to the Attorney General for prosecution.”

He further explained the committee’s stance, asserting that they are fulfilling their role in holding accountable those who breach procurement laws.

Avedzi emphasized that the referral to the Attorney General signifies a recognition of the seriousness of the breach and aims to ensure legal consequences for the National Blood Service.

“So we are doing our part, you have breached the procurement law so when you are prosecuted the judges will take a decision on that,” Avedzi affirmed, underscoring the commitment of the committee to upholding accountability and transparency in public procurement processes.

 

Source: Citinewsroom.com

Busines, Topstory

Ghana’s economy not yet there – IMF

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The International Monetary Fund’s (IMF) resident representative in Ghana, Dr. Leandro Medina, has lauded the nation’s concerted efforts to achieve economic stability, affirming that although Ghana has not reached its destination, it is undeniably on the right path.

During an interview on the Citi Breakfast Show Dr. Medina said that Ghanaian authorities are actively working to revitalize the economy. The indicators, he stated, clearly demonstrate the commitment and actions taken by the government.

“Despite a very difficult external environment, macro has been quite resilient, when you look at growth, we had to upgrade our projections because growth in 2023 has been more resilient, Inflation has been on a decreasing path, reserves have been increasing, and exchange volatility has also decreased.”

“It is extremely important to know where we are and where we intend to be. By no means are we there, [but] when we see early signs of stability emerging, this means that for example, inflation is down from 54 to 23, 23 is still high for inflation and way above the BoG target but we are getting there, we are on the right track.

“The critical reforms have been made, critical actions by authorities have been taken and we are on the right path. Are we there? not yet, there are key objectives of this programme, that is to restore macroeconomic stability, secure sustainability, and lay the foundations for more durable and higher and more inclusive growth, we are not there yet but we are on the right path.”

Key among the positive indicators highlighted by Dr. Medina are the downward trend in inflation, and a significant upsurge in the reserves of the Bank of Ghana, signifying a commendable effort to fortify the nation’s financial standing.

Expanding on the economic measures taken, Dr. Medina noted that despite persistently high inflation, there is a discernible positive trend.

In December 2023, inflation decreased to 23.2 percent from a record high of 54 percent in December 2022, indicating a significant improvement in the economic landscape.

Dr Medina added that the collaboration between Ghanaian authorities and international financial institutions in navigating economic challenges and implementing prudent fiscal policies is yielding positive results.

He added that the positive assessment provides a glimpse of optimism for Ghana’s economic future, reinforcing the notion that ongoing efforts are steering the country towards a trajectory of sustained growth and stability.

 

Source: Citinewsroom.com

Africa, News

GUTA fears supply chain disruption as Mali, Burkina Faso and Niger leave ECOWAS

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The Ghana Union of Traders Association (GUTA) is expressing concerns that their supply chain within West Africa may be disrupted soon.

This is due to the latest announcement by three military leaders in Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger to officially leave the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).

The three departing countries, currently facing sanctions for overthrowing democratically elected governments, state that their decision to withdraw from ECOWAS is based on inhumane sanctions.

Although there are growing fears of dire economic and food security implications for Ghana, the country’s Ambassador to Burkina Faso, Boniface Gambilla, says it is too early to make such predictions.

However, the Ghana Union of Traders says their members could be adversely impacted as their main source of supply of onions, tomatoes, and other staples comes from Burkina Faso.

According to the President of the Association, Dr. Joseph Obeng, the departure of these countries could create more hurdles in doing business.

“It will surely have an impact, and we do not know how it’s going to affect the free flow of traffic and humans. The earlier we try to find a solution to this better,” he said.

 

Source: Myjoyonline.com

News

University Administrators on strike over poor conditions of service

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The Ghana Association of University Administrators (GAUA) commenced a nationwide strike on Monday, January 29, in protest against the alleged disregard for their conditions of service by the Ghana Tertiary Education Commission and the Fair Wages and Salaries Commission.

Despite an invitation from the National Labour Commission (NLC) for a meeting scheduled for Wednesday, the General Secretary of the association, Richard Afriyie, stated in a media interview that the strike would proceed.

He insisted that they would not return to work until their grievances are adequately addressed.

“We have directed our people to lay down their tools until further notice. So until then, we are beginning it. There hasn’t been any disregard for any directive. We have been asked to appear before NLC to discuss the matter on Wednesday.”

“We have not yet gone to appear before them to know what is in store for us. And we cannot just call off by any opinion or based on any emotion or whatever. It is a collective decision we have taken, and we need to comply with that,” he said.

In a related development, the Senior Staff Association of Public Universities is standing firm on the continuation of their strike, disregarding the National Labour Commission’s directive to suspend it.

The Association’s leadership maintains that they must first convene and engage in discussions with their members before deciding to unilaterally end the strike.

Isaac Donkoh, the National Chairman of the Association, emphasised their commitment to prioritising the interests of their members and asserted that they would not be rushed into making any unfavourable decisions.

“We are still on strike at the moment. So we are expecting that engagement, and we hope and pray that the engagement will yield some positive results. Unfortunately, we planned to meet last week Friday, but we couldn’t convene.”

“So we are planning to schedule a meeting within the week before we meet the government. So we are yet to meet and decide.”

 

Source: Myjoyonline.com

Politics, Topstory

22 NPP MPs who won’t return to Parliament in 2025

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Some twenty two (22) MPs from the governing NPP will not return to Parliament in January 2025, following their defeat in the just ended Parliamentary primaries of the party on Saturday.

Notable among them are Minister for Sanitation and Water Resources, Freda Prempeh of Tano North in the Ahafo Region and Adwoa Safo of Dome Kwabenya in Accra.

Meanwhile there are 19 NPP MPs who exited on their own before the primaries.

Below is the list of incumbent MPs who lost:

1. Freda Prempeh – Tano North
2. Sarah Adwoa Safo – Dome Kwabenya
3. Isaac Kwame Asiamah – Atwima Mponua
4. Tina Mensah – Weija Gbawe
5. Shiela Bartels – Ablekuma North
6. Eugene Boakye Antwi – Subin
7. Dr. Adomako Kissi – Anyaa Sowutuom:
8. Moses Anim – Trobu
9. Collins Augustine Ntim – Offinso North
10. Kwasi Owusu Afrifa-Mensah – Amasaman
11. Bright Wireko-Brobby – Hemang Lower Denkyira
12. Joseph Cudjoe – Effia
13. Ama Pomaa Boateng – Juaben
14. John Benam – Zabzugu
15. Hanson Nortey – Tema Central
16. Elvis Donkor – Abura Asebu Kwamankese
17. Erickson Abeka – Shama
18. Akwasi Darko Boateng – Bosome Freho
19. Kwadwo Asante – Suhum
20. Mahama Seini – Daboya
21. Hajia Lariba Zuwera
22. AKWASI Gyamfi – Odotobiri

 

Source: Myxyzonline.com

News, Politics, Topstory

I hoped to beat Adwoa Safo but not with a landslide victory – Oquaye Jnr

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Mike Oquaye Jnr, who won the New Patriotic Party’s (NPP) parliamentary primary in Dome Kwabenya Constituency, says he was hoping to win but did not expect a landslide victory.

Mr Oquaye polled 1,194 votes of the 1,715 valid votes cast. Sarah Adwoa Safo, the incumbent Member of Parliament, and Sheela Sakyi Adomaa polled 328 votes and 186 votes, respectively.

Mr Oquaye, also the Chief Executive Officer of the Free Zones Authority, said he would rally his contenders, as the party heads into the 2024 general elections.

“This kind of vote comes with a huge responsibility, so we are prepared to take on the responsibility and do what we have to do for the delegates and the constituents at large,” he told reporters after the declaration.

He said Madam Adwoa Safo needed an “ultra-performance” to sustain her ambition of returning to parliament for another four-year term, having done 12 years in Parliament already.

“We give thanks for her service, and we are now moving forward with a new candidate for Dome Kwabenya. The delegates have spoken; we have to sit, reconcile, and move on to the general elections together,” he said.

 

Source: GNA

Busines, News

Ghana remains in debt distress despite ongoing restructuring programme – IMF

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Ghana remains in debt distress with its current position assessed as unsustainable, the International Monetary Fund (IMF) has revealed in its Staff Report on Ghana dubbed “2023 Article IV Consultation”.

“Pending completion of the debt restructuring, the attached Debt Sustainability Analysis (DSA) continues to show large and protracted breaches to the standard thresholds”, the IMF mentioned.

Given the ongoing debt restructuring and the large protracted breaches to the DSA thresholds, the Fund said in the Staff Report submitted to the Executive Board that Ghana remains in debt distress as the DSA shows that the debt is unsustainable and unchanged from the one published in May 2023.

A team from the IMF on October 6, 2023, held a meeting with the Government of Ghana on policies underpinning the IMF arrangement under the Extended Credit Facility (ECF) programme.

Background

In 2023, the government began a programme to restructure Ghana’s debt as part of measures to bring it to sustainable levels. This was a criteria to secure the IMF programme.

The authorities’ comprehensive debt restructuring strategy was aimed to restore a “moderate” risk of debt distress under the IMF-WB Debt Sustainability Framework for low-income countries (LIC-DSF).

The restructuring also targeterd external debt service relief during the programme from the period (2023-2026) to help close the external financing gap and the domestic debt restructuring was designed to reduce domestic financing pressures significantly.

Ghana’s Debt Sustainability Analysis

The IMF added that the macroeconomic framework underpins the Debt Sustaining Analysis and the staff baseline scenario is based on the macroeconomic trajectory envisaged under the Fund-supported programme aimed to restore macroeconomic stability and debt sustainability in the medium term.

Ghana’s fiscal and external positions deteriorated significantly in the wake of the Covid-19 pandemic, the tightening in global financial conditions and the war in Ukraine.

These external shocks, combined with pre-existing fiscal and debt vulnerabilities, the Fund said pushed public and external debt up. To this end, Ghana lost international market access in late 2021, and the macroeconomic situation became more challenging in 2022, with large losses in

According to the Fund, the large fiscal deficits and the economic slowdown in the wake of the pandemic led to an increase in public debt from 63.0% of Gross Domestic Product (GDP) in 2019 to 93.3% of GDP at the end of 2022.

Domestic debt also reached 50% of GDP in 2022, of which 16.0% of GDP was held by the Bank of Ghana, while public external debt stood at 43.3% of GDP.

Managing debt and corrective measures

The IMF noted that  the authorities have been implementing a comprehensive debt restructuring, which aims at achieving debt sustainability and a moderate risk of debt distress under the LIC-DSF framework by bringing debt stock and flow ratios down to their respective thresholds.

This includes “reduction in the PV of total debt-to-GDP and external debt service-to-revenue ratios to 55% and 18%, respectively, by 2028”.

The report was also of the view that the Ministry of Finance should increase its surveillance of debt issuance by State Owned Enterprises and other public entities “Monitor and prevent over collateralization of debt issuance”.

 

Source: Joy Business

Crime

2 Jailed for stealing electrical cables

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Two men who broke into an empty house at Sokode-Etoe, near Ho in the Volta Region, and made away with the fitted electrical cables and sockets in the building, valued at GH¢31,340, have been jailed three years each by a Ho District Magistrate Court.

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.

 

Source: Graphic

News, Politics

Don’t expect new roads from IMF cash – Adjei Mensah to Ghanaians

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Former Deputy Minister for Roads and highways, Mr. Isaac Adjei Mensah has urged Ghanaians not to expect new roads this year under the Akufo-Addo administration.

This, he said, is because the government’s priority is to leverage the International Monetary Fund (IMF) bailout to fairly stabilise the country’s economy that has been crippled for at least 2 years.

His comment follows a recently approved US$600 million as the second tranche of Ghana’s bailout package from the International Monetary Fund (IMF).

Although Finance Minister Ken Ofori-Atta has said US$600 million would be used for some programmes in the 2024 Budget,  The Ranking Member on Roads and highways Committee of Parliament argues that the budgetary allocation for roads is nothing good to write home about.

“The roads sector is very bad yet this government lacks maintenance culture and it is unable to fix the roads the erstwhile NDC government left behind,” the MP for Wassa East said on Dwaboase programme on TV XYZ.

The Legislator went on to say the government has failed to maintain existing roads which has led to most highways deteriorating across the country.

“This government has received much revenue than any government in the history of this country but if you as President Akufo-Addo to tell you what his administration has done with the huge funds and loans, he would not be able to tell you,” he added.

To him, the government is not willing to rehabilitate roads anytime soon, adding that “the IMF funds will be pumped into the economy but not roads.”

“If the government does not misuse the IMF cash, the economy can be stabilised but talking of roads, all major flagship projects have been suspended,” he stated.

 

Source: Myxyzonline.com

 

News, Topstory

I’ll tackle unemployment if elected in 2024 – Mahama

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Former President John Dramani Mahama has said the next National Democratic Congress (NDC) government will roll out a comprehensive National Apprenticeship Program that will focus on providing jobs to young people and enhancing their skills.

He explained that the initiative will be implemented by the local Assemblies, where artisans will be supported to engage and employ young people.

The NDC flagbearer, who is on the “Building Ghana We Want Tour” in the Ashanti Region, addressed inhabitants of New Edubiase, outlining measures to tackle youth unemployment if elected in 2024.

“For individuals outside the school system, our emphasis is on skill enhancement, enabling them to explore opportunities in hairdressing, seamstressing, and other artisanal crafts. The next NDC government aims to establish a National Apprenticeship Program, with District Assemblies leading the implementation. They will oversee the registration of artisanal business owners and attach the young people with them. Local Assemblies will allocate funding to mentors who will guide these young individuals,” Mr. Mahama promised.

In his interaction with cocoa farmers in New Edubiase, Mr. Mahama said the next NDC will introduce initiatives to help the growth of the cocoa sector.

“The next NDC government will continue previous initiatives to improve the cocoa sector. Additionally, we will provide factories in cocoa-growing areas to ensure we add value to the cocoa beans instead of exporting them in their raw form. This will go a long way to help cocoa farmers, and the factories will also help provide jobs to the youth in these areas,” he stated.

 

Source: Citinews

News

Saikope-Mepe metal bridge collapses

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Mepe, a town already grappling with the aftermath of flooding caused by the Akosombo and Kpong dams spillage, has been struck by yet another unfortunate event.

A steel bridge located at Saikope in the Mepe area, crucial for connecting the North Tongu town of Juapong, to the Central Tongu capital town, Adidome, has collapsed.

According to reports, the collapse occurred when a fully loaded trailer carrying salt attempted to cross the bridge.

Fortunately, there have been no reported fatalities resulting from the incident.

In response, the District Chief Executive, Osborn Devine Fenu, has issued a public advisory via his personal Facebook Page.

He has urged motorists to take an alternate route through another Mepe town, Dadome, to access Adidome and Juapong safely.

Even though investigations are yet to commence into the actual cause of the collapse, the DCE has said the load of the truck may be the cause.

“The report have it that a fully loaded trailer carrying salt, likely surpassing the recommended maximum load of 25 tonnes, traversed the bridge, resulting in its collapse. Fortunately, the driver and the mate are reported to be safe,” he posted on Facebook.

While the DCE’s claim is a possibility, the point needs to be made that long before the collapse of the bridge, authorities had stationed a warning sign, signaling road users of a “weak bridge ahead”.

 

Source: Adomonline.com

News, Politics

Mahama is prepared; he can appoint cabinet immediately after he’s sworn in – Magoo

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Former Municipal Chief Executive for Suhum under the erstwhile NDC government, Margaret Ansei has assured Ghanaians that the election of John Mahama in the December polls will put Ghana back on track.

Speaking on Inside Politics programme on TV XYZ, madam Ansei, who is also known as Magoo, revealed that the NDC flag bearer has  already formed his cabinet while in opposition which is researching about the solutions to the challenges of the country.

“President John Mahama knows what he is about; he has been a president of this country before and he knows the challenges this government has brought upon us. He will surely fix the mess because he knows the team he will rely on to save Ghana,” Magoo told host Mugabe.

“Mr Mahama has his team on stand by. He has tasked them already and they are working to fix the country’s challenges so what Ghanaians need to do is to give him the mandate. Ghanaians should know that John Mahama is well prepared and ready to work for the people,” she assured.

The 2020 deputy NDC campaign spokesperson chastised the NPP government for disappointing Ghanaians, saying President Akufo-Addo has not been able to fulfil his numerous promises yet has mismanaged the economy to a point that the citizens are suffering and have to grapple with inflation and heightening cost of living.

“John Mahama isn’t like the failed Akufo-Addo. Mahama was on his way to build the country well and that is why his projets can be felt everywhere in the country. The NDC’s projects are everywhere and can be seen so when we vote John Mahama back to power, he will only have to continue from where he left. he is the saviour Ghana needs now,” Magoo added.

John Mahama addressing a crowd in Kumasi Central Market

Magoo’s comment was in relation with the tour of Mr Mahama in the Ashanti Region, listening to the concerns of Ghanaians ahead of the unveiling of the NDC’s manifesto.

In one of Mr Mahama’s interaction with cocoa farmers in New Edubiase, he said the next NDC government will introduce initiatives to help the growth of the cocoa sector.

“The next NDC government will continue previous initiatives to improve the cocoa sector. Additionally, we will provide factories in cocoa-growing areas to ensure we add value to the cocoa beans instead of exporting them in their raw form. This will go a long way to help cocoa farmers, and the factories will also help provide jobs to the youth in these areas,” he stated.

 

Source: Myxyzonline.com