Category Archives: News

News, Topstory

Why Akufo-Addo didn’t assent to Armed Forces bill

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President Nana Akufo-Addo has said his decision not to assent to the Criminal Offences Amendment Bill 2023, the Criminal Offences Amendment Bill Number 2, 2023, and the Ghana Armed Forces Amendment Bill 2023 is due to financial implications.

In a letter to Parliament, the president explained that after consultations with the Attorney General, he was advised that the bill when passed will have potential financial impact on the state’s consolidated fund.

He also indicated that the bill seeking to replace the death penalty with a life sentence will be a violation of Article 108 of the constitution.

President Akufo-Addo, in his letter, said the private member’s bill would have to be reintroduced to Parliament in due course on his behalf.

“Upon a thorough review of the relevant constitutional legislative frameworks specifically Article 108 of the constitution and section 100 of the Public Financial Management Act 2016, Act 921, it is evident that the bill is introduced as private member’s bills by the honourable member of Parliament for Madina Constituency, Francis-Xavier Sosu do not conform with the provisions of the constitution,” parts of the letter said.

Akufo-Addo continued that “These bills which avoid the death penalty and criminalise the activities of witch doctors retain substantial financial obligations on the consolidated fund and other public funds of Ghana due to the projected cost related to imprisonment, sustenance and healthcare for those who will be convicted under the days when they become law.”

“Therefore, in light of this significant fiscal impact, these bills should not have been introduced with the fiscal impact analysis. Access to such an analysis precludes these bills from being properly classified as private member’s bills. The legislative power entrusted to parliament comes with responsibilities to ensure that all enacted laws comply with the constitutional provisions safeguarding the nation’s fiscal integrity and avoiding the principles of governance,”he added.

“Mr Speaker, it is for the above reasons that I in preserving the sanctity of the legislative process refuse to assent with yours. I take this opportunity to reiterate my support for the contents of the bills and my intention for them to be reintroduced in parliament on my behalf in due course. Yours sincerely, Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo,” he stated.”

 

Source: Myxyzonline.com

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

News

Be wary of expired, poisonous products in Christmas season – FDA

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The Food and Drugs Authority (FDA) in the Central Region has urged the public to be wary of buying and consuming poisonous products during the Christmas festive season in the name of promotions and cheap prices.

It warned that many products which were near expiry were often dumped onto the market at incredibly low prices for the unsuspecting public during the season.

Madam Francisca Obeng, the Principal Regulatory Officer, FDA, in an interview with the Ghana News Agency, therefore, entreated the public to buy products only approved by the Authority.
She urged them to take responsibility for their health and personal safety by checking the expiry and manufacturing dates and avoiding bloated and dented products.

“It is also very important to pay attention to the storage conditions of the products; ensure that the food you are buying is not directly under the sun or on the floor or in any other unwholesome condition,” she said.

Madam Obeng said consumers of ready-to-eat foods should look out for the Food Hygiene Permits and Street Food Vending Permits of the sellers to ensure they were buying from safe sources.

“If you have to buy food from the street, be sure that the vendor is medically certified, keeps good hygiene principles and has a hand washing station with a neat environment,” she said.
Meanwhile, she said the FDA was still working relentlessly to ensure public health safety through market surveillance, public education, and routine inspections.

Touting some achievements of the Authority in the region this year, Madam Obeng said her office disposed of about eight tonnes of expired, unwholesome, and unregistered products at the Nkanfoa Landfill site in Cape Coast.

She said the Authority was able to meet its target by registering more products through the Progressive Licensing Scheme for small-scale and cottage-sized businesses.

“We also increased visibility in the market by ensuring an increase in market surveillance and more encounters with the public to educate them on food and drug safety,” she added.

Going forward, she assured that they would continue to encourage local cottage and small-scale industries to register their products with the FDA.
“The FDA will intensify the provision of industrial and technical support to industries while ensuring the continuous flow of information regarding our regulatory products,” Madam Obeng added.

News, Politics

Decline in Governance reducing public interest in local level elections – Juaboso NCCE Director

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The Juaboso District Director of the National Commission for Civil Education, Mr Stephen Tikoli has blamed the widespread apathy towards the upcoming District Level Elections on bad governance and lack of commitment towards full implementation of the dictates of the decentralization concept.

According to him, public interest in Assembly elections which has seen a sharp decline since its inception, reflects reality about neglect over the years, depriving Metropolitan, Municipal and District Assemblies the full powers and resources needed to facilitate development in their localities
Juaboso District NCCE Director, who was speaking to TV XYZ/Power FM’s Western North regional correspondent, Anthony Acquah said the lip service to pledges in the past must stop before it’s too late.

He noted with concern that the Assembly and Unit committee members which are not adequately resourced do not get the needed funds to execute work in their various electoral areas.

This he said equally renders them ‘useless’, entities solely depended on the manipulations and releases by government through the Assemblies.

The districts of Ghana were re-organized in 1988/1989 in an attempt to decentralize the government and to assist in development

DISTRICT ASSEMBLY CONCEPT

Per the concept as dictated by the 1992 Constitution, Districts are governed by District Assemblies, which are established by the Minister of Local Government, and serve as the highest political authority in each district. They consist of:
• the District Chief Executive, appointed by the President of the Republic
• one person from each electoral area within the district elected by universal adult suffrage
• the member or members of Parliament from the constituencies that fall within the area of authority of the District Assembly
• other members that shall not exceed thirty per cent of the total membership of the District Assembly appointed by the President in consultation with the traditional authorities and other interest groups in the district

FUNCTIONS OF DISTRICT ASSEMBLIES

As the political and administrative authorities over the districts, the primary function of District Assemblies is to promote local economic development.
The Local Government Act of 2016[6] also tasks District Assemblies to:
• formulate and execute plans, programs and strategies for the effective mobilization of the resources necessary for the overall development of the district
• promote and support productive activity and social development in the district and remove any obstacles to initiative and development
• sponsor the education of students from the district to fill particular manpower needs of the district especially in the social sectors of education and health, making sure that the sponsorship is fairly and equitably balanced between male and female students
• initiate programs for the development of basic infrastructure and provide municipal works and services in the district
• be responsible for the development, improvement and management of human settlements and the environment in the district
• in co-operation with the appropriate national and local security agencies, be responsible for the maintenance of security and public safety in the district
• ensure ready access to courts in the district for the promotion of justice
• act to preserve and promote the cultural heritage within the district
• initiate, sponsor or carry out studies that may be necessary for the discharge of any of their duties

These among others have been virtually taken away from the Assemblies over the period.
Under the current dispensation, the District Assembly Common Fund has been capped further reducing inflows which often comes late.
Another major source of revenue for Assemblies, property rates has also ben targeted by Centrao government.
The Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) is partnering the Metropolitan, Municipal and District Assemblies (MMDAs) in the collection of property rates using a Unified Common Property Rate Platform.
The Unified Common Property Rate Platform also known as Myassembly.gov.gh is a complete end-to-end district revenue collection and administration platform designed to enhance the collection and accounting of property rates. It is also linked to the Ghana.gov.gh payment platform.
Reporter: Anthony Acquah – Western North

News, Politics, Topstory

Next NDC government will scrap BETTING, E-Levy, COVID, other nuisance taxes – Mahama

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2024 Presidential candidate of the National Democratic Congress, John Dramani Mahama has promised to scrap nuisance taxes overburdening Ghanaians if he wins the next general election.
According to the former President, even the free water and electricity government promised households during the COVID pandemic, it has made a U-turn to levy Ghanaians.

For him, it’s simply a reflection of desperate measures adopted to stay afloat after recklessly spending resources with impunity.

“There are no jobs and the little people are earning from betting, you are taking it away from them. Water and electricity government claims we consumed for free, we are being levied to pay back. When we (NDC) come, we will abolish the E-levy, BET tax, COVID and all other nuisance taxes” he emphasized.

Mr. Mahama who is on a tour day tour of the Western Region was addressing a Town Hall meeting with Chiefs and people of Apowa in the Ahanta West Constituency.

This is not the first time the former President has made such pledges.

It will be re called that in the wake of the recent public outcry about the high cost of dialysis treatment, Mr Mahama added his voice to calls for the abolition of import taxes on medication and kits.
Mr Mahama said at an event to mark 2023 United Nations International Day for the Aged. ….. “The explanation I have read from the Korle Bu Teaching Hospital cites the increase in taxes and duties of materials for dialysis treatment as the main reason for their decision to hike the price by a hundred percent. As an immediate measure, I call on the government to exempt medication and kits for dialysis treatment from taxes and duties to maintain this critical lifeline for patients whose survival depends on these treatments”.

News, Politics

$1.4bn Needed to Complete Agenda 111 Projects – Committee

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The Health Committee of Parliament has announced that an estimated amount of $1.4 billion will be necessary to complete all ongoing Agenda 111 projects.

According to the committee, as of November 2023, over $251 million has already been spent on the hospital projects, with 90 out of 102 projects currently at various stages of construction.

Kwabena Mintah Akandoh, the Ranking Member on the Health Committee, expressed his concerns about the government’s commitment to the Agenda 111 projects, labeling it as mere lip service.

He stated, “The committee observed that, as of November 2023, $251.4 million has been spent and that they require about $1.4 billion to complete all the projects.

The commitment of this government to Agenda 111 is just lip service.”
Akandoh went on to highlight the slow progress of the project, emphasizing that the $251 million released to date would not be enough to complete even 20 percent of the entire project.

He questioned the government’s decision to allocate approximately GH¢1billion in this year’s budget, suggesting that the project could have been rolled out in phases, allowing for more efficient allocation of funds.

Furthermore, Akandoh revealed concerning information regarding the condition of the ambulances procured by the government in 2020. Out of the 307 imported ambulances, 79 are currently non-operational and 12 have been involved in accidents.

He warned that if the trend continues, the fleet will be seriously depleted within the next four years.
The Agenda 111 project was initiated by the government with the aim of constructing 101 district and regional hospitals, as well as upgrading the appropriate hospitals to meet international standards.

It is envisioned that these projects will greatly enhance the healthcare infrastructure of the country and improve access to quality healthcare for all citizens.

The Health Committee’s revelation regarding the significant funding gap and the challenges facing the ambulance fleet highlights the importance of addressing these issues urgently.

Efforts should be made to secure the necessary funds and ensure the timely completion of the Agenda 111 projects to fulfill the government’s commitment to improving the healthcare system in Ghana.

 

Source: Daily Guide

News, Politics

Federation of Labour kicks against proposed 3pm closure of polls; describes EC’s move risky

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The Ghana Federation of Labour (GFL) has kicked against the proposal made by the Electoral Commission</a> to close polls at 3pm instead of 5pm.

According to the Labour union, stakes in the 2024 general elections are very high with dire security consequences should the Electoral body, which is tainted with suspicion take any risk that could backfire.

In a press release issued over the weekend, GFL said the proposal has the potential of disenfranchising many new voters on the election day.


GFL also rejected claims by the Electoral Commission that records show 70% of its polling stations were empty by 1pm during the 2020 elections as a result of robust verification devices and this will prevent manipulations and rigging.

“GFL strongly kicks against this dangerous experiment in the upcoming election, many agree is crucial because stakes are high and tied to the peace and security of our beloved country. A presidential winner in Ghana must obtain not less than 50%+ of the total valid votes, means every vote counts,” the release read in parts.

It added that, “But when a system is created for potential confusion on an election day, whereby potential electorates mostly first time voters may have to struggle to find their polling stations, this plan to close at 3pm could potentially disenfranchise thousands.”

The Ghana Federation of Labour made some recommendations the EC can adopt to run a smooth 2024 elections.

Find recommendations below

1. An immediate round table consultations with critical stakeholders including Coalition of Domestic Election Observers (CODEO), Governance think tanks, CSOs to scrutinize EC’s assessment with reference to realities in difficult to reach communities.
2. Subject EC’s recent data capturing measures to scrutiny especially the potential chaos over location of polling stations by those recently captured.
3. Outstanding registration exercise and clarion calls to expand Centers for easy identification of polling stations /voting centers.
4. The application of INDELIBLE INK to check multiple voting must continue until sole reliance on VERIFICATION DEVICES is proven to be effective and the process acceptable to stakeholders.
5. Abandon plan to use the upcoming District elections for another level of piloting because of the potential very low turnout which will NOT reflect realities expected during general elections as in the case of 2024 in which stakes are very high.
6. Critically consider vote patterns in difficult to reach areas where declaration of results always delay – (cases of late start or queues after 5pm and guarantees to address causes to ensure potential votes from such areas are not lost out.
7. Revert to Inter-Party Advisory Committee (IPAC) structures and Conventions with guarantees to build confidence to enhance buy-ins into reforms.

News

Free SHS: Parents spend more than gov’t; 15% of students failed to report – EduWatch

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The latest report by Education think tank, Africa Education Watch (EduWatch), reveals that parents are spending more on their wards in Senior High Schools contrary to the impression created that, the policy has brought great relief to parents.

The Eduwatch report also indicates that, despite the implementation of the free Senior High School ( free SHS) policy, lack of money to buy school items( prospectuses) and other costs have prevented some students from enrolling into various senior high schools.

According to findings on the financing of education titled “The Financial Burden of the Free SHS Policy and Implications for Equitable Access to Education”, 15 per cent of all students placed in Senior High Schools for 2022/2023, failed to honour their admissions due to financial difficulties.
Senior Programmes Officer of the Africa Education Watch, Divine Kpe, who presented the report before stakeholders, also revealed that parents and guardians of students under the free senior high school policy spend more on average than the government does per student.

The report indicated that while on average government spent GHS 1,147and GHS 1,107 on boarding and day students respectively for the 2021/2022 academic year, parents and guardians on the other hand spent on the average GHS 2,477 on prospectuses and GHS 4,000 on personal effects for boarding students.

It explained that parents of continuing day students reported spending an average of GH¢4,400 annually on their children’s education, including transportation, constituting 40 percent, breakfast of 50 percent, and 10 percent on books.
The report also revealed that parents of day students spent GHC5,507 inclusive of prospectus costs, which outweighed the government’s spending of GHS1,107.
To minimise the cost burden of the prospectus, the report recommended that, in the medium to long term, the Ministry of Education must develop and implement a strategy to focus on children from the poorest households using data from the LEAP programme.
The education think tank appealed to the Government, particularly the Ministry of Finance, to ensure prompt disbursement of funds to the Ghana Education Service and the schools to enable schools to meet the expenses of the schools in time.
The revelation revives the need for government to open up for further engagements with stakeholders to review the policy to address pressing implementation gaps, over six years on to formalize roles or input by parents to ease the burden on School administrators.
Government through the Ghana Education Service has been heavy handed in handling school heads for taking initiatives (charging fees) to facilitate day to day running of schools, describing such moves as illegal.
President Akufo-Addo launched at the official launch of the Free SHS policy in September 2017, assured that the programme will “lift the financial burden off our parents, and the heart-rending anxiety that accompanies the beginning of every school term.”
But EduWatch through its engagements and research work says that notwithstanding, financial difficulties of parents and guardians still remain a challenge to universal access to education.

News, Politics, Topstory

Politicizing premix fuel distribution, unproductive; must stop – Mahama

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Flagbearer of the National Democratic Congress, John Dramani Mahama has pledged to break the cycle of politicizing premix fuel distribution.

According to him, the phenomenon is unproductive, divisive and undermines the objective of the initiative.

The former President who was addressing fisherfolk as part of his two day #BuildingGhana tour of the Western region Siafa he will dissolve the current landing beach committees packed with apparatchiks of the governing New Patriotic Party.

“We will open it up for you to elect your own chief fisherman and other executives to form the committee. It will be devoid of partisan colouration to include every fisherman” he emphasized.

Mr Mahama told the durbar of chiefs and people of Jaway Wharf in the Jomoro Constituency noted that the intention of setting up those committees was to ensure they effectively manage the subsidized fuel for profit and plough back funds in basic needs to improve their communities.

“The landing beach committee worked perfectly without any politics under the erstwhile administration. This government is playing politics with the landing beach committee, sharing the premix for party chairmen and even people who know nothing about fishing to put the quota on it before selling it to the fishermen” he lamented .

“We will constitute a new premix committee and end this phenomenon” he reiterated

John Mahama and his entourage including former Chief of Staff Julius Debrah, Dr. Calistus Mahama, former Members of Parliament, Former Ministers and other former appointees have so far visited the Bono, Bono East, Ahafo and Western North regions.

 

Source: myxyzonline/Ghana

News, Topstory

How 2 persons were arrested over fraudulent fundraising in the name of Akosombo dam spillage victims

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Two individuals have been arrested and brought before the High Court in Accra for impersonating the Member of Parliament (MP) North Tongu, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa.

The two, Promise Ahorgah and Kwaotse Mawuli, were apprehended for carrying out a campaign to solicit funds for the victims of the Akosombo Dam spillage victims in the North Tongu area.

The accused, Promise, a phone repairer and a building construction labourer Kwaotse, allegedly created fake social media accounts in the name of the North Tongu MP to deceive unsuspecting Ghanaians into contributing funds for supposed affected victims.

They carried out their fraudulent activities until the attention of the MP was drawn to them.

The matter was reported to the Police and they were arrested in December with the help of the Ministry of National Security and the National Signals Bureau.

The duo face six provisional charges, including defrauding by false pretences, charlatanic advertisement, and falsely pretending to be a public officer.

The accused individuals appeared before the Criminal Division of the Accra High Court presided over by Justice Lydia Osei Marfo.

During the court proceedings on Friday, December 15, 2023, Watkins Adama, a State Attorney, requested the court to remand the accused persons into custody pending further investigations.

The Court granted the request, and the case was adjourned to January 9, 2024, for the plea of the accused to be taken.

Justice Osei Marfo directed the accused persons, who expressed their intention to engage the services of lawyers, to ensure their legal representation at the next hearing.

 

Source: Myxyzonline.com