Category Archives: News

News

PURC cuts power tariff by 1.52%, marginally hikes water tariff

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he Public Utilities Regulatory Commission (PURC) has announced a marginal 0.34% increase in water tariffs and a 1.52% decrease in electricity tariffs effective December 1, 2023.

Residential water tariffs rose from GHS/m³ 4.72 to 4.74, while non-residential rates increased from GHS/m³ 14.13 to 14.19.

Sachet water producers will experience a hike from GHS/m³ 22.26 to 22.34, and industrial consumers will see their tariff move from GHS/m³ 25.29 to 25.38.

Meanwhile, residential lifeline customers will witness a reduction in electricity tariffs from GHS/m³ 0.64 to GHS/m³ 0.63.

The PURC considered factors such as electricity costs, raw water treatment expenses, exchange rates, and inflation in its decision.

 

Source :classfmonline

News

There was no bad report on Lithovit so I renewed certificate – Former CRIG boss tells court

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The former Executive Director of the Cocoa Research Institute of Ghana (CRIG), Dr Anim Kwapong, has affirmed the efficacy of lithovit liquid fertiliser and clarified the renewal process during his testimony in the ongoing GHS217-million trial against former COCOBOD CEO Stephen Opuni, businessman Seidu Agongo and the latter’s company Agricult Ghana Limited.

He emphasised in his evidence-in-chief that CRIG thoroughly examines products before renewing certificates, and in the case of lithovit, found no adverse findings.

“There was no adverse mention or anything or report in the CODAPEC Evaluation Report, so, I went ahead and signed [the renewal certificate],” Dr. Anim Kwapong told the court presided over by Justice Aboagye Tandoh on Tuesday, 21 November 2023.

Dr. Kwapong also detailed the certification renewal process, explaining that the Committee for Testing Chemicals and Machines evaluates field studies, farmer feedback, and product samples.

“The Committee for Testing Chemicals and Machines (CTCM) will make sure that the requisite payment would have been made. They provided to me a field report, this field report contains information on field studies they have carried out on all agrochemicals and machines used in the previous years. During the period, when certificate had been issued and chemicals had actively been used in the field”.

“So, the committee collects information about the efficacy of the product, farmers’ reactions and comments about the product they have used. They also pick samples of the product on the market and from other sources for testing at CRIG. They also check that the labels on the product conform to the information that was originally provided to the scientist”, he continued.

“They write an annual report, titled CODAPEC Evaluation Report. With that report, I’m able to know chemicals that have passed the test in the field. And when they are submitting the renewal certificate to me, they attach the expired certificate. So, with this information available to me, I’m able to sign the certificate. I do that for all the certificates that I signed. So, in signing the first certificate, the first certificate here was attached to the one that I signed in 2016 and they had paid for the renewal, and there was no adverse mention or anything or report in the CODAPEC Evaluation report, so, I went ahead and signed.”

The former CRIG head refuted claims of misinformation and stated that lithovit has always been known as a liquid substance.

Led by Mr Sam Cudjoe, lead counsel for Dr Opuni, the witness disowned portions of the comments captured in the report attributed to him.

Mr Cudjoe asked him: “You were speaking the truth when you informed the committee that ‘the first sample of Lithovit Liquid Fertiliser that I saw personally was liquid and I didn’t have any idea that, in the past, it was powder. It was recently that I got to know that it was powder’. Is that not so?”

In his answer, Dr Kwapong, said: “I’ve not seen this proceeding from the committee. Indeed, I said the first sample of Lithovit Liquid Fertiliser that I saw personally was liquid, but this statement here that continues to say, ‘I don’t believe it was powder’, I don’t believe I said, because the first time I saw the sample, it was bottle and it was liquid. This sentence attributed to me can’t be right”.

Asked: “So, until today, have you seen a copy of the committee’s report?”, Dr Kwapong said: “No, my Lord.”

“Are you saying you were not given a copy?” Mr Cudjoe pushed further, to which Dr Kwapong responded: “My Lord, I was not given a copy”.

The three accused persons are facing 27 charges, including defrauding by false pretence, willfully causing financial loss to the state, corruption by public officers and contravention of the Public Procurement Act in the purchase of Lithovit liquid fertiliser between 2014 and 2016.

They have pleaded not guilty to the charges and are on a GH¢300,000.00 self-recognizance bail each.

 

Source : classfmonline

News, Politics

Mahama to choose running mate next year

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Former President, John Dramani Mahama says the National Democratic Congress (NDC) will choose his running mate for the next election in 2024.

This was in response to calls from some traditional authorities in Asunafo South for the flagbearer to consider their MP, Eric Opoku for the position.

He reassured the public that the process would begin next year and urged calm while awaiting the decision from the Presidential candidate, National executives, and Council of Elders.

“What I will say is that, just like custom has it, our party also has processes to select candidates for various roles”, Mr Mahama told traditional leaders and their people when he toured the Ahafo region recently.

“It is the presidential candidate, national executives, and council of elders who come together to select a running mate,” he informed them, adding: “But that process will start next year, so, keep praying for such a time.”

News, Politics

Mahama your elder brother not your enemy – Ya Naa advises Bawumia

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The Overlord of the Dagbon Traditional Area, Ya Naa Abubakari Mahama has called on the flagbearer of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) and Vice- President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia to conduct a respectful and clean campaign leading up to the 2024 general elections.

The appeal was made during a courtesy call by Dr. Bawumia.

In his address, Ya Naa Abubakari Mahama II highlighted the importance of maintaining unity and harmony in the country, irrespective of political affiliations.

He emphasised that former President John Dramani Mahama, who is Dr. Bawumia’s competitor, is also a son of Dagbon with shared aspirations for the country’s development.

“It’s a crucial opportunity for us to showcase our maturity, competence, honesty, and commitment to Ghana’s progress,” the Overlord of the Dagbon Traditional Area noted.

He acknowledged both candidates as sons of Dagbon, who are fully committed to the upcoming election.

During the meeting, the Dagbon Overlord urged Dr. Bawumia and Mr. Mahama to view each other as brothers rather than adversaries.

He emphasised that the political competition should not overshadow the shared identity and goals of Northerners.

“He is not your enemy or rival, but your brother, your elder brother,” remarked Ya Naa Abubakari Mahama II. “As Northerners, we have already won the elections. Whoever wins this trophy is coming home,” the Ya Naa stressed.

News, Politics

Clean up of JM’s office to take place tomorrow

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The Greater Accra Youth wing of the main opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC) has said all is set for its planned clean up exercise at the Cantonments office of the party’s flagbearer.

According to the NDC youth wing, the exercise forms part of the party’s “civic duty” to help the failed Akufo-Addo/Bawumia government’s abandoned promise of making Accra the cleanest city in Africa.

In statement issued on Wednesday, 22 November 2023, the NDC youth wing made reference to President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo’s promise of making Accra the cleanest city in Africa.

Then NDC youth wing indicated that typical of the Akufo-Addo-led government, it failed to “fulfill this promise” even after Ghanaians extended its mandate.

The NDC youth wing noted that: “Accra is in a sordid state so far sanitation is concerned,” and Cantonment, which was noted for its tidy and serene atmosphere, is not an “exception.”

It further noted that that a “prime residential and ambassadorial enclave like Cantonment is now competing with some bushes in rural areas that house rodents.”

“We are of the view that our flagbearer’s office must be free from weeds and filth,” the youth wing of the party stressed, hence its intended clean up exercise.

The exercise will take place on Thursday, 23.

 

Source:classfmonline

News, Politics

Fixing The Country Movement suspends ‘Airbus Demo’

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A group called Fixing the Country Movement has announced the suspension of its planned demonstration and picketing of the Cantonments office of Former President John Dramani Mahama.

The group is sympathic to the governing New Patriotic Party (NPP).

A statement signed by its Convener, Ernest Kofi Owusu-Bempah, said the demonstration, originally scheduled for Thursday, November 23, 2024, has been called off in response to a formal order from the Ministry of National Security.

The decision to cancel the demonstration comes in light of perceived security considerations communicated by National Security to the leadership of the Fixing the Country Movement.

The organisation has heeded the request and, as a result, has suspended the demonstration indefinitely.

“The Fixing the Country Movement acknowledges the inconvenience caused to its supporters across the country due to the last-minute cancellation and expresses its apologies.

“Despite the suspension of the demonstration, the movement reassures its supporters that the campaign to ensure a swift investigation by the Special Prosecutor into the controversial Air Bus bribery saga will continue without interruption.

“The movement pledges to employ all legal and constitutional means to ensure that the investigation is pursued to its logical conclusion,” the statement read.

 

Source : classfmonline

News, Politics

They sold my official residence to private developer – Bagbin reveals

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 Speaker of Ghana’s Parliament Alban Sumana Kingsford Bagbin

Speaker Alban Bagbin has said his official residence was sold off to a private developer.

His presence in it, however, daved it from being possessed by the purchaser, he revealed at the Speaker’s Breakfast Forum on Monday, 20 November 2023.

According to him, the anomaly was first detected by the Lands Commission.

“Many of you don’t know that even the residence of the Speaker was almost sold to the private sector”, Mr Bagbin said athe forum.

“Actually, it was given out”, he clarified.

“It was when they went to register that the Lands Commission identified that that was the residence of the Speaker. Luckily, I was inside, so, it was saved,” he stated.

Busines, News, Politics

24-hour businesses’ll get tax breaks, low power tariffs – Mahama says all-day economy won’t be forced on Ghanaians

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Former President John Mahama has said: “My 24-hour economy concept goes beyond just a night economy to boost tourism.

“I envision an economy where all business sectors will operate a three-shift system 24 hours a day, seven days a week, in an atmosphere of safety and security.”

“This 24-hour economy will be voluntary, not imposed,” he assured, explaining: “Businesses will be incentivised to participate by enjoying tax breaks and lower electricity tariffs for operating during off-peak hours”.

“Special meters employ what is known as ‘Time of Use’ (TOU) tariffs to provide cheaper power to such businesses,” Mr Mahama said, addressing the 50th Sunyani Catholic Diocese Celebration.

He said: “Our youth are growing increasingly frustrated with the lack of jobs and are losing faith in the future of our country,” indicating how game-chnahing a 24-hour economy would be for job creation.

“Ghanaian youth are voicing their disillusionment by risking their lives in dangerous migrations across the Sahara and the Mediterranean to enter Europe. We can reverse this trend by strengthening our economy and creating more jobs for our young people. This is an urgent call to action.”

Busines, News, Politics

Mahama Ayariga drags Ken Ofori-Atta to court over GFSF

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The Member of Parliament (MP) for Bawku Central, Mahama Ayariga, has initiated legal action against the Finance Minister, Ken Ofori-Atta, challenging the legality of the Ghana Financial Stability Fund (GFSF).

In the suit, Mr Ayariga contends that the establishment of the GFSF was executed without parliamentary approval, a violation of the Constitution of Ghana.

Mr Ayariga is seeking a court order directing the Ministry of Finance to establish the Ghana Financial Stability Fund through an express Act of Parliament.

He asserts that such an Act should outline clear legal stipulations regarding the fund’s administration, mechanisms for disbursing funds, and procedures for fund recovery, aligning with constitutional provisions.

The MP is also requesting the court to enjoin the Ministry of Finance from implementing or utilising the current “Operational Framework of the Ghana Financial Stability Fund (GFSF)” for the administration, disbursement, withdrawal, or recovery of funds, deeming it illegal and unconstitutional.

According to the court documents, Mr Ayariga is seeking relief packages including an order for the establishment of the GFSF through an express Act of Parliament, in accordance with constitutional articles.

Additionally, he is seeking to prevent the implementation of the current operational framework, which he argues lacks legal standing.

Mr Ayariga had previously criticised the Minister of Finance for establishing the GFSF without parliamentary approval.

Meanwhile, the Bawku Central MP has called on the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund (IMF) to withdraw their support for the fund.

In a letter addressed to the World Bank and the IMF, Mr Ayariga implored them not to support what he deems an unconstitutional and illegal attempt to establish the GFSF.

He warned that such support would constitute a clear violation of the Constitution of Ghana, urging the international institutions to refrain from involvement in the disputed arrangement.

News, Politics

NPP sacks Boniface, Adorye, Ohene Ntow, Buaben Asamoa for supporting Alan Kyerematen

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Hopeson Adorye, Nana Ohene Ntow, Boniface Abubakar Saddique and Yaw Buaben Asamoa, all pro-Alan Kyerematen members of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) are no longer to be considered as part of the governing party, a statement signed by General Secretary Justine Kodua Frimpong has said.

The four, according to a statement issued on Monday, 20 November 2023, have breached the party’s constitution by displaying public support for, and endorsing a presidential aspirant other than that of the NPP, Dr Mahamudu Bawumia.

All four are known supporters of independent presidential aspirant Alan Kyerematen, who resigned from the NPP to go so in the 2024 polls.

Read the party’s full statement below:

FORFEITURE OF MEMBERSHIP PURSUANT TO THE PROVISION OF ARTICLE 3(9)(1) OF THE NEW PATRIOTIC PARTY CONSTITUTION

The leadership of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) has taken notice of recent activities of Hopeson Adorye, Yaw Buaben Asamoa, Nana Ohene Ntow and Boniface Abubakar Saddique which includes publicly endorsing the candidature of a person other than the duly elected Presidential Candidate of the Party; His Excellency Dr. Alhaji Mahamudu Bawumia.

In spite of their flagrant breach of the Party’s Constitution particularly Articles 3(5)(A)(4) and 3(9)(1), the afore- named men still hold themselves out as members of the NPP.

For the avoidance of doubt, Article 3(5)(A)(4) of the NPP Constitution enjoins all members of the Party to ”abide by and publicly uphold the decisions of the Party”.

Also, Article 3(9)(1) of the Constitution provides as follows:

“A Member of the Party, who stands as an independent candidate against the officially elected member of the Party, or who joins or declares his or her support for another Political Party, or for an independent candidate, when the Party has sponsored a candidate in a general or by-election, automatically forfeits his or her membership of the Party”.

In line with these constitutional provisions, it is the view of the NPP that Hopeson Adorye, Nana Ohene Ntow, Boniface Abubakar Saddique and Yaw Buaben Asamoa have AUTOMATICALLY FORFEITED their membership of the Party. They are, therefore, no longer members of the Party.

The NPP entreats its members to remain true to their duties as per Article 3(5) of the party Constitution. We further call upon our members to bear in mind that the Party’s focus is to unite its ranks and rally the support of Ghanaians to make history by winning the 2024 general elections.

…SIGNED…

JUSTIN KODUA FRIMPONG

GENERAL SECRETARY