OB Amponsah remarked that Ghanaians tend to be reserved when it comes to laughing at political jokes, especially if it targets a particular party.
On the contrary, he noted that Ghanaians generally enjoy humor centered around the average Ghanaian life, such as jokes about trotro and relatable experiences like thrift shopping at places like Kantamanto and Kwame Nkrumah Circle.
“Every day struggles, because they can really relate with it,” he stressed.
Speaking with Prince Benjamin (PB) of Class News exclusively, the TV host was seen this past weekend on the set of the 3 Faces of Jeffery Nortey program.
He observed that jokes about alleged luxuries tend to divide rather than excite the audience.
“But when you talk about driving a car, only a section of the audience can relate.
“The everyday struggles of the average Ghanaian [is what they like],” he emphasised.
He gave the example of a recent performance he did in front of President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo.
“Yesterday, I was performing to Nana Addo and I was talking about how I drive a small car, and people mistake it for Uber… and he was laughing. You know, because, he understood the concept,” OB narrated.
For the optometrist cum comic star, this proves, “when you talk about the average stuff, even the elites understand it because they’ve been there before”.
On Constitution Day, January 7, 2024, OB Amponsah showcases his fifth comic special dubbed: ‘Surviving Akuffo’ at Jamestown Coffee Roasters, Osu, Accra.
“The plan is to do an intimate session with my fans,” he said, revealing plans to tape and stream the exclusive content online for a larger audience at a later date.
Regarding the special’s title, OB playfully mentioned that the intentional inclusion of the two ‘f’s might imply that Dampare should take it. Dr. George Akuffo Dampare currently serves as the Inspector General of Police (IGP) in Ghana.
Head of the Movement for Change, Alan Kyerematen, has asserted that a significant majority of Ghanaians are advocating for a shift.
He arrived at this realization after extensively surveying the nation, leading to the establishment of the Movement for Change. Kyerematen made these remarks during an interview on Pan African Television in Accra.
“The Movement for Change was launched on four pillars. There is no doubt that the majority of Ghanaians are clamoring for change. I’m not sure that there needs to be a public debate on that, they are looking for change and if you talk to the ordinary Ghanaians there are four reasons why they are looking for change. First, they want to go beyond the NDC and the NPP. The two dominant parties have controlled power in our country for the past 32 years. Now people are asking the question that if over 32 years we still have not been able to fix our roads, we have very significant problems with our energy sector, there are many household that have not seen or have water running through their pipes for the last five decades.”
“All over the country when it rains the nature of the floods are unbelievable. They are wondering why every part of the country you go to people are complaining about their roads. People are asking questions why we have had to go to the IMF 17 times. So obviously there is something that needs to change and majoity of Ghanaians feel that it is time for us if not for anything at all to see what else some other people can do. That’s number one, going beyond the duopoly,” he said.
He indicated that in Ghana currently between the “NPP and NDC everything is politicized, every single issue is politicized. Whether it is good or bad one has to oppose it. This divisiveness in our politics cannot be sustained and so that needs to be changed. There is also this issue of winner takes all. You get into office and NDC and everything has to go to NDC supporters. NPP comes into power the reverse occured. If you’re in opposition you are just waiting to come to power so your people also enjoy”.
Ceccy Twum, a renowned Ghanaian gospel artist, encourages individuals to maintain their steadfastness in Christ during challenging times and persecution.
She emphasizes that forsaking attendance at church due to delayed answers to prayer requests only exacerbates difficulties.
Ceccy Twum advises the public to persist in trusting the Lord for breakthroughs during delays, recognizing it as a means by which God tests one’s faith.
“It feels like you’ve been going to church, praying to God, sowing seeds and done everything possible but still, the expected results have not been achieved so you’ll stop going to church. If you stay at home, will you get the expected results? When you go to church and you’re encouraged to keep praying that is better,” she said while speaking in an interview with Okay FM and monitored by GhanaWeb.
She went on to say that sometimes people have everything they need, but they can’t enjoy it because of other issues.
Ceccy Twum pleaded with Christians to never waver in their devotion to the Lord, no matter what.
Governor Ernest Addison of the Bank of Ghana has lauded the central bank, describing it as deserving of “applause” for its resilience in bolstering the economy amid the challenges of the 2022 crisis.
During the Governor’s Day event at the Chartered Institute of Bankers, Dr. Addison commended the central bank’s commendable role in ensuring that the economy remained stable in the face of the crisis.
He pointed out that central banks worldwide have undergone a reassessment of their mandates since the global financial crisis of 2007/2008.
Dr. Addison also highlighted the global trend where central banks have collaborated with fiscal policies to fulfill a countercyclical role in stabilizing economies.
Consequently, Dr. Addison explained, “Central banking has never been the same”.
“Before the financial crisis, the quintessential task of central banks was straightforward: keeping inflation within a tight range through the control of short-term interest rates”.
However, he pointed out that “in a world of polycrisis, central banks have found themselves broadening monetary policy formulation beyond interest rates to include the deployment of balance sheets in a variety of unconventional monetary policies”.
“Thus, the crisis exposed a chasm between theory and practice”, he underscored.
Indeed, he noted, “all thatBank of Ghana did as various shocks hit the economy was consistent with prudent crisis management.”
He claimed that during the 2020 pandemic, the central bank backed budget financing to safeguard lives and means of subsistence.
Again, he recalled, “In the 2022 economic and liquidity crisis, the central bank would not have acted differently but played its role as an automatic stabilizer to avoid pushing the economy to a tipping point which possibly could have spilled into social upheavals as was the case in Sri Lanka”.
“It is very clear that only a central bank that has been prudently running, built buffers, and well-positioned, can step in to support an economy from collapse”.
“It is, therefore, most appropriate, I believe, to state that Ghanaians should rather applaud and commend the resilience of the Bank of Ghana”, he said.
The minority caucus organized a protest in October of this year, urging the Governor and his two deputies to resign for mismanaging the central bank.
A growing number of young Ghanaians are shedding light on the severe impact of the ongoing economic crisis on their incomes and daily lives.
They lament that their ability to purchase basic goods, items, and services has significantly diminished due to the prevailing economic challenges.
In a widely circulated video posted on the CediRates platform on X, a young Ghanaian revealed the distressing reality of being unable to afford ‘Digestive’ biscuits, a once-accessible comfort food.
The individual highlighted the substantial increase in the biscuit’s price, underscoring the severity of the economic hardships faced by many.
“I can’t buy digestive chocolate biscuits anymore, that used to be my therapy like when I have stressful day, I’m going to eat that biscuit and I will be fine,” he shared.
What things could you afford in Ghana that you can’t now?
Several Ghanaians, echoing shared sentiments, have conveyed their struggles amid the prevailing economic challenges. One individual lamented the inability to afford the current cost of filling his car’s tank, citing a staggering increase from approximately GH¢300 to GH¢1,800.
These firsthand accounts, shared on the X platform, have sparked a range of reactions, reflecting the widespread resonance of these experiences across the country. The overarching economic difficulties, marked by escalating inflation, heightened living costs, suboptimal revenue generation, and exchange rate volatility, have collectively contributed to the current crisis in Ghana.
In response to these challenges, Ghana has entered into its 17th agreement with the IMF, seeking a $3 billion bailout over three years. The aim is to address macroeconomic instability and implement measures for economic recovery.
The Ghana Geological Survey Authority (GGSA) assured Ghanaians that they can resume their regular activities after a minor earth tremor occurred in parts of the Greater Accra Region on Sunday, November 12.
With a magnitude of 3.6 on the Richter scale, the authority stated that the event was not projected to cause any damage.
In a released statement on Sunday, the GGSA acknowledged the unpredictability of such natural occurrences while committing to ongoing monitoring and public information to ensure safety and mitigate risks.
The statement read, “Education and sensitization of the public on awareness and response during earth tremors are important and currently being undertaken by the Authority. The public is urged to remain calm and go about their normal activities.”
At approximately 7:20 a.m., residents in several regions, including Weija, Nyanyano, Adenta, Bortianor, and Accra Central, reported sensing the tremor.
The GGSA highlighted that these tremors were familiar occurrences in these specific areas. Their statement reiterated the agency’s dedication to monitoring and communicating with the public to address any concerns related to such natural incidents.
A recent agreement has brought good news for both Togolese and Ghanaians, as they can now enjoy lower rates for roaming calls. The free-roaming pact between the two nations has been officially completed.
The agreement, as reported by asaaseradio.com, was officially signed on November 1, 2023, in Accra, Ghana.
It was signed by Michel Yaovi Galley, the Director-General of Togo’s telecom watchdog, ARCEP, and Joe Anokye from Ghana’s National Communications Authority (NCA).
Togo’s ARCEP expressed that the successful conclusion of this deal followed months of discussions between regulatory authorities and representatives of mobile operators operating in both countries, including MTN, Airtel, Vodafone Moov Africa Togo, and Togo Cellulaire.
Commencing from March 1, 2024, cell phone users in both Ghana and Togo will experience reduced roaming charges, thanks to this agreement. Mobile operators in both countries have decided to lower rates for travelers from Togo visiting Ghana and vice versa.
“In detail, call reception is now free for the first thirty (30) consecutive days for Ghanaian customers visiting Togo and for Togolese customers staying in Ghana, whereas it is currently billed at CFA240 per minute with Togo Cellulaire and CFA207 with Moov Africa Togo.
“Calls will cost CFA8.67 (GHC 0.17) per minute, compared with CFA279 (GHC5.45) with Togo Cellulaire and CFA550 (GC10.73) with Moov Africa Togo before. The cost of internet data has been capped at CFA1.6 per MB, against CFA8,400 (GHC163.92) on Togocel and CFA200 (maximum) on Moov, at present,” asaaseradio’s report said.
Founder and Chairman of GH. Support Association, Germany, Gee Queue, says about 60,000 Ghanaians are residing in Germany.
In an interview on JoyNews’ The Pulse on Thursday, October 26, Gee Queue noted that there are about 60,000 Ghanaians living in Germany, and about 5,000 to 7,000 of the figure are illegal migrants.
This implies that about 11 percent risk deportation at a time when the German Cabinet has passed legislation aimed at facilitating the deportation of unsuccessful asylum-seekers.
“I think Ghanaians could be 60,000 across the country but might not include those with the German passports because those with the German passports are not considered Ghanaians, but we see them as Ghanaians because on the passport, the place of birth says Obuasi, Accra,” Gee Queue said.
“We see Germany as a good place to start your life,” Gee Queue explained as the reason for the significant immigration into the country.
“Those 60,000 are general, and there are those who have stay permits. But those that might be deported run around 5,000 to 7,000,” he added.
Illegal migration, long a topic of hot debate across Europe and within Germany, has continued to put pressure on politicians to come up with an effective migration policy.
As such, the German Cabinet, under Chancellor Olaf Scholz’s leadership, on Wednesday, October 25, approved a legislative proposal on Wednesday to streamline the deportation process for unsuccessful asylum-seekers, addressing the pressing issue of migration in the political landscape.
This draft legislation, contingent on parliamentary approval, introduces several significant provisions.
It extends the maximum period of pre-deportation detention from 10 days to 28 days, expedites the deportation of individuals associated with criminal organizations, and grants authorities the ability to conduct residential searches to confirm an individual’s identity conclusively.
In some cases, it also eliminates the requirement for advance notice of deportations, per reports from international tabloids.
In Germany, a significant portion of rejected asylum-seekers are granted temporary stays for various reasons, which may include medical conditions, having a child with residency status, or challenges in obtaining proper identification.
Nevertheless, deportations can face obstacles stemming from a variety of factors, some of which are addressed by the newly proposed legislation. These challenges may also involve uncooperative attitudes from the migrants’ home countries. Germany is actively engaged in negotiations with various nations to address this issue while simultaneously promoting legal pathways for immigration.
Founder and Chairman of GH. Support Association, Germany, Gee Queue, has noted that about 5,000 to 7,000 Ghanaian immigrants in Germany risk deportation.
On Wednesday, October 25, the German Cabinet passed legislation aimed at facilitating the deportation of unsuccessful asylum-seekers.
Data published by the German Federal Police on Saturday revealed that 21,366 individuals entered Germany illegally in September.
This figure marks the highest monthly count of “unauthorized entries” into the country since February 2016, when 25,650 people arrived following the peak of the “refugee crisis.” This recent trend of rising entry numbers spans seven consecutive months.
According to police data, 92,119 individuals entered Germany illegally between January and September 2023. This puts the country on a trajectory to surpass the 112,000 people who illegally entered in 2016.
In an interview on JoyNews’ The Pulse on Thursday, October 26, monitored by The Independent Ghana, Gee Queue noted that there are about 60,000 Ghanaians living in Germany, and about 11 percent risk deportation.
Founder and Chairman of GH. Support Association, Germany, Gee Queue
“I think Ghanaians could be 60,000 across the country but might not include those with the German passports because those with the German passports are not considered Ghanaians, but we see them as Ghanaians because on the passport, the place of birth says Obuasi, Accra.”
“We see Germany as a good place to start your life,” he explained as the reason for the significant immigration into the country.
“Those 60,000 are general, and there are those who have stay permits. But those that might be deported run around 5,000 to 7,000,” he added.
This comes at a time when illegal migration, long a topic of hot debate across Europe and within Germany, has continued to put pressure on politicians to come up with an effective migration policy.
As such, the German Cabinet, under Chancellor Olaf Scholz’s leadership, approved a legislative proposal on Wednesday to streamline the deportation process for unsuccessful asylum-seekers, addressing the pressing issue of migration in the political landscape.
This draft legislation, contingent on parliamentary approval, introduces several significant provisions.
It extends the maximum period of pre-deportation detention from 10 days to 28 days, expedites the deportation of individuals associated with criminal organizations, and grants authorities the ability to conduct residential searches to confirm an individual’s identity conclusively.
In some cases, it also eliminates the requirement for advance notice of deportations, per reports from international tabloids.
In Germany, a significant portion of rejected asylum-seekers are granted temporary stays for various reasons, which may include medical conditions, having a child with residency status, or challenges in obtaining proper identification.
Nevertheless, deportations can face obstacles stemming from a variety of factors, some of which are addressed by the newly proposed legislation. These challenges may also involve uncooperative attitudes from the migrants’ home countries. Germany is actively engaged in negotiations with various nations to address this issue while simultaneously promoting legal pathways for immigration.
In Ghana, there are over twelve million workers, but only about two million are protected by pension plans, according to Minister of Pensions, Employment, and Labor Relations, Ignatius Baffuor-Awuah, .
Mr. Awuah made this statement during the 55th anniversary celebration of the Ghana Co-operative Credit Unions Association Limited in Koforidua, in the Eastern region.
He urged the credit unions to collaborate with the National Pensions Regulatory Authority to establish a trust scheme, facilitating savings for informal sector workers’ future financial security.
“We have roughly twelve million people working in Ghana but those who are on pensions are less than two million, which means that many of our people reach their pensions without being on any social security system”, Mr Baffuor-Awuah indicated.
“We have together with the National Pensions Regulatory Authority begun programmes to enrol especially all persons within the informal sector of the economy. But I see a window in the credit unions because there are quite a number of informal operators who also are members of credit unions”, he said.
During the event, the association requested that the government grant its members tax exemptions. Dr. Bernard Bingab, the Board Chairman, emphasized that such an exemption would safeguard the investments of credit unions.
Dr Bingab said: “One of my biggest appeals to our government is tax exemptions for co-operatives”.
“Almost all African countries exempt co-operatives from tax. In recent years the Ghana Revenue Authority has clamped down on credit unions asking some to pay as high as one million cedis. Mr. Minister this is totally unwanted”, he noted.
“This is a group that is there to help the country. Monies that we take as credit unions get back to the pool, so, we have difficulty as to why other African countries have exempted co-operatives and yet the credit unions are being asked to pay tax”, he wondered.
Dr Bingab also noted: “As we navigate the future of credit unions, it is important to acknowledge that just as with any evolving industry, there are both threats and opportunities”.
“The threat of cyber-crimes is significant to us. We have recently engaged the Cyber Security Authority to see how they can help us. As credit unions, we see the way to go is technology but there’s a threat of cyber-crime”, he added.
Efforts to combat corruption and streamline services for the benefit of Ghanaians remain ongoing.
Nonetheless, despite the extensive efforts, it appears that certain officials at the Airport Customs Office in Accra persist in pressuring individuals to utilize the services of intermediaries known as ‘Goro Boys.’
On October 10, 2023, a woman named Madam Gifty found herself facing a double tax charge on her parcel after she refused to employ the services of a “goro boy,” as suggested by a customs officer at the Airport Customs Office in Accra.
Madam Gifty, who exclusively shared her account with GhanaWeb, detailed how she had imported an item worth GH¢1,200, weighing 6.9 kilograms, from Shein, which arrived in Ghana through Aramex.
However, upon her visit to the Airport office, an officer named Kodjo informed Gifty that she needed to enlist the services of a goro boy (agent) to clear her item.
Madam Gifty declined and insisted on adhering to the proper procedure to pay for her parcel, originally priced at $57, equivalent to over GH¢500.
The customs officer proceeded to take her document, which indicated a payment of $57, and crossed out the printed price. He then manually wrote GH¢1,058 as the new amount using a pen, effectively increasing the fee.
Despite Gifty’s insistence on paying the stated amount and receiving an official receipt rather than making an off-the-record payment, she was still charged for both the item’s value and weight, contrary to the established requirements.
Below is how she shared her frustration with the media
“I went to the office to clear my parcels, and the officer told me to use an agent, which I refused.
“Knowing very well that I had declined to use the agent, I proceeded to pay my taxes based on the invoice ($57).
“However, the officer ignored the item’s value on the invoice, canceled it with a pen, and charged $109 plus an additional $69, totaling $178.
“This was done to pressure me into using ‘goro boys’ or engaging in an off-the-record deal with him. I refused and paid as per the official procedure.”
Banking Consultant, Dr. Richmond Atuahene, has expressed his concern that Ghanaians are bearing an excessive financial burden when it comes to repaying government loans.
He pointed out that this situation arises because the government borrows primarily for expenditure rather than strategic investment in projects.
Dr. Atuahene emphasized the importance of the government maintaining prudent borrowing practices to ensure it stays within its fiscal limits.
During his presentation at the Ghana Economic Forum in Accra on Tuesday, October 11, 2023, he also called for a revision of the 1992 Constitution to establish a ceiling on the government’s borrowing capacity.
Mr Atuahene said, “Ghana as a country, must from today, begin to look at the constitution. Inside the constitution, according to literature from IMF, the United Nations in 2014, the debt to GDP of any developing country should not exceed 50 percent and developed countries are given a leeway of 60 percent.”
“We find ourselves in this position because we have a constitution that has no business of setting a debt cap like the Americans have it. When the Americans had the cap and they had trouble they had to go to Congress and when they go to Congress you will see how they suffer. So we need to come to the constitution and amend it as soon as possible,” he stated.
Mr Atuahene added that, “This is one of the shortest strategies that I will recommend so that we don’t find ourselves in such a situation ever again, borrowing and borrowing for consumption. As I have always said, you will pay through the nose, and Ghanaians repaying through the nose.”
As of June this year, Ghana’s public debt reached GH¢575.5 billion, equivalent to 71.9% of the Gross Domestic Product (GDP). This marked a slight increase of GH¢6.3 billion compared to the GH¢569.2 billion reported in April 2023.
The Bank of Ghana’s Summary of Economic and Financial Data for September 2023 reveals that the country’s public debt has expanded by GH¢27.7 billion since January 2023.
In terms of US dollars, the total debt amounted to US$52.3 billion as of June 2023. External debt accounted for GH¢328.6 billion (equivalent to US$29.9 billion), while domestic debt accounted for GH¢246.9 billion (approximately $30.8 billion).
In Akufo-Addo’s 2016 presidential campaign, he assured Ghanaians that if elected, government projects and contracts would no longer be exclusively awarded through sole sourcing.
He emphatically declared an end to the era of sole sourcing.
This statement resurfaced amidst ongoing discussions about the government predominantly opting for sole sourcing in contract awards.
Notably, the Ghana Revenue Authority faced criticism on Twitter for awarding contracts through sole sourcing for items like office curtains, furniture, and notepad diaries.
See details of some of the contracts below:
Supply of Office Furniture
Contract date – December 1, 2022 Contract Award Price – GH¢1,275,253.20 Contract Type – Single Sourced Contract Awarded to – Jaide Solutions
Supply of Office Furniture
Contract date – December 1, 2022 Contract Award Price – $225,056.00 Contract Type – Single Sourced Contract Awarded to – Precision Hub Service International
Supply and Installation of Office Curtains at Head Office Annex Contract date – December 30, 2022 Contract Award Price – GH¢198,524.40 Contract Type – Single Sourced Contract Awarded to – Emperor Hive Limited
Procurement of Furniture and Fittings
Contract date – September 27, 2022 Contract Award Price – GH¢1,060,476.56 Contract Type – Single Sourced Contract Awarded to – Favrace Company Limited
Printing and Supply of 2023 Notepad Diaries
Contract date – October 14, 2022 Contract Award Price – GH¢1,275,253.20 Contract Type – Single Sourced Contract Awarded to – JIT Magazine and Diaries Services Ltd
Another Procurement for Office Furniture
Contract date – June 30, 2022 Contract Award Price – GH¢1,767,846.60 Contract Type – Single Sourced Contract Awarded to – Sams Firma Ltd
The primary issues made about contract awarding have been over the use of sole sourcing because the items do not meet the criteria for sole sourcing.
The Public Procurement Authority acknowledges the following arguments for sole sourcing, according to the PPA:
(a) Where goods, works or services are only available from a particular supplier or contractor, or if a particular supplier or contractor has exclusive rights in respect of the goods, works, or services, and no reasonable alternative or substitute exists;
(b) Where there is an urgent need for the goods, works, or services and engaging in tender proceedings or any other method of procurement is impractical due to unforeseeable circumstances giving rise to the urgency which is not the result of dilatory conduct on the part of the procurement entity;
(c) Where owing to a catastrophic event, there is an urgent need for the goods, works, or technical services, making it impractical to use other methods of procurement because of the time involved in using those methods.
A former Deputy Upper West Regional Minister, Abu Kasangbata, has urged the government to heed the concerns of various stakeholders, including political parties, market women, civil society organizations, and others, amid economic challenges and development issues.
Mr Kasangbata emphasized that the government should not only respect these concerns but also address them through effective policies and programs to alleviate the growing suffering experienced by Ghanaians and their businesses.
He particularly expressed concerns about the consistent increases in utility bills every three months, which have adversely affected many Ghanaians and their livelihoods.
Mr Kasangbata also called on organizations such as the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), diplomatic communities, and external development partners to take an interest in Ghana’s economic challenges, safeguarding the country’s image as a multi-party democracy.
Mr Kasangbata emphasized the importance of preserving democratic values and principles, which transcend partisan lines, and urged the government to respect the opinions of opponents and ordinary citizens.
He expressed disappointment in the police service’s handling of public demonstrations and called for positive change in the nation, stating that the upcoming “Occupy BoG” demonstration serves as a wake-up call and an opportunity for the government to address economic challenges for the betterment of Ghana and its citizens.
Ghana has now become part of South Africa’s e-Visa program.
This addition permits Ghanaian citizens to apply for South African visas using an online platform, removing the necessity to visit the South African High Commission in person for visa applications.
In an official statement, the South African High Commission highlighted that this inclusion would lead to a beneficial transformation in the visa application process.
Furthermore, the introduction of the e-Visa program is expected to improve and simplify the visa application process, providing greater convenience for Ghanaian travelers.
“The High Commission of the Republic of South Africa wishes to inform you that Ghana has been added by the government of the Republic of South Africa to the E-Visa list, which means that the Ghanaian can apply online for a visa to South Africa without visiting the High Commission,” part of the statement read.
For more information, the commission advised Ghanaian visitors to visit the Department of Home Affairs of the Republic of South Africa’s homepage.
“The information is available on the portal of the Department of Homes Affairs of the Republic of South Africa. The Ghanaians are urged to visit the following website https://www.dha.gov.za to obtain more information.
“It should be noted that the normal requirements such as passport details, letter of invitation/ proof of accommodation and bank statement would be verified on arrival at a point of entry,” the commission added.
Individuals who have been waiting for their passports for more than three months owing to this change can now pick them up at the VFS Global Office, according to the announcement.
“Passports that have been more than 3 months at the High Commission could be collected at the VFS Global Offices,” it stated.
Executive Director of the African Coconut Group, Kwaku Boateng, has reported that approximately 1.8 million Ghanaians have found employment within the coconut sector.
This initiative aims to address the significant youth unemployment issue in the country.
Speaking during a stakeholder engagement meeting held on September 25, 2023, Boateng highlighted that the job opportunities in the sector were created through collaboration with farmers, nursery operators, processors, and exporters.
He emphasized that further investment in the coconut sector has the potential to make the industry more attractive to Ghanaians interested in various coconut-related businesses.”
“The Coconut Festival aims to promote investment in the sector, making it more appealing for Ghanaians to engage in various businesses within the coconut industry, ranging from production to manufacturing and export,” Kwaku Boateng told the media.
He said that leveraging the potential of the coconut sector may help Ghana overcome its high unemployment rate, citing significant demand for coconut products both domestically and globally to back up his assertion.
According to a 2022 report on non-traditional exports, earnings from the coconut sector, both fresh and processed coconuts, totaled 6.3 million and 6 million dollars, respectively.
Furthermore, exports in this category increased to $21.9 million in 2021
The Electoral Commission has provided clarification regarding voter registration for eligible individuals unable to register at its district offices across the country.
Dr. Serebour Quaicoe, who serves as the Director of Electoral Services for the Commission, conveyed this information during an interview on Asempa FM’s Ekosiisen program on Monday, September 19. He stated that those unable to register will need to wait until next year to do so.
Dr. Quaicoe explained, “For those in hard-to-reach areas, we are only appealing to them to find a way to get to the district offices for the registration. Otherwise, they would have to wait for next year. But even next year, we can’t be everywhere. It will depend on situations on the ground in terms of figures. Because we won’t say that, because we have to serve hard-to-reach areas, we will send our tools to just three people in a particular area.
“So, we will work with the stakeholders to be sure that if a place is indeed hard-to-reach, and that we have people there before we move. That will be a form of mopping because we are still going to maintain the district office registration and there will be continuous registration,” he noted.
Dr. Godfred Seidu Jasaw, the Member of Parliament representing Wa East, has called upon the Electoral Commission (EC) to establish a new registration center in the Wa East District due to accessibility issues in the current district capital, Funsi. He stressed that a significant number of eligible voters face difficulties reaching Funsi for registration and emphasized the urgency of addressing this situation.
In spite of legal challenges from opposition parties concerning the EC’s decision not to conduct registration in electoral areas this year, the Commission is proceeding with the exercise. Mrs. Jean Mensa, the Chairperson of the EC, has attributed the challenges in decentralizing the registration process in part to Parliament’s failure to pass the proposed Constitutional Instrument C.I. required for approval.
Mrs. Mensa explained, “As you are all aware, the Commission prepared a draft C.I for continuous registration in all district offices nationwide. This initiative started last year and the registration we were envisioning under the draft C.I was on a sustained long-term basis.”
“Indeed, had the C. I been passed we would have had some six months this year to register voters at any time of their choice. Our 2023 budget and work plan were prepared along those lines. Our 2023 work plan and budget were based on a continuous registration of voters in our district offices nationwide, we did not factor electoral area registration in our 2023 work plan and budget,” she explained.
The EC also declared that it has doubled the quantity of registration stations in Tamale and would do the same in other regions as needed. The Commission is actively addressing any issues that may arise during the registration process in order to ensure that eligible voters are not denied the right to vote as a result of this enlargement.
Thursday, September 21, 2023 will be Osagyefo Dr Kwame Nkrumah Memorial Day. It is a statutory public holiday observed in the country to mark the birthday of Ghana’s first President, Dr Kwame Nkrumah, who was born on September 21, 1909 at Nkroful, near Axim in the Nzema East Municipality in the Western Region of the then Gold Coast, now Ghana.
It would have marked the 114th birthday of Dr Nkrumah if he were alive on Thursday.
The date in the past was marked as Founder’s Day in memory of the man who led the country to independence, the first in the sub-region.
In recent times, however, since the President Akufo-Addo government took office, the day is observed as the first President’s birthday.
Holiday
This is as a result of the New Public Holidays Act, 2018 passed by Parliament to amend the Public Holidays Act, 2001.
It replaced three public holidays, including September 21 and introduced two new holidays, January 7 and August 4, which are observed as Constitution Day and Founders’ Day respectively.
Authorities have however embarked on various activities to mark this year’s celebration.
Under the auspices of Hon Emmanuel Armah Kofi Buah, Deputy Minority Leader and Member of Parliament for Ellembelle Constituency in the Western Region,to make the event a success,organizers embarked on a clean up exercise through the principal streets of Nkroful,the hometown of Osagyefo Dr Kwame Nkrumah on last Saturday,16th September,2023.
On Monday September 18th,2023, there’s a soccer competition among nine community teams at NASS park to ensure unity and preparation towards the main event.
On Wednesday 20th September,2023 ,there will be Candle Light Procession and Cutting of Nkrumah’s Birthday Cake;the event will parade all natives of Nkroful and it environs at the facade of the palace and take a walk through the principal streets of Nkroful between the hours of 9pm to 11:45pm.
The walk will end with a special cutting of cake session at Osagyefo‘s mother’s residence at exactly 12 midnight.
Thursday 21st September,2023;There will be SHS Symposium at NASS Yinsin Hall.This will focus on the story of Osagyefo Dr Kwame Nkrumah’s birth through to the struggle for Independence and his Achievement as the First President of Ghana.
Friday,22nd September,2023 is the Nkroful goes pink and talent show event.
The day will be set for a visit to most tourist sites in Nkroful with pink coloured dress code where there would be talent hunt show at Mausoleum park at exactly 7pm.
Saturday,23rd September,2023 is the grand durbar and homecoming.The day will host all Chiefs,diplomats , visitors to Nkroful at the NASS Park .
The day will witness a colourful procession of masquerade,dance and culture between the hours of 8am to 2pm and then a musical stage to honour five music legends in Ghana,set for 7pm.
There will be a special Nzema food Bazaar to end the occasion.
The event is supported by Golden Empire Legacy limited ,Maaha Beach Resort and The GEM Media.
Background
Born in an era where dates of births, marriages and deaths were not registered, Dr Nkrumah in his autobiography cast doubt on his date of birth.
Titled “Ghana: The Autobiography of Kwame Nkrumah”, the book revealed some intriguing circumstances surrounding the birth of Dr Nkrumah and how he got the September 21 date as his date of birth. He was born to Kofi Ngonloma and Elizabeth Nyaniba.
As his birth is set to be commemorated across the length and breadth of the republic, it is fit that a moment of retrospection and reflection is duly highlighted.
Education
Dr Nkrumah got his secondary education at Achimota College, formerly Prince of Wales College, a prestigious school established by the then British Governor, Sir Gordon Guggisberg.
Being a devout Catholic, it is said that Kwame Nkrumah once aspired to become a priest during this period.
However, he later forewent this dream and instead became a teacher in the same school years after his graduation. He had his university education at the Lincoln University in the United States of America where he obtained a Bachelor of Arts degree in Economics and Sociology in 1939 and was appointed a teaching assistant and enrolled at the Lincoln Seminary to become a priest.
A politician, political theorist, and revolutionary, Nkrumah became the first Prime Minister and President of Ghana, having led the then Gold Coast to independence from Britain in 1957.
He was an influential advocate of Pan- Africanism and a founding member of the Organisation of African Unity (OAU) now the African Union (AU).
Dr Nkrumah formed the Convention People’s Party (CPP) that won the first pre-independence and post-independence elections of the country.
Under Dr Nkrumah’s leadership, Ghana adopted some social democratic policies and practices. Dr Nkrumah created a welfare system, started various community programmes and established schools.
After his overthrow in 1966, Dr Nkrumah went into exile in Conakry Guinea; he fell ill and was flown to Romania for treatment but died in Bucharest, Romania on April 27, 1972, at the age of 62.
Dr Nkrumah’s popular mantra, “the black man is capable of managing his own affairs”, became the necessary ideal that facilitated efforts for self-governance.
Today, through the sweat and toil of Dr Nkrumah Ghana sits at the forefront of the historical narrative of the political liberation of Africa.
Experienced journalist and Managing Editor of the Insight newspaper, Kwesi Pratt Jnr., has raised questions regarding the significance of anti-money laundering laws in Ghana.
During his participation in the Friday segment of Peace FM’s “Kokrokoo” morning show, he expressed concerns about the way individuals suspected of money laundering into the country are treated.
He pointed out that there is no prohibition when a Ghanaian sends a substantial amount of foreign currency to a foreign country. However, if the same individual brings a similar amount into Ghana, they may be accused of violating the law.
Kwesi Pratt cited the ease with which a person can transfer, for example, 5 million dollars from Ghana to Switzerland without facing any obstacles. But when the same individual attempts to bring such a substantial amount of money into Ghana, they may be at risk of arrest and prosecution.
He further noted the disheartening aspect of Ghanaian authorities sometimes encouraging the extradition of money launderers for prosecution by foreign authorities.
” . . these foreign countries are exploiting Ghanaians to enrich their nations and instead of Ghana doing same, the authorities are busily arresting people for hoarding money which they have legitimately acquired and want to transfer such funds to Ghana which would be of enormous benefit to the growth of the nation.
“What is the sense in our anti-money laundering laws?”, he queried as he could not wrap his head around such financial restrictive acts in Ghana.
Many Ghanaians have left in recent months or even years in quest of greener pastures elsewhere.
This was not crucial until the Ghana Health Service began to make noise about how employees were leaving their jobs in search of the same adventure—greener pastures.
You may have heard of the Schengen countries if you have traveled or intend to travel. In this GhanaWeb post, we highlight the process for obtaining a Schengen visa, the nations that qualify, and all the details you require.
What is Schengen Visa?
Schengen represents the EU’s passport-free zone, encompassing 27 European nations. It stands as the world’s largest unrestricted travel area, serving both tourism and business purposes. Possessing a Schengen Visa grants you access to any Schengen Area country for stays of up to 90 days within a 180-day timeframe.
This implies that for every 90 days spent within the Schengen Area, an equal duration must be spent outside of it. If you intend to study, work, or reside in one of these countries for more than 90 days, you’ll need to apply for a national visa from the specific European country instead of relying on the Schengen visa.
While these countries boast open borders without stringent checks, recent security concerns have prompted a need for more precise border control within the EU. This necessity led to the development of the European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS).
ETIAS is a fully electronic system designed to monitor visitors from countries not requiring visas for Schengen Zone entry. The system is scheduled to commence operation in January 2024, with full functionality anticipated by November 2023, aiming to enhance border management and security.
What are the Schengen countries?
There are 27 countries which can issue a Schengen Visa, find below the complete list:
Austria Belgium Czech Republic Croatia Denmark Estonia Finland France Germany Greece Hungary Iceland Italy Latvia Lithuania Luxembourg Malta Netherlands Norway Poland Portugal Slovakia Slovenia Spain Sweden Switzerland Liechtenstein
Types of Schengen Visa
You’ll need a Schengen visa if you’re visiting for one of the following reasons:
Business purposes Visiting friends or family Tourism Holidays Cultural or sports events Transit Medical reasons Short-term study Research purposes
Depending on why you’re visiting the Schengen countries, you may be granted a single-entry visa, a double-entry visa, or a multiple-entry visa.
Below is how citizenremote.com explains the types of visas:
Single-Entry Visa
A single-entry visa allows the holder to enter the Schengen Area only once within the given period of time. Once the holder leaves the Schengen Area, they can’t re-enter it using that visa, even if they have not spent the number of days permitted.
Don’t get confused; a single-entry visa does not mean you can only enter one country. You can enter through any country from the Schengen Area and keep moving around the 27 countries.
Double-Entry Visa
The double-entry visa works similarly to the single-entry visa. The difference between them is that, unlike the single-entry visa, the double-entry visa allows you to re-enter the Schengen Area one more time after you have left it.
With this visa, you won’t be allowed to enter a third time when you leave the Schengen Area a second time. So be very mindful of the time you spend in the zone and ensure you don’t exceed the number of days you are permitted to stay.
And again, do not confuse the double-entry visa with the number of countries you’re allowed to visit.
Multiple-Entry Visa
Any holder of a multiple-entry visa can come and go from the Schengen Area as they please, as long as they don’t violate the 90/180 days limit.
This visa is granted depending on how frequently you travel. If you have obtained a double-entry visa more than once and you are a frequent visitor to the Schengen zone, you will most likely be granted a multiple-entry visa.
Depending on how frequently you travel, you may be granted one of these multiple-entry visa types:
1-year multiple-entry visa 3-year multiple-entry visa 5-year multiple-entry visa 1-year Multiple-entry Visa
The 1-year MEV can be obtained if you have obtained and lawfully used three visas within the previous two years. You must show proof of your previous visas when applying for this one.
The 1-year MEV allows you to enter the Schengen zone as often as you want, as long as you do not remain more than 90 days within this period.
3-year Multiple-entry Visa
You can obtain a 3-year MEV if you have used a previous multiple-entry visa valid for one year within the previous two years.
This visa gives you the right to enter the Schengen Area as often as you wish within three years. However, you must not stay for longer than 90 days within a 180-day span.
5-year Multiple-entry Visa
This visa is granted if you have previously obtained and lawfully used a multiple-entry visa valid for at least two years within the previous three years.
Same as the others, the 5-year MEV allows you to enter the Schengen Area as often as you wish within five years, but make sure you do not violate the 90/180 days rule.
Uniform Schengen Visas (USV)
The Uniform Schengen Visa is a permit given by one of the Schengen Area Member Countries that allows you to transit or reside in the desired territory for a certain period of time, up to a maximum of 90 days.
There are two categories of USV, type A and type C.
USV Category “A”
This category stands for “Airport Transit Visa”. This visa allows you to travel through the international zone of the Schengen country Airport without entering the Schengen Area.
Keep in mind that airport transit visas are mandatory for citizens traveling from one non-Schengen state to another non-Schengen state, where they change flights in a Schengen country airport.
USV Category “C”
This category stands for Short-term visa. This visa allows you to reside in the Schengen Area for a certain period of time. Short-term visas can be obtained as single-entry visas, double-entry visas, or multiple-visa entry, which we discussed above.
Limited territorial validity visas (LTV)
An LTV allows you to travel only in the Schengen State that has issued the visa. This means the holder of an LTV cannot enter or transit through any other Schengen country that is not the first and final destination target.
This type of visa is granted only on specific cases, like humanitarian reasons or under international obligation, as an exception to the common USV system.
Schengen Visa Requirements
To qualify for a visa, you must:
Be a national of a non-EU country that requires a visa Have a valid passport Fill up the application form properly Show proof of financial means Show proof of accommodations Round trip reservation or flight itinerary
Schengen Visa Fees
Citizenremote.com explains that the standard Schengen visa fee is €80 ($80).
Children between the ages of six and twelve pay a reduced fee of €40 ($40).
Children under the age of six are entirely exempt from payment.
Over the past few months, the departure area of Kotoka International Airport has consistently seen crowds of passengers and their companions as many Ghanaians opt to leave the country.
On social media, stories abound of friends and neighbors reaching out only after they’ve already arrived in their new countries of residence. While a significant portion of these Ghanaians are pursuing further education abroad, the prevailing state of affairs in the country is frequently cited as the primary motivation for their departure.
The escalating rate of this phenomenon, commonly referred to as “jakpa,” is causing widespread concern, especially given that a significant portion of these emigrants are young people. While Ghanaians seeking better opportunities in Europe and other nations is not a new trend, the current surge underscores the profound economic challenges facing the country.
Many Ghanaians are expressing their frustration as the cost of living, essential goods, healthcare, and access to quality infrastructure, such as road networks, have all become prohibitively expensive and increasingly out of reach for the average citizen. In the past year alone, inflation has soared to over 200%, while the stability of the country’s currency against foreign currencies remains precarious.
Youth in particular are increasingly viewing emigration as the only viable path to secure a better future for themselves and their families, as the government appears to be slow in implementing immediate measures to address the nation’s pressing issues.
Recent videos from Kotoka International Airport depict a steady stream of individuals leaving the country, sparking a wave of concern and discussion among Ghanaians about the frequency and implications of this mass exodus.
You don’t know the fire we are in yet in this country. When it gets to you, you’ll understand why everyone is trying everything possible to leave. The mess this government has created for the country, even if God comes to be the president, it will take him 100years to fix it
So they built the Airport for people to only arrive in the country or what? Why are people easily possessed by politics? In the video, the person recording said people are coming and ya here referring to some caption that says people are leaving without even watching the video.
A 2022 survey undertaken by Sagaci Research has disclosed that among African women who uphold high beauty standards, Ghanaians rank second.
This comprehensive survey, spanning various African nations, highlighted Nigerian women as having the most elevated beauty and aesthetic standards on the continent.
The survey findings unveiled that 74% of Nigerian women aged 18 to 25 invest considerable time and resources in maintaining their appearance.
Among the survey participants, 59% revealed that they adhere to a daily skincare regimen, attributing significance to appearing well-groomed in public. Ugandans and Ghanaians followed suit, both tallying a score of 68%.
Ghana and Uganda were closely trailed by Kenyans and South Africans, who each garnered a score of 66%.
In contrast, Senegalese women showed a lesser emphasis on public appearance, with 64% of respondents indicating that adhering to a daily skincare routine was essential for presenting themselves well.
Conversely, women in Benin appeared to prioritize beauty standards less, with only 30% reporting a daily skincare regimen.
The survey also unveiled that 85% of young women across Africa perceive a well-executed hairstyle as a means of empowerment for women. While male respondents expressed slightly more indecision, the majority still concurred with this sentiment.
The rankings are as follows
Nigeria – 74% Uganda – 68% Ghana – 68% Kenya – 66% South Africa – 66% Egypt – 64% Angola- 59% Zambia – 59% Mozambique – 54% Senegal – 54%
Senior Presidential Advisor, Yaw Osafo Maafo has expressed deep concern about the worsening state of corruption in the country.
He stressed the need for both the church and government to engage in introspection to find practical solutions to combat this issue.
Yaw Osafo-Maafo questioned the impact of the Church’s moral teachings on the 70% of Ghanaians who identify as Christians.
He urged the Christian community to examine the message it conveys to this significant portion of the population and consider whether its teachings are effectively addressing corruption.
He emphasized that if the Christian community cannot influence positive changes and curb corruption, then Christianity itself may have a problem in terms of its effectiveness.
Osafo-Maafo highlighted the seriousness of the corruption problem and called for collective action to address it. He suggested that the church and government should collaborate to devise effective strategies to tackle corruption beyond mere admonishments.
He stressed that practical actions are required to complement discussions about corruption.
He urged against complacency and emphasized the importance of taking concrete steps to combat corruption.
Osafo-Maafo made these remarks during his address at the 23rd General Meeting of the Presbyterian Church of Ghana in Kwahu Abetifi, Eastern Region, on August 19, 2023.
He further addressed the issue of illegal mining, which he viewed as another manifestation of corruption. He emphasized that tackling this problem goes beyond the deployment of the military and requires a moral shift within the country.
Osafo-Maafo highlighted the role of chiefs in permitting illegal mining activities and called for moral considerations to prevent further degradation of the environment and water sources.
He pointed out that corruption is not solely a military issue but also a moral problem that requires the intervention of religious and societal institutions, particularly Christianity, to influence positive change.
Ghana’s military has been compelled to refute allegations that West African commanders entered a meeting concerning the Niger crisis to the soundtrack of the television series “Game of Thrones.” This denial follows the circulation of a manipulated video clip online.
The fabricated video was initially disseminated by Ghana’s UTV channel on social media, but it was subsequently removed.
Representatives from the Ghanaian armed forces confirm that no such music was played during the guard of honor parade held in Accra on Thursday.
The parade marked the commencement of a two-day Ecowas conference, where regional defense leaders convened to finalize plans for potential military intervention in Niger.
The nation recently witnessed a coup that deposed its democratically elected president. In the event of diplomatic efforts faltering, Ecowas has indicated its readiness to employ force to reinstate constitutional governance in Niger.
There is a concern that any further instability could exacerbate Niger’s already fragile security circumstances.
The Electoral Commission (EC) has revealed that the voter registration process for individuals who have turned 18 will begin from September 12 to October 2, 2023.
The registration will occur at all 268 district offices nationwide. During this period, the EC will also provide the option for replacing a voter’s ID card at a fee of GHC10.
The announcement was made during a press conference named ‘Let the Citizen Know’ held in Accra.
Jean Mensa, the Chairperson of the Electoral Commission, addressed the media, stating that the voter’s registration exercise aims to include Ghanaians who have attained the age of 18 since the last registration in 2020.
It will also cater to those older than 18 who couldn’t register in 2020 due to various reasons.
Jean Mensa explained, “The EC will conduct the voter’s registration across all 268 district offices of the Commission. The exercise is scheduled from September 12 to October 2.”
Furthermore, she disclosed that the District Level Assembly Elections (DLE) are set for December 19, 2023.
The elections will encompass all 6,272 electoral areas across districts, with the exception of Nkoranza North and South in the Bono region. These two districts will not hold elections until 2025.
The Assin Central Member of Parliament, Kennedy Agyapong, has unveiled his visionary agenda, aiming to reshape the mindsets of Ghanaians should he be elected as president.
Speaking to the media, Agyapong shared his strategy, which involves collaborating with musicians from all corners of Ghana to craft an inspiring collection of heroic songs.
These diverse songs, spanning genres like R&B, Highlife, Reggae, and Gospel, are intended to act as catalysts for positive change in the attitudes of the Ghanaian populace.
Agyapong outlined his plan: “I will bring all musicians together to let them come up with heroic songs, and we will organize a concert like ‘we are the world.’ We will all come together to play these songs, and then we will distribute them to the media and schools, fostering patriotism, honesty, and discipline among Ghanaians.”
Agyapong envisions his collaboration with musicians as a powerful means of instilling positive values, aligning with his goal of cultivating a more united and ethically conscious Ghana.
Addressing the deeply ingrained corruption challenges that prompted the establishment of the Office of the Special Prosecutor, Agyapong stressed the necessity of active Ghanaian involvement as partners in tandem with government initiatives to combat corruption.
He argued that launching an effective fight against corruption requires first changing the mindset of Ghanaians to recognize their stakeholder role in the country’s development.
He emphasized, “We made a mistake by not changing the mindset of Ghanaians. If you want to fight corruption in this country, Ghanaians should be your partners.
You should educate Ghanaians to let them know this has gone wrong, and we have to correct it. If we don’t, it is not good for our country and development.”
Amidst the coup in Niger that has disrupted the supply chain, onion vendors in Ghana have issued a warning about potential price hikes for the commodity.
Truckloads of onions found themselves detained at Ghana’s northern border due to the ongoing military takeover inNiger, which has prompted ECOWAS sanctions on the nation.
The drivers responsible for transporting these onions encountered days of being marooned at the border due to the enforced closure of both land and air boundaries connecting ECOWAS countries and Niger.
Speaking on the matter, Sani Abubakar, the head of the Accra Onion Importer Association, stressed that the cost of onions is likely to experience an upward surge, possibly leading to a scarcity.
During an interview with TV3’s Enyonam Haliga, he elaborated further on this potential predicament.
“For now, we are at a loss, we have a lot of trucks stuck at the border. Some are at the Mali border, Burkina Faso, and Benin so we are appealing to the government to intervene. If care is not taken we are going to sell one bag of onion at 3000 cedis.”
At present, a bag of onions is being sold within the price range of ¢1300 to ¢25,000, marking a significant increase from the previous price of ¢1000 cedis.
In response to this scenario, Dr. Charles Nyaaba, the Executive Director of the Peasant Farmers Association of Ghana, highlighted that the ongoing political instability in Niger is poised to have a pronounced impact on the supply of onions and various other commodities to Ghana.
Dr. Nyaaba further emphasized that this situation in Niger will inevitably affect the availability of livestock in Ghana.
During an appearance on the Ghana Tonight show on TV3 on Tuesday, August 8, he stated, “In recent times, we source a substantial portion of our food commodities from neighboring countries. This encompasses various types of vegetables such as tomatoes, pepper, and onions, which come from Burkina Faso and sometimes Togo. The supply of onions is specifically reliant on Niger. Similarly, when considering livestock like cattle, goats, and sheep, our sources are also concentrated in these same regions.”
“So obviously this is going to have a serious impact on the supply of those commodities in our market.”
Mr. Nyaaba further mentioned that although Ghanaian farmers are manufacturing these goods, the domestic output is insufficient to meet market demand, which is why bordering nations are needed.
He said “In Ghana, it is not the case that we don’t have the potential to produce the same. When you take onions, which we are getting 100 percent from Niger, we also get seeds from Niger.
“…When there is no water, you can’t produce onions. So if you look at the farmers who produce onions, most of them are from the White Volta basin around Bawku, Zebilla, Bolgatanga, they produce the bulk of the onions, but is still highly insignificant to meet our consumption.”
The Rent Control Department has invited Ghanaians to submit memoranda regarding the draft rent bill for consideration. In 2022, the Cabinet approved the draft rent bill and forwarded it to parliament for discussion.
Mr. Emmanuel Kporsu, the Public Relations Officer for Rent Control, emphasized the importance of receiving memoranda from individuals, groups, and stakeholders to refine the new rent bill.
He encouraged all concerned Ghanaians to actively participate in the review process and share their recommendations and expectations with their respective members of parliament, as the House prepares to debate the draft bill.
The proposed bill includes provisions that make it unlawful for landlords to demand rent in advance for more than one month in a monthly lease or tenancy less than one month, and for more than one year in a year tenancy exceeding one year.
Any tenant found paying rent in excess of one year after the bill becomes law will be in violation of the legislation.
Mr. Kporsu highlighted that the new bill is the result of thorough discussions and proposals, aiming to bring much-needed improvements to the rental sector.
He also pointed out that the existing rent law, enacted 59 years ago, has become outdated and needs to be replaced to better serve the current needs of tenants and landlords.
“As parliament debates the bill, we encourage Ghanaians to submit their suggestions and memoranda.”
This suggestion can be made to your MP, the Ministry of Works and Housing, and the Rent Control Department.
Ghanaians should take advantage of this opportunity to submit suggestions before the bill is considered and passed. We don’t want a situation where the law is approved and Ghanaians complain about not being consulted,” Mr Kporsu said.
Some traders, particularly Ghanaian onion vendors, have been left stuck as a result of the Benin border shutdown.
If the border is not opened quickly, these onion vendors worry that their products would spoil before they can sell them on the Ghanaian market.
Therefore, they pleaded with the Ghanaian government to intervene by starting talks with the Beninese government to reopen the border so that stranded traders may enter Ghana.
The Niger coup has sealed down the border with Benin, leaving the drivers of the onions stuck there for days.
The sellers of roughly 15 trucks of onions expressed concern that the onions might spoil if the President did not get involved by speaking with those in charge at the Benin border.
During an interview on Eyewitness News, the spokesperson for the onion sellers association, Yakubu Akpeneda said, “We have loaded onions from Niger, and they have parked at the Benin border, they are now in Benin, but the border has been locked. They said they locked the border because of the Niger coup. On August 2, they promised to open the border at midnight, but we didn’t hear anything.”
“We are calling on the authorities to intervene in the matter, else the onions will rot if they keep long on the road. The authorities should help us by talking to authorities in Benin to open the border for us to bring our onions to Ghana. Our trucks are plenty, the trucks are more than 15. And they are all carrying onions”.
He suggested that the predicament might have an impact on onion pricing in several markets.
Obaapa Christy, previously known as Christiana Love, has confessed to missing Ghana’s local dishes the most whenever she travels abroad.
In an interview with the media, she expressed her longing for the unique flavors of Ghanaian cuisine.
Christy highlighted the special treatment she receives from Ghanaians, which makes her feel cherished and loved.
While she appreciates the affection she gets outside of Ghana, the warmth from her fellow countrymen holds a special place in her heart, akin to the sentiment of “Home sweet home.”
She enthusiastically shared her joy in experiencing the adoration of her fans while in Ghana. Christy humorously mentioned, “I can even use the fans I get from people as my food.” The love and support from her fans greatly inspire her music and career.
The media has engaged some Ghanaians to gather their thoughts on the arrest of Cecilia Dapaah by the Special Prosecutor yesterday, July 24, 2023.
This action follows a court filing accusing two housekeepers of the former minister of stealing goods valued at $1 million, $300,000, and numerous additional millions of Ghana cedis from Cecilia Dapaah and her husband.
The Office of Special Prosecutor was commended and given the public’s support for making an arrest.
Others demanded an extensive investigation into Cecilia Dapaah‘s income and added that no honest or clean money should be stored at home rather than in the bank.
“She deserves to be arrested. The arrest is in the right direction. Whether she has resigned or not, she needs to be arrested. Even if it is her money, Ghana needed help and she could assisted but she didn’t,” one of the citizens said.
This youngman really let it all out on this Cecilia Dapaah matter.
Ghanaian Politician Clement Apaak states that the Office of the Special Prosecutor must go beyond the arrest of Cecilia Dapaah as just arresting her isn’t enough.
He questions why someone would have such a large amount of money in their house when we have banks. pic.twitter.com/PgLQYYCyNp
A candidate for the New Patriotic Party’s flagbearer position, Kennedy Ohene Agyapong, has vowed to put a stop to what he calls corrupt practices in Ghana’s fishing industry, which he claims are harmful to the nation’s development.
The member of parliament for Assin Central, who claims to run the largest cold store in Africa, said in a speech to NPP delegates that such corrupt practices in the local business have forced him to import goods for his store.
“Today I was reading a comment where somebody I claim to have built a cold store but I import fish for the cold store. Let me explain to them why. We live in Ghana here where Ghanaians have become the source of our woes. When you go to Tema fishing harbour Ghanaians are the ones fronting for foreigners by acquiring fishing license for them to fish in our seas.
“What is sad is that every fishing vessel has a blast freeze machine that the fish is stored to be frozen at -40 degrees before it is packaged and sold. Instead of them bringing the fish here to sell they send it abroad to sell and when they finish, they pay the Ghanaians fronting their business a thousand dollars a month. So we end up losing all the revenue,” he said.
I patronize foreign fish for my cold store because of some corrupt practices Ghanaians are leading foreigners to do, these practices prevent our fishes from meeting international standards. pic.twitter.com/ifdDyWEGjt
— Hon. Ken Ohene Agyapong (@honkenagy) July 20, 2023
Kennedy Agyapong pointed out that because of this method, Ghanaian fish does not match international standards, depriving the country of the necessary foreign currency.
He emphasized, however, that once he is elected president, these abuses will stop.
In a recent statement, the Ghana Water Company Limited (GWCL) has declared its unwavering determination to shut down its plants in regions affected by illegal mining activities (galamsey), particularly when the turbidity levels of raw water exceed critical thresholds.The
Managing Director of GWCL, Clifford Braimah, raised serious concerns about the significant adverse effects of illegal mining on the company’s operations. During a Public Accounts Committee hearing, he appealed for united efforts to combat this pressing issue.
The utility company defended its proposed 334% tariff increase, emphasizing that the primary goal is to encourage Ghanaians to take responsibility for deterring illegal mining within their communities.
Mr. Braimah stated, “If I had my way, Ghanaians will go and chase away all the galamsayers out of their areas because once the turbidity goes up, we shut the plant. And if you have no alternative access to water, you will take the situation seriously because we stay with the people who pollute the water. And if we [GWCL] shut down, you will not even know where to go to get the water.”
He further added, “If you pollute the water and the cost of treatment goes up, why don’t you pay for it because you are making money in one breath polluting the water?”
GWCL’s firm stance on combating illegal mining underscores the gravity of the situation and the necessity for collaborative actions to protect the country’s water resources.
CEO of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Dr. Henry Kwabena Kokofu, has called on Ghanaians to approach the recent allegations against former Minister of Sanitation and Water Resources, Cecilia Abena Dapaah, with caution.
The accusations pertain to the alleged theft of funds amounting to US$1 million, €300,000, and 350,000 Ghana cedis from her residence. While acknowledging that keeping such substantial amounts of money at home is inappropriate, Dr. Kokofu advised against rushing to judgment and prematurely passing verdicts in the court of public opinion.
He stressed the importance of allowing the proper investigative processes to unfold before arriving at any conclusions.
“For me, that should not give way to a court of public opinion where people will be roasted and sentenced, judged before the actual investigations have begun,” he said.
Speaking on a panel discussion on TV3 over the weekend, he highlighted the opportunity to legally amass such wealth, particularly through the sale of land in some pricey regions of the nation.
“The practice of keeping money at home is not to be encouraged, I for one, I don’t know how I will be able to do that because I can’t sleep even though I don’t have [such funds].”
He added “The point is until investigations prove otherwise, we are here in this country and you go to East Legon and other lands are being sold for $150,000 per plot…and even more, so $200,000 per plot, so if somebody has five plots and sells them, $1,000,000 is on hand easily…I am trying to say that, how you can realize money in the scheme of things, legally without necessarily engaging in corruption…”
The former minister indicated in her letter of resignation to President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo that she had made the decision to leave because the problems with the money could have a negative impact on the administration.
She did point out that many media have greatly overstated the theft that has occurred in her home.
“Since yesterday, Friday, July 21, 2023, social and traditional media have been full of stories about a court case involving a theft that took place last year in the home I live with my husband and daughter. The stories sought to suggest that I own various huge sums of foreign currencies and millions of Ghana cedis which have been stolen from my home. Whereas I can state emphatically that those figures do not represent correctly what my husband and I reported to the Police, I am very much aware of the import of such stories around someone in my position.
“I am resigning therefore because I do not want this matter to become a preoccupation of government and a hindrance to the work of government at such a crucial time,” parts of the letter read.
Background
As per an official charge sheet from an Accra Circuit Court, audacious thefts took place at the residence of Cecilia Abena Dapaah and her husband in Abelemkpe, a suburb of Accra, spanning three months from July to October 2022.
The accused individuals, identified as Patience and Sarah, are facing grave charges, including conspiracy to commit a crime and multiple counts of stealing, involving staggering amounts of money.
Not only were significant sums of money stolen, but the accused also allegedly made off with Madam Cecilia Abena Dapaah’s personal belongings, such as valuable clothing, handbags, perfumes, and jewelry, amounting to an astonishing value of GH¢95,000 and US$95,000.
In addition, Patience stands accused of acting alone in the theft of cultural treasures, which include six pieces of Kente cloth worth GH¢90,000 and six sets of men’s suits valued at US$3,000, belonging to the minister’s husband.
The court has also pressed charges against three other individuals connected to the thefts, indicating the complexity of the case.
It is alleged that the stolen funds were utilized by the accused to finance various properties and purchases, including renting a 3-bedroom apartment and a store in Tamale, acquiring vehicles, and funding other personal expenses.
The court has adjourned the case to August 2, 2023, to allow ongoing investigations to continue.
In a latest Ghana Economic Update report titled “Price Surge: Unraveling Inflation’s Toll on Poverty and Food Security,” launched in Accra on Wednesday, the World Bank has expressed concern about the impact of rising prices of goods and services on the well-being of Ghanaians. The report indicates that approximately 850,000 Ghanaians were driven into poverty in 2022 due to these inflationary pressures.
The Bank highlights that the escalating inflation has not only eroded living standards but also exacerbated poverty and food insecurity among households in Ghana. To address this pressing issue, the World Bank recommends that policymakers take decisive action to restore economic stability. They also suggest measures to alleviate the challenges faced by farmers, such as the high cost of fertilizers, and to expand social intervention programs that offer support to vulnerable populations.
Additionally, the Bretton Wood Institution emphasizes the importance of focusing on long-term solutions, particularly investments in agriculture research and technology transfers. These targeted investments aim to boost domestic production, reduce production costs, and enhance the quality and safety of food in the country.
Mr. Paul Corral, a Senior Economist with the World Bank, elaborated on the bank’s approach, stating that they utilized monetary indicators to measure annual household income and expenditure. The findings revealed that inflation has significantly contributed to the rise in poverty levels in Ghana, affecting a substantial number of people.
Addressing these challenges requires concerted efforts from policymakers and stakeholders to protect the welfare of the Ghanaian population and foster economic stability in the country.
Speaking at the launch of the report, Mr Kwabena Gyan Kwakye, a World Bank Economist, explained that the 2022 macroeconomic shocks, particularly inflation, had more adverse impact on the poor.
He said the next two years (by 2025), where the country was expected to recover from the current economic crisis, would “be very tricky for Ghana’s poverty reduction efforts”.
“Without bringing the economy back on track, no meaningful poverty reduction can happen. Concurrently, safety nets to protect the most vulnerable need to be enhanced to ensure sustainable poverty reduction and shared prosperity,” he said.
“Expanding and increasing transfers of the Livelihood Empowerment Against Poverty (LEAP) could ensure the poorest are able to cope and build resilience to future shocks,” the World Bank Economist and co-author of the report said.
The World Bank’s Senior Agricultural Economist, Mr. Ashwini Sebastian, asked for assistance for farmers so they can respond to market possibilities and adjust to global demand.
She said that should be a long-term focus by policymakers to mitigate the impact of inflation on food security.
“This is particularly relevant since many of the poor are farming households. Policies should, therefore, be evidence based and aimed at alleviating the different constraints farmers face,” he added.
In the 2017 Ghana Living Standards Survey by the Ghana Statistical Service (GSS), 45.6 per cent of Ghana’s population was multidimensionally poor, with 23.4 per cent others being consumption expenditure poor.
In essence, they were deprived of electricity, water, housing, sanitation, including access to toilet facilities, school attendance and attainment, nutrition and health insurance.
Mr John Foster Agyaho, a Principal Statistician, GSS, explained during a panel discussion that about a third of the items in the Consumer Price Index (CPI) basket for measuring inflation was food.
He, said it was important for the Government to prioritse connecting road networks to farmers by addressing the transportation and storage bottlenecks, and implement proactive measures to attract more youth into agriculture.
Ghana’s inflation stood at 54.1 per cent in December 2022, which was characterised by a surge in food costs, a report by GSS showed.
It was during that period that a Ghana News Agency report revealed that workers, formal and informal, had resorted to walking long-distances, riding bicycles, and engaging in carpooling to manage the economic hardship.
Meanwhile, the World Bank report signalled that Ghana’s economy would recover to its potential growth by 2025.
This depends on the government putting structural changes into place to address the underlying causes of the economic crisis, accelerate economic growth, and increase economic resilience through the nation’s US$3 billion 17th financial bailout program with the International Monetary Fund (IMF).
“Growth will begin to recover to its potential by 2025 as drag from fiscal consolidation fades and macroeconomic stabilisation and structural reforms start bearing fruit,” Mr Pierre Frank Laporte, World Bank Country Director for Ghana, Liberia, and Sierra Leone, said.
The World Bank’s report has revealed that the soaring inflation rates in 2022 led to a staggering 850,000 Ghanaians falling into poverty.
The economic crisis significantly affected food security and poverty levels in the country.
Notably, the year-on-year inflation surged from 14% to an alarming 54% between January and December, reaching the highest level seen since the early 2000s.
The impact was particularly severe on food prices, which increased at a higher rate than non-food items.
This resulted in a significant decrease in the real purchasing power of Ghanaians, disproportionately affecting the most vulnerable segments of the population.
“Simulations conducted during this period revealed alarming results, showing that approximately 850,000 Ghanaians were pushed into poverty solely due to the escalating prices in 2022. For these individuals and families, temporary declines in incomes and consumption became entrenched, leading to a situation where poverty became entrenched and, in some cases, even permanent. The situation worsened when it came to food security,” the World Bank report read in part.
“Another disturbing disclosure was that the number of food-insecure Ghanaians surged from 560,000 in the last quarter of 2021 to a staggering 823,000 during the same period in 2022. As food prices continued to climb, a significant portion of the population struggled to afford sufficient food to meet their dietary needs, let alone maintain a healthy and active lifestyle.”
The report urges the government to implement focused policies and coordinated efforts, aiming for Ghana’s recovery and a more stable, prosperous future for its citizens.
A Legal Team Member of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), Godwin Edudzi Tameklo, has expressed support for the cultivation of cannabis for medical and industrial purposes.
In an interview with media, Edudzi revealed that a lot of businessmen are acquiring large plots of land across the country for hemp production.
“I am aware of a lot of business men who are today, buying large tracks of land in many parts of the country to grow cannabis, I think we may all end up being ganja farmers”
Edudzi Tameklo is optimistic that the legislative measures governing the production of cannabis will lead to positive outcomes and help prevent the improper use of hemp.
“The issue of enforcement, compliance among other things, is like someone who is working on the job, you still want to give the person the benefit, maybe at this time, all of us must ensure that the various skill set at the Narcotics control commission will be enhanced, because we can’t do this without the corporation of standards authority”
Parliament has approved the Narcotics Control Commission Amendment Bill 2023, introducing significant modifications to the cultivation of cannabis for industrial and medicinal purposes.
The amended bill empowers the Ministry of Interior to grant licenses for cannabis cultivation, facilitating its utilization in diverse beneficial applications.
The member of parliament for Kpone Katamanso, Joseph Akuerteh Tettey, has pleaded with the government to repair the area’s numerous poor roads.
According to him, residents of the area pay taxes and should receive the benefits of good roads.
His appeal comes in response to comments from constituents about how poor the majority of their roads are.
Mr. Tettey lamented the government’s failure to pay contractors to resume work on the numerous roads in his district in an interview with the media.
“I want to appeal to the Road Minister and the government that Kpone Katamanso is also part of Ghana. The constituents are also part of Ghanaians. I’m appealing that they should release the needed funds to the contractors so that they move to site. It’s not as if I’m not engaging the right authorities for the road to be fixed. But mostly when you approach them they have a particular excuse they give,” he stated.
Tetteh emphasized government’s commitment to fix Kpone-TOR road, ease tanker and drivers’ plight.
“We need some commitment from the government,” the MP said.
“With the Kpone Katamanso road, that is where the tanker drivers normally load to send fuel to other parts of the country. There are a lot of businesses, companies within that enclave. If I tell you the taxes these companies pay, you will be surprised, yet still, the government doesn’t see the need or the urgency to work on the roads, let’s hope so, as I said the roads in Kpone Katamanso need to be fixed,” Member of Parliament for Kpone Katamanso, Joseph Akuerteh Tettey expressed hope.
General Secretary of the Convention People’s Party (CPP), Nana Yaa Jantuah, has clarified that only two out of the five individuals who showed interest in the presidential position have submitted their forms within the filing deadline.
She mentioned that the vetting committee is yet to schedule a date for reviewing the two potential candidates before the party’s delegates’ congress.
With a focus on revitalizing the CPP prior to the 2024 general elections, Jantuah stated that the party aims to secure the presidency as part of its well-designed plan to alleviate the economic difficulties faced by Ghanaians.
She strongly believes that the CPP will have a significant impact in the 2024 election, prompting the party to commence its procedures ahead of the usual timeline.
“We are focused on capturing the presidency in the 2024 general elections. We will soon fix a date to vet our presidential aspirants,” she noted.
Today, July 5, parliament is scheduled to discuss the Proper Human Sexual Rights and Ghanaian Family Values Bill 2021, referred to as the anti-LGBTQ+ bill.
The proposed legislation aims to outlaw LGBTQ+ activities and prohibit the promotion or advocacy of such activities.
It also includes provisions for the protection and support of children and individuals involved in LGBTQ+ activities.
The Member of Parliament (MP) for Ho West and a supporter of the bill, Emmanuel Bedzrah, expressed optimism that it would receive bipartisan support from lawmakers.
“We have agreed with the Speaker, Alban Bagbin and leaders of the house, that the second reading of the bill will be taken today. It is our expectation that after today the consideration will also follow as well. And so we are very optimistic that we will have the reading, which is long overdue.”
“The committee has agreed by consensus that this bill should be passed. And so there will not be any struggle at all. I would have loved that those who are against it should be bold enough and tell Ghanaians, but you will be surprised that everybody will support this bill today,” Member of Parliament for Ho West expressed hope.
The Minority in Parliament has informed the Speaker that they will abstain from participating in the House proceedings on court days concerning their colleague, James Gyakye Quayson.
The leader of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) MPs, Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson, stated that they will instead accompany their colleague during his court hearings.
This announcement was made by the Ajumako Enyan Essiam lawmaker on Tuesday, July 4, following the swearing-in of the Assin North MP.
“We wish to serve notice that the entire Minority will accompany our colleague today and any other day that he is to appear in court and we are solidarising with our colleague and we will not participate in the business of the House anytime our colleague is in court and we will be withdrawing from the Chamber after this ceremony if the court processes happen today.”
The former Deputy Finance Minister highlighted that Mr. Quayson’s electoral success is a clear indication that Ghanaians are dissatisfied with the Akufo-Addo government.
He emphasized that this victory demonstrates that Ghanaians cannot be influenced solely by financial incentives or virtual projects in exchange for votes.
“The people of Assin North have sent a clear message to all politicians and the government of the day especially, that they cannot be lured with money not be intimidated by threats and it is the same message that Ghanaians are sending to us that in the year 2024, they will exercise their franchise based on their conscience and no amount of threats will dissuade them from voting out the administration that we are witnessing.”
“Ghanaians are really appalled by the abysmal economic mismanagement, poor governance, and increasing level of corruption leading to the unprecedented economic hardship being experienced by the people of Ghana and the time has come for the political class to have a rethink about the worsening monetization of our elections and its negative impact for our democracy,” Dr Forson added.
James Gyakye Quayson has been officially sworn in as the Member of Parliament for Assin North on Tuesday, July 4. This follows his victory in the by-election held on Tuesday, June 27, after the Supreme Court ruled his previous election illegal.
Quayson’s main opponent, Charles Opoku of the New Patriotic Party, secured the second position with 42.15% of valid votes. The Liberal Party of Ghana’s Bernice Enam Sefanu received a minimal number of votes.
The voter turnout was reported to be high at 74.23%, according to officials of the Electoral Commission.
Quayson is currently facing charges of forgery, perjury, deceiving a public officer, and making a false declaration regarding his Canadian citizenship during the 2020 election. He has filed a motion at the High Court for a stay of proceedings pending an appeal, seeking to halt the ongoing trial until the appeal is determined.
A Brand Communications Expert, Dr. Ike Tandoh, has stated that books like Yvonne Nelson’s autobiography, “I am Not Yvonne Nelson,” which reveal personal secrets and intimate details, are not yet fully embraced by Ghanaians.
According to him, Ghanaian culture has not fully accepted such candid writings, leading to the surprise and controversy surrounding the book.
Speaking to the media, Dr. Tandoh acknowledged that Yvonne Nelson’s book may have unsettled some individuals due to its emotional content, but he believes she did not have malicious intent towards anyone.
“Communication is also culture. Our culture has not come to accept that tell-it-all kind of book writing. It is not part of the Ghanaian culture. That is why that kind of surprise element is there…I think that she was not on a destructive mission in writing the book,” he said.
Yvonne Nelson’s book, “I Am Not Yvonne Nelson,” has sparked a debate on the boundaries of disclosure in literature. The revelation within the book that she became pregnant in 2010 by rapper Sarkodie, but chose to terminate the pregnancy due to his alleged reluctance to take responsibility, has stirred up social media.
This was followed by Sarkodie’s response in a song, suggesting that she was promiscuous and questioning the paternity of the pregnancy.
The book primarily focuses on Yvonne Nelson’s relentless quest to uncover her father’s identity, which has remained elusive.
It also delves into her acting and directing career in the movie industry, as well as her personal relationships.
In his Republic Day message, former President John Dramani Mahama, who is also the flagbearer of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), emphasized the importance of upholding Ghana’s core values of “Freedom and Justice.”
He encouraged Ghanaians to embrace these principles as they strive for a fair and prosperous future. Furthermore, Mahama called on citizens to actively combat injustice and support freedom of speech, regardless of social status.
Below is Mr. Mahama’s full message
“Freedom and Justice” is not and cannot just be a mere adornment on our Coat of Arms. It must be a moral compass and a guiding light leading every Ghanaian.
Imagine a Ghana where freedom and justice are not just empty words but a powerful force guiding every citizen towards a brighter future.
A Ghana where every person, no matter their background or circumstance, is protected and provided for.
A Ghana where our institutions and courts are trusted to defend constitutional rights and deliver impartial justice.
A Ghana where speaking up against injustice is not criminalised but allowed and encouraged.
Let us renew our commitment to building this flourishing Ghana we all dream of, with the bold colours of our flag as a constant reminder of our shared values and ideals.
1st July is and shall remain Ghana’s Republic Day.
The US Secretary of the Treasury, Janet L. Yellen, has lauded President Akufo-Addofor his unwavering dedication to Ghana’s economic reforms.
That, she said, was of essence to boost economic growth and resiliency, particularly in the wake of the country’s progress on debt restructuring under the International Monetary Fund (IMF) programnme.
Ms. Yellen commended the President during a meeting with the latter on the sidelines of the Summit for a New Global Financial Pact, in France, on Thursday, June 22.
President Nana Akufo-Addo was one of the key global personalities invited for the Summit, organised by French President, Emmanuel Macron.
A report by Reuters on the sidelines of the meeting, monitored by the Ghana News Agency (GNA), said the two personalities discussed efforts to evolve the multilateral development banks to combat 21st Century global challenges.
They also deliberated on work to mobilise climate and infrastructure financing for Ghana and other African countries during the engagement.
The IMF, in May this year, congratulated the West African nation on the US$3 billion IMF-supported programme approved by the Executive Board.
“We stand with Ghana as it implements reforms to address the current economic and financial crisis and help build a better future for all Ghanaians,” a statement by the Fund noted.
The June 2023 Summit for a New Global Financial Pact is borne out of the cascading consequences of concurring climate, energy, health and economic crises, particularly in the most vulnerable countries.
It aims to propose solutions to finance issues that go beyond the climate question, including access to health and the fight against poverty.
The COVID-19 pandemic, the war in Ukraine and their successive consequences have reduced the fiscal and budgetary space of many countries – affecting their ability to finance their populations’ access to basic social services.
As a result, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) noted a decline in human development in nine out of ten countries around the world in 2022, mainly due to a drop in life expectancy and an increase in poverty.
In a statement, the French Minister of Europe and Foreign Affairs, declared the Summit would aim to “build a new contract with the North and the South”, in order to facilitate the access of vulnerable countries to the financing they needed to address the consequences of ongoing and future crises.
Issues at stake at the Summit encompass restoring fiscal space to countries facing short-term difficulties, especially the most indebted countries, as well as fostering private sector development in low-income countries.
The event also seeks to encourage investment in green infrastructure for the energy transition in emerging and developing countries, and mobilising innovative financing for countries vulnerable to climate change.
Vice President, Dr Mahamudu Bawumia’s citizenship, has become a subject of debate in recent times, with allegations of dual citizenship raised by his political opponents.
This controversy was ignited by claims made by former ambassador Sam Pee Yalley, who accused Bawumia of holding British citizenship while serving as a director of the Ghana International Bank Plc in London.
In this article, The Independent Ghana delves into the details of the controversy and presents the statements provided by both sides to shed light on the matter.
Accusations and evidence:
Sam Pee Yalley alleged that Vice President Bawumia acquired British citizenship during his tenure as a director of the Ghana International Bank Plc in London. He based his claims on information from the UK Companies House website, which listed Bawumia as a British national and a former director of the bank. According to the website, Bawumia was appointed as a director on 18 October 2006 and resigned on 15 April 2009.
Vice President, Dr Mahamudu Bawumia’s citizenship, has become a subject of debate in recent times, with allegations of dual citizenship raised by his political opponents. This controversy was ignited by claims made by former ambassador Sam Pee Yalley, who accused Bawumia of holding British citizenship while serving as a director of the Ghana International Bank Plc in London. In this article, The Independent Ghana delves into the details of the controversy and presents the statements provided by both sides to shed light on the matter.
Accusations and evidence:
Sam Pee Yalley alleged that Vice President Bawumia acquired British citizenship during his tenure as a director of the Ghana International Bank Plc in London. He based his claims on information from the UK Companies House website, which listed Bawumia as a British national and a former director of the bank. According to the website, Bawumia was appointed as a director on 18 October 2006 and resigned on 15 April 2009.
Dismissing the claims:
A spokesperson for Vice President Bawumia, Dr Gideon Boako, vehemently denied the allegations and clarified that his boss neither holds nor has ever held British citizenship. Dr Boako emphasized that Bawumia was only seconded to the Ghana International Bank Plc by the Bank of Ghana and did not require British citizenship to fulfil his responsibilities there.
Here is an appointment form, obtained from a reliable source, where Bawumia has indicated his nationality as Ghanaian.
The precedent and constitutional prohibitions:
The controversy surrounding Bawumia’s citizenship arises in the aftermath of a Supreme Court ruling that nullified the election of James Gyakye Quayson, an MP for Assin North, due to his dual citizenship status at the time of filing his nomination with the Electoral Commission. This ruling has sparked discussions regarding the eligibility of other public office holders who may hold dual citizenship. The Ghanaian constitution prohibits dual citizens from occupying specific public offices, including members of parliament, ministers of state, ambassadors, and judges.
The controversy surrounding Vice President Bawumia’s citizenship has stirred debates and raised questions about the qualifications of public office holders in Ghana. As the matter unfolds, further scrutiny and clarification may be required to address concerns regarding the eligibility of individuals serving in public office and ensure adherence to constitutional provisions.
The Vice President and James Gyakye Quayson are not the only public office holders whose citizenship has been contested under the 4th Republic. The following individuals amongst others have also been accused of holding dual citizenship at some point in their political journey.
Adamu Daramani Sakande: The NPP MP for Bawku Central was convicted in 2012 for holding dual citizenship at the time he contested for the seat in 2008. He was found guilty of perjury, false declaration of office, and deceiving a public officer. He was sentenced to two years imprisonment and fined GH¢12,000. He was also stripped of his parliamentary seat and ordered to refund all salaries and allowances he received as an MP.
Zanetor Agyeman-Rawlings: The NDC MP for Klottey Korle was challenged in 2016 by another NDC aspirant, Nii Armah Ashitey, for not being a registered voter at the time she filed her nomination to contest for the seat. Ashitey also alleged that Zanetor held dual citizenship of Ghana and Germany. However, Zanetor denied holding dual citizenship and said she had renounced her German citizenship before filing her nomination. The High Court dismissed Ashitey’s case and upheld Zanetor’s candidacy
Richard Anane: The NPP MP for Nhyiaeso and former minister of health and roads and transport was accused in 2007 by a US-based Ghanaian lawyer, Kwame Mayor, of holding US citizenship in addition to his Ghanaian one. Mayor claimed that Anane had acquired US citizenship through naturalization after marrying a US citizen in 1996. However, Anane denied holding US citizenship and said he had never applied for naturalization or taken an oath of allegiance to the US.
Dorcas Affo-Toffey: The NDC MP for Jomoro Constituency in the Western Region was sued by a resident of Jomoro, Joshua Emuah Kofie, for holding dual citizenship of Ghana and Ivory Coast at the time she filed her nomination to contest for the seat in 2020.
The petitioner claimed that she had not renounced her Ivorian citizenship before filing her nomination, which violates the 1992 Constitution. However, she denied holding any other citizenship apart from Ghanaian and said she had renounced her Ivorian citizenship before filing her nomination. She also said she had never acquired American citizenship as alleged by the petitioner. The Sekondi High Court dismissed the petition and affirmed her eligibility as an MP.
A spokesperson for Vice President Bawumia, Dr Gideon Boako, vehemently denied the allegations and clarified that his boss neither holds nor has ever held British citizenship. Dr Boako emphasized that Bawumia was only seconded to the Ghana International Bank Plc by the Bank of Ghana and did not require British citizenship to fulfil his responsibilities there.
Here is an appointment form, obtained from a reliable source, where Bawumia has indicated his nationality as Ghanaian.
The precedent and constitutional prohibitions:
The controversy surrounding Bawumia’s citizenship arises in the aftermath of a Supreme Court ruling that nullified the election of James Gyakye Quayson, an MP for Assin North, due to his dual citizenship status at the time of filing his nomination with the Electoral Commission. This ruling has sparked discussions regarding the eligibility of other public office holders who may hold dual citizenship. The Ghanaian constitution prohibits dual citizens from occupying specific public offices, including members of parliament, ministers of state, ambassadors, and judges.
The controversy surrounding Vice President Bawumia’s citizenship has stirred debates and raised questions about the qualifications of public office holders in Ghana. As the matter unfolds, further scrutiny and clarification may be required to address concerns regarding the eligibility of individuals serving in public office and ensure adherence to constitutional provisions.
The Vice President and James Gyakye Quayson are not the only public office holder whose citizenship has been contested under the 4th Republic. The following individuals amongst others have also been accused of holding dual citizenship at some point in their political journey.
Adamu Daramani Sakande: The NPP MP for Bawku Central was convicted in 2012 for holding dual citizenship at the time he contested for the seat in 2008. He was found guilty of perjury, false declaration of office, and deceiving a public officer. He was sentenced to two years imprisonment and fined GH¢12,000. He was also stripped of his parliamentary seat and ordered to refund all salaries and allowances he received as an MP.
Zanetor Agyeman-Rawlings: The NDC MP for Klottey Korle was challenged in 2016 by another NDC aspirant, Nii Armah Ashitey, for not being a registered voter at the time she filed her nomination to contest for the seat. Ashitey also alleged that Zanetor held dual citizenship of Ghana and Germany. However, Zanetor denied holding dual citizenship and said she had renounced her German citizenship before filing her nomination. The High Court dismissed Ashitey’s case and upheld Zanetor’s candidacy
Richard Anane: The NPP MP for Nhyiaeso and former minister of health and roads and transport was accused in 2007 by a US-based Ghanaian lawyer, Kwame Mayor, of holding US citizenship in addition to his Ghanaian one. Mayor claimed that Anane had acquired US citizenship through naturalization after marrying a US citizen in 1996. However, Anane denied holding US citizenship and said he had never applied for naturalization or taken an oath of allegiance to the US.
Dorcas Affo-Toffey: The NDC MP for Jomoro Constituency in the Western Region was sued by a resident of Jomoro, Joshua Emuah Kofie, for holding dual citizenship of Ghana and Ivory Coast at the time she filed her nomination to contest for the seat in 2020.
The petitioner claimed that she had not renounced her Ivorian citizenship before filing her nomination, which violates the 1992 Constitution. However, she denied holding any other citizenship apart from Ghanaian and said she had renounced her Ivorian citizenship before filing her nomination. She also said she had never acquired American citizenship as alleged by the petitioner. The Sekondi High Court dismissed the petition and affirmed her eligibility as an MP.
The Municipal Immigration Commander forAshaiman, Nii Ofoli Wilson, has urged the public to refrain from offering tips in order to access public services including getting passports, birth certificates, and driver’s licenses.
Mr. Wilson was speaking at a community education forum in Ashaiman, organised by Ghana Integrity Initiative (GII) to sensitize and inform residents of channels to report corrupt activities.
He indicated that the practice, which was coined to mean “protocol” on many occasions, did not render the service for which the tipping or bribery was paid.
Mr. Wilson revealed that aside from tips and bribery, people also used their family or social contacts to skip lines or gain quicker and better access to schools and hospitals.
The ImmigrationCommanderassociated the bad act with the attitudes of some Ghanaians who willingly gave out money without request when seeking public service, with intentions to strengthen social bonds.
“People should not encourage the practice so that it becomes normalized because everyone has an equal opportunity to be served. But in the minds of some, tipping is something that implies better service, which is very wrong.
“There’s no reason to pay your way through if indeed you’re qualified for any position or service,” he added.
Mr. Wilson said that as part of the solution to do away with the canker, the public must exercise patience and follow the due process even when the service providers deliberately delay them, which he indicated was better than trying to cut corners and having problems later.
He advised the public to avoid falling into traps where attitudes and beliefs about tipping lead to better service.
Mr. Wilson said it was important on the part of public institutions to have clear rules about the modalities of seeking services.
The Chairman of the Council of State, Nana Otuo Siriboe II, has urged Ghanaians to unite in support of the government’s recovery programme, and see the light ahead in Ghana’s economic trajectory.
During a Council of State meeting attended by Finance Minister, Ken Ofori-Atta, Chairman Otuo Siriboe II said it is time Ghanaians to stick together and rally behind government as the country embarks on a path of renewed growth.
“There is light ahead for Ghana. We must remain optimistic and steadfast in our belief that our country will overcome the challenges it currently faces,” Nana Otuo Siriboe declared.
“The IMF Programme approval marks a turning point, which will energise our path to renewed growth and catalyse further opportunities for economic recovery.”
The Chairman expressed his optimism about the country’s prospects, highlighting the approval of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) Programme as a turning point that would invigorate Ghana’s growth trajectory and open doors to further opportunities for economic recovery.
He stressed the need for unity, resilience, and unwavering belief in Ghana’s potential to overcome the challenges it currently faces.
He said the IMF’s $3 billion bailout presented a unique opportunity for Ghana to reboot its economy, and encouraged Ghanaians to embrace this opportunity and work together to optimise its benefits.
He emphasised that by joining forces, Ghana can achieve remarkable progress and build a prosperous future for all its citizens.
The meeting, which was attended by key government officials including the Finance Minister and members of the Council of State, aimed to educate stakeholders about the details of Ghana’s Growth Agenda and the IMF Programme, while also soliciting input for effective implementation.
On his part, Finance Minister Ken Ofori-Atta, acknowledged the significant strides already made in Ghana’s recovery journey.
“We have come a long way, and we are determined to continue on this path of progress. The IMF Programme will provide the necessary support to restore our economy and set us on a trajectory of sustained growth,” the Minister affirmed.
He took time to outline Ghana’s Post Covid-19 Programme for Economic Growth (PC-PEG).
The economic blueprint encompasses four key objectives. The first objective, he said, focuses on restoring macroeconomic stability, including managing inflation, stabilizing the exchange rate, and creating a favorable business environment.
The second pillar of the PC-PEG addresses Ghana’s fiscal challenges. The Minister highlighted the government’s commitment to bringing fiscal operations and public debt to sustainable levels. Measures such as comprehensive tax administration reforms and prudent fiscal policies will be implemented to ensure a sound economic foundation.
Structural reforms comprise the third objective of the PC-PEG. The Minister emphasized the importance of improving the business environment, attracting private sector investments, and bolstering infrastructure development. The financial sector will also receive support through regulatory forbearances and the operationalization of the Ghana Financial Stability Fund (GFSF).
The final objective of the PC-PEG centers around promoting strong and inclusive growth while safeguarding the poor and vulnerable. The government plans to stimulate economic activity, create job opportunities, and attract investments. Concurrently, social safety nets and targeted support programmes will protect the most vulnerable members of society, ensuring that the benefits of recovery are widely shared.
Nana Otuo Siriboe II expressed his gratitude to the Finance Minister and his team for their dedication and tireless efforts in formulating the growth programme and securing IMF support.
He encouraged the government to continue spreading the message of hope and progress throughout the nation.
The Electricity Company of Ghana has issued a warning against planting trees under low voltage lines as a precaution to prevent future electricity supply disruptions as Ghanaians celebrate Green Ghana Day with tree-planting activities.
The Western Regional Manager of the ECG, Engineer Emmanuel Justice Ofori while leading staff of ECG to sensitize and plant trees at the All Saint Anglican School in Takoradi said the ECG is targeting to plant 5,000 trees in the region.
He added that the public must, however, be cautious not to plant trees under the Low Voltage lines as the grown trees may disrupt the power supply when it comes in contact with the lines.
“We are advising those planting trees that we should go about planting the trees but we should be careful not to plant them directly under the lines especially the LV lines (Low Voltage lines).”
Meanwhile, the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources, in collaboration with the Forestry Commission, has urged all Ghanaians and residents to actively participate in the national tree-planting exercise.
The event forms a vital component of an ambitious afforestation and reforestation agenda aimed at restoring the country’s depleted forest cover.
During the inaugural edition, the target was set at planting five million trees. However, the enthusiasm and commitment of the participants surpassed expectations, resulting in the planting of over seven million trees.
Building on this success, last year’s Green Ghana Day witnessed an even greater achievement, with over 26 million trees planted, surpassing the intended goal of 20 million.
This year, the nation aspires to plant an additional 10 million seedlings throughout the country, while nurturing the over 30 million trees planted in 2021 and 2022.
Upon the resumption of Parliament, the Minority declared its intention to submit an urgent question seeking clarification regarding the proposed divestment of Ghana’s stake in Jubilee Oil Holdings (JOHL) to the Petroleum Gas Corporation of South Africa (PetroSA).
It has been alleged that the Ghana National Petroleum Corporation (GNPC) under the Chairmanship of Mr Freddie Blay, is working on a transaction to relinquish about 50% of shares of JOHL to PetroSA.
Mr Blay has, however, denied any wrong doing.
Reacting to this claim, the Minority said apart from filing an urgent question for clarification of this saga, it is concerned with the manner in which the JOHL assets are being held and managed.
The Minority in a statement signed by its leader, Dr Cassiel Ato Forson claimed that the JOHL revenues are currently being used as “slush fund” to pursue all manner of business that has not been approved by Parliament under the usual GNPC budget approval process.
“The recent lodgment of $100 million of oil revenues in the accounts of JOHL which sparked concerns about the state being deprived of taxes accruing from these revenues leads credence to our concern,” the statement stated.
Even more troubling, according to the Minority, is the Energy Minister’s references in his letter to the Executive Secretary to the President, an attempt to try to refinance GNPC’s current debts by using JOHL’s asset to do so with LITASCO.
The Minority noted that it can presume that the intent is to forward sell JOHL’s production share to raise money.
To this end, they are calling on the Akufo-Addo-led government to transfer the shares held by JOHL to GNPC without delay, in order that Ghanaians can be assured that appropriate oversight is being exercised on these assets by parliament and other stakeholders.
This they say will ensure proper accountability and effective monitoring of the revenues accruing from the country’s petroleum resources.
President Akufo-Addo has stated that Ghanaians can now embrace and shake hands with one other in public with ease.
The review of COVID-19 safety measures comes at a time when the World Health Organisation has stated that COVID-19 is no longer a public health emergency.
The president revealed the ease with COVID restrictions when he addressed the country on Sunday, May 28, 2023, in his last update on the country’s preparedness towards the fight againstCOVID-19.
“That culturally defining Ghanaian symbol, the handshake, was prohibited and frowned upon and we were advised not to hug our children and our loved ones…
“… Fellow Ghanaians, throughout these trying times, I kept urging all of you to believe that this, too, shall pass. Dare I say that this too has passed? The emergency is over, and we can safely lift many of the oppressive restrictions we have had to endure, we can shake hands, we can hug, we can visit, and we no longer have to wear masks,” he said.
The president, however, urged that such practices as the “regular hand washing and other personal hygiene measures” be maintained “so they become entrenched national habits.”
In 2020, Ghana sternly enforced safety protocol measures such as social distancing, no public gatherings, use of sanitizer and washing of hands regularly with soap.
