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  • Anti-drug initiative ‘Red Means Stop’ launched

    Anti-drug initiative ‘Red Means Stop’ launched

    The Ministry of Youth Development and Empowerment has rolled out the “Ghana Against Drugs – ‘Red Means Stop’” campaign, a nationwide youth-focused initiative aimed at addressing the rising issue of substance abuse among young people.

    The initiative was carried out in partnership with Entertainment Week Ghana.

    This campaign is designed to create public awareness about the dangers of opioid abuse, engage policymakers in strengthening regulatory frameworks, implement proactive steps to reduce the availability and misuse of these substances, and empower young individuals to make informed decisions while promoting a drug-free lifestyle.

    During the launch, the sector minister, Mr. George Opare Addo, highlighted that President Mahama established the Ministry with a clear purpose of tackling youth-related challenges comprehensively.

    He explained that beyond equipping young people with skills and employment, the Ministry is also responsible for fostering their civic engagement, leadership development, and overall well-being.

    “At the heart of this mandate is the fundamental need to safeguard the health and future of our young people,” he stated.

    Mr. Opare Addo underscored the serious threat that substance abuse, especially opioid misuse, poses to the youth and the nation. He emphasized, “The rapid spread of dangerous opioids, especially the one known as ‘Red’, has become a national concern. Today, we are taking a decisive stand against this menace.”

    He pointed out that the fight against drug abuse cannot be won in isolation and called for collective efforts from government institutions to enforce strict regulations against illegal drug distribution. He also urged traditional and religious leaders to provide moral guidance and community support while encouraging the media to amplify the Red Means Stop campaign message and hold institutions accountable.

    The Minister further appealed to policymakers, educators, parents, and community leaders to join forces in this campaign. He called on every ministry, department, and agency to actively participate, develop targeted messages, and collaborate to safeguard young people from the harmful effects of substance abuse.

    “To the youth, I say, Your future is worth more than a fleeting high. You are valuable, and your dreams are worth pursuing. Substance abuse can destroy your potential – say no to drugs. Surround yourself with positive influences and seek help when needed.

    “Your future is bright – believe in yourself, work hard, and stay focused on your goals,” Mr. Opare Addo advised.

    He continued, “If you or someone you know is struggling with substance abuse, reach out to national helplines, local counselling services, and support groups. You are not alone. Stay strong, informed, and away from drugs.”

    Mr. Ebenezer Okletey Terlabi, the Deputy Minister of the Interior, described the campaign theme “Red Means Stop” as a rallying call for every Ghanaian to take a stand against drug abuse.

    He referred to a study conducted among adolescents in nine senior high schools in the Northern Region, which revealed that 62.3 per cent had used an illicit substance at least once, with 6.2 per cent reporting smoking, 5.0 per cent consuming alcohol, and 62.3 per cent using other illegal drugs.

    Mr. Terlabi stressed, “We must ensure that our youth understand the dangers of substance abuse, resist peer pressures, and make informed decisions that will secure their future.

    “This campaign is not just about awareness; it is about action.”

    “Together, let us make Ghana a country where drug abuse is rejected, dreams are protected, and our youth can thrive in a healthy and safe environment,” he stated.

  • Finance Ministry releases guide to ensure efficient financial management of investment projects

    Finance Ministry releases guide to ensure efficient financial management of investment projects

    The Ministry of Finance has officially released a guide aimed at enhancing the financial management of public investment projects in Ghana. 

    Titled Methodologies for Preparation and Integrated Appraisal of Public Investment Projects in Ghana, this comprehensive manual outlines a structured approach to managing public projects, from conception to evaluation.

    The guide is the culmination of years of work, supported by significant legislative reforms like the Public Financial Management Act of 2016, the Public Private Partnership Act of 2020, and the Public Financial Management (Public Investment Management) Regulations, 2020. These reforms have been instrumental in setting the foundation for the new methodologies.

    Minister of Finance, Mr Amin Adam, expressed his pride in the release of the manual, highlighting the crucial role it will play in enhancing the public investment management (PIM) system. 

    He emphasized the guide’s potential to bring systematic improvement to project preparation and appraisal, aligning with both international standards and Ghana’s specific needs.

    “This manual is a pivotal achievement in our efforts to enhance Public Investment Management in Ghana,” the Minister said. “It integrates both academic frameworks and practical insights, offering a step-by-step approach for project managers, government officials, and stakeholders. It is a tool for ensuring the successful execution of investment projects that will propel our nation towards sustainable prosperity.”

    The guide is particularly noteworthy for its practical approach, offering readers not just theoretical knowledge but actionable steps for assessing and managing investment projects. It also reflects the contributions of key experts, including Prof. Edgardo Mimica, an international PIM consultant, whose input was invaluable during the reform process.

    The Minister further urged stakeholders to actively engage with the guide, describing it as an essential resource that will help unlock the full potential of public investment management in Ghana.

    “We must not only learn from the insights in this manual but also act on them to achieve meaningful progress. Let us use this as a driving force to create development that is broad-based and sustainable for all Ghanaians,” he added.

    With the release of this guide, the Ministry of Finance has set a new benchmark for effective public investment management, signaling a move towards more efficient and transparent financial practices in the country.

  • Tema-Mpakadan railway line set for Guinness World Records recognition

    Tema-Mpakadan railway line set for Guinness World Records recognition

    The Minister for Railway Development, John Peter Amenu, has announced that the Tema-Mpakadan Standard Gauge Railway Line will be recognized by the Guinness World Records.

    He stated, “As a result of the construction of the Senchi Bridge, a significant engineering achievement is being awarded by the Guinness Book of Records’’.

    During the commissioning of the Tema-Mpakadan Standard Gauge Railway Line and the Multiple Diesel Units (DMU), the Minister commended President Akufo-Addo for his leadership in the project, which has gained international recognition.

    The Minister also highlighted that the Exim Bank funded the Tema-Mpakadan Standard Gauge Railway Line with a sum of $447 million.

    Additionally, he noted that numerous projects have been successfully completed by the government under the Ministry of Railway Development.

    In conclusion, the Minister reaffirmed the government’s dedication to revitalizing the railway sector.

  • Ministry warns travelers against middlemen who promise jobs, others in conflict areas

    Ministry warns travelers against middlemen who promise jobs, others in conflict areas


    The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration has issued a warning to Ghanaians, advising them against undertaking non-essential travels to countries experiencing conflicts.

    Furthermore, the Ministry has cautioned citizens to exercise vigilance concerning intermediaries who promise appealing opportunities, such as employment, residency, and citizenship permits.

    This advisory comes in light of the ongoing conflicts in several nations.

    In a statement, the Ministry underscored the hazards associated with such journeys, emphasizing the significant risks faced by travelers.

    “Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration wishes to caution the travelling public to be wary of the activities of middlemen/agents who purport to have the ability to secure citizenship, resident permits and job offers in conflict areas and countries at war as these journeys are perilous and often have dire consequences.

    “In light of ongoing conflicts and the risk of conscription in certain countries or regions around the world, travellers are strongly advised to exercise caution and carefully consider their travel plans,” parts of the statement read.

    At the same time, travelers are encouraged to take preventive steps and prioritize their safety and welfare, particularly when contemplating employment opportunities in areas susceptible to conscription and armed conflicts.


  • Ignore the 20% increase in transportation costs – Ministry

    Ignore the 20% increase in transportation costs – Ministry

    The Ministry of Transport has issued a statement urging the public to dismiss reports indicating an alleged increase in public transportation costs nationwide.

    According to the Ghana Private Road and Transport Union (GPRTU), as disclosed in a statement on Wednesday following a national management meeting held on January 16, 2024, at the Trades Union House, it was decided that transportation fares would be raised by 20% at all loading points of the Union, effective January 24, 2024.

    The statement from GPRTU cited the necessity for this adjustment, attributing it to excessive taxes on spare parts that have negatively impacted their operations due to the rising prices of these components.

    However, in response to GPRTU’s announcement, the Ministry of Transport has called on the public to adhere to the existing transportation costs, disregarding any potential increases that commercial drivers may impose in the coming days.

    Press-Release-1Download

    “There has not been any negotiation with the transport operators for a review of transport fares” the Ministry stated.

    It further stated that, as in previous instances, the public will be duly informed when such negotiations and decisions are required.

    The Ministry of Transport says it will continue to ensure “fair and reasonable public transport fares, keeping in mind the needs of transport operators and the general public.”

  • Nigeria: We’ll work with Customs to get rid of extra cargos – Minister

    Nigeria: We’ll work with Customs to get rid of extra cargos – Minister

    Minister of marine and blue economy, Mr. Adegboyega Oyetola, has stated that the ministry will work with the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) to clear 6,000 overdue shipments of cargo that have been piling up in the port since 2011.

    As part of his tour of agencies under his ministry, the Minister made this disclosure in Lagos while paying a courtesy call to the NSC headquarters.

    According to Oyetola, there are around 6,000 extra shipments in the Apapa and TinCan Ports. He also claimed that his administration would make sure that the shipments were cleared within the allotted period.

    He stated: “On the port community transport, it is something that needs to be pursued. I have gone round to look at the state of the ports, it is discouraging. I am not blaming anybody. My concept of ports development is more of Public Private Partnership, PPP. Government should not own a port 100 per cent.

    “Another thing I noticed is the extent to which cargoes are being abandoned. You need to engage with Customs to see how we can decongest our ports. Tin-can and Apapa have about 6,000 cargo that have been abandoned. You can imagine how much space they are occupying. I am going to engage the Customs management to see what can be done. There must be a time frame for clearing of cargo. To have kept cargo in one place since 2011 is unfortunate. I believe a solution can be created.

    “I am charging all of us to be more creative. You have to see yourselves as civil servants in business because the blue economy is purely business. The issue of port rehabilitation is critical, I went there and I saw a lot of cracks.”

    In his opening remarks, NSC Executive Secretary Emmanuel Jime asked the Minister to ensure that Nigeria develops into a marine hub in the West Africa subregion.

    He said: “You have come with a determination to change the narrative and ensure that when you leave, you will write your name in gold. This is one agency in the industry that would help you on the road to achieving that objective of yours, which is to turn around maritime.

    “The objective of everyone here is to make certain that Nigeria becomes a maritime hub in this West Africa sub region. That is our objective and desire.”

  • Only 48 companies have been supported under 1D1F, not 60 – Trade Minister clarifies

    Only 48 companies have been supported under 1D1F, not 60 – Trade Minister clarifies

    The Ministry of Trade and Industry has disclosed that 48 and not 60 companies have been granted a total disbursement of 14 million Ghana Cedis under the One District One Factory (1D1F) Initiative, facilitated by the Ghana Exim Bank.

    The objective of the 1D1F program is to support the private sector in establishing at least one manufacturing enterprise in each of the 261 districts across the country.

    Earlier, in March 2022, the Ministry had communicated to Parliament that 60 companies had been provided assistance under the policy.

    However, during a parliamentary session, the Minister of Trade and Industry, K.T Hammond, acknowledged the previous miscommunication and issued an apology.

    “Mr Speaker, the ministry had in March 2022 inadvertently stated to this House that 60 1D1F companies had been supported by the Ghana Exim Bank. Mr Speaker, a further appreciation of the facts and analysis of the various companies and figures showed that it was not 60 but 48 companies and the ministry renders an unqualified apology to the House.”

    Through the ongoing implementation of the 1D1F program, the government aims to stimulate industrialization, boost local production, and enhance the overall economic landscape of the country.

  • Illegal structures around Kawukudi central Mosque demolished

    Illegal structures around Kawukudi central Mosque demolished

    The Ayawaso East Municipal Assembly (AEMA) in collaboration with the police have carried out a demolishing exercise, destroying about 200 structures, including motor repair shops, containers, and food vending facilities. 

    The exercise, which took place on Tuesday, March 21, 2023, was conducted between the National Vocational Training Institute (NVTI) and the Nima-Maamobi Community Library.

    According to reports, the illegal occupants were located around the Central Mosque at Kawukudi, in the Ayawaso East Municipality. 

    The demolition exercise, which commenced at dawn, prevented some individuals from salvaging valuable items. Eyewitnesses have reported that the exercise was carried out thoroughly, leaving no structure standing.

    “I went to the mosque to pray, and when I finished and came out I saw people running out of their rooms. Some of them had towels around their waist, and others wore only shorts because they were still sleeping when the demolition started,” said Rafik Seidu, an eyewitness, in an interview with Graphic Online.

    The Ayawaso East Municipal Assembly has not yet disclosed what the demolished site would be used for in the near future. 

    However, affected residents are speculating that the piece of land could be used for the construction of a police station or a national mosque. Some have even alleged that the land has been sold to a church.

    Hundreds of individuals have been rendered homeless as a result of the demolishing exercise. 

    The AEMA has assured the public that it will work with the appropriate authorities to ensure that those affected are adequately resettled.

  • Railways Ministry gets ₵618.2 million for 2023 fiscal year

    Parliament has approved GH₵618.2 million for the Ministry of Railways Development to run its programmes and activities for the year 2023.

    The Ministry’s budgetary allocation for the financial year has seen a significant increase over the 2022 figure of GHS530.6 million, showing a 16.5 per cent increase.

    Within the year under review, a total amount of GHS475.3 million was released with GHS419.96 million expended by the Ministry as at September 2022.

    As regards the programmes and outlook for 2023, the Ministry in 2023 would continue to develop local human resources and technical capacity for the maintenance of the railway system.

    This would be done by organising workshops and equipping the youth through practical hands-on training to create jobs and wealth to support the growth of the economy.

    In 2023, the construction of the 22km Kojokrom-Manso section of the Western Railway Line and the 97.97km of the Tema-Mpakadan Line are expected to be completed and operationalised, being the first standard gauge railway line in Ghana.

    Mr John-Peter Amewu, the Minister of Railways Development in moving the Motion on Wednesday, said the Ministry was working very hard to stop the encroachment on railway lands.

    He noted that in the short to medium term, there was the possibility of linking the Western Railway Line, which was 35 to 40 per cent complete, to the Boankra Inland Port.

    The Eastern Line, had, however, seen no improvement.

    “On the completion of the Western Line, there is the possibility that we may move on through the Port of Takoradi to the Boankra Inland Port,” Mr Amewu said.

    “So, that is what we are doing while looking to the long term of completing the Eastern Railway Line.”

    Mr Kennedy Nyarko Osei, the Chairman of the Parliamentary Select Committee on Roads and Transport, who seconded the Motion, said the Committee noted the challenges of the Ministry with encroachment on lands earmarked for railway projects.

    He said those challenges had financial implications since the Government had to compensate those encroachers when projects were being undertaken to get the right of way on its own land, which delayed the work.

    Mr Osei, who is also the New Patriotic Party (NPP) Member of Parliament for Akyem Swedru, said the Committee was concerned about the Ministry’s ability to take the necessary steps to protect all earmarked lands and properties from encroachment.

    The Committee was informed about illegal mining (galamsey) activities, which were causing damage to railway infrastructure resulting in huge financial losses.

    Mr Osei said the Ministry would require an estimated two million dollars to reclaim lands destroyed as a result of illegal mining activities.

    He urged the Ministry to collaborate with the National Security and Lands and Natural Resources ministries, through Operation Halt, to curb the activities of galamsey operators.

    Touching on the Boankra Integrated Logistics Terminal, the Chairman said there was the need for a railway line from Boankra to be extended to the Tema Port to facilitate the transportation of heavy goods to the inland Port.

    Mr Haruna Iddrisu, the National Democratic Congress (NDC) Minority Leader in Parliament, said Ghana must prioritise its railway development and ensure that adequate resources were allocated towards achieving that to improve the general transportation of persons and goods.

    He suggested that with the annual amount that Parliament approves every year, the House should take a position and allocate $200 million for the next five years for anyone who would want to come and build the railway system.

    Mr Frank Annoh-Dompreh, the NPP Majority Chief Whip and MP for Nsawam-Adoagyiri, said it was time for massive investment in the railway sector to make it more vibrant.

    Mr Governs Kwame Agbodza, the Deputy Ranking Member on the Roads and Transport Committee, and MP for Adaklu, urged the ruling NPP Government to give credit to the opposition NDC for initiating some development projects while it was in office, such as the Tema-Npakanda Railway Line.

  • Members of some political parties were fully sponsored to Qatar by gov’t – PPP Chairman claims

    National Chairman of the Progressive People’s Party (PPP), Nana Ofori Owusu, has alleged that some political party executives were flown to Qatar by the Ministry of Youth and Sports.

    In an interview with ace journalist,Kwame Sefa Kayi, on Tuesday, Mr Ofori Owusu indicated that all the cost involved in the trip to Qatar to observe the 2022 World Cuptournament was fully funded by the Ministry.

    According to him, executives of the Progressive People’s Party were not provided any sponsorship to Qatar.

    “My colleague (political parties) had tickets and full packages to Qatar. They called me and asked where I was. They told me the Sports Ministry gave them packages,” he said.

    His claims are yet to be confirmed or denied by the Ministry of Youth and Sports, headed by Mustapha Ussif.

    Ghana is among the teams competing to win the 2022 World Cup tournament. Several Ghanaians in the country and across the globe have journeyed to Qatar, in the middle east, to support the Black Stars of Ghana.

    In July this year, ahead of the tournament which began in November, it emerged that Kenpong Travel & Tours’ cheapest package for fans attending the 2022 FIFA World Cup from Ghana costs GH37,443.4, estimated at $4,710.

    The package covers economy class flight tickets, accommodations for four people in a room, Category Two tickets for Ghana group
    matches, COVID-19 testing, travel insurance, medicals, internal transport and a police report.

    However, it comes with no feeding while in Qatar. The most expensive package, dubbed Platinum Category A goes for GH₵84,350, approximately $10,610.

    It covers business class flight tickets, feeding, single occupancy accommodations in a five-star hotel, Category One tickets for Ghana group matches, COVID-19
    testing, travel insurance, medicals, internal transport and a police report.

     

  • Housing Authority will address affordable housing challenges – Works and Housing Ministry

    The Ministry of Works and Housing is optimistic that a Housing Authority will bring closure to all the challenges associated with housing in the country.

    The Ministry also believes that with the help of the authority, there will be effective implementation of housing policies as well as a curb on the rate at which housing projects are abandoned after the government that initiated them leaves office.

    Speaking on behalf of his outfit, deputy House and Works Minister, Abdulai Abanga, who lamented about the situation, said this trend (of stalled projects as a result of the change of government) should be a thing of the past.
    “The conception, management, and planning of these projects were not handled by professionals but rather influenced by political considerations,” he said. “So we are hoping that when the Ghana Housing Authority is established, we will have highly qualified professionals to undertake affordable housing implementations.”

    “The government led-housing projects which normally suffer in implementation, causing them to be stalled and abandoned when there is a change of government, should be a thing of the past,” Mr. Abanga said.

    The comment follows the controversy surrounding the abandoned Saglemi Housing Project, which the government intends to sell to a private sector entity.

    Government has clarified that the sale of the project (which was
    to provide affordable housing to

    Ghanaians upon completion) is the best option given the current circumstances.

    However, this has been widely contested by many who believe the decision is not in the best interest of the country.

    Addressing a gathering at the 2022 Ghana Property Awards, Mr Abdulai Abanga, said the authority will ensure that professionals undertake affordable housing projects in the country.

    Meanwhile, the government maintains that the sale of the project is the best. Speaking on Saturday, November 26, 2022,the deputy finance minister, John Kumah, explained that “the Saglemi Housing project is no longer affordable per the arrangement that has happened to it because if you divide $200 million by 10,000, you are going to get it at $10,000, and they reviewed it to 1,500 (housing units) which makes it up (from) $40,000 to $50,000 per
    unit. So how affordable can that be?”

    “So in the present circumstances, the best option is to bring the private sector in,” he said.

  • Reconsider your decision to block approval of $500m loan facility – Ursula Owusu urges Minority

    The Minister for Communications and Member of Parliament for Ablekuma West Constituency, Ursula Owusu-Ekuful, has urged the minority in parliament to reconsider their decision not to approve any further loans by government.

    According to her, the country may face a more difficult financial situation if these loans are disapproved.

    She explained that one of the loans which have to do with her ministry will be funding for entrepreneurial skills, development training and start-up capital to start the innovation ecosystem and also provide jobs in the country.

    She added that there is a need for parliament to approve these loans as digital technology provides us opportunities in these difficult times.

    “This loan facility that the world bank board has already approved and are willing and eager to give this money to us but we cannot contract any loans without parliamentary approval. This loan for the Ghana Digital acceleration project will provide funding for entrepreneurial skills, development training and start-up capital to stare up the innovation ecosystem of our country.

    “If we didn’t learn anything form the pandemic; it is that one lesson we all must have learnt is that without digital technology it is impossible for any country to grow its economy to communicate in the rapidly unfolding environment in which we live.

    “Yes, we are having economic challenges but the Digital technology provides us with the ladder to climb out if the difficulties we currently face and so even though the minority has already taken the stand that they will not approve any further loans. I urge upon them that they should take another look at their position and reconsider because if we don’t take the right decision today, our country will be in probably even more difficult circumstances tomorrow,” she told journalists in parliament.

    The minority side in parliament has vowed that it will not approve any further loan agreement by the government of Ghana in Parliament.

    According to the minority, the approval of further loans will worsen the debt situation of the country.

    Member of Parliament for Asuogyaman Constituency Thomas Nyarko Ampem said in an interview that “Government of Ghana has brought a loan agreement for us to approve and three different loans agreement. One for two hundred million dollars and two each for one hundred and fifty million dollars. We have taken a very simple decision that looking at our debt situation we are unable to support further approvals for further loans because believe that if you are in a hole you don’t continue to dig further.”

    It is based on this the Minister of Communication has asked the minority to reconsider their decision.

  • Ministry of Works and Housing denies knowledge of National Cathedral construction

    Deputy Minister for Works and Housing Abdulai Abanga has indicated his outfit has no knowledge of the construction of the National Cathedral under the Ministry of Works and Housing.

    According to him, the National Cathedral‘s construction is not the ministry’s responsibility.

    Abdulai Abanga made this known after Member of Parliament for Lower Manya Krobo asked the minister about the current state of the national cathedral and also how many judges are still being housed in hotels as a result of the demolition of their bungalows to pave the way for the construction of the National Cathedral.

    In response to these questions, Abdulai Abanga said;

    “…Mr Speaker the question relating to the national cathedral is an activity that is outside the remit of the Ministry of Works and Housing.

    “Mr Speaker the Ministry of works of housing has therefore written to this house in a letter on November 11, 2022, to the principal assistant and assistant clerk and head of table office to draw their attention to this matter,” he added.

    Following his response, the Speaker, Andrew Asiamah Amoako, directed that the table office redirect the question to the appropriate office.

  • A million dollars! – Kwame Sefa shocked by alleged amount spent on every Black Stars game

    Kwame Sefa Kayi, the host of Peace FM’s Kokrokoo’s program could not believe the allegation by his colleague, Dan Kwaku Yeboah that the government spends $1million on every Black Stars game.

    Dan Kwaku Yeboah claimed during a panel discussion on Ghana’s squad for the 2022 World Cup that the Ministry of Youth and Sports has confirmed that every Black Stars game costs Ghanaians a million dollars.

    Kwaku Yeboah was bemoaning what he views to be the profligacy and mismanagement of funds on the Black Stars.

    He noted worryingly that the wastefulness is to be blamed for the failure of the country to channel funds from the World Cup into major projects.

    “We’ve been told by the ministry that we spend $1million on every Black Stars game. The ministry says we spend $1million on every Black Stars game,” he said.

    A gobsmacked Sefa Kayi retorted in disbelief “a million dollars a game? Do you know what a million dollars is? I don’t want to believe it. It has shocked me.”.

    On the same show, Dan Kwaku Yeboah lamented the inclusion of Reading defender Baba Rahman in the Black Stars.

    He asserted that the left-back is in the squad due to his association with GFA boss, Kurk Okraku, and not because he merits a call-up.

    Coach Otto Addo on Monday, November 14, 2022 announced a 26-man squad for the tournament which will be held in Qatar.

    The team had some new faces as well as some old faces led by skipper Andre Dede, his deputy Thomas Partey and his brother, Jordan Ayew.

    Ghana will begin the tournament on November 24 against Portugal before taking on Uruguay and South Korea in Group H.

  • Avoid non-essential travel to Abuja due to terrorist attacks – Foreign Minister

    The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration has advised the general public against making non-important travels to Abuja in Nigeria.

    In a statement dated November 16, the Ministry explained that this is “due to the unpredictable security situation in the city, and the high danger of terrorism, criminality, inter-communal conflict, armed attacks and kidnappings” happening.

    The Ministry also warned about the subsequent directive by local authorities to hotels operating in residential buildings to shut down.

    Meanwhile, the Ministry has noted that it will continue to monitor the situation and provide updates to the public when the situation improves.

    A local chief in Nigeria has been shot dead by suspected separatists in his palace in the Oguta council area of Imo State.

    Ignatius Asor and two of his aides were killed on Monday, November 14.

    According to spokesperson for police in Imo, Michael Abattam, the attackers are members of the leading pro-Biafra group.

    Reports have it that the gunmen arrived at the local palace in Imo’s Obudi Agwa village, where they were received by the chief after disguising themselves as “persons in distress” and who had come to report an emergency situation to him.”

    However, Emma Powerful, a spokesperson for IPOB, has denied the group’s involvement in the attack. They accused the police and government of trying to “implicate them in every criminality going on in our territory.”

     

  • MoFA has no business in food distribution chain – GAWU

    The General Agriculture Worker’s Union (GAWU) is raising some eyebrows about the activities of the Ministry of Food and Agriculture (MoFA) in the food distribution chain concerning its Planting for Food and Jobs (PFJ) pilot market.

    According to GAWU, the ministry has no business in the food middlemen business.

    The MoFA last Friday, November 11, 2022, piloted the sale of some selected food items at its forecourt in Accra to cushion some Civil and Local Government staff to get affordable food items in the wake of food price hikes in the country.

    The General Secretary of GAWU, Edward Kareweh questioned the ministry’s rationale for introducing the programme.

    He was of the view that the ministry was usurping the work of the National Buffer Stock Limited while speaking in an interview on the 505 news analysis programme hosted by Valentina Ofori Afriyie on Accra-based Class 91.3 FM on Friday, November 11, 2022.

    He was categorical in saying the ministry has no mandate to engage in such exercises when there is a dedicated company for doing so.

    He further questioned the ministry’s budget for playing the role of food middleman in the food distribution and supply chain.

    ”The ministry ought to tell us which budget they are using for the pilot programme when there is the need for the ministry to scale up its supply of fertilizers to farmers among others in the country,” he stressed.

    He said since 2021 the ministry has scaled down the supply of fertilisers to farmers across the country.

    This should be a source of worry to the minister and the heads of departments at the ministry and not dabbling in the food supply chain.

    He said there has been a drastic reduction in subsidies on fertilisers leading to a reduction in the volumes supplied to the farmers.

    He added that what is needed to salvage the situation is investments in agriculture and not the ministry drifting to areas it has no mandate.

    He said there is a shortage of maize which is a key component in PFJ crops and asked why the ministry is not working to make that available through the PFJ pilot market but rather focusing o plantain which is not part of the PFJ list of crops?

     

  • Agric Ministry to expand sale of ‘cheap foodstuff’ to Efua Sutherland park

    The Ministry for Food and Agriculture (MoFA) has announced plans to replicate its sale of cheaper foodstuff to the public at the Efua Sutherland Park to incorporate more local food products.

    The Agric Ministry on Friday, November 11, 2022, began the retailing of food items at its premises to civil and local government workers only.

    According to the Ministry, the move forms part of efforts to cushion Ghanaians and mitigate the impact of rising food prices on the market.

    Citi FM’s Caleb Kudah reported from the premises that the first truckload of plantain arrived around 8 am on Friday.

    He added that some patrons expressed their happiness over the low prices of the products.

    The Public Relations Officer at the Agric Ministry, Bagbara Tanko, told Kudah that the plan to expand the Planting for and Jobs market to the Efua Sutherland Park will enable it to cater for more Ghanaians.

    “I can even say that we are extending this to the Efua Sutherland Park, where we are going to have the Ghanaian rice and the Plantain and other things available,” Mr Tanko said.

    The Minister for Food and Agriculture, Dr Owusu Afriyie Akoto, had earlier said data gathered by the Ministry showed massive disparities between prices at the production areas and urban centres due to the costs within the value chain, hence the need for the initiative.

    Though the move has been criticized by a section of the public and other stakeholders, the pilot exercise has taken off at the ministry.

    A former Deputy Finance Minister, Mona Quartey in an earlier interview said the plan to retail farm produce at the Agric Ministry is unsustainable.

    Also, a former Research Scientist with the Savannah Agricultural Research Institute (SARI) of the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), Professor Roger Kanton, downplayed the feasibility of carting food products from rural areas to sell at the Ministry in Accra.

  • Don’t allow GES staff to supervise WASSCE again -Africa Education Watch to WAEC

    Education think tank, Africa Education Watch, is admonishing the West Africa Examination Council (WAEC) to stop the use of supervisors from the Ghana Education Service (GES) and solely use external supervisors during the West Africa Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE).

    The group made the call at the launch of its 2022 WASSCE monitoring report.

    “The low number of supervisors that were appointed by WAEC was a huge challenge in the supervision of the just-ended WASSCE. WAEC must end the use of GES staff as supervisors and use external agents to supervise the WASSCE”, Programme Officer at the Africa Education Watch, Kwasi Nimo Jnr. stressed.

    He also said, findings showed that centers that had GES supervisors recorded high cases of exam malpractice.

    This he says is problematic as the country strives to fight the canker of examination malpractices, hence, the reversal of the practice.

    “GES staff cannot be made to supervise their own students with an interest for them to pass to enhance their own KPIs. This is what we are recommending because our monitoring report showed that, whenever there are WAEC supervisors on the ground, there is orderliness and no cheating”.

    The education think tank added that the Ministry of Education (MOE) and WAEC should re-negotiate the fees for invigilators and supervisors to realistic levels and ensure prompt payments.

    The report revealed that the involvement of the Bureau of National Investigations (BNI) contributed greatly to the low incidence of question leakages.

    It also called on the Ministry of Education to explore the possibility of providing access to market-led, pre-university distance programs for candidates who score at least E8 in all subjects to improve and pursue other careers.

     

  • Dr Adutwum only reassigned GES functions because of a new law, there was no ‘fight’ with ex-GES Boss – PRO

    A Public Relations Office (PRO) of the Ministry of Education has refuted assertions that the former Director General of the Ghana Education Service (GES), Prof. Kwasi Opoku-Amankwa, was fired because of a misunderstanding with the Education Minister.

    According to Kwasi Kwarteng, most people think there was friction between the Education Minister, Dr. Yaw Osei Adutwum, and the former GES boss because the minister was taking away some of the duties of the GES due to a new law.

    His remarks follow an allegation by Member of Parliament for Builsa South, Dr. Clement Apaak, that Prof. Kwasi Opoku-Amankwa was sacked because of his many disagreements with the Minister for Education, Dr. Yaw Osei Adutwum.

    “The real reasons for sending Prof back to the classroom are not in this letter. “The truth is that the tension and frosty relationship between Hon. Adutwum and Prof. Opoku-Amankwa led to this, nothing more, nothing less,” parts of a tweet the MP shared on October 19 read.

    But Kwasi Kwarteng, in a Neat FM interview monitored by GhanaWeb, explained that the education ministry reassigning roles of the GES to other agencies of government does not mean that there was a bad relationship between Dr. Adutwum and Prof. Opoku-Amankwa

    “The view that the Minister of Education and Prof Opoku-Amankwa did not have a good working relationship is not the case. People are saying this because they see the minister for education reassigning some of the duties of the GES to other agencies.

    “But the explanation is that a new law enacted in 2020 by Parliament, the Education Bodies Regulatory Acts, took some of the roles previously played by the GES to other agencies.

    “For example, the National Teaching Council, which caters for the well-being of all teachers, was previously just an office under the Ghana Education Services. Another example is the Schools Inspectorate, which is now national and has its director general and so on, used to be a unit under the Ghana Education Service,” he said in Twi.

  • GPRTU to announce new transport fares on Monday

    The Ghana Road Transport Union (GPRTU) says it will on Monday, October 24, 2022, announce new fares for public transport.

    This according to the union has been necessitated by the continuous soaring of prices of petroleum products at the various fuel pumps.

    Currently, Diesel and Petrol are selling for over GH¢15 and GH¢13 respectively at major fuel pumps; a situation transport operators say it’s eroding their profit.

    A meeting between the GPRTU and Transport Ministry on the fare adjustment ended in a stalemate.

    Speaking to Citi News, the Industrial Relations Officer for the GPRTU, Abbas Imoro said the union can do little to salvage the situation.

    “Normally, if we are able to conclude, we will come out on Monday with a percentage of increment. We will give the passengers a few days to adjust themselves to the new prices.”

    He further admonished passengers to bear with the GPRTU in order to keep their business running.

    “We’ve been very considerate. This would have been the third or fourth adjustment from May. We are all in this country and have seen frequent increments in fuel prices. But we have sacrificed to contain it. But we can no longer bear the cost.”

    “So we urge passengers to bear with us.”

  • TMPC vows to clamp down on unlicensed, unregistered herbal medicine practitioners

    The Traditional and Alternative Medicine Council (TMPC), under the Ministry of Health, is to clamp down on unlicenced and unregistered herbal medicine practitioners that continue to infiltrate the industry.

    Acting Registrar, Dr Mrs Anastasia Yirenkyi, has thus asked practitioners yet to register with the Council or renew their annual licence to do so or risk the consequences.

    She was speaking in a media interview at the inauguration of a 12-member governing board of the TMPC in Accra last Friday.

    “Our primary aim now is to properly regulate the industry and weed out the quacks in the system who sit on the radios, televisions and in the communities selling products and sharing unproven knowledge and claims.

    We have set up a taskforce to ensure that all persons purporting to practice herbal medicine are in conformity with the law and their products do not pose a risk to consumers,” she said.

    Dr Yirenkyi, who is also Director for Traditional and Alternative Medicine Directorate (TAM-D) at the Ministry, explained that perTMPC Act 575, 2007, practitioners ought to renew their licences, premises and certificates annually to stay in practice.

    She said,the Council, as part of sanitising the sector, was working at merging all herbal medicine practitioners into one body under the Ghana Federation of Traditional Medicine Practitioners Associations (GHAFTRAM)to enhance knowledge and technology transfer among other interventions to improve the practice.

    According to Dr Yirenkyi, traditional and herbal medicine had enormous value not only for the health of the populace but to boost economic growth.

    “Just as countries like China, India and others have been exploring their plant medicine and raking in billions for their economy, we can have same if we build the sector well.

    We can promote job creation, derive enough funds for instance from the cultivation of medicinal plant, harvesting of the plants, manufacturing of herbal medicine, support research etc to build the economy.

    Dr Yirenkyi said with the incorporation of science in herbal medicine practice, the industry had a bright future and called for unity, empathy and professionalism among practitioners to uphold trust in the sector.

    “Everybody is now turning to nature for their health. Everybody wants healthy living now and resorting to our naturally grown herbal plants and medicines as their primary health care and we must ensure we do not fail them,” she advised.

    The Minister of Health, Mr Kwaku Agyeman-Manu charged the new board to ensure that beyond licensing, Ghana’s herbal products and knowledge are commercialised.

    “The same plants and herbs used by the Chinese to make the green teas we highly export can be found here locally. These were what we used to prepare “odido” for malaria and other diseases as children yet till date we haven’t been able to package these well for export.

    “We still do not produce a single active ingredient for medicine production in the country, all are imported and the board must sit up and work hard to position traditional medicine as a highly effective and patronised alternative.”

    For his part, the Chairperson of the board, Mr William Kojo Odum Eduful, promised that “before our term ends, we shall do our best to help achieve a healthy population with traditional medicines.”

  • Agenda 111 closing up 60-year health access gap – Bawumia

    The decision to undertake arguably the largest investment in the country’s health care system, Agenda 111, arose from the government’s determination to close the gaping lack of access to healthcare facilities, especially in remote areas of the country, Vice President Mahamudu Bawumia has explained.

    Inspecting the progress of work in one of the dozens of new hospitals under construction across the country at Bunkprugu in the North East Region on Tuesday, 4th October 2022, Dr Bawumia said this was the first time a concerted effort has been made to ensure that every Ghanaian, irrespective of where they live, has access to a quality health facility within a relatively short distance.

    “The Agenda 111 Project is to bridge a 60-year gap in access to health facilities across the country. 90 districts in our country do not have District Hospitals. Six Regions do not have Regional Hospitals. Large parts of our country do not have access to Specialist hospital facilities and services. This is despite over 60 years of being Independent.

    “So the government of Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo took the bold decision to build these hospitals and meet the health care needs of the people of Ghana, to ensure that every District has a hospital and every Region has a Regional Hospital. This will greatly increase access to health care, prevent avoidable, preventable deaths and reduce the suffering of our people,” he added.

    The Agenda 111 project involves the construction and/or upgrading of 101 district hospitals, the construction of six regional hospitals in the newly created regions, two specialised hospitals in the middle and northern belts, as well as a regional hospital in the Western Region and renovation of the Effia-Nkwanta Regional Hospital.

    Officials of the Ministry of Health say the Project, when completed, will significantly deepen the delivery of quality healthcare at the district level and boost access to healthcare services for all citizens towards ensuring the attainment of the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goal Three.

    The Vice President had earlier inspected ongoing works at Savelugu and Yendi, both in the Northern Region, as part of the first leg of his working visit to the five northern regions of Ghana. He was accompanied by Dr Anthony Nsiah Asare, Presidential Adviser on Health, Hon Ambrose Dery, Minister for the Interior, and other government officials.

  • Finance Ministry, BoG begin debt sustainability analysis with IMF

    The Ministry of Finance has confirmed that its officials and that of the Bank of Ghana have commenced a comprehensive debt sustainability analysis with the
    International Monetary Fund (IMF) for a $3 billion support programme.

    A statement from the ministry said: “the Government of Ghana is putting together a comprehensive post-Covid-19 economic programme, which will form the basis for the IMF negotiations.”

    “The programme seeks to establish a macro-fiscal path that ensures debt sustainability and macroeconomic stability, underpinned by key structural reforms and social protection.”

    The ministry added that it is “optimistic about making progress in our discussions.” “Government remains
    committed, and shall continue to actively engage all stakeholders, both public and private, in a clear and transparent manner as we seek to fast-track this process.”

    An IMF team is in Ghana until October 7 to continue discussions with the government on policies and reforms that could be supported by a lending arrangement. The meeting with the IMF comes amid concerns that Ghana is about to start talks with domestic bondholders on a restructuring of its local-
    currency debt.

    Reports indicate that major local investors, including local banks and pension funds, are preparing to engage in discussion on debt
    reorganization. This could entail the extension of maturities and haircuts on principal and interest payments.

    Ghana’s debt-service costs in the first half amounted to GH¢20.5 billion, equivalent to 68 percent of tax revenue.

  • Uganda Ebola death toll rises to four – Health ministry

    Three more Ebola patients have died in Uganda, the health ministry said on Friday, bringing the total death toll to four.

    This comes days after authorities confirmed an outbreak.

    “In the last 24 hours, three new deaths have been recorded,” the health ministry said in a statement.

    Uganda’s health ministry has so far confirmed 11 cases of Ebola in total, including four deaths.

    The current outbreak, attributed to the Ebola Sudan strain, appears to have started in a small village in Mubende district around the beginning of September, authorities say.

    Seven other deaths are being investigated for being linked to the outbreak in Mubende, around 130 km west of the capital Kampala.

    The first casualty was a 24-year-old man who died earlier this week.

    The World Health Organization says the Ebola Sudan strain is less transmissible and has shown a lower fatality rate in previous outbreaks than Ebola Zaire, a strain that killed nearly 2,300 people in the 2018-2020 epidemic in the neighbouring Democratic Republic of Congo.