TIG Post

Tag: Ursula Owusu

  • Police update on attack on Ursula Owusu’s residence

    Police update on attack on Ursula Owusu’s residence

    Ghana Police Service has confirmed that the office of Ablekuma West MP and Communication Minister, Ursula Owusu-Ekuful, was attacked and ransacked by unidentified individuals.

    According to reports, the incident, which occurred on Monday, December 9, 2024, at approximately 1:17 PM, resulted in the theft of several items and extensive property damage.

    The stolen items included an unspecified amount of cash, a branded Nissan Hardbody vehicle, a television, a printer, two stabilisers, mobile phones, food supplies, and three new motorcycles.

    The intruders also damaged CCTV cameras, barbed wire, and the office door during the break-in.

    It remains unclear whether the attack is linked to her loss in the recent general election.

    Mrs. Owusu-Ekuful, who first won the Ablekuma West seat in 2012, was seeking her fourth term but was defeated by the NDC’s Rev. Addo, who secured 31,866 votes against her 26,575.

  • That was ‘light off’, not ‘dumsor’ – Ursula Owusu on power outage during press conference

    That was ‘light off’, not ‘dumsor’ – Ursula Owusu on power outage during press conference

    Communications Minister, Ursula Owusu-Ekuful, clarified that the brief power interruption during her press conference was simply a ‘light off’ and not indicative of ‘dumsor.’

    She stressed that such interruptions are typical and should not be conflated with a power outage (dumsor), particularly considering its brevity.

    Ursula Owusu-Ekuful compared the current power situation to the extended crisis experienced during former President John Dramani Mahama’s administration, which lasted for almost four years.

    “Is Dumsor still a matter of concern today? We’ve been dealing with these power outages for years; they’re not a new phenomenon.

    The real issue was the extended period of darkness we faced for four years with no end in sight. That was dumsor, but the current one is light off,” she said.

    “At my press conference, there was a momentary power cut that lasted five minutes before we were able to resume, which is normal,” she stated in an interview on Asempa FM.

    She warned that the power situation could deteriorate if the National Democratic Congress (NDC) were elected, urging patience as the issues are addressed.

    “We are aware of the current hardships, but that doesn’t mean we should switch to the opposition. It would be ill-advised to go from the frying pan into the fire,” she commented.

    On May 30, 2024, there was a power outage at the Ministry of Information.

    The interruption happened during Ursula Owusu-Ekuful’s media briefing on the ‘5G roll-out.’

    Once the power was restored, the briefing continued as planned.

  • Ursula Owusu explains why govt awarded 5G contract to a-week-old company

    Ursula Owusu explains why govt awarded 5G contract to a-week-old company


    The Minister of Communications and Digitalisation, Ursula Owusu-Ekuful, has offered a rationale for the Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo administration’s decision to grant the contract for implementing a 5G network in Ghana to NextGen InfraCo Limited, a company established just one week prior.

    Prominent Ghanaians, including investigative journalist Manasseh Azure Awuni, have voiced concerns regarding the contract awarded to NextGen InfraCo.

    Awuni pointed out that the company was incorporated only a week before President Akufo-Addo granted executive approval for the deal, which is valued at hundreds of millions of dollars.

    He raised issues regarding transparency and fairness, as the contract was awarded through sole sourcing without allowing companies with extensive experience in the sector to submit bids.

    During a press briefing in Accra on Thursday, May 30, 2024, Ursula Owusu-Ekuful confirmed the agreement and indicated that it was granted on the basis of merit.

    She clarified that NextGen was specifically established for the implementation of the 5G network in Ghana because no existing “neutral” company within the country had the capability to undertake such a project.

    “This is a special purpose vehicle, and once the government decided that we would use a neutral infrastructure company to deliver this service, there was no existing neutral infrastructure company capable of delivering it at the moment.

    “So, it had to be specifically formed for the purpose of delivering this service, based on the strategic policies and decisions of the government, and it is borne out of our experiences, which is why we chose not to auction it,” she said.

    Watch her remarks in the video below:

  • “Ursula Owusu is my crush” – Andy Dosty reveals

    “Ursula Owusu is my crush” – Andy Dosty reveals

    Ghanaian media personality Andy Dosty has confessed to harboring a celebrity crush, unveiling a surprising choice during his appearance on D-Black’s ‘Uncut’ show.

    When questioned about his ultimate celebrity crush, Andy Dosty promptly declared none other than the Minister of Communications, Mrs. Ursula Owusu-Ekuful.

    “Ursula Owusu is my crush,” he revealed on the show, followed by a playful remark in both English and Pijin regarding her potential awareness of his admiration.

    The revelation caught the panelists off guard, leading them to propose a crush from the entertainment industry instead.

    After a moment of contemplation, Andy settled on actress Kafui Danku, describing her as “a sweet girl.”

  • I spent 2hrs in your constituency just so you will win – Rev Owusu-Bempah tells “ungrateful” Ursula Owusu

    The founder and leader of Glorious Word Power Ministries, Rev. Owusu-Bempah, has disclosed that the Member of Parliament for Ablekuma-West, Ursula Owusu, has chosen not to engage with him following his alleged assistance in securing her victory in the constituency.

    According to Rev. Owusu-Bempah he spent 2 hours in Ablekuma-West just so Ursula Owusu will become victorious in the New Patriotic Party’s (NPP) parliamentary primaries.

    “Madam Ursula Owusu is also another person; she is a very ungrateful woman. Some time ago, this woman used to come to me every time. When the election came, I went to her constituency to spend over two hours there. After their victory, I have never heard from her again,” he said.

    Reverend Bempah expressed disappointment in the NPP’s lack of gratitude, noting that he had considered withdrawing his spiritual support for the party if not for the intervention of senior members such as Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia and former Member of Parliament for Tema West, Irene Naa Torshie Addo-Lartey.

    In an interview with Kwame Nkrumah Tikese of Okay FM, he cited NPP parliamentary candidate for Dome Kwabenya, Mike Oquaye Jnr, as an example of someone who sought his spiritual guidance but did not acknowledge it afterward.

    “Mike Oquaye Jnr came to me and said he was struggling to win the Dome-Kwabenya seat, so I gave him directions… he (Mike Oquaye Jnr) confirmed that he and his team chanced on a scene of some big men performing rituals at a particular place which I had mentioned to him.

    “I told him to perform the rituals at the same place and he won the elections. He called and said he had won the elections and that he was going to come and visit. As we speak, I haven’t heard from him. So we have some politicians who are ungrateful.”

    Reverend Owusu-Bempah, known for his claims of prophetic abilities in election predictions and support, expressed disappointment that some NPP members, including those he has assisted spiritually, have failed to show appreciation.

  • Ursula Owusu has refused to talk to me after helping her win Ablekuma-West seat – Rev Owusu-Bempah

    Ursula Owusu has refused to talk to me after helping her win Ablekuma-West seat – Rev Owusu-Bempah

    The founder and leader of Glorious Word Power Ministries, Rev. Owusu-Bempah, has disclosed that the Member of Parliament for Ablekuma West, Ursula Owusu, has chosen not to engage with him following his alleged assistance in securing her victory in the constituency.

    “Madam Ursula Owusu is also another person; she is a very ungrateful woman. Some time ago, this woman used to come to me every time. When the election came, I went to her constituency to spend over two hours there. After their victory, I have never heard from her again,” he said.

    Reverend Bempah expressed disappointment in the NPP’s lack of gratitude, noting that he had considered withdrawing his spiritual support for the party if not for the intervention of senior members such as Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia and former Member of Parliament for Tema West, Irene Naa Torshie Addo-Lartey.

    In an interview with Kwame Nkrumah Tikese of Okay FM, he cited NPP parliamentary candidate for Dome Kwabenya, Mike Oquaye Jnr, as an example of someone who sought his spiritual guidance but did not acknowledge it afterward.

    “Mike Oquaye Jnr came to me and said he was struggling to win the Dome-Kwabenya seat, so I gave him directions… he (Mike Oquaye Jnr) confirmed that he and his team chanced on a scene of some big men performing rituals at a particular place which I had mentioned to him.

    “I told him to perform the rituals at the same place and he won the elections. He called and said he had won the elections and that he was going to come and visit. As we speak, I haven’t heard from him. So we have some politicians who are ungrateful.”

    Reverend Owusu-Bempah, known for his claims of prophetic abilities in election predictions and support, expressed disappointment that some NPP members, including those he has assisted spiritually, have failed to show appreciation.

  • List: 18 NPP MPs who managed to retain their seats

    List: 18 NPP MPs who managed to retain their seats

    The New Patriotic Party’s (NPP) parliamentary primaries on Saturday, January 27, were marked by disappointment and surprise, as several prominent incumbents faced unexpected defeats in their bids for re-election.

    One significant upset occurred in the Tano North constituency, where Minister of Sanitation and Water Resources, Freda Prempeh, was ousted. Dr. Gideon Boako, the spokesperson for Vice President and NPP flagbearer, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, secured victory with 444 votes, surpassing Prempeh’s 221.

    Dome-Kwabenya witnessed another stunning defeat, with Adwoa Safo, the outspoken Minister for Gender, Children, and Social Protection, losing to Mike Ocquaye Jr. He secured a convincing win with 1194 votes, leaving Safo with only 328.

    Abuakwa North constituency also experienced a change of guard, as incumbent Gifty Twum-Ampofo narrowly lost to Nana Ampaw Addo-Frempong, popularly known as “Buffalo,” who garnered 222 votes compared to Twum-Ampofo’s 202.

    Deputy Minister of Health, Tina Gifty Mensah, faced an unexpected defeat in the Weija Gbawe constituency, where she was defeated by Jerry Ahmed Shab, who polled 786 votes to Mensah’s 361.

    These surprising defeats sent shockwaves through the NPP, raising questions about voter sentiment and the future dynamics of the party.

    Additionally, Minister for Public Enterprises, Joseph Cudjoe, lost the Effia primary in the Western Region to Isaac Nyarko Boamah, a financial analyst, and Sheila Bartels lost the Ablekuma North poll with 637 votes to Akua Afriyie, who polled 756.

    Some notable retained NPP MPs are (Adansi Asokwa), KT Hammond, (Asokwa) Patricia Appiagyei, (Manhyia South) Matthew Opoku Prempeh, (Awutu Senya East) Mavis Hawa Koomson, (Ablekuma West) Ursula Owusu-Ekuful and (Ayawaso Central) Henry Quartey.

    Below is the full list of all incumbent NPP MPs who participated in Saturday’s primaries

    Ahafo

    Asunafo North: Evans Bobie Opoku –

    Tano North: Freda Prempeh – Lost

    Asutifi North:Patrick Banor

    Ashanti

    Adansi Asokwa: KT Hammond – Retained

    Afigya Kwabre North: Collins Adomako Mensah

    Afigya Sekyere East: Mavis Nkansah-Boadu

    Asante Akim Central: Kwame Ayimadu-Antwi

    Asante Akim North: Andy Kwame Appiah-Kubi —

    Asante Akim South: Kwaku Asante-Boateng

    Asokwa: Patricia Appiagyei – Retained

    Atwima Kwanwoma: Kofi Amankwa-Manu

    Atwima Mponua: Isaac Kwame Asiamah – Lost

    Atwima Nwabiagya South: Emmanuel Agyei Anhwere

    Bantama: Francis Asenso-Boakye – Retained

    Bosome Freho: Akwasi Darko Boateng – Lost

    Juaben: Ama Pomaa Boateng

    Kwadaso: Kingsley Nvarko

    Mampong: Kwaku Ampratwum-Sarpong

    Manhyia North: Akwasi Konadu

    Manhyia South: Matthew Opoku Prempeh – Retained

    Manso Adubia: Yaw Frimpong Addo

    Manso Nkwanta: George Kwabena Obeng Takyi – Lost

    Nsuta Kwamang Beposo: Adelaide Ntim – Retained

    Obuasi East: Patrick Boakye-Yiadom

    Obuasi West: Kwaku Agyemang Kwarteng

    Odotobri: Emmanuel Akwasi Gyamfi – Lost

    Offinso North: Ntim Augustine Collins

    Old Tafo: Vicent Ekow Assafuah

    Subin: Eugene Boakye Antwi – Lost

    Bono

    Berekum West: Kwaku Agyenim Boateng

    Dormaa Central: Kwaku Agyeman Manu

    Berekum East: Nelson Kyeremeh

    Sunyani West: Ignatius Baffour Awuah

    Bono East

    Pru West: Jalulah PambiinStephen

    Central

    Mfantseman: Ophelia Mensah – Retained

    Hemang Lower Denkyira: Bright Wireko-Brobby – Lost

    Abura Asebu Kwamankese: Elvis Morris Donkoh – Lost

    Gomoa Central: Naana Eyiah

    Awutu Senya East: Mavis Hawa Koomson – Retained

    Agona West: Cynthia Mamle Morrison

    Eastern

    Nsawam/Adoagyiri: Frank Annoh-Dompreh – Retained

    Abirem: Osei John Frimpong – Lost

    Abuakwa North: Gifty Twum-Ampofo – Lost

    Ofoase/Ayirebi: Kojo Oppong Nkrumah

    Kade: Agyare Alexander

    Lower West Akim: Charles Acheampong – Retained

    Asene Akroso Manso: George Kwame Aboagye

    Nkawkaw: Joseph Frempong

    Atiwa East: Abena Osei-Asare – Retained

    Mpraeso: Davis Ansah Opoku

    Akim Swedru: Kennedy Osei Nyarko

    Suhum: Kwadjo Asante – Lost

    New Juaben South: Michael Okyere Baafi

    Fanteakwa South: Kofi Okyere-Agyekum – Lost

    Fanteakwa North: Kwabena Amankwa Asiamah – Lost

    Achiase: Kofi Ahenkorah Marfo

    Greater Accra

    Bortianor Ngleshie Amanfrom: Sylvester M. Tetteh – Retained

    Dome Kwabenya: Sarah Adwoa Safo – Lost

    Ablekuma North: Sheila Bartels – Lost

    Ayawaso Central: Henry Quartey – Retained

    Anyaa Sowutuom: Dickson Adomako Kissi – Rejected

    Ablekuma West: Ursula Owusu-Ekuful – Retained

    Amasaman: Akwasi Owusu Afrifa-Mensah – Lost

    Tema Central: Yves Hanson-Nortey – Lost

    Weija Gbawe: Tina Gifty Naa Ayeley Mensah – Lost

    Trobu: Moses Anim – Lost

    North East

    Walewale: Lariba Zuwera Abudu

    Northern

    Zabzugu: Jabaah John Bennam – Lost

    Nanton: Mohammed Hardi Tufeiru – Retained

    Yendi: Umar Farouk Aliu Mahama

    Mion: Musah Abdul-Aziz Ayaba

    Savannah

    Daboya-Mankarigu: Mahama Asei Seini

    Salaga North: Alhassan Abdallah Iddi

    Upper West

    Sissala East: Amidu Chinnia Issahaku – Retained

    Western

    Tarkwa-Nsuaem: George Mireku Duker – Retained

    Kwesimintsim: Prince Hamid Armah – Retained

    Sekondi: Andrew Kofi Egyapa Mercer

    Efia: Joseph Cudjoe – Lost

    Shama: Samuel Erickson Abakah – Lost

    Mpohor: John Kobin Abbam Aboah Sanie – Retained

    Takoradi: Kwabena Okyere Darko-Mensah – Retained

    Western North

    Bibiani-Anhwiaso Bekwai: Alfred Obeng-Boateng

    Sefwi Akontombra: Djornobuah Alex Tetteh

  • Next parliament would really struggle, says Ursula Owusu

    Next parliament would really struggle, says Ursula Owusu

    Member of Parliament (MP) for Ablekuma West Constituency, who doubles as Communication and Digitalization Minister, Ursula Owusu-Ekuful, has bemoaned the devastating effect of the mass exodus of what she labels as experienced MPs from Parliament.

    Her remarks follow a voluntary move by some MPs, such as the majority leader and MP for Suame constituency, Hon. Kyei-Mensah Bonsu, who decided to end their parliamentary careers.

    During an engagement on UTV’s ‘Mpu ne Mpu” on January 19, 2024, she noted that parliament would struggle with its duties as many of its experienced heads were bowing out.

    She highlighted the need for the stay of these MPs to groom and guide the ‘newbies’ who will join the house in 2025 after the 2024 polls.

    “One of my chief concerns at the moment is the significant departure of many seasoned MPs from Parliament. In any organisation, a balance between the younger and older (experienced) members is crucial for collective growth. The next House will face difficulties, and we really will due to the loss of many experienced MPs,” she said.

    Citing her experience during her early days in parliament, she recapped how an old member of the house, “OB Moah, advised me after I felt bored due to having very little to do. He advised that I join the subsidiary legislative committee if I want to get myself busy. So I did.”

    Another MP, the minister, eulogised and expressed her admiration for the former Defence Minister and Member of Parliament for Akuapem, WO Boafo, whom she described as a stalwart in legislative processes and dealings.

    “WO Boafo, the former Defence Minister and Member of Parliament for Akuapem, is a figure I deeply admire. His legislative expertise is unparalleled, making him an invaluable asset in our work. In his absence, we often faced challenges and shortcomings in the effective execution of our duties


    All the time, you’d find me around him, under his tutorship, directing me to: Ursula, do it like this, do it like that .
    So people like this: when they leave parliament, they leave us trained. Another reason why the newbies would have to meet some experienced MPs in parliament is to guide them on what the work of parliament is like,” she added.

    In light of this, she has called for a retainment by offering a plea to electorates to retain them in parliament in order for them to be teachers to the new MPs who would join the house in 2025.

    Meanwhile, about 20 Members of Parliament have announced their decision to bow out of Parliament come 2025; hence, these MPs did not pick nomination forms.


    

  • DTT pricing: GIBA President warns against mishandling media; says it’s the pillar of Ghana’s democracy

    DTT pricing: GIBA President warns against mishandling media; says it’s the pillar of Ghana’s democracy

    President of the Ghana Independent Broadcasters Association (GIBA) has issued a fervent plea for careful consideration in the pricing of Digital Terrestrial Television (DTT), underscoring the pivotal role of the media as a cornerstone of democracy.

    The statement comes amid ongoing discussions and decisions regarding the pricing structure of DTT services. The GIBA President, whose organization represents a significant portion of the country’s broadcasters, expressed concerns about the potential impact on the media industry.

    Addressing the issue on JoyNews’ PM Express, Mr Sunkwa-Mills, noted that: “It’s a bit simplistic to look at the commercial model of exactly how much you have spent and then you just divide and split – that is a very simplistic model. It is not operated like that, especially for media in so many countries because you want your media to survive.” 

    He consequently urged for transparent dialogues with the sector Minister, Ursula Owusu-Ekuful, concerning the excessively high costs associated with operating on the national DTT platform.

    He emphasized the necessity to take into account the diverse circumstances of different broadcasters, raising queries about whether entities such as the Ghana Broadcasting Corporation (GBC) and community radio stations should share an identical monthly cost.

    Mr. Sunkwa-Mills expressed dissatisfaction with the procedure, disclosing that despite an initial understanding for a subsequent meeting with the Ministry and the Communication Committee in Parliament, the Minister released pricing details the following day.

    According to GIBA, this action overlooked the ongoing discussions and the imperative for additional engagement.

    The President of GIBA underscored that the association had sought legal interpretation to comprehend the Minister’s authority in establishing the figure without thorough engagement and clarification on the cost structure.

    He emphasized the significance of a transparent process and conveyed optimism that a reasonable resolution would be attained through dialogue.

  • Cry for roads, potable water when you are ready to pay taxes – Ursula Owusu-Ekuful

    The Minister of Communication and Digitalization, Ursula Owusu-Ekuful, has delivered a strong caution to Ghanaians who evade taxes.

    The minister emphasised that it is unjust for individuals to demand benefits without fulfilling their responsibilities.

    During an interview with Oyerapa TV, she clarified that essential amenities such as good roads, clean drinking water, and reliable networks are not obtained solely through requests.

    She underscored that the government can only furnish the nation with fundamental necessities when citizens play their part by fulfilling their tax obligations.

    “We are all crying about the hardships in the country. As it stands now, we are unable to finance our debts. So, we need to pay for our development. You can’t cry for a road, electricity, water and a good network; where do we go for the money? If you don’t get the money through taxes, where will you get it from?

    “The only way to finance your development anywhere in the world is through either taxation, through dividends citizens pay to the government or through loans. That’s my little knowledge about that. So, if you don’t want to pay taxes, you don’t want the government to also borrow; where will the government get money to finance development?” she said.

    https://twitter.com/oyerepaofficial/status/1725081191806546366

    Finance minister’s budget presentation before parliament suggested an increase in taxes by the government.

    He opined that the most effective strategy to stabilise the current economic situation is through tax increases.

    “If I were the finance minister, there should be an increase in taxes. 

    “You see, our brothers from the NDC know that the only way to restore and consolidate our fiscal policy now (sic) is to generate revenue internally.”

    Source: The Independent Ghana

  • ‘We will find out soon enough’, even you know it wouldn’t be easy – Ursula to Kennedy Agyapong

    ‘We will find out soon enough’, even you know it wouldn’t be easy – Ursula to Kennedy Agyapong

    Member of Parliament for the Ablekuma West Constituency, Ursula Owusu-Ekuful, has asserted that her constituency will deliver a clear message to New Patriotic Party (NPP) flagbearer hopeful Kennedy Agyapong about his standing within the constituency following the conclusion of the party’s presidential election.

    Ursula has stated that the key influencers in the constituency have pledged their support to flagbearer hopeful Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia and are fully committed to the “DMB project.”

    She further expressed confidence that Bawumia will secure an overwhelming victory in the constituency, earning nothing less than 80% of the total votes.

    “I know what the kingmakers in this constituency have told me. We have had an extensive conversation with them and they’ve told us that they are fully aligned and behind the DMB project. So we are just waiting to see by what margin he wins in this constituency,” she told Joy News.

    “We will find out soon enough. Nothing less than 80%,” she added.

    The Minister of Communications and Digitalization also noted that Kenedy Agyapong is aware that outwitting Bawumia looks impossible.

    “At the end of the day, everybody will see their smoothness level in this constituency. Even he knows that it will be a really, really uphill task for him to change what has already been ordained.

    “We’ve been working here for a long time. We’ve lived with our constituents for a long time. We’ve engaged with them; we’ve spoken to them and they’ve told us what their concerns are and what their expectations are.”

    The NPP is on the verge of selecting a new flagbearer to succeed President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo as the party’s leader for the 2024 general election.

    Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, Kennedy Agyapong, the Member of Parliament for Assin Central, Dr. Owusu Afriyie Akoto, and Francis Addai-Nimoh are the candidates vying for the leadership role.

    The eagerly awaited presidential primaries are scheduled for today, November 4, 2023.

  • Telcos and BoG joining forces to retrieve locked funds on MoMo accounts – Comms Minister

    Minister of Communications and Digitalisation, Ursula Owusu-Ekuful, has revealed that Mobile Network Operators (MNOs) are partnering with the Bank of Ghana to facilitate the retrieval of locked Mobile Money (MoMo) belonging to customers of telcos whose SIM cards have been blocked.

    The collaborative effort, according to the Minister, seeks to address concerns of affected subscribers and also aims to streamline the process of retrieving locked funds in mobile money accounts.

    Updating Parliament on the status of the SIM re-registration exercise in Parliament on Thursday, June 8, the Minister assured affected subscribers that while they won’t be able to conduct mobile-related transactions with their deactivated SIMs, their funds will be recovered through the necessary processes.

    “We have been made aware of the difficulties facing subscribers in accessing their funds on their mobile money wallets.
    “These subscribers will not be able to transact money mobile-related activities, however, we are working with the Bank of Ghana to ensure that these subscribers are able to retrieve funds upon the presentation of a valid ID and going through the required processes,” she said.

    Telco subscribers who have not registered their SIM cards are unable to access their mobile money funds since their SIM cards have been blocked.

    The locking of funds has resulted in inconvenience and frustration for affected individuals who rely on mobile money services for their daily financial transactions. Although some have accepted blame for the development, others have attributed their failure to register their SIM cards to failure of the National Identification Authority (NIA) to issue their Ghana Cards to them.

    In view of this, the Communications Minister urged the NIA to expedite processes in printing out and issuing of outstanding Ghana Cards.

    “We continue to encourage the National Identification Authority (NIA) to assist people to acquire their Ghana Card.

  • I ditched an opportunity to study at Yale University to marry – Ursula Owusu

    I ditched an opportunity to study at Yale University to marry – Ursula Owusu

    Between the option of marrying and studying at the prestigious Yale University, Ghana’s Minister of Communications and Digitalisation, Ursula Owusu has disclosed that she chose the former. This, according to her was in the early days of her life.

    In an open letter to her 25-year-old self, the minister who now doubles as the Member of Parliament for Ablekuma West Constituency mentioned that she abandoned an opportunity to further her education at the prestigious Yale University to marry the man of her dreams.

    Yale University founded in 1701 is a private Ivy League research university in New Haven, Connecticut, considered one of the best institutions in the world.

    Although she never regretted her actions, Ursula, speaking at the 2023 International Women’s Day organized by eTranzact Ghana Ltd, noted that there comes a time in one’s life when one ought to take crucial decisions.

    The MP also highlighted the pressures single women face in Ghanaian society and how bachelor girls are termed as unwhole. This she believes influences a lot of them to settle down in marriages just to please family and friends.

    “Letter to my 25-year-old self is to tell her that, five years from now, will it really matter? Will what you’re stressing about, agitating over really matter… at that stage I was torn between getting married and going to Yale. We do give in to a lot of pressure from family, friends, and the church that if you are not married, you’re not whole and that is the ultimate you can have in life.

    “I had the opportunity to go to Yale and there was a young man who was wooing her at the time and she decided that okay, let me go and get married,” she said.

    In her advice to women, she urged them to weigh every opportunity that comes their way and most importantly, make the right choice.

    “…those are crossroads moments in our lives, whatever decision you take in your life will influence your future and we have to take it carefully. Maybe if I had gone to Yale I wouldn’t be sitting here as a Member of Parliament and your Minister today and so the Lord knew but that was a decision I had to take,” the politician said.

    Ursula Owusu Ekuful is married to Dr. Sam Owusu Ekuful, a senior consultant and the owner of Ekuful Eye Care.

    eTranzact Ghana Ltd Profile

    eTranzact Ghana Ltd has emerged as a proven leader in electronic payments and aggregation solutions. Since the commencement of operations in 2006, the company has been tailoring electronic payment solutions for banks and private businesses of all types and sizes throughout Ghana.

    eTranzact Ghana Ltd is a fully integrated multi-application and multi-channel payment processing and transaction switching platform. eTranzact Ghana Ltd provides access to its platform to banks, mobile network operators, and money transfer operators to facilitate fund transfers, airtime purchases, bill payments, and payment processing services.

    As one of the few fully integrated payments processing platforms in Africa, eTranzact Ghana Ltd’s switching platform agility is a key competitive advantage due which allows it to provide tailor-made products and services easily and efficiently for its clients by adapting the switching platform to specific requests.

    Capitalizing on the pervasiveness of mobile phones in its core markets, eTranzact Ghana Ltd has developed differentiated expertise in providing phone-agnostic mobile transaction solutions such as mobile banking, mobile money, remittances, web payment and card services.

  • NCA to block all SIM cards not fully registered from March 10

    NCA to block all SIM cards not fully registered from March 10

    Effected March 10, the National Communications Authority (NCA) will block all SIM cards that have not been registered.

    The Authority,has entreated persons yet to conclude the final stage of their SIM registration to do so or risk disconnection effective Friday, March 10, 2023.

    The NCA in a statement issued on Monday, February 27, 2023, said the disconnection will be in line with a directive issued by the Minister for Communications and Digitalisation, Ursula Owusu Ekuful on November 30, 2022.

    According to the NCA, there have since been additional subscribers who have completed stage one of the registration process but are yet to conclude with the final stage.

    Read the NCA’s full statement below:

    Watch

  • 16.99m internet users recorded in Ghana in January 2022 – Report

    16.99m internet users recorded in Ghana in January 2022 – Report

    Ghana’s internet penetration rate stood at 53.0% of the total population at the start of 2022, as 16.99 million internet users were recorded in January 2022.

    According to the Digital 2023 Global Overview Report, internet users in Ghana increased by 350,000 (+2.1 percent) between 2021 and 2022.

    The report further revealed that 15.07 million people in Ghana did not use the internet at the start of 2022, meaning that 47.0% of the population remained offline at the beginning of the year.

    Ghana’s total population stood at 32.06 million in January 2022.

    The report, however, said “issues relating to COVID-19 continue to impact research into internet adoption, so actual internet user figures may be higher than the published numbers suggest”.

    Social media users stood at 8.80m in January 2022

    Meanwhile, the report stated that there were 8.80 million social media users in Ghana in January 2022.

    The number of social media users in Ghana at the start of 2022 was equivalent to 27.4% of the total population.

    But the report said it’s important to note that social media users may not represent unique individuals.

    Source: Myjoyonline

  • Ato Forson slams government officials in Qatar supporting Black Stars amidst Ghana’s economic crisis

    MP for the Ajumako-Enyan-Esiam Constituency in the Central Region, Cassiel Ato Forson, has lashed out at government officials in Qatar supporting the Black Stars in the ongoing tournament.

    He said this move is needless at a time when the country is experiencing an economic crisis.

    Venting his spleen on Twitter, he noted that “at a time of serious economic crisis, Cabinet Ministers and MPs should not abandon the important business of budget consideration to go and watch football in Qatar! The optics are bad! We need to show we are serious about resolving the crisis!”

    It’s the World Cup season and every citizen is throwing their weight behind their national team, with high hopes of their respective countries winning the trophy.

    Thousands of supporters across the globe have converged at Qatar (the venue for the games) to boost the morale of their teams.

    President Akufo-Addo, visited the Black Stars at their camp to encourage them to bring the trophy to Ghana prior to Ghana’s first game with Portugal.

    Subsequent videos also indicate that some government officials (MPs and Cabinet Ministers) are still in Qatar supporting the team.

    Mr Ato Forson posted a picture of some officials including Communications Minister, Ursula Owusu-Ekuful, and expressed his displeasure over the situation.

    Source: The Independent Ghana| Jessie Ola-Morris

  • You’re unfit to occupy Communications Ministry – Sam George to Ursula Owusu over uninformed directive

    Samuel Nartey George, NDC MP, Ningo-Prampram, has stated that Ursula Owusu-Ekuful is unfit to be the Minister of Communications and Digitalisation.

    According to him, the Minister unofficially asked Mobile Network Operators (MNOs) to curtail some services on SIM cards not completely registered.

    He said the Minister’s directive is for the MNOs to block data services for SIMs that have undergone the first stage of the two-staged registration process but are not done with the second stage.

    Ursula Owusu’s decision, Sam George said is uninformed and must be reversed.

    The Member of the Communications Committee noted the Minister who is also the MP for Ablekuma West does not understand the industry she leads.

    Ursula Owusu-Ekuful had earlier hinted at possible sanctions for persons who have deliberately refused to take part in the SIM re-registration exercise.

    Speaking to the media after a Technology Breakfast Meeting earlier this month, the Minister said, “we all need to ensure that we protect the systems that we are putting in place. This is one aspect of it, but the SIM re-registration is also another aspect of it. There are some who have genuine concerns, and we are working with the NIA to [address them].

    “But there are others who have the Ghana cards but have not completed the process. So clearly, either they do not intend to, or are unwilling to, so we will have some measures to announce in due course soon.”

    But in a Facebook post, Sam George wrote, “I have noted with renewed concern your ‘unofficial’, uninformed and retrogressive ‘directive’ to MNOs to deactivate data services on SIMs that have done stage 1 registration but not completed stage 2 registration.”

    “I refer to the ‘directive’ as ‘unofficial’ because you have refused to write a letter either from the Ministry of Communications and Digitalisation Ghana or the National Communications Authority Ghana to the Telecommunications Companies. You expect them to carry out your uninformed fiat by way of a press statement or Facebook post of yours? Really? Is that what you have reduced the distinguished office of Minister of Communications to? The same office occupied by Edward Salia, Spio-Garbah, John Mahama, Mike Ocquaye, Albert Kan-Dapaah, Haruna Iddrisu and Omane Boamah? Jesus Christ of Nazareth!” he added.

    Sam George continued: “This policy position is not just uninformed but shows you are clearly unfit for the office you occupy. What is the basis for your general conclusion on all who have not completed stage 2 registration? That they are recalcitrant? That is the most unintelligent reasoning I have heard in your rather unimpressive stint as Minister.

    “There are individuals who have completed stage 1 registration but misplaced their Ghana Cards before being able to complete stage 2 at a Telco Office. These persons have had to go and apply for replacement cards at the NIA. The challenges with that process are not new to any rational mind.

    “Another group of persons who have completed the stage 1 but not stage 2 are those whose card have been unreadable when they have gone to the Telco offices. These persons have had to go back to the NIA and apply for replacements. How you as Minister can conclude that these citizens, many of whom have been frustrated by the cumbersome process you have chosen, are recalcitrant and so should be punished beats logical thinking.”

    “If you are convinced your directive is grounded in law and can stand scrutiny, why are you refusing to officially write to the MNOs? That has always been how directives have been communicated to them. If the MNOs – MTN Ghana, Vodafone Ghana and AirtelTigo Ghana – proceed with this ‘illegal’ directive without any written documentation, they should be prepared to face us, on behalf of the citizens, in Court as we fight for what is right, proper and just.

    “For God and Country!” Sam George concluded.

  • SIM re-registration: Cases of SIM-related fraud declined – Communications Minister

    Communication and Digitalization Minister, Ursula Owusu-Ekuful, has revealed that the SIM card re-registration has begun yielding positive results. 

    Madam Owusu-Ekuful indicated that since the inception of the SIM re-registration exercise, Ghana has started recording a steady decline in cases of SIM-related fraud.

     In a statement issued on Friday, November 11, to announce updates on the SIM card registration exercise, she noted that “we can attest to the fact that there has been a noticeable decline in SIM-related fraud since the commencement of the registration exercise.”

    The Communication Minister, however, failed to give a specific percentage decline in SIM-related fraud cases in Ghana.

    Touching on the advantages of the SIM re-registration exercise, she noted that the exercise will provide a secure environment for Ghanaians to access digital services.

    “ICT should be accessible to all without any risk and the SIM registration exercise will solve a lot of issues in the industry.”

    However, she stated that recalcitrant citizens who fail to partake in the registration exercise will not enjoy the benefits of the exercise

    Extension of registration deadline

    She further added that any SIM card that has been linked to the Ghana Card but failed to complete the biometric process will be deactivated on November 30, 2022.

    She said “despite ample opportunity afforded all to complete the registration of their SIM cards, some who have the Ghana Cards and have begun the process have failed to complete the registration. That is their choice and we cannot begrudge them,” 

    However, for those without Ghanacard, she said “a further announcement will be made shortly on measures to accommodate those who genuinely do not have the Ghana Cards, once the ongoing consultations have been completed.”

    Source: The Independent Ghana

  • Kelni GVG made savings of US$1.1 million monthly Ursula Owusu

    Ursula Owusu-Ekuful, Minister Designate for Communications and Digitalization has revealed that the introduction of the Kelni GVG platform made a cost saving of US$1.1 million monthly to government.

    According to her all the laws regarding procurement in the Kelni GVG Common platform contract were followed.

    “So Mr Chairman at every stage of the way, all the laws regarding procurement were followed to the letter in this case before the contract was awarded”

    Mrs Owusu-Ekuful made the revelation when she appeared before the Appointment Committee of Parliament on Monday for vetting.

    The nominee who was the first to appear before the vetting committee was the former Minister of Communications and Member of Parliament (MP) for Ablekuma West.

    Mrs Owusu-Ekuful who has been renominated for the same position has been credited for championing the expansion of the telecom sector and digitization agenda of the country.

    Mrs Owusu-Ekuful also explained that the equipment in the Kelni GVG platform is hosted at the National Communication Authority (NCA) and owned by the Government of Ghana unlike the previous case when venders owned and operated the equipment.

    She said by abrogating the previous contract with SUBA Solutions and Afrowave and entering into another contract with KelniGVG alone they achieved a cost-saving US$1.1 million, saying that alone provided less cost but more value.

    She said the common platform unlike the previous contract offers real-time monitoring of 2.5 billion transactions a day within the telecom sector IN calls, SMS, mobile money among others.

    Mrs Owusu-Ekuful further explained that the common platform has four functionalities such as revenue assurance, traffic monitoring, fraud management and mobile money monitoring.

    She announced the NCA and Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) are expected to take over and manage the common platform for their regulatory purposes and to assist them to perform their obligation.


    Source: GNA

  • Ursula optimistic Dec 7 polls will be free and fair

    Minister of Communication Ursula Owusu-Ekuful has expressed optimism that the December 7 elections will be peaceful.

    The Member of Parliament for the Ablekuma West constituency who toured some polling centres in her constituency during the special voting on Tuesday, December 1 said she was impressed by the work of the Electoral Commission (EC).

    Speaking to TV3, the minister said “I am impressed with what I have seen so far. Everything is running smoothly.”

    She added: “I am very happy with what I have observed at the Dansoman police station. If this is a sign of what is to come, then we must be assured that we will have a free and fair election. Let me commend the Electoral Commission for the job so far.”

    She further indicated that the EC ensured strict compliance with the protocols against coronavirus.

    “So far, the COVID-19 protocols being observed is good. They clean the machines after each person takes their turn. I think the Electoral Commission should be commended,” she said.

    Reports from various polling stations suggest a free and transparent Voting for special voters casting their votes today.

    Meanwhile, there have been few reports of missing names from the register.

    Source: 3 News

  • Retain NPP for more development – Ursula to Bono Region

    Communications Minister, Mrs. Ursula Owusu-Ekuful, has urged electorates in the Bono Region to vote massively for President Akufo-Addo and the New Patriotic Party (NPP) in the upcoming elections for continuous development of the region and the country as a whole.

    Mrs. Owusu-Ekuful was speaking on Monday, October 12, 2020, to supporters and sympathizers of the NPP in the Jaman North constituency (Bono Region) where she is on a three-day tour.

    The Member of Parliament for Ablekuma West Constituency in the Greater Accra Region also assured that the NPP administration would complete roads in the Bono region to enhance economic activities and health delivery.

    This, she said can only be done if the ruling NPP is retained for another four-year term.

    According to her, comparing the eight years of National Democratic Congress (NDC) in power to the almost four years of the NPP, there was so much at stake for the future of Ghana adding that voting for NDC would mean moving backward.

    She said the One-District-One-Factory(1D1F), free SHS, NABco, Youth-in-Afforestation program, and Planting for Food and Jobs are some major developmental projects and social intervention initiatives under President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo.

    She urged the people of and Jaman North constituency; Bono Region to intensify their campaign to enable the party win more votes

    Source: Peace FM

  • Election 2020: Ursula Owusu adopts Nkwanta South constituency

    The Member of Parliament for the Ablekuma West constituency, Mrs. Ursula Owusu-Ekuful has for the second time charged the people of the Nkwanta South Constituency to vote massively for the NPP in the December 2020 elections in appreciation of the goodwill shown by President Akufo-Addo to the good people of the Oti Region.

    The Ablekuma West Lawmaker having fell in love with the newly created Oti region visited to rally support for the NPP’s Parliamentary Candidate for Nkwanta South, Sherifa Sekyere Tijani who is poised to make history by wrestling the seat from the NDC.

    Joined by the Oti Regional NPP executives, Mrs. Owusu-Ekuful toured the Constituency amidst a retail rally which saw many youth groups present their expectations from government. The groups promised to support the NPP in achieving its developmental goals.

    The NPP’s Parliamentary Candidate for the Constituency, Madam Sherifa Sekyere Tijani was full of praise for Mrs. Ursula Owusu-Ekuful for the support she has given her bid. She was confident that come December 2020, the NPP will win the Nkwanta South Seat for the first time in Ghana’s history.

    The Ministry of Communications under the leadership of Mrs. Owusu-Ekuful trained about 583 basic school girls in computer skills in the Oti Region.

    Source: Peace FM

  • Pay no heed to noise, we have an election to win Ursula charges electoral area campaign team

    The Member of Parliament for the Ablekuma West Constituency, Mrs. Ursula Owusu-Ekuful has urged members of the NPP electoral area campaign team and other party activists in the constituency to remain resolute in localising their campaign messages.

    Mrs. Ekuful noted, it will be relevant to talk about developmental projects embarked on in individual electoral areas than using developments in a different electoral area to campaign to enable the inhabitants of such areas to resonate with and appreciate.

    “We have done a lot and we need to tell our stories. This is not the time for complacency. We are going to work hard and effectively to stay in government and continue developing our nation. We shall segment our messages and sell it appropriately” she charged members.

    The Ablekuma West NPP on Wednesday and Thursday inaugurated campaign teams in the following electoral areas: Orisco Nasrawa, Mampong Okai, Opetekwei, Ga Manye, Shiabu, Glefe, Gbebu, Mansralor, Otojor, and Zodiac/ Akoko photo.

    Speaking at the inauguration, Mrs. Ekuful was optimistic the NPP has done far better than the erstwhile Mahama administration and therefore deserves to be retained in office.

    “Pay no heed to distortions, focus on propagating the good messages to the people. We have an election to win hence we shall give no room to noise” she said.

    Source: Justice Walker Junior, Contributor

  • Ursula Owusu outdoors Ablekuma West campaign team

    The Member of Parliament for Ablekuma West constituency and Communication Minister, Hon. Ursula Owusu-Erkuful has officially unveiled her Campaign Team geared towards the 2020 general elections at the party constituency office in Dansoman, Accra.

    The Chairman of the campaign team, Mr. Samuel Bright Osei-Puni, announced the various committees and their respective chairmen and called on them to remain focussed and dedicated to the task of retaining the seat for the party.

    He further thanked all the chairpersons of the various committees for accepting to serve and work for the party to execute the campaign.

    He noted that the 2020 campaign team will be responsible for the general combat of the campaign, adding that all the persons chosen to play different roles in the campaign team are people who are to his knowledge, very competent and capable of doing the work.

    The Director of Operations at the Jubilee House, Lord Oblitey Commey speaking at the event urged the team to assign responsibilities and adopt a mixed approach including; door-to-door and social media campaign to contain the spread of COVID-19.

    “We have an election to win and power to retain. The task is challenging, especially, those of us in Greater Accra, so we need to put our house in order, campaign vigorously by convincing the electorates of our success story as well as our planned programmes when given the mandate,” he said.

    He said government had done so much work in the midst of challenges including; COVID-19 that needed to be propagated to electorate to win their votes.

    The event saw attendance from Dr. Albert Antwi-Boasiako, the National Security Advisor, Hon. George Cyril Bray(MCE), among others.

    Source: thepublisheronline.com

  • Ursula Owusu deserves another term – Kyeremanteng Agyarko

    Former Energy Minister, Boakye Kyeremateng Agyarko, has urged electorates in the Ablekuma West constituency to unite and vote massively for the NPP and Mrs. Ursula Owusu-Ekufu in the 2020 polls.

    Speaking at a community outreach organized by the Ablekuma West Municipal Assembly, Mr. Agyarko touted the achievements by the Akufo-Addo led government, thereby urging the constituents to vote massively for continuous development.

    Together with the Member of Parliament for the area, Mrs. Owusu-Ekuful, Mr. Agyarko toured some registration centers to assess the progress thus far.

    Meanwhile, Mrs. Owusu-Ekuful in a street outreach distributed nose masks and hand sanitizers to drivers, artisans amongst others, urging them to register before the process ends.

     

    Source: Peace FM

  • Ursula Owusu shares 34-year-old throwback to Jake Obetsebi Lamptey produced advert

    Sometimes we see them as though they were already grown, but even Ursula Owusu was once a university student.

    After she completed Mfantsiman, Ursula went to study law at the University of Ghana.

    It was during her time at the University that she was recruited by the late Jake Obetsebi Lamptey for a commercial.

    Jake was a seasoned creative person in the advertising industry.

    He got Ursula to model in a Star Beer commercial.

    Ursula was a first year student at the university.

    Source: kuulpeeps.com

  • Coronavirus: Learn to work from home – Ursula tells Ghanaian workers

    Minister of Communications, Ursula Owusu-Ekuful has called on Ghanaian workers to learn to work from home.

    According to her, the COVID-19 pandemic has altered the normal way of working where employees would go to the workplace or their offices.

    Speaking on ‘Kokrokoo’ on Peace FM with host Kwami Sefa Kayi, Ursula Owusu-Ekuful was alarmed by the rate of COVID-19 infections in the country and the closure of the Finance Ministry, BOST and other Ministries and companies as a result of the pandemic.

    She asked the workers to utilize digital platforms to keep their businesses running till a cure is found for the disease.

    “I plead with Ghanaians that every life is precious. Adhering to the protective protocols will save somebody’s life, so let’s all take this seriously…Nobody knows the behaviour of this disease. It appears it is a designer virus. It keeps mutating. We’re learning something new everyday. Why do you want to risk the disease to use you as an experiment?” she lamented.

    “Let’s learn how to use technology to work and the platforms exist. We have created smart workplace for all these people that you can stay home and still work,” she added.

    Ursula Owusu further stated; “We need to change our attitude to work. We need to change our way of doing things. That’s the change management…There are a few things we need to do and we can’t do things the way we’ve been doing it. It all depends on us.”

     

    Source: Peace FM

  • Chorkor residents demand apology from Ursula Owusu after bridge accusations

    Some Chorkor residents are demanding an apology from the MP for Ablekuma West, Ursula Owusu-Ekuful for what they feel were accusations that they sabotaged the floating bridge on the Chemu lagoon she commissioned.

    This after the bridge was swept away during a downpour two weeks ago.

    The MP, responding to the bridge being washed away in a tweet, said it was deliberately destroyed by “nation wreckers” without making reference to anyone in particular.

    But the residents have taken offence and argued that the bridge was not even fit for purpose hence it being carried away.

    Speaking to Citi News, the Assemblyman for the Chorkor electoral area, Theophilus Isaac Quaye, insisted that there was no human factor in the collapse of the bridge.

    He urged the MP to “go back to her drawing board to make some correction and therefore finally render an unqualified apology to the people of Chorkor. It is rather unfortunate that the MP is turning to blame only the people of Chorkor.”

    Some of the residents supported the assertion of the Assemblyman.

    One of them remarked that “you [Mrs. Owusu-Ekuful] have the guts to come and insult us on top. It is not fair. We want her to come and apologise to us.”

    The chairman of the Chorkor Ghana Private Road Transport Union, Ransford Ayitey, however, highlighted the economic toll of the absence of the bridge.

    He said the inability of individuals to easily move from one side of the lagoon to the other was affecting their businesses.

    “For now, even three cars or four cars cannot be loaded so we are pleading to the government.”

     

    Source: citinewsroom 

  • Ursula Owusu donates items to Ablekuma West constituency

    As part of efforts to support the vulnerable in the Ablekuma West Constituency during COVID -19 pandemic, Mrs Ursula Owusu-Ekuful has for the third time since the imposition of the partial lockdown donated assorted food items to her constituents.

    The food relief items donated to various traditional authorities and the fishing community in the Ablekuma West Constituency include bags of Rice, Cooking Oil and other essentials.

    The Gbegbe, Gbegbeyise, Mpoase, Mamponse, Opetekwei and Glefe palaces are among beneficiaries. The legislator had earlier visited the Tunga and Nasrawa Chiefs where similar donations were made.

     

    The Chiefs expressed gratitude to Mrs Owusu-Ekuful for the special care she has shown the people in this very difficult period. They assured her that the items will be distributed to the underprivileged in their Communities and entreated her to stay in constant touch with the people in fighting the COVID-19 pandemic.

  • Follow coronavirus protocols religiously – Ursula Owusu to constituents

    Member of Parliament for Ablekuma West Constituency, Ursula Owusu-Ekuful has urged her constituents to religiously follow the partial lockdown directives issued by President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo.

    According to the legislator, matters concerning Coronavirus is paramount to her heart, the reason she’s calling on them to prioritize their safety and steadily follow the laid down protocols.

    The Communications Minister on Sunday, April 5, 2020, toured her constituency to assess how her constituents were adhering to the ‘partial lockdown’ directives issued by President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo.

    At the tour, the minister educated her constituents about how deadly the Coronavirus disease is.

    She added that the government will only be successful in curbing the spread of the global pandemic if citizens comply with the laid down protocols.

    “I encourage my constituents to religiously follow the social distancing rules and observe all safety precautions outlined in fighting this pandemic.” The minister reiterated.

    On the back of that, she donated food items and other essentials to the aged to help them survive the lockdown period.

     

    Source: www.ghanaweb.com

  • Ursula Owusu makes coronavirus confession to hubby

    Minister of Communications and Member of Parliament For Ablekuma West, Ursula Owusu-Ekuful, has confessed to her husband, Sam Ekuful, on how she was feeling as she waited for his Coronavirus test results.

    Mr Ekuful tested negative recently for coronavirus.

    He had been quarantined after his return from the United Kingdom.

    His specimen was sent to the Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research, University of Ghana, for test.

    The results returned negative.

    His wife had announced to the media how he had been quarantined and that the family was placing his food at the door for him to pick.

    But she took to Facebook on Tuesday, March 24, a day after the results came to confess how she felt.

    According to her, “Confession: I was on tenterhooks awaiting your covid 19 results for which you tested negative.”

    She added that “my fear; how do I hug him on his birthday?

    “I owe you all the hugs in life today Sam. Happy birthday my dear husband,” she stated.

    See her post on Facebook below

     

    Source: dailyguidenetwork.com

  • I was on tenterhooks awaiting my husband’s COVID-19 results – Ursula Owusu

    The Minister of Communications, Mrs Ursula Owusu Ekuful says she endured a nervous wait on her husband’s Coronavirus test results.

    Mrs Ekuful in a Facebook post wishing her husband a happy birthday said she was scared she would not have been able to hug him if the test turned out positive.

    She posted: “Confession: I was on tenterhooks awaiting your covid 19 results for which you tested negative. MY FEAR; how do I hug him on his birthday? I owe you all the hugs in life today Sam. HAPPY BIRTHDAY MY DEAR HUSBAND”.

    Mrs Ekuful had revealed that her husband, Sam Ekuful, returned from a trip to the United Kingdom and was quarantined as part of measures to help prevent the spread of the Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) in Ghana.

    She said they served him food by leaving it at the door to his isolation room.

    Source: Graphic.com.gh

  • Coronavirus: Let’s observe simple rules – Ursula Owusu

    Ghana’s Communication Minister and Member of Parliament for the Ablekuma West construction, Ursula Osusu Ekuful has called on the Ghanaian populace to ‘observe simple rules’ as the country fight to stop the spread of the Covid-19 pandemic.

    The outspoken politician, on Sunday tool to her Facebook page to advice Ghanaians on some simple rules to follow in order to stop the spread.

    Below is her full write-up

    The battle is still the Lord’s and our God reigns. Let’s observe the simple rules………. hand washing, social distancing, avoiding unnecessary trips and staying home as much as possible.

    No hugs and hanging out with strangers. Avoid groups of over 10, I say.

    Catch up on your reading, call or text your friends and loved oned to see if they are OK and share the little you have with those in need.

    Above all, have faith and believe that the God of the day is still God in the night and this too shall pass.

    For those observing lent like me, let’s fast and pray more.

    Those who aren’t, should join the rest of the nation on Wednesday 25th to cry out to the lord to sustain us in these trying times.

    May we avoid becoming like Italy by obeying these simple rules. Stay safe and God bless us all and our homeland Ghana.

    Source: ghanaguardian.com

  • We leave food at the door for him Ursula Owusu reveals husband is in self isolation

    The Minister of Communications, Mrs Ursula Owusu Ekuful has revealed that her husband, who recently returned from a trip to the United Kingdom to Ghana has quarantined himself as part of measures to help prevent the spread of the Coronavirus disease (COVID-19).

    She said they serve him food by leaving it at the door to the room he is in isolation.

    In an interview with the media in Parliament Thursday afternoon, Mrs Owusu Ekuful said the husband was in a room in their house and is not having contact with anyone in the house.

    “They leave his food at the door. If we want to talk to him, we stand at a safe distance away and talk to him, we wave him, he’s okay”, Mrs Owusu Ekuful said.

    Mrs Owusu-Ekuful’s revelation followed a directive by the Minister of Parliamentary Affairs, Mr Osei Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu, that two Members of Parliament who travelled outside Ghana to stay away from Parliament until after they have exhausted the voluntary self-isolation for two weeks to help prevent the spread of the Coronavirus disease (COVID-19).

    Mrs Owusu-Ekuful said, “my own husband returned from the UK two days ago…”

    Mrs Owusu-Ekuful’s revelation followed a directive by the Minister of Parliamentary Affairs, Mr Osei Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu, that two Members of Parliament who travelled outside Ghana to stay away from Parliament until after they have exhausted the voluntary self-isolation for two weeks to help prevent the spread of the Coronavirus disease (COVID-19).

    He stated that while those legislators had been given a certificate of clearance to travel back into Ghana, they should “stay away from the House for the period of purging before they come here [Parliament].”

    He also directed that such measures should be equally applied to other staff of Parliament and their spouses who also travelled and were yet to arrive in Ghana.

    “Because of what is happening, it is important we make it known to colleagues who have travelled outside that on their return they are not welcomed here,” he stated.

    The Majority Leader made the call when he moved a motion for the House to be suspended Thursday.

    He named the MP for Binduri, Dr Robert Baba Kuganab-Lem, who had just arrived in Ghana by Ethiopian Airways from Tokyo and the MP for Ayawaso East, Mr Naser Toure Mahama, who would be coming back to Ghana from India via Emirates, saying that “Information should go to him.”

    He mentioned the names of the staff of Parliament as Mr Joseph Ekow Acquah, who went to Nigerian, Mr Amoako Asante Atta from Niamey, Niger, Ms Florence Bedford, Mr Abdul Fataou Alhassan, Ms Emelia Sawyer and Ms Stella Bonney.

    “Mr Speaker, the advice is that these people should stay outside for the time being. They have been given a certificate of clearance to come back but it is important that we communicate certainly to them,” he stated.

    more to follow…

     

    Source: Graphic.com.gh

  • Learn from the first lady – Group to Ursula Owusu

    The Concern Women Ghana (CWG) has condemned the Minister of Communication Ursla Owusu Ekuful over her use of “bad language”.

    The CWG believes it is about time the Ablekuma West Member of Parliament availed herself to be mentored by the First Lady Rebecca Akufo-Addo.

    She has received widespread condemnation after she is alleged to have said “the real owners are in power now,” a statement the CWG describes as a “social evil”.

    Mrs Ekuful is well noted for unguarded comment and use of foul language, but the CWG wants the 55-year-old woman “to exercise care in her languages which could mar the beauty of democracy in our country.”

    “We wish to educate the Honorable Minister on the fact that every single Ghanaian possesses a strong feeling of identity and so the ‘y’agye y3 man’ comment which we regard as a social evil, does not sit right with Ghanaians and that has the potential of causing public protest, civil disobedience, abuse by a section et cetera,” it said in a statement.

    The statement, signed by Executive Secretary, Annette Enyo, further called on the Communication Minister to also “retract her comment and willingly apologise to herself and colleague MPs she touted ‘senseless’ for only repeating what she did when she was in their position”.

    Read the full statement below

    CONCERNED WOMEN GHANA (CWG)

    Press Statement

    February 23, 2020

    MRS. URSULA EKUFFUL MUST AVAIL HERSELF TO BE MENTORED BY THE FIRST LADY _______________________

    In recent past, there has been an upsurge in debate over what some tagged “insensitive comment” by the Honorable Ursula Ekufful.

    As women group who have the interest of our fellow women at heart and are more than prepared to defend and support our women, we must confess that we are very much unhappy about the disdainful attacks Mrs. Ekufful is being subjected to. We however wish to tap her on the shoulder and remind her on the need to exercise care in her languages which could mar the beauty of democracy in our country.

    We wish to educate the Honorable Minister on the fact that every single Ghanaian possesses a strong feeling of identity and so the ‘y’agye y3 man’ comment which we regard as a social evil, does not sit right with Ghanaians and that has the potential of causing public protest, civil disobedience, abuse by a section et cetera.

    We touted her credentials as a lawyer/experienced legislator and hoped her position as a minister wills her the power to champion democracy and it’s principles and perhaps accelerate women empowerment but ‘No’, she again deviated.

    History will bear witness to the fact that Honorable Ekufful, a woman for that matter has always ‘worked’ gallantly in pursuit of disregard for the law and disrespect for persons she disagrees with.

    Extreme impunity is gradually eclipsing the non violence nature of our beloved country and languages like the Honorable’s should not be allowed to flourish as they have a very adaptive effect in sociopolitical evolution.

    The country needs women with strong voices but that should be accompanied by some level of sensitivity and respect.

    Our advice as women to a fellow woman, Ursula needs to get off her high horse and avail herself to be mentored by our first lady Mrs. Rebecca Akufo Addo who we accolade for her self respect.

    We hope she would retract her comment and willingly apologise to herself and colleague MP’s she touted ‘senseless’ for only repeating what she did when she was in their position.

    We believe that as a woman, Ursula still has the heart of compassion despite her past history of bad language and disregard for fellow political players. We hope she finds this piece not as crucifixion but as a means to shine the light on the need for her to be circumspect in her utterances and be the mentor that many women would look up to.

    God bless Ghana!

    Signed:

    Executive Secretary

    Annette Enyo

    233 (0) 200951910

    Source: ghanaguardian.com

  • Cyber Security Law to be passed by June – Communications Minister

    Mrs Ursula Owusu-Ekuful, the Minister of Communications, has said that measures have been put in place for the enactment of a new cybersecurity law by June this year to sanitise and safeguard the country’s cyberspace.

    The Communications Minister said the Ministry was currently in consultation with relevant stakeholders to solicit their inputs after which a bill would be drafted and tabled before parliament for consideration.

    The law, she said, when passed would strengthen mandated state security agencies to make a request for personal details and phone records of individuals suspected of any cybersecurity breaches for further investigations.

    The Minister said this in an interview with the media on the side-lines of a float organised by the Ministry of Communications and the National Cyber Security Centre in Accra, to create awareness on a safer internet usage, particularly among children and young people.

    The float, organized with support from the United Nations International Children’s Emergency Fund (UNICEF) formed part of the Ministry’s prior activities to mark this year’s Safer Internet Day, which is commemorated on the 11th of February annually.

    Mrs Owusu-Ekuful said “we have laws but we need to strengthen them. The Electronic Transactions Act for instance, contains a bit of security protection, and other international policies we have signed on to also demand that we strengthen our laws to protect our children in their interactions he internet and so by June this year, we are going to introduce new cybersecurity law that would contain provisions on a broader internet interactions to give the security agencies the power to obtain court order to demand for the phone records of persons suspected of breaking the law for further investigations.

    “It is currently in the drafting stage and stakeholder consultations. We have done several consultations with the security services, key officials in public service, the judiciary, the Attorney General’s Office, prosecutions, among others.

    “We have done a lot of stakeholder engagement and it is out there for people to bring their comments, we are collating all that and we hope that by June, that process of parliamentary approval would be complete and we can start implementing the law,” she added.

    Touching on the Safer Internet Day, Mrs Owusu-Ekuful said her Ministry had for the past three years undertaken several outreach programmes to educate children on the functionalities of the digital devices such as the mobile phones and the computers they use, the beauty of online experience and the dangers lurking out there to ensure their protection and safety.

    She said the Ministry had also put in place a point of contact to assist anyone, particularly children and young people who were unsure of any information they may come across on the internet.

    While urging parents to take keen interest to protect their wards against cyber-attacks, the Minister also cautioned the children to be wary of information they divulge when interacting online, particularly with people who were unfamiliar to them in order to avoid falling victims to online criminal activities.

    She also called on the National Cyber Security Centre to extend the publicity to other parts of the country to ensure it attained a national goal.

    This year’s Safer Internet Day will be held on the theme: “Together For a Better Internet.”

     

    Source: GNA