Day: February 10, 2024

Mr William Nyarko, Executive Director, Africa Centre for International Law, and Accountability (ACILA), has called on the Ghana Journalists Association (GJA) to actively take part in the Promotion of Proper Human Sexual Rights and Ghanaian Family Values Bill, 2021.

He said the Association played an important role in the country’s democracy and had been at the forefront of fighting for the rights of the media.

Mr Nyarko speaking to the media in Ho after a two-day sensitisation workshop on promoting human rights and covering stories on minority groups in the media for some selected journalists from Volta and Oti regions, said in a democratic society, people needed to have voice to extract accountability.

The object of the Bill is to provide for proper human sexual rights and Ghanaian family values; proscribe LGBTQ+ and related activities; proscribe propaganda of advocacy for or promotion of LGBTTQQIAAP+ and related activities.

It is to also provide for the protection of and support for children, persons wh
o are victims or accused of LGBTTOQIAAP+ and related activities and other persons; and related matters.

Mr Nyarko said the Bill which intended to curtail the freedom and responsibility provided for the media, meant that the voice of the masses was being cut.

He said the Association’s interest in the Bill should particularly be Clause 12 where journalists could go to prison for ten years, which was just revised to five years.

‘We are asking the GJA to take active interest and make representations to Parliament about Clause 12 of this Bill.

‘We don’t want a situation where journalists will be put in prison for five years and now, we have to go and be advocating that they should be free.’

The workshop was organised by the Ghana Centre for Democratic Development (CDD-Ghana).

Mr Michael Augustus Akagbor, Senior Programmes Officer, CDD-Ghana, said the workshop was aimed at having a joint knowledge production engagement with the media in terms of the Bill and sharing its contents with journalists.

He said the
re was a lot of work within the journalism space to engage to create awareness about the harmful effect of the Bill on just targeting the LGBT population and other populations too.

Mr Akagbor said the engagement discussed the sentences for journalists and Clauses in the Bill that targeted landlords, doctors, parents, and teachers.

He said the Clauses violated the cardinal human rights principles and should not be taken for granted in a democratic society.

Mr Emmanuel Agbaxode, Volta/Oti Regional Chairman, Ghana Journalists Association (GJA), commended the Organisation for the workshop which gave the participants insights into the Bill.

He called for such sensitisation efforts for more journalists in the country.

Mr Agbaxode urged the journalists from the regions to remain committed to the activities of the Association and always participate when called upon.

Source: Ghana News Agency

Mr William Nyarko, Executive Director, Africa Centre for International Law, and Accountability (ACILA), has called on the Ghana Journalists Association (GJA) to actively take part in the Promotion of Proper Human Sexual Rights and Ghanaian Family Values Bill, 2021.

He said the Association played an important role in the country’s democracy and had been at the forefront of fighting for the rights of the media.

Mr Nyarko speaking to the media in Ho after a two-day sensitisation workshop on promoting human rights and covering stories on minority groups in the media for some selected journalists from Volta and Oti regions, said in a democratic society, people needed to have voice to extract accountability.

The object of the Bill is to provide for proper human sexual rights and Ghanaian family values; proscribe LGBTQ+ and related activities; proscribe propaganda of advocacy for or promotion of LGBTTQQIAAP+ and related activities.

It is to also provide for the protection of and support for children, persons wh
o are victims or accused of LGBTTOQIAAP+ and related activities and other persons; and related matters.

Mr Nyarko said the Bill which intended to curtail the freedom and responsibility provided for the media, meant that the voice of the masses was being cut.

He said the Association’s interest in the Bill should particularly be Clause 12 where journalists could go to prison for ten years, which was just revised to five years.

‘We are asking the GJA to take active interest and make representations to Parliament about Clause 12 of this Bill.

‘We don’t want a situation where journalists will be put in prison for five years and now, we have to go and be advocating that they should be free.’

The workshop was organised by the Ghana Centre for Democratic Development (CDD-Ghana).

Mr Michael Augustus Akagbor, Senior Programmes Officer, CDD-Ghana, said the workshop was aimed at having a joint knowledge production engagement with the media in terms of the Bill and sharing its contents with journalists.

He said the
re was a lot of work within the journalism space to engage to create awareness about the harmful effect of the Bill on just targeting the LGBT population and other populations too.

Mr Akagbor said the engagement discussed the sentences for journalists and Clauses in the Bill that targeted landlords, doctors, parents, and teachers.

He said the Clauses violated the cardinal human rights principles and should not be taken for granted in a democratic society.

Mr Emmanuel Agbaxode, Volta/Oti Regional Chairman, Ghana Journalists Association (GJA), commended the Organisation for the workshop which gave the participants insights into the Bill.

He called for such sensitisation efforts for more journalists in the country.

Mr Agbaxode urged the journalists from the regions to remain committed to the activities of the Association and always participate when called upon.

Source: Ghana News Agency

Construction work on the 33.4km Ofankor-Nsawam Road Project is about 50 per cent complete and will be done as scheduled, Mr Kwabena Bempong, the Chief Resident Engineer for the project, has said.

Work on the stretch, which forms part of the Accra-Kumasi road network, commenced in 2022 and expected to last for two years, ending in July 2024.

The stretch serves as a major arterial road for communities in the Ga West Municipal Assembly, Pokuase, Amasaman, Medie, and Sarpeiman, among others.

It also serves as a vital link for trade between Ghana and its neighbouring landlocked countries – Burkina Faso, Mali and Niger, and for transit cargo to move from the country’s ports to those destinations.

Mr Bempong, addressing the Minister of Roads and Highways, Mr Kwasi Amoako-Atta, during an inspection tour, said work on the project was progressing as expected with the contractor on course to deliver the project on time.

‘Presently, our progress is about 50 per cent and we are hoping that by the end of the year, we
would have gone substantially complete,’ he said.

Giving details of work done so far, the Chief Resident Engineer said a lot of concrete works were done, indicating that construction of foot bridges were about 50 per cent complete.

Additionally, he said they were in the process of completing the two overpasses and an underpass at Medie, Pobiman, Amasaman, adding that, construction work on the three-tier interchange at Nsawam was 20 per cent complete.

‘Nsawam is where we have the three-tier interchange, we are currently about 20 per cent complete, with the Pobiman, we’ve done about 70 per cent, Medie is also about 40 per cent and then the railway bridge, that is not an interchange but then, that is also about 50 per cent complete,’ he indicated.

Again, Mr Bempong indicated that all cross culverts were almost complete while 40 per cent of all longitudinal drains had been completed.

With regards to relocation of utility lines, the Resident Engineer said with the exception of the high tensions, which would b
e removed in the coming days, all electrical pillions had been relocated.

‘With regards to the water lines, that also has started. The first 2km, they have done quite substantial work and then, wherever we have emergency situations we have done work,’ he added.

Funded by the Government at an estimated cost of GHS342.48, the Ofankor-Nsawam road when completed would have three lanes, service roads, one interchange, two overpasses and an underpass.

The construction is being undertaken by Maripoma Enterprise Limited, a local construction firm.

Mr Amoako-Atta, the Minister of Roads and Highways, expressed contentment with the progress of work so far, indicating that Government would ensure that quality work was done.

While urging the Contractor to take all measures to reduce the dust emanating as a result of the construction work, he appealed to motorists and residents to bare with the Contractor, be cautious and reduce speed on the stretch to ensure the safety of all.

The Minister also toured the Flowerpot
Flyover which is 70 per cent complete and the yet to commence dualisation of Adentan-Dodowa Road.

He was accompained by some engineers from the Ministry and the Ghana Highways Authority (GHA), including Mr Stephen Jalulah, Deputy Minister of Roads; Mr Abass Awolu, Chief Director of the Ministry; Mr Collins Donkor, Acting Chief Executive, GHA; Mr Samuel Akuaku, Acting Deputy Chief Executive in charge of Administration, GHA; and Mr Lawrence Lamptey, a Deputy Chief Executive in charge of Maintenance, GHA.

Source: Ghana News Agency

Construction work on the 33.4km Ofankor-Nsawam Road Project is about 50 per cent complete and will be done as scheduled, Mr Kwabena Bempong, the Chief Resident Engineer for the project, has said.

Work on the stretch, which forms part of the Accra-Kumasi road network, commenced in 2022 and expected to last for two years, ending in July 2024.

The stretch serves as a major arterial road for communities in the Ga West Municipal Assembly, Pokuase, Amasaman, Medie, and Sarpeiman, among others.

It also serves as a vital link for trade between Ghana and its neighbouring landlocked countries – Burkina Faso, Mali and Niger, and for transit cargo to move from the country’s ports to those destinations.

Mr Bempong, addressing the Minister of Roads and Highways, Mr Kwasi Amoako-Atta, during an inspection tour, said work on the project was progressing as expected with the contractor on course to deliver the project on time.

‘Presently, our progress is about 50 per cent and we are hoping that by the end of the year, we
would have gone substantially complete,’ he said.

Giving details of work done so far, the Chief Resident Engineer said a lot of concrete works were done, indicating that construction of foot bridges were about 50 per cent complete.

Additionally, he said they were in the process of completing the two overpasses and an underpass at Medie, Pobiman, Amasaman, adding that, construction work on the three-tier interchange at Nsawam was 20 per cent complete.

‘Nsawam is where we have the three-tier interchange, we are currently about 20 per cent complete, with the Pobiman, we’ve done about 70 per cent, Medie is also about 40 per cent and then the railway bridge, that is not an interchange but then, that is also about 50 per cent complete,’ he indicated.

Again, Mr Bempong indicated that all cross culverts were almost complete while 40 per cent of all longitudinal drains had been completed.

With regards to relocation of utility lines, the Resident Engineer said with the exception of the high tensions, which would b
e removed in the coming days, all electrical pillions had been relocated.

‘With regards to the water lines, that also has started. The first 2km, they have done quite substantial work and then, wherever we have emergency situations we have done work,’ he added.

Funded by the Government at an estimated cost of GHS342.48, the Ofankor-Nsawam road when completed would have three lanes, service roads, one interchange, two overpasses and an underpass.

The construction is being undertaken by Maripoma Enterprise Limited, a local construction firm.

Mr Amoako-Atta, the Minister of Roads and Highways, expressed contentment with the progress of work so far, indicating that Government would ensure that quality work was done.

While urging the Contractor to take all measures to reduce the dust emanating as a result of the construction work, he appealed to motorists and residents to bare with the Contractor, be cautious and reduce speed on the stretch to ensure the safety of all.

The Minister also toured the Flowerpot
Flyover which is 70 per cent complete and the yet to commence dualisation of Adentan-Dodowa Road.

He was accompained by some engineers from the Ministry and the Ghana Highways Authority (GHA), including Mr Stephen Jalulah, Deputy Minister of Roads; Mr Abass Awolu, Chief Director of the Ministry; Mr Collins Donkor, Acting Chief Executive, GHA; Mr Samuel Akuaku, Acting Deputy Chief Executive in charge of Administration, GHA; and Mr Lawrence Lamptey, a Deputy Chief Executive in charge of Maintenance, GHA.

Source: Ghana News Agency

The second season of the Africa Monologue Challenge (AMC) is entering its final stage as the number of contenders dwindles towards the grand finale in Uganda on May 26, 2024.

A statement issued by the organizers of the AMC led by Mr Mawuko Kuadzi, Chief Executive Officer of M.K. Casting said the competition from an initial pool of 2,000 submissions, it has shortlisted and nurtured 50 finalists through online challenges and bi-weekly evictions.

‘Only 10 finalists will ultimately make it to the grand stage in Uganda, representing the diverse voices and acting talents across the continent,’ it stated.

The statement said the 50 shortlisted finalists have been showcasing their talents and skills through various monologues, which were judged by a panel of professional filmmakers from Africa, Europe, and America.

The AMC is powered by M.K Casting, Ghana’s premium casting agency, and partnered by the African Chamber of Content Producers.

This year’ event is also supported by the Uganda Communication Commission
and the AMC is aimed at promoting and celebrating African storytelling and acting, as well as to provide opportunities and exposure for the participants.

The winner of the AMC would enjoy several benefits, including hosting the next season of the event in their country, starring in a pan-African film produced in their country, and receiving cash prizes and other rewards.

The statement said this year’s Ugandan location for the AMC reflected the victory of last year’s champion, Rachael Nduhukuri, a Ugandan actress.

‘As part of her prize package, the next edition of the AMC unfolds in her home country, along with the production of a Pan-African film featuring Rachael Nduhukire as the lead character. Additionally, she received a cash prize and other benefits,’ it revealed.

Mr. York-Fabian Raabe, a film maker based in Germany, and one of the jurors of the AMC also had this to say, ‘For me it is the second time with the AMC, and I do not get tired watching all these talents. What stands out the most for me is t
hat they are not only good actors and actresses, but they are also genuine characters.

‘And again, out of these personal characters, they explore new characters for each story. It is fascinating to watch this process and it is fascinating to watch these talents grow and an honour to be part of the AMC.’

Ms Tory Thompson, an evictee from Nigeria told the GNA that the event organizers cared about the goals of the participants and helped them shape their craft.

‘They are very fair, they give everyone one a role, and you are supposed to play it to the best of your ability, they even do eviction shows, they remind you…, like they really care about your goals. I just wish I had gone further because I really missed out It’s a wonderful show,’ she stated.

Mr Agumu Mark, a finalist from Uganda, said that the AMC has improved his time management and acting career, stating; ‘I have learned a lot from the feedback and the challenges. I am very excited to still be part of the AMC and I hope to continue to learn and gr
ow.’

Ms Esther Wanjiru, a finalist from Kenya, said her journey with the AMC had been incredible and transformative, adding that; ‘Every time I take the stage, I discover a new aspect of myself and refine my skills as an actor.

‘The competition has helped me overcome fear and embrace vulnerabilities. Every moment in the AMC has been a step forward in my personal growth.’

Source: Ghana News Agency

The second season of the Africa Monologue Challenge (AMC) is entering its final stage as the number of contenders dwindles towards the grand finale in Uganda on May 26, 2024.

A statement issued by the organizers of the AMC led by Mr Mawuko Kuadzi, Chief Executive Officer of M.K. Casting said the competition from an initial pool of 2,000 submissions, it has shortlisted and nurtured 50 finalists through online challenges and bi-weekly evictions.

‘Only 10 finalists will ultimately make it to the grand stage in Uganda, representing the diverse voices and acting talents across the continent,’ it stated.

The statement said the 50 shortlisted finalists have been showcasing their talents and skills through various monologues, which were judged by a panel of professional filmmakers from Africa, Europe, and America.

The AMC is powered by M.K Casting, Ghana’s premium casting agency, and partnered by the African Chamber of Content Producers.

This year’ event is also supported by the Uganda Communication Commission
and the AMC is aimed at promoting and celebrating African storytelling and acting, as well as to provide opportunities and exposure for the participants.

The winner of the AMC would enjoy several benefits, including hosting the next season of the event in their country, starring in a pan-African film produced in their country, and receiving cash prizes and other rewards.

The statement said this year’s Ugandan location for the AMC reflected the victory of last year’s champion, Rachael Nduhukuri, a Ugandan actress.

‘As part of her prize package, the next edition of the AMC unfolds in her home country, along with the production of a Pan-African film featuring Rachael Nduhukire as the lead character. Additionally, she received a cash prize and other benefits,’ it revealed.

Mr. York-Fabian Raabe, a film maker based in Germany, and one of the jurors of the AMC also had this to say, ‘For me it is the second time with the AMC, and I do not get tired watching all these talents. What stands out the most for me is t
hat they are not only good actors and actresses, but they are also genuine characters.

‘And again, out of these personal characters, they explore new characters for each story. It is fascinating to watch this process and it is fascinating to watch these talents grow and an honour to be part of the AMC.’

Ms Tory Thompson, an evictee from Nigeria told the GNA that the event organizers cared about the goals of the participants and helped them shape their craft.

‘They are very fair, they give everyone one a role, and you are supposed to play it to the best of your ability, they even do eviction shows, they remind you…, like they really care about your goals. I just wish I had gone further because I really missed out It’s a wonderful show,’ she stated.

Mr Agumu Mark, a finalist from Uganda, said that the AMC has improved his time management and acting career, stating; ‘I have learned a lot from the feedback and the challenges. I am very excited to still be part of the AMC and I hope to continue to learn and gr
ow.’

Ms Esther Wanjiru, a finalist from Kenya, said her journey with the AMC had been incredible and transformative, adding that; ‘Every time I take the stage, I discover a new aspect of myself and refine my skills as an actor.

‘The competition has helped me overcome fear and embrace vulnerabilities. Every moment in the AMC has been a step forward in my personal growth.’

Source: Ghana News Agency

The Cyber Security Authority (CSA) has cautioned the public to exercise caution and due diligence in their online activities amid the Valentine’s Day celebration.

Valentine’s Day is an occasion when people show their affection for others by sending gifts or items with messages of love.

The Authority said malicious cyber actors also used the celebration to defraud unsuspecting victims through various schemes.

It added that of the total losses recorded for 2023, at least GHC 3,558,940.00 was lost through online shopping and romance scams.

In a press statement issued by the Cyber Security Authority and made available to the Ghana News Agency, it said malicious actors created fake websites or online shops or impersonated existing businesses on social media, offering heavily discounted packages and items.

It added that victims were enticed to send money for these items which they never received, or they received in substandard forms.

The statement also said malicious actors created fake business listings or
profiles with their contact details on Google Maps mimicking legitimate businesses or brands and used search engine optimisation techniques to manipulate search results for the targeted brand to divert legitimate inquiries to the scammers’ contact numbers.

‘After the unsuspecting victims engage and pay, usually to a mobile money wallet for products, the scammers block them from making further contact, and the expected delivery does not materialize,’ the statement added.

It said malicious actors send unsolicited emails or messages claiming to be from a romantic partner, or a company offering Valentine’s Day deals.

The statement said these messages contained links or attachments that when clicked, install malicious software, known as malware, or steal personal information.

It said malicious actors created fake online profiles to deceive victims into believing they were engaging in a trusting relationship, using the relationship to persuade the victims to send money, provide personal and financial informatio
n, or purchase items for them.

The statement advised the public to be cautious of ‘too good to be true’ deals on Valentine’s Day packages or gifts, and to use a reputable online marketplace or retailer when purchasing Valentine’s Day gifts.

It added that individuals should look for reviews and customer feedback before making an online purchase.

‘While search engines provide convenient access to information, they can also display manipulated or misleading results, check on the official websites or with reliable sources to validate the contact details of shops rather than relying solely on search engine results,’ it stressed.

The statement advised the public to be alert for fake online shops and hyped adverts, especially on Facebook, Instagram, and Telegram, where in most cases, individuals should request a physical location to enable the validation of legitimacy of the business.

‘Insist on payment only after delivery and inspection, be wary of unsolicited messages or emails claiming to be from a romantic
partner, especially those that make requests for money or other sensitive information,’

‘Do not share personal information such as your Ghana card number, credit card information, or bank account details with anyone, ensure that mobile money payments are made to wallets in the name of the online shop you are dealing with,’ it said.

The statement said the CSA has a 24-hour Cybersecurity or Cybercrime Incident Reporting Point of Contact (PoC) for reporting cybercrimes and for seeking guidance and assistance on online activities.

Source: Ghana News Agency

The Nkwanta South Traders Association has called on the Interior Ministry to review the curfew imposed on the township.

Mr Richard Owusu Ansah popularly known as Paa Rich, secretary of the Association said, the current curfew from 1700 hours to 0600 hours was affecting their business activities resulting from the ethnic conflict.

Business activities in the Nkwanta South and adjoining communities have been affected since November 2023 due to inter-tribal conflict, which has resulted in the deaths of over 14 people, with many properties destroyed.

The traders explained that the conflict in the area had affected the once vibrant business centre in the region.

They stressed the need for review of the curfew to enable business to return to normalcy.

The traders made the request when they presented food items to the security agencies as part of their support to ensure peace in the Nkwanta South Municipality.

Chief Superintendent Michael Asiedu, the Nkwanta South Divisional Police commander, receiving the ite
ms, commended the traders for the gesture.

He assured the traders that the police and other security agencies would work assiduously to restore peace in the municipality.

Chief Supt. Asiedu urged residents to cooperate with the police by providing the necessary support that would quell the conflict in the area.

Source: Ghana News Agency