Day: May 23, 2024

Nana Akomea, Deputy Chairperson of the Campaign Team of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) Flagbearer, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, has criticised the Flagbearer of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), John Dramani Mahama, for his recent criticism of the Electoral Commission of Ghana (EC).

According to him, the NDC flagbearer, when he was president, stated that there was no way the EC could rig an election in favour of any political party. However, the former president and his party are now claiming that the commission wants to rig the election in favour of a particular political party.

Nana Akomea made these remarks in an interview on Peace FM’s Kokrokoo Morning show on Tuesday, May 21, 2024, adding that Mahama is being hypocritical in his continuous criticism of the EC.

“When the NDC was in government, Mahama himself told us that it was impossible for any political party to influence the election because of the systems in place. He (Mahama) said that due to the system in place, there was no way he could influence
the election as president.

“He said that people criticising the EC should leave them alone to do their work because they are independent, and there is no way the EC can rig elections in Ghana for any political party. Now you are not in government, and you are saying that the very things you said the commission or any political party cannot do are possible. This is hypocrisy,” he said in the Twi dialect.

He added, “You go and stand somewhere and criticise the Electoral Commission. And all the things you are saying now when you were in government, you said were not possible. So, what has changed? You speak from both sides of your mouth.”

What Mahama said:

Former President Mahama, at a meeting with top clergymen and women on Monday, May 20, 2024, reiterated the NDC’s concern about the calibre of some persons serving as Electoral Commissioners, citing their lack of neutrality.

According to Mahama, the appointment of partisan personalities to serve at the highest level of the election management body was a ma
tter of concern, and he called on the Christian community to oppose it as the 2024 vote approaches.

He pointed out how his successor and outgoing president, Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, had appointed members of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) as commissioners.

“This is a president who is appointing politically exposed individuals to positions of trust where they are expected to be neutral and non-partisan.

“People who have served as communicators for the party, those who have been IT backstops for the party, are now Commissioners of the Electoral Commission. How can we expect them to remain neutral and fair in their conduct?” he questioned.

“People who were patrons of TESCON on campus have now become Commissioners of the Electoral Commission. We aim to awaken the conscience of the nation to ensure that the right actions are taken so that the election outcome truly reflects the will of the people,” Mahama stressed.

Citing incidents from the recently concluded Ejisu by-election and the ongoing limited voter
registration process, Mahama expressed concerns about the conduct of the Electoral Commission, which he emphasized was supposed to be the referee or umpire come December 2024.

“As we approach the election, we will continue to play our part. We will raise the red flags whenever we perceive that things are not proceeding as they should. We trust that the church community will also remain vigilant and ensure that the right thing is done,” he assured.

Some key clergymen at the meeting with the Ecumenical leadership of Ghana included Archbishop Nicholas Duncan-Williams, Rev. Stephen Wengam, Rev. Lawrence Tetteh, and Rev. Sam Korankye Ankrah.

Source: Ghana Web

Chief Inspector Toburu of the Japekrom Police in the Jaman South of the Bono region has been captured in a physical confrontation with a suspect during an attempted arrest.

The incident occurred after a 30-year-old man, popularly known as Shedey, was reported to the police by his girlfriend for assault.

According to a report from Rainbow Radio, Chief Inspector Toburu went to Shedey’s premises to invite him to the police station for questioning.

However, Shedey refused to comply, stating that he would present himself at the police station later.

Chief Inspector Toburu’s insistence on taking him to the station immediately resulted in a physical struggle between the two.

The video footage reveals both men grappling on the ground, with Shedey at one point holding the inspector by the neck.

Despite the intense struggle, Chief Inspector Toburu managed to apprehend Shedey. The suspect has since been arrested and remanded for two weeks, pending further investigation and potential charges.

‘Chief Inspector Tobu
ri is the one in the Lacoste on the ground being beaten by the man. The entire issue began when the man’s girlfriend reported him to the police for assault, and the inspector went to arrest him.

“He told the inspector that he was busy and would turn himself in later, which the inspector refused, resulting in a fight,’ Rainbow Radio Bono regional correspondent narrated.

Source: Ghana Web

The Campaign Team of the Movement For Change has described the arrest of leading member and Director of Special Operations, Hopeson Adorye as a deliberate attempt by the governing New Patriotic Party(NPP) to intimidate members.

The Ghana Police Service on Wednesday, May 22, 2024, arrested Hopeson Adorye over his claim that he detonated dynamites in the Volta Region during the 2016 general election to scare away voters in the National Democratic Congress(NDC) stronghold.

But a Campaign Team Member of the Movement for Change, Solomon Owusu in an interview with Starr News, described the arrest of Hopeson Adorye as a shame to Ghanaian democracy.

He said no amount of intimidation tactics by the Akufo-Addo government would scare the members of the Movement For Change from going about their legitimate duties.

‘What has happened is just an incumbent government that is not happy with the rule of law and they want to put fear in Hopeson Adorye. We are sounding this note of caution that it is not going to work. We a
re going to use whatever arsenals that we have to get him out. We’ve asked our lawyers to as a matter of urgency get in touch with Hopeson which they have done. And so if the rule works under President Akufo-Addo, he has to be out. We are moving to the Ministries Police Station to seek bail for him.

‘If the State has any incriminating evidence against him, if the State believes that they have enough information, we are ready to meet them in court. But the government of the day must not set bad precedent, let the rule of law prevail and let the man have the right to go and defend himself. This business of trying to move him from one police station to the other is not going to scare anybody in this country. We are following up on the development and we will definitely get him out.’

Source: Ghana Web

The Planning Committee of the 65th Anniversary Celebrations of Christian Divine Church has cautioned the media to desist from reporting distorting news against its 65th Anniversary Celebrations.

According to the Secretary of the Planning Committee, Ekow Dadzie, there is no injunction placed on the church’s anniversary adding that as the planning committee clothed with the mandate to plan this event, no order of a court injuncting the committee or the church in relation to the celebration has been received from anyone.

Ekow Dadzie said that ‘we have received calls about a false and deliberately distorted news item read by Adom FM newscasters, Nana Osei Ampofo Adjei and Baffour Owiredu Amo this morning on their Adom Morning News at 6am. The item particularly read, sought to create the misimpression that the Tarkwa High Court had placed an injunction order on the Celebration of the Church’s 65th Anniversary and that members and Pastors are devastated by this turn of events.’

‘We wish to strongly place on reco
rd that no court has placed any order of injunction against the celebration of the church’s 65th Anniversary scheduled to take off today 23rd May, 2024, and as such the Planning Committee demands an immediate retraction of this false news and an apology from the various media stations through the same medium and with the same prominence given to the news item this morning,’ he said.

He further expressed disquiet vehemently over the consistent reports of misrepresentation by Adom FM/TV`s Western Regional correspondent, Lord Tawiah, who has for some considerable period now been engaged in misreporting and distorting of facts about Christian Divine Church and its related issues.

He called on the media house to caution the reporter to cease and desist from this penchant as the church finds it most reprehensible and denigrating.

He however stated categorically that there is no injunction placed on the church’s anniversary adding that the events are coming on as planned.

Source: Ghana Web

Freemasons from across Ghana and beyond will gather in Kumasi this weekend to honour Otumfuo Osei Tutu II on two significant milestones: his 25th anniversary on the Golden Stool and his 25th anniversary as a Freemason. The event will also mark the 15th anniversary of the Grand Lodge of Ghana.

The celebration, set to take place at the Sir Agyemang Prempeh II Masonic Hall, will pay tribute to Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, the Grand Patron of the Grand Lodge of Ghana.

Otumfuo Osei Tutu II ascended to the Golden Stool in 1999 and has been a steadfast supporter of Freemasonry throughout his reign. Following the formal Masonic ceremony, festivities will continue at the Jubilee Hall in Manhyia, fostering a spirit of unity and brotherhood among attendees.

The Grand Lodge of Ghana was formally founded on January 24, 2009, as a “Sovereign Masonic Body.”

The Grand Lodge of Ghana oversees a significant number of subordinate lodges and is grouped into four provincial Grand Lodges: South West (Cape Coast), South East (Accra),
North (Kumasi), and East (Lome and Volta). The United Grand Lodge of England was the first to recognize the newly constituted Grand Lodge of Ghana.

Most Worshipful Brother Charles William Stanley-Pierre was installed as the first Grand Master, followed by Most Worshipful Brother Otwasuom Osae Nyampong VI in 2013, and Most Worshipful Brother N/Capt Kwadjo Adunkwa Butah in 2017.

The current Grand Master, Most Worshipful Brother Nana Osei Atwene Bonsu, assumed office in May 2021. The Grand Lodge’s motto, “That All Shall Be One,” reflects its commitment to unity.

Source: Ghana Web

The Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources and the Forestry Commission have signed a historic Emissions Reductions Purchase Agreement (ERPA) with Tullow, marking a significant milestone in Ghana’s efforts to address deforestation and forest degradation.

The agreement, outdoored at a ceremony in Accra on Thursday, 23rd May 2024 represents a major step forward in Ghana’s commitment to sustainable development and environmental stewardship.

The partnership aims to promote sustainable land use and forest conservation while generating revenue for local communities and supporting Ghana’s climate change mitigation efforts.

Samuel A. Jinapor, MP, Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, hailed the agreement as a “bold and ambitious” initiative that demonstrates Ghana’s leadership in addressing the global challenge of climate change.

He emphasized the importance of fair pricing of carbon credits, noting that Ghana’s partnership with Tullow sets a new benchmark for carbon pricing in the region.

The ERPA is part o
f Ghana’s broader efforts to promote sustainable forest management and reduce deforestation and forest degradation.

The country he said has made significant progress in recent years, with initiatives such as the Ghana Cocoa Forest REDD+ Program and the Ghana Shea Landscape Emission Reductions Project.

The partnership with Tullow is expected to generate significant revenue for local communities and support Ghana’s climate change mitigation efforts.

The agreement also demonstrates the country’s commitment to sustainable development and environmental protection and sets an example for other countries to follow.

On her part, Madam Julia Ross, the Director for People and Sustainability, Tullow elucidated on the scope of the project indicating that over two million hectares of land in the country will be used to plant various trees and other carbon credit innovations.

She stated that Tullow has over the years made significant investments in the fight towards zero carbon emissions with over $40million committe
d so far.

She outlined the socio-economic benefits of the project and explained that Tullow will continue to engage the commission and relevant stakeholders to ensure the success of the project.

In her Solidarity statement, Her Excellency Harriet Thompson, the British High Commissioner said she is proud of Ghana as it continues to show dedication to curtailing forest degradation and mitigating Climate Change.

She noted that with Ghana’s enthusiasm, the British Government sees this as just the begin to many more successes.

She congratulated the team at Tullow and the Forestry Commission for the height achieved and encouraged other organisations to follow this example as she said “doing this is good for the business, good for the Climate, and good for the people”

John Allotey, the Chief Executive Officer of the Forestry Commission provided further details about the agreement, indicating that it will span a decade and position the Forestry Commission as a major source of approved and reliable carbon credit.

He explained that the official announcement is the crowning moment of intensive, dedicated, and sustained engagements between his outfit and Tullow Ghana.

He also emphasized the commitment of the Forestry Commission to the production of high integrity carbon credit that will be appealing to the international market.

The Deputy Minister for Energy and Member of Parliament for Mpohor Constituency of the Western Region, John Kwabena Abbam Aboah Sanie on behalf of his Minster commended the Outdooring partners; Forestry Commission and Tullow for their efforts in reaching such a height and hoped that this Forestry Commission and Tullow REDD+ Project will yield the highest results.

There were also some congratulatory statements from traditional authorities and civil societies who were present at the programme all geared towards applauding Forestry Commission and Tullow for their efforts in materialising this worthy cause.

Source: Ghana Web

The Coalition for Democratic Accountability and Inclusive Governance (CDAIG) also known as Citizens’ Coalition says the woes of the Special Prosecutor, Kissi Agyabeng stem from taking up the case against former Sanitation Minister, Cecilia Abena Dapaah.

Addressing the media on the theme ‘Our Failing Fight Against Corruption, the Petition to Remove the OSP and Other Matters Arising’ at the International Press Center, Ridge, on Wednesday 22nd May 2024, the group raised several issues and demanded the government takes the fight against corruption serious.

‘Ladies and gentlemen, some of the developments referred to earlier and the responses to them, raise concerns about the functioning of our frontline anti-corruption institutions like the new kid on the block, the OSP.

‘The establishment of the OSP was seen as an important missing piece in the array of anticorruption institutions to tackle the criminality of politically exposed persons in government.

“It was widely acknowledged that expecting the Attorney Ge
neral to prosecute colleagues within and outside the government was untenable, necessitating the delegation of prosecutorial powers to an independent entity. Despite the goodwill the office received at its inception, that quickly turned sour.’

According to them, Mr. Amidu as the first occupant of the Special Prosecutor’s Office constantly raised concerns about inadequate facilities, logistical challenges, and occasional executive interferences.

‘His eventual resignation laid blame at the President’s door. A sense of disillusionment pervaded among many Ghanaians regarding the office and its potential.

‘Following a period of uncertainty, Mr. Kissi Adjabeng assumed the role of Special Prosecutor. Despite encountering similar hurdles to those experienced by Mr. Amidu, the office persevered and gradually found its footing, effectively carrying out its duties.

‘While it has encountered occasional setbacks, the OSP has remained steadfast and taken on cases expected of a specialized anti-corruption organization,’
CDAIG stated.

They disclosed that the public has increasingly acknowledged the crucial role played by the OSP and has shown strong support whenever it has come under attack.

‘The OSP’s recent frustration has come from taking on Madam Cecilia Dapaah’s case. The public spat involving the AG, EOCO, and OSP shows clearly that the OSP and government relations are strained to put it mildly.

‘The challenges of the OSP have even led to calls from some sections of society for the OSP’s abolition. In fact, legal proceedings were initiated, contesting the constitutional and statutory basis for the OSP’s establishment. If we truly aspire to fight corruption and succeed, our institutions must operate independently,’ they stated.

Source: Ghana Web

Ecozoil Limited, a subsidiary of the Jospong Group of Companies (JGC), has organized a clean-up exercise along the Volta Lake at Dzemeni, located in the South Dayi District of the Volta region.

The company also engaged boat owners and community members on the safe usage of the Volta Lake, including the importance of using life jackets. The exercise formed part of Ecozoil’s monthly sensitization and training exercises offered to users of the Volta Lake under the Volta Lake Transport Safety Project (VLTSP).

As part of the exercise, Ecozoil donated 80 life jackets for children to the district assembly for onward distribution to boat operators and members of the community to ensure safety on the Lake.

Speaking to the media, the National Coordinator for the VLTSP, Madam Yaa Oforiwaa, emphasized that the VLTSP has the mandate to ensure that the landing sites along the Volta Lake are clean at all times. “We organize periodic clean-up exercises, and Dzemeni being a major landing site, we decided to join our operat
ives here to clean and also sensitize the boat owners and community members on good sanitation management and safety on the Lake,” she explained.

She expressed her disappointment that the wearing of life jackets has not yet become a norm, even though Ecozoil has supplied the community with adequate life jackets, but she remained hopeful that the situation will change with constant education. She announced that Ecozoil would support Dzemeni with tricycles to facilitate the collection of waste from the landing site.

Receiving the life jackets, the DCE of South Dayi, Hon. Godwin Kwame Dadzawa, expressed gratitude to Ecozoil and promised to institute a reward scheme to honor boat owners who ensure that passengers wear life jackets while using their boats. 4=

The DCE charged the Ecozoil operatives to continue exhibiting high standards in keeping the landing site of the Lake clean at all times and to promote safety on the Lake. Hon. Dadzawa appealed to the Ministry of Transport through Ecozoil to increase the al
lowance of the operatives to motivate them to do more. “Current economic conditions are not the best, so an increase in the allowance of the operatives will greatly impact their lives,” he prayed.

Ecozoil, in partnership with the Ministry of Transportation, spearheads the Volta Lake Transport Safety Project to ensure safe water travel and maintain cleanliness at the landing sites. They are also committed to keeping Ghana’s beaches and coastal communities clean and healthy.

Ecozoil has actively participated in multiple clean-up exercises and collaborated with various organizations to accomplish their environmental goals.

Source: Ghana Web