Day: May 24, 2024

Bernard Allotey Jacobs has hailed Vice President and NPP presidential candidate, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia for the establishment of a hostel facility for head porters, locally called “kayayei”, in the country.

Bawumia commissioned the ultra-modern hostel facility as well as a skills training and empowerment centre in Accra for the head porters to provide them with a decent place of accommodation in order to take them off the streets.

The multi-purpose facilities, located in Madina and Ashaiman in the Greater Accra Region, is in fulfillment of a promise by Dr. Bawumia on behalf of the government in 2019 to head porters.

‘I am honoured to be part of this initiative dedicated to empowering head porters, offering transitional job pathways and enhancing their socio-economic status. It is a cause close to my heart as it addresses the plight of a marginalized segment of our society’, Dr. Bawumia said during the ceremony, adding “this noble endeavour resonates profoundly with the core values of our mission as it squar
ely addresses the pressing needs of a marginalized segment of our society that has long been relegated to the shadows of neglect and indifference’.

The hostels are equipped with 300 beds, training rooms, kitchen, a clinic among others.

Dr. Bawumia also noted that government’s concern is not only to provide decent accommodation to the head porters but to empower them to be self-employed to prevent them from returning to the streets.

As a result, the government has added a Kayayei Empowerment Center and rolled out a programme to train them.

The former NDC Central Regional Chairman, Allotey Jacobs was enthused by this kind gesture to the head porters describing it as the “greatest achievement” ever after the government’s free SHS policy to improve the lives of Ghanaians.

“This is a social intervention that when you take Free SHS, this is the second one…This is a great achievement, a credit to Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia taking care of his own,” he said on Peace FM’s “Kokrokoo” show.

Source: Ghana Web

Multinational companies have been having issues in Ghana, resulting in a large flight of brands from the country.

Numerous multinational companies have moved their operations out of Ghana due to the country’s unstable economic environment. This pattern has been influenced by elements including the volatile Ghana cedi, high rates of inflation, and the high cost of imports.

There are more: the business environment has become more complex due to increased electricity bills and frequent power outages, locally referred to as “dumsor,” which has affected both domestic and foreign firms.

Particular examples of companies that have left are:

BIC: The well-known pen manufacturer, which had existed in Ghana for many decades, relocated their operations from Ghana to Ivory Coast in March 2024, citing financial difficulties as the cause.

Nivea: In December 2023, the skincare brand announced that it was ending operations in Ghana due to high operational expenses and taxes.

Glovo: The delivery service provider declare
d that it would be leaving the Ghanaian market on May 10, 2024, citing issues with profitability and a challenging business environment.

Jumia Foods: A well-known e-commerce company closed its food delivery section in December 2023 as a result of unstable economic and market situations.

Lipton Tea (Unilever): Citing continuing economic difficulties, Unilever Ghana moved its tea business from Ghana to Nigeria in March 2024.

Dark and Lovely: Because of the difficult economic climate and unmanageable tax load, the haircare brand also left the Ghanaian market.

These exits affect economic growth and tax income, in addition to the GDP and job creation in Ghana.

The visionary John Mahama must, therefore, return on January 7, 2025, in order to help tackle the challenge of making the country more attractive to international operations.

Source: Ghana Web

The Western Regional House of Chiefs has commended newly appointed Chief Executive Officer of the Ghana National Petroleum Corporation (GNPC) for the respect he has showed them for paying a courtesy call on them without any invitation.

According to the Vice President of the house, Awulae Angama Tu Agyan this single gesture from Mr. Joseph Dadzie shows his humility and honour for the traditional rulers.

The Chief Executive of the National Oil Company in the company of some of his management members paid a visit to the Western Regional House of Chiefs to among other things, introduce himself to them as the new head of the Corporation. Joseph Dadzie, a former deputy CEO of GNPC replaced Opoku-Ahweneeh Danquah on May 2, 2024, following his resignation.

Welcoming the GNPC delegation to the Western Regional House of Chiefs, Awulae Angama Tu Agyan noted that since the retirement of Dr. Kofi Koduah Sarpong in April 2022, no CEO from the Corporation has ever accorded them this respect by coming over to interact wi
th them and seek their counsel when K.K Sarpong left, someone came to replace him.

‘We never saw him here but see how quick this new CEO [we are proud to call our son] has seen the need to come to us within the month he was appointed to interact with us,’ he said.

Awulae Angama Tu Agyan noted that this move from Mr. Dadzie and his management will surely go a long way to establish a long-lasting relationship between the Western Regional House of Chiefs and the Ghana National Petroleum Corporation. With your visit and introduction here today, we are hopeful you will soon come back to meet the full house and discuss more pressing issues we have for your consideration Awulae Angama Tu Agyan added.

According to the Chiefs in the Western Region, it is their wish that every year, the GNPC boss will come before the house and share with them some of the challenges the Corporation may be facing and how best they could support the Ghana National Oil Company to overcome them.

‘This would also give us the opportunity
to share with you some of the challenges we are also facing in the region and explore ways of dealing with them,’ Awulae added

The President of the Western Regional of Chiefs, Awulae Amihere Kpaniyiliin his welcome address also emphasised the need for this relationship the GNPC CEO has just re-established with them to deepen. For you to come to the Western Region and see the need to come to us is commendable. It shows the respect you have for us here, he noted.

Responding to the Chiefs, Mr. Joseph Dadzie commended them for their warm reception. He promised he will soon be back to start his ‘engagement with the entire house as you all know, we are soon going to commission our Operational Headquarters here. When we come, I will use that opportunity to meet the entire house for further discussion.’

Mr. Dadzie told the Chiefs he could not have visited the region without visiting them considering how good they have been to GNPC and the staff here.

According to him, ‘there was no way I could have visited my sta
ff here led by Dr. Dominic Eduah and decide not to pay homage to you, the owners of the land we operate on.

Mr. Dadzie further added that ‘it was equally important I came here to introduce myself to you as the new CEO, but I will assure you that I will come back together with my board to meet you all.’

Mr. Joseph Dadzie told the chiefs, he was aware of several of their developmental concerns as catalogued to him earlier by the Regional Minister and assured them that together with the board of the Corporation, ways would be found to address them.

‘Even before I came here, at the board level, we had met and discussed many of these issues and we are strategizing on how to fix them. The board has agreed that we complete projects we started in the region that has stalled,’ the GNPC boss, assured the chiefs.

Source: Ghana Web

The Western Regional House of Chiefs says it is pleased with the numerous capital projects executed for them by the Ghana National Petroleum Corporation (GNPC).

The Vice President of the House, Awulae Angama Tu Agyan in a meeting between them and management of GNPC led by the new Chief Executive, numerated several projects the Corporation has spearheaded for them to make the running of the Regional House of Chiefs, smoother for them.

“GNPC built us this beautiful office edifice we are occupying recently. They also got us an accommodation block where we can occupy and rest whenever we come for meetings,” he noted.

On behalf of the entire Western Region, Awulae Angama Tu Agyan. expressed their appreciation for what the Corporation was doing to give the region a facelift.

According to the Vice President of the House, the entire Western Region has really benefited from the benevolence of the Corporation, and they do not take that for granted. He said, ‘what GNPC is doing here in the Western Region is very be
autiful and commendable’.

‘Look at that beautiful Operational Headquarters the Corporation has put up here which is ready for commissioning.’

Awulae also acknowledged the hospitals and schools the Ghana National Oil Company is constructing across the Western region which will go a long way to make life better for people, we really appreciate every single thing GNPC is doing for us in the Western Region.

Source: Ghana Web

Sympathizers of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) thronged the Kotoka International Airport on May 23, 2024, to welcome their former chairman, Samuel Ofosu-Ampofo, who returned from London after more than a year.

Ofosu Ampofo’s return is seen as a boost for the NDC, as he expressed his intention to support former President John Dramani Mahama in the 2024 elections.

The supporters, adorned in party paraphernalia, celebrated the homecoming of their leader amid chanting and drumming.

Addressing the crowd, Ofosu Ampofo expressed his gratitude and shared his observations about the party’s current leadership.

“I have been in touch with the leadership of the party and I think that they are doing very well and I want to congratulate the leadership. From the national chairman through the national executives, regional and constituencies. I think they are doing a very good job,” he stated.

He also lauded the efforts of John Dramani Mahama, referring to him as “the next president of Ghana.”

Ofosu Ampofo prais
ed Mahama’s dedication and efforts, saying, “I also want to commend the flagbearer His Excellency John Dramani Mahama for the phenomenal job that he is doing.

“I know his commitment, his love, and his passion and desire to take this country away from the current government…

“I want to thank God for bringing me back and I want to thank His Excellency John Dramani Mahama for the massive support that he rendered to me while I was away, the Speaker of Parliament Alban Bagbin for the support, and several others for the support,” he added.

Source: Ghana Web

The Food and Drugs Authority (FDA) has clarified its position regarding regulating products making spiritual claims, following public inquiries about products promoting men-charming potion known as ‘kayamata.’

This clarification came in response to a social media query directed at the FDA.

The query was raised after social media influencer Hajia Bintu advertised kayamata, a product claimed to possess powers to among other things charm men. Concerned citizens questioned the FDA’s stance and regulatory responsibilities concerning such products.

In an official response via their X account, the FDA stated, “Per the law, the FDA is not mandated to oversee products that make spiritual claims.’

The term ‘kayamata’ refers to a range of products often marketed with promises of enhancing personal relationships, attracting partners, or boosting one’s allure through purported spiritual means.

These products have gained significant attention and popularity on social media platforms, leading to public concerns about
their safety and efficacy.

Source: Ghana Web

Former New Patriotic Party (NPP) parliamentary hopeful, Hopeson Adorye, has sarcastically thanked the party, the president and Chief of Staff, over his recent arrest.

Adorye was released on a 20,000 Ghana cedis bail by a Circuit Court (May 23) after he was arraigned over publication of false news charge.

In his first interview since his release, he spoke to the Announcer Newspaper page on Facebook, detailing how his lawyers secured bail for him.

‘We heard you have been granted bail?’ the host, Daddy Fred asked.

Adorye replied: ‘Yes, we were at the Dansoman Circuit Court, the police wanted me remanded for investigations but all of this is a matter of law, so my lawyers prevailed.

‘President Akufo-Addo, Frema Opare, Chief of staff and the NPP party have elevated me to glory and the battle is still the Lord’s. That is my message to all Ghanaians,’ he stressed.

His arrest is in connection with a public claim that he has detonated explosives in parts of the opposition stronghold of Volta Region during the 2
016 general elections.

He admitted that the operation was a personal mission that he carried out at the blind side of the regional executives. He subsequently clarified that the incident happened in neighbouring Togo arguing that there was no report of a blast in the Volta Region before or during the 2016 polls.

Source: Ghana Web

Personnel of the Ghana National Fire Service (GNFS) came to the rescue of a woman whose left leg was trapped in a concrete slab of a gutter at the Acheamfour Market in Kumasi.

The GNFS, in a post shared on Facebook on Friday, May 24, 2024, indicated that the incident happened on Thursday, May 13, 2024.

The service said its officers exhibited skill in order to rescue the woman.

“The rescue team from Kejetia Fire Post successfully freed a woman whose left leg was trapped in a concrete slab at Acheamfour Market near Adansie Rural Bank in Kumasi.

“The crew’s timely response, skilful execution, and dedication highlight their professionalism and commitment to public safety. Their swift, tactical and efficient actions ensured the woman’s safety and well-being,” it wrote on Facebook.

The GNFS shared a video which showed the officers using all the tools at their disposal to ensure that the woman’s leg was removed safely without further harming her.

According to an eyewitness, who spoke in the video, the victim’
s leg got trapped after it accidentally went through a small opening in the concrete slab.

He said the people in the market did all they could to rescue the woman, but their attempts were causing her more pain.

Realising that the situation was becoming more difficult, they called on the fire service, who came to the rescue of the woman.

Source: Ghana Web