Category: General

A report by Daily Guide indicates that middle men, popularly called ‘goro boys’ are beginning to infiltrate institutions including the passport offices in recent times, causing artificial delay.

The presence and menace of goro boys became an issue of the past after the introduction of the biometric system which essentially brought some improvement to the passport office.

With the electronic passport system, processes were straightforward and relatively smooth without individuals paying extra for the services of the institution.

But according to a Daily Guide report, the previous situation appears to be returning. They noted that some individuals are taking advantage of persons who are in desperate need of passports and have close deadlines among others.

These persons are made to pay additional fees after paying the initial passport fees to get the service delivered on time; the report continued.

Dailyguide also noted that a similar issue is happening at the Birth and Death Registry where persons are reportedly made to cough up amounts as high as GHC 500 to have their certificates fast-tracked or produced.

Meanwhile, the Foreign Ministry has been urged to work on the situation to ensure these persons are dealt with and order restored to these offices.

Ghana’s leading digital news platform, GhanaWeb, in conjunction with the Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital, is embarking on an aggressive campaign which is geared towards ensuring that parliament passes comprehensive legislation to guide organ harvesting, organ donation, and organ transplantation in the country.

Source: Ghana Web

President Nana Akufo-Addo has underscored the role played by Joseph Boakye Danquah a former presidential candidate in 1960 in the establishment of the University of Ghana.

The President giving a speech during the 75th Anniversary Thanksgiving Service of the institution expressed his conviction that history will view JB Danquah favorably for his efforts in championing the creation of the university.

In his address, President Akufo-Addo highlighted how Joseph Boakye Danquah’s commitment to ensuring Ghana had its own university led to the founding of the University of Ghana.

He noted that his visionary work extended to challenging the British recommendation for a single university in West Africa, which was intended for Nigeria. Instead, he rallied Ghanaians to support the establishment of their own university.

President Akufo-Addo further remarked that the legacy of Joseph Boakye Danquah might even warrant consideration for naming the University of Ghana after him, given the historical significance of his contributions.

He mentioned, “Indeed, in many other jurisdictions where there is less heat in their politics and more attachment to the fact of historical record, it would not have been out of place to have this university named after him. Who knows, one day it may well happen.”

President Akufo-Addo commended the University of Ghana for reaching its diamond jubilee and lauded its role in shaping the nation’s development.

“It will be wholly appropriate and not at all far-fetched to describe Joseph Boakye Danquah as the founder of this university [the University of Ghana], a fact that, on the 75th anniversary of its existence, should be vividly recalled by all of us who are being and are the beneficiaries of his work,” he said.

TWI NEWS

The President’s sentiment mirrored his previous comments made five years ago when the university initiated an endowment fund during its 70th-anniversary celebration.

Source: Ghana Web

Acting Director General of the Ghana Geological Survey Authority, Isaac Mwinbelle, has justified the need for the Central Bank to relocate from its current location in Accra to Ridge, citing seismic reasons.

The Central Bank in a statement issued on August 8, 2023 explained the decision was also due to the old-age structure built in the 1950’s, which it adds is currently not fit-for-purpose.

Despite varied views and criticisms on the construction of a new BoG head office, the Acting DG of the Geological Survey Authority told Accra-based GBC News that although the current location of the Bank of Ghana was yet to experience any earth tremor, a recent tremor occurred at Jamestown, a location which is closer to the Bank’s location.

Isaac Mwinbelle further noted that given the structural integrity assessment conducted by the Central Bank, the new headquarters building at Ridge, will be constructed to withstand any earth tremors and be well fortified.

“The coastal parts of Ghana has a number of fault lines that passes through the area, but the prominent ones which have for the period produced some substantial earth tremors and earthquakes are the fault lines that are within the Kokrobite, Weija and Dansoman area and most of the earthquakes that have occurred over the period is as a result of the movement along these fault line,” he told GBC News.

“The latest one, which was the 10th of March this year, if you look at the epicenter, it was close to Jamestown, meaning that it’s moving towards the current location of the Bank of Ghana,” Mwinbelle added.

He clarified that although fault zones in these areas are yet to produce any substantial Earth tremor, the BoG is justified in “being proactive by doing an assessment to find out whether the current location is suitable for a Central Bank or not”

“I think it is a plus for them because they must ensure the safety of the bank, the safety of the staff, as well as the safety of whatever is contained in there,” the Acting Director-General said.

Mr. Mwinbelle reiterated that the move by the BoG is in the right direction as the Bank must ensure structural safety, that of the staff and resources, adding that the new location of the headquarters building is better off and further away from an offshore area.

Source: Ghana Web

Private legal practitioner, Martin Kpebu, has joined the growing calls for the resignation of the Governor of the Bank of Ghana (BoG), Dr Ernest Addison, along with his two deputies.

The legal practitioner indicated that the three have no business staying in office considering their role in overseeing the mismanagement of the country’s economy.

According to myjoyonline.com news report, the legal practitioner stressed that the BoG’s leadership should bear responsibility for the current economic challenges faced by the country.

“The Bank of Ghana Governor and his two deputies should resign because they are co-architects of this economic hardship we are facing.

“The time they were printing ¢35 billion for the government in 2021, didn’t they know it will have repercussions? The time they printed ¢45 billion, didn’t they know it will have consequences.? So, the IMF shouldn’t be the one talking to us,” he said.

The Minority in parliament have also maintained their call for the resignation of Dr. Ernest Addison and his deputies.

The Minority led by Dr. Ato Forson, reaffirmed this stance, attributing the GH¢60 billion loss incurred in 2022 to the Bank of Ghana’s management.

Dr. Forson went further to accuse the bank of worsening the country’s economic woes through excessive money printing.

Based on these, they have given the leaders of the central bank a 21-day ultimatum to resign from office.

Source: Ghana Web

The Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) could potentially face legal consequences if it is proven that its personnel disclosed sensitive bank information related to former Sanitation Minister, Cecilia Dapaah to the media, according to legal experts.

According to a news report by Asaaseradio.com, a private legal practitioner, Oscar Asante-Nnuro, emphasised the potential legal consequences for the OSP if it turns out that they were involved in leaking the information.

“There are legal implications, because if it turns out that it was orchestrated by the OSP, then they cannot play the ostrich by coming back to debunk all those media speculations.

“It is not just any institution; it is a special institution that should be above reproach and exercise professionalism to the highest order,” he said.

He added that, “So, it will be very hypocritical on their part to have maybe, leaked that information and come back and debunk it. If it happens that, that was the situation, then it has legal implications.”

Cecilia Dapaah stepped down from her position within 24 hours after allegations emerged that substantial sums of money and valuable items had been stolen by two of her maids from her residence in Abelemkpe, Accra.

Numerous media outlets reported that a probe carried out by OSP officials at the former minister’s residence resulted in the uncovering of approximately US$590,000 and GHC2.73 million.

However, on Thursday, August 9, 2023, the OSP categorically denied these claims and urged the public to disregard the information.

Source: Ghana Web

On this year’s International Youth Day, observed today, August 12, 2023, Sharaf Mahama, the son of former President John Dramani Mahama, has issued a clarion call to his fellow young people, urging them to seize control of their destinies and proactively mold their future as they ponder on what lies ahead.

In a social media post commemorating International Youth Day 2023 under the theme ‘Green Skills for Youth: Towards a Sustainable World,’ the younger Mahama underscored the need for young people to organize as catalysts for change, taking on active roles in shaping what lies ahead – a more promising future for themselves and their communities.

“Today marks an important day for us, young people across the world. It is a day set aside to celebrate us, named “International Youth Day”. And as we celebrate the achievements and sacrifices of youths across the world, I want to remind you to think deeply about “what lies ahead” of us and how we can change the current negative narratives about our generation – narratives that do not reflect our hard work and character as young people,” he said.

Navigating Adversity

Mahama acknowledged the mounting economic challenges that have cast a shadow over the future of young people, leaving them with limited hope.

“Today, we are unable to confidently predict a positive future because of the many challenges that confront us. There is little or no hope or opportunities for better education, healthcare, good infrastructure, economic prosperity and skill development, a clean environment, and water bodies among others. Almost everything we care about and cherish is not spared – risking our future,” he stated, adding that failure to address these issues could have dire long-term consequences for the nation, which has more than 55 percent of its population under the age of 25.

‘What lies ahead?’

Drawing on the strength of communal synergy, creativity, and determination, Mahama highlighted the potential to surmount obstacles obstructing the path to a prosperous collective future for young people.

“So, we are right to think and act in ways that reshape what lies ahead of us. The future is ours but the real work started yesterday. We still have the opportunity as young people to group, think and act,” he urged.

Affirming his dedication to championing the cause, Mahama expressed his commitment to helping create a better world in partnership with the youth.

With Sharaf Mahama’s rallying cry resonating with countless young individuals globally and his message serving as a poignant reminder that the potential to construct a brighter tomorrow requires the support of everyone, he made a solemn pledge to champion this mission.

“…it is a cause I want to be part of – a cause that puts us in charge of our future and make our world a better place for all. I encourage you to engage me in the coming days on how we can find our own solutions to the problems that confront us. ‘What lies ahead’ must be important to us! Get involved and let’s create the future together,” he declared on International Youth Day.

Source: Ghana Web

Business woman, Mrs Miracle Adoma is to be enstooled Development Queen (Nkosuo Hemaa) of Banda Ahenkro in the Bono Region.

The coronation of Mrs Adoma, who is wife of celebrated Broadcaster, Kofi Adoma Nwanwani, is expected to take place sometime this year at a durbar to be organised by the traditional council, according to sources..

The Regent of Banda, Nana Adjei Duku recently spoke highly of Mrs Miracle Adoma, whom he said has won the hearts of many residents in Banda with her benevolence and philanthropic projects.

He said that her character is worth emulating, hence the recognition given her by the traditional authority.

Contrary to beliefs that Miracle is a new wife to Kofi Adoma, his father Mr Samuel Okra told Gh Obra TV that Miracle has been his wife for more than 18 years and that their first child is 18 yrs and currently studying at the University.

Kofi Adoma is on record to have said that he hailed from Kato, where he spent his formative years.

However, giving a little background, his father, Mr Okra said the Broadcast Journalist “was born at Fetentaa in the Berekum District before moving to Berekum estate where we stayed for years before finally settling at Berekum Kato.”

According to him, though Kofi Adoma adopted Berekum, where he was born and raised, he is originally from Banda.

Source: Ghana Web

A private legal practitioner, Martin Kpebu, has expressed concerns about the revelations by the Attorney General that the office was unaware that the case involving the former minister, Cecilia Dapaah has been to other courts.

According to him, the Attorney General’s office has been involved in the case through its senior lawyers.

He added that the comments by the office are contradicting what appears to be the reality.

“My understanding is that the Attorney General wasn’t involved himself but their senior lawyers were involved.

“So it is perplexing, to say the least, that subsequently the Attorney General can say that they are not aware that the case had been to earlier courts, it is not good. It is scary because it is not one lawyer, it was two but there were four lawyers from the Attorney-General,” he said.

Kpebu went on to shed light on the background of the case, indicating that Cecilia Dapaah had expressed dissatisfaction with the investigator’s inability to build a case related to the theft.

He revealed that the former minister reported the investigator to the Interior Minister, the police hierarchy, and the senior officers at the Attorney General’s office.

“Madam Dapaah reported to the investigator that she was not happy that they couldn’t make a case about the stealing. She reported this investigator to the interior minister, called him before the police hierarchy, and called him before the Attorney General’s senior officers. That is how come I was surprised by the docket, the Deputy Attorney said they didn’t see anything.

“Look, I am stating for the record, the case went to the Attorney General’s office. There were very senior lawyers who met the investigator. Because madam Cecilia Dapaah was consistently unhappy with the performance so to speak, of the investigator’s performance at that stage because of his inability to crack the path of the case concerning the money. Her emphasis was on the money but the investigator couldn’t find evidence at that stage. That is how come she reported him to the interior minister, the police hierarchy, the attorney general’s office,” he added.

Source: Ghana Web