Category: General

Two more suspects nabbed by the Police over the weekend in connection with the Ablekuma Fan milk bullion van robbery have been remanded by a Kaneshie District Court. So far, four persons have been arrested by the police. On July 4, 2023, the same court remanded Benjamin Ojogbe, unemployed, and Rashid Abdul in connection with the robbery incident. They were charged with conspiracy to commit murder and murder and their pleas preserved by the District Court. The four accused persons’ operation allegedly led to the death of Lance Corporal Calyptus Amoah. The two new suspects currently in lawful custody are expected to appear before court on August 3, 2023. In June this year, some unknown men allegedly shot and killed Lance Corporal Amoah in a suspected robbery attempt on occupants of a bullion van at a fuel station at Ablekuma Fan milk. The Ghana Police Service in a statement said the suspected robbers followed the van, which went to refill at the fuel station, where a shoot-out occurred. It said the policeman was seated on the passenger seat in front of the vehicle on security duties when he was shot at close range. Police investigations led to the arrest of Ojogbe and Abdul at Circle Railways whiles they were enjoying themselves at about 1:30 am. On July 15, the Police arrested another accused person in neighbouring Togo.

Source: Ghana News Agency

Experts at a webinar session say the collaboration between PR Practitioners and media professionals is necessary to create impactful narratives, build strong brands, and foster meaningful connections with target audiences. They said throughout history, the relationship between media and PR has been dynamic and interdependent. However, the digital age has disrupted this dynamism, with social media empowering individuals and challenging traditional PR tactics. The webinar session organised by Newmark Group Limited, a Pan-African Integrated Marketing Communications firm, was to address the growing threat of disinformation and its adverse impact on economic progress. It was held on the theme: ‘Collaborating for Success: Unleashing the Synergy Between Media and PR Practitioners’ to commemorate World PR Day 2023.’ Since its inception in 2021, the Day has been held to recognize the power and influence of Public Relations in shaping opinions, driving change, and fostering understanding. The annual event serves as a reminder of PR’s pivotal role in modern society, promoting effective communication practices globally. The webinar featured an esteemed panel of industry leaders, including Mr Gilbert Manirakiza, CEO of Newmark Group, Ms Omawumi Ogbe, Managing Partner for GLG Communications in Nigeria, Mr Joel Chacha, Director at Portland Communications in Kenya, Ms Dzifa Bampoh, Manager of Corporate Communications at GRIDCo Ghana, and Mr Sulaiman Aledeh, a renowned Nigerian Journalist They, therefore, called for reflection on the transformative journey of media and PR, emphasizing the crucial need for transparent and ethical communication. Mr Manirakiza said: ‘At their core, public relations and journalism are interconnected and reliant on trust.’ He said as the media landscape had become increasingly fragmented and the explosion of content automation looms, collaboration becomes more crucial than ever. ‘We must navigate this changing landscape together, ensuring that human-generated content remains distinguishable and trustworthy amidst the rise of machine-generated content. In the face of Artificial Intelligence (AI) dominance, our partnership must grow stronger to safeguard the integrity of information,’ he said. Mr Manirakiza said in Africa, where technology consumption is high, ‘we have a unique role in mediating and engaging with these currents.’ Mr Chacha reiterated, ‘In the era of convergence and the shrinking news landscape, the challenge of capturing attention is universal, transcending borders.’ He said attention spans had dwindled, and relatability and authenticity have become paramount. To solve these challenges, ‘we need to anchor our content in data and research, ensuring that strategic insights back every product launch or campaign.’ Ms Ogbe said, ‘The future of PR lies in embracing technology while staying rooted in our humanity, as we leverage AI, big data, and new media platforms, let us remember the power of authenticity and traditional values, while marrying the past and the future allows us to maintain balance and ethical practices.’ She said PR means Public Relations, but the ‘P’ equally stands for people, and by combining traditional and new approaches, ‘we can set ourselves apart and deliver meaningful, ethical communication in the ever-evolving landscape.’ The webinar served as a platform for professionals and student bodies from various African countries, including Nigeria, Kenya, Ghana, South Africa, Burundi, Ivory Coast, and others, to collectively learn the power of collaborations in harnessing public relations across diverse fields. Participants gained valuable insights, strategies, and practical tips for enhancing their communication efforts. Mrs Dzifa Bampoh said, ‘In the dynamic realm of African public relations, the growth of conglomerates brings opportunities and challenges.’ She said, ‘We must ensure that messaging respects local cultures while embracing digital strategies. Traditional media remains important, despite political influence on some outlets. Transparency, cultural sensitivity, and inclusivity are essential for shaping a balanced narrative.’ Mr Sulaiman Aledeh, a Nigerian Journalist, ‘As a journalist, embracing PR concepts allows you to uncover hidden narratives and shed light on untold stories. To excel in both fields, one must master the art and trade of each one, recognizing the unique value they bring to the African media landscape.’ The webinar marked a significant milestone in promoting collaboration and knowledge-sharing among African PR and media professionals. As the industry evolves, such initiatives drive innovation, foster meaningful connections, and forge a path towards enhanced communication practices.

Source: Ghana News Agency

The Ghana Bar Association (GBA) says it is ready to provide technical support to the Law Faculty of the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST). This is to help the faculty in its quest to win the 32nd Chrstof Heyns African Human Rights Moot Court Competition, which is the most important gathering of students, scholars and judges to discuss human rights issues on the continent. The event brings together all law faculties in Africa, whose top students argue a hypothetical human rights case as if they were before the African Court on Human and Peoples’ Rights. Mr Yaw Boafo, the GBA President, speaking at the official launch of the Competition, under the auspices of the Faculty of Law at the KNUST, which is hosting the 32nd edition, assured participants of the Association’s commitment in the preparation of the students. He said the Association would collaborate with the faculty in the training and preparation of the students for them to win the competition and retain its status as the defending champions. ‘The Africa We Want: Combating Discrimination, Climate Change and Corruption,’ is the theme for the Competition, slated for September 3 and 9, 2023, he said. Mr Boafo lauded the Law Faculty for its remarkable achievements in legal education, in spite of the relatively short span of its establishment. He was hopeful that the competition would provide the participants with the right impetus to build their practical skills and knowledge in their career development. Professor Rita Akosua Dickson, the Vice-Chancellor of KNUST, said the University’s winning formula had not changed, saying it remained focused on ‘host and win’. She said the University was working assiduously to leave a memorable impression as the defending champions and host in the year’s event. Some 68 universities across Africa are expected to participate in this year’s Human Rights Moot Court Competition. The hypothetical case will address issues relating to corruption, sexual minorities’ rights and harmful practices. Since its creation in 1992, about 170 universities from 47 African countries have taken part in this permanent fixture on the Africa legal education calendar. It has been a catalyst for the establishment of the leading programmes in the field of human rights teaching and research on the continent and preparing new generations of lawyers to argue cases of alleged human rights violations.

Source: Ghana News Agency

total of 1,695 candidates made up of 888 males and 807 females are expected to write the Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE) in the Krachi East Municipality of the Oti Region. The candidates are from 63 schools and would write the examination at five centres in the Municipality. The centres include: Asukawkaw Senior High School, Dambai College of Education Demonstration, Oti Senior High Technical School, KpareKpare M/A Primary and Tokuroano M/A primary school. Mr Michael Asun, the Exams Coordinator, who made the figures available to the Ghana News Agency (GNA), said there would be a total of five supervisors, six assistant supervisors and 57 Invigilators at the centres. Mr Asun, in a Goodwill message, wished all the 2023 candidates in the Municipality better luck, while commending them for their hard work, perseverance and dedication throughout their study period. He advised the candidates not to lose hope in the face of the expected challenges but should stay focused to achieve good results. He urged parents, teachers and other stakeholders to offer motivation to the candidates throughout the examination period. He again called on supervisors and invigilators to be cautious of examination malpractices and strictly adhere to all rules and regulations guarding the conduct of the examination. Mr Asun expressed gratitude to all basic schoolteachers, for their dedication, commitment and willingness in grooming the candidates for the examination.

Source: Ghana News Agency

OML Africa, a human resource solution provider, has introduced the innovative Employer of Record (EOR) service tailored specifically for foreign companies establishing their businesses in Africa. The new HR solution aims to streamline operations, enhance compliance, and empower organisations with a seamless entry into the African market. A statement issued in Accra by Madam Anita Wiafe, Managing Director of OML Africa, said ‘Expanding into new markets can be a complex undertaking, especially when navigating the intricacies of local labour laws, employment regulations, and cultural nuances.’ It said recognising the immense potential and growth opportunities in Africa, OML Africa had developed an advanced EOR service to address the specific needs and challenges faced by foreign companies setting up operations in this diverse and vibrant continent. The statement said, ‘by partnering with OML Africa, foreign companies gain access to a dedicated team of HR experts who possess deep local knowledge and expertise across multiple African countries.’ ‘This invaluable support allows businesses to focus on their core operations, ensuring a smoother entry into the African market and establishing a strong foundation for success,’ it said. It said key features and benefits of the service compliance Made Easy: Ensuring adherence to local labour laws, regulations, and employment practices across Africa, mitigating compliance risks and providing peace of mind to foreign companies. The statement said from hiring local talent to managing employment contracts, payroll, and benefits administration, OML Africa streamlines the entire onboarding process, ensuring a seamless transition for new employees. It said in the area of HR support, OML Africa’s experienced HR professionals possess a deep understanding of local customs, languages, and business practices, enabling effective communication and fostering strong relationships within the African workforce. ‘OML Africa’s EOR manages all aspects of payroll administration, ensuring accurate calculation of wages, deductions, and withholding taxes. Flexible multi-currency wallet with mobile money options,’ it said. The statement said, ‘with our expertise and deep understanding of the African market, we aim to simplify the process of establishing businesses, reduce risks, and help organizations flourish in this dynamic continent. Our goal is to be the trusted partner that enables seamless entry into Africa and facilitates long-term success.’

Source: Ghana News Agency

Black Meteors defender David Oppong Afrane has opened up about the challenges the team faced during the 2023 U-23 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) tournament in Morocco.

Afrane explained that maintaining team cohesion was difficult due to the late inclusion of foreign-based players in the squad.

Ghana’s U-23 national team started the campaign with a thrilling 3-2 victory over Congo, but their momentum was disrupted in the subsequent game when they suffered a heavy 5-1 defeat at the hands of the hosts, Morocco.

This defeat left them with only one option – to defeat Guinea in their final group stage match to secure qualification. However, they could only manage a draw against their West African neighbours, leading to an early exit from the tournament.

According to the King Faisal centre-back, the squad had bonded well during their preparations. However, the late inclusion of foreign-based players disrupted the team’s chemistry and affected their performance on the field.

“Our exit for me was caused by poor preparations and hard luck. During the qualifiers, most of the players were local-based, but during the tournament, we were joined by many foreign players which affected team bonding and chemistry,” Afrane said in an interview with Akoma FM.

Source: Ghana Web

An officer of the Ghana Education Service (GES), shocked teachers gathered for a workshop on new ways of teaching various subjects including Information, Communication Technology (ICT), when he reportedly advised them to go for loans to buy computers to teach their kids.

According to a former ICT teacher at the Akrofuom District Assembly Primary School in the Ashanti Region, this comment from the GES official came up when teachers went for a workshop on new ways of teaching ICT in schools.

Teacher Kwadwo who was a guest on the Kokoase segment of Angel Morning Show on Tuesday, July 18, 2023, said his colleague teachers insisted on knowing ways of teaching the course because they had no computers.

“That was when the GES officer at the workshop replied that we can go for loans to buy at least one laptop to teach the kids.…,” Teacher Kwadwo said.

A shocked Teacher Kwadwo who was also present at the workshop asked whether the GES official was indeed serious with his comment to which he responded “Don’t we even go for loans to acquire plots of land…?”

This and more, Teacher Kwadwo said contributed to him leading a campaign aimed at rescuing the nation’s education sector.

He was, however, dismissed in December 2021 for absenting himself from the classroom for 55 days without permission.

Source: Ghana Web

A group comprising of 46 Ghanaian citizens have withdrawn a petition they made to President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo to remove the Chairperson of the Electoral Commission, Jean Mensa, and her deputies.

According to a report by graphic.com.gh, the 46 citizens are part of the pressure group, #FixTheCountry.

The report added that the group had sent in the petition to the president because they believed that the EC bosses played major roles in how the people of Santrokofi, Akpafu, Lolobi and Likpe (SALL) were disenfranchised in terms of their representation in the Parliament of Ghana.

However, the group decided to withdraw their petition following the adjournment of the case sine die by the Supreme Court on Wednesday, July 12, 2023.

“After nearly two years of waiting for institutional action on the impeachment petition brought against the chairperson and deputies of the Electoral Commission of Ghana, we the 46 petitioners formally notified the President and the Chief Justice of our intention to withdraw the petition,” they stated in a statement dated Friday, July 14, 2023, the report added.

The group, in the statement, added that the refusal of the EC to act on the petition was due to a deliberate and collaborationist decision by the then Chief Justice, Kwasi Anin Yeboah, in connivance with the EC Chairperson, Jean Mensa.

“We the petitioners, after 2 years of seeing various constitutional officers fail to live up to their constitutional responsibilities in this matter, have become convinced of a lack of interest or urgency in pursuing the justice of our plaint and have as such lost faith in the integrity of the process.

“We feel compelled to exercise our democratic right to withdraw this petition, in order that the Constitution will no further be mocked by the indolence of actors who have been assigned the task of its protection. In reaching this decision, we have considered the best interest of our democracy, and taken further account of our refusal to lend ourselves to any process that will ultimately be used to whitewash clear evidence of egregious misconduct. In addition, we see no reason why we should participate in the persistence of what has so clearly become a charade,” the statement added.

Of all the constituencies in the country, the people of Santrokofi, Akpafu, Lolobi and Likpe (SALL) have been left without a representation in parliament.

Although there have been several calls made for them to get representation, the matter has dragged, with no resolution arrived at yet.

Source: Ghana Web