Category: General

Bolgatanga, May 3, GNA – The Muslim Community in the Upper East Region has marked this year’s Eid-Ul-Fitr with a special prayer for absolute restoration of peace and harmony to promote socio-economic development.

They prayed, particularly, for the chiefs and people of Bawku, Kandiga and Doba to embrace peace and end the precarious conflicts that had claimed many lives and destroyed property.

Sheik Yussif Umar, the Upper East Deputy Regional Chief Imam, who offered the prayer, said the hostilities being recorded in recent times were not only worrying to the Muslim Community but had retarded development in the region.

Since November 2021, the chieftaincy conflict in Bawku reemerged and, so far, more than 40 lives, including a 13-year-girl, had been lost while many houses and property destroyed.

The situation led to the imposition of curfew on the Bawku Township and its environs while the Regional Security Council (REGSEC) had also banned the wearing of smock and riding of motorbikes in the area.

It has affected economic activities, education and access to healthcare with many others fleeing to other parts of the region for safety.

Similarly, a curfew has been imposed on Doba and Kandiga, which in recent times, have been engaged in communal conflict over the location of a community-based health planning services (CHPS) compound and a police post on a certain piece of land.

That, the Deputy Chief Imam said, must stop and urged Muslims to pray to Allah for blessings of peace and harmony among the factions to ensure the development of the region and the country at large.

“We want to commend the Government and the security agencies for the effort they are making to ensure that there is peace, we are praying that Allah will bring peace to Bawku, Doba and Kandiga.”

Mr Stephen Yakubu, the Upper East Regional Minister, who joined the Muslims to mark the day, said the region was bordered by countries, which had experienced violence extremism and appealed to residents to volunteer information to help combat any spillover.

He urged the Islamic community to ensure that tolerance was key, adding: “Our striking enemy as a people remains poverty, disease and illiteracy.”

Mr Yakubu urged them to ensure that children of school going age were in school and retained, especially the girl-child.

“The state of secular education in our Muslim communities leaves much to be desired and if we are to bridge the gap in development between the north and south, then education should be the pivot,” he added.

Source: Ghana News Agency

Waste management expert, Zoomlion Ghana Limited a mother-subsidiary of the Jospong Group of Companies has donated several bags of rice, boxes of cooking oil, and an undisclosed amount of Ghana cedis to the National Chief Imam, Dr. Shirk Osmanu Nuhu Sharabutu for the celebration of this year’s Eid Ul Fitr.

Presenting the cash and items together, the Communications and Corporate Affairs Director of Zoomlion, Ms. Emma Adwoa Appiaa Osei-Duah underscored the satisfactory relationship that exists between the Jospong Group, the National Chief Imam, and the Muslim Community in Ghana.

She said the kind gesture from the Executive Chairman of the Jospong Group of Companies, Dr. Joseph Siaw-Agyepong, the management, and the entire Zoomlion was to further strengthen the corporate relationship between the two sides.

Ms. Osei-Duah particularly commended the Chief Imam for his unrelenting prayers for the Executive Chairman of the Jospong Group of Companies and the management and staff of Zoomlion.

She disclosed that the company has no intention to end the relationship anytime soon and therefore assured strengthened collaborations towards keeping the Zongo communities clean at all times.

The Communications Director, however, appealed to the Chief Imam to use any available forum to inculcate into Ghanaians as a whole and Muslims, in particular, to subscribe to the Zoomlion “One Million Bin Project” and own a waste bin so as to end the regular haphazard waste disposal that is associated to the Zongo communities.

It is unfortunate that the hard-working Muslim women who feed the Ghanaian population with sumptuous meals such as waakye, kooko, emutuo, and so on have to generate waste sometimes at the end of the day, therefore a waste bin for each of them should end the waste spilling into the streets and the Zongos.

“I know that the scriptures speak of cleanliness and Islam is no exception so therefore our father (Chief Imam) and his able representatives across Ghana will help in this direction for Zoomlion to distribute at least One Million Bins to various households in Ghana.

On his part, the National Chief Imam thanked the entourage of Zoomlion at his palace and encourage them to come more often not necessary to give but to pray with him.

He was full of praises to Dr. Agyepong for always keeping him (Chief Imam) in his prayers and endeavors and blessed him and his companies and staff with a prayer to climax the visit.

Source: Ghana Web

Accra Great Olympics Head Coach Annor Walker has been named as NASCO Coach of the Month for March.

This was announced live on the GFA News Programme.
He beat off competition from Prosper Narteh Ogum and Maxwell Konadu to win the award for March.

Out of three matches played in March, Annor lead Great Olympics to three wins without a defeat.

He will receive a 43-inch NASCO Television set from Electroland Ghana Limited.

Source: Modern Ghana

Deputy Minister for Finance, Dr. John Kumah has lmabasted Sam George, Member of Parliament for Ningo Prampram for claiming that the E-levy will affect tithes, offerings and zakat.

In a tweet today, Dr. Kumah emphasized that E-levy would not affect tithes, offerings and zakat.

He noted that Sam George would not have said what he said if he had “used his brains.”

“You are a member of Perez chapel, should you decide to pay your tithe you will use their MoMo number (ID 443765) which is a merchant number. So E-levy won’t apply. Yet again you have refused to use your brains and remain unrepentant in your desire to always tell lies,” he fired back at Sam George.

Reacting to Dr. Kumah’s statement that he should use his brains, Sam George stated, “I do have brains. I also do use it. You claimed in a very bellicose manner that tithes wouldn’t be affected by E-levy and that I lied. Now the Chamber says you lied! Which IT community? The rented one which exposed yesterday? Now please do you have a brain?”

On Monday May 2, the two were involved in an exchange on twitter over the application of E-levy on tithes, offerings and zakat.

Sam George tweeted at the Deputy Finance Minister who doubles as the MP for Ejisu. He called the minister out for lying after seeing a Joy News headline “E-Levy will apply to your tithes- Telecomms Chamber CEO confirms”.

However, prior to the implementation of the E-levy on May 1, the Deputy Finance Minister on April 29 emphasized that the E-levy will not affect tithes, but will affect the medium through which the tithe, zakat or offering is sent.

Source: Modern Ghana

A new auditorium for the Toflokpo District of the Church of Pentecost, has been built for children of the Central District of the church in the Ada West District of the Greater Accra Region.

Resident Pastor Isaac Dickson Baidoo and Mrs Dora Baidoo built the auditorium for children, who hitherto were worshipping under a Neem tree over several years.

The edifice, which was constructed at a cost of GH¢125,000.00, was dedicated and handed over by Apostle Emmanuel Ofei Ankra-Badu, the Tema Area Head, with assistance from Evangelist Ohene-Asa Otu, the Sefwi-Juaboso Area Head and Pastor Professor Otoo Ellis, the Children’s Ministry Director of the Church.

Speaking in an interview with the Ghana News Agency in Ada, Pastor Baidoo

 explained that the project was initiated by his wife who is a pupil-teacher at the Bonikope School Complex near Sege.

“It all began one Sunday morning in 2019 when my wife Mrs Baidoo was on her way to church. As she got closer to the auditorium, she saw the children gathered under the tree, where they usually held their meetings.

“Suddenly, it began to rain heavily, so the children had to carry their benches into the main church auditorium for shelter. As she looked on at the unpleasant situation, she heard a voice telling her to do something about the situation. However, she did not respond and ignored the voice,” he said.

Pastor Baidoo added that three weeks later, the wife heard the voice again, “won’t you do what I told you about the Children’s place of worship?

Pastor Baidoo said he informed the District Executive Committee about the project, and they also promised them their unflinching support.

He said on hearing of the ambitious project, the then Area Head for Tema, Apostle Matthew Larbi Wettey now retired, offered words of encouragement to them, and performed the sod-cutting ceremony for its commencement in April 2020.

The project continued steadily but was later halted due to financial constraints and the COVID-19 pandemic.

However, just as God had assured her of His provision for the project, Mrs Baidoo received a breakthrough.

According to Mrs Baidoo, she felt some pain in her leg and visited the hospital for treatment but to no avail, a friend introduced her to herbal medicine that completely healed her of the ailment.

“One day, in my sleep, I had a strange dream in which my husband was encouraging me to be a sales agent for herbal medicine. So, when I woke up, I contacted the manufacturer and signed up as a sales agent,” she said.

Mrs Baidoo said the decision served as a major turning point as it provided her additional income to push the project until its successful completion.

Pastor and Mrs Baidoo expressed their gratitude to God for His faithfulness and for helping them to provide a suitable place of worship for the children.

They were hopeful that the edifice would help boost children’s attendance at Sunday School.

Dedicating the building, Apostle Emmanuel Ofei Ankra-Badu, the Tema Area Head of the Church thanked the Baidoo family for bearing such a great vision, which is worthy of emulation. 

He charged the leadership of the church to take diligent care of the building and engage in aggressive evangelism to win more children in the District for Christ. 

Stunned by the gesture, the Area Children’s Ministry pledged to install a flat-screen television in the facility for the children to facilitate teaching and learning of the word of God.

The children expressed excitement about their new place of worship.

Source: Ghana News Agency

Accra, May 03, GNA – Fidelity Bank Ghana has donated desktop computers to St. Mary’s Seminary Senior High School (SMASCO), Lolobi in the Oti Region of Ghana as part of the Bank’s social impact initiatives in education.

The gesture was in response to the School’s request for help to furnish their Information Communication and Technology (ICT) lab with computers to facilitate teaching and learning of ICT education.

Nana Esi Idun-Arkhurst, Divisional Director, Retail Banking of Fidelity Bank, said it was a privilege to support the community and contribute to the acceleration of digital growth in the country.

“Fidelity Bank understands that as the world is moving faster than ever towards digitization, it is crucial that no one is left behind.”

“The donation of these computers to SMASCO, is a step towards digital inclusion and it is our hope that this gesture will positively impact the lives of students at SMASCO,” she said.

She added that they looked to replicate that and other social impact projects in the educational sector as part of their 15th anniversary celebrations.

Mr. James Kwasi Oberko, the President of St. Mary’s Seminary Senior High Old Boys Association (SMOBA), commended the Bank for their support.

“On behalf of the Governing Board and Old students of SMASCO, I wish to express my profound gratitude to the Management of Fidelity Bank for responding positively to our request.”

“These computers will greatly improve the practical teaching and learning of ICT at SMASCO. Looking at how crucial ICT has become in today’s global developmental agenda, thanks to Fidelity Bank, students of SMASCO will not be left behind,” he said.

The Bank also donated student desks to the Police Public Safety Training School at Pwalugu in the Upper East Region to support effective teaching and learning.

Source: Ghana News Agency

Accra, May 3,  GNA – Mr. Kurt Edwin Simeon Okraku, President of the Ghana Football Association (GFA) has described Asamoah Gyan as a “uniquely unique” individual who did not only have a stellar football career, but was also a successful entrepreneur who has positively impacted people’s lives.

He said this at the launch of Gyan’s “LeGyandary” autobiography, which captures some untold stories of his illustrious career, having represented Ghana at seven African Cup of Nations and three World Cups tournaments.

Speaking at the book launch in Accra, Mr. Okraku, who doubles as the President of the West African Football Union (WAFU) Zone B, said Gyan’s stature goes beyond football, having also invested in other sports including boxing and tennis, as well as touching lives through his philanthropic works.

“From the GFA, we wish him (Gyan) well and I want to use this opportunity to say thank you, for the love you brought to Ghana, for the service to our country, and for the pride and value you have brought and continue to bring to our country,” he said.

Mr. Okraku urged other Ghanaian internationals to emulate the good deeds and sacrifices of Gyan and also make Ghana great and strong through their talents.

“Asamoah, thank you for all the years of sacrifice. Thank you for the promise of serving Mother Ghana in various ways and also for your continued investment in football, “he said.

He urged Gyan and other former Ghanaian internationals to stay within the football circles and take a new path so as to impact the younger generations.

Gyan, who is Ghana’s all-time top goal scorer, played for the likes of Liberty Professionals, Kayserispor, Legon Cities, Sunderland, Udinese, Al-Ain, and is also Africa’s top scorer at the FIFA World Cup with six goals.

Source: Ghana News Agency

Koforidua (E/R) May 03, GNA – Mr Seth Kwame Acheampong, the Eastern Regional Minister, has commended workers in the region for their enormous contribution to socio-economic development despite the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the economy over the past two years.

He said to sustain economic growth, the Government must protect jobs and incomes and put policies and programmes in place to alleviate the impact of the pandemic on citizens.

One of such policies implemented in the post-COVID-19 period was the 100 billion Ghana cedis towards the revitalisation of enterprises, dubbed the: “Ghana CARES Obatanpa Programme,” he said.

Addressing workers of the various labour unions during the May Day celebration in Koforidua, he said the programme was three and a half years comprehensive seeking to make a significant impact on agriculture, trade and industry, tourism, housing, science and technology, and financial services.

He entreated workers to exercise patience with the government as it put measures in place to better their conditions.

The 2022 May Day celebration was on the theme: “Protecting Jobs and Income in the Era of COVID-19 and Beyond.”

Twenty-three workers’ unions converged at the Jubilee Park in Koforidua to celebrate the Day.

They held banners and placards with inscriptions such as “Now that you have E-Levy, reduce the tax for us”, “Workers are assets”, “Renewable energy is future; Leading the solar revolution”, “United we stand, divided we fall.”

Among the unions were the Concerned Teachers Association, National Association of Registered Midwives, Industrial and Commercial Workers Union, and the Ghana Private Road Transport Union.

Citations in recognition of hardwork were presented to some individuals and unions while Madam Constance Asiamah, the Chief Accountant of the Ghana Highway Authority, Koforidua, was adjudged the 2022 Best Worker of the Eastern Region.

A statement read by Mrs Philips Agyeman, the Regional Secretary of the Trades Union Congress, urged the tripartite technical committee constituted to review the Single Spine Pay Policy, during the 2022 National Labour Conference, to present its report by the end of June, this year.

That, she said, would pave the way for it to be captured in the 2023 National Budget.

She appealed to the Government to assist retirees with the Social Security and National Insurance Trust scheme to enjoy better benefits.

May Day, also called Workers Day, is a worldwide event to commemorate the historic struggles and gains made by workers and labour movements.

Source: Ghana News Agency