Home Blog Page 108

Bekwai NPP internal Elections Brouhaha: Concerned Polling Station Aspirants Threaten Demo 

By
admin
-
0
Francis Baah (middle) and members of the Concerned Polling Station Aspirants addressing the media

Aggrieved Concerned Polling Station Aspirants in the Bekwai Constituency in the Ashanti Region have petitioned the Ashanti Regional Executive Committee of the Party over growing concerns regarding the recently conducted vetting process to get members for various positions.

The Petition signed by the convener of the group, Francis Baah noted that a great number of Party members have been disqualified on grounds widely perceived as unclear, leading to dissatisfaction among affected members and their supporters.

It said some polling station executive members were cleared without undergoing the vetting process, raising questions about fairness and transparency.

The petition said these developments are creating tensions within the Constituency and risks escalating into unrest, if not urgently addressed.

It called on the Regional Executive Committee to intervene promptly, review the process where necessary and take appropriate steps to restore confidence and unity within the Party.

Throwing more light on their grievances to the media at Bekwai, Francis Baah said the Constituency used to have an NPP voting population of over 65,000 but this figure has dwindled to as low as 31,000 per the results of the last general elections, and that if care is not taken things will not be well for the Party.

The aggrieved threatened that if they do not hear anything from the Regional or the National offices they will take to the streets to demonstrate their displeasure.

From Frederick Danso Abeam, Bekwai-Ash

 

 

For more news, join The Chronicle Newspaper channel on WhatsApp: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VbBSs55E50UqNPvSOm2z

Tips for Better Sleep

By
admin
-
0

Power Down

The soft blue glow from a cell phone, tablet, or digital clock on your bedside table may hurt your sleep.

Tip: Turn off TVs, computers, and other blue-light sources an hour before you go to bed. Cover any displays you can’t shut off.

Nix Naps

You’ll rest better at night. But if you have to snooze while the sun’s up, keep it to 20 minutes or less. Nap in the early part of the day.

Tip: Overcome an afternoon energy slump with a short walk, a glass of ice water, or a phone call with a friend.

Block Your Clock

Do you glance at it several times a night? That can make your mind race with thoughts about the day to come, which can keep you awake .

Tip: Put your alarm clock in a drawer, under your bed, or turn it away from view.

Try a Leg Pillow for Back Pain

Your lower back may not hurt enough to wake you up, but mild pain can disturb the deep, restful stages of sleep. Put a pillow between your legs to align your hips better and stress your lower back less.

Tip: Do you sleep on your back? Tuck a pillow under your knees to ease pain.

Put Your Neck in ‘Neutral’

Blame your pillow if you wake up tired with a stiff neck. It should be just the right size — not too fat and not too flat — to support the natural curve of your neck when you’re resting on your back. Do you sleep on your side? Line your nose up with the center of your body. Don’t snooze on your stomach. It twists your neck.

Tip: Use good posture before bed, too. Don’t crane your neck to watch TV.

Seal Your Mattress

Sneezes, sniffles, and itchiness from allergies can lead to lousy shut-eye. Your mattress may hold the cause. Over time, it can fill with mold, dust mite droppings, and other allergy triggers. Seal your mattress, box springs, and pillows to avoid them.

Tip: Air-tight, plastic, dust-proof covers work best.

Save Your Bed for Sleep and Sex

Your bedroom should feel relaxing. Don’t sit in bed and work, surf the Internet, or watch TV.

Tip: The best sleep temperature for most people is between 68 and 72 degrees.

Set Your Body Clock

Go to sleep and wake up at roughly the same time every day, even on weekends. This routine will get your brain and body used to being on a healthy snooze-wake schedule. In time, you’ll be able to nod off quickly and rest soundly through the night.

Tip: Get out in bright light for 5 to 30 minutes as soon as you get out of bed. Light tells your body to get going!

Look for Hidden Caffeine

Coffee in the morning is fine for most people. But as soon as the clock strikes noon, avoid caffeine in foods and drinks.  Even small amounts found in chocolate can affect your ZZZs later that night.

Tip: Read labels. Some pain relievers and weight loss pills contain caffeine.

Work Out Wisely

Regular exercise helps you sleep better — as long as you don’t get it in too close to bedtime. A post-workout burst of energy can keep you awake. Aim to finish any vigorous exercise 3 to 4 hours before you head to bed.

Tip: Gentle mind-body exercises, like yoga or tai chi, are great to do just before you hit the sack.

Eat Right at Night

Don’t eat heavy foods and big meals too late. They overload your digestive system, which affects how well you sleep. Have a light evening snack of cereal with milk or crackers and cheese instead.

Tip: Finish eating at least an hour before bed.

Rethink Your Drink

Alcohol can make you sleepy at bedtime, but beware. After its initial effects wear off, it will make you wake up more often overnight.

Tip: Warm milk and chamomile tea are better choices.

Lower the Lights

Dim them around your home 2 to 3 hours before bedtime. Lower light levels signal your brain to make melatonin, the hormone that brings on sleep.

Tip: Use a 15-watt bulb if you read in the last hour before bed.

Hush Noise

Faucet drips, nearby traffic, or a loud dog can chip away at your sleep. And if you’re a parent, you might be all too aware of noises at night long after your children have outgrown their cribs.

Tip: Use a fan, an air conditioner, or a white noise app or machine. You can also try ear plugs.

Free Your Mind

Put aside any work, touchy discussions, or complicated decisions 2 to 3 hours before bed. It takes time to turn off the “noise” of the day. If you’ve still got a lot on your mind, jot it down and let go for the night. Then, about an hour before you hit the sack, read something calming, meditate, listen to quiet music, or take a warm bath.

Tip: Even 10 minutes of relaxation makes a difference.

Credit: webmd

Feature: Respect, Recognition And The Question Of Worth

By
admin
-
0
Henry Atta Nyame, the writer

A few weeks ago in Ghana, some concerned teachers staged a demonstration to protest unpaid salaries.The words of a teacher, who happens to be a nursing mother, broke hearts. It was deeply worrying.

One of her comments was that she regretted being a teacher. This statement not only reveals the plight of teachers in terms of salaries but also points to a deeper issue affecting many professions and especially the vulnerable such as the poor, the aged, and the unemployed in Ghana: the lack of respect and recognition.

Beyond salaries and working conditions lies a deeper concern that cuts across professions and everyday life: the struggle for respect, recognition, and human worth.

This is not a new question. Even in ancient times, people wrestled with the meaning of greatness and recognition. In one instance, a disciple of Jesus asked, “Who is the greatest?” Perhaps he was thinking ahead, wondering who among them would become the most important after Jesus was gone.

But the answer Jesus gave was unexpected. He called a little child and placed the child among them, saying:“Truly I tell you, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. Whoever takes the low position of this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven.”

This teaching challenged their understanding. Greatness was not about position, power, or recognition. It was about humility.

Yet in real life, situations often look very different.

In a community I once lived in, there were rumours that a father gave his property to his youngest child before his death. This decision angered the eldest son so deeply that he formed a gang and killed his younger brother.

These two stories, one from scripture and one from life, reveal a troubling truth: the quiet quest for recognition and respect can lead people into serious trouble when it is not properly guided.

Recognition and respect are fundamental human needs. Everyone wants to be seen, valued, and appreciated. These needs shape how people think, behave, and relate to others.

But this is where the problem begins. Some people desire recognition so much that they are willing to do anything, right or wrong to obtain it. The belief that respect must always be earned or proven can sometimes push people into dangerous choices.

There is nothing wrong with wanting to be respected. It brings honour, opens doors, and can lead to opportunity. But when recognition becomes something people must chase at all costs or something they cannot live without it becomes dangerous.

In Ghana, respect is often closely tied to money and material possessions. Those with wealth cars, houses and expensive clothing are more easily honoured and celebrated. Meanwhile, individuals with strong character or meaningful roles but limited financial means are often overlooked. This reality is not only theoretical. It plays out in everyday life.

Last year, a popular former Ghanaian footballer, Charles Taylor, lamented how he was denied entry into the Accra Sports Stadium because of the car he was driving, while another player in a more expensive vehicle was allowed in without difficulty.

“I was sitting in my car and I started crying,” Taylor recounted in an interview on Angel FM. “What really hurt me was when Felix Afena-Gyan arrived in a Range Rover and was allowed to park comfortably, even being guarded by security. But when they saw the car I was driving, they refused to let me enter and park.”

He expressed deep disappointment, feeling he was denied the respect and dignity he deserved as a former national player.

This incident reflects a broader societal pattern where recognition is sometimes influenced more by outward appearance and material status than by contribution, history, or character.

This has serious consequences. Some people miss opportunities not because they lack ability, but because they are judged by what they own rather than who they are. When respect is defined mainly by wealth, society loses something essential. Values such as discipline, honesty, and integrity begin to fade yet these are the very values that sustain families, schools, and institutions.

When teachers once agitated over unpaid salaries, a comment from someone stood out:

“Teachers are not respected in Ghana at all.”That statement reveals how deeply respect influences decisions. Today, some young people hesitate to choose teaching not only because of low pay, but because of the lack of dignity associated with the profession.

Yet not everyone has access to wealth or material success. In trying to gain recognition, some people push themselves beyond ethical limits. This is where deeper problems emerge.

Corruption begins to spread. Jealousy grows in workplaces. Envy takes root in families and communities. What starts as a natural desire for respect slowly transforms into something that damages relationships, weakens institutions, and disrupts social harmony.

Respect for process

In Ghana today, many people are simply trying to survive and their efforts deserve recognition;

A student who studies without adequate books but still strives to succeed or even fails an exam.

An employee who works diligently despite a low salary.

A single parent who struggles yet continues to care for their children.

A physically challenged individual who works hard to earn a living.

These individuals may not possess wealth, but they demonstrate strength, patience, and resilience. Their lives are not signs of failure they are expressions of courage.

Society must be careful not to label such people as failures simply because they are not rich. Doing so ignores their effort and diminishes their dignity.

Respect should not only be given to visible success. It should also honour consistency, discipline, and integrity especially in difficult circumstances.

Lost respect and recognition.

Another important truth is that respect and recognition are not permanent.

People who were once admired can lose everything: their influence, their reputation, and their honour. This often happens through poor choices: corruption, abuse of power, misconduct, or violence.Once trust is broken, it is difficult to restore.

What once appeared to be lasting respect often proves fragile. This reminds us that respect is not something a person simply earns and keeps. It must be sustained through character and discipline.

A Ghanaian gospel musician, O. J., in his song “Ma Ye Se Mo Pen”, cautions young people to remain grounded in good conduct. He highlights how many once-respected individuals have lost their honour through poor decisions.

The lesson is clear: respect is not only earned, it must be protected!

The quiet quest for recognition and respect is universal, but it must be guided by deeper values. True greatness is not found in wealth, status, or public admiration, but in humility, character, and integrity.

When society measures worth primarily by material success, it risks losing sight of what truly sustains human dignity.

If this continues, the consequences are clear: corruption will persist, honest work will be undervalued, and people will increasingly exchange character for recognition. Professions built on integrity such as teaching will continue to lose their appeal, not only because of pay, but because of how society defines respect.

At the same time, many hardworking individuals will remain unseen and uncelebrated. Ignoring them does not only harm individuals, it weakens the moral fabric of society and deepens division.

Society must therefore rethink how it defines and distributes respect. We must learn to honour not only success, but also effort, discipline, honesty, and resilience. These are the quiet foundations that hold communities together.

If society continues to define respect by wealth and outward appearance, the cost will not only be personal it will be national.Institutions will weaken, trust will decline, and future generations will learn to value appearance over integrity.In such a society, character will no longer guide progress. Status will!

In the end, money may come and go, titles may change, and public praise may fade but character remains the truest measure of worth.

So it is with those who are rich in wealth but poor in true worth like the man in the parable of the rich fool in the bible.

By Henry Atta Nyame

Institutional Assessment Practitioner

(hattanyame@gmail.com)

 

For more news, join The Chronicle Newspaper channel on WhatsApp: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VbBSs55E50UqNPvSOm2z

Foden reaches agreement over new Man City deal

By
admin
-
0
Phil Foden, Manchester City

Phil Foden has reached an agreement in principle over a new four-year deal at Manchester City.

The 25-year-old’s current contract was due to expire next summer but fresh terms will keep him at Etihad Stadium until 2030, with the option of another year.

Though midfielder Foden has struggled for form in recent months and has not scored since 14 December, a new contract signals a commitment from both parties to continue working together.

Foden came on as a substitute in Monday’s thrilling 3-3 draw at Everton, which leaves City five points adrift of Premier League leaders Arsenal with a game in hand.

The midfielder will be hoping to secure a place in Thomas Tuchel’s England squad for this summer’s World Cup.

Last month, boss Tuchel said Foden’s place in the squad is not guaranteed despite being the only player to start both games in England’s final camp before the tournament.

Foden was given his first-team debut as a 17-year-old by boss Pep Guardiola and has gone on to make 365 appearances for City, winning six Premier League titles, one Champions League and two FA Cups.

Despite his recent form, former Manchester United and England captain Wayne Rooney says Foden has to “play every game” for City.

“I think you have to put him in the team,” he said on the BBC’s Wayne Rooney Show. “I love watching him play, I love his little movements, how he gets into the pockets of space. It’s not nice watching him sitting on the bench.

“I think he was doing well [this season]. He’s had bad moments, but when you have a bad moment and you’re taken out and put on the sidelines for weeks on end, I just think a player of that quality, you have to just keep playing him.

“You’ve got [Jeremy] Doku there who can do anything. You’ve got [Antoine] Semenyo, who can go outside, come inside. It’s real power, pace and raw speed going up against you, so I don’t know whether that’s a reason why Foden’s not playing. Pep may want a little bit more help defensively.”

Credit: bbc.com

Everton fan arrested for alleged Semenyo racist abuse

By
admin
-
0
Antoine Semenyo

Merseyside Police arrested an Everton fan during his side’s match against Manchester City for alleged racist abuse towards Antoine Semenyo.

The supporter was apprehended at the Premier League fixture between the sides at the Hill Dickinson Stadium on Monday, which finished 3-3.

Police said a 71-year-old man from Nottinghamshire was arrested “on suspicion of a racially aggravated public order offence” after “supporters and stewards reported that racist abuse was shouted by a fan”.

“An investigation into the incident during the match remains ongoing and we continue to work closely with Everton FC,” said a police statement.

“He has now been bailed with conditions, which includes not to go within one mile of any designated sports stadium in a period of up to four hours before kick-off, during the match and up to four hours after the game has ended.”

Everton said in a statement that “behaviour of this nature will not be tolerated”.

“Racism and discrimination in all forms are completely unacceptable. They have no place in our stadia, our sport or in society,” the club said.

It is the second time Ghana international Semenyo, 26, has been the target of racist abuse this season.

While playing for former club Bournemouth in the opening Premier League match of this season, Semenyo reported being racially abused by a spectator during their 4-2 defeat at Liverpool.

Semenyo subsequently said more should be done to tackle racism in football, including possible prison sentences for those convicted of abuse.

Credit: bbc.com

Bayern Munich welcome PSG to the Allianz Arena

By
admin
-
0
Harry Kane, Bayern Munich

Eight days on from an extraordinary opening encounter in the French capital, Bayern Munich and Paris Saint-Germain reunite at the Allianz Arena today in the second leg of their colossal Champions League semi-final.

The Bavarians and Parisians played out the highest-scoring UCL semi-final match in history at the Parc des Princes, where PSG held off a late turnaround from Wednesday’s hosts to emerge 5-4 winners.

An epic watch for the neutrals and nerve-wracking viewing for fans of either team, the PSG-Bayern pendulum swung back and forth during last week’s record-breaking first leg, in which defensive diligence was not on the agenda for either team.

Ousmane Dembele, PSG

Indeed, of the 10 previous occasions where Bayern have lost the first leg of a European semi-final, they have been eliminated nine times.

A nine-goal Champions League semi-final does not mean that both teams were bad at defending, in the eyes of current title holder Luis Enrique, who slammed that opinion when reflecting on his side’s narrow, but potentially priceless first-leg victory.

Prevailing by any scoreline in the opening fixture usually means success for Les Parisiens, who have won 36 of their 43 UEFA two-legged ties when triumphing in the first leg, and 14 of their 17 when that victory came by a single goal.

The away-day statistics make for extremely joyful reading for the PSG faithful, though, as the reigning European champions have won each of their last six games on the road in all competitions, while keeping clean sheets in each of their last five.

However, PSG shutting out Bayern on Wednesday would be the shock of all Champions League shocks at the Allianz Arena.

Both sides are also just a few strikes away from breaking Barcelona’s single-season record of 45 goals in the 1999-00 Champions League – PSG have netted 43 times and Bayern 42 – and either Arsenal or Atletico Madrid could have their work cut out in Budapest against Wednesday’s winner.

Bayern have no new injury concerns to worry about for the second leg, and Kompany is also hopeful that teenage sensation Lennart Karl will make a full recovery from a torn thigh muscle in time to be involved.

In contrast, PSG suffered a serious fitness blow in last week’s nine-goal spectacular, as flying full-back Achraf Hakimi pulled up with a hamstring injury, which will sideline him for a few weeks.

All of the evidence points towards another goal-laden affair between two worthy European champions, but the absence of Hakimi – the best defender in the world in the eyes of some – could prove devastating in an attacking and defensive sense for PSG.

Bayern have scored four goals in five of their last seven home games, and we back Kompany’s troops to put on another four-midable display, crush PSG’s dreams of successive Champions League titles, and advance to the final at the end of a 15-goal extravaganza.

Credit: sportsmole.co.uk

 

KsTU Students build Ghana’s First Self-Charging Electric Car from Dustbins and Plywood

By
RICHARD OWUSU-AKYAW
-
0

Three final-year engineering students at Kumasi Technical University (KsTU) have achieved a milestone by building Ghana’s first electric vehicle with self-charging capabilities. Dubbed the Nimdea Hyren REV—drawing from the Akan phrase “Knowledge Shines”—this prototype generates power on the move, extending its range and addressing a core barrier to EV adoption in Ghana.

Led by Boaneges Safo Nyansaba Jnr., with Jacob Gyan and Nathaniel Bamfo, the team worked under Prof. Ing. Prince Owusu-Ansah, Head of KsTU’s Automotive and Agricultural Mechanization Engineering Department, built mostly from local scrap, the car travels about 150 km per charge.

In a nation where innovative ideas often stall on paper, this one drives and rigorous performance tests prove its real-world viability.

Nyansaba Jnr and Prof. Owusu-Ansah shared insights in interviews with The Chronicle, detailing the physics, build challenges and the innovation’s precarious future.

Ghana’s EV hesitation stems from sparse charging infrastructure and “range anxiety”, the dread of a dead battery mid-journey. Unlike petrol vehicles refuelable anywhere, EVs demand outlets, which are rare outside urban hubs.

“The fear of stranding discourages even eco-conscious drivers,” Nyansaba Jnr explained. Anticipating global EV dominance, the team targeted this pain point: a vehicle that recaptures energy during deceleration, mimicking nature’s efficiency.

The Science of Self-Charging

The innovation hinges on regenerative braking, a proven technology in premium EVs like Teslas, but ingeniously adapted here. When decelerating, kinetic energy normally lost as brake heat, is converted to electricity.

The Nimdea Hyren REV employs dual mechanisms, Braking regeneration, Pressing the brake reverses the electric motor into a generator, feeding power back to the lithium-ion battery pack.

Coasting regeneration: Easing off the throttle triggers motor drag, harvesting energy from momentum alone.
This enables one-pedal driving: accelerate with the pedal, release to brake and recharge. In Kumasi or Accra’s stop-go traffic, frequent decelerations yield significant top-ups, potentially 10-20% range extension in urban cycles, per team estimates.

A custom Battery Management System (BMS) safeguards operations, monitoring voltage, temperature, and charge flow to prevent overvoltage or thermal runaway.

The monocoque body, where the plywood-and-plastic shell doubles as chassis slashes weight, boosting efficiency.

Performance Testing Validates Design

Real-world tests confirm the REV’s engineering prowess. Under controlled conditions, the 72V system delivered stable outputs across operating modes.

These metrics highlight efficiency: cruising sips 4.2 kW at 30 km/h, while regen braking actively recovers 1 kW—directly feeding the battery. Voltage dips under load (to 67.2V at peak), but rebounds during recovery (71.4V), proving the BMS’s smarts. Adjustments post-testing refined motor control for smoother coasting regen.

Grit Amid Setbacks

Construction was gruelling. An initial steel frame drained the battery too fast. “The chassis weight killed our range,” Nyansaba Jnr said.

They scrapped it for a lightweight plywood unibody, delaying timelines, but enabling the tested performance.

The monocoque body, where the plywood-and-plastic shell doubles as chassis slashes weight, boosting efficiency.Prof. Owusu-Ansah acknowledge that further work is required before commercialisation, including regulatory certification, durability testing and potential upgrades to battery technology.

Policy, Funding and the Future of Innovation

Prof. Owusu-Ansah used the project to highlight broader systemic challenges in Ghana’s innovation ecosystem, particularly limited funding and weak industrial support for student-led engineering projects.

“We have the ideas, but many remain on the shelves due to lack of support. If there is deliberate investment in technical education and innovation, projects like this can transform into industries,” he argued.

The team is currently seeking partnerships with both government and private sector actors to scale the project, with plans to develop larger vehicle models such as pickups or SUVs in future iterations.

A Test Case for Ghana’s Industrial Ambition

The Nimdea Hyren REV is more than a student project; it is a test case for whether Ghana’s technical institutions can translate academic knowledge into industrially relevant technology.

Its success — or stagnation — will depend less on engineering feasibility, which has been demonstrated, and more on whether the country’s policy and investment environment can support its transition from workshop innovation to commercial product.

 

For more news, join The Chronicle Newspaper channel on WhatsApp: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VbBSs55E50UqNPvSOm2z

Otumfuo Charges GPHA Board: Complete Boankra Project!  …To Avoid Waste Of Public Funds

By
SEBASTIAN R. FREIKU
-
0
The GPHA Board in a pose with Otumfuo

Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, the Asantehene, says to avert massive waste of public funds the Mahama government must do everything possible to ensure completion of the Boankra Integrated Logistics Terminal (Boankra Inland Port).

According to him, neglect of the project that has been on the drawing board for years could result in a breakdown of investor trust in Ghana’s infrastructure capabilities.

General Mosquito presents a souvenir to the King

The Ashanti Overlord gave the admonition when a delegation from the Ghana Ports and Harbours Authority (GPHA), led by the Board Chairman, Johnson Asiedu Nketiah, called on him at the Manhyia Palace in Kumasi.

During a high-level meeting at the Manhyia Palace, Otumfuo expressed dissatisfaction with the current pace of work, urging stakeholders, specifically the Shippers Authority and the GPHA, to treat the terminal with renewed urgency.

He noted that in the event of neglect, significant public resources already invested would be squandered.

According to him, Investor confidence would be eroded as serious investors only commit capital when they see “tangible improvement” and “steady construction” on-site.

The King also expressed concern over the Economic Impact of the project, noting that

beyond logistics the port is viewed as a vital engine for youth employment and a catalyst for both local and foreign direct investment.

“Attracting serious investors depend largely on visible progress on site… without consistent funding and tangible improvement, it would be difficult to convince partners to inject fresh capital,” Otumfuo Osei Tutu II emphasised.

Otumfuo flanked by GPHA Board Chair Asiedu Nketia (right) and Ghana Shippers Authority CEO Prof. Gyampo (left)

Responding to the Asantehene’s concerns, Johnson Asiedu Nketia assured the King that the GPHA Board is proactive and has observed recent improvements in construction activity.

He said the Board will first focus on the main terminal facilities and outlined a strategic shift in the project’s execution by prioritising core infrastructure to ensure the port becomes operational as soon as possible.

Mr. Asiedu Nketia revealed that the railway component, which is vital to the project, requires substantial funding that could delay the entire project if pursued simultaneously.

In the interim, the focus will be on finishing the core port so that cargo will initially be moved by road, while the government continues to seek specific investment for the rail connection.

The Boankra Integrated Logistics Terminal, which remains a cornerstone of Ghana’s economic transformation, is designed to serve as a critical “dry port” near Kumasi, offering several logistical advantages such as relieving the mounting pressure and cargo volumes at the Tema Harbour.

It will also facilitate the efficient transport of goods for faster processing and distribution to the northern parts of Ghana and neighbouring landlocked countries and also reducing cost of overall transport and logistics for businesses operating outside the coastal regions.

Meanwhile, management of Justmoh Construction Limited, the contractor, has assured that with the backing of the government, it will mobilse local expertise to position the project to become a pillar of West African trade, provided the current momentum is sustained.

Editorial: John Mahama’s Stance On The OSP Is Laudable

By
THE CHRONICLE
-
0
Prez John Dramani Mahama

Ghana’s fight against corruption has always been a test, not just of laws and institutions, but of leadership. In recent weeks, that test has once again come into sharp focus and this time, the signals from the very top are encouraging.

Only a few weeks ago, The Chronicle took a firm and unapologetic stance against attempts by elements within the political class to dismantle the Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP). We argued then that any move to weaken or abolish the OSP was not only misguided, but deeply troubling, as it struck at the heart of accountability in public life.

Today, we return to the subject but with a different tone. This time, it is to commend President John Dramani Mahama for demonstrating the kind of leadership Ghana needs at this critical moment.

Speaking at the 2026 May Day celebrations in Koforidua, President Mahama made it clear that while legal questions surrounding the OSP’s prosecutorial powers are rightly before the courts, there remains ample room to strengthen the institution. His call for an “effective Office of the Special Prosecutor with special powers of prosecution” is not just a policy position, it is a statement of intent.

It is also a refreshing departure from the troubling posture adopted by some within the political establishment, who have either openly or subtly sought to clip the wings of the very institution designed to hold them accountable.

The President’s intervention must be seen in the context of the ongoing legal tussle over whether the OSP has the authority to independently prosecute corruption-related offences. A recent High Court ruling cast doubt on that authority, asserting that such powers are constitutionally vested in the Attorney-General. The matter now awaits final determination by the Supreme Court and even though the President has no say in the decision by the court, his comments alone is very commendable.

Yet, even as the judiciary performs its constitutional role, the executive has a responsibility to set the tone and President Mahama has done precisely that. By acknowledging the legal process while simultaneously affirming the need to empower the OSP, he has struck the right balance between respect for the rule of law and commitment to institutional effectiveness.

This is what leadership looks like.In mature democracies, anti-corruption bodies are not treated as inconveniences to be discarded when they become uncomfortable. They are strengthened, protected and insulated from political interference. That is because corruption is not a partisan issue but a national crisis. Countries that have made meaningful progress in combating corruption have done so by empowering independent institutions with the authority and autonomy to act without fear or favour.

So why should Ghana be any different?The earlier attempt by the NDC majority in Parliament to abolish the OSP in 2025, an effort that was halted only through presidential intervention, remains a stain on our democratic conscience.

It exposed a worrying willingness among some politicians to undermine accountability mechanisms for short-term convenience. That episode should not be forgotten, but neither should it define the future.

What matters now is the direction we choose to take.The OSP was established in 2017 precisely because Ghana needed a specialised, independent body to tackle corruption, particularly at the highest levels of public office. Since becoming operational, the office has demonstrated that it can deliver results, recovering significant sums of money, disrupting criminal networks and introducing innovative tools to measure corruption risk across public institutions.

But its effectiveness has always been tied to one critical factor – independence.As Special Prosecutor Kissi Agyebeng rightly observed, an anti-corruption institution that depends on the goodwill of politicians for its survival is inherently vulnerable. That vulnerability is not theoretical, it has been borne out by history, from the resignation of the first Special Prosecutor, Martin Amidu, to the persistent political pressure faced by his successor.

This is why President Mahama’s latest comments are so significant. They signal a recognition that the OSP must not only exist, but must be empowered to function fully. Anything less would render it ineffective and a watchdog in name only.

Of course, support for the OSP must go beyond rhetoric. It must translate into concrete legal and constitutional reforms that clearly define and protect its prosecutorial authority. The ongoing constitutional review process presents a unique opportunity to do just that. Ghana cannot afford ambiguity in a matter as critical as the fight against corruption.

At the same time, it must be emphasised that no institution is above scrutiny. The OSP itself must remain transparent, accountable, and open to independent evaluation. Its credibility will ultimately depend not just on the powers it wields, but on how responsibly and effectively it uses them.Still, the broader principle is non-negotiable: Ghana needs a strong, independent anti-corruption body.

The cost of corruption to this country is simply too high to ignore. Billions of dollars are lost annually, resources that could otherwise be invested in healthcare, education, infrastructure, and job creation. The ordinary Ghanaian bears the brunt of this loss, while a privileged few benefit from systemic weaknesses. This is why the fight against corruption cannot be left to institutions alone. It requires political will and that is where leadership matters most.

President Mahama has, in this instance, shown that leadership. By publicly backing the strengthening of the OSP, he has aligned himself with the aspirations of millions of Ghanaians who want a country where accountability is not selective and justice is not negotiable.

The challenge now is for others within government, Parliament, and civil society—to rise to the occasion. Ghana stands at a crossroads. One path leads to weakened institutions, entrenched corruption, and declining public trust. The other leads to stronger systems, greater accountability, and a more just society.

The choice should not be difficult.

ECG Deploys High-Capacity Transformers To Strengthen Kumasi Power Supply

By
SEBASTIAN R. FREIKU
-
0
ECG transformers

‎The Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG) has commenced the installation of two high-capacity power transformers at the Ridge Bulk Supply Point in Kumasi, towards reinforcing supply reliability across the Kumasi metropolis.

‎The project replaces two existing 20/26MVA transformers with upgraded 30/39MVA units to boost station capacity and ease pressure on the network.

‎The upgrade directly addresses recent intermittent outages and voltage fluctuations in parts of Kumasi, said to have been driven by rising demand rather than generation shortfalls.

Teams from Accra and Ashanti Sub-Transmission Divisions are jointly coordinating the installation scheduled to for May 6 and 7, 2026 with energisation planned shortly after, the ECG has indicated.

According to a press statement, Transformer 2 will be replaced and energised on May 6, 2026 while Transformer 1 will also be replaced and energised on May 7, 2026.

To ensure smooth safety operations, ECG will implement controlled outages by temporary shutdown of sections of the 33kV network and managed load distribution on 11kV feeders on May 6 and 7, 2026 between the hours of 9am and 3pm.

‎“Kumasi is expanding, and electricity demand is rising with it. This upgrade ensures our infrastructure keeps pace so customers can enjoy more stable and reliable power,” ‎ECG’s Acting Managing Director has emphasized.

‎According to Site Manager for Substation & Switchgear Maintenance for Ashanti Sub-Transmission, “The existing transformers are under pressure and that complex and urgent as they are these new units give the system breathing room and improve overall stability.”

ECG assured customers that the interruptions are carefully planned and limited in duration.

‎”We understand the inconvenience, but these are necessary steps to deliver a more reliable system,” Collins Manu, Communications Officer of Ashanti Sub-Transmission assured.

 

 

 

For more news, join The Chronicle Newspaper channel on WhatsApp: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VbBSs55E50UqNPvSOm2z

1...107108109...3,079Page 108 of 3,079

EDITOR PICKS

POPULAR POSTS

POPULAR CATEGORY

©
The Ghanaian Chronicle