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Galamsey is causing decline in Cocoa Production -Cocoa Board

By
JENNIFER AMBOLLEY
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EC of the Ghana Cocoa Board, Joseph Boahen

The Chief Executive (EC) of the Ghana Cocoa Board, Joseph Boahen Aidoo, has disclosed that illegal mining (Galamsey) is causing a decline in Cocoa Production with activities primarily concentrated in swampy areas, critical for cocoa cultivation.

“Yes, it has a toll on the industry, cocoa doesn’t like too much water, so the cocoa cannot thrive in swampy environment. The swamp area provides a reservoir of water that sustains the ecosystem.

“During the dry season, evaporation from these areas returns moisture to the plants, which is vital for their growth,” he disclosed.

He made this known on Monday, October 14, 2024 while he was addressing the media on the achievements in the Cocoa Sector since 2017 in Accra.

He illustrated the importance of these swampy areas: “In the early morning, the stomata of the cocoa leaves open to absorb the mist. This natural process keeps the cocoa in an evergreen condition.”

However, the situation has drastically changed due to illegal mining: “When the swamps are excavated, it creates a dip. The water in the soil must then drain into these pits, which severely affects the cocoa farms.

“Therefore, because the pits have been created there, the water under the tree, that’s in the soil, all the soil must have been drained into the pits. And that’s how most cocoa farms have been affected”, he bemoaned.

However, Mr. Aidoo also highlighted the Board’s achievements in financing cocoa purchases and supporting farmers through record-setting producer prices.

He stressed COCOBOD’s dedication to empower cocoa farmers and boost the capacity of domestic financial institutions as a cheaper alternative to the reliance on external borrowing and its high dollar denominated interest rates.

“Since 2017, COCOBOD has worked relentlessly to ensure that our farmers receive the maximum benefit from their hard work. One of the most significant milestones has been the shift from 32 years of external borrowing for crop financing.

“Today, we have achieved zero borrowing, meaning zero cost of borrowing for financing cocoa purchases,” Mr. Aidoo stated.

Dignitaries present at the press briefing in a group

Mr Boahene Aidoo indicated that the creative strategy has made COCOBOD less dependent on high-interest external loans by using pre-financing from Licensed Buying Companies (LBCs). This has improved the system’s overall efficiency and expedited to pay farmers.

“The new financing model strengthens the capacity of our domestic financial institutions and has eliminated the high-dollar interest rates we used to face.

“This shift has been a game-changer in reducing financial pressure on the Board and ensuring a more sustainable and cost-effective way of financing”, Aidoo explained.

In addition to financing improvements, the CEO announced that COCOBOD’s success is steadily increasing producer prices, offering substantial support to cocoa farmers amongst global price volatility.

“Year-on-year, we have consistently raised the price paid to farmers. In 2024, we made history by increasing the producer price to GHS 48,000 per ton, the highest in Ghana’s history,” he emphasised.

According to the Chief Executive of the Ghana Cocoa Board, this marks a cumulative increase of 531.58% in producer prices from 2016/17 to the current cocoa season, setting a new benchmark for farmer earnings in the country.

In addition, he noted that this remarkable growth is part of COCOBOD’s broader vision to improve farmer welfare and ensure their long-term financial stability.

“These efforts are not just about short-term gains. We want to ensure that every cocoa farmer in Ghana enjoys long-term security.

“Our payment of remunerative prices guarantees that they can invest in their farms, improve productivity, and ultimately, enjoy a better quality of life,” he emphasised.

The CEO also highlighted COCOBOD’s introduction of a comprehensive cocoa farmer database and the successful launch of the Cocoa Farmers Pension Scheme, which ensures financial independence for farmers in their later years.

“Through our integrated Cocoa Management System, we have registered over 790,000 farmers, which has paved the way for direct payments and pension contributions, ensuring that no cocoa farmer is left behind”, he said.

ICC Chief Prosecutor pays courtesy call on CJ Torkornoo

By
BERNICE BESSEY
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Chief Justice, Justice Gertrude Sackey Torkornoo

International Criminal Court (ICC) Chief Prosecutor, Karim Khan, has visited the Chief Justice of Ghana, Mrs Gertrude Sackey Torkornoo, in a significant meeting held at her office in Accra.

Accompanied by several judges, including Justice Afia Serwa Asare-Botwe and Dr. Ernest Owusu-Dapaa from the Court of Appeal, and Circuit Court Judge Jojo Hagan, Khan expressed his appreciation for Ghana’s robust legal framework and commitment to the rule of law.

During the visit, Khan stated that his trip to Ghana was long overdue, driven by both personal and professional motivations.

He praised Ghana’s reputation for political stability and its role as a beacon of inclusivity and community cohesion in a polarised global environment.

“Ghana’s position on the United Nations Security Council enhances its influence on the world stage,” he noted.

Emphasising the ICC’s close relationship with Ghana, Khan announced plans to address students at the University of Ghana, emphasising the importance of cooperation between national legal systems and the ICC.

“We are not an apex court, but we are here to support you in upholding the Constitution and delivering justice,” he said.

Khan, introduced the ICC’s new policy on complementarity and cooperation, which aims to strengthen partnerships with national legal frameworks.

He is scheduled to meet with Minister of Justice and Attorney General to discuss collaborative efforts.

On a personal note, Khan shared his deep connection to Ghana, recalling fond memories of the late Maulvi Dr. Wahab Adam, a former Emir of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community in Ghana, who significantly influenced his early life.

“The first African I ever met was Ghanaian, and he had a profound effect on me,” Khan reminisced.

He expressed his honor in meeting key figures in Ghana’s judiciary and government, including the Chief Justice and the President, before his departure.

His visit underscores the ICC’s commitment to fostering international legal cooperation and support for justice systems worldwide.

Titus Glover vows to combat land encroachment, illegal activities

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admin
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Daniel Nii Kwatei Titus Glover

Daniel Nii Kwatei Titus Glover, the Greater Accra Regional Minister, has indicated the government’s commitment to addressing land encroachment, illegal sand-winning and activities of land guards across the region.

Speaking during a media briefing at the Reggie Manuel site, Titus Glover emphasised that the Regional Security Council (REGSEC) is actively investigating multiple land disputes and will ensure the rule of law is upheld.

Titus Glover explained that Reggie Manuel Limited, a Real Estate Developer, holds a legitimate title to land secured through a 1996 Supreme Court ruling. Despite this, the company continues to face resistance from individuals claiming ownership without legal basis.

“Each time Reggie Manuel attempts to develop their land, they are met with resistance from encroachers who assert ownership without any legal justification,” he noted.

Efforts to resolve the matter through discussions have been unsuccessful, as the encroachers have consistently failed to attend scheduled meetings.

The minister further highlighted that Reggie Manuel had successfully won several court cases, including a High Court ruling by Justice Amo Yartey, that reaffirmed the company’s ownership of 91.47 acres of land.

The judgment also directed the Lands Commission to rectify any errors in land allocation and urged encroachers to resolve their disputes with Reggie Manuel.

“We are a country governed by laws, not a jungle,” Titus Glover said, adding that REGSEC’s site visit was meant to assess the situation directly.

During the visit, five individuals were arrested – two from Reggie Manuel’s estate site and three from Katamanso – on charges related to land encroachment and are now being questioned by the police.

The minister also addressed the broader issue of illegal activities in Katamanso and Damfa, where unauthorised sand-winning and other illicit operations have been reported.

Although no suspects were found at the Katamanso site during REGSEC’s visit, efforts are underway to prevent further illegal activity in the area.

In another dispute involving the chiefs of Damfa, Amrahia and Kweiman, Titus Glover addressed their concerns that the 40% of land returned to them by the government was less than agreed.

The minister urged the chiefs to formally submit an application through his office for further investigation by the Minister for Lands and suspended all development on the disputed land until the matter is resolved.

“We are here to sanitise the region. We will not tolerate any form of lawlessness, including the activities of land guards,” the minister emphasised.

He called on landowners to present their legal documents for review to ensure legitimate claims are respected.

Titus Glover concluded by assuring the public that REGSEC remains committed to resolving land disputes within the legal framework.

“If you have your documents, write an official letter to REGSEC and we will address it,” he said, reaffirming the government’s zero tolerance for illegal land activities.

Kasoa Soldier Murder Case: Ben Lord remanded, co-accused granted bail

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admin
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Ben Lord, alias Nana Barima - accused

The High Court in Accra has remanded Ben Lord, alias Nana Barima, into prison custody after his plea of not guilty, in connection with the shooting and killing of a soldier at Kasoa in the central region.

His co-accused, Nana Amo Sekyere, has been granted bail of GH¢1 million with two sureties.

The incident, which involved the fatal shooting of Lance Corporal Michael Danso has garnered national attention due to its severity.

Lord, first accused (A1) and Sekyere second accused (A2), who both pleaded not guilty to charges of conspiracy and murder, were arraigned before Justice Lydia Osei Marfo yesterday.

The court set strict conditions for Sekyere’s bail, requiring two sureties who must present landed property documents worth the bail amount.

The court also ordered that these documents be registered with the Lands Commission and verified by the court registry.

Additionally, Sekyere was instructed to surrender his passport to the court and report to the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) every Friday at 9 a.m.

During the proceedings, the prosecution stated that all disclosures had been shared with the defense during the committal stage, apart from a biometric investigation (BI).

However, no witness statement had been filed by the prosecution, and Justice Marfo directed that the prosecution file all necessary documents and witness statements before the next court date.

The defense, represented by Nii Martei Korley, for Lord (A1) and Frank Kumah for Sekyere (A2), argued for their clients to remain in police custody.

Korley requested that Lord be kept in police custody due to ongoing medical treatment, but the prosecution opposed this, assuring the court that Nsawam Prison’s medical facilities could adequately handle Lord’s health needs.

Kumah, speaking for Sekyere, argued that his client had complied with bail conditions set by the Amasaman High Court on July 11, 2024, and was not a flight risk.

The prosecution, however, countered that the trial court had the authority to reconsider bail, given the gravity of the charges.

After considering the arguments, Justice Marfo upheld the bail conditions for Sekyere, instructing that his compliance with reporting requirements be monitored closely.

However, Lord was remanded to Nsawam Prison, with the court ordering that he receive the necessary medical attention.

The case has been adjourned, with the prosecution ordered to finalise its disclosures before the next hearing.

Captain Koshie Mills and Darly Osei Abugie were present, observing the proceedings on behalf of the Ghana Armed Forces.

The trial is expected to resume soon, with both parties preparing for the next phase of the legal battle.

Varsity professors kick against UTAG strike

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admin
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Opinion

A group of university lecturers and professors who are also members of the University Teachers Association (UTAG) has called on their national body to immediately call of the strike action.

Addressing a news conference in Accra yesterday, the group which calls itself the ‘Silent Majority of UTAG’, indicated that the NEC’s decision to sacrifice the academic needs of students for a cause that is not at the core of their mandate must be abandoned with immediate effect.

It also called on UTAG to constitute a team that will monitor the implementation of the government’s roadmap to addressing the galamsey menace. The group also asked UTAG to take leadership in inviting all Presidential Candidates including parliamentary Candidates in Mining Constituencies to sign and publicly declare their support for the national actions being taken to address illegal mining in Ghana.

Professor Isaac Boadi, the Dean of Accounting and Finance at the University for Professional Studies who addressed the press on behalf of the group said “On October 2, 2024, the National Leadership of UTAG sent a correspondence (UTAGN/2024/Vol.2/0070) instructing campuses to vote on a motion:“Should the NEC of UTAG declare an industrial action in support of the nationwide ban on mining and prospecting for gold and other minerals in forest reserves, farms, and rivers?”

“This letter requested member campuses to decide on the motion by October 8, 2024. This deadline was given to member campuses to enable the NEC of UTAG to decide whether to join Organised Labour’s nationwide strike or otherwise, which had been advertised to start on Thursday, October 10. This is why membership of UTAG overwhelmingly voted in support of the motion for NEC of UTAG to declare an industrial action in support of the nationwide ban on mining and prospecting for gold and other minerals in forest reserves, farms, and rivers”

He averred that the mandate given to the NEC of UTAG as witnessed in the overwhelming endorsement to support Organised Labour, ended when the mother body, Organised Labour, suspended the strike based upon its engagements with the government. It, therefore, makes UTAG’s strike moot.

“As observed by the motion, our endorsement was in support of Organised Labour to embark on a nationwide strike. UTAG as a member of Organised Labour was represented and took part in all deliberations. It is based on this that UTAG found itself a seat at the Organised Labour Meeting held on October 9, 2024, which led to the suspension of the intended nationwide strike based on the government’s response to the concerns of Organised Labour. It stands to reason that the mandate granted to the NEC expired with the suspension of the strike by Organised Labour”

‘We were, therefore, taken aback by the media commentary by some members of NEC and the subsequent declaration of an indefinite strike by NEC. Respectfully, this was not the mandate that the NEC of UTAG sought from member campuses. It is our collective conviction that UTAG NEC should have referred the matter back to member campuses to allow for a separate motion to be voted on instead of the unilateral decision they took” he further stated.

The group called on UTAG’s NEC to rather focus on how to hold the government accountable to implement the agreed measures to combat galamsey instead of going on a strike. ”We are of the firm conviction that the NEC should focus its attention on holding the government accountable for how it is implementing the roadmap that was presented to Organised Labour of which UTAG was represented.

“This, we believe, would be solution-driven and would yield the expected impact. We strongly believe that UTAG-Executives are elected to represent the interest of all members and not just ‘some’. As such, the concerns of all members must be taken seriously.

“We are by this statement requesting the following immediate actions from the National Leadership of UTAG by Friday, October 18, 2024.

  1. Call off the strike immediately.
  2. Constitute a team that will monitor the implementation of the government’s roadmap to addressing the galamsey menace.
  3. Take leadership in inviting all Presidential Candidates including parliamentary Candidates in Mining Constituencies to sign and publicly declare their support for the national actions being taken to address illegal mining in Ghana” the group demanded.

“We wish to put on record that, our intention is not to undermine the efforts of leadership, but to ensure that the right thing is done at all times in the interest of the Association and the country. We remain committed to working together towards a resolution that protects the interests of all members while maintaining unity within the union and the country at large,” Professor Boadi said.

“We commend the Ghanaian populace for their collective resolve in addressing the menace of galamsey once and for all. We call on the media, Presidential and Parliamentary candidates, our revered chiefs, youth in mining communities, the security forces, and the entire Ghanaian populace to work together to win this battle,” the group emphasized.

The following are some of the members of UTAG who form this group that is asking UTAG-NEC to call off the strike: Ophelia Philomena Aovare, Graham billa, AmatusDinye, all of CK. Tedam University of Technology and Applied Sciences Navrongo. From UCC, the following members represented: Dr Justice Kwaku Addo, Prof Kwame Osei Kwarteng, Prof Kwasi Opoku Boadi, Dr Tenkorang, Dr. Emmanuel Asante, Dr Otchere Darko.

UEW was represented by Mr Eric Sakyi Nketiah, Mr. Emmanuel Owusu, Wilson Dabuo, Prof Evans Asante, Daniel Opoku, Joshua-Luther Ndoye Upoalkpajor, etc.

Prof Eddie Appiah, DR. Michael Nimoh, Isaac Kofi Appiah, Dr. Hubert Bimpeh Asiedu, Emmanuel Amankwaa, were some UTAG members from KNUST.

Prof Kwaku Mensah Mawutor, Prof Isaac Boadi, Lawrence Aziale, Dr. Kofi Baah Boamah, Godwin Kusi Dankwa, etc were from UPSA. Dr. Hayford Ayerakwa, Dr. George Domfe, Dr. Fred Boateng, amongst others were from the University of Ghana.

Editor’s note: Views expressed in this article do not represent that of The Chronicle

Editorial: Election 2024: Police Should Not Spare Those Who Engage In Violence

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THE CHRONICLE
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Editorial

Graphiconline has reported about a recent clash between supporters of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) and the National Democratic Congress (NDC),which resulted in two persons being allegedly shot and four severely injured.The incident happened during a keep-fit walk, which was initially intended to be a peaceful event.

The keep-fit walk, which both parties typically organise every weekend as part of their campaign activities, ended abruptly when a group of motorbike riders from one side encountered the supporters from the other side.

It was reported that during the clash, one of the party supporters allegedly pulled out a pistol and fired several shots.Two of the injured victims were rushed to the Police Hospital, while four others were treated at the MamobiGeneral Hospital.

The altercation reportedly began as a dispute over which group would pass through a particular area, but it escalated into violence.The Regional Police Command later deployed personnel to contain the situation.

Another incident was also reported to have occurred in Aowin Municipality, in the Western North Region, where NDC supporters allegedlylaunched an attack on their NPP counterparts.  This incidence occurred after protestors against the NPP Parliamentary Candidate,AbangaYakubuFuseini, were spotted on DRIP equipment that were recently imported into the country by the government.

The Chronicle is disappointed with all the perpetrators of the violence which caused these clashes. What began as a peaceful event intended to energise supporters ended in violence, with reports of a firearm being drawn and multiple injuries. These two incidents not only jeopardise public safety, but also raise significant questions about the integrity of our democratic process, as we head into the elections.

The escalation from a verbal dispute to physical confrontation means that the views of others are still not accepted or respected in our communities. In our view, the disagreements were very trivial and ought not to have resulted in clashes.

Such trivial disagreements should never spiral into violence, especially in an environment where political leaders should be modeling civility and respect. The stakes are high in an election year, and it is essential that both parties promote peaceful interactions among their supporters to prevent similar incidents from occurring.

In this context, the role of the police cannot be overstated. The recent violence calls for heightened vigilance and proactive measures to ensure that political activities do not devolve into chaos. The police have a responsibility to maintain order and safety, particularly as campaign activities intensify.

We are, however, aware that the police had issued a statement to indicate that they have commenced investigations into the incidence to get all identified perpetrators arrested to face justice. The Chronicle commends the police for this move because the perpetrators of the violence have to be arrested and prosecuted to serve as a deterrent to others.

We, however, think that it is vital for the police to enforce regulations regarding the possession of weapons during political events. The reported use of a firearm by one of the miscreants is particularly alarming, but once again we are happy that the police have declared the suspect wanted.

We must demand more than just reactive measures from our police; they must take a stand against any form of political violence and work tirelessly to foster a safe environment for all citizens.

Equally important is the responsibility of party leadership. Both the NPP and NDC must take decisive action to discourage violent behavior among their supporters. The leaders should issue clear statements denouncing violence and promoting peaceful campaigning.

As citizens, we also have a role to play. We must hold our political leaders accountable and advocate for a culture of peace and civility. The potential consequences of political violence extend beyond individual parties; they threaten the very fabric of our democracy.

With elections in less than two months, it is imperative for all stakeholders’politicians, police, and citizens to commit to fostering an environment of respect and safety.

Kumasi Court set to rule on forum convenience suit against Twifo Atti Morkwa Omanhene

By
SEBASTIAN R. FREIKU
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A court gavel

A Kumasi High Court will on October 28, 2024 deliver its ruling regarding its jurisdiction in determining a suit filed in Kumasi against Oseadeaye Kwasi Kanin V, Omanhene of Twifo Atti Morkwa Traditional area, in the Central region.

The court will determine the forum convenience of the suit, which has become the bone of contention for the trial of the case.

The first defendant wants the matter to be tried in Cape Coast as the appropriate venue, on the premises that the disputed land lies in a Mining concession at Twifo Atti Morkwa, and that the nearest High Court (Commercial division) is the High Court of Cape Coast, in the Central region.

Oseadeaye Kwasi Kanin also argued that the plaintiff ought to have commenced the action at a High Court in Cape Coast, which has jurisdiction over the area in which the land lies and not in a Kumasi High Court.

Philip M. Young Esq. of Amponsa-Dadzie and Partners, a law firm in Cape Coast, on Monday September 23, 2024 filed a motion on notice to raise an objection to the venue, and thus seeking an order for transfer of the suit to an appropriate forum in Cape Coast.

Defending his position, the defence counsel argued the Kumasi High Court, by law, is not the appropriate forum and prayed the court to refer the matter to the Chief Justice for direction and possibly heard at a neutral venue in Accra.

In an affidavit in support of the objection it was argued that the plaintiff ought to have commenced the action at a High Court in Cape Coast, which has jurisdiction over the area in which the land lies and not in a Kumasi High Court.

The plaintiff has objected to venue for the determination contending that the Kumasi Court has jurisdiction geographically to hear the matter on full scale trial basis describing the defendants’ objection as materially incompetent, misconceived and unsustainable both in substantive and procedural jurisdictions of the court.

He said several factors including convenience, security of plaintiff and witnesses are taken into account and prayed the court to dismiss defendants’ application for objection by thinking along the lines of plaintiff’s position.

Lawyer Hanson Koduah argued that the Omanhene had no right to enter plaintiff’s concession in the first place despite the fact that he is the Omanhene of that traditional area.

He said the concession had legally been granted to the plaintiff by the Minerals Commission under the laws of the land and has the right to enter and mine and not the Omanhene, and that is the law and must be respected to champion the fight and national effort against galamsey, which practice he described as an aggressive robbery with guns.

His Lordship Justice Samuel Faraday Johnson on hearing the two counsel adjourned sitting to October 28, 2024 to rule on their arguments while the parties maintain peace and harmony.

The plaintiff, Bright Kwabena Obeng, is seeking to recover a total of GHc35 million, including

seeking general damages of GHc20 million jointly and severally against the defendants, Oseadeaye Kwasi Kanin V, Okyeame Yaw Asamoah, Ernest Ahirlu and Wu Ming Ji.

They are accused of engaging in illegal mining on a legally acquired concession of a concessionaire.

The plaintiff has also applied for a declaration of the court seeking an interlocutory injunction to restrain the defendants, their agents, labourers and workers from interfering with the plaintiff’s 14.73 acre concession acquired by his Kadesh Mining Enterprise and duly licensed by the Minerals Commission.

The plaintiff claims the defendants have illegally and unlawfully trespassed on his concession and mined without authority about 85% of the entire 14.73 acres causing commercial disadvantage and economic loss to him.

The conduct of the defendants, he says also constitute an infraction and illegality under the Minerals and Mining Act 703 as amended by the Minerals and Mining Act 900, among other legal provisions.

Gonja Land grateful to Akufo-Addo …for massive infrastructural development 

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admin
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Yagbonwura welcoming Prez Akufo-Addo to the durbar grounds

The chiefs and people of Gonja land have thanked President Akufo-Addo for the massive development he has brought to the area, since he assumed the reins of power in 2017.

Led by the overlord, Yagbonwura Bikunuto Jewu Soale I, the people said apart from development, President Akufo-Addo had also ensured peace by helping to resolve most of the chieftaincy disputes in the area.

President Akufo-Addo put the icing on the cake after he supervised the creation of the Savannah Region.

President Akufo-Addo (r)

Speaking at a grand durbar held in honour of the outgoing president at Damongo, the traditional capital yesterday, Yagbonwura Bikunuto Jewu expressed the heartfelt gratitude of his people to President Akufo-Addo for all that he has done for them.

He observed that the massive developments enjoyed by the area are palpable in all facets of their lives, including education, health, agriculture and roads, among others.

“We are profoundly grateful to you for your role and dedication in the creation of the Savannah Region. This vital decision has brought immense progress in key areas such as education, healthcare, agriculture, roads, and many more. The people of Gonjaland have indeed experienced significant elevation as a result of this, and we remain eternally grateful to you,” he said.

President Akufo-Addo for his part expressed thanked   the people of Gonjaland and Ghanaians as a whole for the honor done him and the unflinching support he enjoyed during his presidency.

On the specific case of Dagbon, President Akufo-Addo outlined the things that made his administration stand out as the best in the history of the Dagbon people.

He acknowledged the role of the Yagbonwura, Bikunuto Jewu, the Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, and the Nayiri, Naa Bohagu Mahami Abdulai Sheriga, the Overlord of the Manprugu Kingdom, in the journey towards the installation of lasting peace in Dagbon.

President Akufo-Addo also touted the credentials of his government in areas such as health, education, and infrastructure, explaining that he honored his promise of becoming an agent of development for the Dagbon people.

“I want to thank the people of Ghana for the honor of making me their president not once but twice. I came to thank you all for your support and encouragement and also to say goodbye. There are two significant matters that I want to single out for mention: the cooperation and collaboration I received from your predecessor.

“First of all, for the great help he gave in being one of the three chiefs who helped me bring peace to Dagbon, he was also one of the three eminent chiefs, alongside Otumfuo Osei Tutu II and Na-yiri, who helped bring peace to Dagbon. I will never forget this collaboration and will continue to be eternally grateful.

“The second is the cooperation I received from him for the creation of the Savannah Region. When I came into office, I received a petition from Gonja land that they want their own region and they had been demanding it for many years.

“I told him that with the way the constitution is written, it is the people of the area who must determine whether they want a region. I told him I was ready if he was ready, then we could work together.

“By the grace of God, we worked together and brought the Savannah Region to reality. I will always remember him and be grateful to the Jakpa stool for these two great achievements of my administration,” he said.

Mr Samuel Abu Jinapor, the Member of Parliament for Damongo, eulogised President Akufo-Addo, describing his works in the region as ‘unmatched.’

According to him, President Akufo-Addo assumed legendary status in the eyes of the Gonja people by granting their request for a region, which they had been making even before Ghana attained independence.

“The people of the Savannah Region and Gonja land have been clamouring and fighting for a region since the 19th century. The people of Gonja land have petitioned all presidents under the Fourth Republic, and it was President Nana Dankwa Akufo-Addo who has created the Savannah Region. This is part of the Akufo-Addo legacy, today and forever. Anybody who comes to this region, we welcome you to the Akufo-Addo region.

“Mr President, that achievement is unmatched. You have liberated the people of Gonja land and granted us independence. The Savannah Region and Gonja land say “Thank You”.

In addition to creating this region, you have brought unparalleled development in all facets of human life. Your legacy in education, healthcare, agriculture, road infrastructure and more is unmatched,” he said.

GOIL allegedly caught cheating consumers

By
MAXWELL OFORI
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A Goil filling station

The Atimpoku branch of GOIL is allegedly cheating customers through their pumps.

Suspecting the alleged cheating, a customer, who is a radio presenter in Accra, Okatakyie Afrifa-Mensah, demonstrated that the alleged theft had occurred at the Atimpoku service station of GOIL.

In a video that has gone viral on social media since Saturday, October 12, 2024 Okatakyie Afrifa-Mensah asked the fuel attendant to dispense 10 litres into a measuring container.

When the gauge of the fuel pump machine had reached the 10-litre mark, the measuring container was nowhere near the figure, a revelation that shocked other people who had been attracted to the scene.

Substantiating the allegation, Okatakyie pointed to the measuring container for the witnesses around to see the discrepancy unearthed at the GOIL filling station at Atimpoku, in the Asuogyaman District of the Eastern Region.

In effect, the experiment revealed that the actual fuel dispensed into the container was less than what the fuel pump machine had displayed on the screen.

“This means the amount of fuel they are stealing is shocking,” Okatakyie Afrifa-Mensah said in the video.

“If you buy fuel worth GH¢1,000.00, they are giving you fuel worth less than GH¢500.00,” he added.

Following the revelation, the public, especially those who have alleged suffered similar theft were enraged.

GOIL PROBE

Following the public uproar, GOIL PLC issued a statement informing the general public that the allegation had come to their attention and a probe had commenced.

“The company frowns on such practices. We, therefore, take such allegations seriously and have launched a thorough investigation into the matter. We will provide an update to the public once the investigation is concluded,” the statement said.

According to GOIL PLC, in the meantime, calibration of all dispensing pumps at their service stations has been verified by the company’s quality control and assurance team and “we can confirm that the pumps are delivering accurately.”

MANIFESTATION?

This is not the first time the oil marketing company has had the cause to respond to such an allegation.

In September this year, GOIL PLC issued a statement to respond to what they said was a re-circulating audio purportedly recorded in 2019 and resurfaced in 2024, alleging the same situation of fuel pump adjustment unravelled at Atimpoku.

The company clarified that the audio was “being mischievously” re-circulated, adding that the issues mentioned had already been thoroughly investigated and actions were taken to resolve the matter.

The statement issued last month said specifically that misunderstandings regarding pump deliveries were addressed and resolved five years ago.

Also, there were subsequent verifications by the Ghana Standards Authority (GSA) that confirmed the accurate delivery of fuel at their stations.

GOIL PLC advised the public to ignore the said audio “being mischievously re-circulated to ostensibly convey a negative narrative.”

In the case of the Atimpoku incident, there was video evidence, which the public is reacting to and hoping that the company gets to the bottom of the matter.

 

 

Minority Plotting To Become Majority From Tomorrow

By
MAXWELL OFORI
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Cassiel Ato Baah Forson, Minority Leader

Parliament is reconvening today after recess and it is likely to witness a test of the constitution should the minority go ahead to move the motion for four seats to be declared vacant.

In the event that the motion, which will likely be moved today, Tuesday, October 15, 2024 is carried, the National Democratic Congress (NDC) will have more seats than the New Patriotic Party (NPP).

It is the former Minority Leader, Haruna Iddrisu, Member of Parliament for Tamale South, who has announced his intention to move the motion, which when successful, should see the minority becoming the majority.

Addressing a campaign rally at his backyard, Tamale North, Haruna said a nuanced interpretation of Article 97 will show that some four MPs who have changed the tickets upon which they came to Parliament, must be sacked.

Haruna Iddrisu

These MPs are Peter Yaw Kwakye Ackah, MP for Amenfi Central, who went to Parliament on the ticket of the NDC, but has now filed to contest as an independent candidate; the Second Deputy Speaker, Andrew Amoako Asiamah, MP for Fomena, entered this Parliament as an independent candidate, but is contesting the same seat again through the NPP; Cynthia Mamle-Morrison, MP for Agona East, is in Parliament via the NPP, but is seeking re-election as an independent candidate and the fourth is Kwadwo Asante, MP for Suhum, who has ditched the NPP ticket to contest as an independent candidate.

THE LAW

Article 97(1) stipulates how a Member of Parliament shall vacate his or her seat in Parliament. Of relevance is (1) sub-clause G, which states that a member shall vacate his or her seat “if he leaves the party of which he was a member at the time of his election to Parliament to join another party or seeks to remain in Parliament as an independent member.”

CONSTITUTIONAL TEST

Addressing NDC supporters over the weekend, Haruna Iddrisu was emphatic that these MPs must lose their seats in Parliament for changing the tickets upon which they joined the House.

He said the Parliament in Ghana will go through a major constitutional test.

He said, “On Tuesday, the Parliament of Ghana will reconvene. And when it reconvenes, I am very certain that Parliament and Ghana will go through a major constitutional test.

“And that constitutional test is that the NDC minority must become the majority from Wednesday next week. And this must happen if there is constitutional and legal proprietary in Ghana.”

He continued that, “Because any nuanced interpretation of Article 97 provides that if a Member of Parliament on a political party ticket, like NPP, defects and vows to be independent, that MP ceases to be a Member of Parliament.

“And if an independent Member of Parliament, by virtue of the provision of Article 97 sub-clause G, an independent joins a political party, that independent loses constitutional recognition and does not belong to Parliament.

“And even if an NDC MP defects to become an independent, he ceases to become a Member of Parliament. Therefore, we will invoke the Speaker’s proper and true interpretation of Article 97 and our standing orders, which must mean that three NPP MPs don’t qualify to be members of Parliament.

“And one NDC MP does not also qualify to be a Member of Parliament. Therefore, the Speaker will be called upon on Tuesday (today) to declare four parliamentary seats vacant.”

PRECEDENT

In 2006, Professor Al-Hassan Wayo Seini, then NDC MP for Tamale Central, quit the party to join the NPP, and Abraham Kofi Asante, NDC MP for Amenfi West, resigned from the party; both vacated their seats.

In 2020, the current Second Deputy Speaker, Andrew Amoako Asiamah, who was in Parliament as NPP MP for Fomena, filed to contest the 2020 election as an independent candidate.

The party wrote to the Speaker to declare his seat vacant, arguing that the candidate was no longer on the seat of the NPP.

The Fomena seat was declared vacant until the December 2020 election was held, and he won as an independent candidate, entered the eighth parliament and aligned with the NPP.

But some experts argue that Asiamah’s case is different.

There is also an injunction placed on Cynthia Morrision not to hold herself as a parliamentary candidate.

MAJORITY

Speaking to JoyFM on Tuesday, October 14, 2024 the Majority Leader, Alexander Afenyo Markin, declined to state the position of his side until he had heard it from the Minority Leader, in accordance with parliamentary procedure.

According to him, both leaders guide the Speaker to manage the House and if his colleague on the other side makes it clear that it is the position of the minority to tow that line, the majority will respond with the law.

“I’ve tried to reach my colleague, Dr. Ato Foson, on the position of the party in Parliament regarding all these kinds of brouhaha.

“We are hearing that tomorrow (today) they are going to sit on our seat and all that. I think that I have to find out from him what their plan is, and then we can respond appropriately,” the Majority Leader said.

He continued that, “I’ve not been able to reach him, and I’m sure tomorrow when I get hold of him, we’ll be able to discuss matters. For now, I think Haruna Iddrisu is expressing his own opinion, which opinion I don’t take away from him, but I’m not going to respond to it.”

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