The bikes donated by Mr Martin Adjei Mensah Korsah
Mr Martin Adjei-Mensah Korsah, the Member of Parliament for Techiman South has donated Fifty (50) motorbikes and an undisclosed amount of money to the Bono East Regional Executives of the New Patriotic Party (NPP).
The donation by Mr Adjei-Mensah Korsah is aimed at adequately resourcing the Eleven (11) Constituencies in the Region, ahead of the 2024 polls.
At a short ceremony to hand over the items to the Regional Secretariat of the NPP for onward distribution to the beneficiary constituencies, the lawmaker underscored the significance of the 2024 polls describing it as a contest between the past and the future.
He urged executives of the party to ensure that they work tirelessly towards giving Ghanaians a better future by canvassing for votes for the NPP, which has proven it is capable of managing the affairs of the country better, compared to its political rivals.
The lawmaker indicated that the country was in a political season and challenged the party executives to be ambassadors of the good works of the NPP and explain to the electorate why they must give the party a third chance to continue with its good works.
“Let us ensure that we become good ambassadors of the NPP and work toward retaining power to foster the needed development in our various communities.
We must move from house to house and preach the good works of the NPP and let the electorate appreciate the numerous projects and policies implemented for their benefit in the face of the needless propaganda by our opponents”, he advised them.
Receiving the items, the Regional Chairman, Bukari Baba, supported by his Secretary, David Boakye and some parliamentary candidates and party members, thanked the Techiman South MP for this gesture and pledged to put it to good use to secure victory for the party.
The Minister for Information, Fatimatu Abubakar, has reaffirmed the Government’s commitment to improving access to information, especially in underserved communities.
She made the remarks after the just ended two-day Global Conference of International Day for Universal Access to Information (IDUAI) in Accra.
The event brought together policymakers, civil society and stakeholders to discuss the crucial role of information in governance and sustainable development.
Abubakar Abubakar praised the collaborative efforts and discussions that characterised the two-day event, emphasising the importance of free access to information, as a cornerstone for transparency and social accountability.
“Our discussions have not only addressed the complexities of mainstreaming access to information within the public sector, but have also challenged us to consider how information can be a driver of sustainable development, transparency and social accountability”, the Minister remarked.
She explained that access to information goes beyond being a fundamental right, it is also a powerful tool that can drive societal development, enhance governance and empower citizens.
The Information Minister commended the Online Records Management System (ORMS), as a step forward, in ensuring that access to information is more efficient and widespread across the country.
“Together, we have laid the foundation for a future where information flows freely, empowering citizens and enhancing governance,” she said.
Fatimatu Abubakar expressed her gratitude to UNESCO, the Right to Information Commission, Civil Society groups, media partners and everyone who made the conference a success. She also acknowledged their unwavering commitment to promoting open governance through information access.
The Minister urged all participants to remain committed to fostering transparency and inclusivity in governance.
“Let us always remember that information is the lifeblood of democracy, the bridge between governments and the governed,” she stated.
The 2024 IDUAI has solidified Ghana’s ongoing efforts to strengthen the free flow of information, further positioning it as a key driver in promoting democratic governance and sustainable development.
The Ghana Water Company (GWC) says the Sekyere Hemang Water Treatment, which supplies potable water to Cape Coast and its environs, is currently recording an average turbidity of 9,000 NTU, as compared to the previous average turbidity of 14,000 NTU.
A statement released by the company yesterday, said the feat had been achieved through the effort of the Central Regional Security Council, led by the Mrs Justina Marigold Assan, the regional minister.
The following is the full statement;
The Management of Ghana Water Limited (Central Region) wishes to update all its cherished Customers within Cape Coast, Elmina and surrounding communities about the current water supply situation in these communities.
The Sekyere Hemang Water Treatment is currently recording an average turbidity of 9,000 NTU as compared to the previous average turbidity of 14,000 NTU through the effort of the Central Regional Security Council led by the Minister, Mrs. Justina Marigold Assan.
As a result of this, production at the plant has now increased from 1,981,290 Gallons/Day to 2,773,807Gallons/Day.
We wish to assure our cherished customers within Cape Coast, Elmina and surrounding communities that every effort is being made to supply adequate water to meet their demand.
Effort is being made by the Central Regional Security Council to help improve the raw water source quality.
We hope to update the public periodically of any changes to the raw water quality which will significantly affect water supply. We also wish to appreciate the assistance and prompt support received from our Regional Security Council under the leadership of the Regional Minister in improving water supply in the Region.
All customers are kindly advised to use drinking water wisely. Ghana Water Limited is always at your service.
Judge Samuel Bright Acquah, presiding over the Circuit Court in Accra, has sentenced a 37-year-old Vulcanizer, Alfred Boateng, to a total of 25 years in prison. The convict pleaded not guilty to unlawful entry and robbery, but he received a 10-year sentence for the former and 15 years for the latter, after the full trial.
The court issued its judgment yesterday and ordered that the sentences run concurrently.
Prosecutor Chief Inspector Ramatha Asuma, prosecuting the case, said the complainant, Hannah Owusu, is a mobile money vendor, while the accused, Alfred Boateng, is a Vulcanizer. Both reside at Chorkor, a coastal suburb of Accra.
The complainant operates a mobile money shop at Mamprobi Bamboi.
On September 30, 2024 around 10:00 am, while she was in her shop, the accused approached her and requested her mobile money number to receive funds from someone.
The complainant refused and suggested that the sender should cash out through her phone, allowing her to withdraw the money for him.
The convict refused the suggestion and while the complainant was in the inner room of the shop, Alfred Boateng, armed with a knife, rushed on her and threatened to stab her.
He then attempted to strangle her and in the middle of the struggle, the convict managed to take GH¢20,725.00 from under the counter and ran away with it.
The complainant then courageously chased him, whilst shouting “thief, thief.”
This prompted others to join in the pursuit to apprehend the accused. As he fled, he threw away some of the stolen money to distract those running after him, but some ignored it and continued to pursue him. Ultimately he was arrested and GH¢13,800 was recovered from him.
The mob then attacked the convict and beat him mercilessly. The convict was taken to Mamprobi hospital, where he was treated and discharged.
CCTV footage from the shop captured the convict during the incident. He later admitted to the offense in his caution statement to the police. Following the investigation, he was charged with the offenses.
Eric Seddy Kutortse, Executive Chairman of First Sky Group, has called on local professionals to spearhead the future of Ghana’s energy sector. He emphasized that the country possesses the necessary local expertise to manage both current and upcoming energy projects, which are crucial for economic growth.
During a recent inspection of a 50MW solar photovoltaic power station under construction in Yendi, Kutortse highlighted the importance of utilizing Ghana’s natural resources—such as sun, wind, and water—to ensure energy security and decrease dependence on imports. This inspection, held on September 30, 2024, was attended by a delegation from the Parliamentary Committee on Energy, including its Chair, Hon. Owuraku Aidoo, and other notable officials.
The project, executed by First Sky Limited, a member of First Sky Group, is the largest fully Ghanaian-owned renewable energy initiative to date, covering approximately 140 acres. Kutortse noted that this landmark project not only signifies a major investment, but also positions Ghana as a leader in the global shift towards renewable energy. He stated that all experts involved in the project are Ghanaians, further underscoring its local ownership.
The Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Bui Power Authority, Samuel Kofi Dzamesi, praised First Sky Group for this significant achievement, marking it as the first solar plant built by a Ghanaian company, in contrast to previous projects typically undertaken by foreign entities. He explained that First Sky is responsible for the engineering, procurement, and financing of the initiative, which will provide power for sale while repaying the financing over eight years.
Owuraku Aidoo, Chair of the Parliamentary Committee on Energy, confirmed that the Yendi project aligns with the government’s goal of achieving 10% of its energy mix from renewable sources.
Deputy Chief of Staff, Emmanuel Adumua-Bossman, expressed satisfaction with the project’s progress, highlighting the warranty on the solar panels, ensuring their performance over the next twenty-five years.
Board Chair of Bui Power Authority, Kwesi Ameyaw-Cheremeh, also commended First Sky’s accomplishments, asserting that it reflects the potential of indigenous companies to contribute significantly to the nation’s development.
First Sky Limited plans to complete the project in two phases, with 20MW expected by October 2024 and the remaining 30MW by the end of the year. This initiative is a vital step toward enhancing Ghana’s energy security and advancing the country’s energy transition agenda.
Prior to the inspection, the delegation paid a courtesy visit to Yaa Naa, the King of the Dagbon Kingdom, for his blessing on the project.
The Chartered Institute of Marketing, Ghana (CIMG) has unveiled its third Ghana Customer Satisfaction Index (CSI) Report for the banking sector.
The event was attended by high-profile individuals in the financial sector, including the Chief Executive Officer of the Chartered Institute of Bankers, Mr. Robert Dzato and Dr. Kwasi Osei-Yeboah, Head of the Financial Stability Department at the Bank of Ghana.
In his welcome address, the National President of CIMG, Dr. D. Kasser Tee, highlighted the significance of the report, which reflects the sentiments, trust and expectations of Ghanaian customers.
“This report is more than just a study of the state of service quality in banking. It reflects the voices, sentiments, and trust of Ghanaians whose lives are impacted by the services offered by banks,” Dr Tee emphasized.
Dr Tee acknowledged the tremendous changes within the banking sector, including regulatory reforms and digital transformation, but stressed that customer satisfaction remained the constant priority.
“One thing has remained and will continue to remain constant – customer satisfaction, which is often derived from service quality, among other drivers.”
The 2023 CSI report, compiled by the CIMG-Ghana Association of Banks (GAB) Technical Committee, focused on three essential constructs: service quality, customer satisfaction and customer loyalty.
Dr Tee underlined that service quality should be taken seriously by service providers. He urged regulatory bodies to ensure banks meet minimum service standards, adding that poor service quality should not be tolerated.
“It is just not acceptable for service providers to be in the 1-star or 2-star category for service quality. This is because service quality is today considered a rights issue, where there is legislation governing it for some industries,” he stated.
Dr Tee also highlighted the report’s strategic importance for the banking sector, offering valuable insights into the evolving needs of customers and providing banks with a benchmark for assessing and improving their performance.
He noted, “The true value of this study lies in the benefits it brings to banks and customers. The report provides valuable insights that can help guide the strategic direction of banks, enabling them to better serve their customers and foster stronger relationships based on trust, transparency, and satisfaction.”
He expressed gratitude to the participating banks, the research team, and especially the customers who contributed their feedback.
“We are eternally grateful to the Ghana Association of Banks for agreeing for their members to open themselves for scrutiny. This is ample evidence that banks in Ghana do not believe in mediocrity,” he remarked.
During the event, several banks were recognized for their exceptional performance in delivering customer satisfaction.
Dr Tee stressed the importance of celebrating these achievements, noting that it would inspire other institutions to prioritise customer-centric approaches. “Celebrating these achievements not only inspires other institutions to follow suit, but also emphasizes the importance of a customer-centric approach to banking,” he said.
As Ghana enters its annual Customer Service Week, Dr Tee encouraged banks to use the findings of the report to improve their services and performance. He also acknowledged the media’s role in spreading vital information to the public, stating, “It is my hope that this report will serve as a catalyst for positive change in the banking industry of Ghana.”
The NPP Council of Elders in a crisis meeting with party executives
The Sekyere Afram Plains parliamentary seat is now the target of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) in the December elections.
The party has been making frantic efforts to annex the seat the seat that had been occupied by the opposition NDC for the past 16 years.
The NPP has resolved to redeem the 156 votes deficit it suffered in the 2020 elections.
In 2016, Alex Adomako-Mensah of the NDC beat Joseph Owusu with 5,644 votes (60.85%) against 3,549 votes (38.26%).
Attempts by NPP to make amends and capture the seat in the 2020 election were not good enough, as the NDC retained the seat by beating the NPP candidate, Joseph Gyamfi Owusu by 156 votes, having improved upon the 2016 votes by 49.29% (7,923) against NDC‘s 8,079 votes (50.49%).
With this background, the NPP is now poised to prop up its candidate, George Akom, to outwit his NDC counterpart, Hajia Naziru Afrah.
The Ashanti Regional NPP Council of Elders on Wednesday engaged members of the Constituency Council of Elders, party executives and polling station executives in a crisis meeting to prioritise their goals.
Led by the Regional chairperson, Mrs. Rosemond Appiah-Menka, a 10-member delegation of the Regional Council of Elders has charged all stakeholders, party activists and functionaries, including parliamentary candidate Akom, the District Chief Executive Sulemana Hamidu and Constituency Chairman, Zakaria Rufai, to intensify campaign and leave no stone unturned in the party’s bid to take over the parliamentary seat.
They were admonished to bury their differences and move to the nook and cranny of all the 106 communities of the constituency dominated by settler farmers of various ethnic extractions particularly at Issahkuraa, Abenoa, Dawiakrom and Mempekasa.
The set target is for the activists to work in unity to defend the ideals of the party in order to annex the seat.
The Council of Elders has also charged all members of the campaign team to up their communication skills and tout the achievements of the party in the constituency to attract voters and ensure that they vote in their numbers.
Members of the delegation of the Ashanti NPP Council of Elders to Drobonso last Wednesday to assess the party’s strengths and challenges ahead of the December elections included
Dr. Moussa Jabir Kebir, Vice chairman; Victor Owusu Jnr. (Secretary), Nana Adu Gyamfi, Kofi Frimpong (former MP, Kwabre East), Nana Kwadwo Boateng; F.F. Anto, former NPP Regional chairman and former First National Vice Chairman; Nana Wiafe Ababio, Board chairman of the National Ambulance Service; Madam Mary Duodu, Regional School Feeding Coordinator, Madam Serwaa Derchie, first Ashanti Regional Women’s Organiser and former MCE for Ejisu.
Augustus Andrews Nana Kwasi, Ashanti Regional Chairman of the NDC
Mr. Augustus Andrews Nana Kwasi, the Ashanti Regional Chairman of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) has re-affirmed the party’s readiness and determination to snatch the Ahafo Ano South West Constituency seat in the Ashanti region from the New Patriotic Party (NPP) for the first time, since 1996.
The Ashanti Regional Chairman urged the constituents to vote massively for Mr. Sadick Abubakar, the NDC Parliamentary Candidate and John Dramani Mahama as President, in the upcoming December 7 general elections to ensure development.
According to him, since 1996 the NPP has occupied the Parliamentary seat, yet the constituency has not seen any tangible projects and programmes to improve the standard of living of the constituents.
Nana Akwasi, who was speaking at a mini rally at Baaniekrom during a two-day campaign tour of the constituency, said the NDC was fully prepared and ready to make history in the Ahafo Ano South West Constituency, by winning the Parliamentary and Presidential elections in the constituency for the first time since 1996.
Mr. Sadick Abubakar, the NDC Parliamentary Candidate for Ahafo Ano South West constituency, also reiterated that the NDC was the only party that could help promote development and create jobs for the youth in the constituency, and urged all to vote massively for the party in the upcoming elections.
Mr. Abubakar added that the NDC was ready to transform the economic fortunes of the constituents through massive developmental projects and jobs for the youth.
He bemoaned the pathetic state of the constituency and how development had eluded the constituents since 1996, and appealed to them to vote for him as their Member of Parliament for the constituency and John Dramani Mahama as President in the December 7 general elections.
The Ghana Tertiary Education Commission (GTEC) has issued a stern warning to all tertiary institutions operating in the country that continue to run accredited programmes at unaccredited centres will have its accreditation for those programmes revoked. This move comes as a direct response to the rising number of unaccredited centres being used by some of the country’s most respected universities, threatening the quality and integrity of higher education in Ghana.
Professor Abdulai Jinapor, Director-General of GTEC, explained that accredited programmes are institution-specific. These programmes, by law, are designed to be taught within approved environments, ensuring that they meet regulatory standards and provide quality education to students.
Therefore, any deviation from this model by running these programmes in unaccredited centres undermines the entire tertiary education system. The message from GTEC is clear, institutions that fail to comply will face serious consequences, including the revocation of their accreditation.This move is a crucial step toward restoring order and maintaining the integrity of Ghana’s higher education system. The existence of unaccredited centres poses a real threat to the value of tertiary education. When programmes are taught in substandard environments, the quality of the education students receive suffers.
Currently, GTEC has directed three major public universities to stop enrolling fresh students at 160 satellite centres that have been identified as unaccredited. These universities include; the University of Cape Coast (UCC), University for Development Studies (UDS) and University of Education, Winneba (UEW). The problem is particularly widespread at UCC, which has the highest number of unapproved centres at 91, followed by UEW with 48 centres and UDS with 21.
The challenge posed by these unaccredited centres is not just about the physical infrastructure, but also about academic integrity. It has come to light that some of these centres are admitting students who do not meet the minimum qualifications, especially under the guise of mature student admissions.
While the country’s education system makes provisions for mature students thus those with relevant work experience who may not possess standard academic qualifications; some institutions have exploited this pathway to admit individuals with no formal qualifications at all.
This distorts the purpose of the mature student admission policy, diluting the quality of students enrolled in these programmes and undermining the standards of tertiary education.
In response to this alarming trend, GTEC has moved quickly to impose stronger regulations. A memorandum of understanding (MoU) has been signed with six universities, such as Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST), University of Ghana (UG), University of Media, Arts and Communication (UniMAC), UCC, UEW and GIMPA.
The MoU specifically prohibits these institutions from using rented premises for their programmes, a practice that has contributed to the unchecked spread of unaccredited centres.
As part of the agreement, these universities will not be allowed to admit new students into these centres for the 2024/2025 academic year, and GTEC will conduct an audit to ensure that all enrolled students meet the necessary qualifications.
The growing number of unaccredited centres in recent years has created a dangerous precedent, one that threatens to dilute the value of higher education in the country.
It is important for all stakeholders in the education sector to take heed of GTEC’s directive. Universities must prioritize quality over convenience, ensuring that every programme they offer is delivered in an environment that supports academic excellence.
The National Petroleum Authority (NPA) is confident in its ability to help the government achieve its goal of converting 50% of Ghanaians to the use of gas for cooking by 2030, according to Dr. Joseph Wilson, Director of Research, Monitoring, and Evaluation at the NPA.
Dr. Wilson explained that this effort aligns with Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 7, which aims for universal access to affordable, reliable, and modern energy services by 2030. He noted that the Cylinder Recirculation Model (CRM) is a critical part of this strategy.
Speaking at a sensitisation program in the Western Region, Dr. Wilson, who represented the NPA’s CEO, Dr. Mustapha Abdul-Hamid emphasised the importance of shifting from traditional fuels like firewood and charcoal to liquefied petroleum gas (LPG).
This shift, he noted, would not only improve public health but also contribute to environmental preservation.
The CRM involves the centralised refilling and distribution of LPG cylinders, replacing the traditional method where individuals refill their own cylinders at fuel stations.
Under this model, pre-filled LPG cylinders are distributed to various parts of the country, offering a safer, more efficient and convenient way to access gas.
Gas Cylinders ready to be filled at a gas station
Dr. Wilson stressed that to ensure the success of the CRM, the NPA is working with the Ministry of Finance and other stakeholders to guarantee the availability, accessibility and affordability of LPG.
One major advantage of CRM is its potential to reduce deforestation and land degradation caused by the widespread use of firewood and charcoal in rural areas.
The shift to LPG would help preserve the country’s forest cover and lower greenhouse gas emissions, contributing to the global fight against climate change.
Dr. Wilson also highlighted the severe health risks associated with the use of biomass for cooking.
The burning of firewood and charcoal releases are harmful pollutants, such as carbon monoxide and particulate matter, which can cause respiratory diseases. Women and children, who are typically more exposed due to their role in household cooking, are particularly vulnerable. By expanding access to LPG through the CRM, indoor air pollution would be significantly reduced, improving public health in rural communities.
Additionally, the CRM would promote the safer handling of LPG, reducing accidents related to improper refilling and transportation of cylinders.
Dr. Wilson urged the public to support the transition to LPG by spreading awareness among friends and family. He reiterated that the switch to gas would not only safeguard the environment but also protect the health of loved ones.
The sensitiation program, held in Takoradi, was attended by a wide range of stakeholders, including nurses, students from Takoradi Technical University and Holy Child School, members of the Wives of Officers Association and various other groups.
Representatives from the Western Regional Fire Service also demonstrated safe practices for using LPG in the kitchen, emphasizing the dos and don’ts to prevent accidents.
Earlier in the program, a supervisor with the Gas Directorate at the NPA, Mr Johnson Gbagbo, took the audience through the CRM value chain from the bottling plants through the exchange points to the consumer. The Ghana National Fire Service, a critical ally to the NPA in the sensitisation of the public on the safer use of LPG, took the audience through basic drills on how to handle LGP at home, as source of fuel for cooking.
The Western regional Manager of the NPA, Madam Sandra Aido gave the welcome address
The Head of Consumer Services department of the Corporate Affairs department, Madam Budu Nyarko, under whose auspices the program was organised by Head of Communication, Sandra Aido and Mohammed Abdul-Kudus respectfully.
