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NPP outlines protocols for January 27 primaries

By
SEBASTIAN R. FREIKU
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NPP

The New Patriotic party (NPP) has outlined protocols governing the conduct of the January 27, 2024 primaries to ensure that they are conducted in transparent, free and fair atmosphere.

Justin Frimpong-Kodua, the General Secretary, explained at a press conference in Kumasi yesterday that, the protocols have been formulated to ensure the integrity of the exercise in the 108 constituencies.

He said each constituency would be allotted one voting centre, except advised otherwise by the Electoral Commission (EC) that  will supervise the conduct of the primaries to ensure a free, fair and transparent elections, which are to start at 7am and end at 2pm on the voting day.

The General Secretary warned that no other individual shall  not  act  to the  detriment of the mandate of the EC and that all security activities  are entrusted  in the hands of the Ghana Police Service, who will ensure that only delegates duly identified have access to the voting parameter, where voting is held in the open.

“There will be no congregation on voting day and no campaigning and camping of delegates”, the scribe warned, and stressed that ‘T’ shirts and caps of contestants are banned, and all delegates are bound to leave the arena after voting.

He also stressed that machomen are not permitted at the parameter and those who dare come there would  be arrested in the same manner as those who take pictures of the ballot, because it is deemed a criminal act besides nullifying such ballots.

Frimpong-Kodua also stressed that vote buying is criminal and those found to indulge in it would be sanctioned.

Editorial: Gov’t should consider water transport for Accra

By
THE CHRONICLE
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Editorial

Myjoyonline.com reported recently that the government has requested the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) to liaise with the two power distribution companies to transfer Value Added Tax (VAT) generated from consumers who have exceeded their lifeline power consumption.

The website, quoting from a release issued by the Finance Ministry said the sector Minister, Ken Ofori-Atta, had directed that the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG) and the Northern Electricity Distribution Company (NEDCO) work with GRA to implement VAT on households that have consumed power above the maximum consumption level specified for block charges for lifeline unit, effective January 1, 2024.

“The Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG) and the Northern Electricity Distribution Company (NEDCO) are, hereby, requested to liaise with the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) to ensure that the implementation of VAT for residential customers of electricity above the maximum consumption level specified for block charges for lifeline units takes effect on January 1, 2024 in line with Section 35 and 37 and the First Schedule (9) of Act 870,” Ofori-Atta was quoted as saying.

From the above statement, it is clear that the government is seeking to raise more revenue for national development. It is, however, important to note that revenue mobilisation goes in tandem with productivity. Unfortunately, the unbearable traffic situation, especially in our national capital, Accra, appears to be affecting our overall productivity, but as a nation, we have not taken notice of that.

The government cannot derive maximum taxes from the people if their productivity levels are low. It is an undeniable fact that it takes long hours for government and private sector workers to reach their places of work, especially during the morning rush hours.

Europe, America and China, which have been helping to sustain our economy through various grants and loans, noticed years ago that without productivity, the income will not be there for the people to pay their taxes. They, therefore, decided to construct both surface and underground rail lines to ensure fast movement of the citizens.

Unfortunately, Ghana as a country, has not got the resources to construct intra city rail lines, let alone that of underground. This does not, however, mean that we should give up – a solution must definitely be found to the problem – to make transportation easy for the urban dwellers who contribute the bulk of our Gross Domestic Products (GDP).

In our opinion, water transport can relatively be cheaper and affordable by the government, if she is desirous in investing in it. In Accra for instance, majority of the workers are staying at the outskirts of the national capital and commute from there to the centre of the city every day.

The Chronicle, therefore, suggests that government should look for funds to construct small landing bays along the coast of Accra – from Tema to Gomoa Fetteh.

When this is done, the government can invite investors to invest in the acquisition of small boats to ferry workers from Kasoa and its surrounding towns, and that of Tema enclave to Accra. When this project is successfully executed, all what the commuters needed to do is to take a taxi or trotro to the beach and join the boat to ferry them to Accra Central.

We must insist that that this should be a private led initiative; with the only role of the government to construct the landing bays along the coast for these boats to offload and take on new passengers to the various destinations. The successful implementation of the project will also ease traffic on the Accra-Tema and Kasoa roads.

Accra is gradually becoming a city-state and if proper measures are not put in place, productivity will nose-dive and this will have serious repercussions on our national economy.

Digitising The Application For Inter-Regional Transfers In GES: A Pressing Necessity

By
admin
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0
Opinion

The world we live in today has become increasingly reliant on technology. It has permeated nearly every aspect of our lives, and the clamour for comprehensive digitization across all sectors of the economy has grown louder than ever. The education sector is not immune to this wave of digital transformation.

Indeed, the Ghana Education Service (GES), a pivotal organ within the education system, has numerous areas crying out for immediate digital overhaul. A prime example of such an area is the transfer application process within the service, particularly inter-regional transfers.

The Current State of Affairs and Urgent Need for Transformation

It is an undeniable truth that the existing transfer application process in the GES is laborious and convoluted. This is primarily due to the paper-based nature of the procedure, which makes it extremely time-consuming.

As a result, applications often suffer from lengthy delays, which can cause significant inconvenience and frustration for teachers and other stakeholders within the service. Moreover, the process is particularly taxing for individuals who need to relocate from one region to another.

The Rationale for the Digitization

Digitization of the transfer application process would greatly alleviate the burdensome procedures currently in place. It would also instil a high level of transparency, and significantly enhance overall efficiency within the GES.

Moreover, a digital platform for transfer applications would afford GES staff the ability to submit their requests conveniently from anywhere, and to track the status of their applications effortlessly. This would dramatically reduce the time taken and risk associated with processing these applications.

Furthermore, the digitization of documents would not only conserve substantial physical storage space and resources, but it would also be more environmentally friendly. A digital system could also be designed to incorporate data analytics.

This would facilitate insightful decision-making based on real-time data, and enable identification of trends and patterns that could be used to improve the service’s operations.

Potential Hurdles in the Implementation

While the benefits of digital transformation are evident, the journey towards such transformation is not without its obstacles. One of the primary concerns that arise with digitalization is the safeguarding of data. On a digital platform, sensitive and confidential information is often at risk, and robust security measures need to be in place to ensure its protection.

Another significant challenge is the issue of internet connectivity. While urban areas may have reliable internet access, the same may not be the case for rural or remote locations. This could potentially exacerbate the digital divide and further marginalize those in less accessible regions.

Additionally, the transition towards digitalization would necessitate a certain degree of digital literacy. This level of literacy may not be prevalent among all GES staff members, which could complicate the transition to a digital platform and potentially lead to resistance from staff.

Suggested Strategies for Effective Implementation

To circumvent these challenges, it is crucial to adopt a strategic and well-planned approach. First and foremost, the implementation of robust data security measures should be prioritized. These measures could include firewalls, encryption, and regular audits, which would ensure the protection of sensitive data and maintain the integrity of the system.

Investing in a secure and robust technological infrastructure is also vital to support the digital platform. This includes dependable servers, secure firewalls, and an efficient backup system to ensure data safety. A phased implementation approach could also be considered, where the digital platform is introduced gradually, allowing staff to adjust to the new system over time.

Lastly, comprehensive and systematic training programs should be rolled out to enhance the digital literacy of GES staff. This would not only facilitate a smoother transition but would also equip the staff with the necessary skills to effectively use digital tools.

Conclusion

The call for the digitization of transfer application processes within the GES is not a mere desirable improvement; it is a critical necessity. The challenges associated with implementing a digital platform are significant, but the benefits that such a transition would bring far outweigh these challenges.

Besides, digital transformation would streamline processes, promote transparency, and suggestively enhance overall efficiency. As we navigate through this era of digital revolution, it is paramount that we harness the power of technology to enhance the generic effectiveness of operations within the service.

By WISDOM KOUDJO KLU,

(wisdomklu@gmail.com)

Ahanta Royal family invites the gods to intervene in Busua stool bruhaha

By
KWESI ALFRED ADAMS
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The royal Baidoo Bonsoe family carrying out the ritual exercise

A ritual has been carried out by the family of Baidoo Bonsoe XV, late Omanhene of Ahanta, in the Ahanta West Municipal of the region, at a short ceremony in Busua, the traditional seat of the stool.

Led by Ebusuapayin (Head of Family) Bolo Kwaw, Kwesi Bediako, together with the entire royal family invoked the wrath of Ahanta gods at the palace shrine.

They poured libation and slaughtered ram by way of invoking the wrath of the gods to deal with anyone, either a family member, chief or any other person who betrays the stool for money, given the misunderstanding that has surrounded the stool, most particularly over the selection of acting president.

Addressing the media, Ebusuapayin Kwesi Bediako explained that because of the misunderstanding that has surrounded the stool, especially over the appointment of an Acting President, it was significant to invite the gods and also to invoke its wrath to punish anyone who is betraying the stool.

That aside, anyone who is betraying the stool by way of throwing custom and tradition to the dogs, over the selection of the acting president and who is to be enstooled, would be punished by the gods.

Ebusuapayin Bolo Kwaw explained to the media that the royal family has not enstooled any other person as Overlord, given that Otumfuo Baidoo Bonsoe was still the Omanhene.

For this reason, he advised the media to desist from giving coverage to anyone who carries and parades himself as Overlord of Ahanta.

Ghana Gas renovates Provost Detachment for Tommy Barracks

By
KWESI ALFRED ADAMS
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Commissioning of the Tommy Barracks renovated projects

Ghana National Gas has handed over a renovated 2 Provost Detachment, Office and Staff accommodation for the Tommy Barracks in Takoradi, at a cost of GHC1.2milion.The structure has not seen significant renovation since its construction in 1962.

The dilapidated facility was originally owned by the Ghana Navy, but was later allocated to the 2 Provost Detachment.

Capt. Monica Yiribokeya, Commander of the Tommy Barracks, in a welcome address at the commissioning, indicated that with support from dedicated personnel and generous contributions from various companies, “we have successfully transformed this dream into reality”.

According to her, the 2 Provost Detachment is now one of the well-established detachments within Ghana Armed Forces.

Paying tribute to several organisations for their contributions, she said Ghana Gas went above and beyond by renovating the remaining areas of the office and creating new accommodation for the Detachment Warrant Officer.

With the completion of the Detachment office and accommodation, Capt. Monica Yiribokeya further indicated: “We have been able to create a conducive working environment by acquiring the necessary equipment.

The renovated Guard room of Tommy barracks

She pointed out that, “Today, we are witnessing the remarkable outcome of a dedicated detachment that has supported this transformative endeavour”.

Commodore Emanuel AyensuKwafo, 2 Garrison Commander, pointed out that the commissioning  of the facility would surely be a memorable occasion because it is a working milestone in the history of the Garrison and that it would go a long way to improve the situation. Acknowledging the contractor, Commodore AyensuKwafo said the project would surely make the detachment run effectively.

He, however, cautioned personnel at the barracks that the Army expected high standard of professionalism and upkeep of the facility as they work in the block. “Cooperate and discharge your profession and desist from doing anything that willspoilthe name of the Force”.

Thanking Ghana Gas and the other partners, Commodore Kwafo made it clear that any assistance given to the Military was a direct assistance to the state because the Military belongs to the state.

On his part, Mr. Stephen Donkor, Senior Officer, Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) of Ghana Gas, pointed out that security was key in development of the country and given that, Ghana Gas work with the security in protecting its plant, it was important to come on board in renovating the barracks.

For this reason, Ghana Gas decided to renovate the offices, accommodation for Commander and the Guard room amongst others.

Ghana Ports and Harbours Authority (GPHA) and Volta River Authority (VRA) also contributed to the redevelopment of the facility.

Senate will summon Wike over kidnapping epidemic –Kingibe

By
admin
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FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike

The Senator Representing the Federal Capital Territory, IretiKingibe, said the Senate will summon the Minister of FCT, Nyesom Wike, over the rising rate of insecurity in Abuja.

There has been an increase in cases of abduction in Abuja lately.

Kingibe, while appearing on Channels TV’s Politics Today on Sunday disclosed that the Senate will summon Wike and heads of security agencies over the spike in crimes in the nation’s capital.

She said, “When the Senate resumes, I plan that the (Senate) FCT committee specifically needs to sit with the two ministers and the security agencies for them to give us their plans concerning security.

“It is not that I am hoping. I know he will be summoned. But whether he responds or not is a different matter entirely. But as the chief security officer of the FCT, he should have a plan.

“He should be able to tell us, the committee, and specifically me, that this is the plan for protecting the people of the FCT. Between him, the police commissioner, and the head of the DSS, they must have a plan.”

Kingibe who commended the security agencies, added that a lot needs to be done to tackle insecurity in the nation’s capital.

She added, “ I must commend the security agencies for doing something when we started to scream. But the truth is a little bit earlier, I tried to draw their attention and I was told that it was exaggerated and I said it couldn’t be because what I’m telling them, I did not get from social media. I got it from my constituents. But I’m glad that everybody, we are now all seem to be on the same page.

Credit: punchng.com

Ogun woman arrested for throwing five-month-old daughter into river

By
admin
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0
Map of Ogun State

The Ogun State Police Command on Monday said that its operatives on Sunday arrested 30-year-old Olubunmi Ajayi for attempting to drown her five-month-old baby, Imole Anifowose, in RSS River, Sagamu.

One Olusola Sonaya, who was around the river, was said to have assisted in rescuing the baby after her mother threw her into the water.

This was according to a statement from the spokesperson for the state police command, SP Omolola Odutola, sent to journalists on Monday.

The baby was said to have been rushed to the Olabisi Onabanjo University Teaching Hospital, Sagamu for medical attention.

She is reported to have been in a stable condition at the time of filing this report.

The statement partly read, “A five months old baby, one Imole Anifowose, is now in stable condition after one Olusola Sonaya “m” of RSS River Sagamu, averted a premeditated drowning by the mother.

“Following an attempted murder case which occured on the 21st of January 2024 at about 1730hrs that one Oluwabunmi Ajayi “f” aged 30years was sighted by a humanitarian who saw the suspect dropping her little child into the river.

“The person who saw her dropping the child into the river raced to the river and rescued the baby from drowning.

“The baby was rushed to OOUTH for immediate medical attention, and examination, and was reported to have survived the trauma.

“The mother has been apprehended and currently under observation to ascertain her mental health. Effort has been made to contact relatives or the husband to hand over the baby in the hospital, for appropriate welfare.”

Credit: punchng.com

Govt speaks on reported demolition of buildings in Enugu estate

By
admin
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Peter Mbah, Enugu State Governor

The Enugu State Government has spoken on the reported demolition of some properties in Centenary Estate in Enugu State.

The estate, popularly known as the Centenary City, is located on a large expanse of land belonging to Obeagu Awkunanaw and some families in Amechi Uwani, a neighbouring community in Enugu South Local Government Area of the state.

It was, however, said to have been acquired by an estate developer, Private Estates International West Africa during the administration of a former governor of the state, Sullivan Chime.

A popular Nigerian skit maker, Chibuike Ugwu, otherwise known as Untouchable had, on 19 January in a video clip, raised an alarm that his mansion was on the verge of being demolished by the state’s urban development agency, the Enugu Capital Territory Development Authority.

In the five-minute clip which has gone viral on social media, Mr Ugwu appealed to Nigerians to help him prevail on Governor Peter Mbah of Enugu State not to demolish his property.

The skit maker said he was not involved in any fraud and that he built the property through his hard work, adding that he has all the documents to show that the property was approved.

He said he returned from Lagos State, Nigeria’s south-west and observed that his building in the estate had been marked for possible demolition with an instruction to him to remove the structure.

The clip showed that the building was marked for demolition by the Enugu Capital Territory Development Authority on 12 January.

It also showed many other buildings in the estate which were demolished by the agency.

Reacting, The Enugu State Government denied demolishing any building in the estate, saying the originators of the video clip tried to de-market the state for investment.

The State Commissioner for Information, Aka Eze Aka, and the Chairperson of the Enugu Capital Territory Development Authority, Uche Anya, debunked the allegation on Saturday when they conducted reporters around some demolished buildings in the estate, according to the News Agency of Nigeria.

They explained that the affected buildings were demolished because they served as kidnappers’ hideout, stressing that it was yet to demolish any of the unapproved structures in the area.

Credit: premiumtimesng.com

Lagos bans take-away packs, orders clampdown on manufacturers, distributors

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admin
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Takeaway packs

Following its ban on the usage and distribution of Styrofoam and other single-use plastics, the Lagos State government has ordered a clampdown on all production companies and distribution outlets within the state.

This is to prevent further distribution of the banned products.

The state Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab, in a personally signed statement on Sunday, directed the Lagos State Waste Management Authority (LAWMA) and the Kick Against Indiscipline (KAI) to immediately commence the implementation of the ban.

Mr Wahab said most drainage channels in the state were daily clogged by styrofoam through its indiscriminate distribution and usage despite the regular cleaning and evacuation of the drains with humongous state resources.

He reiterated that the larger chunk of littering across major roads and markets, which the LAWMA contends with daily, is made up of styrofoams.

He added that the state could not fold its hands and watch the continued desecration of its environment, especially for a coastal city.

The commissioner explained that the state took the action, relying on several enabling laws and regulations such as the National Environmental (Sanitation and Waste Control) Regulation 2009, which was established pursuant to the NESREA Act that prohibited and specifically banned single-use plastics in the country, but has not been enforced.

According to Mr Wahab, other such laws include the 2017 State Environmental Management and Protection Law, which states under section 56(I) (y): “prevent, stop or discontinue any activity or omission, which is likely to cause harm or has caused harm to human health or the environment.”

He advised producers, distributors, and end-users of styrofoam packs to take the ban seriously and find alternatives, or risk heavy fines and other penalties, including sealing of their premises.

Credit: premiumtimesng.com

Fludor Ghana Limited, ICI partner to tackle child labour in Cocoa Value-Chains

By
BERNICE BESSEY
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0
Business

Fludor Ghana Limited, a Tropical General Investment (TGI) Group company that engages in the internal sourcing, trading and marketing of agricultural commodities in Ghana, has collaborated with the International Cocoa Initiative (ICI) to combat child and forced labour within Ghana’s cocoa supply chain.

The promotion of human rights in cocoa supply chains, particularly child and forced labour, are critical priorities in the sector, with all hands on deck to tackle them, hence the alliance.

ICI’s focus is on ensuring a better future for children and on advancing the elimination of child labour in cocoa-growing communities. They have built a Child Labor Monitoring and Remediation System (CLMRS), which is considered a credible mechanism established to identify, prevent and remediate child labour risks and cases across the cocoa supply chain.

By joining forces with the Swiss-based foundation, Fludor marks a significant milestone in its commitment to safeguard and champion human rights within the Cocoa supply chain in Ghana.

The partnership, which extends to Vink Corporation (UAE) and WACOT Limited (Nigeria), all subsidiaries of TGI Group, clearly demonstrates the Group’s commitment to ethical and responsible business practices.

“We are proud to partner with the International Cocoa Initiative, said Maria Christodoulou, Head of Cocoa Sustainability, Fludor and WACOT Ltd.

“This partnership with the ICI will boost our efforts to tackle child labour and forced labour, the cocoa sector’s most salient human rights issues. We are determined to work closely with ICI’s experts to further advance our human rights due diligence processes and stay at the forefront of best practices and industry developments while further empowering all our stakeholders,” she added.

Matthias Lange, ICI Executive Director, highlighted the impact of the collaboration, stating, “As a Ghana-based licensed buyer with an extensive farmer network and cocoa operations, this partnership with Fludor brings us one step closer to achieving our target to reach all children at risk of child labor. We look forward to supporting their efforts to tackle child labor and learning from their experiences.”

Through the partnership, Fludor and ICI will strive to maintain the highest standards of ethical business conduct in full compliance with the forthcoming European Union’s Mandatory Human Rights Due Diligence (mHRDD) regulations and Forced Labour regulation.

Combining their strengths, they will contribute to a more sustainable and child-protected cocoa industry, where no child is at risk of child labour.

 

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