Home Blog Page 1277

Akufo-Addo Breaks Ground For Adentan-Dodowa Road Dualisation

By
MAXWELL OFORI
-
0
President Akufo-Addo symbolically breaking ground for work to start on the Adentan-Dodowa road

The President, Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, has broken ground for the official commencement of work on the Adentan-Dodowa road dualisation.

The groundbreaking ceremony was done on Thursday, August 8, 2024 at Ashiyie, on the Adenta-Dodowa stretch, where the Ghanaian Contractor, Oswal Investment Limited, has mobilised to site and is working.

According to the Contractor, the project is at 19% completion and set to be ready in 36 months from the commencement of work in March 2024.

President Akufo-Addo giving his address at the ground breaking ceremony of the Adentan-Dodowa road

President Akufo-Ado, in his remarks said the road, which was originally reconstructed in 1998, was a vital inter-regional road that connected the nation’s capital to the Eastern and Volta regions and beyond.

“We are here to cut the sword for the dualisation of the Adentan-Dodowa Road. This vital inter-regional road connects the nation’s capital to the Eastern and Volta regions and beyond,” he said.

He continued that, “For the past 26 years, it has served our nation well, but the time has now come for an upgrade. The dualisation of the Adentan-Dodowa Road is part of government’s comprehensive strategy to enhance the main front roads of the country.”

PROJECT SCOPE

The project scope has been designed to include the dualisation of the 22 km section. There will be the provision of service lanes on both sides of the main carriageways, where required.

There will also be the provision of adequate drainage structures, walkways, laybys along the urbanised sections and street lights.

Also, asphaltic concrete pavement of the binder and wearing course will be provided, as well as installation of necessary traffic control devices and road line markings.

The Contractor told the President that the design will include spaces for possible footbridges when they become necessary in the future, so that “no permanent structures are destroyed.”

BENEFICIARY MMDAs

The project, when completed, will benefit the Adentan, KponeKatamanso and the Shai Osudoku assemblies.

Further, communities like Frafraha, Oyibi, Adentan, Ashiyie, Amrahia, Kpone-Bawaleshie and Dodowa will benefit from the construction of the road.

ACHIEVEMENTS

Reflecting on the achievements from January 2017 to December 2023, President Akufo-Addo highlighted that approximately 12,830 kilometers of roads have been completed nationwide.

This includes 2,055 kilometers of roads and the construction of four interchanges in the Greater Accra Region.

Additionally, three bridges have been constructed in various communities in Tema and Taifa, underscoring the government’s commitment to infrastructure development.

NPP Parliamentary Candidate, Akosua Asaa Manu speaking at the ceremony

Among the notable completed projects are the iconic four-tier Pokuase Interchange, the first of its kind in Ghana and West Africa, and the second in Africa, which included the construction of 12 kilometers of local roads.

Other significant projects include the Tema Motorway Interchange Phase 1, the Obetsebi Lamptey Interchange Phase 1, and the dualisation of various roads, totalling over 50 kilometers.

ONGOING PROJECT

Ongoing projects in the Greater Accra Region are also making substantial progress. The dualisation of the Achimota-Ofankor Road, set to be expanded to a ten-lane facility with four interchanges, is 62% complete.

The Dome-Kitase Road, the Tema-Akosombo Road and the Obetsebi Lamptey Interchange Phase 2 are all advancing steadily.

Additionally, the Flowerpot Interchange across the motorway is 90% complete and the dualisation of the School Junction to Motorway Road is nearing completion at 98%.

President Akufo-Addo also addressed the resumption of projects previously suspended due to the debt restructuring exercise.

These include the construction of the Tema-Aflao Road, the Coastal Road Phase 1 and 2, and several other key infrastructure projects.

The government’s unwavering commitment to completing these projects is evident, aiming to enhance connectivity and address perennial issues such as flooding in specific areas.

GRATITUDE

The Parliamentary Candidate for the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP) for the Adentan constituency, Akosua Asaa Manu, popularly known as Kozie, expressed gratitude to the President for looking with favour on the Adentan-Dodowa road.

She said that the project will contribute to the economic fortunes of the constituency, as there will be free flow of traffic.

However, the NPP Parliamentary Candidate urged residents to cooperate with the Contractor during the construction, admitting that the work will cause several inconveniences, but it will be for a good purpose.

School Feeding Programme Goes Digital Next Month

By
JENNIFER AMBOLLEY
-
0
Ministers and other officials at the media briefing yesterday

The Minister for Gender, Children and Social Protection, Dakoa Newman, has announced that the government has initiated steps to ensure that all the processes involved in the Ghana School Feeding Programme is digitalized.

Minister for Information, Fatimatu Abubakar coordinating the media briefing

The Minister assured the media that the programme will no longer rely on the manual system but will soon launch an Information Management System (IMS) to manage the entire process. She said the system will manage the caterer selection, data collection and the payment modules.

She reiterated that the digitalized system, which seeks to increase efficiency and transparency in the programme’s operations will commence in September 2024-2025 academic years.

“We are moving away from a manual system to an online system, where everything will be done electronically and this will help us to streamline the process, reduce duplication and increase accountability,” she stated.

Madam Dakoa Newman made the announcement at the Ministers’ Press Briefing series in Accra yesterday.

Addressing the media, the minister noted that with the new system, prospective caterers would be required to apply online, pay a fee of GHC200 and create a profile to be considered under the programme.

She said caterers would also have to provide details including health certificates, business operating permit and declare financial capabilities among others.

Madam Newman emphasised that the digital system would provide immediate updates, allowing the Ministry to monitor the progress more effectively.

“It’s going to give us real time update, we will know today the number of caterers who cooked, without having to wait till the end of the term,” she emphasized.

The Minister also announced that the system would be piloted in the New Juaben South and Krachi East districts before it will be rolled out nationwide.

She encouraged caterers to apply online and take advantage of the new system.

“This is a key step towards a paperless society and a greener society, we are excited to launch this new system and improve the efficiency of the Ghana School Feeding Programme,” she said.

The Minister also announced that Parliament passed the Affirmative Action Bill on July 30, 2024. The Minister explained that although the bill had been passed in Parliament, it is yet to reach the President.

“The head of legislation is still tidying up a few things on the Act and once he is done tidying it up, then it can be sent to the President for his ascent.

“So, the final bill you will see is a bit different from the one that is seen on social media, but a lot of the parts and clauses remain the same,” the Minister clarified.

The Act aims at promoting gender equality and women empowerment by addressing the systemic barriers that have hindered women in the Ghanaian society.

She made the announcement during the Minister’s Press Briefing organised by the Ministry of Information in Accra, today.

Dakoa Newman dispelled the misconception about the bill fueling tokenism, stating that Ghanaian women are qualified to hold positions and reminded the public to support its implementation.

She expressed her delight that Ghanaian girls are now opting for STEM Programmes and was optimistic that they would soon qualify to be part of the 50% gender parity target in the Act.

She noted that the Act was progressive and prioritizes equity and not equality.

“If you check the first schedule, it talks about 30% from 2024 to 2026, then a minimum of 35% from 2027 to 2028 and 50% from 2029 to 2030”, She explained.

She added that although the bill spelt out offences such as jail term or penalty unit, her outfit is more interested in advocating for the portion of the bill which has some tax incentives to private organisations who adhere to the Act.

446 Senior & 436 Junior Officers, 85 DSI promoted at GIS

By
MAXWELL OFORI
-
0
Kwame Asuah Takyi (Esq.), Comptroller-General of Immigration

The Ghana Immigration Service (GIS) has promoted 446 of its senior officers to their next ranks.

According to the GIS, the decision was made by the Governing Council during the 26th meeting of the Council, in line with the Immigration Service Regulations, 2016 (L.I.2245) specifically under Regulations 17(5) (b).

The promotion was announced in a statement signed by M. Amoako-Atta, Assistant Commissioner of Immigration and Head of Public Affairs.

Among the promoted Senior Officers, 51 Assistant Commissioners of Immigration (ACI) have been elevated to Deputy Commissioners of Immigration (DCOI) and 17 Chief Superintendents have been promoted to Assistant Commissioners of Immigration.

Additionally, 85 Deputy Superintendents of Immigration (DSI) have advanced to the rank of Superintendent.

The largest groups of promotions include 223 Assistant Superintendents who have been promoted to Deputy Superintendents of Immigration.

DSI

In a similar vein, 85 Deputy Superintendents of Immigration (DSI) have been promoted to

Superintendents. The highest number of Senior Officers promoted were 223 Assistant

Superintendents, who were promoted to the next rank of Deputy Superintendents of Immigration. The statement noted instructively that since the assumption of office of the Comptroller-General of Immigration, no officer has stayed on his or her rank for more than four years.

From 2017 to date, no officer has stayed on his or her rank for more than four years and quite recently seventy (70) eligible Senior Inspectors and Inspectors were promoted to the rank of Assistant Superintendents.

It is also outstanding to note that since 2017, all backlog of promotions has been cleared and gratifying to note that promotions in the GIS are based on eligibility.

In a related development, the Comptroller-General, under Regulations 17 (5) (a) of the Immigration Service Regulations, 2016, (L.I. 2245), has approved the promotion of 436 Junior Officers to their next ranks.

BROADER STRATEGY

The promotions are part of a broader strategy to align the ranks of Department Heads, Regional and Sector Commanders with the positions they hold.

Additionally, the promotions make room for new vacancies following the creation of new Departments, Sectors, Sections, and Units, including 58 Inland checkpoints, a significant increase from the previous six.

The expansion is aimed at enhancing administration, deployment, and operations across the various Commands of the Service.

Since the beginning of these reforms, the GIS has expanded from 14 Sectors to an impressive 89, with 10 Sections being elevated to Departments, bringing the total number of Departments to 19. Several Units have also been upgraded to Sections, reflecting the Service’s commitment to improving operational efficiency.

According to Comptroller-General of Immigration, Kwame Asuah Takyi (Esq.), the Management has prioritized timely promotions to prevent the demoralization that comes with delayed rank advancements. All eligible Officers have been promoted, except those with ongoing disciplinary issues.

The release noted that, since Kwame Asuah Takyi assumed office as Comptroller-General, no officer has remained at the same rank for more than four years.

It said that from 2017 to date, the GIS has cleared all backlogs of promotions, ensuring that all advancements are based strictly on eligibility.

These promotions are expected to enhance command and control, maintain discipline, and boost the morale of Officers as they work towards professional migration management, secure borders, and overall national security.

The GIS said it continues to demonstrate its commitment to the professional growth and welfare of its Officers, ensuring that the Service is well-equipped to meet the challenges of modern migration management and national security.

Queen mother calls for investment into Kente industry

By
RICHARD OWUSU-AKYAW
-
0
The Queen mother for Bonwire , Nana Nyarko Frimpongmaa II, addressing the media

The Queen mother for Bonwire in the Ashanti region, Nana Nyarko Frimpongmaa II, has appealed to the government to construct a thread factory for the kente industry to thrive in Ghana.

She was particular about the exorbitant cost of thread, since it played a major role in the cost of the indigenous fabric.

According to Nyarko Frimpongmaa II, the establishment of the factory will ease the high cost of kente of raw materials used for the production of the colourful clothes.

“The cost of producing kente has gone up, albeit the cost of thread being the leading factor, a challenge which we have notified the government about. I am glad you have asked about this.

“If this is done, the cost of thread will go down for Ghanaians to afford them,because kente represents Ghana. Each and every Ghanaian must own a kente because it symolises your identity as a Ghanaian.”

The Bonwire Queenmother made this assertion during an interview with the media at an Akwasidae celebration.

On the rationale behind the celebration of Akwasidae, Nyarko Frimpongmaa explained that they reflect on the achievements of their forebears.

“We celebrate the Akwasidae in remembrance of our elders and it also serves as a medium to advise the youth on the needs to emulate good lifestyles and, thereby, becoming responsible leaders,” she said.

“It is good that we meet them and share cultural,customs, tradition and history with them. When it comes to the weaving of our native cloth-kente, most people do not know the history behind the cloth.

“They need to come and learn so that in future, they will know their history. It is the obligation of the entire Bonwire community to know the history.”

Additionally, she added that during such festivity, they perform puberty rites for the young girls and this has influenced the lifestyles of the youth, teaching them about the culture and customs of our elders.

Touching on the illicit behaviour among the youth, the traditional leader expressed worry about the attitude of the youth of today, adding that Ghanaian society has been deluged with all manner of irresponsible behavior, undergirded by illicit drugs such as marijuana (wee), tramadol, among others. So occasions such as Akwasidae served as a medium to caution the youth to refrain from unholy attitude.

Nana Nyarko Frimpongmaa II subsequently urged the youth to be wary of the fact that times are hard and that if they attain formal education, they should find a job to do and become responsible adults.

Editorial: Digitalization Of School Feeding Programme Is The Right Way To Go

By
admin
-
0
Editorial

The Minister for Gender, Children and Social Protection, Dakoa Newman, has announced that government has initiated the necessary steps to ensure that all the processes involved in the Ghana School Feeding Programme are digitalized.

The Minister assured the media that the programme will no longer rely on the manual system, but will soon launch an Information Management System to manage the entire process. She said the system will manage the Caterer selection, Data collection and the Payment modules.

She reiterated that the digitalized system, which seeks to increase efficiency and transparency in the program’s operations will commence in the September 2024-2025 academic year. “We are moving away from a manual system to an online system, where everything will be done electronically, this will help us to streamline the process, reduce duplication and increase accountability”, she stated.

Addressing the media, the minister noted that with the new system, prospective Caterers would be required to apply online, pay a fee of GHC200 and create a profile to be considered under the programme. She said Caterers would also have to provide details including Health Certificates, Business Operating Permit and declare financial capabilities among others.

Mad. Newman emphasised that the digital system would provide immediate updates, allowing the Ministry to monitor the progress more effectively. “It’s going to give us real time update, we will know today the number of Caterers who cooked, without having to wait till the end of the term,” she stated. The Minister also announced that the system would be piloted in the New Juaben South and Krachi East districts, before it will be rolled out nationwide.

The Chronicle would like to commend the approach by the Ministry. This shift from a manual to an online system is not just a technological upgrade; it is a necessary transformation that promises to address long-standing issues of inefficiency, corruption and lack of transparency that have plagued the program for years.

The GSFP, since its inception, has played an essential role in improving school enrollment, attendance and nutritional outcomes for children, particularly in underserved communities. However, the program’s reliance on manual processes has often led to delays, inaccuracies and opportunities for malpractices, which in turn have undermined its effectiveness.

The introduction of an Information Management System to manage Caterer selection, data collection and payment processes is a welcome development that could significantly elevate the program’s operational standards.

Madam Newman’s announcement that the new digital system will be launched in the 2024-2025 academic year and will start with pilot projects in New Juaben South and Krachi East districts is a commendable approach. Piloting the system in specific districts will allow the Ministry to identify and address any potential challenges before a nationwide rollout.

This cautious and strategic implementation demonstrates the government’s commitment to ensuring that the system is robust and fully functional before it is introduced on a larger scale.

One of the most promising aspects of this digitalization initiative is to reduce the risk of favoritism and corruption and also ensure that only qualified and capable Caterers are selected, thereby improving the quality of meals provided to schoolchildren.

Moreover, the real-time updates that the system will provide are crucial for effective monitoring and evaluation. The Ministry will no longer have to wait until the end of each term to assess the program’s progress. Instead, immediate data on the number of meals prepared and other key metrics will be available, enabling timely interventions where necessary. This real-time oversight will be instrumental in preventing issues such as misallocation of resources, overpayment or under-delivery of services.

However, while the benefits of digitalization are clear, the success of this initiative will largely depend on its implementation. The transition from a manual to an online system will require significant training and capacity building, especially for caterers who may not be technologically savvy.

The Ministry must ensure that adequate support is provided to all stakeholders to facilitate a smooth transition.

Keeper’s House Chapel Spintex Branch enrolls over 400 unto NHIS

By
admin
-
0

The Helper’s Arena of the Keeper’s House Chapel has registered 420 people onto the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) for free, as part of the church’s fifth anniversary celebration.

It also offered free medical screening and people with high blood pressure and sugar levels were advised to do further checks.

In his remarks, Rev Ebenezer Hamilton, Pastor in charge of the branch, said the gesture was the church’s way of supporting the community beyond spiritual activities.

He expressed the hope that in future the church would be able do more to support the community.

Rev. Hamilton urged Ghanaians not to abandon this year’s elections but go out in their numbers to vote.

He advocated the development of a National Development Plan where all political parties would have to adhere to, and their manifestos should spell out the innovative and creative ways to achieve the Development Plan.

That, he said, would deter political parties from doing what only suits when they come to power.

It would also cure the current phenomenon of abandoning projects by successive governments which resulted in many uncompleted projects scattered across the country.

Rev. Hamilton stressed the need for the people to be each other’s keeper by showing love to their neighbours, even on the roads, to reduce the number of accidents.

He thanked God for His grace and bringing the church thus far.

Scrap dealers threaten to sanction members buying looted properties

By
admin
-
0
Scrap dealers

The Jigawa State branch of the Scrap Dealers Association of Nigeria has issued a stern warning to its members, threatening to expel anyone found guilty of purchasing looted properties.

State Chairman Musa Ibrahim stated that the group emphasized its zero-tolerance policy towards any member involved in illegal activities, particularly those related to the acquisition of stolen goods.

He said the aim is to ensure that scrap dealers operate within the bounds of the law. This move is aimed at curbing the rising trend of buying looted properties in the state following the destruction and looting of properties during the nationwide protests.

The association noted that any member arrested in connection with buying looted properties will be immediately dismissed from the organization.

“We are committed to upholding the highest ethical standards in our operations. We strongly condemn any form of involvement in criminal activities, including the purchase of looted properties. Any member caught and arrested for such offenses will face immediate expulsion from the association,” he said.

The chairman added that the association is collaborating with security agencies to monitor and arrest any suspects.

He further urged members to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities to the appropriate authorities, stressing the importance of maintaining the integrity of their trade.

DAILY POST reported that protesters of “EndBadGovernment” have caused a series of disruptions and looted properties in the state.

Credit: channelstv.com

Bawumia’s gov’t will seek permission of chiefs in mining activities

By
admin
-
0

The New Patriotic Party Vice Presidential Candidate, Dr. Matthew Opoku Prempeh, has assured that if Dr. Bawumia assumes office as President, Chiefs’ permission and involvement will be sought before any mining activities can proceed. This measure, he emphasised, aims to protect livelihoods of local communities.

Dr. Prempeh made this commitment in response to concerns raised by Denkyirahemaa Nana Ama Ayensuwa Saara III, during his visit to the Denkyira Traditional Council in Dunkwa On-Offin, Central Region.

Dr. Prempeh stressed the importance of granting Chiefs a significant role in land use decisions. He underscored the need for locals to have fair access to opportunities in cases where land is designated for mining activities.

He assured that, under Dr. Bawumia’s leadership, the misuse of state power to the detriment of local communities would no longer be tolerated.

Additionally, Dr. Matthew Opoku Prempeh pledged that ongoing road projects in the area would be completed, aligning with the progress seen in some areas.

While acknowledging delays in certain road constructions, he remained optimistic about the timely completion of pending projects within the enclave.

Denkyirahemaa Nana Ama Ayensuwaa Saara III expressed her confidence in Dr. Prempeh, describing him as ‘her blood’ due to family connections with her father.

She offered prayers for his success and that of his superior in advancing Ghana’s development efforts.

 

GRA Urges High School Children To Embrace Tax Education

By
admin
-
0
Customs Officials presenting items to students of Baatsona TWMA JHS

The Ghana Revenue Authority has encouraged high school students to embrace a tax culture as they grow into responsible members of the Ghanaian society.

Chief Revenue Officer Albert Frank Arhin who attended a graduation ceremony at the Baatsona Tema West Municipal Assembly JHS on behalf of the Authority, urged schools to integrate tax education in their curricula.

“There is every reason for schools to integrate tax education into the classroom. Integrating tax education in the curriculum should strive to change the attitudes and can behavior of learners toward taxation, educating children about taxation can demystify the tax system and create renewed interest among the youth as they enter the taxable income markets. Ensuring the continuity of taxpayer education up to the tertiary level also provides important opportunities to educate young adults on tax matters as part of the transition to the work force,” he said.

This comes at a time where the GRA has doubled up on efforts to ensure tax education begins at elementary levels of society to leave a lasting impression of the entire citizenry.

The Authority seeks to eliminate the stigma placed on taxation while helping the citizenry appreciate taxation as one of the strategic pillars for economic growth and the development of society.

The Authority presented 20 pieces of ceiling fans, a set of marching drums and 30 pieces of dual wooden desks as a token support for government’s effort to improve the learning experience of students.

Business Community Embrace Amendment Of Shippers’ Authority Governing Law

By
admin
-
0
Reps of GUTA, AGI, GNCCI, and GITC, among others after meeting with GSA

Key stakeholders within Ghana’s International Business Community have thrown their weight behind the Ghana Shippers’ Authority following the announcement of the amendment of the 50-year-old Shippers Act.

Parliament passed the Ghana Shippers’ Authority Bill, 2024 into law on Monday, July 29, following its successful third reading on the floor of the House.

Among others, the law will regulate commercial activities of shippers, and will primarily address the issue of unfair and excessive charges that burden traders who use Ghana’s sea and air ports, as well as land borders to ply their international trade.

The Deputy Minister of Trade and Industry, Kofi Ahenkorah Marfo, explained that this new law will improve the Ghana Shippers’ Authority biting power in the performance of its mandate.

“Our new act that we passed about three or four days ago, seeks to amend certain portions of the already existing act that takes care of our shipping industry. The Act was passed since 1974, about 50 years ago, and it is important that certain aspects of the law be amended. As we speak, we have had an engagement with these entities who are stakeholders in this shipping industry,” she said.

Following a fruitful closed-door engagement with the Ghana Union of Traders Association, the Ghana National Chamber of Commerce and Industry, and the Association of Ghana Industries, among others, the various representatives gave plaudits to the government and the Shippers Authority and expressed their hope that this will herald a new era where the Authority becomes empowered to better protect their interests.

“We believe it is a welcoming document, a welcoming act to strengthen the business community. To the shipper, it gives us the capacity to engage with our agents in a very equitable manner” the President of the Association of Ghana Industries, Dr. Kwesi Humphrey Ayim-Darke stated.

“This Act is very important for us and we will support it because it can help us have the respite to do our business and also grow. It seeks to empower Ghana Shippers Authority to do just that for us and to make sure that some controls are brought to bear so that they can approve or disapprove some of these charges.

However, we have identified some grey areas in the act, and they have also promised to update the LI to address those issues” the President of the Ghana Union of Traders Association, Dr. Joseph-Obeng expressed.

1...1,2761,2771,278...2,992Page 1,277 of 2,992

EDITOR PICKS

POPULAR POSTS

POPULAR CATEGORY

©
The Ghanaian Chronicle