Home Blog Page 1279

Russia seeks 15-year sentence for US-Russian ballerina

By
admin
-
0
Ms Karelina's lawyer, Mikhail Mushailov

Russian-American ballerina Ksenia Karelina has pleaded guilty to treason charges after she was arrested for donating money to a charity supporting Ukraine.

Russian prosecutors are seeking a 15-year sentence after the security services accused Ms Karelina of collecting money that was used to purchase tactical supplies for the Ukrainian army.

She was detained by authorities in Yekaterinburg, about 1,600km (1,000 miles) east of Moscow after a family visit in February.

The sentence comes one week after Russia and the West carried out the largest prisoner exchange since the Cold War, where 24 people jailed in seven different countries were exchanged.

Ms Karelina’s lawyer said the prosecutors’ request for a 15-year sentence in a penal colony was too severe as the defendant had cooperated with the investigation.

Mikhail Mushailov also said it was “impossible” for Ms Karelina to have been included in the recent prisoner exchange, because an exchange can only happen once the court verdict comes into force.

“After the verdict, of course, we will work in this direction,” Mr Mushailov told reporters on Thursday.

The Los Angeles resident had been living away from Russia for several years and gained American citizenship in 2021.

She travelled to Russia for a family visit back in January, and has since been prevented from returning to her home in Los Angeles.

It has been widely reported that investigators brought the treason charge against her after discovering she had donated around $50 (£39) to Razom, a charity that supports Ukraine.

The charity said it was “appalled” to hear of the amateur ballerina’s arrest.

Credit: bbc.com

Police hunt ex-Catalan separatist leader after shock return from exile

By
admin
-
0
Catalan separatist leader Carles Puigdemont

Police in Barcelona are hunting for the separatist former leader of Catalonia, Carles Puigdemont, who made a dramatic return to Spain after a seven-year exile despite facing an outstanding arrest warrant.

The Mossos d’Esquadra – Catalan police – set up roadblocks within Barcelona and leading out of the city as part of Operation Jaula – or “cage” – aimed at finding Mr Puigdemont, who was seen leaving a rally this morning in a car. The operation was reportedly ended a few hours later.

For much of the past several years he has lived in Brussels, after police indicted him on charges linked to a failed bid for Catalan independence in 2017.

At the time, Catalonia’s pro-independence leaders including Mr Puigdemont organised a referendum – which was ruled illegal by Spain’s constitutional court – and later declared independence for the region. Madrid imposed direct rule on the region shortly after and Mr Puigdemont fled to Belgium.

On Thursday morning, Mr Puigdemont briefly addressed hundreds of supporters who gathered near the Catalan parliament in Barcelona, shortly ahead of the expected investiture of a new head of the Catalan government.

He said he had returned “to remind you that we are still here” and added: “Holding a referendum is not and will never be a crime.”

Mr Puigdemont then disappeared.

Many were expecting him to turn up inside the parliament building in time for the investiture ceremony at 10:00 (08:00 GMT), but he was nowhere to be seen.

A Catalan police officer was detained on suspicion of helping Mr Puigdemont flee, a spokesperson for the Mossos d’Esquadra said.

The officer allegedly owns a car in which Mr Puigdemont escaped after making his address, Spanish media said. Roadblocks have now been set up across the city, a spokesperson for Catalonia’s interior department said in a statement.

Credit: bbc.com

Liverpool face battle to convince £52m Martin Zubimendi

By
admin
-
0
Martin Zubimendi

Liverpool are pushing hard to convince European Championship winner Martin Zubimendi to join the club – but the Reds are fighting against an intense charm offensive from top executives at Real Sociedad.

It emerged on Wednesday that Zubimendi, the 25-year-old defensive midfielder, had been earmarked as a top target for Arne Slot and new sporting director Richard Hughes to improve the No 6 position at Liverpool.

Zubimendi has a release clause of €60million (£51.6m) and, while some close to the Spanish club have admitted they are resigned to losing the player this summer, it is believed he is yet to make a final decision on whether to depart his boyhood team.

Mail Sport understands Real Sociedad manager Imanol Alguacil is leading a drive to persuade Zubimendi to stay put. The boss, who handed Zubimendi his first-team debut in 2019, has held several meetings with the midfielder this week to tempt him away from Liverpool.

Zubimendi rejected Arsenal and Bayern Munich last summer and he is leaning towards leaving more now than ever before. But Imanol and La Real executives have told the player his best option might be to continue in Spain for at least one more year.

Merseyside-based sources have played down any suggestion of confidence but it is fair to say Liverpool are pushing hard.

Credit: dailymail.co.uk

Louisa Atta-Agyemang bemoans re-emergence of Rebellions in Africa

By
admin
-
0

Co-Chairman of the Democrat Union of Africa (DUA), Ghana’s Louisa Atta-Agyemang (Mrs.) says the escalating pattern of toppling democratically elected governments in sub-Saharan Africa shouldn’t be entertained.

Addressing the opening ceremony of the Democrat Union of Africa (DUA Forum 2024), held in Accra on August 8, 2024, she described as intolerable the re-emergence of military Coup d’etats in especially West Africa and called for concerted efforts to stop it.

“Since August 2020, for instance, power has changed hands unconstitutionally six times in five countries: Burkina Faso, Sudan, Guinea, Chad, and Mali. Two other African countries saw thwarted coup attempts in this period, Niger in March 2021 and Guinea-Bissau in January 2022, the latter of which led to the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) deploying a force to the country.”

“Such events underscore the urgent need for us to strengthen our democratic institutions and ensure that they are resilient against such disruptions. Our mission at the Democrat Union of Africa is to advocate for and support democratic governance, uphold the rule of law, and promote political stability across the continent. We must continue to stand firm against any actions that undermine these principles and work collectively to foster environments where democracy can thrive.”

She emphasized the importance of deepening democracy in Africa to address the myriad development deficit that has plagued the continent for decades.

“The theme of this year’s forum, Strengthening Democratic Institutions for Political Stability: Crafting Africa’s Response, resonates deeply with the challenges and opportunities we face today as a continent. As we gather here today, it is essential to reaffirm our collective commitment to the principles that unite us as leaders: transparency, accountability, inclusivity, and the rule of law.

Every leader present at this forum is a firm believer in these core values, which are fundamental to building and sustaining strong democratic institutions. However, as we celebrate our unity and shared values, we must also acknowledge and address the undemocratic happenings on our continent.”

She implored African leaders to create more opportunities that will embolden the youth to zealously safeguard the continent’s development.

“The world is at a crossroads, and this holds particularly true for Africa. We have before us a unique opportunity to write about and determine the future of our people. As we stand at the brink of a new era, it is imperative that we challenge the status quo and boldly pursue a path that creates employment, determines our development strategies, builds stronger healthcare systems, and sheds an unquenchable light for the upcoming generation to follow. The time has come for Africa to redefine its destiny, leveraging our immense resources, diverse cultures, and the undying spirit of our people to forge a future that is shaped by our own hands.”

“For Africa, this is not just an opportunity but a necessity. We must harness our collective strengths to address the pressing challenges that have long hindered our progress. By fostering a culture of democracy, entrepreneurship, investing in education and healthcare, we can build an Africa that stands tall on the global stage. Our mission must be to create a continent where the dreams and aspirations of every African can be realized, where the younger generation can look forward to a future filled with promise and possibility.”

“As we proceed with this forum, we must share best practices and collaborate on strategies to fortify our democratic institutions. We must create a political system in Africa where democracy is not just an ideal but a lived reality for all citizens. Together, we can shape a future where political stability and democratic governance are the foundations of our societies, ensuring a prosperous and independent Africa for generations to come.”

The Co-Chairman of the Democrat Union of Africa (DUA), bemoaned the constitutional cracks in Togo saying, “On April 19, lawmakers in the National Assembly from the ruling Union for the Republic (UNIR) party adopted a change to the Constitution by a vote of 87-0 that eliminates citizens’ right to vote directly for the president of the Republic. The approved Constitution also establishes a new powerful executive position of President of the Council of Ministers, elected by the National Assembly.

This change removes the stipulation of a limit of two five-year presidential terms—a key provision in the 2019 Constitution adopted after widespread popular protests. These developments in Togo highlight the fragility of democratic institutions and the ongoing struggle for political stability in some parts of our continent. This is not an isolated incident.”

As the Convener of the DUA 2024, Louisa Atta-Agyemang (Mrs.), espoused Vice President, Alhaji Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia’s unassuming nature and described him as a source of inspiration to the African youth.

“At this year’s forum, we are honored to host the Leader and Flagbearer of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) and Vice President of the Republic of Ghana, H. E. Dr Mahamudu Bawumia. Your Excellency, your dedication to public service, especially your commitment to the youth, has been truly inspiring.

I recall with pride your keynote speech at the Young Democrat Union of Africa Forum in Malawi during my tenure as President of YDUA where you charged the young people in Africa to be keenly interested in politics and to do so with a passion to make Africa a better place for all.

Your leadership has been characterized by humility, firmness and innovation, exemplified by your pioneering efforts in digitizing Ghana. In my current role as Deputy CEO of the National Health Insurance Authority, I have witnessed firsthand how some of these digital interventions are yielding real results.”

She thanked the Konrad Adenauer Stiftung and the leadership of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) for their support and collaboration in organizing the forum.

“On behalf of all of us at the Democrat Union of Africa, I also extend a heartfelt thank you to the Konrad Adenauer Foundation, and in particular, Dr. Holger Dix, for his enduring support of our

mission. If we are having this conference today, it is largely because Dr Dix and the Konrad Adenauer Foundation have seen meaning in what we are doing and our efforts to build stronger democratic systems in Africa.”

Participants at the forum were the Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) in Uganda, Inkatha Freedom Party in South Africa, Unity Party in Liberia, PDCI-RDA in Ivory Coast, Popular Democratic Movement in Namibia, The Third Republic Party in Tunisia, The Democratic Movement of Mozambique (MDM) in Mozambique, Kenya African National Union in Kenya, RENAMO in Mozambique, Forces Démocratiques Pour LaRépublique (FDR) in Togo, People’s Movement For Democratic Change (PMDC) in Sierra Leone, Peoples Democratic Party in Nigeria, the National Grand Coalition Party in Sierra Leone, UNITA in Angola, CHADEMA in Tanzania, the Istiqlal Party in Morocco, Malawi Congress Party in Malawi, the ACDP in South Africa, the Democratic Party in Uganda, and Unión de Centro Derecha (UCD) in Equatorial Guinea.”

Source: ABDUL KARIM NAATOGMAH

Proven Health Benefits of Ginger

By
admin
-
0
Ginger

Ginger may have numerous health benefits due to its anti-inflammatory, anti-nausea, and other properties. It may help you lose weight, manage arthritis, reduce menstrual symptoms, and more.

Ginger comes from a flowering plant originating in Southeast Asia. It adds flavor to sweet and savory foods and has a range of health benefits. It belongs to the Zingiberaceae family, and it’s closely related to turmeric, cardamom, and galangal.

The rhizome (underground part of the stem) is the part commonly used as a spice. It’s often called ginger root or simply ginger.

You can use ginger fresh, dried, powdered, or as an oil or juice. It features in many recipes as well as processed foods, home remedies, and cosmetics.

Contains gingerol, which has potent medicinal properties

Ginger has a long history of use in various forms of traditional and alternative medicine. It’s been used to aid digestion, reduce nausea, and help fight the flu and common cold, to name a few of its purposes.

The unique fragrance and flavor of ginger come from its natural oils, the most important of which is gingerol.

Gingerol is the main bioactive compound in ginger. It’s responsible for many of ginger’s medicinal properties.

Gingerol has powerful anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects, according to researchTrusted Source. For instance, it may help reduce oxidative stress, which results from having too many free radicals in the body.

Can treat morning sickness and other forms of nausea

Ginger may be effectiveTrusted Source against nausea, including pregnancy-related nausea, commonly known as morning sickness.

Ginger may help relieve nausea and vomiting for people undergoing certain types of surgery, and it may also help reduce chemotherapy-related nausea.

While generally safe, it’s best to talk with a doctor before taking large amounts if you’re pregnant.

Ginger may not be suitableTrusted Source during pregnancy for people who are close to labor and those with a history of pregnancy loss or vaginal bleeding. It may also be unsuitable for those with clotting disorders.

May help with weight loss

Ginger may play a role in weight loss, according to studies in humans and animals.

One 2019 reviewTrusted Source concluded that ginger supplementation significantly reduced body weight, the waist-hip ratio, and the hip ratio in people with overweight or obesity.

Ginger’s ability to influence weight loss may be due to certain mechanisms, such as its potential to reduce inflammation.

Can help treat chronic indigestion

Ginger may help manage indigestion by speeding up the passage of food through the stomach.

Functional dyspepsia is when a person has indigestion — with symptoms such as abdominal pain, bloating, feeling too full, belching, and nausea — for no clear reason. It often occurs with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).

In one study, scientistsTrusted Source found that consuming a ginger and artichoke preparation before eating a main meal significantly improved the symptoms of indigestion in people with functional dyspepsia, compared with taking a placebo.

May reduce menstrual pain

Ginger may help relieve dysmenorrhea, also known as menstrual pain.

Some research has suggested that ginger is more effective than acetaminophen/caffeine/ibuprofen (Novafen) in relieving menstrual pain.

However, more studies are needed.

May help lower cholesterol levels

High levels of LDL (bad) cholesterol are linked toTrusted Source an increased risk of heart disease.

In a 2022 reviewTrusted Source of 26 trials, researchers found that ginger consumption significantly reduced triglycerides and LDL cholesterol, while increasing HDL cholesterol. Even doses less than 1,500 mg per day were effective.

However, it may be hard to include such high doses of ginger in your diet, particularly if you don’t like the taste of ginger.

May help reduce cancer risk

Ginger may have anticancer properties due to gingerol and various other antioxidant and anti-inflammatory compounds.

There is some evidenceTrusted Source that these compounds may help reduce the risk of gastrointestinal cancers, such asTrusted Source colorectal, pancreatic, and liver cancer.

In one studyTrusted Source, 20 people with a high risk of colorectal cancer took 2 g of ginger daily for 28 days. At the end of the study, the lining of the participant’s intestines showed fewer cancer-like changes than expected.

However, most studies relating to ginger and cancer risk have not involved humans.

Credit: healthline.com

Feature: The Agyapadie Quandary – Yene Wo Sere Kwa (They Merely Laugh With You)

By
admin
-
0

“Tutticolpevoli, nessunocolpevole (if everyone is guilty, no one is guilty).” – John Dickie: Cosa Nostra; The Definitive History of the Sicilian Mafia

The noble Okyenhene Osagyefo Amoatia Ofori Panin demonstrably Otumfuo Osei Tutu II’s “friend” and our illustrious President, Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo deserve our applause for coming out to “rubbish” the content of the Agyapadie Book. In effect, they have diffused the tension and havoc that the document sought to wreak.

Then, we remember our heyday romance with William Shakespeare’s “Twelfth Night” to peruse what Malvolio reads from Maria: “…be not afraid of greatness. Some are born great, some achieve greatness, and some have greatness thrust upon them” Monni mo hene (enjoy your royalty).

As die-hard sons of the “Mate-me-ho” United Party (UP), National Liberation Movement (NLM) fathers, reaching early adolescence at Asafo, Kumasi, where we threw corn at passing ‘cockerel’s in CPP vans we were appalled to read the damnable, atrocious, horrendous, odious, depraved, impious, wretched, accursed, opprobrious, despicable, detestable, execrable modern-day ‘Papal Bull’ sealed with ‘bulla’ unauthenticated, unappended save for the signature ‘Ofori Atta’. So, we were relieved to read the reactions of the highly educated Akyem friends.

This is how Daily Guide of Monday, July 29, 2024 reported Osagyefo Amoatia’s reaction: “Okyeman rubbishes Agyapadie Fiction: The Okyenhene, Osagyefo Amoatia Ofori Panin has described a document in circulation covered with his image under the caption ‘Agyapadie’ a total fiction fabricated by those determined to create and fan a hate campaign against the Ofori Panin household and Okyeman…

At the Akyem Abuakwa State Council meeting held over the weekend, the Okyenhene called on his kinsmen and Ghanaians to treat the book with the contempt it deserves. He questioned which reasonable person in his right frame of mind hatches such an intention and documents it with his image as a cover page?

“We saw this during the period of J.B. Danquah and we’re seeing it now. In and around October 2016, about a few months to the election, the same document known as the ‘Akyem Project’ was in circulation. The focus of that was to fan hatred between Okyeman and Asanteman to undermine the electoral efforts of President Akufo-Addo. Many kingdoms have seen greater development over the years, but some people always have issues whenever the government decides to bring development to Okyeman.

I have heard things in recent times. The funniest of it is that I am the richest chief in Ghana. I mean how? Osagyefo Amoatia Ofori Panin maintains that Okyeman has been great in accordance with the will of God…

In the case of President Nana Addo, The Chronicle of Friday, August 2, 2024 reported “Akufo-Addo rubbishes ‘fabricated Agyapadie Document” The President, Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, has broken his silence over the viral Agyapadie document, describing it as a complete fabrication. According to the President, the document in circulation is a figment of the imagination of the opposition’s assigns to cause disaffection for the government.

President Akufo-Addo commented on the document on Thursday August, 2024 at the Ghana Report Summit on dealing with information and disinformation in election 2024. He recalled the falsehoods he suffered in 2008 with the baseless allegations of trafficking and that of President Kufuor that he had ‘sold all of Ghana’s gold reserves.

Further, he remembered the ‘false reports’ in 2012 of his alleged arrest in London for drug possession and in 2016 that he had killed his late wife.

A fabricated document entitled Agyapadie is being peddled around by operatives of the opposition as evidence of a grand scheme by my party to annex the assets of the state.

And Gabby Otchere Darko who is ‘labelled by some censorious people as Prime Minister of this NPP government, our colleague with whom we shared ideas about Nana Akufo-Addo’s pre- Presidential speeches but with whom affluence has separated, would write in an X-post:

“If you believe a family will document its alleged evil plan against the very village they proudly live in, document it all in revised copies of a book and impose a portrait of the head of the family boldly on its front cover, then please do have your head properly examined. It may help you greatly”. Eishh – whom would we ask to “have his head properly examined”?

Foolish, insane, mad, crazy… people to have their heads examined by neuro-psychotic health specialists or phrenologists like the 18th Century German physician Franz Joseph Gall who claimed that personality and intelligence were determined by the shape of the brain, the cranium.

We would have dismissed the content of the book just as the illustrious sons of Akyem would wish, but people like Kwasi Kyei Darkwa (KKD), Sam Pee Yalley would not “let sleeping dogs lie”.

They appear rather ready for banter. KKD in an interview at Joy News avers that the document ought to be given the necessary attention, claiming: “I have looked closely over three and a half years and I have seen everything they have stated in that document happening. At the beginning, I said this was hogwash, the imagination of a fool but right now I see it as the plan of the plunderers” KKD continues:

“We have prosecutors, magistrates, judges, a police system and we are seeing that the content of this thing is happening and you are sitting there twiddling your thumbs, scratching your balls, tickling your armpit and laughing. The plunder of the state is real. We cannot pretend we cannot see it. It is sabotage. This is sabotage of state”.

Sam Pee Yalley thinks the Agyapadie Book should be a subject of research and advises Ghanaians at Pan African TV on August 5, 2024: “When Akufo-Addo says ‘Look left’; you should rather ‘Look right’.

At a news conference on August 5, 2024 ex-Ashanti Regional Minister and career diplomat, U.S. Ambassador Daniel Ohene Agyekum stated: “Ghanaians should take interest in the Book to track how its content has been implemented in the country.”

He noted: “It is appropriate for me to draw the attention of people of this country to this document and to state categorically that the document is authentic and it represents a very diabolical scheme by a small group of individuals from Kyebi… I think it is not an Akyem Mafia. I will argue that it is the ‘Kyebi Mafia’ After all, there are three paramountcies in Akyem (Abuakwa, Bosome, and Kotoku), and not all the Akyem people are involved…

I believe that your destiny, the younger generation, children and grandchildren are very much at stake… On November 29, 2020, a lady called Amery Afoakwa Boadu claimed that she was a direct niece of Akufo-Addo and from the Kyebi royalty – seeking the addresses of our leaders, John Dramani-Mahama and Prof Jane Naana Opoku -Agyemang…Prior to the publication of this document from 2007 and 2008, it was not in booklet form but nevertheless stated the same story as in the public Agyapadie Book…

So, this Agyapadie Book is not just a figment of somebody’s imagination… Every single policy decision, every single programme, every single activity that has happened in this country since January 7, 2017… has been consistent…a clear manifestation of all that this Book is saying…” Well? More Anon.

HOT ISSUES with Africanus Owusu Ansah

africanusoa@gmail.com

Chelsea sign £15m Boca Juniors defender Anselmino

By
admin
-
0
Aaron Anselmino made his Boca Juniors debut in 2023

Chelsea have completed the signing of Boca Juniors defender Aaron Anselmino in a £15.6m deal. The 19-year-old has signed a seven-year contract at Stamford Bridge but will remain on loan at the Argentine club for the 2024-25 season as part of the agreement.

He made his debut for Boca in June 2023 and has made 10 appearances in total.

Anselmino signed a contract extension in January 2024 that tied him to the club until 2028.

So far this summer, Chelsea have spent about £115m on midfielders Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall, Renato Veiga and Omari Kellyman, plus goalkeeper Filip Jorgensen, defenders Tosin Adarabioyo and Caleb Wiley, winger Estevao Willian and striker Marc Guiu.

About £90m has been recouped through the sales of Ian Maatsen, Lewis Hall and Omari Hutchinson while Conor Gallagher is expected to join Atletico Madrid for £33m.

The Blues are in the market for a striker and are keen on Atletico Madrid forward Samu Omorodion.

Chelsea start their 2024-25 Premier League campaign against champions Manchester City on 18 August.

Credit: bbc.com

West Ham captain Zouma closing in on move to UAE

By
admin
-
0
Kurt Zouma joined West Ham in 2021

West Ham United captain Kurt Zouma is closing in on a move to the United Arab Emirates.

Zouma has been in talks with Dubai-based Shabab Al-Ahli and a deal is expected to be sealed in the coming days.

The 29-year-old has one year left on his deal at London Stadium and is one of the Hammers’ highest earners.

Zouma has made more than 100 appearances for West Ham since a £29m move from Chelsea in 2021 and started the Europa Conference League final victory over Fiorentina in 2023.

The Frenchman was named club captain at the start of last season following the departure of Declan Rice to Arsenal.

In 2022 he was ordered to carry out 180 hours of community service after pleading guilty to kicking and slapping his cat.

West Ham have spent more than £100m so far this summer following the appointment of Julen Lopetegui as manager.

Max Kilman, the former Wolves captain, has joined in a £40m deal alongside moves for Dutch forward Crysencio Summerville, Germany striker Niclas Fullkrug, Brazilian midfielder Luis Guilherme and Argentina midfielder Guido Rodriguez.

Credit: bbc.com

Tottenham striker Richarlison rejects move to Saudi

By
admin
-
0
Richarlison is Tottenham's record signing

Striker Richarlison says he wants to stay at Tottenham Hotspur after turning down a move to Saudi Arabia.

The Brazil forward, 27, joined Spurs from Everton in 2022 for a club-record fee of £60m.

He has scored 15 goals in 66 appearances for Tottenham and was not always a starter last season under manager Ange Postecoglou.

Richarlison, whose contract runs until 2027, has attracted interest from a number of clubs in Saudi Arabia, with one unnamed team tabling a bid.

However, he says he wants to remain in England in order to improve his chances of continuing his international career with Brazil.

“There has been an offer but my dream of playing for the Brazilian Selecao and in the Premier League speaks louder,” Richarlison told ESPN Brazil, external.

Spurs are interested in signing a striker this summer and have identified Bournemouth’s Dominic Solanke as a target.

The Cherries are keen to keep Solanke, who scored 21 goals in 42 games for Bournemouth last season but was overlooked for England’s Euro 2024 squad.

He has a £65m release clause in his Bournemouth contract – which has three years left on it – but Tottenham value the striker at a lower price.

Credit: bbc.com

Bawumia Proposes Radical Reform Of Road Tolling System

By
MAXWELL OFORI
-
0
Dr Mahamudu Bawumia

The flagbearer of the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP), Dr Mahamudu Bawumia, has proposed what he terms a radical reform of the road tolling system in Ghana.

By that proposal, Dr. Bawumia has opened a discussion on equity in the road tolling system in Ghana.

He argues that the current road tolling system favours people who live in plush areas, as their roads are not tolled.

Dr. Bawumia could not fathom the situation where people living in and around Kasoa and those in Tema and Ashaiman, for instance, should pay road tolls for the use of the motorway and the Kasoa stretch. However, those in Cantoments, Ridge and East Legon, which are considered expensive areas, enjoy some of the good roads but do not pay any tolls.

“I wish to propose a radical reform of the road tolling system in use. It appears we are tolling the poor and leaving the rich and affluent to enjoy. Persons who live in places such as East Legon, Cantonments, Ridge and Labone don’t pay any tolls, but they have some of the best roads in Ghana.

Dignatries at the conference

Meanwhile, people living in Kasoa, those who ply the motorway daily and others who pay tolls do not have these quality roads. I propose a major reform of the system, maybe a toll on a good all drivers and passengers use, irrespective of where they live, to address the concerns about equity and affordability,” he said.

Dr. Bawumia was speaking at the Ghana Highway Authority’s High Level Panel Discussion on the Financing Gap on Road Development held in Accra, on Wednesday, August 7, 2024.

He had challenged stakeholders in the road infrastructure provision system to critically evaluate the current financing models for financing road construction and explore ways to bridge the huge financing gap.

SOLUTION

Dr. Bawumia called for “realistic, frank and practical solutions,” noting that “closing the financing gap in road development was a collective task to achieve.

He said it requires collaboration, innovation and a shared commitment to sustainable development.

The Vice President was confident that by embracing these principles, Ghana can build a road network that supports our economic ambitions and enhances the quality of life for our citizens.

“Our government stands ready to lead this effort in working with all stakeholders to transform our infrastructure landscape. Together, we can pave the way for a brighter and more connected future,” he declared.

ESTIMATE

Dr. Bawumia stressed the need to find sustainable financing to maintain the over 94,000 km network of roads.

He cited estimates and said that Ghana needed 12 billion dollars to clear the road maintenance backlog and enable the network of about 94,203 km to be at an optimal level.

However, current funding levels only cover about 38% of this requirement, leaving a significant shortfall.

He explained that the gap translates into deteriorating road conditions, increased maintenance costs and missed economic opportunities.

“Globally, the situation is similar. The African Development Bank reports a continental infrastructure financing gap of between $68 billion and $108 billion annually. This staggering figure underscores the importance of innovative solutions and strategic partnerships,” he emphasized.

PPP

The Vice President indicated that public-private partnerships offer a viable solution to bridge the financing gap, noting that such arrangements have several potentials.

He said that fostering collaboration between the public sector and private investors could unlock new funding streams and leverage expertise in project implementation.

SUSTAINABLE

Vice President Bawumia stressed the importance of generating sustainable revenue streams for road development and maintenance.

He said that it was evident that the technical forum needed to discuss a major paradigm shift in road financing.

He proposed that some areas that could be considered included concessioning of high-volume roads over a period.

He explained that it could be done on major trunk roads like Accra-Kumasi, Accra-Cape Coast, and Accra-Akosombo, as well as new ring roads/ expressways around major urban centres.

“Congestion pricing, which aims to reduce the entry of low-capacity vehicles into central business districts and encourage the use of high-occupancy vehicles, is also another option,” he said.

CLASSIFICATION

The Minister for Roads and Highways, Francis Asenso-Boakye, disclosed that at the end of 2023, 44% of Ghana’s road network was classified as good, 34% as fair, and 22% as poor, as against the original target of 70% good, 20% fair, and not more than 10% in poor condition by the end of 2025.

“Obviously, it is quite evident that from where we are now, it will be quite an arduous task to be able to achieve the target,” he bemoaned.

He announced that, despite the many challenges, this government had added 12,830 kilometres of roads to the national network between 2017 and 2023.

1...1,2781,2791,280...2,992Page 1,279 of 2,992

EDITOR PICKS

POPULAR POSTS

POPULAR CATEGORY

©
The Ghanaian Chronicle