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Bawumia tells Ashanti voters: Don’t Vote For John Mahama … Because he has only a 4yr mandate

By
RICHARD OWUSU-AKYAW
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Dr Mahamudu Bawumia addressing some of the Ashanti voters

The flagbearer of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Dr Mahamudu Bawumia, has called on Ghanaian voters, especially those in Ashanti Region never to vote for the National Democratic Congress (NDC) flagbearer, Mr John Dramani Mahama, because he will have only four year mandate to serve.

According to him, since his opponent is constitutionally barred from going for a second term, the word accountability will not be part of him, because he would have nothing to lose.

“For me, I have accountability. Unlike someone who has only four years mandate and after his mandate, you will not hear from him again”, he said, whilst addressing the clergy in Kumasi this week.

Dr. Bawumia insisted that “having gone to the honeymoon, he will bid you good-bye, no accountability, but with me, you are assured of accountability.”

The NPP flagbearer, who spoke mostly in the Twi language, argued that because he has not been a president before, he has accountability to render to Ghanaians.

“I want to be a president for eight years and this symbolises that I shall go for four years, then come to you to renew my mandate. I know having given me the nod, I have to work hard to appease the masses, else my mandate will not be renewed, so please give me the mandate and I will be more accountable to you”, he told the clergy.

The NPP flagbearer walked the clergy through his political aspiration for Ghana, in areas such as technology, education, privatisation (economy) and energy, and overhauling of the Ghanaian tax system.

He indicated that he had presented what he described as “compelling vision for Ghana” and that when given the opportunity he would not need any honeymoon before he starts work.

“I have presented to you a compelling vision for Ghana. From day one of my stewardship as a president, I know what to do. Right from day one, I know what to do. I would not go to any honeymoon and I will work for you all. I will work hard and justify my track record to Ghanaians.”

Reiterating his abhorrence for corruption, Bawumia, an accomplished economist, said he will use systems to mitigate corruption.

‘You know that I am using systems to fight corruption and when I am given the mantle, I will use the same systems to fight corruption head on,” he said.

Bawumia also argued that among all the vice presidents who have served Ghana, none of them could be compared to him.

“Passing an examination calls for promotion and I want you to promote me to become the president….isn’t it the case”, he politely asked.

Minority MPs Boycott Parliament

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admin
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Cassiel Ato Baah Forson, Minority Leader

The Minority Group in the Parliament of Ghana has announced that they will boycott parliamentary sittings whenever their leader, Cassiel Ato Forson, appears in court to answer questions related to his alleged involvement in causing financial loss of €2.37 million to the state, in a deal to purchase 200 ambulances for the country between 2014 and 2016.

According to the NDC MPs, they will only participate in parliamentary business after the court proceedings have ended on the days scheduled for the hearing of the ongoing ambulance case trial.

The Minority Chief Whip and NDC MP for Adaklu, Kwame Governs Agbodza, addressing a press conference in Accra on Tuesday, June 11, 2024 stated that their move is to show solidarity with their leader.

The decision comes after the presiding High Court Judge, Justice Afia Serwah Asare-Botwe, refused to grant a request from the lawyers of the Minority Leader to enable him to attend to important parliamentary business on Tuesday, June 11, 2024 when the House resumed its third meeting of the fourth session.

The judge also rejected a similar plea from the Parliament of Ghana to enable Ato Forson to participate in a meeting of the Parliamentary Service Board.

The Minority Leader was expected to join leadership of the House and the Speaker in a conclave to discuss and outline the business of the day before going to the plenary to commence sitting.

However, as at 15:00 GMT, the Minority Leader had not returned from Court, thereby, halting all parliamentary activities he was expected to have taken part in.

He was also expected to take part in a leadership engagement with the press but was not available for the event, leaving his colleague the Majority Leader, Alexander Afenyo-Markin, together with the Acting Clerk of Parliament, Ebenezer Ahuma Djetror and the Deputy Clerk in charge of Information Management Service, Gloria Kumawu Sarku, to meet members of the inky fraternity.

Mr Agbodza accused the trial judge of attempting to prevent the Minority Leader from performing his constitutional duties as an elected Member of Parliament and the Leader of the Minority Caucus.

The NDC Minority Caucus has vowed to continue showing solidarity with their Leader anytime he is due to appear in court and reserves the right to apply all other tools available to them in their approach to business on the floor of the legislature.

Background:

Cassiel Ato Forson and Richard Jakpa have been accused of causing a financial loss of €2.37 million to the state in a transaction to purchase 200 ambulances for the country between 2014 and 2016.

They have pleaded not guilty to counts of wilfully causing financial loss to the state, abetment to wilfully causing financial loss to the state, contravention of the Public Procurement Act, and intentionally misapplying public property.

By Stephen Odoi-Larbi, reporting from the Parliament of Ghana

Tehayon NGOs Network marks world environment day 

By
MAXWELL OFORI
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Apostle John Mensah Dabi watering his coconut seedling after planting it

The TEHAYON Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs) Network in Ghana (TNNG), in collaboration with the Ga West Municipal Assembly has organised the World Environment Day (WED) durbar.

Held at Amasaman in the Greater Accra Region, the maiden event in Ghana was under the theme: ‘Our World, Our Future’.

Apostle John Mensah Dabi speaking at the event

Though the celebration of WED falls on June 5, every year, the 2024 edition was postponed by the TNNG to Friday, June 7, due to the ban on noise making in the Ga State, which was lifted on Thursday, June 6.

However, the event, last Friday coincided with a series of activities marking this year’s Green Ghana Day, under the theme: ‘Growing for the Greener Tomorrow’.

PROTECT

The Director General of the TEHAYON NGOs Network in Ghana, Apostle John Mensah Dabi said in his address that they had gathered to acknowledge the beauty and importance of the planet.

He recognised the urgent need to protect the environment and ensure a sustainable future for all, adding that as leaders, “we have a responsibility to act. We must work together to address the pressing issues of climate change, pollution and biodiversity loss.”

He advocated the adoption of sustainable practices, reducing carbon footprints and preserving natural resources.

However, he said the task transcends leaders, but rather a collective responsibility, requiring the involvement of every individual and community to play a role.

“We must educate ourselves, make conscious choices and demand action from our leaders. We owe it to ourselves, our children and future generations to act now. Let us join hands, share knowledge and work together to create a cleaner, greener and more sustainable world,” he remarked.

On this World Environment Day, he urged the gathering to pledge to reduce plastic use and waste, conserve water and energy, support renewable energy sources, protect natural habitats and wildlife and educate and inspire others to take action.”

AFFORESTATION

In his keynote address, delivered by the Presiding Member of the Municipal Assembly, Daniel Owusu Asumadu, on behalf of the Municipal Chief Executive (MCE), Clement Wilkinson noted that the government has committed itself to an aggressive afforestation programme.

The afforestation programme, he indicated, has led to the cultivation of about 320,000 hectares of forest land between 2017 and 2023, under the Ghana Forest Plantation Strategy.

He also mentioned that the issuance of the convention on international trade on endangered species of wild Flora and Fauna permits for the export of rosewood has led to the protection of a large majority of the country’s rosewood, which was near extinction.

He addressed the need for all stakeholders and Ghanaians to protect the environment, making it greener for the current and future generations.

CLIMATE CHANGE

A Principal Agriculture Officer of the Ministry of Food and Agriculture (MOFA), Mr. Kingsley Agyemang, who represented the Minister, called for an end to practices that contribute to climate change.

He encouraged farmers to take the exercise very seriously by growing trees, especially fruit trees, so that they would also be able to diversify their livelihoods in order to survive.

All the dignitaries later planted various tree seedlings, some of which included coconut, mango, tree life and cashew.

Nation building critical to our survival -Afenyo-Markin

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admin
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Alexander Afenyo-Markin

The Majority Leader of the Parliament of Ghana, Alexander Afenyo-Markin, has urged media professionals to continue holding government appointees accountable for their actions.

He emphasised the importance of nation-building, stressing that it is critical to humanity’s survival.

Afenyo-Markin acknowledged the vital role media professionals and Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) play in achieving this goal.

He noted that for any nation to progress, media professionals and CSOs must work together to ensure accountability.

“Nation-building is critical and we shouldn’t let it slip out of our hands,” he emphasised.

Afenyo-Markin commended the media and CSOs for their efforts, saying they serve as a check on politicians and ensure they stay on track.

The Majority Leader made these remarks while presenting high-end Lenovo Ideapad computers to 25 teachers from public and private schools in the Effutu and nearby constituencies in Accra, on Monday, June 10, 2024.

He has supported over 2,000 teachers with laptops since 2018.

Afenyo-Markin also commended the Fourth Estate and Manasseh Azuri for their work in holding the government accountable.

He urged teachers to use the laptops wisely and avoid unnecessary acrimony in schools, especially during the upcoming elections.

Rejoice Arhin, a teacher at Pomadze-Asebu D/A “A” Basic School, thanked the Majority Leader on behalf of the teachers, expressing their hope that Effutu will become a model community in the future.

Building Support Systems: The Need For Mental Health Training In Schools

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admin
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Wisdom Koudjo Klu, the writer

The increasing prevalence of mental health issues presents a significant threat to the efficiency and credibility of our educational system. It is imperative to tackle this matter promptly to avert severe repercussions.

These issues not only impact academic performance but also hinder personal growth and social interactions, leading to individuals who might struggle to cope with the demands of modern society. These effects ripple out to families and communities, further complicating societal challenges.

To establish a nurturing educational setting that encourages academic achievement, personal development, and social responsibility, a comprehensive approach involving teachers, policymakers, parents, and the wider community is vital. Promoting a culture that prioritizes mental health and well-being is crucial for the holistic development of both students and educators.

The Ramifications of Mental Health Challenges

The outcomes of mental health issues are wide-ranging and have extensive impacts. On an individual level, these challenges can significantly affect a person’s well-being, resulting in reduced motivation, poor academic performance, and strained social relationships. Students grappling with mental health issues often struggle to focus, participate in school activities, or maintain regular attendance.

If left unaddressed, these challenges can escalate, leading to lower academic accomplishments and a heightened risk of substance abuse and suicidal thoughts. Socially, affected students may encounter isolation, stigma, and discrimination, exacerbating their mental health struggles.

Educators are also susceptible to these issues, as mental health challenges can hamper their ability to effectively manage classrooms, interact with students, and sustain their emotional well-being.

The long-term impacts underscore the significance of timely intervention. Detecting signs of mental health challenges and providing early support can help mitigate negative outcomes and cultivate a more supportive and productive educational environment.

Factors Contributing to Mental Health Challenges in Ghanaian Schools

In our schools, a variety of elements cause mental health difficulties for.  One major stress

or is academic pressure, where students face a demanding curriculum and high expectations from both parents and teachers, leading to anxiety and mental exhaustion. Peer pressure also intensifies fear of failure as students compare their successes to others.

Social media adds to this stress by promoting unrealistic life comparisons, which can cause feelings of inadequacy and isolation, despite the increased connectivity it provides. Physical and digital bullying remains rampant, inflicting significant emotional distress, decreasing self-esteem, and sometimes leading to thoughts of suicide.

Family situations also impact mental well-being. Domestic issues and inadequate parental support can destabilize children’s emotional and academic growth. Additionally, mental health stigma often discourages seeking help and is exacerbated by insufficient mental health education and resources in schools.

These challenges are complex and intertwined with cultural, social, and educational systems, requiring concerted efforts from educators, families, and policymakers for resolution.

Strategies for Tackling Mental Health Challenges in Schools

Addressing mental health issues in schools require a strategic and inclusive approach. Integrating mental health education into school curricula can enlighten students on how to manage stress and build resilience. Accessible counselling and support groups can help reduce isolation and stigma, providing a space for students to express themselves and seek assistance.

Training teachers to recognize and respond to students’ mental distress is crucial, as they are often on the front lines of detection and support. Engaging parents and the community in mental health initiatives ensures a cohesive strategy that extends beyond the classroom.

Investing in mental health professionals and resources is imperative for providing specialized support and fostering long-term mental wellness strategies. Creating a supportive, inclusive, and empathetic school environment prioritizes mental well-being and helps alleviate the pressures that contribute to mental health issues.

These measures can help create a more supportive educational environment, addressing the mental health needs of both students and educators effectively.

Conclusion

The time for definitive action is now. Giving precedence to mental health in Ghanaian schools is essential to ensure the well-being and success of both students and educators.

Through collaborative efforts, we can establish a mentally resilient and supportive educational environment, laying the groundwork for a brighter future for Ghana. It is our shared responsibility to confront this urgent issue and cultivate a culture that values mental health and well-being.

The future of our nation hinges on the mental health of its populace, and it is our duty to provide the requisite support and resources. Initiating dialogues, raising awareness, and advocating for systemic changes can lead to substantial enhancements.

Through collaboration, we can build an educational system that not only excels academically but also prioritizes mental health and overall well-being for all its members. Let us commit to making mental health a priority, ensuring that future generations are equipped with the resilience and support needed to thrive in life.

By Wisdom KoudjoKlu,

wisdomklu@gmail.com

Editorial: Legislating FSHS Policy Is A Step In The Right Direction

By
THE CHRONICLE
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Editorial

The government is set to present the Free Senior High School (FSHS) Bill to Parliament in the coming days. This is aimed at regulating the FSHS policy and ensuring its sustainability, according to a story published by citinewsroom.com. This move comes amidst concerns of possible cancellation by future governments and challenges faced by the programme.

At a Leaders’ Media Briefing on Tuesday, June 11, 2024 the Majority Leader, Alexander Afenyo-Markin, disclosed this information and asserted that the bill seeks to make the policy more effective and sustainable, aligning with the aspirations outlined in Chapter 5 of the Constitution.He explained that, while these provisions are not enforceable by law, the government aims to make them justifiable through legislation.

The government’s imminent presentation of the Free Senior High School (SHS) Bill to Parliament marks a significant step towards solidifying one of the most transformative educational policies in the nation’s history.

Since its inception, the Free SHS program has opened doors to secondary education for countless young persons, particularly those from underprivileged backgrounds. The introduction of this bill aims to regulate the policy and ensure its sustainability, addressing concerns about its potential cancellation by future administrations and the various challenges it currently faces.

The Free SHS program, a cornerstone of the current administration’s educational policy, has been pivotal in enhancing access to secondary education. However, its sustainability has been a topic of heated debate. Stakeholders in the education sector, including EduWatch, an education think tank, have suggested that government should take immediate steps to review the free senior high school policy through stakeholder engagement.

There have been countless examples of government programmes and policies that successive governments have come to cancel. For instance, the cancellation of Teacher and Nursing Trainee Allowance is fresh in our memories, and the meddling of the SHS calendar from 4 years to 3 years cannot be forgotten so soon.

Therefore, if the government is able to transition this policy into a legislative framework, it would seek to safeguard the FSHS programme against the vagaries of political change.

The Chronicle believes there is also the need for evaluation and review of the policy so that we can identify what is going on well, and strengthen that which is not going on well.One of the primary concerns surrounding the Free SHS policy has been its financial sustainability. Stakeholders, including EduWatch, have proposed practical solutions to mitigate these concerns.

Education is a fundamental right and a critical driver of national development. As such, policies aimed at enhancing access to education should transcend political affiliations. The Free SHS Bill deserves bipartisan support to ensure its successful passage and implementation.The success of the Free SHS policy hinges not only on government initiatives but also on the active involvement of various stakeholders.

The Chronicle holds the view that every Ghanaian child deserves the opportunity to receive quality education, regardless of their socio-economic background. We urge Parliament to expedite the passage of this bill and to consider the recommendations of stakeholders to enhance its impact.

Asanteman Zongo Nkosuohene supports 3,000 BECE candidates

By
SEBASTIAN R. FREIKU
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SAAB General manager Koomson presenting the items to Mr. Osei (left)

About 3,000 Junior High School students preparing to write their Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE) in three districts in Ashanti Region have received free mathematical sets and other learning materials.

Sarkin Abdulai Ali Barry – Founder of SAAB Foundation

The donation, initiated by Sarkin Abdulai Ali Barry (SAAB) Foundation, a Non-Governmental Organization founded by the Asanteman Zongo Nkosuohene, Alhaji Abdullai Ali Barry, was to encourage the candidates to learn harder to pass their upcoming exams in July.The beneficiary students were from three districts including Amansie West, Kumawu and Amansie Central.

They were also taken through orientation exercise to equip them with the capability of overcoming fear and panics to enable them write well in the exams.

The items, running into thousands of cedis, were in line with the Founder’s vision of championing equal access to quality education in the Ashanti Region.

Making the presentation, the General Manager of the Foundation, King David Koomson said the gesture formed part of Sarkin Ali Barry’s avowed commitment towards the pursuit of quality education towards the socio-economic and political development of Ghana.

He told the candidates to reflect on all that their teachers had taught them and what they had also learnt and write the exams with confidence.

Mr. Koomson appealed to the candidates to eschew examination malpractices to avoid the cancellation of their papers.

“I believe the students would make good use of the items in order to pass well and honour Sarkin Abdullai Ali Barry”, he said.

The beneficiary students display the Maths sets

Receiving the items at Manso Nkwanta for onward distribution to the various schools, the Exams Officer at Amansie West Education Directorate, Mr. Enoch Kwaku Osei appreciated the supportive efforts of Alhaji Sarkin Barry and the entire membership of the foundation describing it as unprecedented.

At the presentation ceremony were members of the Foundation including the Chairman, Alhaji Ahmed Tijani, Manaf, Personal Assistant (PA) to Sarkin Barry, Mustafa Sabota, Operations Officer, Hajia Fatima Yakubu and Hajia Mahama Sakinatu.

The candidates expressed gratitude for the act of generosity of the founder and promised to make their benefactor proud.

KMA fails to rid Kumasi of stray animals

By
RICHARD OWUSU-AKYAW
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Some of the stray animals

The invasion of stray animals on the streets of Kumasi and its environs appears to have come to stay, as the Kumasi Metropolitan Assembly (KMA) has failed to confront the menace head on.

As Kumasi attains international recognition on the global aviation map, following the commissioning of the Prempeh I International Airport, one might have thought the KMA, under the leadership of Kumasi Mayor Sam Pyne, will also curb the nuisance being caused by the animals, but that has not happened.

The Chronicle has observed for some time now that Kumasi has been battling the canker of stray animals in areas such as Fante New-Town, Asafo, Akwatialine, Anloga Junction, Asem, Yalewa Zongo and Airport Roundabout among others.

This reporter also observed that farm animals are seen walking in the middle of the road, as they graze on the grasses found in the median of these roads.

It is instructive to also state that they are sometimes seen easing on roads, producing foul smell and threatening public health.

Some of the animals, who are unwell, are seen with flies hovering around them, a development which threatens public health. These animals sometime pose security challenge to the residents of the city.

About a decade ago, a mad cattle herd attacked a poor woman on the Asafo Kumasi-Accra highway. She was rushed to St Edwards Clinic for medical attention.

In another instance, a teacher at the Asem Boys School was attacked by a cow, injuring him and he later died

Some for the residents at Asem expressed worry about stray cattle from Yalewa Zongo, under the watch of the KMA.

They alleged that they panic anytime they come into contact with these herds of Cattle. According to the worried residents of Asem, this challenge has been in existence for far too long but the authorities appear not to pay attention to it.

Speaking with the assembly member for Asem electoral area, where straying cattle is rife, Kwabena Serebour, he confirmed the challenge to The Chronicle.

According to him, they have had meetings with Yalewa Zongo concerning the movement of the animals.

Serebour describes the stray animal challenge as cumbersome and worrying, adding that they sometimes struggle to find owners of the animals when impounded because people do not assist the exercise.  He also expressed worry about the lack of places to house these animals when impounded.

I’m not a madman –Hanks Anuku speaks 2yrs after viral video of him on streets

By
NANA KWESI COOMSON
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Nigerian actor Hanks Anuku

Nigerian actor Hanks Anuku has revealed how a viral video, which falsely depicted him as mentally unstable, severely impacted his career and caused him significant personal distress.

The video, which surfaced in 2022, showed Anuku dressed in tattered clothes and seemingly talking to himself, leading to widespread speculation about his mental health.

Shortly after the video’s emergence, Nollywood actress Shan George refuted the claims, asserting that Anuku was not mentally unstable.

In a recent interview with content creator Lucky Udu, which gained traction on Sunday, Anuku clarified that the footage was from a movie set.

The actor explained that he was preparing for a role that required him to portray a mentally unstable character, and he was immersing himself in the environment to perfect his performance.

“I was trying to get into character for a role I was going to play, a madman role. Someone who was not in his correct senses or right frame of mind,” Hanks Anuku stated.

“So I had to go naturally visit the environment on how I would play it in that same neighbourhood. I was just showing the way the director wanted me to do it, meditating and getting into character.”

He refuted rumours that he was on drugs and sick, stressing that he was very sane. The actor lamented the repercussions of the video, which led to a loss of friends, job offers, and income.

“I lost friends, producers no longer contacted me for jobs. I lost a lot of money, I lost jobs, and I was jobless. People did not care about me. It was God who directed my footsteps to a good soul,” he shared.

Source: vanguardngr.com

Sista Afia nearly recorded a diss song after her boyfriend married another woman

By
NANA KWESI COOMSON
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Sista Afia

Ghanaian musician Sista Afia has disclosed that she considered recording a full album as a diss towards her ex-boyfriend who jilted her.

The ‘Slay Queen’ hitmaker opened up about her past heartbreak in an interview on Hitz FM on 6th June 2024, revealing that her last emotional turmoil was in 2017.

The singer confessed that her then-partner was in another relationship without her knowledge and decided to marry another woman behind her back.

This experience, according to her, was so painful that she almost recorded an entire album to express her anger.

“The last time I had one was in 2017. I almost recorded a diss album for him. It hurt me badly. I did not do anything wrong. All I did was love a man and be there for him.

“He went to marry another girl while I was there. He didn’t tell me. I didn’t even know that he was dating someone else,” she said.

She, however, disclosed that she and her ex-partner have sorted out their differences and are now good friends.

“We’re very good friends now. It was never about me. He’s been apologising for months now. He wants to marry me now. But it’s too late,” she said.

Francisca Gawugah, known in the entertainment industry as Sister Afia is a Ghanaian highlife, afro-pop, and Afrobeat artist. She is the niece of popular Ghanaian Bishop Duncan-Williams.

Credit: pulse.com.gh

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