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May Day:  ‘I stand with you in your struggle’ — Peter Obi salutes Nigerian workers

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Mr Peter Obi

The presidential candidate of the Labour Party, LP in the 2023 general elections, Peter Obi, has commended Nigerian Workers for their resilience and doggedness in the quest to build a better Nigeria.

Obi said in a letter to workers to mark the 2024 edition of Worker’s Day. May 1st every year is recognised worldwide as a day set aside to celebrate all categories of workers.

The Labour Party standard bearer assured Nigerian workers of his avowed commitment to standing with them and identifying with their struggles for a better society.

In the letter, Obi expressed pride Nigerian workers have continued to defy the odds by standing tall in their commitment to a better nation in the face of adversity.

He wrote, “As we come together to celebrate Workers’ Day, I am filled with an overwhelming sense of pride and admiration for each and every one of you who continue to stand tall and steadfast in your commitment to building our great nation, even in the face of adversity and challenges.

“Today, as we honor the hard work, dedication, and resilience of workers across the country and beyond, I am reminded of the incredible strength and spirit that defines us as a people.

“Despite the countless obstacles and hurdles that may stand in our way, you, the backbone of our society, remain unwavering in your resolve to contribute to the growth and development of our beloved nation.

“From the bustling streets of Lagos to the serene villages of the North, from the bustling markets of Onitsha to the bustling ports of Port Harcourt, your labor forms the foundation upon which our nation stands.

“Whether you are toiling in the fields under the scorching sun or laboring in factories amidst the hum of machinery, your efforts are the lifeblood of our economy and the driving force behind our progress.

“But beyond the tangible contributions you daily make to our nation’s development, it is your unwavering patriotism, resilience, and determination that truly inspire us all.

“In the face of economic hardships, political uncertainties, and social injustices, you continue to stand your ground, holding fast to your belief in a brighter future for our country.”

The former Anambra State Governor further said, “I stand with you in solidarity, championing your cause and advocating for your rights. I recognize the sacrifices you make each and every day to provide for your families, support your communities, and contribute to the collective well-being of our nation.

“Today, as we celebrate Workers’ Day, let us reaffirm our commitment to one another and to the ideals of unity, justice, and equality for all. Let us take pride in our achievements, draw strength from our collective resilience, and rededicate ourselves to the noble cause of building a better, more prosperous Nigeria for generations to come.

“Lastly, I extend my heartfelt gratitude and admiration to each and every one of you for your unwavering dedication, patriotism, and sacrifice. Your labor is the cornerstone of our nation’s prosperity, and your contributions will forever be cherished and celebrated.

Credit: vanguardngr.com

FG raises salaries of military, police, others

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President Bola Tinubu

The Federal Government has approved a 25 to 35 per cent increase in the salary structures of police officers, the armed forces, public servants, among others.

It announced this on Tuesday through the National Salaries, Incomes and Wages Commission, stating that the salary raise takes effect from January 1, 2024.

The NSIWC, in a statement issued by its Head of Press, Emmanuel Njoku, said the approved increase of between 25 and 35 per cent in salary was for civil servants on the remaining six consolidated salary structures.

The commission said, “The Federal Government has approved an increase of between 25 per cent and 35 per cent in salary for civil servants on the remaining six consolidated salary structures.”

It outlined the structures to include the “Consolidated Public Service Salary Structure, Consolidated Research and Allied Institutions Salary Structure Consolidated Police Salary Structure, Consolidated Para-military Salary Structure, Consolidated Intelligence Community Salary Structure, and Consolidated Armed Forces Salary Structure.”

Recall that those in the tertiary education and health sectors had already received their increases, which involved Consolidated University Academic Salary Structure, and Consolidated Tertiary Institutions Salary Structure for Universities.

For polytechnics and colleges of education, it involved the Consolidated Polytechnics and Colleges of Education Academic Staff Salary Structure, and Consolidated Tertiary Educational Institutions Salary Structure.

The health sector also benefitted through the Consolidated Medical Salary Structure and Consolidated Health Sector Salary Structure.

Njoku said the latest increases take effect from January 1, 2024.

“In line with the provisions of Section 173(3) of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended), the Federal Government has also approved increases in pension of between 20 per cent and 28 per cent for pensioners on the Defined Benefits Scheme in respect of the above-mentioned six consolidated salary structures with effect from January 1, 2024,” the NSIWC stated.

Prior to 2024, Nigerian civil servants had been advocating for a salary raise. Negotiations included talks of a 40 per cent increase, but an agreement was reached for a range of increases between 25 per cent and 35 per cent to be implemented in January 2024.  This increase applies to federal civil servants under various consolidated salary structures.

Also, Nigerian labour unions have been pushing for a significant increase in the minimum wage of workers across the country.

The Nigeria Labour Congress had initially proposed N615,000 per month, while the Trade Union Congress suggested figures ranging from N447,000 to N850,000 depending on the region.

The unions argue the current minimum wage (which expired in April 2024 is insufficient due to rising inflation and the high cost of living.

Credit: punchng.com

Alhaji Iddrisu Iddisah Seidu Bows Out As Commissioner Of Customs

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Outgone Customs Commissioner, GRA, Alhaji Iddrisu Iddisah Seidu

A dignified pull-out ceremony has been held at the Customs Headquarters in Accra, to honour the outgoing Commissioner of Customs, Alhaji Iddrisu Iddisah Seidu.

The event was attended by stakeholders in the port and shipping industry and other security services.

Alhaji Iddrisu Iddisah Seidu, who served over 3 decades in Customs, was lauded for his exemplary leadership, dedication, and commitment to the service. Under his stewardship, the Customs division of GRA witnessed significant reforms, resulting in improved efficiency, transparency, and revenue generation.

Alhaji Seidu expressed his gratitude to his colleagues and staff for their unwavering support throughout his tenure. He attributed the milestones achieved during his tenure to teamwork and collaboration.

“Together we have modernized our Custom procedures, leveraging on technology, to enhance transparency and streamline operations from the purely manual process to the ASYCUDA, GCNET, and now the ICUMS.

Recently, we carried out the Time Release Study to identify obstacles not only in Customs but all our stakeholders to see how we can make sure that these obstacles are bridged to facilitate the easy clearance of goods from the ports and at the same to ensure an enhanced compliance and enforced strategy,” he said.

Speaking at the event, the Commissioner-General of Customs, Ms. Julie Essiam praised Alhaji Seidu’s visionary leadership and his contributions to the growth and development of the Customs department. She expressed confidence that his legacy would inspire future generations of customs officers.

“Commissioner Seidu has served our country with unwavering commitment and integrity, rising through the ranks to become a beacon of excellence within the Customs division. Throughout his tenure, he has demonstrated resilience, professionalism and exceptional leadership. He has been a mentor, even to myself, a coach, a brother to me and everyone else in GRA,           a friend and much more to all of us that you see here today,” she said.

The incoming Commissioner of Customs, Zeblim Bawah Ayorrogo emphasized his commitment to uphold the highest standard of professionalism as he takes over.

“I want emphasize my unwavering commitment to upholding the highest standard of professionalism, transparency and accountability. Customs enforcement is a critical component of our national security infrastructure and it is imperative that we carry out this duty with diligence and integrity,” he averred.

The Deputy Finance Minister, Honourable Stephen Amoah praised the outgoing Commissioner for being a steadfast guardian of Ghana’s borders and fiscal interests.

“Under his directions, our Customs operations modernized through innovative technologies and optimized processes. These advancements not only bolstered our security apparatus against threat like terrorism, trafficking and intellectual property crimes, but also played a pivotal role in facilitating legitimate trade, travel and economic growth,” he noted.

MSC Opens New Ultramodern Office Building In Tema

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Deputy Minister of Transport and other dignitaries at the program

Mediterranean Shipping Company (MSC), one of the leading shipping companies in the maritime industry has commissioned an ultramodern office edifice in Tema. This edifice comes with energy efficient features that sets a new benchmark for eco-friendly development.

The ceremony was graced by the Deputy Minister of Transport, Hassan Sulemana Tampuli, Director General of the Ghana Ports and Harbours Authority, Michael Achagwe Luguje, Mankralo and Acting President of the Tema Traditional Council, Nii Adjetey Agbo, the Italian, French and Swiss Ambassadors to Ghana.

Delivering the welcome address, the Managing Director of MSC Ghana, Cedric Goujon said the ultramodern office represents the spirit of growth, progress and collaboration with stakeholders in the shipping industry. He said MSC is committed to providing customers with exceptional services while anticipating many more years of collaboration and success.

“Behind me we see not just an office building but a catalyst for further development, job creation and economic prosperity. For over 50 years, the company has grown exponentially in terms of vast volumes and fleet capacity and now serves millions of customers around the globe,” he said.

The Board Chairman of MSC Ghana, Captain Michelle Lauro asserted that the collaboration between MSC and Ghana will continue to be strong and gave assurance that MSC will continue to invest in Port infrastructure, logistics, human resources among others.

“I can assure you that this partnership between MSC and Ghana is extremely solid and will continue. MSC will invest vastly in Ghana,” he assured.

The Deputy Minister of Transport, Hassan Sulemana Tampuli lauded the management and staff of MSC Ghana for their untiring contribution to the growth of the shipping industry.

He said government will continue to create an enabling environment for the shipping industry to thrive.

“I wish to take this opportunity to assure you that the government will not relent in its efforts but will continue to pursue sound policies, programs and projects to ensure that business continues to thrive and contribute to the development of the country. We must keep in mind that this new office complex is more than just a physical structure, it is a symbol of the commitment to progress, innovation and unshaken collaboration,” he averred.

GPHA Enhances Elmina Fishing Harbour’s Economic And Social Sustainability Impact

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SH VEGA Cruise Ship at the Elmina Fishing Harbour

The touristic economic potential, besides fishing, of the new Elmina Fishing Harbour was made a reality on Thursday 18th April, 2024 by Ghana Ports and Harbours Authority’s progressive decision that resulted in a successful maiden cruise vessel call by SH VEGA cruise ship.

The remarkable 113m long cruise vessel, disembarked 115 passengers by zodiac boats into the Elmina Fishing Harbour.

The Acting Director of the Port of Takoradi, Peter Amoo-Bediako whose purview includes the Elmina Fishing Harbour, spoke about the significance of this successful maiden cruise vessel call at the Elmina Fishing Harbour.

“This also positions the port which was initially built to focus on facilitation of fish activities to now serve the dual purpose which is that, now we can use the Elmina fishing harbour to also attract tourists to Ghana.

The norm has always been that, first, they will call Tema port, Takoradi port or vice versa and then they will leave the shores of Ghana but now Elmina has been added to the list. They can call Tema or Takoradi first, and then anchor at the anchorage of Elmina fishing Harbour to also tour the tourist sites in the Central region,” he said.

The GPHA Acting Director of Port of Takoradi, Peter Amo Bediako was full of commendation for state agencies and stakeholders whose positive collaboration contributed to the success of the historic maiden cruise vessel call at the Elmina Fishing Harbour.

The Municipal Chief Executive of Komenda, Edina, Eguafo, and Abirem (KEEA) promised to create the conducive environment needed to encourage and sustain subsequent cruise vessel calls at Elmina.

“This is a big gift that we have received from GPHA, looking at the local economy itself and looking at Elmina being a tourist city,” he said.

The Harbour Master of the Port of Takoradi, Capt. Daniel Quartey, stated that a lot of planning and preparations were carried out for 3 months to make the event a success.

The Elmina Fishing Harbour Manager, Mohammed Obosu said the calling of the cruise ship portends positive signals for the fishing harbour.

Zongo Nkosuohene hails Otumfuo as a divine gift to Ghana

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SEBASTIAN R. FREIKU
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Sarikin Alhaji Abdullai Ali Barry - Asanteman Zongo Nkosuohene

The Asanteman Zongo Nkosuohene, Sarikin Alhaji Abdullai Ali Barry, has applauded Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, the King of the Asante Kingdom for his momentous contributions which have bestowed honour and persistently brought glory to Ashanti Region and Ghana at large.

He noted that Asantehene’s remarkable prominence globally portrays him as an epitome of wisdom, a divine gift to the nation and a mighty blossomed tree that provides shade for all and sundry.

The Zongo Nkosuohene made the declaration during the grand durbar at the Manhyia Palace in honour of over 40 ethnic communities domiciled in the Ashanti Region, as part of celebration of the 25th anniversary of Otumfuo’s coronation.

“From the divine wisdom bestowed on him, the Asante King has played significant roles in resolving crucial issues to restore peace and ensure unity among Ghanaians,” Sarikin Barry noted.

Sarikin praised the King for his sterling leadership qualities, which has made every Ghanaian proud and asked for God’s blessings and good health for His Royal Majesty Otumfuo Osei II.

He pledged to play his role as Asanteman Zongo Nkosuohene, to achieve the task of developing the Zongo communities assigned to him, by the Overlord of the Asante Kingdom.

The Zongo Nkosuohene also called for youth inclusion in national policy to prepare them for future leadership roles embedded in discipline, transparency and honesty.

He emphasised that the youth should be provided with equal opportunities to access resources geared towards the national development.

Upper West welcomes cylinder re-circulation model

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The NPA officials educating the people on the new model

The chiefs and people of the Upper West Region have welcomed government’s flagship Cylinder Recirculation Model (CRM) policy to increase access to Liquified Petroleum Gas (LPG) in a safe and convenient environment.

They pledged to be worthy ambassadors of the policy implemented by the National Petroleum Authority (NPA).

This follows months of public sensitisation, including extensive stakeholder consultations, radio/television adverts and community engagements undertaken by the NPA across the country, on the policy to get the buy-in of the Ghanaian populace.

The chiefs and security heads who attended the programme.

For the past three days, a team from NPA intensified CRM Community engagements in the Upper West Region.

The team held meetings with various stakeholders and identifiable groups, including members of the GPRTU and LPG retailers in the region.

They also participated in series of media interviews on local stations to sensitise the people of the region on the policy.

The CRM Community engagements were climaxed with a mammoth durbar held on Tuesday, April 30, 2024 in the Upper West regional capital, Wa.

The durbar had in attendance other traditional leaders from the various paramouncies in the Upper West Region, as well as religious leaders, traders and market women, representatives from the security agencies, MMDAs, GPRTU, EPA, LPG retailers, CSOs, political parties, youth groups and tertiary students.

The Upper West Regional Minister, Steven Yakubu, was the Special Guest of Honour. Also in attendance was Naa Jamal Adama Kpeglaa, a representative of the Overlord of the Waala traditional area.

In his keynote address, Mr. Saeed Ubeidallah Kutia, Head of Quality Control at the NPA, who spoke on behalf of the Chief Executive, Dr. Mustapha Abdul-Hamid, justified the introduction of the CRM and said the policy would see to the availability of LPG in every nook and cranny of the country, particularly the Upper West Region, which happens to be one of the regions with the least patronage of LPG.

The entire region, he noted, has only eight functioning LPG stations, thus compelling LPG users to travel far distances in the region to buy the commodity, which development he bemoaned.

Mr. Saeed also touched on the several employment opportunities that the policy will create and implored the people to take advantage of same, while noting that in the month of March, a total of 15 applications were received by the Upper West Regional NPA office from people interested in setting up exchange points as part of the CRM rollout.

He concluded his remarks by giving a firm assurance that all the necessary preparations for the full implementation of the CRM had been done and urged the people to embrace the policy, which is only meant to bring LPG to consumers in a much safer, convenient and cost-effective manner.

Dr MacJerry Atta Bekoe of the Gas Directorate gave a demonstration on how the CRM would work, in a presentation where he highlighted the various stages and role of stakeholders in the recirculation module.

On her part, Mrs. Eunice Budu Nyarko, Head of Consumer Services at the Authority sensitised the people on the proper ways of handling filled LPG cylinders and how they are to be transported.

She stressed the importance of adhering to the LPG safety tips to ensure safety and avoid needless fire outbreaks and explosions.

Officers of the Ghana National Fire Service also gave a practical demonstration on how to effectively quench fires with and without fire extinguishers.

During the interaction sessions, the NPA team took turn to answer questions from the audience and adequately responded to all concerns raised.

Consumers being educated on how the Cylinder re-circulation model works

The CRM message was well received by the chiefs and people of the region who did not miss any opportunity to commend the Authority for the sensitisation and worthwhile engagements. Indeed, the Regional Minister and all the traditional leaders were ad idem in commending the NPA and the government of Ghana for this great initiative, while pledging to be worthy ambassadors of the policy.

The Overlord of the Waala Traditional area speaking through one of his sub-chiefs, Naa Jamal Adama Kpeglaa, was concerned about the siting of all the bottling plants for the CRM in the southern part of the country with none in the north.

He, therefore, appealed to government and all stakeholders to facilitate the setting up of at least one bottling plant in the north, preferably in the Upper West Region to boost economic activities. He also advocated for alternative livelihood support programmes for people engaged in firewood and charcoal business.

The NPA team promised to bring these concerns to the attention of the relevant authorities.

IMF bailout can’t solve Ghana’s economic problems –TUC

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ERNEST BEST ANANE
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James Osei Owusu (right) of the Building and Construction takes a Citation of honour

The Ashanti Regional branch of Trade Union Congress (TUC) has pleaded with the government to address the ILO Convention 190, concerning violence and harassment of workers at work places.

The union has equally pleaded with the government to turn round the economy and that, the much talked about IMF Bailout cannot be a solution to Ghana’s self-inflicted economic hardship.

The plea comes from its conviction that Ghana, as a country, can ratify the convention.

The Union has also expressed concern over the current erratic supply of power and urged the government through the Ministry of Energy to solve the unsustainable electricity power supply.

Mr Augustine Adongo, the Ashanti Regional Secretary of TUC, on behalf of the General Secretary said during the May Day address that it was regrettable that Ghanaians are experiencing Dumsor again, after what they went through in the past.

Augustine Adongo, Ashanti Regional TUC Scribe addressing the May Day parade at Kumasi Jubilee Park

The theme for this year’s celebration is: “Election 2024 – The Role of Workers and Social Partners in Securing Peaceful Elections for National Development”.

According to him, they are celebrating this year’s May Day at the time Ghanaian workers and their families are grappling with high cost of living and inflation of over 25 percent, with the  exchange rate of the cedi now almost GH¢14 to US$1, compared to about GH¢4 in 2016.

He was of the view that, workers who earned a monthly salary of GHc1,000 in 2016 took home the equivalent of about US$250, but today GH¢1,000 is only US$71.

The depreciation of the Ghana Cedi at this monumental scale, he said, is 250 percent in the last eight years, representing a huge decline in the living standards of Ghanaians generally and workers in particular.

He blamed the situation on over-reliance on imported goods such as medicines, refined petroleum products and food, which prices are directly affected by the exchange rate of the Ghana Cedi, in terms of the major international currencies such as the US dollar and the Pound Sterling.

He disclosed that Ghanaian workers rely on loans to meet every basic necessity such as rent advance, children’s education and even food, while paying an interest rate of over 30 percent to access loans.

He also noted that in the informal sector, interest rates can be as high as 50 percent or even higher, besides the fact that their wards graduate from the universities and colleges, but cannot find jobs after spending so much money on their education, adding that there seems to be no end to this socio-economic hardship in sight.

He said that the much touted IMF Bailout cannot be a solution to Ghana’s self-inflicted economic hardship.

According to him, the relatively high wage increases they negotiated for workers in the last two years have lost their real values, and reminded members that they have a lot of work to do to protect the working people of Ghana.

He disclosed that, as in the previous election years, they chose this year’s theme to emphasise the need for all Ghanaians to work hard to maintain peace in Ghana.

Philip Kwaku Asante of PUWU of (GWL) receiving a Citation of honour from Minister Simon Osei Mensah,

He said Ghana has not done too well in economic management, but enjoys relative peace, compared to other countries in the sub-region.

“The peace we are enjoying is priceless and so we should never allow partisan politics to destroy it, because peace is the only thing left for us and we should do everything we can to keep it”, the Union Scribe advised.

Meanwhile, the Trade Union Congress has honoured some hardworking members of the union, including James Osei Owusu of the Building and Construction Workers Union, with Philip Kwaku Asante from PUWU of (GWL) emerging as best worker.

‘False accusations’ – Agya Koo denies enriching himself with ‘NPP money’

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NANA KWESI COOMSON
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Agya Koo

Veteran Ghanaian actor, Kofi Adu, affectionately known as Agya Koo, has vehemently denied allegations suggesting that his support for the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP) government has been financially motivated.

According to him, his decision to campaign for the NPP stems from the fact that he loves the party and believes in its values.

He clarified that there is no iota of truth in claims that the NPP has helped him to survive financially following the near-collapse state of the Kumawood movie industry.

Speaking in an interview with Nana Yaa Brefo in Ejisu , Agya Koo refuted the assertion that he publicly campaigns for the NPP due to the financial benefits he gets from the party.

When asked about the accusations, he responded, “Who even gave me money, and in which account was it paid? Check all the bank accounts and see which of them were deposited. Or did I carry the money from Jubilee House?

“They are false accusations. Which of the Kumawood actors joined me? It was only Matilda Asare I worked with. Was Mr. Beautiful or Afrani part?” he fumed.

Agya Koo was recently spotted in the Ejisu constituency campaigning for the NPP parliamentary candidate, Kwabena Boateng, ahead of the by-elections scheduled to take place today, April 30, 2024.

Credit: pulse.com.gh

 

Sex is no proof of love; Delay lists 10 commandments women must follow in 2024

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NANA KWESI COOMSON
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TV Host Delay

Ghanaian TV presenter, Deloris Frimpong Manso, is generously sharing tips aimed at setting women up for success, peace, and happiness.

The Ghanaian showbiz mogul, who also excels as a businesswoman, imparted these tips via her social media pages to advise her followers.

According to Delay, women should refrain from resorting to offering sex to men as a means to prove their love to their partners.

See the list below for Delay’s 2024 10 commandments for women.

  1. Don’t be in a hurry to move out of your parents house.
  2. Don’t wait for a man before you start living. You can live a fulfilled life as a single woman.
  3. Stay away from alcohol and drugs. It has killed others and you are not special.
  4. Don’t entertain a wrong number call, especially at night. Its not the right way to find a lover.
  5. Develop a healthy eating habit. Always take breakfast and avoid sweets.
  6. Dress well: first impression count. People will judge you by the way you dress even before they talk to you.

7.Don’t use sex as proof of love. Sex is no proof of love, he’ll leave you after the sex.

  1. Don’t marry for the money, else you’ll become 1 of his possessions.
  2. Add value to yourself – get a career. Don’t be fooled that a man will solve all your problems.
  3. Beauty is not everything. If it’s all you have, you’ll lose your place to someone less beautiful but more matured and competent.

Credit: pulse.com.gh

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