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‘I don’t make Afrobeats’ – Fireboy clarifies

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Fireboy DML

Nigerian singer Fireboy DML has reiterated that his style of music is not Afrobeats.

He, however, said his “roots and identity” are always in his music.

The ‘Peru’ crooner featured as a guest in the latest episode of Amazon Music podcast, ‘B and N.’

He said, “As I always said, I don’t make Afrobeats. I just sort of like combined stuffs. I do different kinds of music so even when I am making R&B or pop, you can hear the Yoruba ‘h’ factor.

“You just know that this is not an American or British person, so you can always tell that my roots and my identity is always in my music.”

Fireboy said Nigerian artists need to take advantage of their newfound global recognition and build a structure for their home music industry.

“One thing I want to take about is we are here [Western world] now. Afrobeats is here now. So what is the way forward? What next?

“I personally think this Afrobeats to the world thing shouldn’t be given more attention. I mean, we are already here. even before the Grammy [created an African category], we’ve already been recognised. We’ve achieved so much. So we need to build a structure. And more concerned about the future of the genre; the sustainability,” he said.

Credit: dailypost.ng

Court okays substituted service on Mohbad’s wife for DNA test

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Mohbad

A Magistrate Court sitting in the Ikorodu area of Lagos has ordered that Wunmi, the wife of the late singer, Ilerioluwa Aloba popularly known as Mohbad, be served notice of a pending DNA test application, by substituted means. A statement signed by a member of the legal team to the Aloba family, Monisola Odumosu, disclosed this on Wednesday maintaining that the order became necessary after the court sheriff attempted to serve the court process personally on Wunmi twice, but failed.

It will be recalled that the Aloba family is contesting the paternity of baby Liam and filed an application before the Family Court to grant an order against Wunmi to present herself and baby Liam for a DNA test at any recognised laboratory in Lagos.

In the application filed by the legal team to Joseph Aloba, father to the late singer, the family sought an order to serve Wunmi the court papers for the DNA, by posting all the originating processes and other processes in the suit on the last-known address of the respondent.

The statement added that the singer’s wife, in a viral video, said she was ready for a DNA test, noting that she had never been available for the court sheriff to serve her the originating motion.

Odumosu also added that the matter had been adjourned till next month for the report of service.

Counsel to Wunmi, Taiwo Olawanle, has however denied knowledge of the court order.

He said, “We don’t have the court order. If we have an order, we will advise her to adhere to it. That is not a problem. But we are not aware of any order”.

Mohbad, aged 27, died on September 12, 2023, under controversial circumstances. He had left his record label, Marlian Music owned by Naira Marley, in February 2022.

In September, 2023 the singer’s body was exhumed for autopsy to unravel the cause of his death.

The Lagos State Police Command had in the same September also inaugurated a 13-man special investigation team to probe the singer’s death.

Credit: channelstv.com

Stonebwoy, Davido perform ‘Activate’ at sold-out Madison Square Garden show

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Stonebwoy performs with Davido

International afrobeat singer, Davido surprised the crowd at his Timeless Concert at Madison Square Garden when he brought out BET Award-winning Dancehall & Afropop singer, Stonebwoy.

The duo performed an electrifying rendition of their chart-topping collaboration, “Activate,” much to the delight of the ecstatic audience.

The energy in the room was heated as fans sang along to every word, creating a unifying and unforgettable moment.

The performance showcased the synergy between the two artists, making it a highlight of the night.

It also further solidifies the bond between Stonebwoy and Nigerian artists, demonstrating their shared commitment to lifting African music to a global stage.

Noted for sharing the spotlight with Nigerian artists, the Ghanaian singer recently brought out Nigerian rapper Odumodo Black for an exclusive performance of their new single “Ekelebe” at the closing ceremony of the African Games in Ghana.

Stonebwoy is currently a recipient of Sixteen (16) nominations at the 2024 Ghana Music Awards, which is scheduled for June 1.

Credit: myjoyonline.com

You can’t create problem for me, I am problem myself …Shatta reacts to GSPD

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Shatta Wale

Dancehall sensation Shatta Wale has responded fiercely to the Ghana Society of the Physically Disabled (GSPD) after they demanded an apology from him for mocking his longtime rival, Stonebwoy’s disability. Rather than complying with the association’s request, Shatta Wale opted to fire back with insults directed at the GSPD.

In a recently surfaced video, the outspoken musician expressed his disdain for the association’s demand, questioning the logic behind their statement.

“You can’t create a problem for me, I am a problem myself,” “Everything we are creating the association, there is even Unemployed people association Shatta Wale vehemently stated.

The artist, known for his confrontational demeanor, made it clear that he has no intention of apologizing to Stonebwoy or the GSPD, nor will he remove the contentious video from his social media platforms.

In a controversial assertion, Shatta Wale further expressed his disbelief in the concept of people with disabilities forming associations, suggesting he saw no merit in such endeavors.

The Ghana Society of the Physically Disabled (GSPD) had issued a stern caution to Shatta Wale, urging the musician to refrain from mocking his colleague, Stonebwoy, over his disability.

The rebuke came in response to a recent incident during Shatta Wale’s performance at Sallahfest, where he launched insults at Stonebwoy for his absence at the event. Shatta Wale’s comments, including mockery of Stonebwoy’s manner of walking, sparked widespread criticism after videos of the incident circulated on social media.

Credit: pulse.com.gh

The Faith Walk

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Dr. Joyce Rosalind Aryee, Executive Director, Salt and Light Ministries

 

“Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.” –

 Hebrews 11:1

Introduction

Every Christian is called to a walk of faith as it is written ‘The just shall live by faith’ (Habakuk 2:4). This walk begins when we commit our lives to Jesus Christ, believing that He died for our sins, and that our sufficiency and victory comes only from Him. This confession of faith is the beginning of God’s revelation of Himself and His ways to us in our individual lives.

Abraham was the first person recorded to have been called to the faith walk. And if we, having been reconciled to God through faith in Jesus Christ, are called the children of Abraham (Romans 4:16), it implies that we are equally expected to walk in the same manner. And we will, whether we want to or not because that is what walking in Christ is all about! Make no mistake – God will teach you how to do it because He knows best how to get you to that point where you recognize and appreciate that it takes more than what you see to make you what He wants you to be.

Will you dare to believe? Then nothing shall be impossible for you. (John 11:40, Mark 9:23) Will you continue to believe even when the vision has tarried and everything around you and within you suggests that it shall never come to pass? That is the greatest challenge of all: to believe that God is still able and faithful to deliver on His word when you have tired of hoping beyond hope and yet the rope of your faith is still being stretched in spite of how frayed it looks.

We believe and therefore we speak- that is the paradox of the believer. It does not mean our vision never gets clouded from time to time with discouragement, disillusion, or the feeling of hopelessness that results from seeing in the natural what appears to be totally contradictory to everything God has promised to us in His rhema word, His logos word, and in prophecy.

We get tired and many times we consider halting where we are, never to move on again. However, there is something deep within that keeps us going: the unshakeable conviction that expresses itself in these words: ‘Lord to whom shall we go? You alone have the words of life’ (Jn 6:68). And there is the lure of this truth also, that ‘Though the vision tarries, in the end it shall speak….’ (Hab. 2:3).

However, to get to the point where this truth lures us and this conviction grips us more tangibly than life itself, God steps in, teaching us first to crawl, then to take our first baby steps, until we finally know how to walk. Hallelujah! It doesn’t happen in a day, but praise God for His infinite patience with us – how He helps us up when we fall repeatedly, and how, when we stubbornly refuse to take another step, He takes our feet gently and pushes them step by step one ahead of the other.

 

FOUR PHASES OF THE FAITH WALK

He will take each one of us through the four phases of the faith walk: 1) the isolation phase 2) the un-supported phase 3) the surrender phase and 4) the mountain-top phase.

  • The isolation phasebegins with God’s instruction: “Get out…. from your father’s house….” (Genesis 12:1). We are hereby instructed to leave behind the things that are so familiar to us and to venture out to that which is completely unfamiliar. We walk away from the friends we’ve been hanging out with; from the family we’ve known and feel so comfortable with. We walk away from the activities that have become so much a part of our lives. We walk away from all these things to go to a particular location that God is calling us to, in order to deal with particular issues that need to be resolved in our lives. Here, we are left with no option other than to allow Him to prune away the flaws that distort our personality and our perception of Him. The familiar things that have unwittingly become distractions are gradually taken out of the way and we are left with only one choice: to seek God first for answers and then eventually, for companionship. In this sweet but rare environment of solitude, He finally has our full attention. And so He begins to speak – words of reassurance to quieten our fears first of all, and then His mind and will concerning our past, our present and our future (Genesis 15:1).

 

  • The un-supported phaseis akin to Abraham’s experience of separation from Lot. This is where God slowly but surely removes the artificial props in our lives, and begins to construct a new foundation for us – one built by Himself and sustained by His faithfulness. He confronts us with the very things we unwittingly rely on but do not admit to until crises emerge in our lives. He allows us to be pushed up against the wall and once there He comes in to expose the things in our hearts that we were secretly, and even unknowingly, hoping to rely on when hard-pressed. He exposes the shallowness and the fragility of even the most treasured relationships we have, by keeping these out of reach when our deepest instinct is to reach out for them at the time we need a listening ear or a shoulder to lean on. He permits the social contacts to fail, allows friends to disappoint us, and loved ones to be moved out of our daily sphere. We are then compelled to face the truth that He alone is able to make meaning of our lives because He alone truly knows and understands us intimately (Psalm 139:1-4).

 

  • The surrender phaseis the most difficult of all, requiring us to give up our all. Here God asks us to give Him our dreams, our hopes, our aspirations and every ambition we’ve ever had. He wants nothing than our best, nothing less than our all, and He will continue to ask of us everything until we have nothing left but the very thing we don’t want to give up – our Isaac. He will remind us of how much we love our Isaac, but in the same breath He’ll ask us to give him up anyway! (Genesis 22:2) And this is where our faith is tested and tried in the furnace of personal will versus the will of God. Which one will prevail? Do we love God as we have claimed and professed several times everywhere? Will we trust Him enough to believe that He still wants the best for us even though He’s asking for the best we have? Will we still believe that He is able to restore, to resurrect, to provide, and to work everything out for our good in spite of what circumstances suggest? Those are the issues at stake when God asks for our Isaac, the one on whom all our hopes and the fulfillment thereof are centered (Hebrews 11:17-18). But once we take the decision to surrender Isaac, the Lord immediately takes over, planting in our hearts the conviction that ‘The earth is the Lord’s and the fullness thereof’ (Psalm 24:1). We are thereby strengthened within to climb up Mount Moriah. And as you tie up your precious Isaac on the altar of sacrifice, your heart is filled with hot burning tears which you are trying unsuccessfully to choke down because you know that your love and fear of God must come first anyway. This is the place where God defines to us His place in our hearts and in our lives. And for the first time we learn the import of loving the Lord with all that we have and all that we are, no matter what it costs us (Deuteronomy 6:5).

 

  • The mountain-top phaseis our final step in the faith walk. We have taken the decision to honor God even if we get hurt in the process. And so as we lift up the knife to slay beloved Isaac, we do so in pain, pain so real and so piercing, and yet somehow subdued by our fear of God above all else. We have become as Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego – trusting God to come through for us at the last minute, and yet determined that even if He doesn’t, our allegiance would still be to Him alone (Daniel 3:16-18). Our faithful God, seeing us demonstrate such devoted trust in Him, is swift to respond in His timely fashion (Genesis 22:11-12). He intervenes before the knife touches our Isaac, and He immediately translates lack into abundance (Genesis 22:13-14). He endorses us into the faith hall of fame and a covenant of blessings for the present generation and generations to come.
  • He establishes a covenant with us, making us a source of blessing to many because we chose to bless Him with our best (Genesis 22:16-18). On Mount Moriah, we encounter Jehovah Jireh, the faithful Deliverer, the covenant-keeping God, the One in whom is vested the fulfillment of all we have ever hoped for, not for ourselves only, but for others yet to come.

Conclusion

This is true victory in the faith walk – having gone through all these phases, tried and tested as it were by fire, and having emerged from the furnace loving and trusting God more than ever before.

And why not? The isolation phase, the un-supported phase, the surrender phase, and the mountain-top phase all bring us to one destination: the unwavering conviction that God alone is God and worthy of our all. Every seasoned Christian will pass through all these phases. And having arrived at the summit of the faith walk, the response will remain the same for all time to come: ‘Even from everlasting to everlasting, you are God’ (Psalm 90:2b).

 

  • Authored by: Hannah Arabella

 

Stay blessed!

Please continue to join us on Asempa 94.7 FM – Sundays 5.30 am., Sunny 88.7 FM – Tuesdays        5:30 am; and YFM 107.9 – Sundays 6.30am; for our Radio Bible Study as well as Sunny FM 88.7 FM every Sunday at 3:30 pm. for Hymns and their Stories.

Feature: Why Is Accra Always Flooded?

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Feature

Floods are natural disasters that can cause widespread damage and devastation to communities. Accra, the capital city of Ghana, has experienced its fair share of flooding over the years. The city’s geographical location, climate, and rapid urbanization have all contributed to the flooding problem in Accra.

One of the main causes of floods in Accra is the city’s location along the coast. Accra sits at a low elevation, making it prone to flooding from rising sea levels and heavy rains. The city’s drainage system is also inadequate and poorly maintained, leading to water not being able to flow properly during heavy rainfall.

In addition, deforestation and urbanization have contributed to the increase in flooding as natural barriers are removed and the ground becomes less able to absorb excess water.

The impact of flooding in Accra is significant, affecting thousands of residents every year. Homes, businesses, and infrastructure are damaged or destroyed, leading to economic losses and displacement of people. The health of residents is also at risk as floodwaters can carry contaminants and increase the spread of diseases such as cholera and malaria. In extreme cases, loss of life can occur when floods are severe.

In recent years, the government of Ghana has taken steps to address the issue of flooding in Accra. Infrastructure projects such as the construction of drainage systems and flood protection measures have been put in place to mitigate the effects of flooding. However, challenges remain, as funding and resources are limited, and the problem of flooding is complex and requires a holistic approach to solve.

One of the most effective measures that town planners and city authorities can enforce to prevent flooding in Accra is the establishment of proper drainage systems. Accra is prone to flooding due to poor drainage systems that are unable to handle large volumes of water during heavy rainfall.

By improving and expanding the city’s drainage infrastructure, excess water can be safely and efficiently channelled away from roads, buildings, and other structures, reducing the risk of flooding.

Additionally, town planners and city authorities should consider implementing green infrastructure solutions such as rain gardens, green roofs, and permeable pavements.

These solutions help to absorb and filter rainwater, reducing the amount of runoff that enters the city’s drainage system. Green infrastructure also helps to mitigate the urban heat island effect and improve air quality, making cities more sustainable and resilient to climate change.

Furthermore, town planners and city authorities must enforce strict building codes and land use regulations to prevent construction in flood-prone areas. Accra’s rapid urbanization has led to the construction of buildings and infrastructure in low-lying areas that are at high risk of flooding.

By enforcing zoning regulations and building codes that restrict development in these areas, town planners can reduce the potential for flood damage and protect residents from harm.

In addition to physical infrastructure solutions, town planners and city authorities should also prioritize community engagement and education initiatives to raise awareness about the risks of flooding and the importance of preparedness.

By working with local residents, businesses, and community organizations, city planners can develop flood response plans, emergency evacuation routes, and communication systems to ensure that residents are prepared for flooding events.

Finally, town planners and city authorities should collaborate with regional and national agencies to develop comprehensive flood risk management strategies that address the root causes of flooding in Accra and other parts of the country.

By coordinating efforts with other stakeholders, including government agencies, non-governmental organizations, and the private sector, town planners can access funding, technical expertise, and resources to implement long-term solutions to prevent flooding and build resilience to climate change.

In conclusion, preventing flooding in Accra and other parts of the country requires a holistic approach that combines physical infrastructure improvements, green infrastructure solutions, land use regulations, community engagement, and strategic partnerships.

By enforcing these measures, town planners, city authorities, and city planners can reduce the risk of flooding, protect lives and property, and create more sustainable and resilient cities for future generations.

By Aaron Babako Korkormissah. 

(Korkormissahaaronbabako@gmail.com)

Red flags @Supremo Timbers …workers send SOS to gov’t to protect concessions

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General Manager Francis Asare addressing the media

Employees of Supremo Wood Processing Limited at Bediakokrom, near Mim, in the Asunafo North Municipality of the Ahafo region, have protested against invasion of the company’s legally acquired concessions by illegal chainsaw operators without restraint.

The workers in protest against encroachment of company’s concessions

The company, established in 2017, has acquired 50 compartments from the Forestry Commission and engaged over 600 workforce to process plywood, sawmill and furniture.

The compartments are spread over Bechem, Goaso, Dormaa and Juaboso. Unfortunately, about 14 of its compartments in the Bia Tano Forest and the Mpameso Forest Reserves are constantly being encroached upon by armed illegal chainsaw operators with impunity.

Not even the company’s security unit and forest guards can ward off the invasion of the concessions.

The local police have not been helpful to prevent the incursions of the illegal chainsaw operators, who are always armed to the teeth.

James Afriyie stressing a point while interacting with the media

About five security personnel of Supremo suffered casualties last February 29, 2024 when they were shot and hospitalised following a clash with armed chainsaw operators.

As usual, no arrests have since been made, even though a complaint was lodged with the police command in the area.

The workers, demonstrating against the development on Tuesday displayed placards, some of which read; “Forestry Commission Wake Up”, “Supremo is under threat”, “We need military support” and “Our future is at stake”.

The workers complained that their livelihood is under threat because management has threatened to fold up in the event that the company does not get any form of protection from the government and major industry players.

The workers said their investigations had revealed that a certain Malik from Sankore and one Dickson are behind the encroachment and depletion of the forest resources on Supremo’s concessions in the area.

According to them, timber logs felled illegally by the chainsaw operators head to a particular sawmill at Gambia No. 1 in the area.

They (employees) say they would resist any further attempts by the illegal chainsaw operators by protecting the company’s concession at the peril of their lives.

A thoroughfare used by the illegal operators in the Bia Tano Forest Reserve

The General Manager of the company, Mr. Francis Asare, confirmed the fears of the workers when he said the survival of the company and livelihood of the over 600 workers and their dependents are under threat.

He appealed to the Ahafo Regional Security Council (REGSEC), headquartered at Goaso, the Regional capital, to swiftly take immediate steps to nib the activities of the illegal operators in the bud before investors are put off.

Mr. James Afriyie, the company’s Forest Manager, said the worse situation is that these illegal chainsaw operators are also laying claim to the concessions and have the effrontery to ask the security personnel of Supremo Wood Processing to produce documents of ownership or mind their business.

 

Alan to contest Prez election on ARC ticket

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Alan Cash and Abu Sakara

The presidential candidate leading the Alliance for Revolutionary Change (ARC) has rallied the nation towards a future characterised by transformation and unity.

Mr. Kyerematen on Wednesday, April 17, 2024 held a momentous address in Accra, where ARC was launched.

Addressing a diverse audience gathered for the historic occasion, Kyerematen expressed profound gratitude for their presence, attributing the day’s significance to divine providence.

The founder of Movement for Change, Alan Kyerematen, extended his heartfelt appreciation to the ARC leadership for their unwavering commitment throughout the coalition’s formation.

He also acknowledged the commitment of the ARC leadership, culminating in his unanimous endorsement as the presidential candidate for the impending general elections.

Alan Kyerematen, in his desire to lead the wind of change, articulated a bold vision for the country, emphasising the paramount importance of revolutionary change across political, social and economic spheres.

Highlighting the pressing need for a new era of leadership, Kyerematen advocated for a visionary, accountable and corruption-resistant government.

In his journey to transform the country, Mr. Kyerematen has as central to his agenda, the implementation of transformational policies encompassing every facet of national development, underpinned by the Great Transformational Plan (GTP) endorsed by the Alliance.

Crucially, he is not leaving out the private sector, as Mr. Kyerematen emphasised the pivotal role the private sector plays.

He classifies the private sector as the engine of economic growth and hopes for robust support and collaboration with the government.

Moreover, he underscored the imperative of fostering national unity to transcend the traditional political duopoly, advocating for a more inclusive and representative governance model.

Recognising the pivotal role of Ghana’s youth and women in shaping the nation’s future, Kyerematen pledged to prioritise their empowerment and integration into the development agenda.

He also called for a paradigm shift in societal attitudes and behaviors, emphasising the need for a collective commitment to fostering discipline and respect for the rule of law.

In a stirring conclusion, Kyerematen invited all Ghanaians to unite under the banner of the Alliance for Revolutionary Change, heralding a new dawn of hope, opportunity and progress for the nation.

With Ghana’s rich potential as a guiding beacon, he urged collective action towards realising a prosperous, united and peaceful future for all citizens.

As Kyerematen’s impassioned address reverberated across the nation, it marked not only a moment of political significance but also a clarion call for collective transformation and renewal in the spirit of national unity and progress.

Gov’t issues Request for Proposal for Saglemi Housing units

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Mr Kojo Oppong-Nkrumah addressing the meeting

In a move to finally address the long-stalled Saglemi Housing Project, government has issued a Request for Proposal (RFP), inviting private sector participation in its redevelopment.

This initiative marks a significant shift in strategy, aiming to leverage private expertise and resources to complete the project and contribute to bridging Ghana’s housing deficit.

The housing project, initiated in 2012, has been plagued by controversy and delays.

Originally envisioned to deliver 5,000 affordable housing units, the project was scaled down to 1,506 units before being abandoned due to legal issues.

The partially built structures have suffered from vandalism and theft, adding to the overall project woes.

Announcing the government’s plans to engage the private sector towards the redevelopment of the housing units at a brief ceremony in Accra on Wednesday, April 17, 2024, Minister for Works and Housing, Kojo Oppong Nkrumah emphasised government’s commitment to seeing to it that the units are redeveloped and handed over for usage.

“Ghanaians want the phenomenon of uncompleted or abandoned mass housing projects to come to an end. Till date, some of the projects from the President Kuffour era are still uncompleted. It adds to the narrative that we don’t finish projects when we start.

“We have a housing deficit of 1.8 million that we’re trying to reduce as the years go by. Already, there are about 40,000 housing units a year that we deliver as a country. That is not enough to close the gap, so if all of these projects keep hanging out there, it will deter future projects from being embarked upon. That is why it’s very important that we take advantage of this opportunity to reverse this trend,” he said.

He said the newly issued RFP seeks experienced and reputable local and international investors to partner with the government in a partnership that aims to not only address the housing shortage, but also contribute to Ghana’s socio-economic development.

Speaking on the specifics of the RFP, Chris Pobee Abbey, Director of Housing and a member of the Technical Working Committee overseeing the project outlined the key objectives for potential partners.

These, he said, includes completing all 1,506 housing units; developing essential infrastructure like electricity, water supply, proper sanitation and road networks, ensuring adherence to all legal and regulatory requirements and securing complete financial backing for the project’s successful completion.

The evaluation of proposals will be based on a 70/30 split, with 70% weight given to the financial strength of the bid, including the robustness of the financial plan, evidence of sufficient resources, and a plan for operational sustainability.

The remaining 30% will focus on the technical aspects of the proposal, including alignment with project objectives, experience of the bidder, proposed innovative solutions, potential community impact and a strong risk management plan.

On her part, Dr. Theresa Tuffour, a director at the Ministry, who also serve on the Technical Working Committee, assured the public that the selection process for a strategic investor will be conducted with the utmost transparency, integrity and accountability.

“The entire selection process will be conducted with fairness, integrity and accountability,” she assured.

“We want Ghanaians to be confident that this project is being completed for their benefit.”

Presenting the RFP’s timeline, an Architect with the Ministry, Foster Osae-Akonnor announced that prospective bidders have until July 8th, 2024 to submit their proposals.

Contract signing with the chosen partner is slated for August 30, 2024.

He said the Ministry looks forward to receiving strong proposals and partnering with a qualified firm to complete the project.

GAF, GIS call for collaboration among security agencies 

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Officers of GIS in a picture with the Chief of Defence Staff.

The Ghana Armed Forces (GAF) and the Ghana Immigration Service (GIS) have called for strengthened collaboration among security agencies across the country.

The call was made when the newly appointed Chief of Defence Staff, Lieutenant General Thomas Oppong-Peprah paid a maiden courtesy visit to GIS.

The visit, which was marked by a display of military protocol and formalities aimed to enhance the existing mutually beneficial collaboration between the two institutions.

A quaternary guard was formed to receive the Chief of Defence Staff, followed by an inspection of the quarter guard by him.

In his opening remarks, the Comptroller-General, Kwame Esuah Takyi highlighted the importance of cooperation between the GAF and GIS, in achieving their respective mandates effectively.

Lieutenant General Thomas Oppong-Peprah inspecting the quarter guard.

The Comptroller-General noted the long-standing relationship between the Ghana Armed Forces and the Immigration Service, dating back to the 1970s, when the Immigration Department collaborated closely with the armed forces’ guard units.

“Notably, in 1989, when the Immigration Department transitioned to a paramilitary service, the Ghana Armed Forces provided crucial training to the first batch of officers, instilling a sense of discipline and professionalism,” he explained.

He indicated that meeting with the CDS was also a “signal of the strong partnership between our agencies and a shared commitment to safeguarding our nation’s borders and protecting its citizens.”

He discussed the role of officers in regulating migration, facilitating safe travel, and combating transnational crime.

Lieutenant General Thomas Oppong-Peprah, who also addressed the gathering, expressed his commitment to fostering closer ties and cooperation between the two institutions.

He reiterated the importance of unity among security agencies to tackle emerging threats effectively. “It is imperative that we work together,” he emphasized, noting the critical benefits such collaboration brings.

Highlighting the advantages of cooperation,Lieutenant General Thomas Oppong-Peprah outlined three key areas; compensating for numerical limitations, enhancing interoperability through joint operations and training and optimising resource sharing to ensure no institution faces shortages in funding or provisions.

“In an effort to reaffirm the Ghana Enforcement’s commitment to work with all other security agencies to deal with any emerging threat in our country, I will continue where our predecessors left off. It is imperative that we work together and I think the benefits of that cannot be overemphasized.

“It will first of all help us to compensate for numbers that would have affected the extent of our operations. Number two, it improves our interoperability through the training and the joint operations that we conduct along the borders. And number three, we can also share resources together so that no one institution will be found wanting money,” he explained.

Lieutenant General Thomas Oppong-Peprah concluded by expressing his gratitude to the Comptroller General for his predecessor’s collaboration and extending thanks to colleagues for their support.

The Ghanaian Chronicle