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Jury System Should Be Scrapped! …Godfred Yeboah Dame says it delays some of the cases in court

By
BERNICE BESSEY
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Godfred Yeboah Dame, Attorney General and Minister for Justice

The Attorney-General and Minister for Justice, Godfred Yeboah Dame, is advocating for elimination of the jury system from the country’s jurisprudence.

In his view, the jury system is one of the reasons some of the cases delay in court and that, “I personally think that the jury system ought to be eliminated.”

He said this whilst meeting with the family of late Major Maxwell Mahama in Accra, yesterday.

According to him, the current jury system should be blamed for the number of years that the case had travelled in the court.

He pointed out that the trial is sometimes put on hold because one juror was absent. Mr Dame said on the day judgement was given on the case being referenced the court had to wait two hours because a juror was late.

Mr Dame, however, noted that Major Mahama’s murder trial had brought some reforms in the criminal justice system and “We are seeking to reform the jury system.”

He told the family that the government has already dealt with the offences of vigilantism by an Act of Parliament and hoped that the verdict of the court would send a message to the world that mob action has no place in the Ghanaian legal system.

Kaleonah Tizzala, uncle of the late Major Mahama, thanked the A-G and his team for bringing the case to a successful end.

He said, “It has been many years that the family had been in the wilderness and we did not know what to expect. We have been in a lot of pain and we prayed that one day that justice would be ours.

Not because whatever sentence pronounced will bring back our son, but it will make us feel better that the end would be a deterrent to people who may ever think of taking the law into their own hands.

Mother of the deceased, Madam Veronica Bamford, on her part said she rejected a proposal by residents of Denkyira Obuasi to name a street after her son. She said the manner in which her son died was horrific, therefore, will not welcome the proposal.

According to her, looking at the excruciating pain and psychological trauma the family had suffered, the naming of the street in the town after her son would not appease the family.

Madam Veronica added that she had a mental breakdown because of how her son was lynched.

With a trembling voice, she wondered whether she will ever recover from the pain. The grieving mother complained about the bad state of her son’s grave and wanted the government to do something about it.

She also clarified that the promotion of her son’s rank from Captain to Major was an appeasement, but it was a rank he worked for before his untimely death.

Madam Veronica was grateful that though her son was having a gun on him, he did not use it on the mob.

“He had a gun on him, but he didn’t shoot anybody. And I guess if you don’t know, he was the best shooter in his intake. He won the award for the best shooter. My son was a crack shooter. He had a gun, yet he didn’t kill anybody and I’m thankful to God for that. I’m glad he didn’t have anybody’s blood in his hands,” she said.

Major Mahama was murdered in 2017 in the Central region by a mob at Denkyira Obuasi.12 people have been sentenced to life imprisonment for murdering the soldier.

Let’s put the Primary behind us and work towards victory – Fred Kyei Asamoah

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admin
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Dr Fred Kyei

The newly elected New Patriotic Party (NPP) Parliamentary candidate for Offinso North, Dr Fred Kyei Asamoah, has appealed to all NPP supporters to put the just-ended election behind them and start planning towards the December general elections.

He also appealed to the various contestants in the election to put any differences behind them if there were any during the election and rather let their focus be on how to bring all members together to campaign for victory in the upcoming election.

Dr. Asamoah made the call when he spoke to the media on Wednesday, after his victory over the incumbent Member of Parliament for Offinso North, Mr Augustine Collins Ntim.

He explained that now that the primary is over, what was needed was unity of purpose, sharing of ideas and seeing how best to get the best election message to the Ghanaian populace, so they would retain the party to continue with its good policies.

Dr. Asamoah also indicated that the smooth and peaceful manner in which the recent primary was held attested to the unity and oneness among members of the party and urged them to maintain their focus.

Appreciation 

He used the occasion to thank Offinso North constituency delegates for the honour done to him and the trust reposed in him to represent them during the next general election.

Dr Asamoah pledged to bring all members of the party, especially those who contested the primaries together, and engage them during the upcoming campaign.

Background

Dr Fred Kyei Asamoah won the election after he polled 378 votes to beat the incumbent, Augustine Collins Ntim, who had 231 and Rockson Kwaku Adu Boahen who recorded one vote.

This is the first time Dr Fred Kyei Asamoah is contesting in the NPP primary in the Offinso North constituency.

By Felix Baidoo

Nurses leave Ghana in droves –GHS

By
MAXWELL OFORI
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Director-General, GHS, Dr. Patrick Kuma-Aboagye speaking at PAC yesterday

Some four thousand Ghanaian nurses have left the country in the last three years, the Director General of Ghana Health Service (GHS), Dr. Patrick Kuma-Aboagye, has said.

According to him, these nurses travel abroad because of the attractive pay, which the Ghanaian government is unable to give.

This development, he stressed, is depriving the nation of experienced nurses to work in the various hospitals across the country.

The DG appeared before Parliament’s Public Accountants Committee (PAC) on Tuesday, January 30, 2024 to respond to queries about the GHS contained in the 2022 report of the Auditor-General.

“At the last time we met, in the last three years, Ghana Health Service has lost about four thousand such nurses across the country. But the inflow has slowed.

“And as I’ve said, the amount of money that is attracting them, if we can pay the same, we will keep them,” he said.

Dr. Kuma-Aboagye was responding to a question from a member of the PAC, Bawa Braimah, representing Ejura-Sekyedumase.

The MP asked the question of the brain drain as a follow-up to unearned salaries by staff of the Bompata Government Hospital, captured at paragraph 327 of the 2022 auditor general’s report.

Two staff members had earned salaries that they were not supposed to. One had made a refund, but there was an outstanding of GH₡71,227 and the recommendation was for the amount to be recovered with interest at the prevailing bank rate.

The MP asked for the status of that infraction, which the DG of the GHS said was about GH₡8,330 but added that “it is the same [issue of] people who just packed their bags and went to the UK as part of the brain drains.

“So, chair, that is part of the fallout of the brain drain. I am sure we might see some in next year’s report.”

CONCERN

The Ejura-Sekyedumase legislator at this point expressed concern over the issue, arguing that Ghana may lack nurses to take care of patients in the near future. “So, what plans are you putting in place to ensure that this brain drain is curtailed?” he asked the DG.

In his response, Dr. Patrick Kuma-Aboagye said “So, what we are doing now is, we are losing very experienced nurses, and so we have had to increase our study leave so that they can be replaced, because there is very little one can do to stop them.”

He continued, “But we can see now that since the place is getting full, the numbers have significantly reduced. We are trying to recover by upgrading some of those who are here to be able to replace them.”

 

The DG told the committee that, in the same three years, about 30,000 nurses have been recruited, adding that the brain drain is not affecting the country in numbers but in experience.

PROCUREMENT BREACH

The Chairman of the PAC, James Klutse-Avedzi, observed from yesterday’s sitting that most of the public health institutions breach the procurement laws.

According to him, these institutions go contrary to Section 20 of the Public Procurement (Amendment) Act, despite recommendations from the Auditor-General in every annual report to desist from such practices.

The Committee invited the Ministry of Health, led by the Director General of the Ghana Health Service, Dr. Patrick Kuma-Aboagye, to answer a number of queries cited against the agencies and hospitals under the Ministry.

The most common infractions cited in the Auditor-General’s Report 2022 include non-payment of rent, non-competitive procurement, payment of unearned salaries, hire and purchase of vehicles, and unsupported payments.

Some of the clinics and institutions that were cited in the report for uncompetitive procurement include – Castle Clinic; Nurses Training College, Pantang; Princess Marie Louise Children Hospital; Accra Psychiatric Hospital and National Blood Service, among others.

The Director General of the Ghana Health Service was also advised by members of the Committee to recruit more procurement officers to help in procuring items for the various agencies by complying with the laws.

AngloGold’s GHC4.8m Sanso School Project Commissioned

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Dr. Ntim Fordjour addressing the gathering

A GH¢4.8 million one-storey building school project constructed by AngloGold Ashanti Obuasi Mine, for the Sanso Community in Obuasi has been commissioned.

The Sanso Basic School Project, which has nine fully-furnished classrooms for both primary and JHS, consists of a library, ICT lab, sick bay, canteen and toilet.

Commissioning the project, the Deputy Minister for Education, Dr. John Ntim Fordjour, expressed appreciation to Nananom of Sanso, AngloGold and other stakeholders for collaborating to put up such a beautiful facility.

Picture of the new school block

He also thanked President Nana Akufo Addo for helping to revamp the company after it collapsed in 2014, pointing out that if the company had not been revamped by the President, with the support of the Asantehene Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, the Sanso School project would not have  materialised.

He noted that the best strategy to transform communities around companies is through investment in education and commended AngloGold for the project.

According to him, the school project will go a long way to transform the socio-economic fortunes of the people of Sanso and its surrounding communities.

“When you empower people in the catchment community through education, they will become teachers, engineers and professionals and help ease societal burden on the company,” he added.

Mr. Emmanuel Baidoo, Senior Manager, Community Relations Africa of AngloGold, said the Sanso School Project stands out as a testimony to the company’s long term commitment to contributing to improving quality education within the communities it operates.

Dr. John Ntim Fordjour (middle) being assisted by Nana Akua Dwum II  to commission the school

“While we celebrate this occasion of handing over this school infrastructure to the people of Sanso, we also celebrate the fulfilment of our promise to contribute to nurturing to invest in the dreams of our children and to pave the way for a brighter tomorrow, through the cornerstone of education,” Mr. Baidoo added.

The Member of Parliament for Obuasi West Constituency, Mr. Kwaku Kwarteng, commended the Sustainability Department of Anglo Gold for facilitating the project.

He also praised Kilon Design and Build, the Contractor, for a good job done.

The Edubiasehemaa, Nana Akua Dwum II, called on teachers in the school to do their best to improve standards.

From Frederick Danso Abeam, Obuasi

LPG importation now goes through tender process

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Dr Mustapha Hamid, CEO of NPA

The National Petroleum Authority (NPA) on Monday, 29th January, 2024 successfully held the maiden Open Competitive Tender for LPG imports into the country.

The winning Tenderer submitted the lowest premium of USD30.39/MT for the four (4) Lots that were tendered for the period, March to June 2024.

This is a significant drop from the current premiums which range between USD67/MT to USD98/MT. Each lot is about 20,000 metric tonnes.

The NPA says the decision to use open competitive tenders for the importation of LPG is to reduce cost and ensure efficiency.

It said the proposal for the open competitive tenders was approved after consultation with Bulk Import, Distribution and Export Companies (BIDECs), with a majority of them supporting it.

An LPG filling station in Ghana

The Authority indicated that the quantity being tendered per month represents about 70 percent of Ghana’s monthly LPG consumption, with the Ghana National Gas Company (GNGC) supplying the remainder.

It is recalled that the NPA proposed the use of Open Competitive Tenders for the importation of LPG in 2021 to, among other things, bring efficiency to the importation of LPG into Ghana and ultimately reduce the cost of LPG through competition.

This was one of the measures proposed to help reduce the cost of LPG to aid in the implementation of the Cylinder Recirculation Model (CRM), which has affordability as one of the key tenets to successfully implementing the policy.

The proposal was thoroughly discussed in-house to assess its feasibility, and after it was concluded that it would help reduce the cost of importing LPG, approval was granted to engage with the BIDECs to get their buy-in before its implementation.

There were several engagements with BIDECs throughout 2023. These engagements resulted in the majority of BIDECs supporting the proposal, despite some reservations from a few of them.

The Authority considered the concerns raised by those with reservations and concluded that they were not strong enough to prevent the implementation of the policy.

Data available to the Authority on LPG imports by BIDECs over the years shows a huge disparity in the premiums paid to the International Oil Trading Companies (IOTCs). This can be attributed to the smaller parcels of LPG imported by the BIDECs.

The Authority is of the view that importing the LPG in bulk through the tender process will help to reduce the premiums due to economies of scale and further bring efficiency to the importation of LPG.

 My story: The Journey, My Victory and the Authenticity of the Ghana Teacher Prize

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Faith Dzakpasu, the author

What is this institution known as National Teaching Council (NTC), embodying strength, diplomacy, and authenticity?

Day and night, I tirelessly endeavoured to put my content together to fulfil the requirements of the ten essays for the Ghana Teacher Prize. After school, without hesitation, I would rush to my computer to pour my heart into narrating my journey of becoming a teacher.

Gradually, what initially felt like a daunting task transformed into an enjoyable experience. As I revisited my story and reflected on the impact I had made, I was astonished by how profoundly I had served my beloved country. The realization sent shivers down my spine.

A few days before the deadline, I discovered the need for a thorough check to ensure the success of my application. The realization almost led me to the point of giving up. Nevertheless, despite the challenges, I persevered and submitted my application.

Months after submitting my application, I found myself constantly anticipating communication from the NTC through texts or emails, as there had been no formal communication. One early morning, while getting ready for school, I noticed a text message from the NTC.

Excitedly, I checked, and the message instructed me to join the launch of the Teacher Prize. At school, I would eagerly check every few seconds until I finally saw that the program had begun in full swing. To my delight, I discovered that I was the third name on the list, and I could not contain my joy.

One significant challenge was gathering the necessary documents for the interview. Some of the required materials dated back five years, and the most daunting aspect was retrieving certain documents from my previous school. Despite the difficulty, I undertook the task.

This involved obtaining my School Based Assessment, lesson notes, BECE results, and various other pieces of evidence showcasing my work. A day was scheduled for the interview in Kumasi, and the journey from Accra to the Ashanti Regional capital proved both exhausting and emotionally charged. My husband made a few stops along the way in an attempt to calm my nerves.

The following day, we arrived at the academy, and the sight of the interview team left me trembling with a mix of nerves and excitement. They were not only warm but also poised, clearly aiming for the best candidates. As I entered the interview space, a group of NTC ladies carried my seemingly overly expected teaching resources.

The sight of them and their diligence reminded me of the devoted service of the Galilean women in the holy book. Throughout the process, they treated us with care and respect, providing all the necessary support. My session involved teaching and responding to detailed questions about the teaching profession, making it one of the most intense days of my life.

After the interview, I shared with my husband how the chairperson closely scrutinized my impact brochure. He suggested that we pass by the next day to give the book to the chairperson. I hesitated, expressing fear about going against the academy’s warning not to offer any form of appreciation to the team, not even a simple book, because I did not want to invite any trouble.

Soon, award ceremony at hand. We were provided with comfortable accommodation at Akromah Plaza in Takoradi. The hotel not only offered restful sleep, but also served appetizing meals. However, the anticipation of the contest outcome weighed heavily on my mind, causing me to lose my appetite.

During the two-day symposium, we had the chance to share our impact stories with the observers present. Interestingly, many people kept asking if I had any hint that I was going to win. The answer was a resounding no. There were no signs, no hints, just a lingering suspense that added to the excitement of the moment.

It felt surreal, like a dream unfolding on October 5th when my name filled the airwaves – the Outstanding Teacher came from Greta D Shepherd 2. What made this honour even more special was the absence of any financial obligation. There were no secret meetings, no undisclosed demands for the award, reinforcing my belief that indeed, genuine organizations existed in Ghana.

My sincere appreciation goes to the NTC for upholding such integrity. Many were curious about the packages promised by the NTC. To my delight, every commitment made by the NTC was promptly fulfilled, and I received everything promised within the shortest possible time. Yes, everything.

My journey to Singapore was an unforgettable experience, and with the promised one thousand exercise books and three-bedroom house fulfilled, there was no doubt that the NTC had elevated me to a higher level. Just when I thought I had done well for myself, the NTC came along and made me a better woman.

I declare, with the heavens as my witness, that the Ghana Teacher Prize Award is truly free and authentic. I stand as living proof, a beneficiary of this genuine recognition. Grace, passion, and hard work are consistently the keys that unlock doors.

I encourage all fellow teachers to continually fall in love with the noble profession we have been called to. One day, divine recognition will speak, and the world will sing our praise.

The National Teaching council is indeed building confidence and raising teaching standards.

Long live NTC!

Long live Ghana!

Author: Ghana’s Most Outstanding Teacher-2023.

By Mrs Faith Aku Dzakpasu

The views expressed in this article are the author’s own and do not necessarily reflect The Chronicle’s stance.

 

Saglemi trial: Witness lacks personal knowledge of project –Counsel

By
BERNICE BESSEY
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Law Courts Complex, Accra

After testifying that US$80 million out of the US$200 million for the Saglemi Housing was paid by late Enoch Teye Mensah, also known as E.T Mensah, it has come to light that the prosecution’s first witness (PW1), Reverend Stephen Yaw Osei, has no personal knowledge of the entire housing project.

According to Rev. Osei, Chief Director of the Ministry of Works and Housing’s testimony before the Accra High Court, he was never involved in the project, therefore, his evidence is based on the documents that he has seen.

The court, presided over by a justice of the Court of Appeal, with an additional responsibility of the High Court, Dr Ernest Owusu Dapaa, heard on Tuesday that the witness was never involved in the implementation of the project.

The witness was testifying under cross-examination by Godwin Edudzi Tamakloe, Counsel for second Accused (A2), Dr. Kwaku Agyeman-Mensah, a former Minister for Works and Housing.

PW1 told the court that he also does not know the roles played by some key people who were in employment with the project consultant, AESL, as well as the ministry, despite knowing them either by their full names, first names or surnames.

Rev. Osei said he did not know that one of the officers, Eric Amankwah Junior, whom he has personal and working relationship with, was the Schedule Officer at the Ministry of Finance on the Saglemi housing project.

To test the evidence of the witness and find out whether the prosecution had done a proper investigation before charging his client and others in the U$200 million Saglemi project, read from a document disclosed by the Attorney-General’s office.

The said document was a statement given by one Eric Victor Aryeetey Ansah, a Deputy Director of AESL, to the Forensic Unit of the Criminal Department (CID) of the Ghana Police Service.

In the document that portions were read to the witness, Mr Ansah had stated that when preparing the Interim Payment Certificates (IPCs), the Consultant deduct the requisite amounts out of the advanced payments and attached same to other documents, making it a voluminous documents with progress photographs.

Although the witness claimed lack of knowledge about the said statement, denied that there were IPCs attached to the voluminous documents.

E.T Mensah was a former Minister for Works and Housing and his immediate successor was Alhaji Collins Dauda, and then Dr Agyeman-Mensah, who, together with two others, are facing 70 charges of wilfully causing financial loss to the state, issuing false certificate contrary to Sections 1 and 2 of the Government Contracts (Protection) Act, 1979, AFRCD 58 and dishonestly causing loss to public property contrary to Section 2 (1) of the Public Protection Act 1977 (SMCD) 140 and intentionally misapplying public property.

The others, Alhaji Ziblim Yakubo, a former Chief Director of the same Ministry and Novi Tetteh Angelo (A5), the Chief Executive Officer and owner of Ridge Management Solutions Ghana Limited.
The accused persons were five in all, but one, Andrew Clocanas, then Executive Chairman of Construtora OAS Ghana Limited, is deceased.

Cross-examination 

Q. Rev at the last sitting you confirmed the fact that $80m out of the $200m was paid when the Hon ET Mensah was the minister?
A. Correct.

Q. Now do you by chance know any architect by name BasseyAku who played a role of the project architect on the Saglemi Housing project?
A. I know Blassey, but I am not sure of the surname who worked with AESL. However, I am not sure of the role he played in the Saglemi housing project.

Q. Are you also aware that, Architect Bassey Aku was one of the officers who appeared before the financial forensic unit of the CID. Are you aware?
A. I’m not aware. What I know is that some officials on AESL were invited for questioning but I cannot say Bassey is part.

Q. I’m suggesting to you that architect Bassey was one of the persons invited by the CID?
A. I have already told this court that some officials of AESL were invited, but I cannot vouch that Architect Bassey was among those invited.

Q. Are you aware that when Architect Bassey went before the police CID, he gave a statement dated September 14, 2020, where upon he told the police that as the project architect, they were doing quality assurance of the works on site, supervision of work, the presentation of weekly reports with the milestones reports, which were all sent to the ministry?

A. I’m not aware. But some reports as I have told this court in the form of certificates and others came to the ministry, but that was signed by Mr Satchel and not Architect Bassey.
Q. Satchel was the head (MD) of AESL where Architect Bassey works. Correct?

A. Yes.
Q. In fact, are you aware that Architect Bassey in his statement to the police indicated that they worked on the project from the beginning to December 2016, and that they prepared monthly reports detailing work done and progress reports with photographs that were sent to the ministry?

A. AESL was one of the consulting firms of the implementation of the Saglemi housing project from the beginning. As for the reports by architect Bassey, as to whether they did a good job or not I was not there. But my lord in effect, whatsoever came out of that project, was to give a line of the Escrow Management Agreement.

Q. So I understand you to say that you are aware that progress reports prepared by AESL were sent to the ministry. Yes or no?
A. I’m not aware.

Q. And are you aware that this report contained various work done?
A. I have tendered in evidence one of the reports, which is in evidence in this court. If I can have that document.

Q. Now do you know Eric Victor AryeeteyAnsah?
A. I know one Mr Ansah who was deputy Director of AESL. I don’t know if he is the one.
Q. Do you know as a deputy director of AESL, he was also the project coordinator for the Saglemi Housing project?

A. I don’t know.
Q. Do you also know on the September 8, 2020, he gave a statement to the financial forensic unit of the CID?
A. I don’t know.

Q. I’m suggesting to you that the said Eric Victor Ansah gave a statement to the police CID on September 8, 2020?
A. I’m not aware.

Q. Are you aware that in this statement to the police CID, Mr Eric Victor AryeeteyAnsah as the project Coordinator stated “I signed the interim payment certificates together with the project Quantity Surveyors (QUSR) together with the MD of AESL . After the project (QUSR) were evaluated by the contractor”. This was the statement of the coordinator when he faced the police?

A. I’m not aware.
Q. I’m suggesting to you that in a statement given by Eric Victor AryeeteyAnsah, he stated that “when preparing the IPCs we deduct the requisite amounts of the advanced payments as shown on the list attached,” contrary to your testimony before this court that the advance payment is not deducted.”
Prosecution: Objection

Our objection is that counsel is quoting verbatim from a document, which is not in evidence. The witness has informed this court in earlier question posed to him that he is not aware of the document he (counsel) is quoting from and since the document is not in evidence, he can’t be quoting verbatim. He is must find a better way to find the document in evidence so that he can properly use it.

Counsel: I’m doing two things, defending and also undermining the work of the prosecution. This document was in the discovery given to us by the prosecution. Section 74…this is prosecution is not persecution…
By Court: The objection raised by prosecution to overrule the immediately preceding question goes to the legal effect of section 74 & 75 of the Evidence Act 1975 NRCD 323.

According to section 74(1), in examining the witness concerning a writing, it is not necessary to show, read, or disclose to him any part of the writing. Sub section 2, if the witness is not a part, all parts to the action shall be given if they chose to inspect the writing before any questions concerning would be asked the witness.

According to section 55 in examining the witness in signing a statement or other conduct by him that is in consistent with any part of his testimony with the trial, it is not necessary to disclose to him any information concerning the statement or other conduct.

According to the law Reform Commission whose work complement NRCD 323,  who report…by virtue of the Interpretation Act, 2009 Act 792, recourse can be in order to contextualised the proper understanding of the scope, relevant and accurate.

The rationale behind section 74 & 75, essentially, cross examination should have an element of right to elicit the truth from the witnesses. However, if the statement…is attacking the credibility of the witness, fairness demands that the witness be given the opportunity to explain…as section 76…

In the instant case, counsel for A2 is quoting a statement from a document, which was made available during discovery, but same has not yet been rendered by prosecution. The witness certainly has the opportunity to answer the question or even suggest an answer. A citation to be shown the particular document allaimed at advancing the truth and projecting the credibility. See the cases of Kudai against the Republic (1976).

In the Circumstances the objection is overrated, the witness must answer the question.
Statement to the police
Repeat questions

Q. I’m suggesting to you that in a statement given by Eric Victor AryeeteyAnsah, he stated that “when preparing the IPCs, we deduct the requisite amounts of the advanced payments as shown on the list attached,” contrary to your testimony before this court that the advance payments were not deducted?

A. I still maintained that the advanced mobilization was not deducted and subsequent IPCs raised, and my lord, I earlier requested for a document that Thaddeus Sory tendered in evidence that those monies were not deducted.

Q. I’m suggesting to you that in this statement by Eric Victor AryeeteyAnsah to the police CID dated September 8, 2020 it states “the IPCs come as voluminous documents with progress photographs.”

A. The IPC were to follow instructions in the EMA. In the EMA when the contractor raised the certificate, it has to state in clear terms the milestones achieved that is specific on work done and its corresponding amount to pay.

And the EMA made it clear that a copy of a sheet detailing the milestones and progress of work achieved must be part of the IPCs but my lord, looking through those voluminous documents and IPCs to the ministry, you don’t find those documents (The sheets on the EMA that details the milestones archived).

The IPCs are also silent on the percentage of work done or milestones with the corresponding amounts paid to the contractor. It only states the amount of money to be paid to the contractor.

Court:..
A: It is a template from the EMA and the document state clearly that anytime IPCs are to be presented to the ministry that template should be completed and attached to the IPCs before it is presented to the ministry. Unfortunately, there is nothing like that from the documents we received from the contractor.

Court: So who is to liaise with the commission to ensure the documents are intact?
A. The contractor, the consultant and also the ministry of Water Resources, Works and Housing.
Cross examination continues

Q. Before this court I’m suggesting to you that you have not put these voluminous interim payments certificates before the court. Correct?
A. Copies of those documents were presented to the lawyers for the prosecution.
Q. You have testified in this court that when the IPCs are forwarded to the ministry of finance, no further validation takes place. Do you still standby that testimony?

A. Yes.
Q. Are you aware that before payments are effected there is a desk officer at the Ministry of Finance who does the validation before payment is effected?

A. Yes, at the Ministry of Finance, all ministries have desk officers who worked on documents from the respective ministries so before the Hon. minister for finance will authorize payment, that officer may work to raise memos.

Q. And what the desk officer or schedule officer does is to validate the payment requests before?

A. I don’t understand what he means by validation, what I know is that from the EMA it is stated clearly that the contractor, OAS the ministry was the account holder and the account is at BoG and the EMA stated further that the milestones agreed between the parties (contractor, consultant and the minsters).

The ministry of work and housing is supposed to do the internal test to make sure that milestones achieved and raised by the contractor through the consultant correspond to the actual work done on the field.

Q. Rev. as far as the Saglemi housing project is concerned, you have testified in this court that you were not personally involved until after December 2016 when there was a change in government?
A. I have never been involved in the implementation of the project.
Q. I’m suggesting to you that your testimony in this court is limited to only the documents that you have seen. Correct?

A. Yes.
Q. Do you know, any officer (Scheduled Officer at the Ministry of Finance by name Eric Amankwa?

A. Yes I know Eric Amankwaah, but I didn’t know he was working as a schedule officer.
Q. From your testimony can you tell the court how well you know the said Eric Amankwa?
A. I have known Eric for a very long time. He used to be a macho man. He actually introduced me to the gym and we worked on the documentation of the theAkyimOda Water project.

Q. Eric Amankwah Junior never informed you that he was the schedule officer at the Ministry of Finance on the Saglemi housing project despite this long relationship you have with him?

A. No.
Q. Okay. I am suggesting to you that his main duty is the schedule officer… to validate and process certified drawn from the Ministry of Water Resources Works and Housing ?
A: I’m not aware.

Q. Are you aware that the dropped down requests are usually sent to the Bank of Ghana either by the Minister for Finance or the Chief Director of the Ministry of Finance on behalf of the minister. Are you aware?
A. I’m not aware.

Q. I’m putting it you that prior to you testifying before this court, you never found out how the drop down request are processed to the bank of Ghana ?
A. I work with the ministry of work and housing and I’m concerned with what happens at that ministry.

Editorial: Government, Labour Unions must dialogue to resolve impasse

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THE CHRONICLE
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Editorial

The Ghana Association of University Administrators (GAUA), the Senior Staff Association-Universities of Ghana and the Teachers and Educational Workers Union of Ghana (TEWU-TUC) have declared an indefinite nationwide strike.

The unions have declared an industrial strike over what they described as the failure of the government, their employer, to address some pressing concerns affecting them.

They cited welfare needs, including payment of their tier-two pension funds with compound interest, over-time allowances and better conditions of service.

GAUA, for instance, lashed out at the Ghana Tertiary Education Commission (GTEC) and the Fair Wages and Salaries Commission (FWSC) for the poor handling of its conditions of service.

This strike by the labour unions, which started on January 17, 2024 have resulted in the withdrawal of essential services, such as cleaning the tertiary institutions’ environment, setting up classrooms for teaching and learning, providing security services and hospital services, among others.

The national chairman of the Tertiary Education Workers Union, Sulemana Abdul-Rahman, addressed journalists yesterday and indicated that they would only return to work if their concerns were addressed.

In university settings, like other workplaces, the role of every staff member is important and culminates in seamless day-to-day activities. As such, academic work would be greatly affected by the decision taken by the unions.

Teaching and learning cannot take place in filthy lecture halls, as vice chancellors and other management members cannot operate from untidy offices, and with no security, just to mention a few.

The National Union of Ghana Students (NUGS) has urged the government to address the demands of the university senior staff. The NUGS says the strike is impacting final-year students, especially those who need supervision during their practical sessions.

The government should quickly engage the aggrieved union and sort out their concerns.

We are not oblivious to the fact that this is not the first time labour unions have embarked on a strike.

It would have been a sign of patriotism for them to consider the economic crisis the nation finds itself in currently, which has seen her take refuge at the IMF with strict conditions.

Usually, the timing for these strike actions is during election year when the agitators know the ruling government is vulnerable, for fear of losing votes and thus may succumb to their pressure and heed their concerns.

Granted that it is a strategy, we do not think it is wrong in any way, if the demands are genuine. The unions do not, out of the blue, declare strike actions. They follow due process which includes notices to the employer and government.

The Chronicle is particularly concerned about the strike action, as it will definitely have consequences for innocent students. But are they not justified, considering the hullabaloo surrounding the AFCON 2023 budget? We have our reservations on that matter and have expressed same in previous editorials.

In the midst of complaints from labour unions, comes the wanton dissipation of resources on the senior national football team, the Black Stars, and their abysmal performance at the ongoing AFCON tournament.

The amount of money budgeted for the tournament does not correspond with the performance of the team. It comes as no surprise that a section of Ghanaians are demanding a total overhaul of the Ghana Football Association and to check the wanton dissipation of resources with nothing to show for it.

The labour unions must be heard and their concerns addressed. We are delighted to note that the government has scheduled to meet the striking tertiary workers today, Thursday, February 1, 2024.

We expect that the meeting today will address the concerns that provoked the strike. On the other hand, the labour unions should not go to the negotiation table with an entrenched position. It should be a win-win situation in the interest of the nation.

Zamfara Governor declares state of emergency in health sector

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Zamfara State Governor, Dauda Lawal

Zamfara State Governor, Dauda Lawal, has officially declared a state of emergency in the state’s health sector.

The governor announced the development during a state-wide broadcast on Tuesday, expressing deep concerns after an unscheduled visit to Gusau General Hospital revealed deplorable conditions in the health facility.

Visibly disturbed by what he witnessed, the governor outlined a comprehensive plan to address the challenges within the health sector.

“As a responsible government, we are taking urgent steps towards intervention,” Lawal declared, acknowledging the need for immediate action.

The key initiatives outlined by the governor include: “Massive Infrastructural Development: Improving the quality of all general hospitals through significant infrastructural development.

“State-of-the-Art Medical Equipment: Providing state-of-the-art medical equipment to enhance healthcare delivery.

“Standard Laboratories: Establishing standard laboratories for proper diagnosis.

“Maternal and Child Healthcare: Offering free services to address maternal and child healthcare, with the aim of reducing morbidity and mortality.

“Primary Health Centres (PHCs): Giving special attention to PHCs in remote communities to enhance standard primary healthcare delivery.”

The governor also expressed his commitment to the well-being and welfare of healthcare service providers as he pledged to establish an affordable and comprehensive health insurance scheme for all citizens of Zamfara State.

Furthermore, the governor assured of the distribution of necessary equipment and essential medicines to hospitals across the 14 local government areas.

To ensure accountability, Lawal announced mandatory physical verification of all hospital staff, including casual workers, stating that the state health commissioner will establish a proper channel for external supervision of staff on duty.

In addition to these measures, the government plans to enhance ongoing Special Modified Medical Outreach, strengthen emergency response, and reposition human resources for the health structure.

The governor reiterated his dedication to the urgent and effective transformation of the health sector in Zamfara State, saying that the declaration of a state of emergency marks an important step towards achieving the goal and ensuring the well-being of the citizens.

Credit: dailypost.ng

Lagos IRS announces extension of deadline for filing tax returns

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The Lagos State Internal Revenue Service, LIRS, has extended the filing of employers’ annual tax returns by one week, starting from February 1 to February 7, 2024.

Ayodele Subair, the Executive Chairman of LIRS, disclosed this in a public notice released by the agency on Tuesday.

According to him, the extension is due to the recent downtime experienced on the government’s e-tax portal.

According to the state’s law, the filing of annual tax returns by companies expires on January 31 of each fiscal year and attracts stiff penalties for defaulters.

Subair tasked Taxpayers to take advantage of this extension to perform their civic obligation.

“We understand that unforeseen circumstances may arise, and this extension is intended to accommodate such instances.

“We implore all employers of labour within Lagos State who are experiencing difficulties in filing their annual tax returns to call our customer service centre or visit the help desks at our various tax stations.

“It is essential to adhere to the revised deadline to maintain compliance and avoid any potential penalties”, he said.

Credit: dailypost.ng

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