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Kumasi ‘Pragia’ demo turns chaotic

By
RICHARD OWUSU-AKYAW
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Member of Parliament for Asawase Alhaji Mohammed Muntaka Mubarak, speaking to the pragia riders at Aboabo

Controversies surrounding the restriction of Pragia riders in Kumasi appear to be far from over as the Member of Parliament for Asawase, Mohammed Muntaka Mubarak, has waded into the issue.

Aljhaji Muntaka has emphasised that the emerging restriction should be a win-win situation and not a lopsided one, which appears to favour one side.

A number of pragia parked as part of the demonstration

He has, therefore, appealed to the Kumasi Metropolitan Assembly (KMA) to be pragmatic about the issue at hand, since it goes beyond the realm of decongestion.

To Muntaka Mubarak, Pragia serves as a means of employment to a number of people from all walks of lives, including university graduates, who are eking out a living from it.

He, therefore, called on the KMA to meet the riders half way for an amicable solution.

The Asawase Legislator made these calls when he spoke to the media, having earlier addressed Pragia riders who were demonstrating yesterday, at Aboabo Junction.

As part of the protest, the Pragia riders intermittently blocked roads like the Aboabo-Airport stretch, which impeded vehicular traffic.

At the onset of the protest, a national security operative, who is known by the street name ‘Curling’, fired a warning shot in the presence of the police to scare the aggrieved riders, but they remained on the road. The Police were deployed to direct traffic.

They blocked their colleague Pragia riders who were ferrying passengers in the course of the demonstration.

The protest left a number of people stranded, since they were going to places that were only accessible by Pragia. Some of the places include Sabon Zongoand Adukrom among other enclaves.

Muntaka told the media that the sub-region is increasingly becoming volatile, owing to hoodlums who are taking advantage of insecurity in the area, so it is important for the KMA to reconsider their stance on the issue.

Police Officers controlling the crowd

According to Muntaka, he has been to a number of nations in West Africa and beyond, and Pragia largely serves as means of tourism.

He, however, urged the Pragia riders to stay away from restricted areas marked by the KMA, as he and other stakeholders attempt to dialogue with the assembly.

Mohammed Muntaka, who was mobbed by the demonstrators at the Aboabo post office intersection, rebuked the Pragia riders for blocking roads and attacking police officers, something he described as unfortunate.

He asserted that the issue at stake is a bread and butter affair and not politics, adding that the Pragia provide employment for the teeming youth, which has reduced robbery in Kumasi and its environs.

Prior to the arrival of Muntaka, The Chronicle spoke to some stranded passengers who were feeling the impact of the protest.

Madam Alia Seidu, one of the stranded passengers, disclosed to this paper that she has been at the  Aboabo junction since 07:00 am, and did not get vehicle to her workplace.

According to her, she was told by the demonstrating riders that the government is restricting their movements and as such, they cannot work.

Speaking to a pregnant woman called Hawah Issaka, she disclosed to this paper that she came to the junction at dawn to board a vehicle together with her goods to her destination, but she could not do so because of the demonstration.

BoG is solid -John Kumah 

By
MAXWELL OFORI
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Dr. John Ampontuah Kumah, Deputy Minister for Finance

The Bank of Ghana (BoG) is healthy and hearty and has not collapsed, the Deputy Minister for Finance, Dr. John Ampontuah Kumah, has said.

He has also debunked claims by the National Democratic Congress (NDC) that due to the collapse of the Central Bank, the government would soon introduce a recapitalisation levy.

According to him, such a claim could only be propaganda, and evidence of the opposition NDC’s stock in trade.

He described the party as “funny” and urged the public to “disregard” the propaganda about the collapse of BoG, adding that “BoG is solid!”

The Ejisu Member of Parliament (MP) made a post on social media to respond to the claim made by the NDC during a press conference on Tuesday addressed by the Minority Leader, Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson.

The Minority Leader claimed that there would soon be a recapitalisation levy for the BoG, because the Central Bank “has collapsed.”

Addressing the claim, the Deputy Minister for Finance wrote: “The NDC is funny! It’s not true that a recapitalisation levy is to be introduced for BoG; the Central Bank hasn’t collapsed.”

He explained that the main source of income for the Bank was from government transactions, i.e., fees and charges on all government transfers, the bank’s investments in marketable instruments, and also earnings from non-marketable holdings.

He argued that given that government transactions had gone down “naturally,” the income of the Bank would also go down.

He also cited that because of the debt restructuring, earnings on their holdings of markable and non-markable bonds would go down.

“Beyond this, the Bank is solid and is capable of performing its core function. Article 183, clause 2 (c) of the 1992 constitution enjoins the Bank of Ghana to promote and encourage economic development in the country; hence, there is nothing untoward in the actions of the Central Bank to support the state in its economic recovery efforts.

It is important to further highlight that a negative balance sheet by a Central Bank is not unusual; in fact, most Central Banks around the world run negative balances to achieve the overall economic anchor objectives of a Central Bank,” he stated.

He observed that such propaganda and “unnecessary attacks at the Central Bank only” result in increased market volatility, panic selling of assets, and can trigger a chain of events that can affect our overall economic stability.

ALLEGED RECKLESSNESS

The Chronicle, on Wednesday, August 9, carried a story that the NDC was galled over the loss of GH¢55 billion at the BoG; they relied on the Annual Report and Financial Statement of the Bank of Ghana, released last week.

This, he said, meant that the prestigious BoG, which was the mother of all banks in the country, had become bankrupt due to the Governor’s complicity with the government’s Economic Management Team.

Based on the revelations in the report, Dr. Forson emphasised that Ghanaians were charged a “Mismanagement Fee” by those at the helm of affairs at the BoG.

The report, Dr. Ato Forson explained, vindicated the NDC’s consistent calls on Ghanaians that the government has completely mismanaged the economy and virtually collapsed the BoG.

“The NDC party is on record as having informed Ghanaians on countless occasions that the Bank of Ghana has been on a dangerous trajectory, and indeed, it has now become a crime scene with dire consequences for all of us.

“We in the NDC will continue to explore ways of rescuing this country to prevent it from the doom that has befallen several West African countries,” he said.

Akyem Abuakwa traditional council denies destoolment of Akwatiahene

By
admin
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Osagyefo Amoatia Ofori Payin, Paramount chief of Akyem Abuakwa state

The Akyem Abuakwa Traditional Council is asking residents and citizens of Akwatia and Okyeman to disregard a purported deposition or destoolment of the chief of Akwatia, Osabarima Kofi Boateng lll by the Abrade Royal family of Akwatia

The Akyem Abuakwa State Secretary, Mr D.M. Ofori-Atta hinted at a press conference held at Kyebi that Osabarima Kofi Boateng III remains the chief of Akwatia in the records of the Akyem Abuakwa Tradition Council.

Osabarima Kofi Boateng III

He said the proper persons or persons clothed with the right to bring proceedings for the deposition or destoolment of a chief is provided for under section 40 of the Chieftaincy Act 2008, Act 759.

According to D.M Ofori-Atta, the Judicial Committee of the Akyem Abuakwa Traditional Council has not received any charges from any of the kingmakers of Akwatia purporting to surcharge the Akwatiahene for a known customary offence.

According to  him, the requirement of a valid customary destoolment of a chief is that: the chief must have committed a known customary offence, the offence must have been brought to his notice by the elders, who must formulate charges against him before the judicial committee of the traditional council.

The chief must be put on trial on these charges and must be given a fair hearing and a finding of guilt must be made against him, before the appropriate customary practice relative to the area is conducted for his destoolment.

However, D.M. Ofori-Atta says the required processes have not been initiated, let alone been completed by the kingmakers of Akwatia.

He added that the purported news of destoolment is null and void and has no customary and legal effect.

Abusuapanin of the Abrade Royal family, Opanin Antwi Darkwa led some of his family members, together with the Krontihene of Akwatia, Baffour Afisa on Sunday, 23rd July, 2023 to perform some customary rites signifying the destoolment of Osabarima Kofi Boateng lll as Akwatiahene, over what they described as wanton sale of family and stool properties and gross disrespect for his family members and Akwatiaman.

Meanwhile, the Akyem Abuakwa Traditional Council has described the purported destoolment as null and void and without customary and legal effects.

The traditional council is urging the Akwatia police to restore order in Akwatia and provide the necessary security to the Akwatiahene, Osabarima Kofi Boateng III.

New Block for officers in transition to UN missions

By
BERNICE BESSEY
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The Oppong Peprah block

A transition building for military officers at the United Nations (UN) Village inside Burma Camp has been named after the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Major General Thomas Oppong Peprah.

The edifice, which forms part of many structures to be developed at the UN Village, was commissioned yesterday.

The Oppong Peprah Block was constructed free of charge by Kwasi Amoo Siriboe, a contractor of BK Akafia Lounge, as a donation to the Ghana Armed Forces (GAF).

Maj. Gen Peprah, addressing officers and soldiers at the commissioning ceremony, expressed gratitude to the contractor, and added that the building had been his long standing dream when he was the Director of Army Peacekeeping Operations.

He explained that “When I was a Director of Army Peacekeeping Operations, and I was checking the troops for operations. At the end of the day, I saw some of them lie in their blanket under a shed at the 5BM and it was a rainy day. When I asked them, they have no place to go.”

Maj. Gen Peprah indicated that the troops who were stationed outside Accra and deployed to UN Peace mission do not have a place to stay for the period of transition.

He added that the problem had existed for many years, “and having been in peacekeeping from 1963, we did not have anything and anywhere for our officers and soldiers to lay their heads. I made it priority number one. So when I became Chief of the Army Staff that was the first project that I launched.”

According to him, it was the reason Mr. Siriboe was contracted to construct the BK Akafia Lounge, and the current edifice was an addition to the dream.

He said the plan was to have officers accommodation in addition, to a dinning hall, kitchen, parade square, a multi-purpose hall, and a complex game outfit.

Chief of Army Staff continued that “The whole concept is what we call the BK Akafi Transit Area. The plan is in the future, and I’m saying this and that why I have assembled great Generals this morning so that they carry on with this idea , to construct garages beyond this building where we can keep all our UN equipment and sorts.

“So that everything that is needed for UN Peace support operations could be kept over here.

So we christened this place the UN village.”

He described the allegations a calculated by their distractors to ruine their efforts to pursue their plans for officers and soldiers of the Forces.

The Deputy Chief Staff Officer, Brigadier General Kenneth Kweku Kwaah added that on July 1, 2021, saw the commission of 320-bed accomodation named after BK Akafia Lounge.

He added that the additional 40-bed accommodation for officers on transit to UN Peacekeeping would enhance the well-of the men and women of the military.

Mr. Siriboe, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Paragon Company Limited, said he donated the building to the Forces due to their good working relationship over the years.

He stated that he became privy to COAS vision after the commissioning the BK Akafia Lounge, and promised to construct the block for free.

: Implementation of 10% withholding tax on lottery wins good

By
THE CHRONICLE
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Editorial

Yesterday, The Chronicle carried a story about the government withholding 10% tax on lottery wins. According to the government, it is to widen the tax net and rake in more revenue for development. As a result, the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) would, from August 15, 2023, begin the implementation of a 10% withholding tax on all gross gaming winnings.

The Commissioner for the Domestic Tax Revenue Division at the GRA, Edward Gyamerah, stated during a media engagement in Accra that the new policy falls in line with an amendment (No.2) to the Income Tax Act 2023 (Act 1094).

He said the new policy would be applied to private lotto operators, sports betting operators, casino operators, route operators, remote interactive games operators, operators of marketing promotions, and operators of other games.

Meanwhile, a group calling itself Concerned Bettors of Ghana has rejected the 10% tax imposition on all betting, lottery, and gaming wins.

According to a statement issued by the group, an attempt to levy the youth who are into betting “is a recipe for chaos.” Richard Aguda, Convener of the group, described the tax as ‘clueless’, arguing that because of the lack of jobs, betting had become a source of livelihood for the youth.

The Chronicle would like to caution the Concerned Bettors of Ghana that the nation’s economy is still not out of the woods yet. Ghana is recovering from large external shocks after suffering from decreasing international reserves, cedi depreciation, rising inflation, and plummeting domestic investor confidence, which eventually triggered an acute crisis.

The government had to go to the International Monetary Fund (IMF) for an Extended Credit Facility arrangement, aimed at restoring macroeconomic stability and debt sustainability so as to lay the foundation for a stronger and more inclusive economic growth.

Key policies under the IMF’s wide-ranging reforms for Ghana include ambitious structural reforms in the areas of tax policy, revenue administration and public financial management.

The Chronicle, therefore, encourages all Ghanaians to support the government on its ambitious tax reforms to bring the economy back on a sustainable path.

We commend the government for taking this innovative approach because it will not only ensure a consistent source of funding for essential public programs but also encourages a culture of responsible gambling within the country’s burgeoning gaming industry.

Like many nations, Ghana faces the ongoing challenge of funding vital public services, infrastructure projects and socioeconomic initiatives. The introduction of a 10% tax withholding on lotto and gaming winnings offers the government a reliable and sustainable revenue stream.

The funds generated from this withholding can be directed towards areas such as healthcare, education, public transportation and poverty alleviation, thus significantly contributing to the nation’s development and progress.

Much as The Chronicle believes that revenue generated from the 10% tax withholding would be specifically channeled into programs designed to uplift the lives of Ghanaians, we also want to sound a note of caution to our politicians to exercise discipline in managing public finances by ensuring that government’s spending aligns with available resources and development priorities.

When government reduces its wasteful spending, the taxpayer will be willing to pay his or her tax without complaining.

We conclude by saying that the decision by the Government of Ghana to implement a 10% withholding tax on lotto and gaming winnings showcases a forward-thinking approach that combines revenue generation with responsible governance.

This strategic move not only benefits the government’s financial objectives but also reflects its commitment to the holistic development and well-being of its citizens.

Reinforcing the use of zebra crossings for pedestrian safety

By
admin
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Kobby Kyei directing vehicles and pedestrians as part of his Zebra Crossing campaign

Zebra crossings are a common sight in many countries around the world. They provide a safe and designated route for pedestrians to cross busy roads. In Ghana, zebra crossings have been introduced in recent years as part of efforts to improve road safety and reduce accidents.

The first zebra crossing was installed in the capital city of Accra, and since then, they have become a common feature on many roads across the country. However, their effectiveness and usage have been a topic of debate among experts and the general public.

In recent years, there has been a renewed focus on improving pedestrian safety in Ghana, with the government, non-governmental organization and institutions launching campaigns to raise awareness about the importance of zebra crossings and other measures to protect pedestrians. Despite these efforts, however, pedestrian accidents remain a serious problem in Ghana, and there is still much work to be done to make roads safer for everyone.

Respect Zebra Crossing, a road safety campaign powered by Ghanaian blogger and philanthropist, Kobby Kyei, is an initiative that seeks to educate both pedestrians and drivers to respect and properly use zebra crossings to improve road safety and reduce accident and also focuses on the maintenance and restoration of faded zebra crossing lines in the country.

As a philanthropist and road safety advocate, Kobby Kyei is dedicated to improving pedestrian safety on the country’s busy roads. According to him, he has witnessed the firsthand dangers pedestrians encounter when crossing the road and on other occasions, has encountered many accidents and fatalities that could have been prevented if drivers and motorists had respect zebra crossings and given way to pedestrians.

The objective of the campaign is to educate the public about the purpose and significance of zebra crossing in ensuring road safety, encourage people to use zebra crossings properly following the rules and guidelines, and to reduce the number of accidents and injuries caused by the improper use of zebra crossing.

Determined to achieve the objectives of his campaign, Kobby Kyei, is actively involved in aiding pedestrians to cross the zebra crossing securely. Volunteering with local road safety organizations and community leaders to raise awareness about pedestrians’ safety.

Distributing flyers and posters as a means of public awareness on the proper ways of using zebra crossings and the importance of looking both sides of the road and waiting for vehicles to stop before stepping onto the crossing.

The campaign leverages on social media platforms such as Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram to reach a wider audience with the hashtag #RepectZebraCrossings to raise awareness about the importance of zebra crossings and get other civil organizations and institutions involved in the campaign.

Kobby Kyei, is advocating for improved road safety measures. He is urging authorities to address the issue of faded zebra crossing lines and include speed ramps in the construction of both new and old roads, and urges citizens active participation in this campaign. Kyei believes that speed ramps will automatically slow down drivers, giving pedestrians more time to cross the road safely.

Additionally, he suggests placing flags at every vantage point where there is a zebra crossing so that pedestrians can use them to signal drivers to stop and allow them to cross the road ensuring the safety of citizens on the roads.

Road safety campaigns highlights the importance of being responsible and cautious while using the roads. Through education, awareness, and practical measures, we can significantly reduce the number of accidents and fatalities on our roads.

Let us all take an active role in promoting road safety and making our communities safer for everyone. Remember, a small effort from each of us can make a big difference in saving lives and preventing injuries.

By Kyei Angela Koranteng, GIJ Student

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

Keep your head high and see yourselves in excellence -MP Toffey tells BECE candidates

By
KWESI ALFRED ADAMS
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MP Toffey leading the health walk

The Member of Parliament (MP) for Jomoro Constituency, Dorcas Affo-Toffey, has wished candidates of the Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE) in her constituency well.

In a brief message, MP Toffey extended words of encouragement to the candidates to be confident and face the examinations with courage.

She wrote: “Keep your head high and see yourselves in excellence.”

Meanwhile, hundreds of residents in the Jomoro Constituency joined the MP to headline this year’s West FM health walk in Elubo.

The walk is an annual event, which seeks to bring togetherness and promote unity among the residents.

It also forms part of the socialisation of the people.

Friday’s event was the 10th edition of the walk, which brought together celebrities like Kumawood Actor Akwasi Boadi, aka Akrobeto.

The walk started from the forecourt of West FM and ended at Elubo Town Park.

MP Dorcas Affo-Toffey advised the youth on the need to keep themselves healthy, given that health was wealth.

Holy Child College of Education holds Congregation

By
KWESI ALFRED ADAMS
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The graduands at the graduation ceremony

The Holy Child College of Education has held it first congregation for the first batch of the four-year Bachelor of Education programme introduced by the government in 2018. A total of 274 students graduated with various classes.

In all, 12 students graduated with First Class, 137 with 2nd Class Upper and 109 with Second Class Lower, whilst 16 graduated with Third Class.

Addressing the congregation, the Principal of the College, Dr. Francis Hull Adams, indicated that the results of the first batch of the 4-year BEd Programme was very impressive.

The Principal pointed out that on record the highest number of First Class the College had ever recorded was nine. “This year we have moved up from 9 to 12. In Holy Child, we train our students to be independent during examinations.

Our students know that we do not compromise with examination malpractices, so the performance of our students is actually a true reflection of what they could do.”

He expressed the hope that the results of the current Level 400 students would follow the same trend – trend of positive progression.

Details of the results of the graduands are as follows:

First Class: 12 (4%)

Second Class Upper: 137 (50%)

Second Class Lower: 109 (40%)

Third Class: 16 (6%)

The theme for the congregation was “Championing the cause of gender and inclusive education: The female factor in teacher education.”

Continuing, Dr. Francis Hull Adams, who described the congregation as historic, explained that congregations were special occasions in the life of educational institutions, where the stock of various activities that took place during the academic year was taken.

It also serves as the appropriate occasion where diplomas and degrees are conferred on graduating student.

COLLABORATIONS AND PARTNERSHIP

Principal Adams explained however, that given that collaborations and partnerships could not be de-coupled from teacher training, the College had partnership agreements with 53 basic schools in five Districts, where their mentees go for Supported Teaching in School attachment.

The districts are, Sekondi-Takoradi Metro (STMA), Effia Kwesimintsin Municipal (EKMA), Ahanta West and Mpohor East and West.

That apart, the College also has partnership agreements with Mpohor Senior High School and Holy Child School, Cape Coast, for the promotion of inclusivity.

Again, a special partnership agreement has been signed with Kibi College of Education on Pedagogy and Teaching Practice.

“I am happy to report that the College has almost finalised [a] partnership agreement with University of Okayama in the areas of research and publication and teacher education. Again, Narato University of Education in Japan has been contacted for similar partnerships. Plans are also ahead to engage some universities in Canada for similar activities.”

INFRASTRUCTURE

On Infrastructure development, Principal Adams announced to the gathering that there had been positive developments in the area of infrastructure since the College’s last congregation held in 2021.

The old Assembly Hall/Auditorium project, which started in 2004, was now completed and hosting the congregation.

Another strategic project which would be one of the legacies for management was the 3-storey lecture hall complex started in January 2022. Currently the first phase is complete. The second phase of the project has started in earnest. This project, when completed will dramatically change and transform the infrastructure landscape of the College.

The College will virtually move to the new site as the project will take care of lecture halls, Language laboratory, Art Studio, Performing Art Studio, Social Studies Room, Home Economics Practical Rooms, Gymnasium for Physical Education students, offices and theatre rooms for all programmes of study.

Striking doctors suspend planned protest after meeting with Senate leadership

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admin
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Striking doctors meet Senate

Doctors under the aegis of the Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) have suspended their planned nationwide daily protest after a closed-door meeting with principal officers of the Senate on Tuesday.

The President of NARD, Emeka Orji, confirmed the development to PREMIUM TIMES on Wednesday morning.

A statement by the office of the President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio, had also hinted of the doctors’ decision in a statement shared with this newspaper.

Speaking with our reporter on the phone, Mr Orji said the planned protest slated for Wednesday (today) has been suspended, adding that there will be an update “in the next 72 hours.”

“We met with the Senate President, majority and minority leaders and Whip today,” he said. “The planned protest slated for Wednesday has been suspended and we will review again in 72 hours.”

In a separate statement obtained by this Newspaper on Tuesday night, the President of the Senate, Mr Akpabio, applauded the doctors for calling off the protest and also working towards calling off the strike.

According to the statement by Mr Akpabio’s media office, the Senate President said the doctors’ demands are well noted “and will be addressed as soon as a new minister is appointed for the health sector.”

“I thank you on behalf of the Senate for honoring us with your decision not only to cancel the planned public protest but to also call off the strike in the interest of the suffering masses,” he said.

“Your demands are well noted and let me assure you that as soon as a Minister in charge of Health is appointed, the Senate will work with him or her to expeditiously address all your grievances.”

Credit: premiumtimesng.com

Governor Adeleke calls for peace, orders reopening of Kajola market

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admin
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Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke

The Osun State Governor, Ademola Jackson Nurudeen Adeleke has ordered the reopening of Kajola Market.

This is as the governor also warned stakeholders in the market to desist from unlawful acts that could disrupt the peace of the town.

The Governor’s decision was made after the presentation of reports of the lingering crisis and the outcome of the mediation meeting anchored by the Commissioner for Commerce and Industry, Rev. Bunmi Jenyo.

DAILY POST had reported that Governor Adeleke had last week directed the Commissioner to wade in and resolve issues from warring factions in the interest of peace in the market which is located at Atakunmosa West local government area of the state.

The governor said, ” I am a man of peace and would ensure there is adequate security for the lives and properties of the people, not only in Kajola-Ijesha but also across every nook and cranny of Osun State

“It is high time you all stopped hostilities among yourselves and settle for peace. We will not condone indiscipline. Anyone caught beating the drum of violence will be made to face the full wrath of the law.

“The market is hereby reopened on Saturday, 12th August 2023, without delay to safeguard the livelihood of citizens, who earn their living in transacting their varying businesses in Kajola market.”

Credit: dailypost.ng

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