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Mahama’s Lean Government Claim Is A Hoax! …Abu Jinapor Says He Has Appointed 100 Ministers

By
JENNIFER AMBOLLEY
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Samuel Abu Jinapor

The former Minister for Lands and Natural Resources in the erstwhile Akufo-Addo government, Samuel Abu Jinapor, has accused President Mahama of appointing hundred ministers, despite his promise to Ghanaians to form a lean government.

Speaking on the floor of Parliament last week, Wednesday, Mr Jinapor, who represents the people of Damango in the Legislative House, contended that President Mahama, apart from the sixty ministers he promised to appoint, has also appointed more presidential staffers who are going to draw salaries from the national purse.

The vociferous MP and former minister regretted that despite all the appointments the president has made so far, he seems not satisfied and rather making more appointments.

He specifically mentioned the appointment of Dr. Valerie Sawyer, Senior Presidential Advisor in charge of Government Affairs, who holds the rank of a Cabinet Minister. He noted that her salary, benefits and office expenses are equivalent to those of a Cabinet Minister, who also serves as a Member of Parliament.

The MP went on to list a series of other appointments, including Presidential Advisors on the Economy, 24-Hour Economy, Special Aide to the President, National Anti-Corruption Program, and Diaspora Affairs.

The former Minister for Lands also mentioned the appointment of Presidential Staffers for the Vice President, Black Star Experience and Diaspora Affairs, as well as five Policy Advisors to the Vice President.

“Mr. Speaker, he goes on to appoint Presidential Advisor, Presidential Staffer and Special Aide to the Vice President, Presidential Staffer for Black Star Experience and then Presidential Staffer for Diaspora Affairs,”Samuel Abu Jinapor stated.

“The list goes on and on. I won’t be surprised if very soon we have a Presidential Advisor on ‘nkukɔnkitinnkiti, or ‘Okada’ business,” he said satirically.

Abu Jinapor condemned the appointment of 16 Presidential Staffers in charge of the 16 regions of the country, arguing that these positions effectively function as deputy Ministers of State.

He questioned the rationale behind these appointments, especially when the president had previously stated his intention to reduce the number of deputy Regional Ministers.

“Mr. Speaker, I want to submit that these Presidential Staffers in charge of the 16 regions of our country, in essence, as it relates to the cost on the national Exchequer, are in fact indeed and in substance, deputy Ministers of State,” he asserted.

He also pointed out the extensive media and communication team appointed by the president, including 1 Presidential Advisor for Media, 4 Directors of Communication, 5 Deputy Directors, 2 Communication Specialists, 5 Technical Communication Assistants, 1 Media Aide, 1 Assistant Media Liaison Officer, and 1 Communicative Consultant.

“Mr. Speaker, I’ve done the Mathematics, and I want to submit that the President has appointed 100 Ministers and Deputy Ministers,” Jinapor said, emphasizing the financial strain these appointments place on the national budget.

Samuel Abu Jinapor, who previously served as deputy Chief of Staff, stressed that his critique was not partisan but based on his experience in government. He called for greater prudence in governance to reduce unnecessary expenditure and ensure efficient use of public funds.

“I do this not from a partisan lens, but as somebody who had the privilege and honour to serve as deputy Chief of Staff. I know how it works. In terms of the cost on the National Exchequer, these appointments are excessive,” he said.

Afenyo-Markin Fights For Dismissed Ghanaian Workers

By
MAXWELL OFORI
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Minority Leader, Osahen Alexander Afenyo-Markin

The move by the Member of Parliament for Effutu constituency, who doubles as the Minority Leader, Alexander Afenyo-Markin, to fight for dismissed public workers has been botched by the Majority Leader, Mahama Ayariga and the First Deputy Speaker, Bernard Ahiafor.

The minority leader had prepared to make a statement on Wednesday, March 5, 2025 in support of the motion for the House to inquire into the dismissal of some public sector workers by the Mahama government.

The Chronicle has read a copy of the statement in which the minority leader would have argued on the floor that it was an undeniable fact that the public servants whose appointments have been “arbitrarily revoked” were duly recruited under the administration of President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo.

The statement would have reminded the House that a president is elected to serve a full four-year term, as clearly stipulated in Article 66(1) of the Constitution.

Minority Leader, Osahen Alexander Afenyo-Markin

It says that, “Mr. Speaker, it is, therefore, unconstitutional and grossly unfair to revoke appointments that were made within the legitimate tenure of the former president. The directive by the Chief of Staff effectively suggests that the executive authority of the President was nullified immediately after the elections – a position that finds no basis in law or constitutional practice.

“In conclusion, Mr. Speaker, there was no just cause for the dismissal of these public sector workers. In taking this action, the President has not only violated the constitutional rights of these citizens but has also undermined the very principles of fairness and justice that should guide our governance.

“I, therefore, urge this House to rise above partisan lines and speak with one voice in the supreme interest of the Ghanaian people. Let us resolve, unequivocally, that the directive from the Chief of Staff was unconstitutional and inconsistent with good governance practices, and it must be reversed. I so move,” the statement ends.

MOTION ARRESTED

The minority leader had attempted to move a motion that had already been admitted by the Right Hon. Speaker, Alban Sumana Kingsford Bagbin, who was not in the chair when the motion was called on Wednesday, March 5, 2025.

The private member’s motion was to the effect that “this Honourable House considers the directive by the Chief of Staff, Hon. Julius Debrah, in a letter dated 10 February, 2025 and refers the matter to a committee of Parliament to inquire and report to the House, as the directive is inconsistent with good governance practices and has consequences on the rights of citizens, as provided for in Chapters 5 and 6 of the 1992 constitution.”

Before he would move the motion, Mahama Ayariga raised a preliminary objection, which was carried by the First Deputy Speaker, Bernard Ahiafor, in his ruling.

Mahama Ayariga argued that the motion in question was the same as a matter pending before the Supreme Court and urged the House to avoid the temptation of prejudicing the case through debating the motion, if allowed to be moved.

“So, my objection to this motion being moved is on two things. One is a matter that is already before the court. And I don’t see how we are going to move this motion and debate it without violating order 123 (1) of the Standing Orders.

“Mr. Speaker, my contention is that if this motion is moved and we are going to debate this motion, there is no way that that debate will not prejudice the outcome or the interest of the parties in the action.

“Because the very issue the court is going to determine is the issue we are going to debate. So, if you combine the grounds, my contention is that the motion should not be moved,” he said.

RESPONSE

In his response to the preliminary objection raised, the minority leader, Afenyo-Markin, began by relying on Order 103 (F) of the Standing Orders, which talks about the conditions of admissibility of motion.

According to him, the motion has crossed the admissibility stage, adding that even the text for the motion had been tweaked by the Right Honourable Speaker.

He explained that the original text was interrogated to ensure that the final wordings did not have any prejudicial effect in court.

“Mr. Speaker, this motion has crossed the admissibility stage and has met the threshold of admissibility. So, Mr. Speaker, the first leg of his argument falls flat.”

The Effutu MP argued that whereas the Supreme Court writ is seeking a declaration, the motion before the Speaker was not “seeking a declaratory relief,” but on good practices and good governance. I am not here to move a motion to demand a certain declaration.”

In his ruling, the First Deputy Speaker, Bernard Ahiafor, sided with the Majority Leader’s argument that the motion could not be moved since it is a matter pending before the court.

In his ruling, the First Deputy Speaker made the case that allowing the motion to be moved and debated may “lead to some comments” likely to “prejudice” the writ before the apex court.

“Accordingly, the motion and subsequent debate on it are stayed pending the determination of the matter in the Supreme Court. The objection is sustained. The motion, therefore, cannot be moved. I so rule,” the First Deputy Speaker Ahiafor banged the gavel.

GoldBod is a Very Serious Error in Judgement

By
admin
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Dr Razak Kojo Opoku

It is just intriguing listening to President John Mahama’s newly appointed Chief Executive Officer of Precious Minerals Marketing Company (PMMC) justifying government’s intentions for the creation of the Ghana Gold Board (GoldBod).

To start with, the creation of Ghana Gold Board (GoldBod) is NOT a novelty. This same project concept is a plagiarized or in other words stolen version of the Guyana Gold Board (GGB).

By way of introduction; Guyana, officially the Co-operative Republic of Guyana is a country on South America’s North Atlantic Coast.

The Guyana Gold Board Act 1981 was passed on 23rd December 1981 and subsequently gazetted on 31st December 1981 with Act number of 12/1981.

Following up the Act 1981, the Guyana Gold Board was officially established on 15th May 1982, pursuant to Section 3 of the Guyana Gold Board Act, Chapter  66:01(Cap 66:01) of the Laws of Guyana to buy, sell and export gold.

The Gold Board was established in the era when capitalism in Guyana was under official attack and nationalization of large foreign owned companies had been executed with zeal.

In accordance with Section 4 of the Guyana Gold Board Act, the Board shall:

  1. Carry on the business of trading in gold
  2. Secure at all times an adequate supply of gold and to ensure its equitable distribution in Guyana at fair prices.
  3. Purchase all gold produced in Guyana.
  4. Sell all gold in Guyana and to sell gold outside Guyana.

Further, in accordance with Section 8 of the Guyana Gold Board, *”No person shall sell any gold to, or purchase any gold from any person other than the Board or any agent authorized in writing by the Board or export any gold”*.

This is exactly the “beautiful nonsense” that, the Chief Executive Officer of PMMC was trying to communicate to us on Asempa FM.

Just like the Section 23 of the Guyana Gold Board, any Ghanaian who would decide not to comply with the terms and conditions of Ghana Gold Board shall face the following punishments:

  1. Fine
  2. Imprisonment
  3. Forfeiture of the gold in respect of which the offence was committed.

The legal frameworks governing the activities of Guyana Gold Board are as follows:

  1. Guyana Gold Board Act
  2. Guyana Gold Board (Dealers) Regulations
  3. Guyana Gold Board(Dealers)(Amendment) Regulations
  4. Anti-money Laundering and Countering the Financing of Terrorism(AML/CFT) Act No. 13 of 2009
  5. Anti-money Laundering and Countering the Financing of Terrorism(Amendment) Act No. 15 of 2010
  6. Anti-money Laundering and Countering the Financing of Terrorism(Amendment) Act No. 7 & 10 of 2015
  7. Anti-money Laundering and Countering the Financing of Terrorism(Amendment) Act No. 21 of 2017
  8. Anti-money Laundering and Countering the Financing of Terrorism(Amendment) Act No. 17 of 2018
  9. Anti-money Laundering and Countering the Financing of Terrorism(Amendment) Act No. 12 of 2022
  10. Anti-money Laundering and Countering the Financing of Terrorism(AML/CFT) Regulations 2010
  11. Anti-money Laundering and Countering the Financing of Terrorism(AML/CFT) Regulations No. 4 of 2015
  12. Anti-money Laundering and Countering the Financing of Terrorism(Amendment) Regulations No. 1 of 2015

Despite the aforementioned laws regulating the business trading of gold in Guyana, *there have been several calls and advocacy for the abolishment of the Guyana Gold Board*.

For instance in 2016, a Forensic Audit into the Gold Board revealed that, poor management and mafia gold trading resulted in losses of over Ten Billion US Dollars($ 10 billion) for the period of 2012 to 2014.

There have been several issues of manipulation with the computation of the pricing of the gold, and also, there have been lack of transparency with the purchase price at the real time price on the international market.

Per the investigations by Ram & McRae Chartered Accountants Professional Services Firm:

  1. The Gold Board recorded a gross loss of  $ 281.4 million in 2012, $9,716.6 million in 2013, and $79.6 million in 2014.
  2. At May 2015, the Gold Board owed the Ministry of Finance $8,731.6 million for advances received in September 2012. At the same date, the balance on the Gold Board’s current account with the Bank of Guyana was an overdraft of $8,820 million making a total of $17,552 million.
  3. It doesn’t not seem that the Gold Board would be able in the foreseeable future to discharge its obligations to the Ministry of Finance or liquidate its various overdrafts with the Bank of Guyana. Moreover, the Gold Board Act was completely SILENT on how PERMANENT LOSSES are to be dealt with as well as considerations for a RE-CAPITALISATION of the Gold Board.

It has been  established that, for the past 44 years, *no advantages now accrue from the compulsory sale of gold to the Government*. The Gold Board of Guyana has lost a substantial sum of revenue because buying of gold just under the world market price and selling it at the world market price by Government appears to be a no-brainer at all.

The control of the purchase and sale of gold by the Government has given serious rise to an enormous amount of gold smuggling coupled highest rate of corruption in the gold industry.

The Gold Board has been causing serious harm to the economy and Guyanese people.

Honestly, we need strategic thinking approaches to the management of gold and other resources of Ghana.

Establishing Ghana Gold Board similar to Guyana Gold Board and functioning in a manner like the Ghana Cocoa Board is completely waste of time, resources and efforts of the country.

The Gold Board would be serving as a conduit to perpetrate fraud, underhand dealings, family & friends hijack, money laundering, and massive corruption.

From all indications, it seems that, the interest of Nyinahin Bauxite has been shifted to controlling the gold resources of Ghana under Mahama’s Government.

We are closely monitoring the space of PMMC and the supposed Ghana Gold Board.

By Razak Kojo Opoku(PhD)

Founding President, UP Tradition Institute

KsTU, Zenith Bank commission Banking Clinic for practical training

By
ERNEST BEST ANANE
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From left Prof Gabriel Dwomoh, George Imbrah and Prof Aziz commissioning the Clinic Bank

The Kumasi Technical University (KsTu), in collaboration with Zenith Bank has officially commissioned a Zenith Bank-KsTU Banking Clinic” to enhance Practical Training for Banking and Financing Students of the University.

The state-of-the-art Banking Simulation and Training Centre, christened the Zenith Bank–KsTU Banking Clinic has a digital module designed to bridge the gap between academic training and industry practice.

The banking clinic promises to equip students with hands-on skills in modern banking operations and will also make electronic banking (e-banking) an integral part of its training.

The newly commissioned KsTU-Zenith Bank Clinic

The facility is expected to serve as a vital training ground, equipping students with the skills needed to excel in the fast-evolving banking sector.

Professor Aziz, Dean of the Business School, at the commissioning emphasised the significance of the facility in the digital age.

According to him, the mock banking hall will help train students and keep them abreast of current banking practices and prepare lower-tier staff for the industry in the long run.

He noted that the centre is crucial, as students would be taken through the entire banking process, ensuring that they are well-prepared for real-world challenges.

Mr. George Imbrah, the representative of Zenith Bank expressed gratitude to KsTU for the collaboration and the privilege to partner with KsTU in the establishment of the banking clinic.

He revealed that moving directly from university to industry, there was the need to make an impact and support the university to ensure that students are aware of and responsive to current trends in the banking sector.

He assured the university of Zenith Bank’s continued support towards the bank’s commitment to nurturing young talents.

Vice-Chancellor Professor Gabriel Dwomoh indicated that the initiative was geared towards KsTU’s mission as a Technical university, as the Institution is committed to competency-based training.

He stated that their uniqueness lies not only in STEM-related courses, but also in the humanities, particularly, in the business-related programmes. He argued that the practical laboratory allows students to engage in real banking operations, with full integration of digital/e-banking., which is in vogue and expressed his appreciation to Zenith Bank for not only maximizing profit for shareholders, but also to impact the younger generation.

The VC observed that the Banking clinic would not only benefit KsTU, but the industry at large and hoped other Banking Institutions would emulate the initiative.

Prof. Dwomoh described the Zenith Bank – KsTU Banking Clinic as a testament to the power of partnerships between academia and industry, promising a brighter future for KsTU students and the broader financial ecosystem in Ghana.

Holy Family Catholic Church, Asankrangwa New Town dedicated to the glory of God

By
admin
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On February 22, 2025 the Holy Family Catholic Church, Asankrangwa New Town, under Immaculate Conception Parish, Asankrangwa, in the Catholic Diocese of Sekondi-Takoradi was solemnly dedicated to the glory of God.

The magnificent church building, constructed through the generosity of Mr. Richard Yaw Appiah, was dedicated under the theme: “Blessed and Sanctified for the Glory of God.”

In his address, Mr. Appiah, affectionately known as “Mr. By Plans” expressed his deep gratitude to God, emphasising that the project was not accomplished by his might, wisdom or financial resources, but by the grace and providence of God.

He recounted how he once made a commitment to God to build a house of worship and despite initial uncertainties, was strengthened by divine assurance to move forward.

“I never thought this dream would come to pass, but I heard a voice saying to me ‘Move forward, you will surely do it,’” he recalled.

Mr. Appiah also acknowledged the significant role played by the St. Stephen’s Community, whose support helped bring his vision to fruition.

He became emotional as he paid tribute to the late Mr. Oppong Dacosta, who was instrumental in the project, but sadly passed away just two months before its completion.

He further expressed his heartfelt appreciation to Mr. Linus Kwadwo Mesu, the Church Secretary, for his selfless contributions.

In conclusion, he formally handed over the keys of the church to the Sekondi-Takoradi Diocese, entrusting it into the hands of the Church’s leadership.

A Historic Milestone for the Diocese

The Most Rev. John Baptist Attakruh, Bishop of the Sekondi-Takoradi Diocese, was the main celebrant of the dedication Mass.

In his homily, he described the occasion as a historic moment for the Parish and the Diocese, as it is rare for a single individual and his family to construct such an edifice for the glory of God, especially within the Catholic Church in Ghana.

He noted that Asankrangwa has now written a new chapter in the history of the Catholic Church in Ghana and future generations will read about this great act of faith and generosity.

The Bishop highlighted that Mr and Mrs Appiah’s contribution was a demonstration of unwavering faith in God and a reminder to all believers that serving God does not necessarily mean building churches but rather using our God-given gifts and resources to glorify Him.

Bishop Attakruh based his homily on the day’s readings; First Reading: Nehemiah 8:2-4, 5-6, 8-10. Second Reading: 1 Peter 2:4-9, John 2:13-16

Reflecting on the readings, he emphasised the importance of honouring and preserving the house of God, just as Nehemiah led the Israelites in rebuilding the temple.

He compared Mr and Mrs Appiah’s generosity to the living stones mentioned in 1 Peter 2:4-9, which forms the spiritual house of God.

Referring to the Gospel passage, where Jesus cleansed the temple, he reminded the faithful of the need to keep the house of God sacred, practice a culture of maintenance and uphold spiritual discipline.

The Bishop further inspired hope by stating, “Who knows? Maybe in the years to come, this church will be used to ordain priests for the diocese.”

He charged the congregation to cherish and maintain the church building while continuing to grow in faith and service.

A Gathering of Faith and Gratitude

The dedication ceremony was attended by parishioners from within and beyond the parish, guests and family and friends of Mr and Mrs Appiah.

The atmosphere was filled with joy and gratitude as the congregation celebrated this remarkable milestone.

The Diocese of Sekondi-Takoradi, together with the entire Catholic community, extends heartfelt appreciation to Mr and Mrs Appiah for their profound act of faith and generosity, which will serve as a testament to God’s goodness for generations to come.

 

Reported by Qwabena Turkson

Head of Media

Immaculate Conception Parish, Asankrangwa

 

Editorial: Our Independence Will Be Meaningless If The Streetlights Are Not Kept On!

By
THE CHRONICLE
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Linda Obenewaa Akweley Ocloo, Greater Accra Regional Minister

When Linda Obenewaa Akweley Ocloo assumed office as the Greater Accra Regional Minister, she criticised the non-functioning streetlights in the national capital, Accra, and instructed that the unfortunate development should be corrected as soon as practicable. Indeed, before making this political statement, media personnel had taken it upon themselves to highlight the need to keep the streetlights on during the night.

Because of the non-functioning nature of our streetlights, innocent Ghanaians are being attacked by criminals who, in most of the cases, snatch their mobile phones and other valuables from them at gun point. Apart from some of these crimes, driving on the streets of Accra and other cities in the country has also become a big problem for drivers.

The editorial team of The Chronicle, somewhere last year, witnessed an unfortunate situation on the N1 Highway near the Achimota Forest and Dimple Junction interchange.

A middle aged man, who claimed he could no more endure the financial problems he was facing, had gone to sit in the middle of the road at night for cars and vehicles to crash him to death. Since the streetlights along the Achimota Forest stretch of the N1 do not function, he nearly caused trouble for drivers using the road at the time. He was eventually rescued from the road by the drivers for free flow of traffic.

If a driver had indeed crashed the man to death, the offending driver would have been arraigned before court by now. The law enforcement agencies will certainly not question the city authorities for failing to keep the streetlights on, which resulted in the accident.

The Chronicle must, however, admit that since Linda Ocloo announced a 50-day timeline to restore street lights across the city, some of these ‘dead streetlights’ are gradually being resuscitated.

From the Tetteh Quashie Circle all the way to Aburi in the eastern region, most sections of the road are now lit. The same can be said about the N1 and other major roads in Accra. But much as this is welcome news, it is still not enough. Since Accra is the national capital and the first city in most of the cases to welcome first time visitors into our dear country, the streetlights should be functioning at all times.

The situation as it stands now, makes Accra look like a big village at night, which does not speak well of a country that prides itself as a lower middle income economy. Information we gathered in the past suggested that the Independent Power Producers (IPPs) were forcing the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG) to switch off the streetlights because electric bills paid by Ghanaians for them to be kept on, were nothing to write home about.

We hope the same demands are not being made today on the ECG, but if the IPPs are still insisting that the streetlights should be switched off, then the current government, which has overwhelming endorsement of Ghanaians, should find a way of dealing with the situation, which appears to be nationwide. It is useless for the country to spend huge sums of money to construct first class roads within our towns and cities with streetlights, and yet the latter will not be functioning.

This is the reason why we are calling on the authorities to sit up and ensure that all our streets are well lit at night. After sixty eight solid years of our independence from British colonial rule, we have come of age in ensuring that some of these basic amenities are provided for Ghanaians, otherwise the independence we so cherish and celebrated yesterday will become meaningless.

AAMUSTED freshers cautioned against Procrastination

By
ERNEST BEST ANANE
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Prof Frederick Kwaku Sarfo, Vice Chancellor - AAMUSTED

New Students admitted into the Akenten Appiah-Menka University of Skills Training and Entrepreneurial Development (AAMUSTED) has been tasked to adopt positive attitudes and discipline and avoid procrastination in their approach to studies.

Students taking the Matriculation oath

Prof. Frederick Kwaku Sarfo, Vice Chancellor of the University gave the advice at the 2025 Matriculation ceremony where 18, 281 students were admitted. The new students were formally admitted into the various faculties including School of Graduate Studies, Faculty of Education and General Studies (FEGS), Faculty of Environment and Health Education (FEHE), Faculty of Science Education (FSE) and Faculty of Agricultural Science Education (FASE).

The Vice Chancellor urged the students to adopt positive attitudes with discipline towards their studies.

According to him, the students could do better if they optimize the many opportunities available, while being mindful that the future of the country rest on their shoulders and cannot, therefore, fail.

A section of the freshers at the Matriculation ceremony

He reminded them that the journey to their personal and professional carriers had begun, and as such they are in a critical transition period, as most of them must be asking questions as to whether they are at the right institution or whether one could cope with their course mates, school mates, class mates, roommate, lectures or the Environment.

He noted that finding appropriate answers to these questions would help them develop critical thinking skills, facilitate their ability to solve problems and turning the direction of their future careers.

The Vice Chancellor tasked the students to always address their grievances through approximate channels and abide by the rules and regulations of the school as a guide to their academic and social lives as students.

Tsukuba University, KNUST partner Tepa Nursing College for Exchange Programme

By
SEBASTIAN R. FREIKU
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A Japanese professor being welcome by the Tepa Omanhene

A delegation from the Tsukuba University in Japan, and the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST) School of Nursing has visited the Tepa Nursing and Midwifery Training College as part of efforts to institute an exchange programme for students and tutors.

The visit aimed at assessing the institution’s infrastructure base for the international academic collaboration.

Dr. Opoku exchanging pleasantries with Nana AtwenewaaAmpem

The delegation comprising three professors each from Tsukuba University and KNUST School of Nursing toured various facilities, including the library, computer laboratory, and lecture halls, to evaluate their suitability for hosting international students under the exchange programme.

The Principal of Tepa Nursing and Midwifery Training College, Dr. Albert Opoku, emphasized that the programme would provide students and faculty of Tepa Nursing College with opportunities to study and gain practical experience at Tsukuba University in Japan, while Japanese students would be exposed to Ghanaian culture and academic exchanges.

“This initiative will open doors for our students and tutors to gain international exposure, learn new nursing practices, and experience diverse healthcare systems,” he stated.

Led by Principal Opoku, the delegation also paid a courtesy call on the paramount chief of Tepa, Nana Adusei Atwenewaa Ampem to formally brief the traditional leadership about the exchange programme.

The Omanhene expressed his appreciation for the collaboration and encouraged the visiting professors from Tsukuba University to consider making Tepa a centre for further academic engagements.

“This partnership strengthens our educational landscape. I encourage Tsukuba University to establish a presence here in Tepa to further deepen this relationship to benefit more students,” he said.

He also commended Dr. Opoku and the management of Tepa Nursing College for initiating such a strategic partnership which will enhance the quality of education and training in the region.

Principal Dr. Opoku with the delegation

The Principal saw the visit asa new chapter in Ghana- Japan Relations and a significant step in Ghana-Japan academic collaboration, fostering global learning opportunities for students and faculty.

He noted that with the support of KNUST, Tsukuba University, and the Tepa Traditional Council, the exchange programme will enhance nursing education and provide students with valuable international exposure.

Dr. Opoku advised the students to take their studies seriously, because only the most brilliant and hardworking students will be selected for the exchange programme.

“This is a lifetime opportunity. If you want to be part of the exchange program, you must excel academically. We will carefully select students who are dedicated and ready to represent Tepa Nursing College in Japan,” he stated.

Senate suspends Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan over sexual harassment allegation without pay

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admin
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The Nigerian Senate on Thursday suspended Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan for six months over an allegation of sexual harassment against the Senate President, Godswill Obot Akpabio.

The suspension followed a report by the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges, and Public Petitions, submitted to the Committee of the Whole, citing several infractions on the Rules and Orders of the Senate.

The Committee Chairman, Senator Imasuen Neda Bernards, representing Edo South Senatorial District, submitted that the committee carried out an investigation on Wednesday, during which the female lawmaker was afforded the opportunity to state her own side of the story.

Detailing the proceedings of the committee’s investigative hearing, he said testimonies were taken to ascertain the truth or otherwise of the allegation raised by the respondent, in line with the mandate of the committee.

Senator Neda recalled that on Wednesday last week, the respondent caused “chaos and a rowdy session” when she refused a seat assigned to her and engaged in a shouting match, in discordance with the relevant provisions of the Rules and Orders of the Senate.

He said the unfortunate development was testified to by Senator Raphael Adeyemi Adaramodu when he appeared before the panel on Wednesday to defend his petition against Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan.

The Committee Chairman maintained that Senator Natasha was formally invited for investigation following the referral of a petition against her to the Committee on Ethics, Privileges, and Public Petitions.

In his contribution, Senator Jimoh Ibrahim Folorunsho, representing Ondo South Senatorial District, expressed concern over the conduct of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, insisting that the Senate as an institution must be protected at all costs.

Jimoh said: “This institution is not about an individual. We have rules to regulate our activities.

“If we breach our own rules, the executive will not come here to enforce them, and I must commend the committee for the succinct report to the Senate.”

The Chief Whip of the Senate, Mohammed Monguno, in reference to the provision of the Constitution, maintained that “it is only in the animal kingdom that there are no rules and regulations,” insisting that the Senate will outlive everyone; hence, the institution’s rules must be protected.

Senator Bassey Aniekun Etim lamented that he watched with disappointment on February 20, 2025, “the shouting, the screaming, so I agree with all the issues raised in the report.”

The Minority Leader of the Senate, Abba Moro, pleaded for mercy and a mitigation option, stating that his submission was a reflection of all PDP Senators in the Senate.

In pleading for mercy, Moro recommended a three-month suspension, which he said was enough for the embattled lawmaker to realize her mistakes. He further argued that Nigerians are watching and seeing them as statesmen; hence, nothing should be done to bring disrepute to the chamber.

After contributions were made by some Senators from the dominant and minority parties, Senate President Godswill Obot Akpabio, in his remarks, said, “The Senator we are talking about is the wife of my very close friend and brother.

“On the day of her marriage, I slept in their house in the year 2020, and when I was to leave, I missed my flight at Obajana Airstrip and I slept again at Dangote Cement,” he said.

The suspension for six months was sustained by the Senate President after a voice vote.

Part of the resolutions include that she will surrender all National Assembly properties, her security details will be withdrawn, and the Sergeant-at-Arms will seal her office immediately so that she will not have access to it.

Source: dailypost.ng

Gov Otti seeks partnership with Vietnam on agriculture, trade

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admin
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Gov Otti with Vietnamese Ambassador to Nigeria, Bui Quoc Hung

Governor Alex Otti of Abia State says his administration was interested in partnering with the Socialist Republic of Vietnam in various economic areas to develop Abia.

He stated this on Tuesday when he received a delegation led by the Vietnamese Ambassador to Nigeria, Bui Quoc Hung who paid him a visit at his country home in Umuehim, Nvosi.

Mr Otti said there were many sectors in Abia in which his administration could partner with Vietnam for mutual benefits.

“We are very happy to have you in Abia. We will be very happy to work with you. I see a lot of areas where we can collaborate and work together.

“I see a whole lot of opportunities for us to partner. We will be pleased to work with you to improve our relationship in trade, commerce, manufacturing and agriculture,” the governor stated.

Mr Otti said his administration was focused on achieving its goals, adding that he had held meetings with people who were interested in partnering with the Abia government to set up industries in the state before now.

He directed the commissioner for industry to work with the Vietnamese ambassador while the government team should take the delegation around the state.

While thanking the Vietnamese ambassador for choosing Abia State, the governor expressed optimism that a potential partnership with Vietnam could revive the state’s ailing industries.

Vietnamese ambassador speaks

Earlier, Mr Hung highlighted the vast economic opportunities in Abia, including agriculture, manufacturing, textiles, crude oil, and gas, and expressed interest in strengthening trade relations with Abia State, particularly in the agriculture, manufacturing, and oil and gas sectors.

The ambassador emphasised Vietnam’s commitment to fostering a strong bilateral relationship with Abia to enhance import and export activities and create mutual benefits between Vietnam and Nigeria in general and Abia State in particular.

He said he would use the few days he would be in Abia to visit certain sites, such as the National War Museum, Golden Guinea, Saclux Paint, and Aba Textile Mill, as well as the Shoes and Garments Clusters in Umuahia and Aba.

Source: premiumtimesng.com

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