World will miss Buhari – Akufo-Addo

 

President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo says Africa and the world will miss outgoing Nigeria’s President, Muhammadu Buhari. 

“As leaders, we all have our high and low moments, but I have no doubt that posterity will be kind to Muhammadu Buhari. 

“West Africa, Africa, and, indeed, the world will miss his leadership – the leadership of the military ruler turned consummate democrat, who was extremely solicitous of Nigeria and Africa’s interest, and who sought for principle in all decisions in which he took,” the President remarked. 

He was speaking at the public presentation and launch of two biographies, “State of Repair – How Muhammadu Buhari tried to change Nigeria for Good”, by Anthony Goldman, and “The Legacy of Muhammadu Buhari”, by Senator Abu Ibrahim, in Abuja, Nigeria. 

The two new books talk about the legacies of President Buhari. 

He is expected to exit the seat of power on May 29, 2023, when the incoming government would be sworn in. 

President Akufo-Addo, who chaired the event, in a Facebook post, congratulated the Englishman, Anthony Goldman, and the Nigerian, Senator Abu Ibrahim, the two authors, for their industry and scholarship. 

He urged authors, poets and playwrights on the continent “to tell the African story truthfully and with flair, and to give praise where it has been earned, and criticism where it is deserved.” 

In 2015, Buhari (born on December 17, 1942), was elected as Nigeria’s President, the first time an opposition candidate assumed the helm peacefully, following years of political turmoil in the country. 

The former military leader had served as Nigeria’s Head of State in 1984–85. 

Buhari assumed office at a period when jihadist insurgencies had reached their peak, with abductions and kidnappings being reported daily. 

GNA 

‘Ghana Week in DC’ to be launched tomorrow May 21

The ‘Ghana Week in DC' which is set to take place from October 9- 14, 2023 in Washington, DC, would be launched in Accra, tomorrow Sunday May 21, 2023, at the Accra City Hotel. 

The Week would feature a series of activities with a goal of promoting Ghana as the preferred destination for travels, investments, trade, sports and culture for the historical diaspora. 

Last year, a delegation from the Ministry of Tourism Arts and Culture, Ghana Tourism Authority (GTA), Ghana Investment Promotion Centre (GIPC) and the Beyond the Return Secretariat travelled to Washington DC to engage with key stakeholders involved in planning the historical event.

A release issued to the Ghana News Agency, in Accra, said the highlights of the Ghana Week DC would be a football match between one of Ghana's Premier League teams and DC United. 

It said Washington, DC, Maryland and Virginia were known as the DMV area and one of the key markets when it came to promoting Ghana for tourism and business opportunities.

The release said Paxton Baker, CEO PKB Enterprises, would be at the Ghana Media Launch to share details on the collaboration. 

The Chief Executive Officer of the GTA, Mr Akwasi Agyeman, said the “ Authority is excited with the outcomes of the partnership outreach culminating in the organising of the Ghana Week, DC.” 

That, he said, would help cement the gains of the ‘Beyond the Return’.

 “Already we have seen a steady rise in arrivals in the first quarter of 2023”.

Partners of the event are GTA, GIPC, Ghana Export Promotion Authority, Ghana Football Association, Embassy of Ghana – Washington, DC, City of DC, Mayor Office and PKB Enterprises.

ECOWAS Court President Briefs Chief Justice of The Gambia on 2023 International Conference

 Justice Edward Amoako Asante, President of the ECOWAS Court of Justice, met with Chief Justice Hassan B. Jallow of The Gambia to discuss preparations for the upcoming international conference of the regional court in 2023.

The conference, focused on ECOWAS' zero tolerance for unconstitutional changes of government, will take place in Banjul, The Gambia. The theme of the conference was carefully chosen in response to recent democratic setbacks in Burkina Faso, Guinea, and Mali, where military takeovers have threatened the region's democracy.

The conference aims to assess the policy's dimensions, analyze the implications of recent political developments, and propose measures to address the challenges. Justice Asante expressed hope that the conference's outcomes would contribute to democratic consolidation, strengthen the rule of law, and promote human rights in the region.

Chief Justice Jallow commended the choice of The Gambia as the conference host and pledged the country's judiciary's commitment to the success of the event.

EU Ambassador Inspects EU-funded Mango Farms in Ghana to Assess WACOMP Impact

 

The European Union (EU) Ambassador to Ghana, Mr. Irchad Razaaly, visited mango farms in Ghana supported by the West Africa Competitiveness Programme (WACOMP), funded by the EU. The purpose of the visit was to assess the impact of the program and its interventions. Accompanied by a delegation, the Ambassador toured Hendy Farms, Akorley packhouse, and a mango nursery in Dodowa.

Mr. Razaaly expressed his satisfaction with the project's progress, emphasizing the goal of helping Ghanaian farmers meet certification requirements and gain access to the EU market. The WACOMP program has provided various forms of support, including training, branding, marketing programs, and certification processes, to enhance the competitiveness of mango farming in Ghana.

Dr. Charles Kwame Sackey, Chief Technical Advisor for WACOMP-Ghana at UNIDO, highlighted that WACOMP aligns with the government's industrial agenda and has trained over 30,000 individuals, with a focus on good agricultural practices, certification processes, and decent work.

WACOMP is a partnership between the EU and the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) aimed at enhancing trade competitiveness in West Africa and integrating the region into the global trading system. With an overall objective of increasing production, value addition, and export capacities, the program supports private sector development and aligns with regional and national industrial strategies. In Ghana, the EU is contributing €6.2 million, and with additional funding from UNIDO, a total of €6.35 million has been allocated to support value-addition, sustainable production, and access to regional and international markets. WACOMP Ghana, launched in 2019 and scheduled to conclude in 2024, is in line with the Third Industrial Development Decade for Africa (IDDA III) vision and UNIDO's mission to foster inclusive and sustainable industrial development.

SMALL SCALE MINING FETCHES GHANA $1.2BN IN 2022

Mr. Samuel Abu Jinapor, the Minister of Lands and Natural Resources, recently highlighted the significant contribution of small-scale mining to Ghana's gold output. He stated that the sector produced a total of 712,405 ounces of gold in the previous year, contributing almost US$1.2 billion in export receipts. Additionally, all diamonds produced in 2022, amounting to 82,251.99 carats and generating US$3.9 million in revenue, came from small-scale mining.

Speaking at a two-day transformational dialogue on artisanal and small-scale mining, Mr. Jinapor emphasized the importance of collaborative efforts to address the challenges posed by the sector. While small-scale mining provides employment for many and supports the livelihoods of millions, illegal activities associated with the industry continue to damage the environment. The government has implemented policies and measures under the National Alternative Employment and Livelihood Programme (NAELP) to offer alternative income sources and livelihood opportunities to those engaged in illegal mining.

As part of these efforts, the government has employed individuals in the production of seedlings and the reclamation of degraded mined lands. Furthermore, the Apprenticeship, Skills Training, and Entrepreneurship module of the NAELP is set to provide training for 5,000 young people in various skills, including agriculture, technical, vocational, industrial, and mining skills.

Mr. Jinapor commended the University of Energy and Natural Resources (UENR) for its initiatives, such as introducing sustainable mining and environmental protection programs. He emphasized the need for a collective approach to promote responsible and sustainable mining practices and transform mined lands into viable agricultural areas. Intensifying education on sustainable mining practices was also highlighted as an essential step in this process. 

KUMAWU ROAD NOT FOR VOTES- ROADS MINISTER

Mr. Kwasi Amoako-Atta, the Minister for Roads and Highways, has denied claims that the construction of Kumawu roads aims to gain votes in the upcoming by-election. He clarified that the procurement process started before the former Member of Parliament's passing.

The road works extend beyond Kumawu, raising doubts about their relevance to the by-election. The Minister assured that construction would continue afterward and urged the public not to be swayed by propaganda. He emphasized ongoing road projects across Ghana, requesting patience.

Approximately 20 kilometers of internal roads in Kumawu and other areas are earmarked for construction. He encouraged citizens to express concerns peacefully.

ORIGINAL STORY BY YUSSIF IBRAHIM-GNA

TUBERCULOSIS KILLS 4000 DAILY IN GHANA

Ms Cynthia Atuobi of Hope for Future Generations (HFFG) has urged the Ghanaian government to invest in efforts to end tuberculosis (TB) in the country. Speaking during a stakeholders engagement event, she emphasized the importance of investing in TB-affected communities and civil society to enable their active participation in prevention, diagnosis, treatment, and support services. Ms Atuobi highlighted the high number of daily TB-related deaths and called for collaborative efforts among various stakeholders to address the issue. The "TBImpact Ghana" project, funded by Stop TB Geneva and implemented by HFFG, aims to strengthen community systems and expand community-led interventions for TB control.

The project coordinator, Ms Doris Lomokie Dornor, stressed the need for political declarations to align with on-the-ground actions to bridge the gap between commitments and actual implementation. She encouraged Ghanaians to download the TBImpactGH app for comprehensive information on TB and emphasized the collective responsibility of the society in fighting against the disease. Mr Wisdom Klenyuie, Volta Regional TB Coordinator, expressed optimism that TB could be eliminated by 2030 with the right strategies in place.

ORIGINAL STORY BY - EWOENAM KPODO,GNA

IMF APPROVES $3BILLIONS LOAN FOR GHANA

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has approved Ghana's request for a $3 billion loan-support program. An immediate disbursement of $600 million will be provided to support Ghana's three-year Post COVID-19 Programme for Economic Growth (PC-PEG). The loan aims to restore macroeconomic stability and debt sustainability.

The approval follows months of negotiations and the government's efforts to address its economic challenges. The loan program focuses on reforms to enhance domestic revenue mobilization, improve public financial management, and address issues in the energy and cocoa sectors. It also aims to promote inclusive growth, job creation, and alleviate exchange rate pressures.

The IMF highlights the importance of debt restructuring with external creditors. While the loan is seen as providing policy credibility and short-term economic management assistance, it is not a complete solution to Ghana's economic crisis. Some economists suggest cutting waste and controlling government spending.

Ghana experienced economic difficulties due to the COVID-19 pandemic, leading to public dissatisfaction and protests. The government is committed to revitalizing the economy and promoting rapid economic growth.

EC postpones upcoming voter registration exercise

The Electoral Commission (EC) has postponed its compilation of a new voter register as a result of the novel Coronavirus pandemic.

Dr. Serebour Quaicoe, Director of Electoral Services told journalists after an Inter-Party Advisory Committee meeting, Wednesday, that the outfit is collaborating with health experts to decide on a more favourable date.

“We had planned to do the registration on the 18th but because of the pandemic, we can't do it on the 18th, so, we are observing what is happening around Ghana and the global issue...so, when it gets to a time that we think the situation is fertile for us to commence with the registration then we can do it," Dr. Quaicoe explained.

The IPAC meeting was organised in two sets. This was in compliance with the social distancing directive from the President as part of measures to curb the spread of coronavirus in the country.

The compilation of a new voter register for the 2020 elections was scheduled to begin on April 18, this year. The commission had also expressed hope it will complete the exercise by May 30, 2020.

The exercise which has been assigned a budget of GHS390 million faced opposition from some political parties and civil society organisations.

The Inter-Party Resistance Against the New Voters Register, a coalition of six political parties, kicked against the plan, citing cost, time and credibility as the basis for its opposition.

Regardless, Dr. Serebour Quaicoe justified the plan.

He said: “We have made it very clear that the current biometric system is not good enough for future activities. We are having a lot of challenges with it. In addition to that, a lot of people have found it difficult to have their fingerprints picked up by the machine so we intend to introduce the facial recognition [option] in addition so that if your fingerprint fails, your image will be used for verification.”

Ghana has recorded 68 cases with 3 deaths.

In his 3rd address to the nation, President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo on March 21 announced measures his government has put in place to fight the pandemic.

Among others, he mentioned that "all our borders, that is by land, sea and air, will be closed to human traffic for the next two weeks, beginning midnight on Sunday. Anybody who comes into the country, before midnight on Sunday, will be mandatorily quarantined and tested for the virus. This closure will not apply to goods, supplies and cargo."

"Secondly, the Ministry of Health will not only step up its contact tracing efforts, but will also see to it that all persons who have been identified as having come into contact with infected persons are tested for the virus. More personal protection equipment are being procured to beef up supplies for our frontline health workers. Fifty thousand additional test kits have been ordered, and are expected in the country very shortly."

Meanwhile, health minister Kwaku Agyeman Manu has announced that the country is expecting about 30,000 protective equipment to aid in the fight against coronavirus.

Rawlings questions shallow media discourse on religion, politics, social issues

Former president Jerry John Rawlings has expressed concern about the “lightheaded” manner religious, social and political matters are portrayed by sections of the media.

He said the practice has contributed to dehumanize and make Ghanaians superficial. “We are doing too much politics with the truth,” he stated.

“Some of us have very little understanding into human nature or into the power of God and yet we want to propagate issues to do with God and godliness and we are reducing the substance and spiritual essence in our humanity,” the former president said at a meeting with the leadership of the Afrikania Mission in Accra on Tuesday.

The former president described as a perpetuation of decay, the situation where the media highlight shallow discourse on religion, politics and social issues, especially on radio and television.

“For the average mind once the TV or radio station carries it then it’s okay. The lightheadedness of what we see or what we hear is degrading us.”

The former president also took a swipe at the NDC for re-invigorating the class structure.

“We the liberators [NDC] have ended up perpetuating a class rule in this country. The PNDC/NDC came to liberate us but the same NDC from Mills’ time to now have ended up restoring and perpetuating the class structure.”

The PNDC, the former President said, was an expression of the will of the people.

“As the Head of State and leader I was not unaware of the aspirations and sensibilities of our people. When somebody wants to replace our culture with another then it better be good and better than what we have but in the name of freedom of worship and expression all manner of foolish things are allowed.”

Mr Rawlings recalled that in 1979 having read an article by Bishop Sarpong recognizing the value of libation, he invited him to join the AFRC. He said he was impressed that an orthodox Catholic priest could recognize the value of libation but the Catholic hierarchy at the time declined the request.

“We should show a little more sense, a little more responsibility when it comes to our relationship with God. What is important is that religion must show a sense of compassion, love and respect for one another. But to take a position that disrespects issues to do with our ancestors is not good enough,” the former President said.

Earlier the Afrikania Mission, led by its Head of Mission, Osofo Komfo Atsu Kove had expressed disquiet about the relegation of African traditional religion at the national level. They bemoaned the refusal of government to allow the pouring of libation at national events and said it was a clear manifestation of the authorities’ lack of reverence for our ancestors.

The Mission said despite several entreaties to resume the pouring of libation at national events because it is our culture, government has for the past eight years turned a deaf ear. Government’s action is provocative and tacitly endorses the attack on traditional shrines and icons by adherents of imported religion, the Mission stated.

The Afrikania Mission said it was unfortunate that at a time when questions are being raised about the lack of recognition of certain religious practices in schools, African traditional religion is described as pagan, idol worship and backward in textbooks.

The group said it was imperative that we sowed seeds of religious tolerance while respecting the right of adherents of African traditional religion to practice their culture.

Andre Ayew confirms Fenerbahce departure; set to return to Swansea City

On-loan Andre Ayew announced his departure from Fenerbahce after Turkish Super Lig ended last Sunday.

The Ghana international sat out the 3-1 home win over Antalyaspor due to injury.

Ayew spoke to Fener's official TV station after the game: ''First of all I want to thank the fans, the club, and the staff. I am leaving this great club with lots of experience. It was a very tough year for us but at least we have managed to finish the season strongly.

''Let’s hope Fenerbahce have a great season in the next campaign. Speaking personally, I have to say that I should have done better. This is a huge club and the memories will remain with me forever.''

Ayew-owned by Championship side Swansea- didn’t impress enough to earn himself a permanent move.

The 29-year-old played 38 games for Fenerbahce in all competitions, scoring just five goals.

Ayew will return to Swansea City but it is likely he will leave the Welsh club in this transfer window.

His contract at the Liberty Stadium runs until June 2021.

Confusion erupts between EOCO, GRA over trucks carrying rosewood

Three trucks carrying rosewood from Dambai to Tema were intercepted at the Afienya axle weighing point in the Ningo Prampram District of the Greater Accra Region sparking confusion between the personnel from the Ghana Revenue Authority and Economic and Organised Crime Office.

The Counter Intelligence Unit of the GRA first intercepted five 20-footer containers carrying rosewood from Dambai to Tema Port on the Akosombo highway.

The interception comes on the back of a ban on the exportation of rosewoods.

The goods were intercepted at the Afienya Axle weighing point.

Following the arrest, the GRA personnel, who were accompanied by some armed soldiers, requested for the permit covering the consignment which led to some confusion between them and the personnel from EOCO, who emerged to claim jurisprudence over the consignment.

This led to some exchanges between the two units.

According to the GRA officer, who gave his name as Obiri Yeboah, the EOCO officials asked him to release the truck keys to them but he refused to do so with the excuse that, the GRA had to perform due diligence on the trucks at the customs collection point at the airport before it could be handed over to any other agency.

The release of the keys resulted in a confusion between the two parties which nearly became confrontational at a point.

While at it, the axle weighing officials were also demanding payment for the penalty for overloading the trucks carrying the rosewood which amounted to five thousand five hundred Ghana cedis.

This was however not adhered to as the soldiers that accompanied the GRA officials to the scene ordered the truck to move upon the orders from an officer from above whose name was not given to the media.

A security personnel at the Axle Load station, W.O, Musa Tibila expressed his disappointment at the manner in which the trucks were asked to be released without the payment.

He was however quick to add that despite the release, there was an assurance from the GRA that the amount in question would be collected from the owner of the goods and later sent to the head office of the axle loading.

Gov't has blown GHC500m on shady firm - NPP

The opposition New Patriotic Party (NPP) has accused the John Dramani Mahama administration of paying GHS500million to a company with no contractual agreement with the state.

According to the party, cabinet has given the go-ahead for the use of the 10 per cent of the District Assembly’s Common Fund allocated to the Youth Employment Agency (YEA) for the illegal payment.

This was revealed by the Policy Advisor of the NPP, Mr Boakye Agyarko, at a news conference at the party’s headquarters in Accra on Wednesday 16 November.

Mr Agyarko said: “This amount is meant to pay for 45,000 workers who are actually on the payroll of the various district assemblies. So, the assemblies are responsible for paying the wages of the 45,000 and not the service provider. This act of corruption is a matter for which Ghanaians must demand and deserve answers.

“We also need to note the fact that the board of the Youth Employment Agency is being asked to take all necessary steps to ratify the sanitation contract for 2013 to 2015. Since this contract has expired and not in operation, why will they ratify it by back dating? They try to justify the necessity by claiming that sanitation activity could not be brought to an abrupt end countrywide. Yet this is not the case for nurses, teachers and other essential service workers who have active ongoing contracts yet have not been paid their salaries, which are many months in arrears,” he added.

Mr Agyarko further disclosed: “This illegal payment for non-existent contract is related to a previous scheme dating back to 2012, the same year that some $2billion of unbudgeted funds were spent in a reckless and corrupt way to fund John Mahama’s election bid,” adding: “The Auditor General’s report on the infamous Ghana Youth Employment and Entrepreneurial Development Agency (GYEEDA) highlighted the misappropriation of public funds, fraudulent transfers and illegal payments to various entities linked to friends and families of President John Mahama.”

Aston Villa Football Club is delighted to announce the signing of Jordan Ayew.

The 23-year-old forward has signed a five-year deal with the Club and joins from French side Lorient for an undisclosed fee.

The Ghana international arrives at Villa Park following the acquisitions of fellow Ligue 1 players Jordan Amavi and Idrissa Gueye.

Manager Tim Sherwood said: "I'm really pleased to bring Jordan to the football club.

"He is a fantastic young player who is perfectly suited to the Premier League."

Ayew completed his medical at Bodymoor Heath this morning before meeting his new team-mates for the first time.

Akuffo Addo and J. Mahama

Employment and Labour Relations Minister, Haruna Iddrisu says the New Patriotic Party (NPP) is a weak opposition party that cannot contest the Mahama administration in any electoral battle.

Speaking on Radio Gold’s “Alhaji and Alhaji” programme, Hon. Haruna Iddrisu said the NPP is not strong to keep the government in check and ensure that the government does not abuse the mandate that Ghanaians have given her.

“The NPP is a very weak political opposition. And I think that naturally it’s to our advantage. I have always said that President Mahama will always humble Nana Akufo-Addo in any electoral fight…We need a very strong virile opposition to keep the democracy running and to keep government in check, and to control excesses and abuses of government if there are any,” he said.

He further stated that the NPP flagbearer- Nana Akufo-Addo- is no match for President John Mahama so far as elections in the country are concerned.

According to him, President Mahama is not worried about Nana Addo contesting him and will not be threatened by him.

“He is not the President’s worry…The President’s worry is to fix the energy crisis and get the economy back on track but never threatened by the personality or the race of Nana Akufo-Addo,” he stressed.

Ghana's President Dies

John E.A Mills died today at a Military Hospital in Ghana. He was 68. He became Ghana's President in 2009 after winning a general election by a slim margin. His health had generated discussions among many Ghanaians for years until now.

This makes him the first president to have died in office since independence. A statement today, from the chief of staff confirming the death also intimated that the vice president will address the nation in due course.

President Mills returned from the USA after a routine medical check-up.

Kumasi Prophet ‘predicted’ accidents involving Ayariga, Avoka

The accidents involving the two high profile members of government over the weekend have been given spiritual interpretations.

Majority Leader Cletus Avoka and Deputy Education Minister Mahama Ayariga were both involved in separate accidents within a space of 24 hours.

Before the accidents, a Kumasi-based prophet, popularly known as Freeman, is said to have warned President Mills against passing through Bawku during his tour of the three northern regions.

Upper East Regional correspondent, Joseph Osei said he and other journalists were in a press van as part of the president’s convoy when word came round that a Kumasi-based Prophet had issued a warning that if the president passed through Bawku, he would be killed physically or spiritually.

According to Joseph Osei, the Prophet added that if the president escaped harm, some members of his government will be harmed.

The prophet, who claimed he had been praying for the president for the past two years, insisted that to avert any calamity, the entourage had to organize a prayer session before the president could pass through Bawku but the protocol officers ignored the advice.

The correspondent said, upon receiving the information, the journalists detailed one reporter to prompt the Upper East Regional Minister Mr Mark Wayongo to inform the president of the prophecy but the regional minister rubbished the warning, saying it was a false prophecy.

At this time, the president’s entourage was at Garu. From there the president passed through Bawku enroute to Bolga.

A few kilometres after Zebilla - located between Bawku and Bolga - which is also the constituency of Majority Leader Cletus Avoka, the vehicle of the MP was spotted turned upside-down.

Mr Avoka, who was on his way to his constituency from Bolga had his vehicle tyre burst and the car somersaulted several times.

Then Sunday morning, the accident involving Deputy Education Minister Mahama Ayariga was also reported appearing to lend credence to the prophecy.

Joseph Osei said some members of the entourage believed the prophecy.

Meanwhile the two government officials are responding to treatment.



Source: Joy News/Ghana