Isaac Amoah
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Don’t go for an outsider if you don’t retain Alban Babgin as speaker – Afenyo-Markin to NDC govt
Source: Albert Kuzor
The outgoing majority leader of Ghana’s Parliament, Alexander Afenyo-Markin, has called on the incoming National Democratic Congress (NDC) government to either retain the current Speaker of the House, Alban Bagbin or choose a new speaker who is already a member of Parliament.
According to him, if the new John Mahama administration intends to change the speaker, the individual should not be an outsider. He emphasized that Alban Bagbin has done an excellent job over the past four years as the Speaker, and it would not be fair to replace him.
“Mr Speaker, the institutional empowerment you have given to Parliament is unmatched, and it is likely because we have you as speaker coming from within. Mr Speaker, I don’t know whether you will be retained or if a new person will be appointed… If they decide to maintain you, I know parliament will continue to benefit. But should they decide to retire you, which I know they can do, if they choose to bring in a new Speaker, that person should come from within. We don’t want an outsider,” he said during the House’s first sitting after the long break caused by the vacant seat impasse.
Alexander Afenyo-Markin,
Mr Afenyo-Markin explained that they would prefer an existing member of the house, “someone who will understand us.”
He went on to praise Mr Bagbin for his leadership, saying, “Mr Speaker, let me commend you for the four years of your leadership in this House. We may have had our disagreements, but it is clear that the welfare of members has been key to your leadership. Nobody can take that away from you.”
Monday’s sitting was held at the Accra International Conference Centre, where members of the House are set to meet and debate pending matters before the current Parliament’s closure.
How GWCL managers snubbed Ashanti RCC
By: tntnewspapergh.com
“The New Trust” newspaper has intercepted “a letter of allocation of new bungalow” written to Mr. Edward Kwabena Agyekum of Ghana Water Company Limited (GWCL) in Kumasi, contrary to the claims by the Ashanti Regional Divisional Union of GWCL that led to a solidarity protest preceding the shutting down of six water plants which supply residents of the Ashanti Region with water since last Friday, 13th December 2024.
Mr Simon Osei-Mensah, Ashanti Regional Minister
It would be recalled that the Ashanti Regional Divisional Union of GWCL on December 11 issued a 48-hour ultimatum to a private developer to reconstruct and restore its demolished properties, else GWCL would shut down six water plants to deny residents of the Ashanti Region water. The Union members took the decision in solidarity with their managers.
But credible sources at the Ashanti Regional Co-ordinating Council and Regional Lands Commission, coupled with an intercepted allocation letter, show that the Union was totally misled by the GWCL leadership to act in the manner they did to deny innocent residents of potable drinking water.
The allocation letter, which bears the letter head of the office of the Ashanti Regional Co-ordinating Council (ARCC), with reference number ARCC 20/02/04, dated 18th November,2024, was entitled “ALLOCATION OF BUNGALOW NO.32 DANYAME TO MR. EDWARD KWABENA AGYEKUM OF GHANA WATER COMPANY LIMITED, KUMASI.
The letter signed by Mr. Michael Owusu Amoako (Chief Director) for: Hon. Regional Minister was addressed to Dr. Hansen Mensah Akuetteh, South Production Manager, Ghana Water Company Limited Kumasi-Ashanti and copied to The Regional Engineer, P.W.D, Kumasi. The Reg. Commercial Manager, E.C.G, Kumasi, The Reg.Director Cont. & Acct.General’s Dept. Kumasi,The Chief Accountant Ghana Water Co. Ltd, Kumasi respectively.
The two-page letter is reproduced below:
- I wish to inform you that approval has been granted you to occupy bungalow no.33 Danyame, as a Duty Post with effect from 22nd November 2024.
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The bungalow will attract 10% of your monthly salary as rent to be deducted at source.
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You are to contact the Regional Engineer, PWD for Signing-in and taking of inventory of the Bungalow prior to moving in.
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You will be responsible for the payment of all utility services and any other outgoings to the appropriate utility companies.
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You are informed that keeping of pets, poultry and the rearing of livestock by occupant of government accommodation is prohibited.
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You are to ensure the maintenance of strict environmental cleanliness in and around the property.
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In the event of vacation of the Bungalow, the keys must be handed over to the Estate Manager of the R.C.C after full settlement of all outstanding bills including rent.
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It is in your own interest to arrange with E.C.G and other utility providers to read their meters to ascertain where your liability begins before moving in.
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The user, landscaping, security and refuse collection fees per month will be fixed by the Management Committee on an annual basis and must be paid in full by the end of the first quarter of every year.
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That no additional fixtures or alteration should be done on the property without the written consent of the Regional Co-ordinating Council.
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That the property should always be in good state and that any damage(s) caused during your occupation shall be surcharged to you.
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You are advised to make payment of rent to the Controller and Accountant General Department(C&AGD) salary suspense Account, Kumasi, Account No.2018131479027 Bank of Ghana at the end of every month until deduction of the rent at source takes effect.
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I am by copy of this letter requesting the Chief Accountant of Ghana Water CO. Ltd, Kumasi to make the necessary inputs to effect payment of rent at source and inform the Regional Co-ordinating Council accordingly.
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You are to indicate in writing your acceptance of the allocation on the above conditions and attach a copy of three months pay slip indicating deduction of monthly rent by Controller and Accountant General’s Department”.
The front view of the new bungalows
Statement from Dr. John Kpikpi, Leader of the Progressive Alliance for Ghana
THIS VICTORY MUST NOT BECOME A NIGHTMARE.
As the leader of the Progressive Alliance for Ghana, I unequivocally condemn the post-election violence that has erupted in parts of our nation following the 2024 general elections. The attacks on state properties, the disruption of the collation process, and the violent protests by alleged supporters of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) are deeply regrettable and undermine the values of democracy, peace, and unity that our nation cherishes. Reported attacks on NDC supporters by alleged NPP members are unacceptable.
Reports indicate that properties of state institutions such as the Ghana Ports and Harbours Authority and the Electoral Commission have been vandalized. Offices in the Eastern Region were set ablaze, with security forces injured while attempting to restore order. These incidents, alongside attempts to disrupt collation processes in constituencies like Dome-Kwabenya and Tema Central, are unacceptable.
I urge all political leaders, especially President-elect John Mahama and the leadership of the NDC, and the leadership of the NPP to demonstrate statesmanship by reining in their supporters. While political grievances may arise, they must be addressed through legal and peaceful means rather than violence. Ghana’s democracy has long been a beacon of hope across Africa, and these actions threaten to tarnish our global reputation.
I also call on the Ghana Police Service and military to act decisively to protect lives, property, and the integrity of our democratic processes. Civil society groups and religious organizations must continue advocating for calm and holding all parties accountable for the actions of their supporters.
To the people of Ghana, I urge restraint and a renewed commitment to national unity. Elections can never be a justification for lawlessness. In fact the very opposite; they are for the lawful transition of power. As we navigate this critical period, let us remember that our collective progress is greater than any political victory. Together, we can uphold the peace, stability, and democracy that Ghana represents. Let this moment remind us of the responsibility we all share in building a prosperous and peaceful nation. I stand ready to collaborate with all stakeholders in ensuring Ghana continues to shine as a symbol of democratic resilience.
PURC directs GWCL to restore water supply to customers in Greater Kumasi area
Source: tntnewspapergh.com
The Public Utilities Regulation Authority(PURC) has on Monday,16th December,2024 directed Ghana Water Company Limited to restore water supply to customers in greater Kumasi area.
The statement signed by Ishmael Ackah PhD, Executive director entitled “PUBLIC Utilities Regulation Authority directs Ghana Water Company Limited to restore water supply to customers in the greater Kumasi area”,is reproduced below;
“The Public Utilities Regulation Authority (PURC),has taken notice of reports of curtailment of water supply by Ghana Water Company Limited (GWL) staff to the greater Kumasi
area(Bantama,Atonsuagya,Santasi,Ridge) and surrounding areas since Friday,13,2024.The situation is unacceptable and undermines the fundamental rights access to clean and safe water for all citizens.
The Commission has directed GWL to restore water supply to all affected customers in the greater Kumasi area and surrounding areas with immediate effect.The Public utility disconnection procedures, interruption in service and denial of service are governed by Regulations 2,3(d) & (e) and 4 of the Public Utilities Regulation Commission(Consumers service) Regulations 2020 (L I 2413). Specifically, Regulation 4 provides;
“Subject to these regulations,a public utilities shall not deny the right of access of a consumer to a service except for stated reasons which are subject to review in accordance with the guidelines of the Commission”.
A utility Provider is obliged by law to use appropriate channels to address any challenges without publishing consumers the denial of water supply not only affected the daily lives of residents but also poses significant public health risks GWL shall submit a detailed report on the reasons for the service interruption and measures being taken to prevent such occurrences in the future.
The Commission has also directs GWL to engage with the affected communities and to provide alternative supply as needed.
The Commission will monitor the situation closely and take further action if necessary to protect the interest of consumers “.
NSA debunks allegations on ‘ghost names & payroll’ fraud
The National Service Authority (NSA) has noted with concern, recent media publications, alleging the introduction of “Ghost Names” and the inflation of payroll for the payment of allowances of National Service Personnel for the service years spanning from 2018/2019 to 2023/2024.
The Authority wishes to state categorically that, these allegations are extremely baseless and unfounded.
Mr.Osei Assibey Antwi,Executive director
Indeed, the National Service Authority has since 2021 instituted strong electronic measures that have significantly created checks and balances in both the downstream and upstream mobilisation and deployment of National Service Personnel. These measures resulted in several preventive attempts of fraudsters into the system and generated savings of over 300 million cedis within the period of 4 years (2021-2024). The Ministry of Education, the Ministry of Finance and other key stakeholders have enormous evidence of the robust system implemented by the National Service Authority and the gains made over the period.
The Authority has the inclined belief that no system including manual and electronic processes and procedures are perfect and devoid of impeachment. However, the result and the evidence of the elimination of attempted fraudsters into the National Service portal has been overwhelming and since 2021 drawn curtains-down on the presence of “Ghost Names” in the National Service system.
It is worth emphasising that, the electronic system backed by consistent and progressive monitoring coupled with advanced technology (the use of the Ghana card, the facial verification system and the objective proof of eligibility from the tertiary institutions) brought highly desirable results.
Following the series of publications with bizarre allegations against the Authority, the Management of the Authority conducted a quick review of the system and found all the allegations to be untrue.
Even so, the Governing Board at its Emergency Board meeting of Thursday, December 12, 2024, has requested the National Investigation Bureau. Based on our assessment, we are unable to substantiate any viable rationale that will push individuals, groups or institutions to peddle such allegations capable of tarnishing the hard-earned reputation of the Authority at this time where giant strides have been made to enhance operational efficiency and ensure value for money.
The allegations threaten to undermine the transformative progress the NSA has achieved in recent years.
The National Service Authority remains grateful and appreciates the contribution of all stakeholders to the development of our elite youth and engage them for a national development and nation building efforts.
To maintain institutional image, ensure efficiency and improve operations in line with Public Service values and standards, the National Service Authority welcomes any stakeholder ready to partner with the Authority to deal with relevant matters and address any found or substantiated operational distortions. Indeed, notwithstanding, the Governing Board has taken the bold decision by requesting the National Investigation Bureau ( NIB) to assist the Authority investigate these allegations.
In view of these developments, the Authority wishes to urge the public to exercise restraint in its commentaries and publications on the matter and condemnations of personalities, since the damages that may be inflicted upon them may be irreparable when after the investigations, they are found to be innocent.
The NSA remains resolute in its mission to serve Ghana with integrity and reaffirm our commitment to ensuring that public resources are protected and utilized judiciously and responsibly.
The NSA however acknowledges that, a petition has been submitted by the Media Foundation for West Africa (MFWA) to the Office of the Special Prosecutor. We welcome this development and wish to assure the public of our full cooperation with any investigations to establish the facts and vindicate the integrity of the Authority.
Signed
Osei Assibey Antwi
Director-General, National Service Authority
Screenshot of the statement
John Mahama should consider mature persons in his frontline of governance – Journalist urges
Mr Muyid Deen Suleman, a journalist and Sociologist, has emphasized the importance of incorporating mature individuals with significant experience into the core team of governance under President-elect John Dramani Mahama.
In a recent media interview, Mr. Suleman highlighted that maturity plays a crucial role in effective governance, particularly during times when a country like Ghana requires a strategic reset.
Muyid Deen Suleman
To further elaborate on this point, he noted that, it is essential to understand that mature individuals bring a wealth of experience and wisdom to decision-making processes.For instance, having seasoned professionals who have weathered various political storms can significantly benefit the overall stability and direction of a government.
According to him, these individuals can offer insights based on past successes and failures, guiding the administration towards more informed and prudent policy choices.
He said, the inclusion of mature personalities in key positions can enhance the credibility and public trust in the government. When the public sees seasoned individuals leading the way, it instills a sense of confidence and reassurance that the governance structure is in capable hands.
This, in turn, can foster a more positive perception of the administration and encourage greater citizen engagement in the democratic process.He added.
In conclusion, Mr. Suleman called on President-elect John Dramani Mahama to prioritize mature individuals in his governance team in order to root in the belief that experience and maturity have for indispensable qualities and effective leadership.
By heeding this call and selecting individuals with a proven track record of sound judgment and leadership, President Mahama can set a strong foundation for a successful tenure marked by stability and progress. He stressed
End
‘Bawumia was a crowd-puller, but we failed him’-Asante Akim North declares
The outgoing MP for Asante Akim North has expressed profound regret over what he describes as a collective failure within the NPP to support Vice President Dr Mahamudu Bawumia’s historic campaign.
Andy Kwame Appiah-Kubi speaking on Joy News’ Upfront with Raymond Acquah, described Dr Bawumia’s unprecedented efforts on the campaign trail, the internal sabotage he faced, and how a lack of unity within the party led to disappointing results.
Reflecting on Dr Bawumia’s performance, Mr Appiah-Kubi was full of admiration for the Vice President’s energy and dedication.
Dr.Bawumia speaking at a campaign rally in the run-up to December 7 polls
“Since I’ve been in politics, I haven’t seen a candidate that has done this rigorous campaign, okay? Not even President J.A. Kufuor, because I was very close to him. Dr. Bawumia’s campaign was something else.”
He emphasized the extraordinary lengths Dr Bawumia went to reach voters.
“He toured the length and breadth of the country. Everywhere he was. The last place he came was in my constituency. So I asked myself, where did the crowd go? The masses that came there…because Dr. Bawumia was phenomenal.”
Despite the Vice President’s ability to attract large crowds, Mr Appiah-Kubi admitted that the efforts were undermined by ineffective grassroots organisation.
“Anytime he left, the work on the ground suffered. The people who were supposed to do the work didn’t do it. So, they disappointed him. All of us, I’m not sure we did what was right.”
Mr Appiah-Kubi dismissed any claims that others within the party deserved credit for the overwhelming support Dr Bawumia received on the trail.
“I don’t want anybody to come and claim the glory and say, ‘We brought the crowd.’ No, he himself was a crowd-puller.”
The MP also revealed that internal sabotage within the party, including in his own constituency, played a significant role in the disappointing outcome.
“In my particular case, my constituency executives were campaigning against me. My chairman, my vice chairman—my God—they were campaigning against me.”
This internal division, he argued, contributed to the party’s inability to capitalize on the momentum Dr. Bawumia had generated.
Mr Appiah-Kubi also pointed fingers at President Nana Akufo-Addo, accusing him of being unresponsive to concerns raised by members of parliament.
“The blame will go, by extension, because he refused to listen to us, even when we saw reality and tried to communicate it to him. He wouldn’t take anything of that sort. He was too recalcitrant.”
He highlighted the frustrations of MPs who repeatedly sought the President’s attention to address critical issues.
“It wasn’t just one person speaking. We were doing advocacy for more than 96 members of parliament. Are you saying all of us lacked reason? We met, we had written our resolution, and we wanted him to hear it. But he wouldn’t listen to any of us.”
Mr Appiah-Kubi argued that this disconnect between the President and the MPs marked the beginning of the party’s decline.
“We saw the rot going on, and we wanted to let him know so we could take remedial action. But he wouldn’t listen. One person’s unwillingness to act brought all of us to this situation.”
According to Mr Appiah-Kubi, the failure to address internal issues and listen to MPs’ warnings about growing discontent within the party was a major factor in their underperformance.
“The deterioration started from there. When leadership refuses to heed the voices of its members, you can’t expect success.”Source: Abubakar Ibrahim
Disregard fake Mahama’s appointment list-Bawah Mogtari to Ghanaians
The Office of President-elect John Dramani Mahama has refuted claims that he has made ministerial appointments ahead of his assumption of office.
In a press statement issued on Monday, December 16, the Special Aide to Mr Mahama, Joyce Bawah Mogtari, clarified that such reports circulating on social media are untrue.
She emphasized that Mr Mahama has not announced any appointments, urging the public to dismiss these rumours.The statement comes in response to a list of alleged ministerial nominees that has been widely shared on various social media platforms.
According to the office, the list is entirely fabricated and has no basis. The circulation of such false information has created confusion among the public, prompting the need for an official clarification.
Ms Bawah Mogtari stressed that any authentic announcements regarding appointments or other related matters will be issued through official channels.
She advised the public to rely solely on communications from Mr Mahama’s office to avoid being misled. “We urge everyone to disregard the fake news and refrain from spreading unverified information,” the statement read.
The office of the president-elect assured the public of its commitment to transparency and professionalism during this transition period.
It also encouraged citizens to report any suspicious or unverified information regarding Mr Mahama to the appropriate authorities to maintain accuracy in public discourse.
