Isaac Amoah
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GWCL workers’ attempt to blackmail CEO of Crystal Rose Hotel exposed
By:: tntnewspapergh.com
An investigation carried out by “The New Trust” newspaper into the claims by the Ashanti Regional Divisional Union of Ghana Water Company Limited (GWCL) against the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Crystal Rose Hotel, Mrs Rose Hamilton, has been exposed.
Reliable sources at the Ashanti Regional Lands Commission and the Ashanti Regional Co-ordinating Council (RCC) Estate Department have disputed the attempt by the GWCL workers to blackmail Mrs. Rose Hamilton, one of the private developers of the government’s redevelopment policy scheme which started in 1991 by former President Jerry John Rawlings, and it has been continued by successive governments.
The front view of the new bungalows allocated to the affected Regional Managers of state institutions but GWCL managers have rejected theirs
Our sources at both the Ashanti Regional Co-ordinating Council Estate Department and the Regional Lands Commission indicate that GWCL doesn’t even have land title to the lands in question.
Besides that, a letter sighted by the media and dated May 18, 2022 indicated that the pursuant to the issuance of “Executive Instrument 432 of 2021 by Government in respect of Redevelopment of Sector 18 of Kumasi, which was published in the Ghana Gazette on 31st December 2021.”
The letter, addressed to “All Public Institutions – Ashanti Region”, was signed by the then Chief Director of the Ashanti Regional Co-ordinating Council, Mrs. Emelia Ayebeng Botchway, on behalf of the Regional Minister, Simon Osei-Mensah.
The said letter stated in part,
“All Heads of Public Institutions are to take note of the change of status of the land at Ridge Residential Area in Kumasi and to refrain from constructing any new building or redevelop any official bungalow or undertake any elaborate maintenance work on the properties within the enclave.”
Our investigation indicates that despite the notification to all affected state agencies and all affected workers with the assurance of relocation of new apartments, GWCL staff have decided to kick against the policy.
Records indicate that, out of 43 new apartments completed, each affected institutions regional managers have been allocated with one apartment.
The Committee in charge of the allocation, just on Tuesday,10th December 2024, handed over keys of three apartments to GWCL managers, but they rejected them for reasons best known to them.
According to our source at the Ashanti Regional Lands Commission, the purpose of the government for the redevelopment started by former President Rawlings was continued by the administrations of Prof. John Evans Atta Mills, Mr. John Mahama and Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo.
The policy started in Accra with phase two, and it is currently in phase three. It is aimed at redeveloping colonial government workers’ bungalows which occupied one-acre land in the prime area in the cities to meet the growing population.
The government then entered into Public Private Partnership (PPP) to construct between two and five bedrooms to relocate all affected staffs of the various state agencies.
Two hundred (200) accommodation was expected to be completed within one and a half years to ensure appropriate relocation plan. To this end, all the necessary processes were undertaken including the approval by the Public Procurement Authority, aside from value for money assessment conducted by the Ghana Institute of Surveyors.
The affected institutions include RCC, KATH, BNI, PWD, Judicial Service, Lands Commission, Ghana police Service, GBC, NCCE, DVLA, among other state agencies.
Even though all the regional heads of the various institutions affected have been allocated with new bungalows and given the keys to their respective apartments, only GWCL managers have rejected the relocated bungalow opposite the Ashanti Regional EC office.
Meanwhile, Mr. Emmanuel Okpoki Kodiah, the Vice-Chairman of the Union, when asked to confirm or deny whether their staff have been allocated with new apartments and whether GWCL has land title to lands in question, he couldn’t deny or confirm it that their managers have not told them that, hence their protest in defence of their managers.
Regarding the land title, he said only their national estate department could speak to that but since their managers have occupied the bungalow for many years, now they think it belongs to GWCL.
Mr. Emmanuel Okpoki Kodiah addressing a press conference
Speaking to the media earlier in a press conference on Wednesday, 11th December 2024,
the Vice-Chairman of the Union couldn’t also confirm the allocation of three relocated apartments opposite the Ashanti Regional Office of the Electoral Commission (EC) to their managers and they have rejected them.
GWL goes wild… issues 48-hour ultimatum to shut down water plants over destruction of its properties by private developer
By: Isaac Amoah/tntnewspapergh.com
The Ashanti Regional Divisional Union of Ghana Water Company Limited (GWL) has given a 48-hour ultimatum to a private developer to reconstruct and restore its demolished properties, else it will shut down six water plants to deny residents of the Ashanti Region water.
Mr Emmanuel Okpoki Kodiah
The six plants expected to be shut down are Owabi, Barekese, Mampong, Aframaso, Odaso and Konongo water plants.
According to a spokesperson of the company,
GWL has, therefore, given Madam Rose Hamilton and all other private developers a 48-hour ultimatum to reconstruct the walls and restore all other demolished properties.
He added that failure to do so implies GWL has no relevance in the Ashanti Region, for which reason it will shut down its operations in the region at exactly 9 a.m. on Friday.
Speaking at a press conference on Wednesday, 11th December 2024, at the affected areas, Mr. Emmanuel Okpoki Kodiah, the Vice-Chairman of Ashanti Divisional Union of Ghana Water Company Limited, read the statement on behalf of the union.
A section of GWCL workers in a protest
The full statement is attached below:
SPEECH BY THE WORKERS UNION OF GHANA WATER LTD.
Ladies and Gentlemen, esteemed colleagues and members of the media.
Today, we stand united as the Workers Union of Ghana Water Ltd to address a matter of great concern that affects our organisation and the integrity and respect for our leadership and company assets. We find ourselves at a crucial juncture, where private developers’ actions threaten the very foundations of our establishment.
The destroyed fence walls
Recently, we witnessed the unnecessary demolition of the fence walls of the bungalows and boys’ quarters of two directors, which raises serious questions about the procedures and respect that should govern our operations. These properties are not merely structures; they represent the hard work, dedication and commitment of our leadership to this organisation.
As we all know, our operations are guided by strict protocols. Any instructions or directions regarding company assets must come from our Head Office.
The management of our properties, including land leases, must be communicated solely to the Head Office. Regional offices, while integral to our operations, do not possess the authority to make decisions regarding the assets of Ghana Water Ltd. This protocol exists to protect our interests and ensure that we operate within a framework of accountability and transparency.
The recent actions of the private developers have not only disregarded these protocols but have also shown blatant disrespect for our directors, managers and the entire staff of GWL in the Ashanti Region. The impatience displayed in their haste to demolish our directors’ fence walls and boys’ quarters without cause is unacceptable and has rendered the place insecure.
One of our directors’ boys’ quarters after the demolition of the fence wall on Friday, 6th December 2024, on the eve of the general election, has led to the ransacking of the place, losing fans, mattresses and others. Such behaviour undermines the dignity of our leadership and poses a threat to the stability of our operations.
Let us put on record that under no circumstances or occasion has the region received any communication from Head Office to cede the lands to the developers in question.
Communication from the Regional Co-ordinating Council to the region was asked to be communicated to its Head Office, which they did. This procedure clearly shows that they know what ought to be done.
The demolition of the fence walls to the two bungalows of our directors led the Union front to report at the police station that same Friday and subsequently on Moion front to reporteral District Police Station and we met with one of the developers the Madam Rose Hamilton. Our understanding is that she is the owner of the Crystal Rose Hotel. It was agreed that both parties should await communication from our Head Office before Madam Rose stood and left the police station.
How then could she send miscreants the next day to demolish the boys’ quarters?
It is important to state that the life of one security officer could have been lost if he hadn’t left the post to get food. He returned to see the debris of his post with his TV set, radio, two phones and his personal belongings destroyed.
The attempt to take over 5No. bungalows of the company has dire consequences to the operations of GWL in the region.
As Workers Union of Ghana Water Ltd, we must remind ourselves of the values we uphold. Respect for our leaders, adherence to proper procedures and commitment to our collective mission are non-negotiable. We cannot allow external pressures to dictate how we manage our assets or how we honour those who lead us.
We strongly condemn the unlawful actions that not only undermine the sanctity of public assets but also disrupt the lives of hard-working public servants. The residences in question are vital resources meant to support the effective functioning of government agencies like Ghana Water Limited in the region.
We, therefore, make the following demands:
- We call on the Ghana Police Service to investigate these acts of vandalism and bring the perpetrators, including their collaborators, to justice.
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Restoration of the Chief Managers’ Residence: We demand immediate action on the properties vandalised, the walls and boys’ quarters…
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Apologise to the management of the GWL for the trauma and threat against all.
- We call upon the President of the Republic, The President-Elect, His Royal Majesty, Otumfuo Osei-Tutu II, who is very passionate about issues of water, the Regional Minister, the Lands Commission, relevant authorities, and stakeholders to intervene and halt these reckless actions.
Therefore, GWL, as a company, is giving Madam Rose Hamilton and all other private developers a 48-hour ultimatum to reconstruct the walls and restore all other destroyed properties. Failure to do that will mean that GWL has no relevance in the Ashanti Region and for that matter the company will shut down its operations in the region at exactly 9 a.m. on Friday.
We stand together in solidarity, affirming our commitment to the principles that guide us and demanding the respect our directors and our company deserve.
In closing, let us remain vigilant and united. Together, we can ensure that the integrity of Ghana Water Ltd is preserved, and that respect for our leadership and adherence to protocol are upheld.
Thank you.
NDC supporters forced some EC officials to declare results in their favour – NPP alleges
Source: Emma Ankrah
The New Patriotic Party (NPP) has accused the National Democratic Congress (NDC) of deploying their supporters to pressure Electoral Commission (EC) officials into declaring some parliamentary results in their favour during the 2024 elections.
The General Secretary of the NPP, Justin Frimpong-Kodua, cited instances of alleged illegal declarations in constituencies including Ablekuma North, Dome-Kwabenya, Okaikwei Central, Tema Central, Ahafo Ano North, Obuasi East, Ahafo Ano South West, Akwatia, Suhum, Fanteakwa North, Nsawam Adoagyir, Techiman South, and Aowin.
This claim was made during a press briefing on Wednesday, December 11, by the NPP’s General Secretary.
According to Mr Frimpong-Kodua, “the NDC deployed their men to, in some cases, force the hands of the Electoral Commission’s returning officers to declare results in their favour.”
Read also: NADMO HQ attacked by unidentified youth; photos of Akufo-Addo and others removed
This accusation follows the NPP’s significant loss of major parliamentary seats during the elections. The party secured 75 seats, while the NDC garnered a commanding 184 seats, reshaping the parliamentary landscape, with some seats still outstanding due to disagreements.
Justin Frimpong Kodua,NPP General Secretary
The Majority Leader, Alexander Afenyo-Markin, further alleged that NPP parliamentary candidates and members faced intimidation and harassment.
He shared specific instances, including the situation in Abuakwa North, where the parliamentary candidate, Madam Ekua Afriye, reportedly endured a sleepless night as individuals stormed her residence searching for election pink sheets.
“Why is the NDC so interested in destroying evidence? Why are they capturing pink sheets to destroy them and set them ablaze?” Mr Afenyo-Markin questioned, adding that Madam Afriye had to flee her home for safety, with police intervention required to protect her.
In another instance, Mr Patrick Boamah, the Member of Parliament for Okaikwei Central, reportedly faced threats at his residence over allegations that he possessed pink sheets.
Again, he noted irregularities in Tema Central, where the individual who purportedly declared the results for the NDC was not the designated returning officer.
“They [NPP] called somebody to declare the result when the rightful person, who had sworn an oath to be the returning officer, was bypassed,” he alleged.
The NPP leadership called on NDC’s presidential candidate, John Dramani Mahama, to intervene and ensure that his supporters act within the boundaries of democracy.
“This is not the democracy we have worked hard for,” Mr Afenyo-Markin stressed.
The Majority Leader also called on the Electoral Commission to take immediate steps and reverse what he calls the “illegal declaration.”
Prez Akufo-Addo, security services should act decisively to curb acts of lawlessness – Mahama
Source: Prince Adu-Owusu
President-elect John Mahama has urged President Nana Akufo-Addo and the security services to take swift and decisive actions to address the ongoing acts of lawlessness reported across the country.
Addressing the nation from his residence on Tuesday evening, Mr Mahama reminded the government that state power is still in the hands of the current administration, and therefore called on “the president and the security agencies to act decisively to curb the ongoing acts of lawlessness immediately.”
The appeal was made amidst growing concerns over attacks on state offices and installations, which some fear could destabilise the nation’s democratic peace.
Read also: Heavy security presence as irate youth besiege Ghana Gas in Accra
Mr Mahama stated that transitions from one administration to another create the impression of a vacuum of power, and certain people are easily misled into acting in their own parochial interest instead of the national interest.
He condemned the attacks, saying, “I received reports of attacks on state offices and installations. While it’s unclear who is behind these attacks, I condemn them in no uncertain terms. These acts must cease immediately.”
Urging restraint, the President-elect appealed to the youth, who may feel disillusioned or frustrated, to avoid engaging in criminal behaviour.
Read also: Military deployed as EC orders resumption of Ablekuma North collation
“As I said during my post-declaration speech, I urge the youth not to vent their frustration in criminal enterprise. Instead, they must channel their anger and frustration into the positive enterprise of resetting and rebuilding our beloved nation.”
Calling for calm and unity, Mr Mahama reassured citizens that this is a time for collective effort to rebuild Ghana.
“We have fought hard for change, and now is the time to demonstrate our commitment to rebuilding the Ghana we want through unity and understanding.”
2024 polls: Don’t blame yourselves for our defeat – Bawumia urges NPP supporters
Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia has called on members of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) to avoid finger-pointing and blame games following the party’s recent electoral defeat, cautioning that such behavior could weaken the party’s unity.
Dr.Bawumia addressing a section of party Executives
Addressing party executives from the Klottey Korley constituency, Dr. Bawumia attributed the NPP’s loss primarily to voter apathy rather than any significant gains by the National Democratic Congress (NDC). He highlighted that the party’s inability to meet its electoral targets ultimately paved the way for the opposition’s victory.
“We couldn’t meet our expectations; that is why we conceded. That doesn’t mean it is over. We lost a battle, not the war. I want to encourage you all. In this election, we were the ones that gave the victory to NDC. They didn’t win because their numbers didn’t change from 2020,” Dr. Bawumia explained.
He further revealed that the NPP’s votes had decreased by 40 percent, emphasizing the need for unity in moving forward. “Ours reduced by 40 percent. I want you all to understand that united we stand, but divided we fall. I have seen many people in pain,
Source:dailymaigh.com
John Mahama names transition team
Source: Myjoyonline.com
President-elect in the December 7, 2024, general elections, John Dramani Mahama, has in accordance with the provisions of the Presidential (Transition) Act, 2012 (ACT 845), appointed the following personalities as members of the 2024 Transition Team.
Hon. Julius Debrah – Co-Chairperson
The team will work closely with representatives of the outgoing government with a view to ensuring a smooth transfer of political power to the incoming administration.
The Transition Team is composed of experienced individuals drawn from various sectors, including finance, governance, and public administration.
The appointed members of the Joint Transition Team are as follows:
Hon. Julius Debrah – Co-Chairperson
Hon. Johnson Asiedu Nketia – Member
Hon. Fifi Fiavi Kwetey – Member
Dr. Callistus Mahama– Member/Secretary to the Transition Team
Dr. Valerie Sawyer – Member
Prof. Kwamena Ahwoi – Member
Hon. Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson – Member
Hon. Mahama Ayariga – Member
Hon. Goosie Tanoh – Member
Dr. Edward Omane Boamah – Member
Additionally, the President-elect has nominated Edward Doe Adjaho as a member of the
transitional Advisory Council.
Ashanti NPP Organiser calls on stakeholders to condemn & stop vandalism by NDC supporters
By: tntnewspapergh.com
The Ashanti Regional Organiser for the governing New Patriotic Party (NPP), Dr. Francis Adomako, has expressed grave concerns about the ongoing vandalism by some supporters of the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC) after their party had won the just-ended parliamentary and presidential elections held on Saturday, 7th December 2024.
He described the lawlessness, such as looting and locking up of state agencies resulting in injuries and loss of innocent lives, as most unfortunate, especially after the 2024 Presidential Candidate of the NPP, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, had conceded defeat and congratulated the President-elect, Mr. John Dramani Mahama, last Sunday.
It is against this backdrop that Dr. Adomako, who is the Dean of all Regional Organisers, is calling on all chiefs, imams, the clergy, civil society organisations, the media, National Peace Council among other stakeholders, to publicly condemn the lawlessness and help protect lives and properties after the peaceful general election.
Speaking to “The New Trust” newspaper on Tuesday, 10th December 2024, the Ashanti Regional Organiser who is popularly known as Francois, said some NDC thugs were using force to reject some parliamentary seats clearly won by NPP parliamentary candidates based on their pink sheets, vandalising state agencies and also resorting to personality attacks.
According to him, the NDC hoodlums have locked up the National Service Authority office in Kumasi, Ghana Gas Company,while some executives of the Asawase NDC have allegedly used thugs to loot blocks and bags of cement from an Agenda 111 project site for their personal use. He added that there had been similar reported incidents at Tepa and Ejura Market, including the locking up of the Kejetia Market management office, etc.
“The Ashanti Region can’t sit down for the NDC thugs to hold the region to ransom. As we speak now, the Ghana Bulk Oil Company, NADMO national headquarters, among other agencies, have been attacked,” Francois pointed out.
He continued, “The continuous silence by the aforementioned stakeholders and the leadership of the NDC over the post election violence doesn’t speak well of the country which believes in democracy.”
Francois, therefore, reminded all stakeholders that they all have the responsibility to help ensure peace, protect innocent lives and state properties.
The Ashanti Regional NPP Organiser expressed fears that the delayed action to end the vandalism could spark reprisal attacks from NPP supporters and orderly citizens as self-defence.
“I wish to appeal to Ghanaians, especially both NPP and NDC supporters, to remain calm so as to help maintain the relative peace after the general election. Don’t involve yourselves in any act of violence,” he advised.
Besides, Francois called on the security personnel to deal ruthlessly with such miscreants to serve as a deterrent to others.
Ahafo Ano North:Tepamanhene calls emergency meeting to address post-election violence
The Paramount Chief of Tepa, Nana Adusei Atwenewah Ampem I, has convened an emergency meeting with his elders and subjects to address the escalating unrest in the community following the December 7 general elections.
The gathering seeks to develop a comprehensive strategy to restore peace and stability in the Ahafo Ano North Constituency of the Ashanti Region, which has been marred by violence and heightened tension.
Nana Adusei Atwenewah Ampem I during the emergency meeting
Tepa witnessed a significant military presence after supporters, reportedly aligned with the National Democratic Congress (NDC), launched a series of attacks in response to disputed election results.
The unrest has led to widespread damage to both public and private property.One of the focal points of the violence was Tepa Senior High School, where ballot materials used in the December 7 presidential and parliamentary elections were stored.
Protesters allegedly set several structures within the school premises ablaze.Adding to the chaos, a local radio station owned by the New Patriotic Party’s (NPP) parliamentary candidate was also targeted. The protesters reportedly ransacked the station and a nearby warehouse, further escalating tensions in the community.
In a particularly troubling incident, one of the vehicles belonging to Nana Agyemang Prempeh, the NPP’s parliamentary candidate and current Director General of the National Disaster Management Organisation (NADMO), was set on fire.
Reports initially suggested that Mr Prempeh’s whereabouts were unknown and that his bodyguard had been injured during the unrest.However, the Ghana Police Service has dismissed rumours of Mr. Prempeh’s disappearance, confirming that he is safe.Despite this assurance, the violence has left residents in fear and uncertainty, with many calling for immediate intervention to prevent further escalation.By: Bright Yeboah
