Isaac Amoah
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Cyber Security Authority intensifies awareness against misinformation, disinformation ahead of December polls
By:Isaac Amoah
Ghana ranked 15th in daily time spent using social media globally as Cyber Security Authority (CSA) intensified awareness against misinformation and disinformation ahead of the 7th December 2024 general election.
A day’s forum was held in Kumasi, the Ashanti Regional capital, for media practitioners on Monday, 7th October 2024, as part of 2024 National Cyber Security Awareness Month, which was under the theme: “Combating Misinformation/Disinformation in a Digitally Resilient Democracy: Our Collective Responsibility”.
A section of participants at the forum
The one-day forum, which was held at Eye Clinic Conference Centre at the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital (KATH), was attended by editors, senior journalists and senior broadcast journalists in the Ashanti Region.
In a statement, Mr. Alexander Oppong, the Director of Awareness Creation and Capacity Building with the Cyber Security Authority (NCSA), said the emergence of cyber threats had escalated dramatically in recent years.
CSA officials,GJA executives in a group photograph with participants
According to statistics by Cybersecurity Ventures, global cybercrime costs are projected to hit $10.5 trillion annually by 2025, thereby affecting businesses and individuals alike.
Moreover, a staggering 60 per cent of small businesses that suffer a cyber attack go out of business within six months.
Mr. Oppong said the figures highlighted the urgency of the mission of CSA and the critical need for increased awareness and preparedness in the digital environment.
Mr. Oppong disclosed that as of January 2024, about 24.06 million Ghanaians were connected to the internet, with 7.60 million actively using social media.
According to him, Ghana currently ranks 15th globally in daily time spent on social media and while these advancements offer immense opportunities, they also introduce inherent risks.
He indicated that the digital age, with its vast opportunities for growth and development, also presents vulnerabilities that cyber criminals can exploit, potentially causing significant harm to individuals, businesses and nations.
“The rapid expansion of internet usage has led to increased exposure to risks and new avenues for criminal activities. In this context, misinformation and disinformation have emerged as critical threats. Misinformation, false or misleading information shared without malicious intent and disinformation deliberately falsified information intended to deceive, both pose substantial risks to democratic processes and societal stability,” he added.
He emphasised that as Ghana approaches a critical electoral period in December, it is essential for all stakeholders to actively work towards safeguarding the integrity of our information ecosystems.
He said the National Cyber Security Awareness Month instituted in October 2018 is significant to promote awareness of digital safety and best practices.
The month-long event is noted to have provided the public with information to empower them to protect personal and corporate data from cybercrime perpetrators in the face of the ever evolving global digital landscape.
Mr. Oppong said this year’s theme underscored the pressing need for collaboration in tackling the challenges the country faces in the digital landscape.
According to him, misinformation can undermine trust in institutions, disrupt communities and erode the very fabric of our democracy.
A study by the University of Oxford in 2024 revealed that social media platforms were used to spread misinformation and disinformation in 81 countries, with 70% of online misinformation being spread through just 10% of social media accounts.
A 2021 report by the Media Foundation for West Africa (MFWA) likewise highlighted that social media is a major source of misinformation and disinformation in Ghana, indicating the need for robust measures to mitigate the menace of mis/disinformation in Ghana’s digital space.
This media forum, he said, aims to address these worrying concerns by promoting cyber security awareness creation against misinformation and disinformation in collaboration with government officials, private sector players, business executives, cyber security professionals, educationists, representatives from civil society organisations and the media.
He reminded the journalists that their role as journalists is vital in this fight. “You (journalists) are the guardians of truth, the champions of integrity and your commitment to ethical journalism is indispensable in combating misinformation and disinformation. This partnership between the CSA and the GJA is a testament to our shared commitment to fostering a safer cyber environment. Together, we can empower individuals and organisations to recognise the importance of cyber security and the role they play in it,” he stressed.
Besides, Mr. Oppong seized the opportunity to express their sincere gratitude to executives of GJA for embracing the collaboration with the CSA, stressing that “your acceptance and enthusiasm in joining us on this vital journey is commendable and will undoubtedly amplify our efforts in promoting cyber security awareness. Let us remember that the fight against misinformation and the promotion of cyber security is a shared endeavour. Together, as journalists, cyber experts and concerned citizens, we can build a digitally resilient democracy that prioritises truth, safety and collective well-being.”
Mr. Isaac Socrates Mensah of CSA also made an insightful presentation on cyber security education.
Mr. Kofi Yeboah, the General Secretary of GJA, said misinformation and disinformation had become very critical, especially prior to the December polls.
He, therefore, called on the media to eschew misinformation and disinformation. Besides, he implored the media to take key interest in the cyber security awareness in order to help combat misinformation and disinformation.
Linda Asante Agyei, the Vice-President of GJA, in a closing remark, appealed to CSA to extend the awareness creation forum to journalists in the remaining 15 regions, so as to equip them to help combat cyber security.
Napo urges Adventist not to shy away from voting on Saturday December 7
Seventh Day Adventist Church faithfuls in the country have been urged to exercise their franchise when the country goes to the polls on Saturday, December 7.
Making the passionate appeal, Dr. Matthew Opoku Prempeh said it is the civic responsibility of every eligible voter to vote during the upcoming general election.
According to him, the election of the president and parliamentary candidates is an important day on the national calendar, so the citizenry should see it as such.
Dr. Matthew Opoku Prempeh aka Napo
In this regard, he admonished worshippers of the Seventh Day Adventist Church not to stay away from the election just because the day of voting will fall on Saturday.
Dr. Prempeh, aka ‘Napo’, who is the Vice Presidential Candidate of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), was speaking at Kwamang in the Nsuta Kwamang Beposo constituency as part of his campaign tour in the Ashanti region.
He said every eligible voter should contribute to elect right leaders to steer the affairs of the country, reiterating his passionate appeal to Adventists to vote on December 7.
“As citizens of mother Ghana, it’s our civic responsibility to vote and elect the right people to form government and implement the right policies to move the country forward.
“We should be mindful of the fact that if we decide not to patronize the election, other people will go and elect people who are not our choice to lead the country.
“We should also not forget that if bad leaders get access to political power, their bad policies will affect us.
“It’s in line with this that I’m appealing passionately to our fathers, mothers, brothers, and sisters in the Adventist Church to join other citizens and vote on December 7,” he
said.
Napo said the voting day falling on Saturday, December 7, should not be used as an excuse by any citizen, Adventists included, not to vote in the presidential and parliamentary polls.
According to him, every eligible voter should patronize the national elections to help make it memorable and successful, saying that “we are all voting on December 7.”
Napo also reminded the electorates that Dr. Bawumia, the NPP presidential candidate, is passionate about leading the country to the Promised Land, so they should vote for him.Source: King Edward Ambrose Washman/Peacefmonline.com
Mahama’s government issued 1,402 Small-Scale Mining licences &1,014 by Akufo-Addo – Minerals Commission CEO reveals
The Chief Executive Officer of the Minerals Commission, Martin Ayisi, has revealed that during the era of former President John Dramani Mahama, more small-scale mining licenses were issued compared to the regime of President Akufo-Addo.
This revelation has reignited discussions surrounding the management and regulation of the mining sector in Ghana, particularly regarding small-scale operations.
Mr Ayisi presented a document to the Government Assurances Committee of Parliament chaired by the North Tongu Member of Parliament, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa.
Martin Ayisi
The CEO noted that the increased number of licenses granted during Mahama’s tenure has contributed to the current challenges facing the mining industry.
He emphasised the need for responsible mining practices and better oversight to ensure that small-scale mining activities do not lead to environmental degradation and social issues.
The Minerals Commission has faced criticism over the rise in illegal mining activities, commonly known as “galamsey,” which has severe repercussions on the environment and local communities.
Mr Ayisi highlighted that while small-scale mining plays a crucial role in the economy, it is essential to strike a balance between economic benefits and environmental protection.
The Minerals Commission CEO has also opposed calls for halting the issuance of new mining licenses amid calls for government action against all forms of illegal mining.
According to him, such a move could exacerbate the illegal mining crisis.
Appearing before Parliament’s Assurance Committee on Monday, October 7, Ayisi argued that if licenses were not granted, it would push individuals into illegal mining commonly known as “galamsey” as a way to continue their activities.Source: Ernest K. Arhinful
MTN LAUNCHES YELLO BIZ TO BOOST THE OPERATIONS OF SME AT GHANA INDUSTRIAL SUMMIT
MTN Ghana has launched an all-new package of Technology solutions to boost the operations of SMEs in Ghana. Dubbed Y’ello Biz, SME operators will benefit from a wide range of a robust suite of business solutions designed to drive operational excellence and business growth.
Customers who sign on to the MTN Yello Biz package will receive the following:
4G+ Router with 10GB of free data
Microsoft Office 365 – Genuine Microsoft applications
Webwiz – A customized business website for your business
Unicom Service – A unified business communication solution for your virtual call center, IVR, and conferencing needs.
Announcing the launch of MTN Yello Biz at the Ghana Industrial Summit and Exhibition held at the Accra International Conference Center, CEO of MTN Ghana, Stephen Blewett highlighted the need for more Investments in digital infrastructure, promote e-commerce, and develop digital skills to drive the digital economy. He said as the leading Telecoms Service provider in Ghana, MTN continues to research the needs of SMEs to deliver technology solutions that enhance their efficiency and promote their businesses.
He said, “MTN through various engagements with SMEs have launched Yello Biz to enable businesses gain access to advanced productivity tools, gain a powerful online presence and superior customer experience to optimize their operations”. He called on all SMEs in Ghana to sign up for the service to enjoy unbeatable offers.
The Yello Biz service, adds up to the bouquet of products designed to boost SME operations such as the Business Messenger, SME Plus, Messenger, Business Manager, Microsoft 365 suite and Business Website. MTN Business invites customers to call 100 or 0244308111 or email us at mtnbusiness.gh@mtn.com Or Visit: mtn.com.gh/business or any MTN Office for your Yello Biz and stay connected everywhere you go.
End.
Media Contacts:
Adwoa Wiafe
Chief Corporate Services and Sustainability Officer
Georgina Asare Fiagbenu
Corporate Communications Senior Manager
Email: MTNGhana.MediaOffice@mtn.com
Pre-Tertiary Teacher Unions Praise Dr Adutwum for Proactive Support
Source: tntnewspapergh.com
Pre-tertiary Teacher Unions in the country have commended the Minister for Education, Dr. Yaw Osei Adutwum for his unwavering commitment to their welfare.
The unions, comprising the Ghana National Association of Teachers (GNAT), Concerned Teachers Association (CCT-GH), Ghana National Association of Graduate Teachers (NAGRAT) and Teachers and Education Workers Union (TEWU), acknowledged the minister’s open-door policy, which has fostered positive outcomes and motivated teachers to contribute more to the country.
Speaking at the Ghana Teacher Prize 2024 held in Kumasi on Saturday, Rev. Isaac Owusu, President of GNAT, expressed the unions’ gratitude to the Minister for his effort and leadership style that had led to a peaceful co-existence between the Unions and the Government.
Rev. Owusu who was delivering a solidarity message on behalf of all Teacher Unions in the country during the GTP 2024 pledged their willingness to continue collaborating with the government for effective outcomes.
The unions’ appreciation underscores Dr. Adutwum’s proactive approach to addressing their concerns, promoting a conducive teaching environment, and enhancing the overall education sector.
Dr Osei Yaw Adutwum
The GNAT President on behalf of the Unions also commended the government for the swift payment of the Continuous Professional Development Allowance in September as promised by the government and hoped that in November, the Data Allowance would equally be paid as promised.
Rev. Owusu however appealed to the government through the Education Ministry to prioritize some issues which affect effective teaching and learning as well as the survival of teachers.
He mentioned them as allowances for teachers in deprived areas, correction of the salary disparities and the wrongful placement of some teachers on the Single Spine Salary structure, and outstanding issues concerning the promotion of the Deputy Directors to Directors.
Rev. Owusu also mentioned the Human Resource Information Management System (HRIMS) issues which have caused undue delay in the upgrading, re-activation and promotion, the payment of Tier 2 which has been in arrears for 13 months as well as the rising spate of indiscipline among students in schools especially attacks on innocent teachers and their colleagues.
2024 Polls:Alan K urges Ghanaians to reject vote-buying by political parties
Alan John Kwadwo Kyerematen, the Presidential Candidate for the Movement for Change, has called on Ghanaians to reject political parties that try to influence their votes with money in the upcoming December 7 elections.
Alan Kyeremanten interacting with voters
Addressing supporters in Obogu, located in the Asante Akim South Constituency, Kyerematen condemned the practice of vote-buying, saying it reflects a lack of respect for voters. He urged the public to resist such offers and think critically before making their decisions.
“They will come and share things for you to vote for them. They will come with money, but think about it twice. If after all these years they didn’t come to you and now they are giving you money, it simply shows that they don’t respect you,” he stated.
Kyerematen emphasized that politics should focus on long-term progress for the nation rather than short-term incentives aimed at winning votes. He encouraged the people of Obogu to evaluate the development in their communities, and if they find it inadequate, to consider voting against the current government in the December 7 elections.
“We do politics for the development of the country. We have to change them if the country has not moved forward after they took power,” he source:
Wofa Yamoah Ponkoh passes on
Source: Ernest K. Arhinful
A former Chief Executive of Ejisu Juaben Municipal Assembly under the John Mahama administration, Afrifa Yamoah Ponkoh, has passed away.
The news of his death broke on Sunday afternoon, October 6. Although the exact cause of death remains unclear, close sources revealed that Mr Ponkoh had been unwell for several weeks before his passing.
The late Afrifa Yamoah Ponkoh was a key figure within the National Democratic Congress (NDC), having served in various capacities during his political career.
Wofa Afrifa Yamoah Ponkoh
Myjoyonline sources say he was admitted last week at the Living Waters Hospital in Kumasi but died at home after he was discharged.
His sudden demise has left many in mourning, particularly within the NDC, where he was known for his leadership and dedication to public service.
In response to the tragic news, Sammy Gyamfi, the National Communications Officer of the NDC, expressed his heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family through a post on Facebook.
KG teacher, Fuseina Fuseini, wins 2024 Ghana Teacher Prize
Source: tntnewspapergh.com
A 47-year-old Kindergarten teacher at the Madina SDA Basic School in the Greater Accra region, Miss Fuseina Fuseini was on Saturday adjudged the overall best teacher at the Ghana Teacher Prize 2024.
Her award follows her consistency, dedication to teaching, hard work and innovation towards teaching and learning.
For emerging as the winner, she was presented with a prototype three-bedroom house of which the physical one will be handed over to her later as well as a scholarship to study abroad if she so desired with funding from the Ghana Education Trust Fund.
The 1st Runner-Up position was taken by Mr Richmond Kojo Adomako, from the Uaddara Basic School in Kumasi and for his prize took home a 4×4 Pick-Up and a scholarship to study in any University in the country.
Some scenes from the awards ceremony
Miss Diana-Rose Elorm Adonu from the Aburi Girl’s Senior High School was adjudged the 2nd Runner-Up for the GTP 2024 and was presented with a saloon car and a scholarship to study at any university in the country.
Other awards
Another award winner was; the Best Non-Teaching Staff which was won by Mr Wisdom Yaw Opoku, a Deputy Chief Accountant at Nsawkaw State SHS in the Tain District.
The Best Teacher in Leadership and Administration award was picked by Reverend Sister Victoria Jessy, Headteacher for Akwatia St. Dominic Basic School in the Eastern region, and the Most Outstanding College of Education Tutor was Dr William Kwabena Nantwi from the Offinso College of Education.
The rest are the Best Differentiated Learning Practice Teacher which was won by Miss Faustina Asaabo from the Menhean Community Primary in Tema while the Best Kg Teacher award went to Miss Annette Asieduwaa Owusu from the Kpone Presby Basic ‘B’ School.
Miss Antoinette Kumi from Tanoso M/A Primary in the Sefwi-Wiaso was adjudged the Best Primary School Teacher. The Best Junior High School Teacher award also went to George Ebanyenle Ackah from Enchico Demonstration JHS in the Aowin District while the Best SHS Best Teacher honours went to Madam Perpetual Bosomprah from Tarkwa SHST in the Tarkwa-Nsuaem.
The other award winners were presented with cash prizes which ranged from Gh10,000 to Gh100,000 while others also took home motorbikes.
Scholarship to the awardees
All the award winners apart from their awards were also offered scholarships to study at any University in the country whereas the Overall Best Teacher alone was offered a scholarship abroad if she so desired.
In an address read for him, President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo reiterated his commitment towards the transformation of the nation through education.
He explained that the huge budget support towards the educational sector was due to the fact that education served as the source of the requisite manpower for the transformation of the nation.
The President praised all Ghanaian teachers for their dedication towards the training of the nation’s human resources which was very critical for the development of the nation.
Nana Akufo-Addo eulogized all stakeholders in the nation’s education space and urged them to continue working hard towards the sustenance of the gains made in the sector in the country.
Prudent Policies
The Education Minister Dr Yaw Osei Adutwum, on his part assured teachers of his readiness to continue putting in place prudent policies that would create an enabling environment for effective teaching and learning.
He said, “We mean business when it comes to education development in the country because we believe education held the key to economic transformation and poverty reduction”
Dr Adutwum who is also the Member of Parliament for Bosomtwe mentioned that all the policies being rolled out by the Education Ministry were geared towards leapfrogging towards the attainment of 21st education for Ghanaian students.
He mentioned for instance that the introduction of the double-track system was to help increase enrolment adding that next academic year 70 per cent of SHS in the country will be out of the double-track system due to the strategic building of school infrastructure across the country.
Caution Note
The Registrar of the National Teaching Council, Dr Christian Addai-Poku, in his welcome address, stated that the policies and practices it had put in place were among the best in the world and were helping to advance the teaching profession in the country.
“Let no one whittle down the standards and permit cheap entry requirements into the profession. Our requirements should remain as rigorous as those of doctors, nurses, lawyers, accountants, engineers and others”.,he said.
“The Ghana Teacher Licensure Examination remains one of the best quality assurance measures to ensure that only those who fit for purpose get engaged in our schools. It will be sad to see the licensure examination sacrificed on the altar of politics”. Dr Addai-Poku said.
END
NDC can’t manage Ghana’s educational sector, retain NPP-Napo declares
Dr Matthew Opoku Prempeh, who is popularly called Napo, Vice Presidential candidate of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), insists the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC) does not have the wherewithal to properly manage the education sector.
He lamented that educational infrastructure didn’t experience the transformation that it deserved when the NDC stayed in power for eight years.
NAPO said that the NDC promised 200 E-Blocks to help boost education, but they surprisingly delivered just 28.
“The NDC delivered only 28 E-Blocks out of the 200 in total that they promised Ghanaians. The E-Block was the NDC’s flagship policy at the time, but despite the noise that they made about the E-Block, they shockingly failed woefully to deliver on their promises.
“After eight years in political office, the NDC only delivered a paltry 28 E-Blocks, but they used propaganda, as usual, to bloat the figure,” he stated.
Dr Matthew Opoku Prempeh aka Napo
Addressing chiefs and imams at Afrancho in the Afigya Kwabre South Constituency on Friday, he boldly stated that the NPP has a superior record in the education sector.
The NPP administration, he said, completed most of the E-Block facilities because they (NPP) cherish and value education, which is key to the country’s future progress.
According to NAPO, President Akufo-Addo’s NPP administration has implemented pragmatic policies and programmes, which have improved the education sector.
“Under the NPP government, academic work and infrastructure in the various schools have improved significantly due to good governance,” he said.
Touching on some of the NPP’s achievements in the education sector, he said the NPP implemented the famous free Senior High School (SHS) policy, which has improved enrollment in schools.
According to him, through the free SHS policy, pupils from poor backgrounds who could have become dropouts are now in school, pursuing their academic goals.
Napo also said the government, through GETFund, has, since 2017 to date, successfully completed a whopping 3,001 Legacy and New Projects.
Given the breakdown, he said the legacy projects total 1,827 and comprise 1,007 projects in basic schools, 662 in Senior High Schools (SHS), 16 E-Blocks, and 142 in the tertiary sector.
On new projects, NAPO said they total 1,174 projects, which include 554 in basic schools, 605 in SHS, 11 in tertiary, 2 TVET Centers, and 2 model schools.
Still under GETFund, he said nine model schools, including Creative Arts School (first in Ghana), 5 model Science-based schools, 1 model technical school, and others are under construction.
The government, through GETFund, he also announced, from 2019 to 2021, distributed 2,718 vehicles to the various agencies and institutions under the Ministry of Education.
According to him, GETFund also supplied 1,500 motorbikes to the various agencies and institutions under the Ministry of Education between 2019-2020.
He further said a staggering 677,470 furniture items have been distributed to basic and secondary schools between 2019-2021 through GETFund.
Under the ‘One Teacher, One Laptop’ policy, he said the government, through GETFund, has distributed 350,000 laptops to Ghanaian teachers so far, aiming at helping to improve teaching and learning in schools.
NAPO said that if Ghanaians want the education sector to continue to progress, then they should vote massively for Dr. Bawumia as president.source:citinewsroom.com
