Ghana Water Limited (GWL) has announced upcoming repair work on the 900mm (36”) transmission line at Breman Ahenfo. The need for repairs arose after the transmission line was damaged during drainage construction on July 12, 2024.
To facilitate the repair, GWL will close the Barekese Water Treatment Plant on Wednesday, July 24, 2024. This closure will allow engineers to address the damage and restore the transmission line.
File photo
The closure will impact water supply to several areas, including Suame, Tafo/Pankrono, Asokwa, Bantama, Sokoban, Kronum, Barekese, Manhyia, Oforikrom, Kwadaso, Atasamanso, Kotwi, Adum, KNUST, Odoum, Asokore Mampong, and surrounding regions.
Customers in these areas are advised to store sufficient water to cover the period of the repair. GWL apologizes for any inconvenience caused and promises that water supply will be promptly restored once the repairs are completed.Source:Dailymailgh.com
The National Road Safety Authority (NRSA) has disclosed that approximately 1,237 people died from road crashes between January and June 2024.
According to the NRSA, many of these fatalities resulted from wrongful overtaking and drivers’ failure to observe traffic signs.
Pearl Adusu Sateckla, Head of Public Relations at the NRSA, described the situation as “worrying.”
“The contributory factor might be as a result of head-on-collision, and head-on-collision is as a result of wrongful overtaking and overspeeding. Research has shown that about 90% of our drivers plying our roads in the country do not adhere to the speed limits in the country.
“When the speed is high, the severity of the crash is so much,” the Head of Public Relations at the NRSA said.
file photo
A summary of the provisional national traffic crash and casualty statistics indicates that a total of 6,653 road traffic crashes were reported from January to June 2024. These crashes involved 11,283 vehicles of all categories (Private, Commercial, Motorbikes/Cycles, etc.), and 8,798 casualties (1,237 fatalities/deaths and 7,561 injuries).
Knockdowns decreased by 4%, 4.5%, 3.8% and 1% respectively from January to June 2024 whilst persons killed increased by 13% when compared to the same period of 2023.
In June, 21 (12%) persons killed were below 18 years whilst 150 (88%) were reported to have been adults (above) 18 years. Likewise, from January to June, 149 (12%) persons killed were below the age of 18 years whilst 1088 (88%) were reported to have been adults (above 18 years).
This indicates that for every seven (7) adults (above 18 years) killed, a child (below 18 years) is killed revealing a relatively high road traffic death ratio (7:1) for adults than for children within the period. This is partly due to the high risk of exposure of adults to traffic incidences as compared to children.
According to the statistics, Bono Region recorded the highest percentage increase in crashes by 41.5% from January to June 2024 compared to the same period of 2023. Upper East Region recorded the highest percentage decrease with 41.2%.
Oti Region had the highest percentage increase of 500% followed by the Savannah Region with 288.9% increase. Upper West recorded no change and Northern Region recorded the highest decrease in Injuries sustained by 100% each in the number of injuries sustained within the period.
Generally, except for persons killed which recorded an increase of 13%, there have been decreases in all other indicators from January to June 2024 when compared to the same period of 2023.
It must be emphasized that the Greater Accra Region recorded a significant drop in of fatalities of 11.7% compared to 2023.
Ashanti Region, on the other hand, recorded a hike in deaths (131) resulting in 67.5% increase compared to same period in 2023. Despite Greater Accra experiencing more than double (200%) the number of crashes recorded in the Eastern Region over the past six months, the Eastern Region still surpasses Greater Accra in terms of deaths.
From the analyses, for every 100 crashes, Eastern Region recorded 27 deaths as against 10 deaths for the Greater Accra Region.
In a statement, the Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport (CILT) Ghana called on the government to urgently constitute a committee to thoroughly investigate the entire chain of events leading to recent road accidents and make its findings public.Source:citinewsroom.com
Asawase MP Mohammed Mubarak Muntaka says the National Democratic Congress (NDC) was targeting to win at least 32 per cent of votes in the Ashanti Region in the December polls.
He said the NDC’s worst performance in the Ashanti Region has always been around 20 per cent of the votes since 1992.
Therefore. in the view of the Asawase MP, who is a former Minority Chief Whip in Parliament, people in the Ashanti Region are now awake considering the neglect by the governing New Patriotic Party (NPP) in the last eight years.
Alhaji Mohammed Muntaka Mubarak
He said based on this, the NDC will increase its votes specifically in the presidential election to 32 per cent in the coming election.
“I’m very optimistic that this time around the NDC should be able to get at least about 32 per cent of votes in the Ashanti Region”, he said.
The NPP, according to the Chief of Staff, Akosua Frema Osei-Opare and running mate Dr Matthew Opoku Prempeh have appealed to voters to deliver 85 per cent of the presidential votes for the party.
Speaking to Journalists in Kumasi last Friday, Mr Muntaka said the NPP’s goal of securing over 80 per cent of votes in the December election in the region is unattainable.
“With all the struggles that are so glaring, are you going to deny us from voting? Or how are you going to get the 85 per cent? I heard somebody screaming about 85 per cent and I said this guy is coming from some kind of place,” he stated.
The scene was set when the Board Chair Dr. Ernest K. P. Kwarko, the CEO of the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA), Dr. DaCosta Aboagye , and some Directors, arrived at the Claims Processing Center in Dzorwulu, Accra. It was a highly anticipated visit, one that had the staff buzzing with excitement and anticipation as it would be the Chief Executive’s first visit to the Claims Processing Center since assuming office a few months ago. The entourage was warmly greeted by the center’s Deputy Director, Mr. Theophilus Owusu Ansah, and a team of enthusiastic employees eager to hear from the CEO.
Dr.Aboagye Dacosta in a group photograph with the staff
The meeting began with a brief presentation by the Dep. Director, Claims on the performance of the Claims Center which ended on a high point, noting that a target of 100% E claims management had been achieved thereby making the management of claims more efficient than ever before. They, however, promised to further reduce the turnaround time in vetting claims.
Dr Dacosta Aboagye , a dynamic leader known for his transformative vision and commitment to excellence, observed the diligent efforts of the claims processing team and reaffirmed how important their role was in the scheme of the Authority’s operation. He seized the opportunity to share Executive Management’s four-point vision for the NHIA.
Dr.Aboagye Dacosta speaking at the ceremony
“We must leverage technology to streamline our processes, ensure that our operations are transparent and accountable, improve the efficiency of our services, and most importantly, empower our employees to reach their full potential” he stated. Each point was met with nods of approval and occasional applause from the staff.
The highlight of the visit came with a significant announcement. “I am pleased to inform you that the Board has approved a salary increase for all staff and also the provision of Life and Medical Insurance for staff and their dependents. This decision reflects our commitment to recognizing and rewarding the hard work and dedication of our staff,” The CEO announced to a burst of applause and cheers.
“But that’s not all,” he continued, “We are also committed to reforming the HR Directorate to streamline promotions within the Authority. Our goal is to ensure a fair, transparent, and efficient system that recognizes and rewards merit. This is just the beginning of many positive changes to come.”
The announcement of the salary increase, life and medical insurance, and the promise of HR reforms resonated deeply with the staff, instilling a renewed sense of optimism and motivation. The meeting concluded with a Q&A session, where Dr. Aboagye addressed concerns and answered questions, further demonstrating his commitment to open communication and employee engagement.
After the meeting, the team visited the Greater Accra Regional Office and ended up at a durbar of staff at the head office, where he was greeted with the same enthusiasm and respect. He repeated his four-point vision and the exciting announcements, ensuring that every staff member felt included and valued. Executive management’s new vision for the NHIA, coupled with tangible improvements in salaries and HR practices, had ignited a sense of hope and enthusiasm among the staff. The future looked brighter, and the NHIA team felt more united and motivated than ever before, ready to embrace the challenges ahead and work together towards a common goal.
The Board Chair on his part reassured staff that his tenure had promised the most advancement of staff welfare and hoped that staff would be appreciative and measured when asking for more.
The Member of Parliament for Damongo Constituency and Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Hon. Samuel A. JINAPOR, has stated categorically that the King and Overlord of Gonjaland, Yagbonwura Soele Bi Kunoto, is his father and overlord.
In an interview in Damongo with Akili Gideon of Damongo based Spear Fm, the Minister stated that “ The Yagbonwura is traditionally my grandfather and overlord and I will never do anything to undermine him”.
He further stated that he has great respect for the Chieftaincy institution and will always accord all chiefs high reverence especially his overlord.
The Damongo legislator explained that most of what has happened is as a result of some miscommunication and unfortunate misunderstanding of some issues and he insisted that “ I will take all measures necessary to restore normalcy between myself and the Jakpa Palace which is my natural home”.
The Lands Minister concluded the interview by calling for calm, peace and unity in the Gonja Kingdom and Damongo in particular while development is pursued.
Former Minority Chief Whip and Member of Parliament for Asawase, Mohammed Mubarak Muntaka, has dismissed the governing New Patriotic Party’s ambitious goal of securing over 80 percent of votes in the upcoming December election in the Ashanti Region, labeling it as unattainable.
Muntaka emphasised that the NPP’s poor performance in the Region will not go unnoticed, predicting repercussions at the polls.
Addressing reporters in Kumasi, Muntaka expressed skepticism about the NPP’s electoral prospects, questioning their ability to achieve such a high percentage amid visible challenges.
“With all the struggles that are so glaring, are you going to deny us from voting? Or how are you going to get the 85%? I heard somebody screaming about 85% and I said this guy is coming from some kind of place.
I’m very optimistic that this time around the NDC should be able to get at least about 32% of votes in the Ashanti Region”.Source:citinewsroom.com
A petition has been filed with the High Court seeking to block the reappointment of Prof. Rita Akosua Dickson as Vice Chancellor of Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST).
The court documents, sighted by dailymailgh.com, name the University, its Governing Board Chair, and former Chief Justice Kwasi Anin Yeboah, as well as Prof. Dickson herself, as defendants in the case.
The lawsuit, brought forward by Clement Ohene Asare, argues that the Governing Council’s decision to renew Prof. Dickson’s appointment was procedurally flawed.
The plaintiff avers in parts of the document that “the University Council chaired by the 2nd defendant without due regard to the University’s statuses/law have unlawfully and purportedly renewed the 3rd defendant’s appointment yet for two years which is to commence from the 1st day of August 2024”.
“That the procedure for the appointment of a Vice-Chancellor and by necessary implication the renewal of the Vice-Chancellor’s appointment provided for by the 1st Defendant’s statutes requires that when a vacancy occurs or is about to occur in the office of the Vice-Chancellor, a search committee is constituted in accordance with law to propose a suitable candidate for its consideration.”
“That the Council did not follow the above procedure and more, in their purported act of renewing the yet to expire appointment of the 3rd defendant and for the new purported extension to commence on the 1st day of August 2024”.
He further avers that “the defendants are adamant in their quest to continuing their unlawful conducts thus denying the legitimate right of other viable prospective competent contestants and/or qualified persons both locally and globally unless they are restrained by the Honourable Court from doing so”.
“That irreparable damage would be caused by the actions of the defendants of denying the 1st defendants and other prospective competent persons the opportunity to avail themselves to be considered as the Vice-Chancellor and which would defeat the very purpose of the 1st Defendants Statutes/Laws governing the appointment of a Vice-Chancellor and which said damage cannot be compensated in monetary value or terms”.
The Kumasi High Court is expected to hear the case and make a ruling on 30 July 2024.
US President Joe Biden has announced that he will end his candidacy for re-election, saying, “It is in the best interest of my party and the country.”
It comes four months before Americans go to the polls, upending the race for the White House.
It follows weeks of intense pressure from fellow Democrats after a faltering debate performance against Republican Donald Trump at the end of June.
In a letter posted to his social media account, he said it had been the greatest honour of his life to serve as president.
“And while it has been my intention to seek re-election, I believe it is in the best interest of my party and the country for me to stand down and to focus solely on fulfilling my duties as President for the remainder of my term.”
US President Joe Biden
He said in his statement that he would address the nation on the matter next week.
President Biden thanked his Vice President, Kamala Harris, saying she was an “extraordinary partner.”
“And let me express my heartfelt appreciation for the American people for the faith and trust you have placed in me,” his statement added.
“I believe today and always have: that there is nothing America can’t do when we do it together. We just have to remember we are the United States of America.”
Last week he returned to his home in Delaware after being diagnosed with Covid, but said on Friday he was looking forward to “getting back on the campaign trail next week.”
He has previously said only the “Lord Almighty” could make him withdraw, but later said he would consider withdrawing if he had a health condition.
A former President of Nigeria, Mr Olusegun Obasanjo, has announced that Ghana’s Education Minister, Dr Yaw Osei Adutwum, has been tasked to lead a team of education experts in the continent to assist the African Union’s (AU) with its education reforms initiative.
He explained that with Dr Adutwum’s experience and understanding of global education systems, leading the team of experts could help the team come out with a blueprint for the continent to get the best education that would help fight poverty and promote the development of the countries.
Mr Obasanjo in an interaction with Dr.Adutwum and others
Mr Obasanjo who is the chairman of the African Union Educational Committee, announced this recently at a panel discussion during a Presidential Media briefing on Foundational Learning conference organized by Human Capital Africa (HCA) in Accra.
The event which had the theme” Prioritizing Foundational Literacy and Numeracy to achieve African Union Agenda 2063 goals” attracted educational stakeholders across the continent.
Some of the dignitaries who graced the conference were President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, Joyce Banda, former President of Malawi, Jakaya Mrisho Kiawete, former President of Tanzania and Chairperson, Global Partnership for Education, and Board of Directors, Ellen Sirleaf Johnson, former President of Liberia, representative of the African Union Commission, Aliko Dangote, Founder and President/ CEO of Dangote Group and Dr Obiageli Ezekwesili, founder and CEO of HCA, former World Bank Vice President, of the African Region,
Prioritize education
Former President Obasanjo stated that since education was about life and death there was a need for the leadership of African countries to attend to education as a life-long issue and not a short-term
He indicated that countries that do not take the issue of education seriously would find it difficult to transform their economies as well as fight poverty among their people.
The former President praised Ghana for the various interventions and initiatives put in place by the Education Ministry that are gradually shaping its economy and improving its educational outcomes.
Teacher Welfare
Mr Obasanjo challenged African countries to take a keen interest in the welfare of their teachers by paying them well and also creating an enabling environment for them to operate effectively towards empowering their students with the requisite knowledge that would shape their understanding.
Mr Obasanjo in an interaction with Dr.Adutwum
Dr Adutwum, responding to a question during the panel discussion stated that there was a need for the African continent to have an education strategic plan that would have the chance of improving education of the various countries.
He explained that such a strategic plan would be able to help the nations with a specific approach to individual nations while some could emulate the best practices of countries doing well.
The Education Minister was optimistic that if all African countries come together to discuss their specific needs, it would be easy to group them for strategic planning and appropriate solutions prescribed for them.
The Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Human Capital Africa, Dr Obiageli Ezekwesili, mentioned that it was time the leadership of the African continent had a critical look at foundational learning which was very critical for a good foundation towards quality education.
She appealed to all stakeholders to come together to support education development on the continent and said that it should not be left in the hands of only politicians.
Dr Ezekwesili lauded the various funding institutions the world over who were working very hard to support the development of education in various countries.
Background
Mr Olusegun Obasanjo, the former President of Nigeria, has played a significant role in African Union (AU) education initiatives.
He has been a strong advocate for education and has emphasized the importance of investing in human capital for Africa’s development.
Mr Obasanjo’s presence at the conference was informed by his conviction for leadership of the African countries to have a second look at the role of education in their transformation.
