An aspiring National Organizer of the opposition National Democratic Congress NDC Joseph Yammin has suggested that 2020 flagbearer of the NDC and former President John Mahama has achieved more for Ghana than Kwame Nkrumah, the nation’s founder.
Mr. Yamin was addressing an opposition student wing gathering TEIN.
If you ask me comparatively, years by years, I can confidently tell you that His Excellency John Dramani Mahama is ahead of the achievements of Dr. Kwame Nkrumah,” Mr. Yamin told the TEIN students.
Mr. Yamin compared projects executed by both Presidents Mahama and Kwame Nkrumah.
“Nkrumah built harbours right… Under John Dramani Mahama Takoradi, Tema [ports] were expanded and ships that could not land at ports built by Dr. Kwame Nkrumah today can land under John Dramani Mahama. It is an achievement” He explained.
“If you talk about schools, under John Dramani Mahama…..under the good professor 200 secondary schools in 4 years. 123 completed some others by Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo Addo left to.Source:mynewsgh.com
The Omanhene of the Wasa Amenfi Traditional Area and President of the Western Regional House of Chiefs, Tetrete Okuamoah Sekyim II, has assured the Vice Presidential Candidate of the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP), Dr. Matthew Opoku Prempeh, popularly known as Napo, that he and his chiefs will continue to pray for him and Dr. Bawumia for their dreams to come true.
The Omanhene made these remarks when Napo called on him at his palace in Wassa Amenfi.
Tetrete Okuamoah Sekyim II welcoming Napo at his palace
“I am grateful that right after your ‘outdooring’ you are here to pay homage. It is a testament of your reverence to me and the traditional authority. Keep your focus as we also pray for you and Dr. Bawumia,” he said.
He continued, “I am grateful that right after you were ‘outdoored’, my palace is your first port of call. Those who say the things they say about you don’t know you, so don’t worry. It is said that if you want to test the intelligence of people, intentionally lie against them. I urge you to keep your focus as we continue to pray for your dreams and that of Bawumia to come to pass soon.”
On his part, Dr. Opoku Prempeh expressed gratitude to Tetrete, asking for more of his prayers for him and Dr. Bawumia as they crisscross the country asking the electorate for their vote.
“For me, I have always held that there should be a perfect relationship between the political class and the traditional authority. I am committed to this more because that is the vision of Dr. Bawumia,” he pointed out.
Dr. Opoku Prempeh was ‘outdoored’ as the 2024 Vice Presidential Candidate of the NPP on Tuesday, 9th July, and has since hit the ground running, engaging with relevant stakeholders as he seeks to embark on a strong campaign in support of his boss, Dr. Bawumia.
The Senior Vice President of Markets at MTN Group, Ebenezer Twum Asante, has emphasized the importance of quality journalism in democracy. He made this statement during the launch of the book titled “Truth Over Speed,” written by Nana Kwasi Gyan-Apenteng, which took place at the British Council Hall in Accra.
In his speech, Mr. Asante highlighted the significance of quality journalism in today’s world, where misinformation and disinformation are prevalent. He stated that quality journalism not only holds those in power accountable but also ensures that the media remains accountable. Additionally, it gives a voice to marginalized individuals and enables informed decision-making by providing citizens with the relevant information.
Mr. Ebenezer Asante MTN Senior Vice President- Markets addressing guests at the launch
Mr. Asante encouraged investment by the private sector in the media to achieve high-quality outcomes. He urged other private sector organizations to invest in media capacity-building and other media development initiatives. According to him, this investment would help create a future-ready, well-equipped, and authentic media industry aligned with the country’s developmental goals.
Mr. Asante added, “If we are truly committed to our democracy, it is long overdue to clean up the space, promote policies that cultivate scalable, strong, and reputable media organizations capable of producing quality work, while also adequately recognizing and attracting talented media professionals.”
A cross session of guests at the launch
The book launch in Accra was chaired by the Okyehene, OsagyefuoAmoatia Ofori Panin. Nana Kwasi Gyan-Apenteng, the author of “Truth Over Speed,” is not only a seasoned journalist and media consultant but also the Apagyahene of Akyem Ati, near Tafo.
Nana Gyan Apenteng- Author ‘Truth Over Speed’
“Truth Over Speed” is a comprehensive resource for journalists, media practitioners, and individuals passionate about journalism. It covers various topics, including ethical journalism, data journalism, and security reporting. The book also provides principles, standards, and guidelines that practitioners can apply in their day-to-day reporting.
Mr. Ebenezer Asante MTN Senior Vice President- Markets (2nd Left) in a pose with some dignitaries at the Launch of the Book ‘Truth over Speed’
The book review was done by Prof Kwame Karikari, the Founder of the Media Foundation for West Africa. Other speakers at the event included Rev Joyce Aryee, a former CEO and Minister of State; Ms. Elizabeth Ohene, Madam Ajoa Yeboah- Afari, Ambassador Kabral Blay Amihere and other senior media practitioners. Some executives and staff of MTN were present at the launch.
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A state-of-the-art cybersecurity, digital forensic, STEM and artificial Intelligence laboratory has been launched at the Wisconsin International University College in Accra.
The new facility which is designed to serve both academic and consultancy purposes has positioned the university as the leader in technological innovation and advancement in research in the West Africa sub-region.
Dr Osei Yaw Adutwum, Education Minister performing the launching
Among the key features of the new edifice are advanced cybersecurity equipment, Digital Forensic tools, Artificial Intelligence Integration and STEM Innovation Hub.
Launching speech
Launching the facility, the Education Minister, Dr Yaw Osei Adutwum, praised the leadership of the University for its vision and effort towards providing the needed resources for the training of their students.
He was particularly happy that the introduction of the new equipment was in line with the government’s vision of providing Ghanaian students with critically needed skills so they would be relevant and competitive wherever they travel globally.
Dr Adutwum hinted at plans to inaugurate some new STEM institutions by September this year to boost the teaching and learning of STEM in the country.
Relevance to the nation
He explained that the government’s focus on STEM education was due to the critical role STEM played in the transformation of every country.
The Education Minister who is also the Member of Parliament for Bosomtwe in the Ashanti region was upbeat that the new facility would go a long way to complement the government’s effort at promoting STEM education in the country.
Changing the face of education
He recounted the effort being made to transform the nation through education as he mentioned the various interventions and innovations that have been brought on board towards changing the face of education in the country and urged the people to trust the government for its development focus through education.
The President of WIUC, Prof. Obeng Mireku, commended their various partners for the successful setting up of the facility indicating that it was part of their effort to boost the teaching and learning of STEM courses in the institution.
Again, he explained that “this facility represents a remarkable advancement in technology education in Ghana, demonstrating our dedication to significantly contributing to the nation’s ICT education”.
Prof. Mireku stated that the new facility will focus on critical areas such as cybersecurity, digital forensics, artificial intelligence and STEM.
He mentioned that the lab would help to empower users to stimulate and analyse real-world scenarios, to enhance their capability to handle digital crimes and cybersecurity issues very well.
Background
The provision of the state-of-the-art cybersecurity, Digital Forensic, STEM and Artificial Intelligence Laboratory has been identified as a very crucial course needed by various facets of the nation’s economy.
It is based on this that the management of the WIUC in collaboration with both their local and foreign partners provided the facility to enhance effective teaching and learning for their students as well as other state institutions including the Cyber Security Authority.
The laboratory equipped with cutting-edge technology and modern equipment was part of WIUC’s initiative for the introduction of their new Master of Science in Cybersecurity and Digital Forensics, ICT and Business Computing programmes.
Head of Public Affairs at the West African Examinations Council (WAEC), John K. Kapi, has refuted allegations that WAEC manipulates examination results for political purposes.
According to him, his outfit ensures fairness and upholds strict standards in their marking schemes.
“It’s untrue that we alter results to favour any government. No one should claim our exams are politically influenced. What candidates deserve is exactly what they receive,” Mr. Kapi stressed.
He made this known in an interview on Adom FM’s morning show Dwaso Nsem on Thursday, while addressing concerns about undue influence and compromised WAEC officials.
In Mr. Kapi’s view, there is no intention to please any government by adjusting the marking scheme.
“Such claims are baseless. No one within our organization would compromise our standards. We meticulously review and agree on marking schemes during coordination meetings to ensure consistency,” he explained.
The WAEC official said examiners are instructed to adhere strictly to agreed-upon criteria and not to use discretion to favour any candidate.
“We stand by our rigorous processes to guarantee fair and impartial examination outcomes,” he added.
The President and Commander-in-Chief of the Ghana Armed Forces, Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, has been called upon to personally intervene to ensure a quick resolution of the concerns of Civil and Local Government Staff Association of Ghana (CLOGSAG) to save Metropolitan, Municipal and District Assemblies (MMDAs) across the country.
The Presiding Member (PM) for the Kumasi Metropolitan Assembly (KMA),and the Dean of Ashanti Presiding Members (PMs) Conference,Mr. Patrick Kwame Frimpong, who made the passionate appeal, said the strike by CLOGSAG is currently biting the various assemblies negatively, especially in terms of waste management, issuance of building permits,birth & death certificates, marriage certificates, revenue mobilisation among other services.
It would be recalled that CLOGSAG declared a nationwide strike last Wednesday, but no firm decision has been taken by the government to ensure the return of the workers to work, including revenue collectors.
Mr. Frimpong, the Assembly Member for the Krofrom East Electoral Area within the KMA, who is one of the longest-serving assembly members in Ghana, told “The New Trust” newspaper on Thursday, 11th July 2024, that ”as we speak now, various MMDAs are virtually dead because nothing is going on because of CLOGSAG’s strike, and we cannot continue to look on unconcerned.”
Hon.Patrick Kwame Frimpong
“I’m, therefore, humbly appealing to President Akufo-Addo, as well as the Minister of Local Government, to quickly intervene to get members of CLOGSAG back to work because we need them,” he emphasised.
The members of CLOGSAG have lamented that the government has failed to implement the proposed new salary structure approved by the Fair Wages and Salaries Commission after one and a half years since a memorandum of understanding was signed.
President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo
In a press briefing preceding the declaration of the nationwide strike, Mr. Isaac Bampoe Addo, the Executive Secretary of CLOGSAG, urged all its members to abide by the directive until the government meets their demands.
He said they would remain on strike until the new salary structure for the staff of the civil service and local government service is implemented.
“All staffs of the civil service and local government service are to stay away from work until further notice. Similarly, all CLOGSAG secretarial offices must be closed. Kindly take note and comply accordingly,” he noted.
Mr.Frimpong said since the declaration of the strike, the President seems to have been silent about the matter and it is affecting the smooth running of the various assemblies, and all the needed attention should be given to address the concerns of CLOGSAG members to get them back immediately.
The flagbearer of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, has accused the flagbearer of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), John Dramani Mahama, of running away from a possible debate because he is afraid his “empty policies will be exposed.”
Bawumia said he is looking forward to a debate with the NDC’s flagbearer despite him [Mahama] saying he doesn’t want to debate.
Addressing party supporters during the second phase of his nationwide campaign at Nalerigu on Wednesday, July 11, Bawumia accused Mahama and NDC communicators of struggling to explain the party’s proposed 24-hour economy.
Dr.Mahamudu Bawumia JDM BMW
He added that he will continue to sell the NPP’s policies to Ghanaians, whether Mahama agrees to a debate or not.
“I am looking forward to a debate with John Dramani Mahama on the economy and governance but I am afraid he is running away from a debate and his people say he doesn’t want to debate. He says he doesn’t want to debate because he knows that I will expose the emptiness of his policies.
“He says he has a 24-hour economy policy that he cannot explain, it is as empty as an empty barrel. None of his people can explain it and they say they will be exporting lions and elephants.
“When we meet man-to-man, we can debate and the country will see where our policies lie and that is where we should go, give the country an opportunity to listen to us, but if he chooses not to debate, I will continue to sell my policies to the people of Ghana and you will take the decision.” By:Kabah Atawoge
The Deputy Works and Housing Minister, Dr Prince Hamid Armah, has said the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC) is attempting to tarnish the reputation of Dr Matthew Opoku Prempeh, the running mate of the NPP flagbearer.
He said they see the former Energy Minister widely known as Napo, who was unveiled in a pomp and pageantry fashion as the running mate on Tuesday, as a threat.
Dr.Mathew Opoku Prempeh aka Napo
Dr. Armah, who is the Kwesimintsim MP, suggests that the NDC’s actions stem from a fear of Dr. Opoku Prempeh’s formidable personality and capabilities.
“The NDC is aware of Dr. Opoku Prempeh’s extensive experience and proven competence, which is why they are attempting to undermine him,” Dr. Armah stated during an interview.
Dr Prince Hamid Armah
He added, “I believe the NDC is intimidated by the prospect of Dr. Mathew Opoku Prempeh joining Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia on the NPP ticket. They are just afraid.
“The Energy Minister brings a strong character, a profound understanding of our political landscape, and an impressive track record in public service. Dr. Opoku Prempeh has consistently excelled in his public service roles.”
Reflecting on his own experience, Dr Armah added, “Having worked under him at the Ministry of Education, I can attest to his results-oriented approach. If you want someone who delivers, Dr. Opoku Prempeh is the one.”
Addressing the criticisms from the NDC, Dr Armah remarked, “Such comments are normal in our cultural context, where confidence is often mistaken for arrogance, while timidity is seen as respect and humility. The NDC’s attempt to label him as arrogant will not succeed.”Source: Myjoyonline.com
In a recent appearance on GTV’s Talking Point, Mr. Hayford Siaw, Chief Executive of the Ghana Library Authority, fiercely defended Dr. Matthew Opoku Prempeh, popularly known as NAPO, refuting allegations of arrogance against him. Mr. Siaw’s comments fit into a larger discussion on the attributes of Dr. Prempeh, whom the NPP’s flagbearer for the forthcoming December 2024 presidential elections, Dr. Mahamadu Bawumia, has chosen as his running mate.
Managing the Ministry of Education for four years, the biggest public sector employer without a single union strike, is evidence of Dr. Prempeh’s talent and leadership ability, as Mr. Siaw underlined.
“The Ministry of Education and its agencies employ a great number of people with various union groups, yet Dr. Prempeh navigated these complex interests skillfully, achieving a record zero strike action and the longest period of industrial peace in the sector in recent years,” Siaw said.
He vehemently denied the accusations of arrogance, characterizing them as unfounded creations by detractors. He related a particular incident sometimes mentioned by critics in which Dr. Prempeh’s answer to a journalist was purportedly misrepresented.
Mr. Hayford Siaw
Mr. Siaw asserts that Dr. Prempeh’s response was targeted at former President John Dramani Mahama, who had advocated for a power rationing timetable. “It was purely a political response to an opposition leader, not an indication of arrogance towards the Ghanaian people,” Mr. Siaw said.
Emphasizing Dr. Prempeh’s qualities, Mr. Siaw praised his competence, patriotism, and empathy.
“Ultimately, Ghanaians want a running mate who can complement the flagbearer and efficiently deliver on their mandate for their well-being. Dr. Prempeh is living all these values,” he said.
By highlighting Dr. Prempeh’s track record of achievement as minister in the Ministries of Education and Energy, as well as his capacity to make a constructive contribution to the nation’s growth, Mr. Siaw has provided more clarity to assure the Ghanaian people that indeed, Dr. Prempeh is suitable for the vice-presidential role.
Accra, July 10, 2024 MTN Ghana, in partnership with HR Focus, recently hosted a conference at MTN House in Accra for over 120 Human Resource (HR) professionals.
The conference, held under the theme “Reinventing HR Processes in the Digital Era,” focused on discussions related to HR and the adoption of digital tools like Artificial Intelligence (AI) to transform HR processes including recruitment, digital onboarding, analytics, employee wellbeing, and employee experience.
Paul Norman, MTN Group Chief Human Resources Officer, who joined online, expressed his excitement at connecting with fellow HR professionals and leaders across Ghana.
He emphasized the rapid advancements in the HR field driven by technological innovations and the increasing importance of digitalization and AI in enhancing employee experience. Mr. Norman mentioned that AI is now being implemented to improve the lives of employees.
Mr. Norman announced the upcoming launch of the First Global People Report by MTN, providing an overview of the key factors shaping MTN’s Employee Value Proposition and creating an effective workplace.
Mr. Abdallah Ibrahim, the acting Chief Human Resource Officer of MTN Ghana, encouraged HR professionals to embrace and leverage digitalization to revolutionize HR practices and drive organizational excellence. He stressed the importance of adapting to the digital world as HR practitioners and highlighted the pivotal role that technology plays in reshaping HR.
Naa Latiorkor Senah, the Senior Manager for Organizational Development at MTN Ghana, took part in a panel discussion where she elaborated on how HR professionals can embrace digitalization of HR processes to drive business outcomes.
Other panel speakers included Emmanuel Woyome, Career Services Manager at Academic City University College, and Harry Baiden, CEO of Agregar Tech Ltd, who shared valuable insights into the importance of upskilling and reskilling in the digital age.
The conference also featured interactive networking sessions that focused on innovative practices and emerging digital trends in HR.
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