The Ashanti Regional Security Council(REGSEC), has taken decisive action to address the issue of stray cattle on the streets of Kumasi by assembling a dedicated task force to tackle the issue.
Regional Minister ,Simon Osei Mensah announced the initiative during a press briefing which he said is aimed at reclaiming the city from the intrusion of these animals.
After inspecting newly planted trees as part of the Green Ghana Day initiative, the Regional Minister highlighted the detrimental impact of roaming cattle on the region’s greening efforts.
He acknowledged the difficulty in restraining cattle which he said is the reason an external task force is being constituted. He indicated that members of the task force will be compensated for their services and entrusted with safeguarding the planted trees from cattle interference.
Mr Osei Mensah assured that the allocated budget would cover the task force’s expenses for an initial period of one year and be renewed depending on resource availability.
“You know, it is not easy to catch a cow. It is extremely difficult, so we are going to get some of those people who are good at it to do the work for us. We are going to engage them, we will pay them, and it will be their responsibility to ensure that the trees that we planted will not be consumed by or destroyed by the cattle.
“We will pay them during the period that is for a whole year, and if it is possible to have adequate resources to sustain it, then we sustain them the following year too.”Source:citinewsroom.com
Asantehene Otumfuo Osei Tutu II has disclosed that his mother, the late Asantehemaa Nana Afia Serwaa Kobi Ampem IV, and his late uncle, Asantehene Prempeh II, agreed to hide his royal status as a potential Asantehene in the early days of his childhood life.
Describing himself as a lucky child, Otumfuo said, “My mother Afia Kobi Ampem was contemplating divorce with my father Boakye Dankwah because he was womanising, but my late uncle, Osei Agyemang Prempeh, also known as Nana Kwame Kyeretwie, insisted my mother should continue the marriage at the time they had separated because he had not achieved what he was looking for in their marriage. The two reunited and the Lord blessed them with me.”
Otumfuo Osei Tutu II,Asantehene
“My mother again told my uncle she could not continue the marriage with my father because he was still womanising. My uncle then responded, ‘Afia you have my blessing for your decision; after all, I’ve achieved what I was looking for from him, that is, a male child named Barima Kwaku Duah,” he added.
Otumfuo continued, “My late uncle then adopted me four years after my birth to stay with my uncle Kwadwo Bonsu, the Hiahene Oheneba Mensah Bonsu. I didn’t know it was a ‘conspiracy’ between my mother and my uncle to hide my identity from me just for me to be cultured and also to take care of my educational needs. My uncle didn’t want me to stay in the royal palace to go through any royalty process. So my uncle Mensah Bonsu took me as his biological son. He made me aware that I’m the next after his son Afoduo. No one knew I wasn’t his biological son until recently. He sponsored my education at Division School.”
Otumfuo disclosed this while speaking at his 74th birthday celebration thanksgiving church service at the St. Cyprians Anglican Church in Kumasi and as part of activities marking his 25th anniversary celebration on the Asanteman Golden Stool.
He said he was prevented from coming to Manhyia Palace. “They just didn’t want me to know about Manhyia Palace. My mother also hid herself from me. She only came to my late uncle’s house purposely to visit her brother but not to have anything to do with me,’’ he added.
Otumfuo further said that after completing basic education at Division School at Asante New Town, he was denied the opportunity to further his secondary school at Prempeh College in Kumasi.
“My uncle secured admission at Prempeh College and the current Adontenhene’s mother had bought all my things in line with the prospectus the school gave out. One day my uncle told me he had changed his mind. He would send me to a different school. He would not allow me to go to school at Prempeh at the time all my friends at Ashtown were preparing to go to Prempeh and I wanted to be there. KO Asafo Adjei, Mark Addo, and Kwabena Poku, among others, were all there so we all wanted to be there as well. So I landed at Sefwi Wiewso Secondary School SEWASS,” he recounted.
“Mr. Osei who was our headmaster told my uncle his friend who was a disciplinarian at Opoku Ware had been transferred to Sefwi Wiewso so that’s where he would send me. All this was a ploy between my mother and the Asantene Nana Agyemang Prempeh at Manhyia Palace. So they said the Sefwi Wiewso Paramount Chief is my son. Take him there and he would provide all his needs. I went there and successfully completed my secondary education,” he added.
He explained, “When I gained admission to study accountancy at IPS in Accra, I was sent to stay with my father’s brother Asafo Boakye in Accra to take care of me. After IPS education, I left the country for the UK for further studies. Outside Ghana, I stayed with my brother Foduo Nana Bodu who also played a major role in my schooling and work life there. All these were the doing of Hiahene because I didn’t know anything about my mother’s side until the death of my uncle through which I became Asantehene Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, the sixteen occupant of the Golden Stool. I’m happy to see my class 2 teacher Ms. Rose Asiedua Ampeh here and all my old-time friends whom I have not seen many years ago.”
Otumfuo questioned why his mother and uncle took him through all these and what really was their motives.
He concluded by saying, “If we are thanking God today for how far he has brought me, we should know that in the beginning, my family didn’t want me to boast about my royalty so it was hidden from me. I was not pampered. I was trained and cultured for today’s tasks and responsibilities way back because they knew what was ahead of me right from my childhood.”
Source: Ghana/Starrfm.com.gh/103.5FM/ Isaac Justice Bediako
The Education Ministry has presented twenty HP laptops to the Ghana Armed Forces Command and Staff College at a ceremony in Accra.
The laptop presentation was in fulfilment of a promise made by the Education Minister in January when he visited the College as part of his official tour of educational institutions in the country.
In his welcome address, Dr Osei Yaw Adutwum hoped that the presentation would go a long way towards the training and operations of the College.
He recounted efforts being made to ensure that funds from the taxpayers in the country were put to good use to benefit all Ghanaians.
Evidence-Based Communication
Dr Osei Yaw Adutwum making presentation to Brigadier General Barima Brako Owusu
The Education Minister spent time showing videos and pictures of projects and developments in the nation’s education space.
Dr Adutwum indicated the commitment of the Ministry to partner with all stakeholders to promote the development of the country through education.
He said, “We are doing something unique in the education sector and seeking partnership towards the transformation of the country through education”.
Brigadier General Barima Brako Owusu, on behalf of the Ghana Armed Forces Command and Staff College, eulogized the Education Minister for the support which happened to be one of the challenges they faced in the past.
He pledged to make good use of the laptops which could not have come at any better time.
The Brigadier General stated that the videos and pictures watched have cleared all doubt he had about education development in the country and praised the Minister for the good job done.
It’s not enough to complain and hope for change; you have to be actively involved in the election process to make the change you desire happen.
A vote for John Mahama and the NDC on December 7th, 2024, is crucial in rescuing this country, and building the Ghana we want together.
Register with the Electoral Commission if your name isn’t already in the register. And if you’re a registered voter, convince some unregistered voters to register.
You have the chance to save this country. Let’s all get involved!
The flagbearer of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Dr Mahamudu Bawumia, says the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) has improved under the Akufo-Addo administration.
In an interview with Africa Watch Magazine, Dr Bawumia hailed the health sector’s infrastructural advancements under the current government.
He mentioned the expansion of NHIS coverage to include treatments for childhood cancers and hydroxyurea for sickle-cell patients.
Dr.Bawumia
Dr Bawumia also mentioned the introduction of an NHIS app by the government, that allows Ghanaians to register and enrol using their Ghanacard.
“The NHIS is working better under our government than it used to be. Besides resourcing it financially, we have also digitized it and linked it to the Ghana card.
“So today, your NHIS number is your Ghanacard number. We have also extended NHIS coverage to include childhood cancers and hydroxyurea for sickle-cell patients. We have also introduced an NHIS app, so today people can register and get enrolled using their Ghanacard.
“They can also renew their subscription and check the list of diseases that the NHIS covers, without travelling to any NHIS office.
He stressed, “Second, to make health care easily accessible across the country, we have overseen the connection of health facilities under the Ghana Health Service to one digital platform. So far, all teaching hospitals and all regional and district hospitals have been connected and can talk to each other. The goal is to network over 90% of all hospitals in Ghana by the end of next year.”
He promised to invest in expanding healthcare infrastructure, particularly in underserved rural areas.
“My government will invest in expanding healthcare infrastructure, particularly in underserved rural areas, to ensure equitable access to quality services. My government will also implement targeted initiatives to address healthcare disparities among vulnerable populations, including women, children, the elderly, and persons with disabilities.
“In addition, we will increase recruitment, training, and retention of healthcare professionals, including doctors, nurses, midwives, and community health workers, to address workforce shortages and improve service delivery.
“As far as the NHIS is concerned, we will enhance the sustainability and efficiency of the scheme through comprehensive reforms aimed at expanding coverage, improving revenue mobilization and reducing administrative inefficiencies.” Source:Leticia Osei
The flagbearer of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) Dr Mahamudu Bawumia has assured Ghanaian electorates that he is prepared and ready to serve.
He has therefore expressed his commitment to engage with the electorate, address their concerns and present a compelling vision for the future of the country.
Speaking in an interview with the Africa Watch magazine, Vice-President Bawumia expressed confidence in the democratic process of the country and said “I am grateful for the opportunity to serve our nation.”
He was hopeful that with hard work and dedication, “it is possible for the NPP to achieve success and break the eight.”
Dr.Mahamudu Bawumia
“I want to assure the Ghanaian electorate that I have prepared well for the job. As I have reiterated, I have never been President of Ghana before. I am ready to serve well and as the main driver. I am ready to lead,” he stressed.
Currently, Dr Bawumia said the manifesto committees of the party were busily at work putting together a compelling document to kick off his campaign which he indicated would entail active engagement with voters through rallies, town hall meetings and door-to-door, to communicate its achievements and vision for the future.
He added that the NPP also strengthened its organisational structure by recruiting volunteers and training party agents to ensure effective voter turnout and monitoring on election day.
“The party is also fine-tuning its messaging and leveraging digital tools and social media platforms to reach a wider audience and mobilise support,” he stated saying “We are preparing for the general election by focusing on grass-roots mobilisation, policy articulation as well as campaign strategy refinement.”
While acknowledging that the response to his message had been overwhelmingly positive and enthusiastic, the NPP flagbearer said “We have been heartened by the warm reception and support from people from all walks of life who are eager to help us win the election.”
“From bustling cities to remote villages, we have encountered a sense of optimism and hope for the future, as people recognise our commitment to addressing their needs and aspirations. They appreciate our track record of delivering tangible results and our vision for a continuously improving Ghana,” he said.
Explaining further, the NPP flagbearer said the party had engaged with citizens from diverse backgrounds, listened to their concerns and shared its plans for inclusive growth, job creation and social development in diverse ways.
He said even as the actual campaign was yet to hit the ground running, the energy and momentum behind the preliminary engagements were inspiring.
He, therefore, expressed confidence that together “we can build a brighter future for all Ghanaians.”
Dr Bawumia said even though Ghanaian political culture could be intensely partisan with robust debates and disagreements between parties, it was also essential to recognise that despite the political differences, “we all share a common goal of progress and prosperity of Ghana and its people.”
He said while there may be areas of disagreement between the political parties on economic policies, governance approaches or social issues, it was important to approach those differences with respect and a willingness to engage in constructive dialogue.
“Finding common ground is crucial for effective governance and national development. There are many areas where parties can collaborate and work together for the greater good such as infrastructure, good governance, fighting corruption, education and health.
“By focusing on areas of common ground and fostering a spirit of cooperation, parties can overcome political differences and work together to address the challenges facing Ghana,” the Vice-President emphasized and said “Ultimately our shared commitment to the well-being of the nation should transcend partisan divides.”
He said the focus of the NPP on education, including the provision of free education up to the secondary level and investments in vocational and technical training, has also resonated with voters.
Furthermore, he said, the commitment of the government to infrastructure development, including road construction and rural electrification projects had addressed longstanding deficits and improved the quality of life for many Ghanaians.
He called on all Ghanaians to strive towards a peaceful election and said “Let us build a progressive society of possibilities, enterprise, compassion, open opportunities and shared prosperity for every Ghanaian, knowing that our collective efforts will pave the way for a brighter tomorrow.”
The Management of the National Service Scheme (NSS) on Monday, May 6, 2024, released
postings of TWENTY THOUSAND, FOUR HUNDRED AND SEVENTY-EIGHT (20,478) nurses and midwives,who enrolled to undertake their one-year mandatory national service at various accredited health facilities across the country for the 2024/2025 service year.
All the deployed nurses and midwives are therefore required to follow the validation and registration
processes as follows:
Jon.Osei Assibey Antwi, Executive director,NSS
i. Log onto the Scheme’s website at www.nss.gov.gh to check for placement.
ii. Print the appointment letter and proceed to the place of posting for endorsement of the appointment
letter.
iii. Book an appointment online for a date and time for registration after the endorsement.
iv. Proceed to the assigned NSS Regional Validation and Registration Centre with an endorsed
appointment letter and a valid Ghana card to complete the process.
3. Regional validation and registration will begin on Monday, May 13, 2024 and end on Monday, June
10, 2024 at all centres across the country.
4. Management equally directs all deployed nurses and midwives to begin their mandatory national
service on Monday, May 20, 2024 after completion of their validation and registration processes.
5. Management extends best of wishes to all the deployed nurses and midwives as they undertake their
civil and patriotic responsibilities to serve mother Ghana.
Thank you.
SIGNED
ARMSTRONG ESAAH
DIRECTOR, COPORATE AFFAIRS, NSS
The National Democratic Congress (NDC) Parliamentary Candidate for the Nhyiaeso Constituency within the Kumasi Metropolis, Faustina Dery, who is popularly known as Obaapa Fausty, has intensified public education on the voter’s registration exercise.
She has encouraged Ghanaians, especially those who have attained 18 years and above, to take advantage of the exercise to get their names in the voters’ register to enable them to exercise their franchise in the 7th December 2024 general election.
Obaapa Fausty
Speaking to the media on Sunday, 5th May 2024, after embarking on an awareness creation, Obaapa Fausty reminded yet-to-be registered voters that the only way to enable them to vote out the non-performing NPP government led by President Akufo-Addo, which has brought unbearable hardship on Ghanaians, is to get first their names in the voters’ register.
The Electoral Commission (EC) of Ghana will officially begin voter’s registration exercise ahead of the 2024 elections on Tuesday, 7th May,2024.
The exercise is expected to end on 27th May 2024 across all the district offices of the Commission.
Obaapa Fausty and her team on the voter’s education drove
Obaapa Fausty advised all those who have attained the required age to do so.
According to her, the need to vote massively against the ruling government starts from the voter’s registration and it should be taken very seriously by supporters and sympathisers of the NDC and all Ghanaians who are fed up with the hardship they are currently going through.
“Let’s all take the exercise very seriously to make it a success,” she stressed.
The Member of Parliament (MP) for the Manhyia South in the Ashanti region, who doubles as Energy Minister,Dr.Mathew Opoku Prempeh, has commended Otumfuo Osei Tutu II,the Asantehene for his visionary leadership and steadfast dedication to the prosperity and well-being of his people.
The Energy Minister, who is popularly known in the political space as Napo, observed that under Otumfuo’s guidance, the Ashanti Kingdom, has flourished, embracing tradition at the same time, embracing progress, standing as a beacon of unity and resilience. The above was contained in a statement signed by Dr.Mathew Opoku Prempeh to wish His Royal Majesty Oumfuo Osei Tutu II happy 74th birthday.
The Full statement reads: “Your Majesty, on this auspicious day, as the golden rays of the sun illuminate the path of your life, we, in utmost reverence, celebrate your remarkable journey, Twenty-five years ago, you ascended the Golden Stool, embodying the wisdom, strength ,and dignity of the Ashanti Kingdom. Your reign has been a testament to visionary leadership and steadfast dedication to the prosperity and well-being of his people. The Minister said under Otumfuo’s guidance, the Ashanti Kingdom has flourished, embracing tradition at the same time, embracing progress, standing as a beacon of unity and resilience.
As we mark this momentous occasion, we reflect on the countless lives you have touched with your kindness, wisdom, and generosity. Your legacy is not just etched in the annals of history but in the hearts of those who have had the privilege to witness your reign. May this day be filled with joy, laughter, and the warmth of cherished memories .May the years ahead be adorned with continued blessings, prosperity, and the boundless love of your people”.
Happy Birthday,Asantewura,Otumfuo Osei Tutu II ! Long may you reign in grace and glory.Mathew Opoku Prempeh,Member of Parliament-Manhyia South constituency.
