It was such a pleasure to witness earlier this morning, the coming into fruition of a long-held quest of the NPP government under His Excellency the President of the Republic, Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo and the Asantehene His Royal Majesty Otumfuor Osei Tutu II – the inauguration of the Genser Energy Ghana Limited’s Kumasi Pipeline Project in Anwomaso, Kumasi.
Dr.Mathew Opoku Prempeh aka NAPO in a chat with Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, Asantehene
Being credited by the company for my modest role in conceptualizing and shepherding the project, I, in all humility also pay glowing tribute to the brilliant minds who contributed immensely to the realization of this project – notably, the Vice President of the Republic, H.E. Alhaji Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, past Ministers for Energy, Technical Advisors and indeed, the dynamic team at the Ministry of Energy.
Following the successful completion of this pipeline project, it is heartwarming that private and public entities including the VRA, AKSA, CENIT, among others have resolved to relocate or build new power plants at Anwomaso to utilize the facility.
This project, I have no doubt, will rejuvenate the industrial sector of the Ashanti Region by enhancing the supply of natural gas to key stakeholders, ultimately positioning the region as pivotal industrial hub within the overarching context of the NPP government’s industrialisation agenda.
The Education Minister, Dr Yaw Osei Adutwum, on Tuesday received a standing ovation at the auditorium of the University of Media, Arts and Communication in Accra.
The standing ovation was bestowed on the Minister after he delivered a one hour, ten minutes lecture with videos, pictures and a solid presentation on the state of education in the country.
Describing the presentation as ‘evidence-based communication’, Dr Adutwum spent time explaining to the audience in the packed auditorium of the university, who sporadically applauded him for the evidence of what the government was doing in the education sector in the country.
He explained that the ‘evidence-based communication’ was aimed at making the entire populace understand and appreciate what the government was doing in the education sector so that they would appreciate what their taxes were being used for.
Address
The Education Minister spent time enumerating the various initiatives that have been introduced into the nation’s education sector with the view to making Ghanaian students match up with the 21st century education standard.
He mentioned the introduction of STEM education, revamping of TVET education, Pre-Engineering courses in some universities, introduction of aviation courses at the SHS, robotics and stocking of science laboratories of Senior High Schools in the country to promote effective teaching and learning.
Dr Adutwum also showed pictures and videos of newly constructed school infrastructure as well as the rehabilitation of old facilities to enhance effective teaching and learning in some schools across the country.
The Education Minister stated that the Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo Addo government has since 2017 been investing heavily in the education sector with the view to creating an enabling environment to foster quality education at all levels in the country.
Support
The Acting Vice Chancellor of UniMAC, Prof. Eric Opoku Mensah, assured the nation of their readiness to continue training the right personnel to support the gross domestic product for the country.
He appealed to the Education Minister to help improve infrastructure development at the UniMAC campus to boost effective teaching and learning.
The Education Minister, Dr Yaw Osei Adutwum, has appealed to politicians in the country to do away with what he described as ‘slash and burn politics’ in the country.
He explained that for the country to grow well, there was the need for politicians to desist from peddling falsehoods about their political opponents for political expediency knowing definitely that all that they were saying was not true.
Dr.Osei Yaw Adutwumin
Speaking at a Public Lecture at the University of Media, Arts and Communication (UniMAC) in Accra on Tuesday, Dr Adutwum reiterated the need for politicians to begin lauding their political opponents when they do something good so that the people would begin to appreciate the role of the politicians in the nation’s development.
The Public Lecture which had the theme “Education for development and social change: opportunities and prospects in TVET and STEM”, was organized by UniMAC and was attended by the academia, politicians, students and other stakeholders in the nation’s education.
He explained for instance that he has on several occasions lauded the National Democratic Congress (NDC) for introducing the E-Block concept but complained about its locations which made it very difficult for most of them to be patronized.
The Education Minister stated that out of its conviction, the New Patriotic Party (NPP) government has completed a certain number of the E-Blocks and also added boarding facilities to some of them to make them much more useable so it could admit students from across the country.
Dr Adutwum mentioned that the current state of education development in the country was on point and stated that it had already started bearing more fruit, citing the outcomes of West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) results for the past five years as evidence to the improvement in the education sector.
He described the TVET and the STEM programmes in the nation’s education as very crucial towards the social transformation of the country and urged all and sundry to accept and support teaching and learning in the country.
Responding to questions after the lecture, the Education Minister called on Ghanaians to retain the NPP government in power so it would continue with the ongoing development initiatives which have been shaping the fortunes of the nation’s economy.
The Council Chairman of UniMAC, Prof. Kwesi Yanka, commended Dr Adutwum for his vision and the effort he was making towards the transformation of the nation’s economy through education.
The Council Chairman who is also a former Minister for Education added his voice to the call for the politicians to put a stop to the ‘slash and burn politics’ in the country since it makes it difficult for the Ghanaians to trust and respect all politicians due to insults each other.
END
The 120-bed capacity Sekyere Kumawu District Hospital in the Ashanti region is finally opened for public use after a 10-year wait.
Residents are excited they can now access healthcare at the facility after contractors, NMS Infrastructure Limited, handed it over to health authorities on Monday, April 14, 2024.
Health authorities say all departments will start operations latest by ending of May ahead of official commissioning.
However, the Maternity Unit and administration will begin work at the new facility on Tuesday, April 15, 2024.
Officials of the Ministry of Health, NMS joined by officials of the District Health Directorate at the handover ceremony.
Construction works on the 120-bed capacity Sekyere Kumawu District Hospital, a turnkey project, started in 2014.
Despite the project suffering undue delays due to funding constraints and re-variations that altered construction schedules, contractors delivered a world-class-standard health facility.
The facility comes with the full complement of a district hospital, with all the departments and units one can think of.
Pediatrics, Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Medicine, Surgery, Traditional Medicine, and Mortuary are some of the departments at the new Sekyere Kumawu District Hospital.
An aerial view of Sekyere Kumawu District Hospital
NMS Infrastructure Limited designed, constructed and equipped the new hospital, which will serve Asante Mampong, Nsuta, Beposo, Kwamang and its environs, as well as the Afram Plains, Kumawu and Effiduase areas.
3 brand new Ambulances meant for the Sekyere Kumawu District Hospital
Deputy Director of Health Services in Charge of Administration in the Ashanti region, Micah Asare Bediako says the movement of staff and all units from the old polyclinic will follow through a relocation plan.
“We’ve had our roadmap and movement plan. We’ve discussed it extensively with management and the district health directorate so immediately this project is handed over to us, tomorrow (Tuesday, April 15, 2024) the hospital administration, and maternity wing of the polyclinic will move into this place.”
Monday’s handover ceremony marks the end of several years of waiting by residents of Sekyere Kumawu and its environs, who, until now, were forced to access healthcare from an improvised polyclinic.
Mr Bediako expressed appreciation to traditional authorities in the area, officials of the Ministry of Health and the contractors, and NMSI for the good work done despite the project suffering delays.
“We would like to thank the Ministry of Health, Government of Ghana through the Ministry of Health, the contractors; NMSI for the good work that you have done,” he said.
In appreciation of the quality of work done, he added, “Although it has taken more time to complete this project, we appreciate the work that you have done.”
Hon.Samuel Addai Agyekum.DCE for Sekyere Kumawu
The handover ceremony and subsequent opening of the facility comes at a time when health authorities are battling the maternal mortality rate, which stands at 125 per 100,000 live births.
An elated Medical Superintendent of the Kumawu Polyclinic, Dr. Alex Agbanu, says residents have likened the new district hospital to a hotel due to its state-of-the-art installations.
“We’ve been looking forward to this for a very long time and I’m happy today, all of us have seen what we are seeing.”
“People come here and they wonder; is it a hospital or a hotel?”
Dr. Agbanu is hopeful the newly constructed facility will contribute to the health authority’s fight against maternal mortality cases in the area.
“The maternal mortality issues have not been too different from what pertains nationally and even in the region. Because we do not have the necessary equipment, what happens is sometimes we do refer some of the cases we don’t have the capacity to manage.”
“I think with this new facility and all the equipment it has and the personnel that are coming in, we would be able to manage most of the cases.” Dr.Agbanu added.
Among those who have heaved a sigh of relief are the staff of the Infrastructure Directorate of the Ministry of Health.Their unrelenting efforts have paid off as the hospital is operationalized.
Head of Capital Investment and Project Management Unit, Ministry of Health, Kwame Amponsah Sarfo who was once summoned to appear before traditional authorities told JoyNews, “I am full of relief and I believe everybody, including, my director is relieved,” he said.
“Why do I say so, because at some point, we were summoned to the Chief’s palace to answer questions on why the project was not moving on and so for it to have come to fruition, it’s all good for us” He explained.
Meanwhile, the Director of NMS Infrastructure Limited, Stephen Bush, says his company is poised to deliver more world-class health infrastructure projects in Ghana.
NMS Infrastructure has received praise for delivering British-standard facilities at Dodowa in the Greater region, Adansi North Hospital at Fomena with Sekyere Kumasi District Hospital being the latest addition.
“We hope to continue with the health programme here. The original idea was to be here for a long time.”
The Deputy Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Masloc,Hon.Kwabena Asamoah Nkansah,has made a passionate appeal to Ghanaians to vote massively for Dr.Mahamudu Bawumia come 7th December,2024 general election to continue the solid foundation laid by Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo administration.
Hon.Kwabena Asamoah Nkansah
According to him,Dr.Bawumia,who has so far outlined about Seventy (70) points agenda on how to transform the nation,is the best choice for Ghanaians,and no one should make mistake
Dr.Bawumia
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Hon.Asamoah made the appeal in an interview with Angel 96.1 FM,a local based radio station in Kumasi on Wednesday,17th April,2024 while on Ashanti Regional tour with The National Youth Organizer of the NPP Salam Mustapha.
Founder of the Movement for Change, Alan Kyerematen, has extended an invitation to the governing New Patriotic Party (NPP) for the launch of the Alliance for Revolutionary Change at UPSA today, Wednesday April 17, 2024.
The Movement for Change (M4C), spearheaded by Alan Kyerematen, and the National Interest Movement (NIM), led by Dr. Abu Sakara Foster, recently concluded talks with several political entities to establish a grand alliance to contest the 2024 General elections.
In a statement dated April 12, the Alliance officially invited the party from which Alan Kyerematen parted ways to the launch of his new group.
The event is scheduled to take place at the University of Professional Studies at 1 pm.
I write to respectfully invite you as Special Guest to the launch of Alliance for Revolutionary Change (ARC), scheduled for Wednesday, April 17, at the auditorium of the University of Professional Studies, Accra (UPSA),” an excerpt of the invitation said
MTN Group, in partnership with Huawei, officially inaugurated the Technology Innovation Lab at MTN Group’s headquarters. This milestone marks a significant advancement in their ongoing collaboration across diverse digital fields. Initially announced during MWC 2024, when the parties signed a Memorandum of Understanding, the establishment of the lab aims to further deepen their collaboration, accelerating digital transformation and sustainable development across Africa.
The Technology Innovation Lab is poised to be a catalyst for digital progress in Africa. By fostering cross-regional collaboration, it will stimulate the African digital ecosystem and promote the rapid development, deployment, and adoption of cutting-edge innovative solutions.
This lab plays a crucial role in MTN’s evolution, moving beyond the traditional telecommunications operator role to become a leading provider of comprehensive technology services. Research and development within the lab will concentrate on vital areas including 5G and 5G-A technologies, artificial intelligence, big data analytics, cloud computing, FTTH, automation and digital financial services – all catalysts for Africa’s digital future.
During a tour of the facilities at the launch event, visitors were treated to several world-class technology use cases across Network, Fintech, Information Technology (IT) and Security (IS).
Ralph Mupita, President and Chief Executive Officer of MTN Group, stated: “This lab further demonstrates our commitment to developing relevant, sustainable, and transformative solutions designed specifically for the African context and signifies a strategic investment in Africa’s future – It’s about solutions born in Africa, for Africa. It will catalyse the growth of the digital economy, fostering innovation and generating long-lasting opportunities to empower communities and advance the continent’s development.”
Mazen Mroué, Chief Technology and Information Officer at MTN Group emphasized during the ceremony: “The Technology Innovation Lab is more than just a hub for tech; it’s a platform for collaboration, demonstrating our technology capabilities resulting from the continuous investment made by MTN during the last 30 years. It is a space where the best minds can come together, share ideas, and push the boundaries of what’s possible. By working closely, we can leverage each other’s strengths and the collective brilliance of Africa’s innovators to create solutions that will transform lives. This collaborative spirit is what will unlock the true potential of this lab.”
Cao Ming, President of Huawei’s Wireless Solutions, stated: “We will collaborate with MTN to create leading products and solutions for the African market, and together explore new business models to lead the industry forward. We believe that the establishment of the innovation lab will accelerate the development of Africa’s digital economy and build a more prosperous and sustainable African continent.”
The Technology Innovation Lab will serve as a hub for experimentation, demonstration, and skill-building. It is equipped with state-of-the-art facilities and resources designed to support cutting-edge research and development initiatives. The Lab is open to MTNers, partners and other stakeholders based on prior reservation to access the facility. This stands as a testament to MTN and Huawei’s dedication to the future of Africa. It will pave the way for unparalleled innovation, digital inclusion, and economic progress across the continent.
Naa Torshie Addo admonishes Christian leaders to uphold the moral compass of society to promote integrity
Ministers and leaders of the Christian faith community have been admonished to uphold the moral compass of society by extending their roles beyond the pulpit by influencing the ethics foundations, shaping lives through the profound messages of faith, hope and life.
Naa Norshi Addo
As Ghana navigates the completion of the modern world, Irene Naa Torshie Addo administrator of district assemblies common fund, speaking at the Ghana Baptist Convention general assembly meeting in Ejura in the Ashanti region said the guidance of the Christian faith group becomes very critical.
She said “the principles of ethics accountability and responsibility are not merely theological concepts but are vital to integrity and credibility but are vital to the integrity and credibility of our ministries. As custodians of faith and communities your roles transcend to the boundaries of our churches’’ she admonished the church leaders.
She further said the essence of the Christian ministry must be rooted firmly in the second tenet of ethics, accountability and responsible principles that will not only define spiritual mandate but also underscore integrity ministerial ministry.
“ Ethics as we discussed here today is about choices we make every day. It is about alienating our conduct with biblical teaching which calls us to act justly, love, macy and walk humbly with our God. Ethics is the cornerstone of our conduct as reflected in proverbs 11:3 which tells us that the integrity of the upright guides them but the unfaithful are destroyed by their duplicity’’ shed Preached.
This wisdom she quoted underscores the importance of making a life of integrity while Christians actions and decisions are guided by unweaving moral clarity. It is this integrity that she said builds trust within Christian congregation and sets a standard for the ethical behavior accepted in all realms of life.
Accountability
Highlighting on accountability in church administration in the Christ-like manner she admonished Church leaders to be transparent stewards, on church resources and responsibilities entrusted to their care and management.
“ It demands from us an openness that builds trust within our congregation and communities accountability as stated in Romans 14:12 compere us to remember that “So then, each of us will give an account of ourselves to God” she admonished.
She further used this profound scripture to remind the congregation that they are not only accountable only to their congregation but ultimately to the almighty God.
She stressed “Transparency is our stewardship of the resources and responsibilities entrusted to us that foresters the culture of trust, veracity that extends beyond the walls of our churches.
Touching on responsibility she urged the church leaders to recognize the impact of their action on the lives of others.
“ In the world, bringing challenges to your voices can influence change. Advocate for the oppressed and guide the lost. The mantle of leadership encouraged as ministers of the gospel is evidence but it also came with the opportunity to meet those in need. Responsibility as captured eloquently in look 12:48 “ To whom much is given, much will be required’’.
This she said highlights the significance of Christian calling and the benefits attached to the call into full ministry.
She therefore urged the ministers to use their gift to enrich themselves but for the enrichment of those around them and the people they are leading.
ELECTIONS 2024
As the country approaches the critical juncture of the 2024 general elections she said “Our collective message of ethics, accountability and responsibility carries additional weight. Let us champion the course of peace. Ghana stands as a beacon of democracy and peace and we as leaders built in Christian faith must advocate for religious and political tolerance. Let us ensure that the vibrancy of our democracy is marched by the civility of our discourse fostering an atmosphere where divergent views are respected and harmony prevails’’ he she pleaded for unity.
She stressed Ghana has always been the beacon of democracy in Africa and leaders of religion and politics must foresee an environment where political and religious tolerance is the norm and not the exception.
“ we must member that our diversity in the strength and not in the weakness and that every voice servers to be heard regardless of it speech we expect that during this time all leaders including all those in the faith with act responsibly by making pronouncement that promotes peace and stability of our nation Ghana because as ministers your words hold power’’ She said.
Hon. Andrew Egyapa Mercer[ Former Deputy Energy Minister, and Tourism and Creative Arts Minister Nominee writes:
Hon. John Jinapor’s ‘raving’ and ‘ranting’ on “Ameri Plants” Relocation and matters arising.
I’ve in the past few days seen a write up by my good friend the Ranking Member on the Mines & Energy Commitee of Parliament and Member of Parliament for Yarpei-Kusogu John Abdulai Jinapor bothering on the relocation of the “Ameri” Power Plant procured under the Presidency of Mr John Mahama and related matters.
I wish to indicate to Hon Jinapor that the NPP’s criticism of the Ameri transaction related primarily to the PRICE INFLATION – a characteristic NDC scheme to divert state funds just like it did with the Kasoa interchange; “ Kofi Dubai” Interchange; Cannizzaro Road contracts, etc. The fraudulent nature of the Ameri transaction has been succinctly dealt with in a piece authored by Mr. Kojo Poku in response to Hon Jinapor and will accordingly not dwell much on that issue.
Needless to say, it is important to bring to Hon Jinapor’s attention key factual matters which conveniently “escaped” him as follows:
1. That following the end date of the 5-year BOOT transaction executed by the Mahama administration, the 10 GE Plants procured under the deal were handed over to the VRA by the government in 2021.
2. Due to the “excess capacity” within the power generation space arising out of the numerous PPA’s executed by the Mahama administration during the ‘DUMSOR’ period between 2012 and 2016, the “Ameri” plants handed over to VRA has NEVER been turned on since February/March 2021 and were actually sitting and ‘wasting’ away at Aboadze in the Western Region.
3. To ensure that VRA make some future use of the “Ameri” plants and to achieve the objective of having a power enclave in the middle belt to enhance transmission line reliability and efficiency as contained in the outcome of the GRID studies done and published in 2014; and also to limit the transportation payments on the WAPCo reverse flow line, government, in 2021mandated the VRA to “decommission” the plants in Aboadze and relocate them to Anwomaso in the Ashanti Region.
4. VRA has completed the relocation of 6 units. These units of necessity ought to be “commissioned” before they can be put to use. How the “commissioning” of the plants constitutes a “crime” to warrant the incessant berating of the Akufo-Addo government beats my imagination!
5. Questioning the fact that consistent with the established mode of determining the name and ID of power plants, VRA chooses to name the relocated “Ameri” plants “Kumasi 1 Thermal Power Station” (K1TPP) is even more bizarre.
6. The fact of the matter is that, depending on the location of its thermal assets, VRA (and other IPPs) is in the nature of combining the name of the town where the plant is situated together with the sequence number to name the plant or if you like, generate the plant ID. Thus for example, some power plants in Kpong are named “Kpong Termal Power Plant I” (KTPP); in Tema are named Tema Thermal Power Station PH. 1 (TT1PP); Tema Thermal Power Station PH. 2 (TT2PP); and those in Takoradi named Takoradi Thermal Power Station -Train 1 (T1) etc. etc.. Depicting the name of the town and the sequence of plant in terms of first to be established.
7. To suggest that the Akufo-Addo government hasn’t achieved anything in the energy sector is laughable. Available data doesn’t support this assertion. And by the way, is it not the same Hon Jinapor who has accused the Akufo-Addo government of extending the AKSA PPA (albeit under more favourable terms than his NDC did); and also accused government of contracting another plant to be built in Kumasi to come on stream in 2027/28 when additional capacity will actually be needed? Are these two positions not contradictory?
8. Assuming without admitting that his assertions were even factual ( which is denied), will Hon Jinapor in all sincerity, have applauded the Akufo-Addo government if, on assumption of office, the government had gone on the tangent of just adding on capacity that Ghana didn’t need like his NDC government did with its attendant excess capacity payments running into Billions of Dollars just for the sake of (according to Hon Jinapor)“achieving something meaningful”?
9. Infact, the Akufo-Addo government acted and has consistently acted in a responsible manner in dealing with our energy issues. The government, as a first step in 2017 embarked on rationalizing the numerous PPAs signed by the NDC government, and has by and large kept the lights on (albeit with some temporary hiccups). Very much unlike the 4-year darkness that his darling former President John Mahama plunged this country into.
10. In any event, the NDC claims that NPP has abandoned the project that they started and is now criticizing this government for continuing and making better use of a government facility by relocating the “Ameri” plants to Kumasi.
11. From the forgoing, can it be said as a matter of fact that the NDC and Hon. John Jinapor’s real intention is to oppose any project going to Kumasi as some of their commentators are saying? I hope not.
12. Hon Jinapor should come again. His propaganda post against the Akufo-Addo government’s decision to relocate the “Ameri” plants won’t wash with right-thinking members of society. The decision is technically sound and the name K1TPP is consistent with established practice.
As part of preparations ahead of the December polls, the National Democratic Congress (NDC), is set to officially outdoor the party’s running mate, Prof. Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang, as its running mate.
The event, earmarked for Wednesday, April 24, 2024, will take place at the Kofi Ohene Konadu Auditorium at the University of Professional Studies (UPSA).
In a statement issued by the party’s Communications Officer, Sammy Gyamfi noted that the ceremony aims to showcase the NDC’s commitment to inclusivity and progressive leadership ahead of the upcoming elections.
The event is expected to be attended by several prominent figures within the NDC, including the former president and the party’s flagbearer for the 2024 general elections, John Dramani Mahama.
“Also in attendance will be members of Parliament and an array of distinguished guests from the Diplomatic Corps, the Clergy, Nananom, Women Groups, academia, representatives of Civil Society Organizations, Labour Organizations, and Creative Arts, among others.
John &Jane
“The Running mate, Professor Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang will address the nation on the NDC’s vision for a progressive, inclusive and prosperous Ghana, as well as the live-transforming policies of our visionary Flag-bearer for the 2024 general elections,” part of the statement read.
