Ghana’s largest opposition political party, the National Democratic Congress, (NDC) has clarified that it has not yet taken any concrete steps to contest the Ejisu by-election following the untimely passing of the Member of Parliament for the area, John Kumah.
Mustapha Gbande, the Deputy General Secretary of the party, said that the NDC is currently prioritising mourning the MP’s demise over hastily pursuing the vacant seat.
In an interview with Citi News, Mr Gbande urged NDC sympathizers in the constituency to exercise patience, assuring them that the party will communicate its plans regarding contesting the seat in due course.
“We all have to exercise restraint and look forward as the party comes up with the conversations that will lead up to a decision that will be in the best interest of the party, a decision that will give all of us the victory and expectation that we want.
“As of now, we are not there yet so we encourage party members to continue to work with structures of the party on the ground in anticipation of whatever will come from national. But as of now, we also encourage them to keep mourning with the family because we particularly mourn with the children of the late John Kumah.”Source.citinews
The Minority in Parliament has called for an immediate increase in the farm-gate price of cocoa in Ghana, citing the recent unprecedented surge in global cocoa prices.
In a statement signed by Member of Parliament for Asunafo South, Mr. Eric Opoku dated Tuesday, April 2, 2024, the minority expressed concern over the sharp decline in Ghana’s cocoa production under the current government, with production levels at their lowest in two decades.
The Minority highlighted that while the international market price for cocoa has reached $10,000 per ton, Ghanaian farmers are being paid a significantly lower amount of GHS1,308 per ton.
The statement, posted on social media [X] by the National Communication Officer of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), Sammy Gyamfi, accused the government of mismanagement and corruption in the cocoa sector, stating that the low prices being paid to farmers are leading to worsening living conditions for cocoa farmers.
The Minority also raised concerns about the high levels of cocoa smuggling, which they attributed to the lack of competitive prices offered to farmers.
They criticized the high administrative expenses of COCOBOD, the country’s cocoa regulatory body, and highlighted extravagant spending on items such as iPad keyboards for board members.
They urged the government to take swift action to save the cocoa sector in Ghana.
“It is instructive to note, that the average international market price of cocoa currently stands at Ten Thousand United States Dollars ($10,000) per ton (16 bags) of cocoa. This equals GHS130,000 per ton, at a conservative exchange rate of $1 to GHS13. This means that a bag of cocoa is currently being sold on the world market at about GHS8,125. At the same time, the Ghanaian farmer is being paid a paltry GHS1,308 by the insensitive and corrupt Akufo-Addo/Bawumia/NPP government.”
“This is a clear rip-off of our hard-working cocoa farmers by the Akufo-Addo/Bawumia NPP government who continue to mismanage the cocoa sector. The NDC caucus in Parliament therefore demands that the government immediately increases the farm-gate price of cocoa to reflect the recent unprecedented hike in the world market prices of cocoa.”
The New Patriotic Party (NPP) Parliamentary Candidate for Sekyere Afram Plains Constituency,Mr. George Akom has set up a fresh school for one of the communities in the Sekyere Afram Plains District of the Ashanti region.
The school which would start from the Kindergarten level was set up in a community called Pantanjor which has been a typical farming community with a population of about 400 people.
The community which does not have any school, being a public or private one to serve the growing number of children of school going age has been of the traditional communities in the district. Some children who were of age and could walk to the nearby communities would have to walk by a distance of 8 kilometres before they get access to a school.
This has made it impossible for the younger ones to join the mainstream education.
The situation has become a demotivating factor to school going children due to the difficulty they have go to through before getting access to education.
The Parliamentary Candidate, Mr. George Akom saw that as educational poverty and had to come out with an intervention to provide access to education for the children. He considered the situation as dangerous for the district which would have a ripple effect to the country at large.
As part of measures to solve the problem, he single handedly provided some basic logistics that could set up a fresh school for the community.
He presented blackboards, writing slates and chalks to serve as the foundation to start a school in the community. He also hired three teachers who would be teaching literacy, numeracy, civil education and other subjects at the kindergarten stage. The three teachers would be paid a monthly stipend by the Parliamentary Candidate since the teachers are to teach as volunteers.
In a community engagement with the Chief his Elders, Opinion Leaders and the entire Community, Mr. Akom stressed the need to educate the young ones to serve as the foundation for the socio- economic development of the district and Ghana at large. He indicated, that he had been a beneficiary of education that was why he always had passion to use education as a means to empower individuals for economic transformation
Mr. Akom intimated, that his vision for the Constituency was to see to it that each person goes through at least the basic education which could yield a positive results for every household. He further opined that although, the district was dominated by farmers, it did not mean that they could not be educated or their children could not be educated.
He said, ” It does not mean that if you are a farmer, you cannot be educated, or if you are educated you cannot be a farmer”. He emphasized, that he would use education to transform Sekyere Afram Plains District.
In his acceptance speech, the Chief of the Community, popularly known as Hallelujah, was dumbfounded by the timely intervention from Mr. George Akom to set up the school which was his daily nightmare. He said, that he was overwhelmed by such a gesture to the community which he never dreamt to have come from an individual.
Amidst cheers from a gathered crowd, the Chief emphatically indicated, that he saw Mr. Akom as a visionary leader how could transform Sekyere Afram Plains District to better the lives of the people and even the unborn generation.
The Chief out of heart gave the name of the school as “Baakam Akom Primary School ” which should be maintained and kept on record, even if any government takes over in the future.
The entire Community was happy to see a new school being set up for their children. The first batch of the school took turns to receive their writing slates as their parents cheered them up. Mr. Akom again donated two footballs to the school as means to entertain the children.
He appealed to the community to take the school seriously as it was to serve as a foundation for the future of the children.
He further made a passionate appeal to individuals, groups and philanthropists to support the school in a little way to achieve the purpose of its establishment, especially getting a permanent classroom for the school.
In a related development, the Parliamentary Candidate has started a Vacation Classes for Senior High School Students who are on vacation in the district to keep them active in their studies and to revise their topics.
Many have described Mr. Akom as someone who has been passionate about education and his contribution to his district as phenomenal.
Mr. George Akom is a renowned educationist who has rich experience in teaching and school adminstration.
He recently won the Parliamentary Primaries in his Constituency and many had expressed their confidence in him to become a Member of Parliament for his Constituents due to his desire to bring positive transformation in the Constituency.
Co-host of Nhyira Fm’s Obra Show, Obaa Adwoa, has reached out to inmates of the Kumasi Children’s Home in a philanthropic gesture to celebrate her birthday.
The home received pairs of kids’ sandals, bundles of toilet tissue paper and bottles of non-alcoholic drinks to put smiles on the children.
Obaa Adwoa said she deemed it necessary to share her special day with orphans in appreciation of the need for every child to receive the best of care at the very tender age.
Head of the orphanage, Mabel Boamah, appreciated the gesture.
“Today marks another year of wonderful life experiences and lessons. Here’s to embracing the future with an open heart and mind,” she said.
Obaa Adwoa Nelson joined Nhyira Fm barely a year ago as co-host of the Obra Show.
She has had an illustrious media career and takes advantage of her programmes to impact lives, especially women and children.
The award-winning Obra Show is broadcast on Nhyira FM, Adom TV and PEMSAN TV weekdays at 1pm.
PRESS RELEASE BY THE OFFICE OF THE GBORBU WULOMO-SHITSE ON THE REPORTED MARRIAGE RITES ON NAA OKROMO IN NUNGUA LAST SATURDAY
It has become necessary that the Office of the Gborbu Wulomo-Shitse set the record straight on the matters arising concerning the customary and traditional rites that was performed over the weekend for Naa Okromo to assume the role as Naa Yoomo Ayw?mo?de.
Naa Yoomo Ayw?mo?de is one of four roles played by indigenes of Nungua of particular heritage and ancestry from time immemorial. The title Naa Yoomo Ayw?mo?de which goes with the appellation “W? Dokum Yoo” says much about how far in time the office goes.
The Gborbu deity has four Traditional and Religious wives in Nungua alone and they are Naa Ashiele, Naa Ohemea, Naa Bosuafi and the final one is Naa Yoomo Ahwemoede. The Gborbu deity has other wives outside Nungua, some are Akornode in Larteh, etc. Per traditional customary rites, Naa Yoomo Ahwemoede performs a peculiar traditional role which is different from the other three wives.
Being a “Boi Ekaa Yoo”, Naa Yoomo Ayw?mo?de Aids the Gborbu Priest in performing special rites for the Gborbu deity which includes:
Dud? mli Nu Woo which she performs three times in a year to usher in the Kplejoo Homowo celebrations.
Jenten nihoom? which is to feed all deities at the cardinals of the Meridian Rock which is at the center of the world and its situated in Nungua.
She is the mother of all the Priests and Priestesses in Nungua.
She is responsible for carrying the corn wine to the Town Square (Festival grounds/Ablokor Jaanor) for Praises and thanksgiving to God Almighty.
She is responsible for cleaning and ablution of the Gborbu Temple during the annual Kplejoo Homowo Festival.
She is responsible for the Aywemoede deity and Shade deity which is purely performed by a virgin
We would like to emphasize that, there is no canal relationship or marriage involved as perceived by many. For the records, the other wives to the deity have their respective legal husbands.
The items presented on Saturday 30* March, 2024 were not the usual items presented during marriage rites, rather, they were to aid Naa Yoomo Aywemoede to carry out her traditional duties as already mentioned.
Whenever the role becomes vacant, “atswaa tso he” to wit, spiritual consultations are made to determine who should take up the office. To add, persons from a particular home are selected for this role.
After the demise of the former occupant, which was over 300 years, it fell on Naa Okromo who was prophesied before her birth to take up the mantle as Naa Yoomo Aywemoede. Naa Okromo remained in her mother’s womb for about two (2) years before birth through the intervention of the Gborbu deities she was delivered and consecrated. She sat without walking for two (2) years. Through divine interventions, consultations and prayers to the Gborbu deity, she stood to walk.
This makes her a mystery child. She has been preserved in maintaining her virginity till now to assume her role as Naa Yoomo Aywemoede which she begun Six (6) years ago. Quoting from the M.J FIELDS RELIGION AND MEDICINE OF THE GA PEOPLE “chapter 3: at every woryoos yele yeli… there are always to be seen a dozen or so children of all ages painted with white clay and dressed in white.
These are children born in response to prayers to the particular gods or spirits.
Naa Okromo is one of such children for which reason she was chosen by the Gborbu deity for this role.
Events that unfolded on Saturday saw some excesses like all other events of which verbal misrepresentation and over exaggeration by some people who took over the microphone after the actual M.C is done with the presentation. We wish to debunk and disassociate ourselves from this misrepresentation and over exaggeration which without doubt are the cause of this disaffection.
We want to send this message to the general public and all media houses both home and abroad that Nuumo Borketey Laweh Tsuru XXXIII, Gborbu Wulomo-Shitse will for no reason attempt to violate the constitution of the republic which over the years has expressed and shown by way of his actions as a defender. For any clarity concerning Nungua, we will entreat all and sundry to contact the Office of the Gborbu Wulomo-Shitse.
Thank you.
Signed:
Rev. D. N. Gyasi Ankrah
Director of Administrations
Office of the Gborbu Wulomo-Shitse
After initiating a nationwide strike on March 20, due to grievances regarding their conditions of service, three pre-tertiary teacher unions have decided to call off the industrial action.
The Ghana National Association of Teachers (GNAT), the National Association of Graduate Teachers (NAGRAT), and the Coalition of Concerned Teachers (CCT) jointly announced the end of the strike, following an interim injunction obtained by the National Labour Commission (NLC) to halt the strike and facilitate negotiations.
Speaking to the media in Accra on Tuesday, April 2, King Ali Awudu, President of the Coalition of Concerned Teachers, Ghana, emphasised the importance of prompt negotiations with their employers to address their concerns.
The decision to end the strike was also made in compliance with a high court order.
“As law abiding citizens and having respect for the court, we hereby declare the strike that was called on 20th March 2024 off. We ask all our members and teachers of pre- tertiary education in this country to resume work with immediate effect.”
“We continue to ask the employer led by the Ministry of Employment and Labour Relations to commence negotiations this afternoon, today April 2 2024. So we can expedite the negotiations and come to a conclusion to forestall any other happenings in the future,” he said.
The nationwide strike by the three teacher unions commenced on Wednesday, March 20, 2024, following what they perceived as the government’s neglect of their service conditions.
Since then, there have been ongoing discussions between the teacher unions and the government to resolve the outstanding issues, aiming for a resolution that would facilitate their return to the classroom.Source: Myjoyonline.com
Ashanti Regional Chairman of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Bernard Antwi Boasiako has confirmed that some people who showed interest in contesting the upcoming parliamentary primaries at Ejisu have rescinded their decision.
This follows a meeting with party leadership in the region.
Many party members have shown interest in the seat, following the demise of the Member of Parliament, John Kumah.But Mr. Antwi Boasiako says the internal mechanism established to reduce the number of aspirants has yielded results.
Mr.Bernard Antwi Boasiako aka Chairman Wontumi
Meanwhile, posters of about ten people have been sighted on social media as the party opens nomination.Currently, former President of the Ghana Football Association (GFA), Kwesi Nyantakyi, is the frontrunner in the race.
Four-time contender, Abena Pokuaa Boaitey, popularly known as ‘Ejisu Bronii’ is also staging her fifth come-back.
Wife of Bono Region Chairmen of the NPP, Portia Acheampong Abronye has made her intention known as well as the current Presiding Member of the Ejisu Municipal Assembly, Helena Mensah.
Again, the former Presiding Member of Ejisu Municipal Assembly, Michael Owusu, has expressed interest too.
The current Constituency Chairman, Kofi Agyapong is also expected to battle it out with his 2nd Vice, Kwabena Boateng as both executive members are set to contest.
Finally, a lecturer at the Akenten Appiah Menkah University of Skills Training and Entreprenuerial Development (AAMUSTED), Dr Evans Duah also has his eyes on the ball.
Whoever emerges winner on the side of the NPP after April 13, is likely to face competition from three-time MP, Kwabena Owusu Aduomi as information available indicates his come-back, albeit not on the ticket of the ruling party.
However, the NDC already has a candidate, in the person of Jerryne Asante although it is not certain if the party will contest the Ejisu by-election. The NPP has held the Ejisu seat since 1996.
Meanwhile,List of Ejisu NPP Parliamentary Primaries hopefuls: are attached below;
The Member of Parliament for Madina, Francis-Xavier Sosu, has petitioned the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) for the arrest, investigation and prosecution of Gborbu Wulomo, a 63-year-old traditional leader, for marrying a 12-year-old girl.
Nuumo Borketey Laweh XXXIII, the 63-year-old Gborbu Wulomo, has faced severe backlash since a video of him marrying a 12-year-old girl, Naa Okromo appeared online.
The traditional marriage ceremony occurred on Saturday, March 30, 2024, in Nungua.
Gborbu Wulomo
Gborbu Wulomo has defended himself by stating that the girl would not be expected to fulfil marital duties.
However, in a petition to the Director General of the Criminal Investigation Department on Tuesday, April 2, 2024, Mr Xavier-Sosu argued that the marriage violates both local and international laws on child care and protection.
He described the action as “illegal, null and void” explaining that according to Ghanaian law, a child under 18 cannot enter marriage.
Mr Sosu highlighted Ghana’s commitment to various international conventions prohibiting child betrothals and marriages, citing the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW), and Ghana’s 1992 Constitution.
He emphasized that marriage is not only a violation of international law but also of Ghana’s Children’s Act of 1998, which sets the legal age limit for marriages at 18 years old.
Mr Sosu urged the Director General of the CID to take swift action to protect the rights and safety of children in Ghana.
“ARTICLE 16 OF THE CONVENTION ON THE ELIMINATION OF ALL FORMS OF DISCRIMINATION AGAINST WOMEN (CEDAW) states that women should have the same right as men to “freely choose a spouse and to enter into marriage only with their free and full consent”, and that the “betrothal and marriage of a child shall have no legal effect and all necessary action, including legislation, shall be taken to specify a minimum age for marriage.
“In addition to the above, I wish to respectfully state that, beyond the realm of International Law, Ghana has taken further steps to criminalise Child Marriages and Betrothals in all its ramifications. In Particular, ARTICLE 28 of Ghana’s 1992 Constitution defines a child as a person below the age of eighteen years. In the spirit of Article 28 every child and young person must “receive special protection against exposure to physical and moral hazards”
The Chairman of the Heal Komfo Anokye (Teaching Hospital) project team, Sammy Adu Boakye is calling out the government and state institutions for their insensitivity towards the health needs of ordinary Ghanaians.
Adu Boakye is frustrated that the state that has been derelict in its responsibility to ensure health facilities have the required infrastructure, equipment and supplies to run efficiently, is slapping heavy taxes on solicited donations to support the same health facilities.
He presents a Ghana Revenue Authority tax bill of GHȼ1,714,265.13 issued on March 25, 2024 at the Tema Port, which he says is the tax for 10 containers of tiles.
“How do we pay duty and other taxes to the government when we are doing what successive governments have ignored for seventy years by asking for money from ordinary Ghanaians? I have written to his majesty to intervene. Nana nya nkwa daa.
“It’s a pity…. 1.8 million cedis for 10 containers of tiles, not to mention electrical and plumbing materials yet to come. Letters written to the finance minister through the chief director nearly two months ago are yet to be acknowledged.
Sammy Adu Boakye
“Demmurage charges have already been set, which are about 1500 USD a day.
“What this posture means is that subsequent materials will still have to be paid for. I should appeal to ice water sellers, market women, shoemakers, etc. to donate towards a project for it to be taxed??’ “Just look at that …” in Kweku Chains voice. I pray something comes out of this So we can save some money for other works.
“Albeit these setbacks, I extend sincere appreciation to our gallant donors who have demonstrated that they care about the health needs of the ordinary Ghanaian on the street. I will also continue to appeal to all well-meaning Ghanaians, both home and abroad, who are yet to donate to kindly come on board. To the many corporate institutions yet to respond to His Majesty’s call, we wait as you all prepare to come and donate generously to this great cause.
“This is for us and by us.
“To the management, board, all workers of KATH, thank you for the support.”
Boakye concluded with a resolve not to give up, stressing in the Akan language that the project is for the people and will be done. “YƐn dea, yƐ bƐyƐ.”
The Heal Komfo Anokye Project
This is a proposal to address the urgent need for infrastructural improvement at Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital (KATH), Ghana’s second-largest teaching hospital.
Official project documents capture the present state of infrastructure at the facility as woefully unbefitting its status despite its reputation for providing quality and affordable healthcare services and conducting groundbreaking research.
It is part of Asantehene’s 25th Anniversary Legacy Projects.
“The state of the hospital wards at Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital is a heartbreaking and sobering reality. Patients who come seeking medical care are met with a dilapidated and hazardous environment that offers little comfort, safety, or hope. Rusty and creaky beds, cracked and chipped floors, broken windows, and peeling paints are just a few of the distressing sights that greet patients and their families.
“The hospital’s lack of modern amenities, such as data networks, and the absence of ceiling works, nurses paging systems, and public address systems, only serve to exacerbate the already dire situation. It is a disheartening reality that no patient or family should have to face when seeking medical attention,” says the official project website.
The Agona Royal Family of Senfi in the Asante Bekwai Municipality in the Ashanti Region has called for the intervention of the Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, in settling lands litigation in the area.
The Spokesperson for the family, Nana Kwasi Bonsu, complained at a press conference at Senfi that the Adumasahene, Nana Amankwa Kodom, overtly is seeking to take over the lands of Senfi Community which belongs to the Agona Royal Family.
Abusuapain of Agona Royal Assembly
According to him, the Adumasahene has allegedly resorted to intimidation and the use of brute force and the police to cow the people of Senfi into submission.
Nana Bonsu accused the Adumasahene of selling their farmlands and thus destroying their foodstuffs.
He said the development had incapacitated several family members and subsequently pushed them into abject poverty.
He alleged that Adumasahene’s stock in trade is to use the Bekwai police to arrest any body who opposes his position on an issue.
He said the activities of the Adumasahene had affected the livelihood of Senfi residents, as they are afraid to go to their farms or sleep in their homes for fear of being arrested at the instance of the chief of Adumasa.
The family spokesperson has, therefore, appealed to Otumfuo Osei Tutu II to use his good offices to intervene and avert imminent bloodshed between the two sides.
Nana Bonsu also appealed to the Inspector General of Police to call his men to order. He reminded the police that chieftaincy issues are the preserve of Nananom and that police interference to promote the interest of one side could generate conflict and confrontation.
On his part, the Adumasahene, Nana Amankwa Kodom, through Nana Owusu Nuako Panin ll, Senfi Adumasa Krontihene, has vehemently denied the allegations against him by the Agona Royal Family.
He told the media that the allegations were calculated attempts by the Agona Royal Family to tarnish his hard-won reputation. He, therefore, entreated Ghanaians, especially residents of the area, to treat the allegations with the necessary contempt they deserve.
Besides, Nana Amankwa Kodom, through his Kontihene, has denied allegations against him that he was using the Bekwai police to harass and intimidate residents and farmers as claimed by the Agona Royal Family.
The Bekwai police have also denied the allegations by the Agona Royal Family that they (police) were harassing and intimidating residents in support of Adumasahene.
