One of the leading members of the NDC, Henry Osei Akoto, has provided a video of what he says is a classic example of the re-emergence of the erratic power supply in the country, commonly known as ‘dumsor.’
In the video, which the former National Democratic Congress parliamentary aspirant for Oforikrom shared online, he showed how he had visited a popular market area in Kumasi and seen many shops with generators.
Osei Akoto’s visit to Adum, Kumasi, as he stated in the video, is to confirm that indeed, dumsor had returned.
Joshua Hamidu Akamba, a former National Organizer of the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC),has proclaimed that the return of former President John Dramani Mahama to power in 2025 is imminent and heavenly.
According to him, Mahama’s return is inevitable and divine to rescuing Ghana from the inept governing New Patriotic Party NPP which has birthed Ghana with untold hardship.
He said, Mahama is coming back to break the shackles and rescue the country from its current state of economic woes.
In an interview with Kwame Minkah on TV XYZ morning show Dwabose Mr Akamba disclosed that, God has ordained John mahama’s second coming to rescue Ghana from abyss, suffering and economic distress.
“Mahama is coming back to finish all projects he started including all the unfinished projects of the NPP. Even though the Npp always chatised mahama about the completed projects in the much tauted and celebrated NDC Greenbook but it is highly comical no know that absolutely no NPP communicator has been able to point out a single project in the book which was not completed by Mahama. They always make noise and ran propaganda about it without any justification to buttress their claims” he stressed
Responding to questions on how the next NDC government would address the increasingly unemployment rate in the country, Mr Akamba disclosed that Mahama’s 24hour economy policy is a well thoughts through policy to tackle youth unemployment which is still a menace under President Akufo Addo and Bawumia led administration.
Mr Akamba added that, Mahama’s 24-hour economy plan stands as the centrepiece of John Mahama’s re-election campaign, aiming to stimulate economic growth and effective job creation.
Meanwhile,Former President John Mahama has expressed his unwavering determination to implement the policy, driven by the increasingly dire situation arising from the lack of employment opportunities for Ghana’s vibrant youth.
Mr Akamba explained that 24-hour economy extends beyond a mere night economy, adding that it envisions an economy where all business sectors operate a three-shift system around the clock, all days of the week, within a secure and safe environment.
Perusing the 24hour economy policy,Mr Akamba Said that, its core objective is to create innumerable sustainable, reliable and permanent jobs for the youth. It is sounding and welcoming policy.
He urged the rank and file of the party to prioritize the National Democratic Congress’s (NDC) interests in the upcoming 2024 elections and remain vigilant against any attempts to thwart the divine will through electoral manipulation.
He also appealed to Ghanaians especially party members to be alert, committed, and resilient in all efforts to ensure mahama secure a resounding victory.
The Director of Elections and IT for the National Democratic Congress (NDC), Dr. Edward Omane Boamah, has called on the Electoral Commission (EC) to authorise an investigation into the reported theft of Biometric Voters Registration (BVR) kits.
Dr. Omane Boamah emphasised that conducting a probe into the alleged theft would enhance trust in the Commission ahead of the 2024 general elections.
The former Communications Minister took to Facebook on Friday, March 22, to express his concern regarding the reported stolen items at the EC.
Dr. Edward Omane Mad.Jean Mensah -EC Boss
He stressed the need for the EC to address this issue effectively to prevent its recurrence in the future.
“I also hope the Electoral Commission is ready and willing to allow for full scale unbiased investigations into the Biometric Voters Registration (BVR) kits that were stolen.”
“We must all work to achieve a free, fair and transparent election,” he wrote. Source: Ernest K. Arhinful
Tanzania’s Vice-President Philip Mpango has threatened to resign over a prolonged water crisis affecting residents from the northern Mwanga district.
Mr Mpango on Thursday accused contractors working on a major project aimed at supplying water in the region of taking too long time to complete it.
Philip Mpango
The project worth over $100,000 (£79,000) was started close to 20 years ago, according to Mr Mpango.
“If this project will not be providing water [to the locals] by June, I will step down. I don’t know what will be the fate of the local administrator and his juniors if I resign,” Mr Mpango said.
“I cannot come here again and tell citizens to wait further for this water, water is life,” he added.
Artificial Intelligence and Big Data-Driven Audit, Fraud Detection, and Prevention in Environmental Agencies-Carl Mensah Ahadzi Writes
The use of cutting-edge technology to aid professionals in environmental agencies’ audit, fraud detection, and prevention programs is what is known as artificial intelligence (AI).
Artificial Intelligence (AI) and big data are increasingly being utilized in environmental agencies to enhance audit, fraud detection, and prevention programs.
AI enables experts to perform tasks that would typically require human intelligence, such as identifying significant features in large spatial data sets and establishing complex relationships between variables like pollution and public health.
Carl Mensah Ahadzi
The internet era has brought new challenges to the environmental audit process, with the increasing quantity and variety of data available.
Digital environmental audit is characterized by the use of electronic data, a focus on data-intensive fields, and an increased capacity to store, assess, and interpret data for evidence-based conclusions. Big data analytics enable deep and rich data analytics, making it increasingly the area of focus for audit and fraud prevention activities.
The environment encourages the use of big data to promote continuous improvement in audit and fraud detection, focusing resources in targeted areas to reduce harm or losses from fraud. Critics argue that big data may be an expensive initial outlay with no guaranteed cost reduction or efficiencies, and may lead to a focus on a narrow field of study.
As our understanding of big data develops, a broader opportunity to promote collaborative interdisciplinary research and application will emerge, ensuring continuous innovation and a multi-faceted aspect to how fraud prevention measures are developed and deployed.
AI can analyze complex data, leading to significant advancements in resource usage and efficiency.
It can also enable predictive risk analysis, promoting proactive measures of environmental protection. Autonomous drones equipped with real-time processing and detection software provide instant tangible data to environmental auditors, allowing them to work more efficiently during the audit walk phase.
Advancements in image analysis and machine learning allow for the identification of fresh dumping grounds, which could be crucial in the scrutiny placed upon companies and corporations that provide detailed and digitized environmental statement reports.
Similarly, data mining combines artificial intelligence, machine learning, statistics, and database systems to discover patterns in large data sets.
By continuously monitoring environmental data, experts can integrate these sources and find essential data more rapidly. Big data-driven fraud detection techniques involve a big data environment that continuously collects and integrates diverse sources of information, using techniques such as pattern detection and anomaly detection, which are also known as profiling and exception analysis.
Data-driven fraud detection methods have revolutionized environmental audit and inspection activities, enabling efficient storage and organization of transactional data.
Analytical applications can be used to store and analyze data without the need for additional software, allowing users to perform simple or complex analysis using data mining tools or fraud diagnostic tools.
However, the use of IT technology can conflict with privacy concerns, such as the right to confidential communication when investigating electronic data of suspects. However, the ability to collect and visually analyze fraud data with advanced fraud diagnostic tools can significantly enhance fraud and error detection efficiency.
Predictive analytics for early fraud detection is another important aspect of data analysis. With the increasing deployment of sensors and advanced monitoring methodologies in environmental agencies, massive amounts of data are being collected around the clock.
Predictive analytics can be utilized to inspect this big data either in real time or on a periodic basis, recognizing the probability of fraudulent activities at the early stage. Common predictive models in fraud detection include decision trees, regression analysis, and neural networks, which can identify patterns in data by analyzing relationships between different factors. By scanning through enormous data sets, predictive analytics can find cases of known fraud and minimize false positives.
More so, fraud and revenue leakage cases are common in local authorities, and they are using advanced technologies to detect and prevent fraud. Real-time monitoring and alert systems, such as the National Benefit Fraud Hotline and online fraud reporting platforms, help public awareness about benefit fraud. Social network analysis on large datasets helps investigators narrow down the most interested individuals and develop investigation focal points effectively. Machine learning models like random forest algorithms have been implemented to increase operational efficiency and generate high accuracy in risk prediction.
Link analysis and social network analysis are used for fraud investigation, identifying anomalies and suspicious activities that might not be apparent in traditional inspection or detective work.
By visualizing and interpreting networks, investigators can see the complete picture of how different elements within a network interact with one another, providing a more comprehensive way of understanding certain activities and allowing for the detection of behaviors that would usually remain hidden if only individual elements are examined in isolation.
It should be stated unequivocally that, the application of AI and big data in preventing fraud in environmental agencies requires careful and strategic implementation. Preventative strategies should consider data privacy and security, ensuring that personal data is protected and accurately processed.
A top-down strategy is always recommended in implementing AI and big data technologies, with leaders identifying objectives and potential AI solutions first. Compliance with rapidly changing laws and regulations is also crucial, and machine learning (ML) can be used in practice to learn from data.
Therefore, it is my believe that integrating AI and Big Data Analytics into the finance and audit of environmental management can block leakages, prevent fraud and revolutionize altogether in the sector.
The Author is a Chartered Accountant by profession and a Fellow of the Institute of Chartered Accountants Ghana. He is PhD candidate at the Girne American University, he also has an MBA in Finance from the Central University of Ghana and Two (2) Bachelor’s Degrees in Commerce and Law from University of Cape Coast and KNUST respectively.
Complimentary to these are Certifications in Big Data/ Data Science from IBM, Certified Scrum Master from Scrum Alliance, and BlockChain from the Blockchain Council. He works currently as the Chief Compliance Manager at the Forestry Commission of Ghana.
The Minority Caucus in Parliament has strongly criticized the Majority for alleging that they, along with Speaker Alban Bagbin, are obstructing government operations.
Bagbin halted the approval process for the government’s latest ministerial nominees, citing an interlocutory injunction from South Dayi MP Rockson-Nelson Etse K. Dafeamekpor, which bars Parliament from confirming new ministerial appointments.
This move came after a presidential letter advised against forwarding the anti-gay bill to the president for assent.
The Majority has expressed shock at his decision, arguing that the decision by the presidency does not undermine the authority of parliament
In a statement, Majority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin insisted that the President is entitled to respect the legal injunctions pending before the Supreme Court.
Hon. Cassiel Ato Forson and his colleagues
Responding to the Majority, Minority Leader Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson, in a statement dated March 21, 2024, claimed that the Majority had been ensnared by its own strategies.
The Minority accused the Majority of orchestrating a calculated propaganda campaign to manipulate public opinion.
“After falling on its own dagger in Parliament on Wednesday, our attention has been drawn to a mischievous statement issued by the Majority Caucus blaming the Rt. Hon. Speaker of Parliament and the Minority Caucus for the development in Parliament.
“It is bizarre and unfortunate that the Majority Caucus accuses Mr. Speaker of arbitrariness and falsely claims that the Speaker and the Minority are sabotaging so-called government business.
“The Majority Caucus is engaged in deliberate distortions and grand propaganda to whip up public sentiments against the Rt. Hon. Speaker and the Minority Caucus with these false claims.”
The Minority commended Speaker Bagbin for his exemplary leadership in steering Parliament’s proceedings.
“Finally, we salute the Rt. Hon Speaker for his distinguished leadership and the very competent manner in which he continues to guide Parliament.”
In recent years, corruption has been a key issue in Ghanaian politics, with many citizens calling for greater accountability and transparency from their leaders. In this context, the comparison between former Ghanaian president John Mahama and current Vice President Mahamudu Bawumia has been an important topic of discussion. Many have argued that Bawumia has proven to be incorruptible, unlike Mahama, who has been accused of various corruption scandals during his time in office.
One of the main reasons why Bawumia is seen as incorruptible is his background as an economist. Bawumia holds a PhD in economics from Simon Fraser University in Canada and has worked as a lecturer at various universities both in Ghana and abroad.
This academic background has given Bawumia a deep understanding of economic principles and the importance of good governance in ensuring transparency and accountability in government.
This has made him a trusted figure among many Ghanaians who see him as a technocrat who puts the country’s interests first.
Sir John,Dr.Bawumia and John Mahama
Furthermore, Bawumia’s actions in office have also reinforced his reputation as someone who is committed to fighting corruption.
As the head of the Economic Management Team in Ghana, Bawumia has been at the forefront of implementing various policies aimed at reducing corruption and improving accountability in government.
This includes initiatives such as the digitization of government services, which has helped to streamline processes and reduce opportunities for corruption. Bawumia has also been vocal in calling out corrupt practices and has shown a willingness to take action against individuals implicated in corrupt activities.
On the other hand, John Mahama’s time in office was marred by various corruption scandals. One of the most notable cases was the infamous GYEEDA scandal, in which millions of dollars were misappropriated from a government youth employment program.
Mahama’s government was also accused of overspending on projects and awarding contracts to cronies, leading to concerns about the misuse of public funds. These scandals tarnished Mahama’s reputation and eroded public trust in his administration.
Additionally, Mahama’s track record on transparency and accountability has been called into question. During his time in office, Mahama was accused of not doing enough to tackle corruption and failing to hold corrupt officials accountable.
This perceived lack of action further fueled suspicions that Mahama was either complicit in corrupt activities or turning a blind eye to them. This contrasted sharply with Bawumia’s proactive approach to combating corruption, which has earned him praise from many quarters.
It is also worth noting that Bawumia’s personal integrity and honesty have played a significant role in shaping his image as an incorruptible leader.
Unlike some politicians who have been accused of using their positions for personal gain, Bawumia is known for his modesty and humble lifestyle.
He has consistently stated that he is in politics to serve the people and improve the lives of Ghanaians, rather than to enrich himself. This has resonated with many Ghanaians who are tired of corrupt practices and see Bawumia as a refreshing change from the norm.
In contrast, Mahama’s lavish lifestyle and close ties to wealthy individuals have raised suspicions about his true motivations. Many have questioned how someone who claims to be a man of the people can afford such a luxurious lifestyle and maintain expensive properties and cars. This disconnect between Mahama’s public image and his personal wealth has fueled speculation about his involvement in corrupt activities and has undermined his credibility as a leader.
Overall, the comparison between Bawumia and Mahama highlights the importance of integrity and accountability in governance. While Bawumia has proven to be incorruptible through his actions and statements, Mahama’s track record on corruption is less than stellar. The contrast between the two leaders underscores the need for politicians to be transparent, honest, and accountable to the people they serve. In the fight against corruption, leaders like Bawumia who prioritize good governance and moral integrity can set a positive example for others to follow. It is only through such commitment to ethical leadership that Ghana can build a more transparent and accountable political system for the benefit of all its
Hon. John Kwame Duodu,the New Patriotic Party (NPP) First Vice Chairman for Atwima Nwabiagya Constituency
We hope this message finds you well.
The Agent Bankers Association of Ghana 🇬🇭 and the entire Momo Agents across the nation write to draw attention to the management of GRA about the negative effects and how the 1% levy on the agent sim has totally collapse the mobile money business in the country .
The 🆕 1% E-Levy has made all agents to be paying double taxes in addition to the already existing taxes paid by the telcos and banks on behalf of all agents.
Many agents across the length and width of the country have closed down their shops due to the hardship of the 1% levy on the Agent sim.
Agents push money from their wallets to Bank and vice versa in order to get physical cash to serve customers and this is known as Push and Pull.
The 1% Tax on this push and pull has made agents not to be able to load and off load their bank account in returns of physical cash to serve customers.
The 1% tax is extremely above the percentage % commission agents are paid by the telcos as well as the banks on their transactions .
CASE STUDY
A customer walks to an agent for withdrawal of Gh 5,000 . The customer is being charged Gh 20 and the agent earn Gh 8 on the cash out made .
The agent load Gh 5000 to his bank account for physical cash .
Now GRA charges the Agent 1% E levy , which is Gh 50 on that push and pull. On this notice the agent gain Gh 8 commission and pay a tax of Gh 50 .
The agent then loses Gh 42
In this case, we are drawing attention to the Management of GRA to kindly be of help to take off the 1% tax on the agent sim , since it is a tax on our working capital and not on our commission.
It is our hope that the authorities concern including GRA will withdraw the 1% tax on the agent sim .
Thank You
OSMAN Mohammed Hussein
General Secretary
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The leader and founder of the Caravan of Prayer Outreach Ministry at Gyinyase in the Asokwa Municipality of Ashanti, Apostle Johnson Ackah Braimah, has urged the President, Nana Addo Dankea Akufo-Addo to assent the anti LGBT+ Bill that has been passed by the Parliament without delay.
He said almost all Ghanaians are against the activities of LGBTQ+ and wondered why the President seems not showing any interest of assenting to the Bill.
Apostle Braimah in an interview with “THE NEW TRUST”, said though,the President Akufo-Addo,has categorically stated that he is awaiting for the outcome of the Supreme Court before making his clear decision on the Bill recently passed by Parliament.
Aps.Johnson Ackah Braimah
He said it was the President, who was moving from churches to churches assuring Ghanaians that LGTBQ+ would not happen under his watch.
” The President had already assured us that, promoters of LGBTQ+ would have no room to operate in Ghana, why then is he adopting this tactics to delay approval or otherwise if the Anti-Gay Bill?.
According to Apostle Braimah, though,there would be foreign pressures and intimidations to the President not to assent to the anti LGBT+ Bill,but he should stand firm not to yield to them.
He reiterated that, the activities of LGBTQ+ persons and their advocates are inimical to the existence of the human race and a threat to Christian values.
He explained further that, “the Holy Bible clearly teaches us that all things are lawful for men but not all things edify”.
He observed that, as Christians, we are enjoined by human values and dignity consistent with the Holy Bible to live expedient. Apostle Braimah, said the practice and promotion of LGBTQ+ is in complete conflict of the teachings of our Lord Jesus Christ and against the values and norms of Ghanaian culture”,he stressed..
