In a media forum convened on Wednesday, 7th February 2024, in Accra, Dr. Mahamadu Bawumia, the Vice President and current flagbearer of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), unveiled the party’s commitment to implementing a Flat Rate Duty on Spare Parts Imports.
The Suame Magazine Spare Parts Dealers Association expresses its gratitude for Dr. Mahamadu Bawumia’s groundbreaking proposal for a Flat Rate Duty on Spare Parts Imports.
This visionary initiative, presented by the New Patriotic Party’s presidential aspirant, is seen as instrumental in safeguarding the interests of spare parts dealerships nationwide.
As a non-partisan organization dedicated to advancing the spare parts dealership industry, we wholeheartedly embrace and endorse Dr. Bawumia’s proposal.
Some spare parts dealers
The envisaged flat rate duty holds the promise of a substantial reduction in the cost of spare parts, offering much-needed relief to commercial drivers who regularly factor these expenses into transport fares. This reduction will, in turn, alleviate additional burdens on the commuting public, contributing to a more sustainable and affordable transportation system.
The Association is committed to working closely with relevant stakeholders to ensure the seamless implementation of this beneficial duty structure.
We call upon all members of the Suame Magazine Spare Parts Dealers Association to unite in support of the introduction of the Flat Rate Duty on Spare Parts Imports.
Through collective support for this initiative, we can actively contribute to the growth and prosperity of the spare parts dealership industry, fostering positive developments in the broader economic landscape.
The Association expresses gratitude to Dr. Mahamadu Bawumia for his foresight and dedication to the welfare of the spare parts sector, eagerly anticipating the positive impact of this policy on our industry and the nation as a whole.
For media inquiries, please contact: Mr Godfred Adu, Chairman
0244670601
The Assembly Member for Ahinsan Estate Electoral Area in the Asokwa Municipal in the Ashanti region,who doubles as one of the longest serving Assembly Members in the country,Nana Yaw Wiredu,has been elected as New Presiding Member(PM) for the Municipality.
Nana Yaw Wiredu,who is popularly known as”Asokwa Mugabe” was officially declared as new PM by the Electoral Commission (EC) on Monday,12th February,2024 during the inauguration of the new Assembly.
Nana Yaw Wiredu (Right) and his competitor
Screenshot of EC Officer introducing Nana Yaw Wiredu as elected PM for Asokwa Municipal Assembly.
The Ashanti South Police Regional Commander, ACP/Mr. George Ankomah, has made a passionate appeal to all stakeholders to ensure free and fair elections devoid of confusion before, during and after this year’s general election.
He said, “Ghana is the only country we have; let’s all come together to protect the nation.”
He, therefore, cautioned Ghanaian media practitioners not to declare winners of the elections. “Be mindful not to declare the winner(s) of the elections. We (police) expect you to provide educational content to the electorate, monitor the electoral processes for transparency, highlight breaches, provide coverage of the elections, monitor the counting and report on election results … ,” he stressed.
According to him, it is the fervent prayer of the police that this year’s election will be incident-free.
ACP/Mr George Ankomah
The Ashanti South Police Regional Commander made the call at a workshop for the media held at Camp Martin Hotel at Femesua in Kumasi on Friday, 9th February 2024.
The workshop was on the theme: “Promoting Peaceful Journalistic Media Platforms Ahead of Elections 2024.” The commander spoke on the topic: “Police, the Media and Elections Coverage”.
Albert Kwabena Dwumfour,Yaw Boadu Ayeboafo and Kevin
On his part, Mr. Albert Kwabena Dwumfour, Ghana Journalists Association (GJA) President, said the “Journalists for Peaceful Discourse Project” was a game changer that could ensure peaceful elections. He, therefore, called on all media practitioners to be circumspect in their reportage and avoid all acts that have the potency to create confusion.
Also, he urged the leadership of the GJA to ensure all journalists in the country go about their duties without any fear of intimidation or harassment.
ACP George Ankomah
Albert Kwabena Dwumfour,GJA President
The GJA President commended the US Embassy in Ghana, especially Kevin J. Brosnahan, for his instrumental role in letting the project to become a reality.
The US Embassy representative/Press Attach, Kevin Brosnahan, in a statement, lauded the GJA President and his other executives for protecting Ghanaian journalists.
He gave an assurance that the Embassy would continue to collaborate with the GJA and other stakeholders to deepen Ghana’s democratic dispensation.
The Ashanti Regional Electoral Commission boss, Mr. Benjamin Bano-Bioh, reaffirmed the commission’s preparedness to ensure credible polls.
Also, he said all hands should be on deck to ensure peaceful elections since the EC alone couldn’t do it. “Ensuring peaceful elections is a shared responsibility and I call on all stakeholders to contribute their quota to it,” he added.
As part of equipping the media to contribute its quota to ensure peaceful general election this year, a day’s training workshop has been held for editors and senior reporters within the Ashanti, Ahafo and Bono East regions.
The workshop organised by the Ghana Journalists Association (GJA), in collaboration with the US Embassy, was held on Friday, 9th February 2024, at Camp Martin Hotel at Femesua in Kumasi.
The training workshop for journalists reporting on Election 2024 is in line with the GJA, in collaboration with the US Embassy, Ghana, implementing a 10-month project dubbed: “Journalists For Peaceful Discourse”.
The workshop was aimed at creating peaceful platforms ahead of the December elections.
The participants drawn from the Ashanti, Ahafo and Bono East regions were taken through topics such as: Facts Checking to Counter Misinformation/Disinformation and Mal-Information in Elections Coverage, Reporting on Election Processes (What the Journalist Must Know) and Police, the Media and Elections Coverage.
Rebecca Ekpe,Mr.Benjamin Bano-Bioh,EC boss Ash and ACP,/Mr.Ankomah
Giving an overview of the programme, Rebecca Ekpe, Public Affairs Officer for GJA, who doubles as Project Lead, said “Journalists for Peaceful Discourse” was initiated following the findings of a GJA/NMC media monitoring during the December 7, 2020 elections, which revealed that incitement on media platforms topped the types of violence perpetrated during the elections.
US Embassy representative, Kevin and Mr Yaw Boadu Ayeboafo,NMC Chairman
According to her, misguided political commentary in the media has the potential of triggering violence in an already volatile society, especially in the 2024 elections.
Rebecca Ekpe said ensuring the highest journalistic standards has become more crucial as “The State of the Ghanaian Media Report 2023” by the Department of Communication Studies, University of Ghana, indicates that journalism students are graduating with basic journalistic skills that must be deepened on the job.
Kevin and Albert Kwabena Dwumfour,GJA President
She added that in ensuring the competencies of the media are built, especially on election reportage which can make or unmake a country, the GJA has been collaborating with local and international partners to bring out the best in its members.
Sharing more light on what “Journalists for Peaceful Discourse” entails, the project lead said it was a 10-month project that provided the opportunity to uphold the tenets of press freedom and freedom of expression, while promoting professionalism and empowering the media and related entities to contribute to a violence-free and credible polls in Ghana before, during and after the 2024 general election.
Rebecca Ekpe Public Affairs Officer,GJA
According to Rebecca Ekpe, “Journalists for Peaceful Discourse” is also a learning and information sharing opportunity on protecting freedom of expression and building strong electoral and democratic institutions.
Implementation
Touching on how to achieve that, she disclosed that one of plans included capacity building. She added that journalists were being trained to promote violent-free and credible elections in Ghana in 2024 through well-informed and trained journalists who would use best practices for facts-based and non-partisan election reporting
A scene of participants at the workshop
The GJA/US Embassy project lead announced that since the inauguration of the project in November 2023, capacity building had so far been provided to 100 journalists/talk show hosts/local language-speaking persons trained in three zones.
Expectations
With regard to the expectations of the project, Rebecca Ekpe said “Journalists for Peaceful Discourse” would help the GJA to:
• Promote long-term learning for participants to contribute to uphold freedom of expression and credible polls.
• Encourage information sharing among journalists and with election-related entities to better inform the work of the Electoral Commission of Ghana and related entities, with the view to promoting freedom of expression for violence-free and credible polls.
• Create platforms to share best practices on elections coverage among journalists.
Kingsley E Hope,Ash.GJA Chairman and Richmond Frimpong of Oyerepa TV
She concluded that “Journalists for Peaceful Discourse” is about protecting press freedom, while promoting violent-free and credible polls through peaceful media platforms ahead of the 2024 Polls.
The speakers were Mr. Yaw Boadu Ayeboafo, Chairman of the National Media Commission (NMC);
Mr. Albert Kwabena Dwumfour, GJA President; US Embassy representative/Press Attach, Kevin J. Brosnahan.
Others were Mr. Kingsley E. Hope, the Ashanti Regional GJA Chairman; Dr. Daniel Nkrumah, Communications Lecturer, KNUST;
Mr. Benjamin Bano-Bioh, the Ashanti Regional Electoral Commission (EC) Director, as well as ACP/Mr. George Ankomah, Ashanti South Police Regional Commander.
Mr. Emmanuel Jason Asare Adjei, a final year student of Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology(KNUST) has called on Corporate Organizations and individuals with resources to support the financing of Brilliant but Needy students across the tertiary institutions in Ghana.
The call by Mr. Emmanuel Jason Asare Adjei was made during a speech he delivered at “Leadership Reflection Forum” organized by the University Students Association of Ghana on 9th February 2024 at CCB Auditorium, Knust. The theme for the programme was “Navigating Educational Policies for Tertiary Students in Ghana”.
Mr. Emmanuel Jason Asare Adjei comes from a family of Philanthropic Culture and through its Foundation known as the Victoria Foundation has helped so many vulnerable people across the Country including brilliant but needy students.
According to Mr. Jason, sustainable financing is one of the strong pillars of accessibility to tertiary education.
He has therefore entreated the University Students Association of Ghana, National Union of Ghana Students, Ghana National Union of Technical Students, Ghana Union of Professional Students and others to effectively and efficiently work together with the Ghana Education Trust Fund(GETFUND), Students Loan Trust Fund, Scholarship Secretariat of Ghana and the CSR Wings of Corporate Organizations to provide the necessary support for Students.
Jason Afjei
Finally, Mr. Jason concluded that, all tertiary students should be able to complete their education regardless of family and societal backgrounds and it is our collective responsibility to ensure that such a beautiful agenda happens.
Mr. Emmanuel Jason Asare Adjei recently paid the School fees of about 11 KNUST students.
Asantehene Otumfuo Osei Tutu II has reaffirmed the resilience of the Asante Kingdom, declaring that no efforts to sideline or denigrate it will prevail.
At a durbar held on Thursday (8 February) at the Manhyia Palace to welcome the return of looted Asante artefacts, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II emphasised the enduring strength of the kingdom despite historical adversities.
The event, known as ‘Kuntukuni Thursday,’ was marked by Asante chiefs donning black cloth in memory of the devastation brought by the Sagrenti War.
This conflict saw the British army, under Major General Garnet Wosely, launching an unprovoked assault on Asante, devastating its capital, Kumasi, and looting precious gold and ornaments. Despite the loss of over 4,000 Asante soldiers, including prominent chiefs, the kingdom persevered.
Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, therefore, emphasised the significance of Asante’s longstanding independence, predating the formation of Ghana.
Otumfuo Osei Tutu II ,Asantehene
He underscored Asante’s unparalleled contributions to Ghanaian politics and society, calling for unity and commitment to defend the kingdom as exemplified by their forebear.
The return of seven artefacts from the Fowler Museum at the University of California symbolises a step towards reclaiming Asante’s cultural heritage. Additionally, efforts are underway for the return of 32 artefacts currently housed in the British Museum.
In his address, the Asantehene cautioned against substance abuse among the youth, stressing the importance of preserving Asante’s legacy for future generations.
Joy News is learning of an imminent ministerial reshuffle set to be announced by President Nana Akufo-Addo.
A meeting held on Friday, February 9, at the Jubilee House concluded on the names.
The president is poised to make significant changes to his ministerial appointments after months of public demands.
The last major change to government was a month after former Trade Minister Alan Kyerematen and Agriculture Minister Dr Owusu Afriyie Akoto resigned to focus on their political campaigns.
President Akufo-Akufo
Insiders indicate that the forthcoming reshuffle will be extensive, and it was tactfully postponed to accommodate the completion of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) presidential and parliamentary primaries.
According to sources, the primaries were conducted on January 27, to spare the affected ministers from the additional emotional strain of potential defeat while transitioning to new responsibilities.
Originally slated for December, the reshuffle was rescheduled for February following the conclusion of the governing party’s internal elections to preempt any unsuccessful candidates from attributing their loss to the president.
Last week, 24 Metropolitan, Municipal, and District Chief Executives (MMDCEs) were sacked and 26 others replaced them as part of efforts to revitalise the system.
Perhaps the decision underscores President Akufo-Addo’s attentiveness to the needs and aspirations of his ministers, reaffirming his dedication to fostering a cohesive and effective government.
These changes are anticipated to introduce fresh perspectives, new expertise, and enhanced efficiency across the involved ministries.
The mate helps the driver who has been licensed by the law to drive.
In his day-to-day activities, that is, collecting money, washing the car and when there is a shortage of fuel in the car, the mate will have to run to the fuel station to buy it. When the driver’s licence or insurance on the car expires, it is the responsibility of the driver to see to its renewal.
If he does not and a policeman stops the car, it is the driver who will be arrested and charged, not the mate.
Dr.Mahamudu Bawumia
Chairman Odeneho Kwaku Appiah (COKA)
It is only a bad NDC policeman who will arrest the mate and leave the driver because he sees him as a future good driver. Leave the mate alone! Coka, l care .
The attempt religiously being made by former president John Mahama to return to the Jubilee House as President of Ghana has generated considerable debate across the political divide. However, it is my fair and firm opinion that Ghanaians must reject his ceaseless attempt to rule the nation for the second time.
During his previous tenure, Mahama demonstrated unpardonable systemic failures and shortcomings which far outweigh any known success of his government.
I will discuss the failures of his first term in eight comprehensive paragraphs, highlighting why Ghanaians should be critical about his second coming and vehemently reject his bid.
Corruption and Mismanagement:
One of the significant reasons to reject Mahama is his inability to effectively address corruption and mismanagement during tenure. Numerous scandals such as the infamous “bus branding” controversy and unchecked government spending clearly undermine trust in his leadership capabilities. With these failures as precedence, it is imprudent and too risky to expect Mahama to suddenly rectify these bad record and prioritize good governance in his second term.
Sir John
Economic Downturn:
Ghana’s economic landscape experienced severe turbulence during the Mahama administration. Hyper inflation, declined national currency, and increased public debt burden took a heavy toll on the country’s economic stability. This past economic record do not bode well for his second term, as they demonstrate his inability to strategically manage and bolster economic growth, leaving Ghanaians vulnerable to further financial instability.
Infrastructure Development:
Despite Mahama’s promises and lofty rhetorics regarding infrastructure development, the reality on the ground tells a different story. Projects such as the Circle Interchange, which became a symbol of escalating costs and poor execution exemplify this failure. The lack of transparency, failure to deliver projects on time, and quality issues all point to Mahama’s incompetence in ensuring sustainable infrastructure development, thereby weakening his case for a second term.
Energy Crisis:
During his first term, Ghana experienced one of her worst energy crises. Frequent power outages significantly disrupted daily life and crippled businesses. Mahama’s inability to address this crisis effectively raises doubts about his capacity to manage complex issues and implement long-lasting solutions. As Ghanaians face the looming threat of future energy challenges, it is crucial to consider whether Mahama, who failed to tackle the previous crisis, is the right leader to navigate this critical sector of our economy
Education and Healthcare:
Another glaring failure of the Mahama administration was its inability to adequately address the nation’s education and healthcare sectors. Persistent teacher strikes and inadequate healthcare facilities leave Ghanaians questioning whether Mahama, who failed to prioritize and improve these fundamental areas during his first term, has the capacity to address them in his second coming.
Youth Unemployment:
Unemployment remains a pressing issue among Ghana’s youth, and it is essential to examine Mahama’s track record. Despite his promises to create jobs, youth unemployment rates continued to rise during his first term. Mahama’s failure to create an enabling environment for economic growth hindered private sector investment and perpetuated the cycle of unemployment. This trend raises serious concerns about his ability to provide the necessary opportunities for Ghana’s youth in his second term.
Lack of Accountability:
Lastly, Mahama’s lack of accountability for the failures and shortcomings of his administration is deeply concerning. Instead of taking responsibility, he often deflects blame and evades owning up to his mistakes. Such a pattern undermines the foundations of good governance and transparency, eroding trust in his leadership and further solidifying the argument against his second coming.
In summary, despite the varying opinions and expectations surrounding John Mahama’s second coming as Ghana’s president, the failures of his previous term clearly highlight why Ghanaians must reject this prospect. The pervasive corruption and mismanagement, economic downturn, infrastructure deficiencies, energy crisis, neglect of education and healthcare sectors, youth unemployment, and lack of accountability collectively demonstrate his incompetence in addressing Ghana’s pressing issues. In order for
the nation to progress and thrive, a leader who can bring about meaningful change and effectively manage these challenges is what the Nation critically requires.
John Kwame Duodu (SIR JOHN)
NPP CONSTITUENCY FIRST VICE CHAIRMAN
ATWIMA NWABIAGYA SOUTH ASHANTI REGION
