An award-winning broadcast journalist, Serwaa Amihere, was on Wednesday, 10th January 2024, honoured as an ambassador for Bonwire Kente.
Besides, the Second Lady of the Republic of Ghana, Hajia Samira Bawumia, officially commissioned an ultramodern Bonwire Kente Museum in the Ejisu municipality of the Ashanti Region, as part of the government’s pledge to promote tourism in the country.
Serwaa’s ambassadorial task is to spearhead the promotion of Asante Kente which will help attract foreigners to the country, particularly Bonwire and its environs.
As Kente, over the past decades, has been one of the country’s most prominent and treasured cultural exports, Serwaa, in her ambassadorial role, has been tasked to amplify this global prominence and leverage same to maximize the global attention Ghana enjoys from this beautiful fabric. It is also expected that this ambassadorial appointment would help boost local or domestic tourism.
Serwaa Amihere, who is a proud native of Sewua in the Ashanti Region, expressed gratitude to the Second Lady and all the people who had gathered for the honour and opportunity to serve as an ambassador for Bonwire Kente; she pledged to excel in this new role.
The ceremony which was put together by the Ghana Tourism Authority also launched an annual Kente festival at Bonwire, which would certainly have the Kente Ambassador, Serwaa Amihere, as its face and prime influencer.
In attendance at this important ceremony were the Ashanti Regional Minister, Simon Osei Mensah; Deputy Minister of Tourism, Creative Arts and Culture, Mark Okraku Mantey; Chief Executive Officer of the Ghana Tourism Authority, Mr. Akwasi Agyemang; Board Members of Ghana Tourism Authority, Paramount Queens of the Asante Kingdom, Sewua Queen, other sub-queens from the region, Afua Asantewaa of Guinness World Record (GWR) sing-thon fame and other high-profile personalities, including government functionaries.
The New Patriotic Party (NPP) 2nd Vice Chairman for Suame Constituency , Mr Richard Akwasi Asante, has asked the Special Prosecutor(OSP), Mr Kissi Adjebeng, to halt his tactics of selective injustice towards Ghanaians.
According to him, the arrest of Mr Kofi Ofosu Nkansah, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of National Entrepreneurship and Innovation Programme (NEIP) is shameful on his integrity and office at large.
Speaking to the media, Mr Asante, described Mr Nkansah’s arrest as speculative, unfair and an attempt to give Lawyer Kwame Anyimadu Antwi, MP for Asante Akim Central a competitive advantage in the upcoming parliamentary primaries.
He disclosed that Ghanaians including MPs routinely share food items and money to delegates during Christmas therefore for Mr Nkansah to do same doesn’t warrant an arrest.
Richard Akwasi Asante
According to him, the incumbent Member of Parliament also shared food items and money to selected delegates during the same season therefore the OSP should also arrest him.
Mr Asante asserted that to arrest Mr Nkansah during the peak of parliamentary campaign is a calculated step to cloth his fellow lawyer, Hon Anyimadu Antwi, an advantage over his main contender.
‘Legally crimes can not die therefore if not for any mischievous intent, Mr Nkansah could be arrested even after the primaries’ Mr Asante said.
The Vice Chairman therefore called on the Special Prosecutor to as a matter of urgency release him to continue his campaign activities and arrest both aspirants thereof since nobody is above the law.
The Chairman of the New Patriotic Party’s (NPP) Ashanti Regional Parliamentary Vetting Committee Henry Nana Boakye has vehemently refuted media reports suggesting that the Regional Chairman, Mr Bernard Antwi Bosiako, popularly known as Chairman Wontumi, acted disrespectfully towards the Asantehene Otumfuo Osei Tutu II during the party’s parliamentary vetting.
Henry Nana Boakye,aka Nana B
While acknowledging a minor misunderstanding between Chairman Wontumi and the Manhyia South Constituency Organizer, Nana B, as he popularly called asserted that, in his capacity, he did not personally witness any conduct by the Regional Chairman disparaging or lowering the authority of Otumfuo Osei Tutu II during the committee’s work.
Chairman Wontumi and Otumfuo Osei Tutu II
“I can recall a little misunderstanding that ensued between the Regional Chairman and the Manhyia South Constituency Organizer, in which I was committed to resolving. However, in my capacity as the Chairman of the committee, I did not personally witness any such conduct by the Regional Chairman that sought to disparage or lower the authority of our revered and highly respected King during the conduct of our work as a committee,” Nana B clarified in a Facebook post.
This clarification comes amid heightened tension among followers of the two personalities following the widespread media publication.
However, Mr Antwi Boasiako expressed his profound respect by affirming that “I love Otumfuo and I will always praise him before I speak on any network in Ashanti region or anywhere.”
”Anybody who wants to lie, may the gods of this land curse you according to your heart and your belief if you claim I disrespected Otumfuo“, Wontumionline.com quoted Chairman Wontumi as saying.
The Ashanti Regional Chairman of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Bernard Antwi-Boasiako, popularly known as Chairman Wontumi, has allegedly cursed the Kokosohene, Nana Kwaku Duah, with ‘Antoa’ deity.
A few days ago, Wontumi caused a similar stir by launching an unprovoked attack on the Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II.
Nana Kwaku Duah
He said he would challenge Otumfuo if he disagreed on an issue with the Asante King. Besides, he is reported to have passed some bad remarks about Otumfuo in the presence of some prominent people, including the Kokosohene.
Chairman Wontumi
Cursing Incident
Credible reports indicate that Wontumi also cursed the Kokosohene to the hearing of the NPP General Secretary, Lawyer Justin Kodua.
Justin Kodua, who was concerned about the report of Wontumi’s attack on Otumfuo, had called the Kokosohene on phone to verify the authenticity of the news.
During the phone conversation, the NPP scribe decided to add Wontumi through a conference call for his comment on the controversial issue.
Justin Kodua was, however, stunned when Wontumi, after hearing the voice of Kokosohene, suddenly became angry and started to rain curses on him.
Wontumi, who was said to be extremely angry and panting for breath, allegedly cursed the Kokosohene with the ‘Antoa’ deity and other river gods.
The Kokosohene, who has confirmed the cursing incident, said Wontumi prayed the river deities to strike him (Kokosohene) dead without provocation.
“I’m extremely surprised at Wontumi’s arrogant and weird behaviour. He just started to rain curses on me when he heard my voice on the phone.
“Justin Kodua had called me on phone to verify the authenticity of Wontumi’s attack on Otumfuo and also asked about steps he should take to plead on behalf of Wontumi at the Manhyia Palace. Surprisingly, Wontumi rather started to curse me with river deities when he heard my voice on the phone.
“He cursed me with about seven river deities, including ‘Antoa’, to strike me dead and use my wife and children as thanksgiving,” Nana Kwaku Duah claimed, adding that “even Justin Kodua was speechless about Wontumi’s action.”
Nana Kwaku Duah said he suspected Wontumi thought he (Kokosohene) reported his (Wontumi’s) attack on Otumfuo to the Manhyia Palace, hence his (Wontumi’s) decision to curse him.
He said since Otumfuo had banned cursing with river deities in Asanteman, he would officially report the case at the Asantehemaa Palace for an appropriate action to be taken against Wontumi.
Telecom giant MTN’s significant contribution to sports development in Ghana was recognized during a farewell dinner held for the Black Stars as they jet off to Ivory Coast for the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).
Officials from the telecommunication company joined the President of the Republic Nana Akufo-Addo at the short event held on Tuesday (9 January), at the Golden Bean Hotel in Kumasi.
They include Guido Sopiimeh, Senior Manager Marketing Division representing the Chief Commercial Officer, Adwoa Wiafe, Chief Corporate Services and Sustainability Officer Executive and Simon Amoh a Senior Manager of Sales and Distribution. The rest are Charity Darko Corporate Communications Officer and Akosua Mensah Klutse Regional Marketing Officer.
MTN Ghana has been the headline sponsor for the senior national team since the 2022 FIFA World Cup staged in Qatar and has remained the same ahead of the Nations Cup.
Acknowledging the positive impact on sports, officials from the Ghana Football Association and other stakeholders thanked MTN for its commitment to promoting and supporting athletic endeavours in the country.
Meanwhile, President Akufo-Addo has rallied the Black Stars to approach the upcoming Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) with self-belief and a “can-do” spirit.
He expressed optimism that the team can finally bring home the coveted trophy, which has eluded Ghana for over four decades.
This farewell marked the conclusion of the Black Stars’ pre-tournament preparations in Kumasi, which culminated in a goalless draw against Namibia on January 8. Drawn in Group B alongside Cape Verde, Egypt, and Mozambique, Ghana’s AFCON journey begins on January 14 against Cape Verde, followed by further matches against Egypt and Mozambique.
Echoing the President’s confidence, Minister Ussif expressed strong belief in Coach Chris Hughton’s team to end the AFCON trophy drought in Ivory Coast.
The Black Stars have already arrived in Abidjan where they will finalize their preparations before the crucial opening match against Cape Verde on Sunday.
The Chief Executive Officer (CEO) for Youth Employment Agency (YEA),Mr.Kofi Baah Agyapong,has made a passionate appeal to Ghanaian media and other stakeholders to ensure the successful implementation of the newly launched “Business and Employment Assistance Programme (BEAP).
Addressing a news conference on Wednesday,10th January,2024 at Beauty Queen hotel,Kumasi,the CEO, explained to Journalists that,the idea of BEAP was cultivated after a careful review of a survey conducted by the Ghana Statistical Service(GSS) in 2020.
The report of the survey, according to Mr.Kofi Agyepong showed that 46% of firms were forced by the treacherous hands of COVID-19 to reduce employee wages during the thick of the pandemic.
“The effect of this was a big blow to families when standards of living for over 770,000 workers in the country were drastically reduced. How much even were people’s salaries to talk of being reduced?
Kofi Baah Agyepong,YEA CEO
Sadly, ladies and gentlemen of the media, about 41,952 employees were sent home by their employers as various enterprises struggled to keep themselves in business. We are all living testimonies to the wrecking hardships many hard working Ghanaians and their families suffered.he case of small and medium scale businesses was even worse, as about 16% of these enterprises were permanently shut down with a few struggling to resurrect.
Today, lots of these start-ups need urgent and real help to employ more hands to support their work”,he added.
A section of the media
The YEA CEO,said there is enough evidence that cost of labour and its accompanying statutory requirements and compliance such as taxes and social security at the early stages of business are too much of a burden for micro and medium scale enterprises.
Mr.Kofi Agyapong, therefore, appeals for the support of the media Saying “we greatly need your assistance to make BEAP succeed.
He said the lingering question is what exactly is the Business and Employment Assistance Programme about?
What problem does it seek to resolve? How sustainable is it? And how can our unemployed youth benefit from it?
According to YEA CEO, BEAP is a programme designed to provide salary support of GHS 5OO per every employee recruited by a Micro and Small Scale Enterprises (MSMEs) whiles the employer tops up the salary for the employee.
This,he explained is solely targeted at the private sector.
” By MSMEs, we simply mean the chop bars, milling centres (Nika Nika), chemical shops or drug stores, food joints, schools, trading enterprises, mini supermarkets, baking shops, barbering shops, hairdressing & beauty salons, micro production companies, and any other shop or business set up that needs employee support or workers to assist their work”,he added.
Mr.Agyepong, emphasized that they didn’t come to this conclusion simply by reports. He said “I have personally gone through the ordeal to check for myself what is happening at these micro firms and businesses. I have made several calls and checks.
I have visited lots of corners, joints, shops and entered the markets. From Accra to Koforidua, Kumasi to Techiman to Sunyani to Tamale to Bolga and with various reports from Takoradi and Sefwi-Wiawso, many young folks are poorly remunerated and many cannot cross even half of the month with their monthly salaries.
In Sunyani I visited schools, chop bars, food joints, restaurants, Nika Nika Centres, pharmacies, insurance companies and on the average, workers were paid less than Ghc 500 a month. Yesterday, I spent almost my day visiting various shops.
I was at Suame Magazine to check for myself the employee needs of companies and salaries paid to workers. I visited Costino shop, Abumens Motors, Caesar Abass Motors, Heligyei, all in Suame Magazine. I furthered my visits to Rexford Kwadwo Sefa Shoemaking in Ashtown, Ike’s Shoe Enterprise, Flexible Footwear and Designing Enterprise, Freeman Amoako Shoes, Anastic Royals all in Manhyia and I passed through Wenya Akpene Gifty Enterprise at Abrepo Junction. Though you may not love to know how much employees at these small enterprises receive, you can be rest assured they need help with both extra hands and salary support.
Stressing that “this is where BEAP comes in. This is where YEA says, Hire –YEA will pay!!!
Mr.Agyapong revealed that YEA is targeting to support about 10,000 companies with an average of 2 employees per company hence employing about 20,000 people in all.
Beginning February 2024, we will be on boarding these 20,000 employees as beneficiaries of YEA who will be paid every month as long as our Monitoring and Evaluation team (M&E) certifies that they worked.
According to him,the recruitment of the 20,000 will not be the end of unemployment in Ghana but at least, we would have given hope to some young people and would also have heavily reduced the growing unemployment rate.
He said one key issue about this huge programme is funding and sustainability.
“Let me address it before you pull your trigger with bullet of questions at me. YEA has a stable source of funding from the Communication Service Tax or what we usually refer to as
Talk tax. As we sit here today, the taxes from the calls you make and the data you use all come to YEA to fund the Agency. We have as management, put together a deliberate policy to direct the use of these funds solely to the creation of jobs, jobs and jobs for the youth of this country. This is why as at today January 10th 2024,
The YEA CEO continues,”I can beat my chest and tell you confidently without fears that YEA owes none of our beneficiaries working under our traditional modules. We are up to date with all beneficiary payments and this can also be fact-checked.
My good friends in the media, this programme is of utmost importance to us and we greatly need your assistance to make it succeed.
This is why we took painstaking steps to obtain an executive approval from His Excellency the President and the Ministry of Finance before the programme was also successfully launched by His Excellency the Vice President, Alhaji Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia in Sunyani last year on the 11th December, 2023,
In fact, we are even able to meet here today because the Ministry of Finance has started releasing funds to the Agency for the commencement of this programme.
We at YEA are eternally grateful to the President and the Vice President of this republic for their immeasurable contribution to this programme.
We have no reason to fail and we definitely will not fail.”,he assured
The Chief Executive Officer (CEO) for Youth Employment Agency ( YEA),Mr.Kofi Baah Agyepong,has announced that Ashanti region, is the biggest beneficiary of thousands of jobs created by the agency.
He said Over the last years with particular emphasis on 2023, the Youth Employment Agency(YEA), has been wild awake, creating impactful jobs for the youth.
He said “We have also been at the forefront supporting businesses to expand and employ more people. Through our partnership with relevant state agencies we have also been training the youth with skills capable of putting them in an entrepreneurship pathway. Through our Job Centre, we have become a leader in employment promotion by connecting job seekers directly to companies.
Mr.Kofi Baah Agyepong speaking at the press conference
Despite the admitted global economic challenges, we have been working hard to reduce the rate of unemployment and lessen the burdens of life on young people whiles affording them the opportunity to make ends meet”
Speaking at a press conference held at Beauty Queen hotel in Kumasi,on Wednesday,10th January,2024,Mr Agyapong, disclosed that in 2022/2023, the government of Ghana through YEA recruited:
15,000 Community Protection Assistants working with the Ghana Police Service.
6,000 Community Health Workers working with the Ghana Health Service,
1,500 Prison Office Assistants working with the Ghana Prisons Service,
4,000 workers on the Cocoa Rehabilitation Programme.
5,000 Insurance Agents for the National Insurance Commission with base pay.
13,000 direct jobs secured through the YEA Job Centre
2,000 dressmaking trainees undergoing apprenticeship training with GHC500 monthly support. over 30,000 entrepreneurs trained by both the National Entrepreneurship and Innovation Programme (NEIP) and the Ghana Library Board with support for set-ups, 2,000 young people trained by the Accra Digital Centre in Basic and Advanced IT skills.
He revealed that currently, YEA is recruiting another 20,000 young people to be trained and set up in 10 different trade areas being – carpentry, masonry, plumbing, hairdressing, beauty care, auto works, General Electricals, Plaster of Paris (POP), Steel Works, Welding and Fabrication and Painting.
All arrangements have been made for training to start next week. 45,000 Sanitation Module beneficiaries financial support to over 500 dress makers and 4o large garment companies under well attended Apparel and Textile Programme which was heavily launched at the Prempeh Assembly Hall in Kumasi.
The CEO, said in all, “I am proud and glad to announce that Ashanti Biggest has been the biggest beneficiary of all these recruitments and modules.
Here is the data of the number of young people recruited from Ashanti Region alone in all these programmes. These are accessible and verifiable data that each and every one of you would be furnished with for your own checks.
Community Protection Assistants (CPAs) – 2,782
Community Health Workers (CHWs) – 1,481
Prison Office Assistants (POAs) – 157
Sanitation Module – 7,274
1,250 Insurance Agents with the National Insurance Commission
3,000 direct jobs through the YEA Job Centre
423 trainees under the Textiles and Garments/Dress-making programme
250 masons to be trained in Brick construction works fully funded by YEA with monthly stipends (A special programme for Ashanti Region alone under the Youth In Modern Building Technology programme)
Textiles and Garment Companies – 154 (About 149 small and medium scale and 5 large garment companies)Well known Textile and Garment companies such as Unijay Fashion, Akaal Skill Development Academy located at Kwamo, Biob Luxuries Ltd located at Adum, Lydia Oppong Fashion Center located at Kentikrono and Amansan Skills Training Institute at Atonsu Agogo all received a little of GHS 92,000 support and the support funds have fully been released to them.
The small and medium textiles and garment companies are many but I will mention a few: JulyJu Collections, Fashion Immaculate De Danny Boy, Stiger Collections, Papa Wisdom Fashion and Training Center, Hour of Grace Fashions, Francis Agyemang Fashion Designs, Laurie’s Klodin, Allah Power Fashion Center, Tutu’s Fashion, Clean Stitch Design and many more, all in Ashanti Region
So last one year, YEA has created 16,617 jobs in Ashanti Region alone”
The newly appointed Executive Director for the Complementary Education Agency (CEA), Mrs Catherine Appiah-Pinkrah, has been honoured by the Adansi Traditional Council in the Ashanti region over the weekend.
She was presented with a Kente Cloth and traditional sandals designed with the colours of Adansi Traditional Council as well as a plaque which commended her for her support towards the development of communities in the Adansi area.
The maiden award instituted by the Adansihene and President of the Adansi Traditional Council Opagyakotwere Bonsra Afriyie II is aimed at honouring people who have supported the Adansi Traditional Council in diverse ways over the years.
The award ceremony was part of activities marking the first Akwasidae for the chiefs and people of Adansi in the Ashanti region.
Another Businessman operating in the Adansi enclave, Mr Alex Fiifi Hanson was also presented with a similar award.
The Adansihene praised the two award recipient for their support towards the welfare and development of the area.
Again, he indicated that the various support by the two individuals had brought much relief to the people and urged others to emulate their efforts towards the development of the Adansi area.
Mrs Appiah-Pinkrah, who is a native of Adansi, on her part, thanked the chiefs and people for the honour done to her and pledged to work extra hard to get more support from the people.
Nana Gyamfi Adwabour, an aspiring Member of Parliament for Oforikrom Constituency, in the Ashanti region is set to revolutionize the landscape of the Oforikrom Constituency through his well-crafted 5-step plan.
Having served as the Executive Director of CENDLOS, he brings a wealth of experience in transforming organizations and reshaping the narrative around digital education at the pre-tertiary level.
As a visionary leader, Nana Gyamfi Adwabour has successfully implemented strategies to democratize education through technology, ensuring accessibility not only in STEM fields but across diverse educational domains.
Now, he sets his sights on the Oforikrom Constituency, where he envisions a transformation into a bustling hub of commerce and education.
Nana Gyamfi Adwabour’s 5-step plan is meticulously designed to bring about comprehensive development:
Advancement of STEM and TVET Education: Recognizing the pivotal role of education in societal progress, Nana Gyamfi Adwabour aims to introduce and enhance STEM and Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) programs. By investing in educational initiatives, he seeks to empower the youth with skills that are essential for the rapidly evolving job market.
Launch of Oforikrom Chamber of Commerce: To stimulate economic growth and protect entrepreneurship, Nana Gyamfi Adwabour proposes the establishment of the Oforikrom Chamber of Commerce.
This platform will serve as a catalyst for local businesses, by creating an alliance between the constituency and KNUST (Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology) providing networking opportunities, resources, and advocacy to ensure the prosperity of the business community within the constituency.
Additionally, a digital job centre would also be created to provide a platform for local and foreign businesses to see what Oforikrom has to offer as well as provide constituency members with a platform to easily access jobs or promote their businesses.
Introduction of Oforikrom Comprehensive Welfare Scheme: Addressing the holistic well-being of the constituents, Nana Gyamfi Adwabour envisions the implementation of the Oforikrom Comprehensive Welfare Scheme. This initiative aims to provide social support, healthcare, and other essential services, fostering a community where every resident can thrive and lead a dignified life.
Provision of Basic Infrastructure: Understanding the fundamental role of infrastructure in community development, Nana Gyamfi Adwabour’s plan includes the improvement of basic amenities such as roads, water, and other essential services. By investing in infrastructure, he seeks to enhance the overall quality of life for the residents of Oforikrom.
Job Creation and Support for Small Businesses: Recognizing the importance of a robust economy, Nana Gyamfi Adwabour’s plan prioritizes job creation in both the private and public sectors. Additionally, he aims to bolster entrepreneurship by providing microloans and support mechanisms for small businesses, fostering economic independence and sustainability within the constituency.
Nana Gyamfi Adwabour’s comprehensive and well-thought-out plan reflects his commitment to elevating the Oforikrom Constituency into a thriving centre of commerce and education. With a focus on education, economic growth, community welfare, and infrastructure development, his vision encompasses the diverse needs of the constituents, promising a brighter and more prosperous future for Oforikrom.
