Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, Asantehene has become the First Black Monarch in history to be featured in the 2024 Pirelli Calendar.
The Pirelli Calendar is a prestigious annual not-for-sale trade calendar published by the United Kingdom subsidiary of the Italian tyre manufacturing company. The company began the publication of the calendar with the trademark “The Cal”, in 1964.
Note: The calendar is produced with a limited availability of 20,000 printed copies annually. These Copies do not go on sale but are instead given as corporate gifts to celebrities and select Pirelli customers.
Otumfuo Osei Tutu II,The Asantehene
And Prince Gyasi, the King’s grandson has become the first Black photographer of the Pirelli Calendar since its origin.
This great and historical achievement which will be unveiled in 2024 will also coincide with the King’s Silver Jubilee.
Former Minister of Environment, Science, and Technology, Prof Boateng Frimpong, has expressed concern about the potential health risks associated with consuming vegetables cultivated in mining regions.
He emphasized the importance of implementing phytoremediation as a good practice, urging the Minister of Agriculture to consider this approach.
Prof Frimpong made these comments at the JoyNews National Dialogue on Illegal Mining held at the Labadi Beach Hotel in Accra.
Prof.Kwabena Frimpong Boateng speaking at the Joynews Nat’L Dialogue
Speaking on the theme ‘Exploring radical solutions to a national crisis,’ he explained that phytoremediation involves using green plants to eliminate poisons and toxic metals present in contaminated soil, thereby mitigating the harmful effects of pollutants.
“We need to plant certain things that will absorb or take out the poison in the body. So we know that if you plant sunflower, it will absorb magnesium and chromium. Cabbage and broccoli will take care of lead, zinc and cadmium so also water lettuce which will absorb cadmium, mercury, chromium and copper,” he said.
He explained that the Minister of Agriculture should consider incorporating the phytoremediation strategy to preserve the soils as they continue to fight against illegal mining.
Prof Frimpong-Boateng advised residents in illegal mining regions to abstain from both cultivating and consuming vegetables, cautioning that doing so could lead to self-poisoning.
The former minister also disclosed that strategically venturing into affected areas and implementing this planting cycle will help reduce the toxicity levels in the soil over time, contributing to a gradual and sustainable improvement in the soil.
“We think the Minister of Agriculture should look at these things, as we fight illegal mining to go into areas where we can gradually absorb…we have to plant these in cycles. Maybe 10, 20 cycles so that the level of poison will come down.”
The government has released funds for the completion of the Afari Military Hospital in the Ashanti Region after the project stalled due to financial constraints.
The completion date for the 500-bed capacity hospital has repeatedly been shifted after construction commenced in 2014.
The contract was signed in 2008, and the delay in the project has been due to several factors ranging from multiple site changes, holdup in tax exemptions and contractual disputes.
Project contractors, Eurogett D’Invest, are optimistic about completing the facility by the end of the first quarter of 2024.
“We have already started and we have not less than 150 workers on site. In two weeks, we will increase to about five hundred and after Christmas, we will increase to more than a thousand”, Main Site Manager, Ahmed Abu Shamaa said.
He added, “Most of the buildings have been finished, the remaining is just final touches and installation of medical equipment.
He spoke to the media when Presidential Advisor on Health, Dr Anthony Nsiah Asare toured the facility following resumption of work.
The 500-bed capacity Afari Military Hospital has 50 medical and non-medical buildings with 15 operating theatres.
It has nine delivery rooms, with two endoscopy operating rooms.
The hospital will also have a medical gas plant for the production of five medical gasses.
All buildings are already completed with some furniture installed awaiting medical equipment. Financing for the hospital project stalled, resulting in the long halt of work on the facility that was at an advanced stage of completion.
Presidential Advisor on Health, Dr Anthony Nsiah Asare, said the necessary funds have been released for the project to progress.
“No contractor will come to the site if he doesn’t have liquidity especially if he sees that if he does not take care it won’t be paid. They have received liquidity but we will continue to give them the money through the Ministry of Finance,” he said.
At the time of the visit, some staff of Eurogett D’Invest contractors were on site clearing weeds that had overtaken the buildings.
Dust that had engulfed some furniture was being cleaned in wait for engineering staff and other workers.
Most medical equipment were under lock and key at the site with very delicate ones being stored at the warehouse.
Dr Nsiah Asare dispelled rumours the equipment is exposed to extreme weather conditions.
“MRI uses Helium, it’s a magnet that turns round, nobody will put an MRI in a non-air-conditioned room. Whoever talks about MRO or CT scan sitting in the sun doesn’t know what he is talking [about].”
The Afari Military Hospital is one of the nine health projects under the Eurogett D’Invest.
Accra-based United Television(UTV),has reported the death of Mr Owusu Kwesi Manu who was adjudged the Best Farmer by the Asante Mampong Municipal Assembly on December 1.
According to the report, Mr Owusu Kwesi Manu died some hours after receiving his award as the Municipal best farmer.
Mr Owusu Kwesi Manu who heads Kyeiwaa Farms is said to have died at the Bekwai Hospital on Saturday, December 2, 2023, in the Ashanti Region after a short illness.
File photo
Mr Owusu Kwesi Manu’s death has come as a shock to many because he did not look sick on the day of receiving his award.
Meanwhile, Doctors are yet to conduct an autopsy report to ascertain what exactly caused his death.
Source:todaynews.
Enock Nyarko wins Jaman North NPP Parliamentary primaries
Businessman and a philanthropist, Enock Nyarko , has won the New Patriotic Party (NPP) parliamentary primaries in the Jaman North Constituency in the Bono Region.
Six persons contested but it was a two-horse race between Mr. Nyarko who is a businessman, and Former MP Siaka Stephens
Enock Nyarko polled 375 votes, while his main contender, Hon. Siaka Stephens former MP, trailed behind with 86 votes, DCE for the area , Solomon Owusu also had 48 votes, Linda Nyarko only woman amongst the men got 25 votes, Eric Yeboah one of the contestants also polled 25 votes and last but not least Yaya Tuwale had 20 votes.
Speaking to the media after his victory, the Businessman was optimistic that NPP will win back the Jaman North parliamentary seat from the NDC.
“It was unfortunate that we lost the parliamentary seat in 2020 but i believe strongly that with this strong record and if we do our things well as a party and bring the base on board towards wrestling the seat from the NDC candidate, i believe it is something that is very doable,” Mr. Nyarko
He also expressed his gratitude to the delegates, party members, and sympathisers of the ruling NPP for their unflinching support and confidence repose in him for this sweet win.
Mr Nyarko is now set to face off with the incumbent Member of Parliament, Frederick Yaw Amankwah with the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC) in the 2024 general elections.
He won the Parliamentary Seat with 22, 375 votes whilst the NPP Parliamentary Candidate Siaka Stephens who was the incumbent MP polled 18, 206 votes in 2020 elections.
Businessman and a philanthropist, Enock Nyarko , has won the New Patriotic Party (NPP) parliamentary primaries in the Jaman North Constituency in the Bono Region.
Six persons contested but it was a two-horse race between Mr. Nyarko who is a businessman, and Former MP Siaka Stephens
Enock Nyarko polled 375 votes, while his main contender, Hon. Siaka Stephens former MP, trailed behind with 86 votes, DCE for the area , Solomon Owusu also had 48 votes, Linda Nyarko only woman amongst the men got 25 votes, Eric Yeboah one of the contestants also polled 25 votes and last but not least Yaya Tuwale had 20 votes.
Speaking to the media after his victory, the Businessman was optimistic that NPP will win back the Jaman North parliamentary seat from the NDC.
“It was unfortunate that we lost the parliamentary seat in 2020 but i believe strongly that with this strong record and if we do our things well as a party and bring the base on board towards wrestling the seat from the NDC candidate, i believe it is something that is very doable,” Mr. Nyarko
He also expressed his gratitude to the delegates, party members, and sympathisers of the ruling NPP for their unflinching support and confidence repose in him for this sweet win.
Mr Nyarko is now set to face off with the incumbent Member of Parliament, Frederick Yaw Amankwah with the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC) in the 2024 general elections.
He won the Parliamentary Seat with 22, 375 votes whilst the NPP Parliamentary Candidate Siaka Stephens who was the incumbent MP polled 18, 206 votes in 2020 elections.
The People’s National Convention (PNC), has expresses “deep concern” regarding the “untimely and rushed” approach adopted by the Ghana Education Service (GES) in “pressuring” first-year students and their parents to report to schools “merely three days after releasing school placements”.
A statement signed by PNC General Secretary, Janet Nabla said “this sense of urgency is concerning, considering that a vast majority, approximately 70% of students, have been placed in schools they did not choose”.
Moreover, she said “it is unfortunate that certain students have found themselves placed outside their regions or vicinities with no prior consultation or input from them”.
Furthermore, the PNC noted that “parents are grappling with the mammoth task of finding the necessary financial resources to cater to the associated responsibilities”.
“It is undeniable that such an abrupt and unreasonable expectation puts undue strain on families”, the PNC said.
The party said it “firmly believes that the Ghana Education Service should give due attention to the voice of the Speaker of Parliament, as they are the representatives of the people”.
Janet Nabla,PNC General Secretary
Speaker Alban Bagbin had hauled Education Minister Yaw Adutwum to Parliament over the matter.
He was billed to appear on the same day, Mknday, 4 December 2023, which the students are aupposed to report to school.
The GES had also issued a ststement insisting on the reopening date despite pleas from teacher unions and parent-teacher associations to delay the reopening date.
Adding its voice to the calls for a delay in the reoping date, the PNC “recommends that the Ghana Education Service consider postponing the reporting deadline to January 3rd”.
It explained: “This extension would offer both parents and students sufficient time to adequately prepare for the upcoming academic year, thereby alleviating the stress and anxiety caused by the current situation”.
Also, the party urged the Ghana Education Service to “prioritise the well-being and academic success of students and make a concerted effort to address the concerns raised”.
“This will ensure that the education system remains inclusive, fair, and accessible to all Ghanaian children, without leaving others behind”, the party insisted.
It pointed out that the “future of our educational system depends on collaborative efforts between the GES, parents, and students, without allowing any party to become too powerful and abuse the others”.
The Vice-President and flag bearer of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Dr Mahamudu Bawumia, has congratulated all newly elected parliamentary candidates in the ophan constituencies.
In his message after the elections held on Saturday (December 2, 2023), Dr Bawumia said their victory is the beginning of a new chapter of service and responsibility.
He also commended the party and the national leadership and other executives in constituencies throughout the country in particular for supervising a very peaceful and transparent primaries in the orphan constituencies.
Dr Bawumia said, “I would like you to remember that your victory is not the end, but the beginning of a new chapter of service and responsibility.”
He advised them to be humble in their deliberations and said to win the confidence of the Ghanaian people, “We must adopt humility and grace.”
The NPP flagbearer also expressed appreciation to the aspirants who could not make it for their determination and courage and said the party is indebted to them.
“Our party’s preparedness and determination to take a majority of these seats from the National Democratic Congress (NDC) had been definitively demonstrated by today’s events,” he added.
With the upcoming 2024 general elections in sight, he said “I am very impressed by the quality of candidates chosen to represent our party in these constituencies.”
He further expressed confidence that the NPP would succeed in securing these seats through its sustained unity and collective efforts.
“With great determination and collective working spirit, we are going to win a majority of these orphan seats during the 2024 general election.
“To keep our momentum and to accomplish victory, we need to stay united from the grassroots down to the highest levels of leadership,”
Dr Bawumia stressed and called on all dedicated members of the party and supporters to step up their efforts to achieve the objective of breaking the eight.
That, he said, was a fundamental commitment to the goal of the NPP to break the eight in 2024.
Together, he said “we are going to continue in our quest for a brighter future for Ghana with unshakable determination and unity in purpose.” Source: graphiconline
The 2023 ‘Afrafranto’ Walk organised by the leader of the Movement for Change, Alan Kwadwo Kyerematen ended in Kumasi, Ashanti Region on December 2.
The walk which was under the theme “Let us Walk Together for Victory 2024,” garnered enthusiastic participation from thousands of Ghanaians expressing their support for Mr. Kyerematen’s presidential candidacy.
Commencing at 6 am from Bekwai roundabout, Kumasi, the walk showcased a sea of yellow-clad participants and supporters, adorned with attire bearing the inscription “vote Alan.”
Alan Kyeremanten
Participants of the walk held placards with messages such as ‘End of NDC-NPP Duopoly,’ ‘Alan for Youth,’ ‘GTP has 24 Hour Economy Already,’ and ‘Alan the People’s Choice.’
During his address at the event, Mr. Kyerematen emphasised the urgency of implementing a 24-hour economy.
However, he underscored the prerequisite of fixing the economy first, asserting that an economy in crisis cannot sustain such an initiative.
Outlining his vision, the former Trade and Industry Minister emphasised his commitment to addressing economic challenges before embarking on the ambitious 24-hour economy initiative.
Mr. Kyerematen clarified that fixing the economy is only a necessary condition and not a sufficient condition for the success of the 24-hour economy initiative.
He explained that even when the country’s monetary issues are resolved, additional measures will be imperative for the policy to effectively take root.
The Movement for Change leader outlined key policy areas, including industrialisation, infrastructure development, information technology, and tourism as priorities for his government.
These initiatives, he asserted, would lay the groundwork for the successful implementation of the 24-hour economy when he assumes the presidency after the upcoming general election.
Nana Kusi Ampofo II, Otumfuo’s Banmuhene of Bremang in Kumasi, has proposed that the former Minister of Local Government & Rural Development in the erstwhile National Democratic Congress (NDC) administration, Mr Akwasi Oppong-Fosu, be considered as running mate to Mr. John Dramani Mahama for the 2024 general election.
According to him, apart from Mr. Oppong-Fosu’s competence, he is a pure Asante (Akan) with a credible and blameless track record, hence he can partner Mahama to win more votes from the stronghold of the New Patriotic Party (NPP).
Nana Ampofo II, who doubles as a cadre, said, “As a cadre, I’m proposing to Mr. Mahama to consider selecting Mr. Akwasi Oppong-Fosu, one of the credible and competent cadres from the Ashanti Region, to partner him for the 2024 general election.”
Addressing a press conference on Wednesday, 29th November 2023, Nana Ampofo ll said the need for Mr. Mahama to select his running mate from the Ashanti Region cannot be overemphasised.
According to him, the selection of a pure Asante (Akan) from the Ashanti Region as Mahama’s running mate would be very strategic to win more votes for the NDC in the 2024 polls.
He said it is openly known that NDC’s political world bank is the Volta Region but in the 2020 general election, the Ashanti Region gave NDC more votes than its stronghold.
Akwasi Oppong-Fosu,
Nana Kusi Ampofo II
“I can say that more Asantes and residents of the Ashanti Region are currently rushing to join the NDC unlike during former President Jerry John Rawlings’s era when the nation had just returned to a democratic dispensation …,” he stated.
“Currently, the situation has changed and Mr. Mahama and the NDC leadership have to take this great opportunity for the first time to choose a competent and blameless cadre like Akwasi Oppong-Fosu to help consolidate the party’s gains,” he proposed.
Nana Ampofo II said even though many names had popped up for consideration as Mahama’s running mate, he thinks that Mahama doesn’t just need to choose anyone which in the eyes of the public may be well deserving but with a bad track record which the ruling NPP could take advantage of to frustrate NDC’s victory in the 2024 polls.
Otumfuo’s Banmuhene said the NDC, since former President Rawlings’s era, had focused more on the Central Region in the selection of a running mate but the region had not given stable support to the party, but if that same consideration had been given to the Ashanti Region, the story could have been different.
“I believe Mr. Mahama needs a running mate who is very competent, credible, blameless and commands respect in the Ashanti Region to take over from him in the 2028 elections.
If Akwasi Oppong-Fosu is selected to partner Mahama, winning the 2024 polls would be easy because we’re going to share Ashanti votes with Alan Kyeremanten, an Asante, who has also parted ways with the NPP, citing intimidation and harassment of his supporters,” he said.
“I wish to humbly propose to Mr. John Mahama to consider choosing Mr. Akwasi Oppong-Fosu, a cadre who has been a former District Secretary for Obuasi, Tepa and a former Local Government Minister without any bad record.
For about 42 years, Akwasi Oppong-Fosu has distinguished himself well to partner Mahama for the 2024 polls.
I strongly believe that with Oppong-Fosu as Mahama’s running mate, winning the 2024 polls will be easy because every time NDC gets over 30 per cent in the Ashanti Region, we’re in government. And as a pure Asante, he stands tall to help win more votes from the region.
Apart from that, the party would also get more votes from the Western North Region where his father comes from,” he explained.
It would be recalled that Mr. Oppong-Fosu contested and won the Amenfi East seat for the NDC and the seat has been maintained by the party to date.
