The rank and file of the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP), especially flagbearer aspirants and their teeming supporters, have been urged to comport themselves before, during and after the November 4 Presidential Primaries to help maintain unity in the party.
They should also shun every conduct that has the potential to breed divisions among them ahead of the 2024 elections.
Hon.Kwabena Asamoah Nkansah
Mr. Kwabena Asamoah Nkansah, the Deputy Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of MASLOC, made the appeal in an interview with journalists after the 6th graduation ceremony of the Adansi Asokwa Branch of National Association of Hairdressers held at Adansi Asokwa in the Ashanti Region.
According to him, the need for all members of the party to contribute their quota to help ensure violence-free presidential primaries cannot be overemphasised.
Hon.Kwabena Asamoah Nkansah and his Father at the event
“This is a family matter and I wish to appeal to all NPP members across the country to demonstrate for the parliamentary primaries, I’ll join the race.”
He was quick to point out that the current focus of all NPP members is on the November 4 Presidential Primaries this week.
He was very confident that the party would come out of the contest more united and focused to break the 8 in the 2024 general election.Source: tntnewspapergh.com
Ghana’s High Commission in Pretoria, South Africa, says it is working with the Church of Pentecost (CoP) and the South African Police Service (SAPS) to ensure the speedy and safe release and return of the CoP deacon who was kidnapped on Sunday, October 29, 2023.
This follows an incident in which members of the Johannesburg branch of the Ghanaian CoP were robbed of their valuables at gunpoint and a deacon of the church was kidnapped during a church service on Sunday.
The High Commission of Ghana said in a statement issued on Monday that, “Mission is presently working with the Church in cooperation with the South Africa Police Service (SAPS) to ensure the speedy and safe release and return of the victim to his family.”
“Kindly note that the South African Police is fully focused on the matter and is working hard to ensure the safe return of our compatriot.”
The High Commission further advised all members of the Ghanaian community to take necessary precautions to ensure their safety and well-being.
“Mission will update the Community of any further developments related to the case,” it added.
It has come to the attention of the Bawumia Campaign that a fellow contender in the NPP Flagbearership race, Hon. Kennedy Agyapong has alleged that he was offered a colossal $800 million to step down from the presidential primary race.
The Bawumia Campaign, accordingly, wishes to respond as follows:
The Vice President, Dr. Mahamadu Bawumia has not met privately with Kennedy Agyapong since he entered into the race.
The Vice President has never instructed anybody to meet with Kennedy Agyapong, or his assigns to negotiate anything in respect of this contest.
The Vice President and his team consider this $800 million claim as absolutely ridiculous, and it shows gross disregard for the intelligence of Ghanaians.
Dr.Mahamudu Baeumia
Dr. Bawumia is, and has always been confident that by the Grace of God, he will defeat Hon. Kennedy Agyapong quite well on November 4th and has never entertained any wish for him to step down from the contest.
It is instructive to note that the latest allegation by Kennedy Agyapong, is a rehash of a similar allegation he made about a month ago, claiming without proof, that he was offered money to step down and be a running mate to Dr. Bawumia – a baseless claim we publicly denied on September 30, 2023.
The Vice President is a man noted for his modesty, and he remains committed to his life-long values of serving people with his intellect.
While urging the public to disregard such outrageous lies, directed subtly at the Bawumia Campaign, we also reiterate Dr. Bawumia’s commitment to running a decent campaign devoid of personality attacks, lies, and insults to preserve the unity of our great party.
Kurugu, Kandiga, Upper East Region, Ghana – A heartbreaking incident has left the close-knit community of Kurugu in mourning, as a 6-year-old primary one pupil, Master Emmanuel Atingane Amaalba, lost his life in a drowning accident that has underscored a pressing issue in the area.
The young boy’s untimely demise occurred in the Zorko River, a perennial source of sorrow for this community, Zorko and Sumbrugu that have seen countless lives lost to drowning.
The incident unfolded on a seemingly ordinary day when young Emmanuel joined his elder brother and other children for a fishing expedition at the river.
Atingane Amaalba
Mr. Daniel Amaalba, the grieving father of the late Emmanuel, shared his sorrow, saying that the boy followed his elder brother to the riverside but was asked to sit and observe due his young age while the senior brothers fished. Unbeknownst to them, the 6-year-old slipped into the water, which led to the tragic drowning.
Emmanuel’s family and the community have been devastated by the loss, particularly because it is no longer the rainy season, and the river typically remains relatively dry.
However, as Hon. Adamu Asaah, the assembly member of the Kurugu Electoral Area, explained, there is a collection of water at one point in the river, which is essential for irrigation purposes during the dry season.
This water source has inadvertently become a magnet for children’s fishing expeditions, putting their lives at risk.
In a heart-wrenching revelation, Hon. Asaah highlighted the broader issue that Kurugu has been grappling with for years – the recurring tragedies caused by drowning in the Zorko River.
He noted that the community members have, over the years, witnessed numerous lives lost, often during the rainy season when the river’s current is stronger, and many people are forced to cross it for business and to visit their relatives.
“The effect of drowning on the community has been terrible,” he said, “as breadwinners and active, promising youth have been taken away, leaving their families in a miserable state.” He made a fervent appeal for the provision of a boat and lifeguards to facilitate safe river crossings during the rainy season. Additionally, he called for the implementation of an education program aimed at preventing drownings in the communities along the river.
Ghana, like many other countries, has faced challenges in addressing the issue of drowning comprehensively.
The absence of a National Strategic Plan on Drowning Prevention and the lack of attention from policymakers have left many vulnerable to this “silent killer.”
The tragedy that befell young Emmanuel Atingane Amaalba has underscored the urgent need for action to prevent further loss of lives in Kurugu and other communities in Ghana affected by this perilous issue.
The death of the child is a stark reminder that drowning is a pressing concern that demands immediate attention and action.
The European Union on Saturday, 28th October 2023, presented one hundred and five militarized vehicles to Ghana, to aid the country in her fight against terrorism and violent extremism.
Speaking at the ceremony at the Ministry of National Security, President Akufo-Addo noted that the presentation of the 105 vehicles is a significant milestone in Ghana’s partnership with the European Union.
Speaking at the event, the President noted that the latest attempts by terrorist and extremist groups to expand their scope of influence from the Sahel to coastal West Africa are obvious.
According to the President, “these actions pose a substantial security risk to the peace and stability of Ghana. Recent occurrences of terrorist activities in neighbouring Burkina Faso, Togo, and Benin underscore the pressing need for Ghana to enhance her counter-terrorism measures.”
Nana Akufo-Akufo
Underscoring the importance of collaboration in the fight against terrorism, he noted that no single country can confront the terrorist threat on its own, adding that “within the context of our collective efforts and the pooling of resources, we appreciate the significance of the one hundred and five (105) militarized vehicles donated by the European Union. These vehicles will play a pivotal role in our efforts to fortify Ghana’s northern frontiers against terrorism.”
He assured the EU High Representative, His Excellency Josep Borrell Fontelles, who was at the Ministry to present the vehicles, that Ghana is committed to utilising these resources, including the militarized vehicles, for the agreed purposes, which include securing her northern frontiers against terrorist incursions.
“Ghana stands ready to continue to collaborate with the European Union to safeguard our mutual security interests, particularly in the West African region,” the President added.
Extending the nation’s heartfelt gratitude to the European Union for the generous donation, President Akufo-Addo noted that it “reflects the depth of our partnership and shared commitment to a safer, more secure future. Together, we shall strive to overcome the challenges that confront us and work towards a more peaceful and prosperous West African region.”
The Office of the Special Prosecutor has closed its investigation into corruption allegations levelled against former Minister of State at the Finance Ministry, Charles Adu Boahen following an exposé against him by investigative journalist, Anas Aremeyaw Anas and his Tigereye PI firm.
According to the OSP, although Adu Boahen engaged in influence peddling, he didn’t engage in any actual criminal activity which warrants an action by the Special Prosecutor.
Adu Boahen was sacked by President Akufo-Addo in November 2022 and referred to the Special Prosecutor for further investigations after he told undercover journalists that Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia could be paid $200,000 as an appearance fee for a meeting with investors.
But in a report released on Monday, October 30, the Special Prosecutor stated that “Though the conduct of Mr. Adu Boahen amounts to trading in influence or influence peddling, which is closely associated with corruption, there is no actual criminal prohibition of his acts in respect of which the OSP has a mandate to further act.”
Charles Adu Boahen
“On that reckoning, the Special Prosecutor directs the closure, at this time, of the investigation in respect of allegations of corruption and corruption-related offences involving Charles Adu Boahen contained in the investigative documentary titled Galamsey Economy published by Tiger Eye P.I. The investigation may be re-opened should the circumstances and further facts so dictate.”Source:citinews
A survey conducted by two renowned research outfits – the Centre for Sustainable African Development Initiatives (C-SADI), UK and The Outcomes International, Ghana -on the possible outcome of the flagbearership race of the governing New Patriotic Party (NPP) has revealed that maverick tough-talking Member of Parliament (MP) Kennedy Agyapong will lose by a large margin to Vice President Dr Mahamudu Bawumia, who has maintained his commanding lead even after the Super Delegates Conference which whittled down the number of aspirants to four.
Kennedy Agyapong is projected to win a mere 10.4% of the votes despite his intensified, vociferous and vigorous campaigns across the length and breadth of the country.
“H.E. Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia has the highest level of support among the delegates, with about 80.8% followed by Hon. Kennedy Agyapong (10.4%), Hon. Dr. Owusu Afriyie Akoto (1.1%), and Hon. Francis Addai-Nimoh (0.4%). 7.3% of the delegates are still undecided,” the report said.
Kennedy Agyapong caused a major upset during the Super Delegates Conference of the party when he came second behind Dr Bawumia with 132 votes representing 14.30% of the votes. Alan Kyeremanten had been tipped to come second.
Now though, the poll has said that Dr Bawumia is favorite to win chiefly because of his vision for both party and country, his competence and his ability to win the presidential election of 2024.
“The main bases for assessing candidates by delegates are the vision of the candidate for the party, the vision of the candidate for the country, and the competence of the candidate.
Delegates of the party believe the party stands a good chance of breaking the 8 if the performance of the government is improved and the party stay united after the primaries,” the report explained.
On November 4, 2023, more than 200 thousand delegates of the NPP will elect a presidential candidate ( flagbearer) of the party for the 2024 General Elections. All polls have so far tipped Dr Bawumia to win effortlessly.Source: Peacefmonline.com
The 2022 P.A.V Ansah Journalist of the Year, Erastus Asare Donkor, has said he’s deeply humbled for the honour done him at the 27th Ghana Journalists Association (GJA) Awards.
Mr Donkor, who is a journalist with JoyFM, JoyNews and Luv FM, all subsidiaries of The Multimedia Group, was crowned at the event which took place on Sunday at the Accra International Conference Centre.
He has been consistent in his work producing comprehensive reports in recent times on the devastating effects of illegal mining that have ignited national conversations.
In the citation, the GJA commended Mr Asare for his significant contributions to national development.
“You demonstrated outstanding quality in journalism standards in the year 2022, capping it with the three-part destruction-for-gold documentary. In that work, you exposed the greed and some characters behind the wanton destruction of the environment. There is no doubt that you served your country in this way, bringing attention to a menace threatening to consume the nation. For your sterling journalistic work and the boldness you exhibited in the discharge of a cardinal duty in the interest of the nation, the Ghana Journalists Association is proud to honour you with the PAV Ansah Journalist of the Year Award.”
Aside from winning the ultimate award on the night, Mr Asare Donkor, an Assisting News Editor, also received an award for the Best Reporter on Illegal Mining. The award was for his exceptional reports and documentaries on ‘galamsey’ and its effects on the country’s human and natural resources.
Speaking at the event, Mr Donkor thanked his colleagues “who sacrifice their lives every day with me” and the team at The Multimedia Group for the support.
“I stand before you today deeply honoured and proudly humble to receive this national award for investigative journalism. It is a recognition not just of my work but a testament to the power of responsible journalism in our society. For too long we have witnessed the devastating effects of irresponsible mining in Ghana, a nation rich in natural resources and even richer in potential.”
“Our investigation driven by a commitment to truth and justice has uncovered the harsh reality of illegal mining…The legacy of irresponsible mining, is not environmental degradation, it is a tale of shattered dreams, lost livelihoods and lives forever scarred. We as journalists bear a profound responsibility to be the voice of the voiceless, and shine lights on shadows that threaten our nation’s future,” Mr Donkor said.
Erastus Asare Donkor’s other awards
A fortnight ago, Asare Donkor also received the PAV Ansah Communication Award at the 2023 EMY Africa Awards. The PAV Ansah Communicator Award recognises a communication professional who is an opinion leader with the most positive outreach, and an inspirator with the most influence.
Mr Asare Donkor pitched the award for his investigative report “Destruction for Gold” on the devastation caused by illegal mining [galamsey] in the country.
Erastus has won many awards in his sterling media career with Ghana’s leading media conglomerate, the Multimedia Group Limited.
In July this year, he was awarded with the Environmental Sustainability Personality of the Year by the Department of Planning at the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology.
The honour was in appreciation of his consistent dedication and commitment to protecting Ghana’s natural environment through his work.
Also in June of 2023, his exceptional journalism in reporting human rights, environment and irresponsible mining, was recognised by the Ashanti Regional branch of the Ghana Journalists Association (GJA).
In June 2023, he was also shortlisted for an international recognition by the Covering Climate Now Journalism Award. This was also for his “Destruction For Gold” documentary.
In October 2022, when the Chartered Institute of Marketing Ghana (CIMG) at its Annual Marketing Performance Awards in Accra recognised the Multimedia Group Limited for its quality of work demonstrated over the years, it also honoured Erastus Asare Donkor for the same ‘Destruction for Gold’ documentary.
Other Multimedia awards
The Multimedia Group grabbed seven more awards on the night.
Collincia Ayifa was awarded Student Journalist, while Ghana’s most authoritative news analysis show, Newsfile, also won an award.
Again, Emma Davis took home the Business and Economic Reporter of the year.
Also, Emmanuel Dzivenu won the award for Disability reporting and Neta Kris Abiana Parsram won the Komla Dumor Most Promising Journalist of the Year award.
Lastly, Francisca Enchil won the Female Journalist of the Year award while Eric Mensah-Ayettey, formerly of MyJoyOnline, took home the Columnist of the Year award.
The residents of the Adansi Asokwa Constituency in the Ashanti Region on Sunday, 29th October 2023 burst into big jubilation after Mr. Kwabena Asamoah Nkansah, the Deputy Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Microfinance and Small Loans Centre (MASLOC) donated 10 professional hairdryers to each of 10 graduands.
Aside from the brand new professional hairdryers, each of the 10 graduands received GHc500 as seed capital from the Deputy MASLOC CEO to enable them to start operations.
Hon.Kwabena Asamoah Nkansah making presentation to the Association
The masters of the apprentices and the family members as well as many residents who attended the ceremony couldn’t hide their joy when he announced an additional donation of 15 brand new professional hairdryer machines and GHc2,000 to the Adansi Asokwa Branch of National Association of Hairdressers.
Hon.Asamoah making the first presentation one the beneficiaries
The graduands displaying their Hair styles
In an interview, the President of the Association, Mrs. Grace Narh, and some beneficiaries showered praises on the Deputy MASLOC CEO for the unprecedented support.
According to them, the donation was a big surprise to them and prayed for Mr Asamoah to succeed in all his endeavours.
Mrs.Grace Narh, President of the Association
The Deputy MASLOC CEO said the donation was in response to an appeal made to him by the leaders of the residents as well as his commitment towards poverty reduction in the area.
According to him, the machines would go a long way to help the graduands to start operations.
While masters who lack adequate machines to train more would now be able to train more apprentices to promote government’s empowerment programme of fighting unemployment and poverty.
He advised the beneficiaries to make very good use of the machines to help reduce poverty and unemployment in the area and Ghana as a whole.
According to him, the Akufo-Addo administration through MASLOC is still committed to supporting various artisans as part of a strategy to reduce poverty.
“I can assure you that today’s donation wouldn’t be a nine-day wonder and we’ll continue to do our best to help you in our economic empowerment strategy,” he assured them.
“As I speak to you, my boss, that is, MASLOC CEO, is seriously lobbying to mobilise funds to enable the centre to support more Ghanaian SMEs,” he disclosed.
He explained that the objective of MASLOC is to provide, manage and regulate on fiduciary basis, approved funds for microfinance and small-scale credit schemes and programmes.
MASLOC is also mandated to undertake the necessary reforms and development measures that would strengthen microfinance operations as an effective and viable strategy for poverty reduction
The President of the Association, Mrs. Grace Narh, seized the opportunity to appeal to parents and guardians to support their children and wards during their vocational training period.
She also urged them to support their children and wards with the needed tools and daily upkeep money to enable them to complete their training.Source: tntnewspapergh.com
