The King of Dagbon, Ya-Na Abubakari, has admonished a New Patriotic Patriotic (NPP) flagbearer aspirant, Hon. Kennedy Agyapong, to desist from utterances that incite hatred against people of northern extraction.
The Ya-Na bemoaned such conduct by politicians which seeks to portray Northerners as second-class citizens.
The Ya-Na was speaking when the flagbearer hopeful paid a courtesy call on him at the Gbewaa Palace to inform him of his presence in Dagbon.
According to the Ya-Na, he has heard the aspirant say that a win for Bawumia will mean the 2024 elections would be about Northerners.
He said, “I have heard you ask why the 2024 elections should be about Northerners. It was an unfortunate comment. I urge you to desist from such comments and campaign on issues. You must be prepared to support whoever the party will elect.”
On his part, Hon. Agyapong promised to run a clean campaign devoid of tribalism.
“In 2020, I promised the Ya-Na a V8 Landcruiser. Unfortunately, I’ve not been able to deliver that. I’m here today to deliver a pickup to the Ya-Na to fulfil the promise I made to him during the 2020 elections,” he added.
The flagbearer aspirant is in the region to solicit the support of party delegates ahead of the crucial November 4 presidential primaries of the NPP.
PRINPAG SYMPATHIZES WITH VICTIMS OF AKOSOMBO/KPONG DAM SPILLAGE; MAKES HOTLINE AVAILABLE TO RECEIVE SOS MESSAGES FOR PUBLICATION AND PROMPT ACTION BY OFFICIALDOM
The Private Newspapers and Online News Publishers Association of Ghana (PRINPAG) extends its deepest sympathies to all individuals and communities affected by the recent Akosombo Dam spillage. Our hearts go out to those who have experienced losses, damages, and displacement as a result of this unfortunate incident.
PRINPAG stands in solidarity with the victims of the spillage and wants to assure all those affected that, its members are committed to raising awareness through our various news outlets about their plight to ensure that their concerns reach the appropriate authorities.
As an Association representing private newspapers and online news publishers in Ghana, we recognize the vital role we play in amplifying the voices of those affected by this unfortunate development.
With the vast reach and influence of our member publications, we at PRINPAG are pledging to utilize all available mediums of our members to bring attention to the challenges faced by the victims.
Through our online news platforms and print publications, our members are ready to disseminate comprehensive reports, concerns and updates surrounding the Akosombo Dam spillage for the purposes of attracting the needed attention and support from all quarters.
It is our hope that by doing this, we would be contributing to raising more awareness and effectively engaging the attention of officialdom to the situation on the ground.
To facilitate our efforts, PRINPAG is giving out a dedicated hotline to enable victims express their concerns and to also share their personal experiences related to the spillage.
Our members are on-standby and we encourage affected individuals, community leaders, and concerned citizens to reach out to us through the provided hotline to volunteer information to make this exercise a success.
By doing so, the affected victims can be assured that their voices will be heard by the right persons, a move the Association believes, will go a long way to contribute to the overall understanding of the situation: we believe this will bring help to them quickly.
Hotline
– 0549576688– Prosper Agbenyega
– 0202882423 – Simon Agbovi
PRINPAG is united in its commitment to support the victims of the Akosombo Dam spillage through our extensive networks of news outlets. We call on individuals throughout the country to join us in raising awareness, advocating for appropriate actions, and mobilizing resources to aid those affected.
Together, we can bring attention to the challenges faced by the victims and encourage officialdom to prioritize their needs.
For further inquiries, please contact:
Jeorge Wilson Kingson Ag. Executive Secretary 0244822034 Prinpagghana@yahoo.com
Andrew Edwin Arthur President 0244980088 Paakwesiedwin@yahoo.com
The Vice President, Dr. Mahamadu Bawumia has called on stakeholders to think of re-engineering the Akosombo Dam to manage spillage and its ravaging effects on the livelihoods of communities.
He said this is necessary to safeguard the dam, lives, livelihoods, and properties amidst the threat posed by climate change.
He was speaking during a tour of communities in the South and Central Tongu Districts flooded by the spilled water from the Akosombo Dam.
“10 years ago, our worry was about the low level of water in the dam, today we are worried about the high level of the water in the dam. So climate change is bringing in new situations that we have to handle, and so I want to challenge the VRA and NADMO, let us start thinking of long-term solutions to this spillage from the dam. Is there a way we can manage the spillage?
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Of course, I am not an engineer, so I want you the engineers to handle it. But one thing I have thought of is why can’t we have pipelines to the sea. But this is just someone who is not abreast in your field. Can we manage this spillage in a way that does not flood the immediate areas, divert the water as far as into the sea?”, he quizzed.
He recalled that the last time a spillage of the dam caused such havoc was 60 years ago, which led to some riverine communities migrating to their present settlement.
Dr. Bawumia commiserated with the over 26,000 residents displaced by the spillage in the 8 affected districts.
He indicated that the government was looking beyond just giving out relief items but providing sustainable livelihood support, to put back on track the lives of the victims.
“As you know, an inter-ministerial committee has been set up. VRA and NADMO are fully engaged in providing relief and the Ministry of Agriculture has also been tasked to start looking at how we will restore the livelihoods of the farmers along the banks of the river who have been displaced. And so beyond just providing temporary relief, we are looking at a more sustained approach to the victims so that they can restore the livelihoods that they have”, he said.
The Manklalo of Bakpa Traditional Area, Torgbi Kofi Tosu III disclosed that about 40 houses in 30 communities in the area have been submerged.
He, therefore, appealed for the provision of some relief items to cushion the victims in these hard times, as they struggle to fend for themselves, with water, food, clothing, and medical supplies.Source:myjoyonline.com
Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia has made a personal donation of GH₵160,000 Cedis to victims of the Akosombo Dam Spillage.
Several communities in eight Districts, mostly in the Volta Region, as well as the Eastern and Greater Accra Regions, have been displaced by the Dam spillage, and Dr. Bawumia made the donation to support the victims during his visit to some affected communities in the Volta Region on Wednesday October 17, 2023.
So far, the Government, through the National Disaster Management Organisation (NADMO) and the Inter Ministerial Committee set up by Government to manage the disaster, has responded by evacuating affected people to 20 holding centres, and also provided emergency relief items.
Dr. Bawumia’s personal donation, it was explained, is to complement the support government has so far offered to the displaced victims.
Dr.Mahamudu Bawumia,Vice President speaking to the victims
While expressing his sympathies, the Vice President also assured victims that government is not only committed to providing emergency solutions, but also committed to providing relief to restore the livelihoods of those affected.
“When I look into the eyes of our mother’s, fathers, sisters and brothers who are seated here, I see so much sadness. Their lives have been turned upside down as a result of what has happened,” Dr. Bawumia said.
“These are people who were going about their normal duties everyday to take care of themselves, but now they have to really depend on others for livelihood and I am saddened by that.”
“I want to assure that government will do everything possible to assist the affected people to provide relief and also restore the livelihood of those affected.
“We are not only looking at temporary relief, we are also looking at a more sustained support through the Inter Ministerial Committee, so that those affected can restore their livelihoods.”
Among communities the Vice President visited were: New Bakpa in Central Tongu District as well as Sogakope and Sokpoe, both in the South Tongu District.
The Vice President was accompanied by the Interior Minister Ambrosse Dery, Information Minister Kojo Oppong Nkrumah, Volta Regional Minister Archibald Letsa and officials of NADMO and the VRA.
The National Cathedral Secretariat, has debunked claims by Archbishop Nicholas Duncan-Williams and Rev Eastwood Anaba that there is a lack of transparency and information regarding the ongoing National Cathedral project.
The clergymen resigned from the Cathedral Board of Trustees on Tuesday citing lack of information and a failure to conduct an audit into the project’s expenditure.
However, Dr. Paul Opoku-Mensah, Executive Director of the National Cathedral Project, has clarified that the allegations of halting the audit process are false and reaffirmed the project’s commitment to integrity and transparency.
In a statement issued on Wednesday October 18, 2023 in respond to the allegations, Dr. Paul Opoku-Mensah, pointed out that the claims on the audit process are false.
According to him, the Board had rejected a January 23, 2023 resolution by Archbishop Duncan-Williams and Rev Anaba on the grounds of redundancy and undue politicization of the project.
“The allegations of lack of information and halting the audit process are unfounded. We have diligently kept all Board members, including Archbishop Duncan-Williams and Rev Anaba, updated on the audit progress through regular meetings and documented reports. The audit, conducted by Deloitte, is well underway, and we are cooperating fully to ensure its completion,” Dr. Opoku-Mensah stated.
“Their resolution, calling for a complete cessation of work until after the 2024 elections, was deemed unnecessary as the audit was already on the agenda. Moreover, linking the project to political motives was not in the best interest of the National Cathedral and its objectives,” he added.
“We are aware of efforts to politicize and spread misinformation about the National Cathedral. However, we remain steadfast in our commitment to integrity and transparency. The audit findings, which are being carried out by Deloitte, will be shared with the public, demonstrating the project’s genuine intentions.”
Dr. Opoku-Mensah clarified that the engagement letter with Deloitte was signed in March, and the audit process has been progressing as planned.
Meanwhile, the Secretariat also highlighted the politicization attempts surrounding the project and assured the public that the audit findings would be shared with the public, demonstrating the project’s genuine intentions.
Energy Minister, Dr. Matthew Opoku Prempeh is set to receive an award as the “most dynamic Minister” in the Akufo-Addo administration.
The award to be conferred on Dr. Prempeh by the Education and Management Training Foundation (EDMAT Foundation) on November 4, 2023 is in recognition of his outstanding performance and leadership in the two Ministries he has been in charge of under the current government.
Dr. Matthew Opoku Prempeh(NAPO)
In a statement signed by Executive Director of the Foundation, Dr. Robert Okyne, the foundation acknowledged the brilliant performance of the Minister, leading the implementation of the novel Free Senior High School Policy.
“Indeed, we saw your massive transformation of the education sector with robust revitalization of education policies, among others”, the statement said.
The statement continued; “In your current position as Energy Minister, we have followed closely the successes being chalked by Dr. Prempeh. We are sure the President and in fact Ghanaians are seeing you as the most dynamic Minister. You are the bulldozer and Mender.”
Dr, Matthew Opoku Prempeh, it may be recalled, was also in July this year honoured by the University of Cape Coast through the conferment of a Doctor of Educational Leadership Degree on him for his outstanding performance during his time as Minister for Education.
This was after UEW and UPSA conferred similar ones on him.
He was also named as the best Minister in 2019 and 2022 and further honoured by the Civil Service for his outstanding leadership
WHY DOES IT SOUND LIKE NPP DOES VOLTA REGION A FAVOUR WHEN THEY EVEN VISIT EMPTY HANDED
17/10/23
By: Godwin Ako Gunn
You may not understand when in Proverbs the Bible says the heart of man is desperately wicked !!! Shakespeare also wrote that there is no art to find the construction of a man’s mind in his face. And is it not common knowledge the saying that out of the abundance of the heart, the mouth will, by all means, speak?
Many have secret wishes for their enemies. Sometimes, they are covered with smiles, waiting for cold moments to say: “God punish you.” But for a President of a democratic country to make disparaging remarks to citizens at their lowest moments, when they don’t have shelter, food, or clothes I can only say, “otan ne aduro (hatred has no cure)”.
I don’t know how the Volta Region NPP Executives are feeling now. May their conscience judge them right. The flood affected ONLY NDC members. Right?
Just imagine the comment this same President made some time ago on Peace FM in respect of the request from the chief of Aflao demanding for the use of the community day school John Mahama built.
May I humbly ask if taxes from the Volta Region are added to the Consolidated Fund or not.
Obviously, it’s either Bawumiah or Ken that will lead the NPP into the 2024 elections. They should be worried about the perception that the people of the Volta Region have. As for Ken, his call for GAs and Ewes to be harmed, maimed, or killed worsens his plight in this discussion. They have work to do.
May I ask the NPP the wrong the people of the Volta Region have done to them ? The disrespect is too much !!! Can’t a group of people have a preference for themselves? Must the NPP remind them with scorn each day when they demand a share of the national cake? Come on !!! It is okay for the people of Kyebi to vote NPP, but insane for Tongu people to vote NDC. Since they didnt vote for him, then they should drown and die.
As we try as much as possible to erase the unhealthy line that separates us, we have others who are consciously deepening it for electoral purposes. I don’t know how that benefits them.
Let’s fight for true unity. Let’s pray for the day that we will have one nation devoid of where one comes from. Let’s not give up. There are better days ahead
Second lady, Samira Bawumia on Wednesday, continued her tour of the Ashanti Region, to engage delegates, ahead of November NPP Presidential Elections.
The third day of her visit took her to Ahafo Ano North, Ahafo Ano South- East,
Ahafo Ano South-West Constituencies , where she touched base with delegates to sell the vision of her husband to them.
Welcoming the 2nd Lady at Tepa, in the Ahafo Ano North constituency, the Zonal Coordinator for Dr Bawumia in the Ahafo Ano enclave, Edward Kofi Acheampong, promised 95 percent of votes for the Vice President.
Takin her turn to speak to the delegates, Mrs Bawumia said her husband is a leader who’s is born to serve his country.
The 2nd Lady was accompanied by Dr Nana Ayew Afriyie, the Ashanti Regional campaign Coordinator for Team DMB, Andy Owusu, Operations manager, 1st and 2nd vice Chairpersons of the party in the region, Patrick Acheampong and Mrs Victoria Owusu Achiaw, respectively; Regional Communications Director, Paul Kwabena Yandoh, Denise Kwakwa, former communications director and other High profile party members.
North Tongu MP, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa has commended the Founder and General Overseer of United Denominations of Action Chapel Churches Worldwide, Archbishop Nicholas Duncan-Williams, and President of Eastwood Anaba Ministries, Rev. Eastwood Anaba for resigning from the National Cathedral’s Board of Trustees.
According to him, the two respected clergymen have “covered themselves in glory with this resignation.”
The former Deputy Education Minister and Ranking member on Parliament’s Foreign Affairs Committee in an interview with Citi FM on Tuesday, October 17, insisted that the resignation of the two men of God confirms illegalities surrounding the project.
“I want to commend highly the two revered clergymen. Some may say it is delayed, but I will say better later than never because they have covered themselves in glory with this resignation, and it is a clear confirmation of the things I have been talking about.”
“Look at how they say they have been frustrated within the board about getting the board to carry out an independent audit. If these folks have nothing to hide, why did they really prevent efforts by these respected clergymen to have an independent audit? We will have time in the coming days, for an independent parliamentary inquiry on this matter.”
Duncan-Williams and Eastwood Anaba
“Our motion has gone through, the Speaker approved it and the House has voted on it, and we are just waiting for the NPP side to send their membership, and we will have a full-blown inquiry and delve into the matters.”
In a joint statement released by Archbishop Duncan-Williams and Rev. Anaba, they clarified that their decision to step down stems from government’s failure to appoint an independent accounting firm to conduct a comprehensive audit of all public funds contributed to the National Cathedral.
This follows a request made on January 23 this year.
In their earlier statement, the two clergymen called for the project’s immediate suspension and a financial audit to be undertaken.
They clarified, at the time that their call was based on the controversies surrounding the project.
According to them, the suspension would pave the way for transparency and accountability to be provided to the Ghanaian people.
But in the latest joint statement, the preachers say not much has been heard in terms of their request on the back of which they have resolved to step down from the project board.
“We, therefore, regret that as a matter of conscience and faith, we hereby submit to you our resignation from the Board of Trustees of the National Cathedral.”
“We honourably assure you, as we assured the Board of Trustees in January 2023 with the submission of our Resolution, that our action in no way impugns the vision or intent of The National Cathedral, but rather ensures that it is advanced and built on a foundation of integrity, efficiency and quality while garnering and maintaining public trust and support.”
