President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo,has appointed new boards for the Ghana Broadcasting Corporation (GBC) as well as for three other state media organizations. These appointments are in line with Article 168 of the Constitution and Section 2(1)(e) of the National Media Commission Act, 1993 (Act 449).
The state media outlets receiving new boards include the New Times Corporation, Ghana News Agency, and Graphic Communications Group Limited.
The full list of appointees and their respective media outlets is as follows:
In accordance with Article 168 of the Constitution and Section 2(1)(e) of the National Media Commission Act, 1993 (Act 449), the National Media Commission, in consultation with the President, has appointed the following individuals to the governing boards of these state-owned media corporations.
Graphic Communications Group Limited
Ebenezer Asante Sefa – Chair
Yaw D Oppong
Kyei-Brobbey Ishaq
Roderick Emil Larsen Reindorf
Prof Kofi Afranie
Nana Ama Poku
Gilbert Tietaah
Juliet Amoah
Managing Director
Ghana Broadcasting Corporation
Samuel Kojo Intsiaba – Chair
Tanoh Debrah
Francis Dadzie
Peter Djakwah
Ama Serwa N-T
Thomas Broni
Adjei Afriyie Nketia
Raymond Kumah Acquah
Director General
Ghana News Agency
Nana Gyan Apenteng – Chair
Alexander Mawusi Kofi Buadi
Nana Sefa Twum
Ivy Hoetu
Kwasi Adu-Mante
Rev Helena Opoku Sarkodie
Emmanuel Ahene-Affoh
General Manager
Nana Gyan Apenteng
New Times Corporation
Kwamina Quansah Aidoo – Chair
Kwesi Adjei Kersi
Theresa Larteley Adu
Ambassador Lawrence Roland Satuh
Charity Binka
Julio De-Medeiros Esq.
Samuel S Sarfo
Abdul Moomin Gbana
Managing Director
Our ancestors told us how we came into this world but how we will leave this earth, they never told us because they had no idea of when and how we will leave.
Late Chairman Geokad
I am still shocked and my heart is broken. 31st July will always be remembered because there is sorrow all around me.Till we meet again, Rest in peace Geokad.
George Kofi Adjei (GEOKAD), the chairman of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) for the Ashanti Region’s Nhyiaeso Constituency, has passed away.
On Wednesday, July 31, 2024, he passed away at the University of Ghana Medical Centre (UGMC).
Chairman George Kofi Adjei aka Geokad
Before passing away, Joe Kad, who is said to be the NPP’s longest-serving constituency chairman, was admitted to UGMC for around a week due to illness.
The last time he was seen in public was during the EC’s limited registration exercise at Regional Coordinating Council (RCC) in Ashanti Region.
We, the members of Modern Women of Wisdom Organization, an all-female women empowerment group, extend our heartfelt congratulations to the Parliament of Ghana and the Minister of Gender, Children and Social Protection, Hon. Dakoa Newman, on the passage of the Affirmative Action Bill.
This landmark legislation aligns with the UN 2030 gender equality goals (SDG 5) and marks a significant milestone in bridging the gender inequality gap.
The Affirmative Action Bill ensures increased representation of women in decision-making positions, leading to inclusive policies and a minimum of 30% representation as stipulated in SDG 5.
Women will now have access to resources, employment opportunities, and equal salaries as their male counterparts.
The Bill addresses historical gender biases, including forced marriage, child marriage, female genital mutilation, domestic violence, inheritance/property rights, and objectification of women.
File photo
We celebrate this achievement and look forward to its implementation, which will undoubtedly transform the lives of women in Ghana.
The Bill will promote equality, improve healthcare and education outcomes, and enable women to take leadership roles, inspiring future generations.
Long live Parliament of Ghana !
Long live Gender, Children and Social Protection Ministry!
Long live Ghana!
Contact:
Nana Ama Asantewaa Kwarko
Women Empowerment Advocate
Founder, Modern Women of Wisdom Organization
0244933893
Some five thousand Ghanaian construction workers are expected to gain direct jobs from the government’s accelerated road construction project dubbed, the District Road Improvement Programme (DRIP).
The initiative, which is expected to begin in earnest, is mainly funded by the District Assembly Common Fund.
It is meant to patch up and smoothen deplorable roads across the country.
Addressing dignitaries during the launch, President Akufo-Addo said the intervention is proof of his administration’s commitment to improving road infrastructure in Ghana.
“I stand before you today with considerable pride to launch the District Road Improvement Programme (DRIP) and commission essential equipment which use will be crucial in transforming road networks across the country.
“This event marks an important milestone in our pursuit of infrastructural development and I am honoured to commemorate this momentous occasion with you all. This ceremony is proof of the determination of the Akufo-Addo-Bawumia government to decentralize development and ensure that every corner of Ghana benefits from the progress and prosperity we strive to achieve,” the President said.
The newly launched District Road Improvement Programme (DRIP) aims to revitalise road infrastructure nationwide by allocating earth-moving equipment to Metropolitan, Municipal, and District Assemblies (MMDAs).
Under DRIP, funded through the District Assembly Common Fund and supported by donor partners, MMDAs will receive essential equipment such as Caterpillars, Bulldozers, and Concrete Mixers.
These resources are intended to bolster road construction efforts and address longstanding infrastructure challenges across Ghana.
The initiative aims to expedite the completion of road projects and enhance agricultural activities in farming communities by facilitating better access to markets and reducing transportation costs.
Improved rural road networks are expected to mitigate post-harvest losses for farmers, contributing to economic stability and food security.
During a media briefing, Martin Adjei Mensah Korsah, Minister for Local Government, Decentralisation, and Rural Development, emphasised DRIP’s transformative impact.
“The District Road Improvement Programme is a crucial initiative aimed at enhancing road infrastructure in rural areas,” Mr Korsah stated.
“The programme will foster sustainable development, improve connectivity, and elevate living standards by equipping local authorities with necessary tools and resources,” he stressed.
John Dramani Mahama, flagbearer of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), has clarified that their praise for the Court of Appeal’s decision to acquit and discharge the accused in the ambulance trial does not indicate a sudden shift in their stance on the judiciary.
In an exclusive interview with TV3’s Komla Klutse on July 30, Mahama explained, “Not that we have suddenly found our voice. I do think that despite the issues we have with the judiciary, there are judges who are fair-minded. We are not talking about all judges. In some cases, we criticize judgments. For instance, to say that your birth certificate can’t be proof of your identity as a citizen, I don’t agree with that judgment, but they pronounced it and we have abided by it.”
He further emphasized, “We sent an election petition, we were thrown out, and I said I respected the judgment of the court. So we have always respected the judgment of the court. As president, I can say I never ever, once, interfered with the administration of justice, even though the Chief Justice was a church member of mine. I can say on authority I never ever discussed one case with her; I left it to the wisdom of the judges to make those determinations.”
Mahama also criticized the current administration’s handling of the judiciary, stating, “In this government, we know and we have heard of manipulation of judges. Judges are called and told what decisions to take and all that. I do think we give judges security of tenure so that they can be fair-minded in what they do and I am prepared to work with the judiciary to create the kind of judiciary we deserve.”
Regarding the ambulance trial involving Minority Leader Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson, Mahama expressed that the case should never have been initiated. He stated, “I think that it shows the vindication that [Ato Forson] is innocent. We believe that this prosecution should never have taken place. Indeed, it [Court of Appeal’s decision] came as a surprise because I had quite forgotten about the appeal.”
The Court of Appeal’s ruling on July 30 meant that the High Court, scheduled to hear the case on the same day, did not proceed. The High Court had previously directed Dr. Forson and his co-accused, Richard Jakpa, to open their defense in March 2023 after the Attorney General’s office presented prima facie evidence related to a 2.37 million Euro ambulance procurement case. The charges included willfully causing financial loss to the state due to the ambulances’ failure to meet their intended use.
The Court of Appeal overturned the High Court’s decision, ruling that “the prosecution failed to establish sufficient evidence. The trial judge erred in calling on A1 (Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson) to open his defense. No positively proven facts. Evidence based on impermissible speculations. There is no link between the evidence heard and what happened for the third accused to be called to open defense.”
The panel of three justices also acquitted and discharged the accused, noting, “If there is any financial loss, that was based on the Health Ministry’s recklessness and should be blamed on the Ministry of Health. If they worked in the interest of the state, the whole ambulance issue would have been addressed. Both appellants have made a case for them to be acquitted and discharged.”
Vice President Dr Mahamadu Bawumia has announced that the government will equip Metropolitan, Municipal, and District Assemblies (MMDAs) across the country with earth-moving equipment to facilitate road construction.
This initiative is part of the District Road Improvement Programme (D.R.I.P), aimed at empowering local assemblies to undertake crucial infrastructure development projects.
Dr Mahamadu Bawumia
The DRIP, funded by the District Assembly Common Fund and donor partners, is designed to address the numerous infrastructure challenges the MMDAs face.
By providing the necessary equipment, the programme seeks to enhance the capacity of local governments to improve road networks and other essential infrastructure.
Speaking at a rally in Wulensi in the Northern Region, Dr Bawumia emphasised that the DRIP will be a transformative initiative for local communities.
He stressed the importance of the programme in boosting infrastructure development and improving the quality of life for residents across the country.
Dr Bawumia expressed confidence that the DRIP would significantly impact the MMDAs’ ability to tackle infrastructure issues effectively.
He described the programme as a “game changer,” underscoring its potential to drive substantial progress in road construction and other development projects at the district level.
“We now have a new policy that we’re going to implement, which is basically the District Road Improvement Programme, every district is going to be a given a set of road equipment to work on your road, every district.
“I’m happy to note that all the equipment that we have ordered has arrived and every district will get a set which includes an excavator, back holder, wheel loaders, compact rollers, and tipper trucks, every district, set of equipment,” Dr Bawumia said.
The flagbearer of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), John Dramani Mahama, has asserted that it is not within President Akufo-Addo’s authority to decide his successor after the general elections.
Mr Mahama emphasised that the president would have to hand over power to whoever the people of Ghana elect.
This statement comes in response to President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo’s firm stance against handing over the presidency to his predecessor, John Dramani Mahama.
John Mahama and President Akufo-Addo
During an address to the chiefs and people of Wa, President Akufo-Addo expressed gratitude for their support throughout his presidency and informed the Paramount Chief of the Waala traditional area, Naa Fuseini Seidu Pelpuo IV, that he intended to return with the New Patriotic Party’s flagbearer, Dr Mahamudu Bawumia, as his successor.
Speaking to the Central Regional House of Chiefs on Tuesday, July 30, after introducing his running mate, Prof Jane Naana Opoku-Agyemang, Mr Mahama reiterated that President Akufo-Addo would have no choice but to hand over to him if he wins the forthcoming election.
Mr Mahama stressed his belief in the power of the people’s vote and his readiness to assume leadership if elected.
“Please tell [President Akufo-Addo], it is not in his mouth to determine who he will hand over to.”
“He should just promise that when the elections are held whoever wins he will hand over, but you can’t say you won’t hand over to John Mahama if the people of Ghana say John Mahama is who they want and they elect me, you will have to hand over to me,” he said.
The Presiding Member (PM) for the Kumasi Metropolitan Assembly (KMA), who doubles as the Dean of Ashanti Presiding Members Conference, Mr. Patrick Kwame Frimpong, has launched a vigorous campaign for the urgent retooling of the National Commission for Civic Education (NCCE), Ghana National Fire Service (GNFS), Information Service Department (ISD), Department of Social Welfare Development (DSWD) & Ghana Prisons Service (GPS).
Mr.Patrick Kwame Frimpong
According to Mr. Frimpong, who is also the Assembly Member for the Krofrom Electoral Area within the Kumasi Metropolis, the five constitutional institutions have been neglected for far too long by successive governments under the Fourth Republic.
He said available records indicated clearly that successive governments under the Fourth Republic had neglected the aforementioned relevant institutions of state, and there was an urgent need for all hands to be on deck to help retool them.
Speaking exclusively to “The New Trust” newspaper on Monday, 29th July 2024, on issues the Ghanaian electorate should consider before exercising their franchise in this year’s elections, he bemoaned the long-time neglect of the institutions.
Mr.Patrick Kwame Frimpong and the dive neglected institutions logos.
Mr. Frimpong, who strongly believes institutions and agencies must be strengthened, noted that if the institutions were well retooled, they would make significant impact on the development of the country.
According to the KMA PM, with barely four months to December 7, all political parties and their flagbearers must be challenged to come out with their specific policies and programmes to help strengthen these neglected and dying institutions.
Some core functions of neglected institutions
Mr. Frimpong, who scanned through the core functions or roles of the five institutions, said, for instance, the GNFS is one of the agencies under the Ministry of the Interior. The service was re-established by an Act of Parliament in 1997, Ghana National Fire Service Act, 1997, Act 537. The objective of the service is to prevent and manage undesired fires.
Under the strategic objectives of the mother ministry, the GNFS is required to provide adequate protection for life and properties, sensitise and provide technical assistance and pieces of advice to schools, markets, MMDAs, lorry parks and other institutions nationwide on fire safety measures.
The major programme and project assigned to the service is fire management, rescue and extrication services.
According to him, it is unfortunate that apart from former President Jerry John Rawlings, who procured fire tenders from 1999 to 2000 which were distributed from 2000 to 2001, and former President John Agyekum Kufuor, who also procured fire tenders from 2007 to 2008 and were distributed between 2009 and 2010 under the late Prof. Evans Atta Mills’s administration, the administrations of late Prof.Evans Atta Mills,John Mahama and President Akufo-Addo have not procured a single fire tender.
With regard to the core functions of the DSWD, he said it is the primary government agency mandated to develop, implement and co-ordinate social protection and poverty-reduction solutions for the poor & vulnerable, but the department has been neglected.
Commenting on the current state of the NCCE, he said according to its website, the functions of the commission is to create and sustain within the society the awareness of the principles and objectives of the 1992 Constitution as the fundamental law of the people of Ghana.
Also, it is supposed to educate and encourage the public to defend the Constitution at all times against all forms of abuse and violations.
Unfortunately, the commission has been neglected, and it needs to be equipped with vehicles and other logistics.
The functions of the ISD include the promotion of social accountability in the public policy cycle, mainstream development communication across the public sector, etc.
Besides, Mr. Frimpong expressed concerns, especially about the serious congestions in the various prisons, adding that past interior ministers were only interested in equipping the police service without giving equal logistics to the prisons.
He said per its core mandate, the GPS is tasked with the safe custody of convicted persons from the courts, as well as the provision of reformation and rehabilitation programmes for their successful resettlement into the society.
The Court of Appeal has discharged the Minority Leader, Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson, from the ongoing ambulance case.
This decision overturned the previous order from the trial court, which required Dr. Ato Forson to present his defense.
The Court of Appeal’s ruling sets aside the trial court’s directive, delivered by Justice Afia Serwaa Asare Botwe, which had dismissed Ato Forson’s submission of no case.
Dr. Ato Forson had argued that there was no case for him to answer, but this submission was initially rejected by the trial judge.
Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson
The Court of Appeal’s decision now upholds Dr Ato Forson’s submission.
As a result, Dr. Ato Forson is no longer required to open his defense in the ongoing trial, marking a significant development in the case.
Cassiel Ato Forson and Richard Jakpa, who is a representative for Big Sea have been accused of causing a financial loss of €2.37 million to the state in a deal to purchase 200 ambulances for the country between 2014 and 2016.Source:myjoyonline.com
