The High Court has issued a restraining order against lawyer Kwame Adofo, prohibiting him from disclosing any information about Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital (KATH), documents show.
This order issued on 4 July and sighted by dailymailgh.com, is part of a defamation suit filed by KATH against Adofo, who served as the hospital’s solicitor from 2018 to 2023.
According to the court’s ruling, Adofo is restrained from “revealing any information about the plaintiff between 2018 and 2023 which came to his actual or constructive knowledge from management, workers, or third parties dealing with the plaintiff hospital.”
This prohibition extends to “making any post on any of the defendant’s social media platforms, be it WhatsApp, Facebook, Instagram, or any other place, on all matters concerning the plaintiff and its operations.”
In addition, the court’s order prevents Adofo from discussing any issues related to “KATH’s operations on radio or television…, pending the final determination of the suit”
Lawyer Adofo incurred the wrath of the hospital after he reportedly published sensitive information about the hospital’s operations on traditional and social media.
The suit filed by KATH on Wednesday (31 January 2024) averred that Adofo, whose “unprofessional” conduct was reported to the General Legal Council “persists in his unguided crusade at spewing a lot of unfortunate comments about the Hospital (plaintiff) about its operations”.
KATH wants the Court to among others “delete all the statements, comments or reactions stated on Adofo’s Facebook wall” and render an unqualified apology to the hospital.
The National Road Safety Authority (NRSA) has disclosed that approximately 1,237 people died from road crashes between January and June 2024.
According to the NRSA, many of these fatalities resulted from wrongful overtaking and drivers’ failure to observe traffic signs.
Pearl Adusu Sateckla, Head of Public Relations at the NRSA, described the situation as “worrying.”
“The contributory factor might be as a result of head-on-collision, and head-on-collision is as a result of wrongful overtaking and overspeeding. Research has shown that about 90% of our drivers plying our roads in the country do not adhere to the speed limits in the country.
“When the speed is high, the severity of the crash is so much,” the Head of Public Relations at the NRSA said.
file photo
A summary of the provisional national traffic crash and casualty statistics indicates that a total of 6,653 road traffic crashes were reported from January to June 2024. These crashes involved 11,283 vehicles of all categories (Private, Commercial, Motorbikes/Cycles, etc.), and 8,798 casualties (1,237 fatalities/deaths and 7,561 injuries).
Knockdowns decreased by 4%, 4.5%, 3.8% and 1% respectively from January to June 2024 whilst persons killed increased by 13% when compared to the same period of 2023.
In June, 21 (12%) persons killed were below 18 years whilst 150 (88%) were reported to have been adults (above) 18 years. Likewise, from January to June, 149 (12%) persons killed were below the age of 18 years whilst 1088 (88%) were reported to have been adults (above 18 years).
This indicates that for every seven (7) adults (above 18 years) killed, a child (below 18 years) is killed revealing a relatively high road traffic death ratio (7:1) for adults than for children within the period. This is partly due to the high risk of exposure of adults to traffic incidences as compared to children.
According to the statistics, Bono Region recorded the highest percentage increase in crashes by 41.5% from January to June 2024 compared to the same period of 2023. Upper East Region recorded the highest percentage decrease with 41.2%.
Oti Region had the highest percentage increase of 500% followed by the Savannah Region with 288.9% increase. Upper West recorded no change and Northern Region recorded the highest decrease in Injuries sustained by 100% each in the number of injuries sustained within the period.
Generally, except for persons killed which recorded an increase of 13%, there have been decreases in all other indicators from January to June 2024 when compared to the same period of 2023.
It must be emphasized that the Greater Accra Region recorded a significant drop in of fatalities of 11.7% compared to 2023.
Ashanti Region, on the other hand, recorded a hike in deaths (131) resulting in 67.5% increase compared to same period in 2023. Despite Greater Accra experiencing more than double (200%) the number of crashes recorded in the Eastern Region over the past six months, the Eastern Region still surpasses Greater Accra in terms of deaths.
From the analyses, for every 100 crashes, Eastern Region recorded 27 deaths as against 10 deaths for the Greater Accra Region.
In a statement, the Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport (CILT) Ghana called on the government to urgently constitute a committee to thoroughly investigate the entire chain of events leading to recent road accidents and make its findings public.Source:citinewsroom.com
The Member of Parliament for Damongo Constituency and Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Hon. Samuel A. JINAPOR, has stated categorically that the King and Overlord of Gonjaland, Yagbonwura Soele Bi Kunoto, is his father and overlord.
In an interview in Damongo with Akili Gideon of Damongo based Spear Fm, the Minister stated that “ The Yagbonwura is traditionally my grandfather and overlord and I will never do anything to undermine him”.
He further stated that he has great respect for the Chieftaincy institution and will always accord all chiefs high reverence especially his overlord.
The Damongo legislator explained that most of what has happened is as a result of some miscommunication and unfortunate misunderstanding of some issues and he insisted that “ I will take all measures necessary to restore normalcy between myself and the Jakpa Palace which is my natural home”.
The Lands Minister concluded the interview by calling for calm, peace and unity in the Gonja Kingdom and Damongo in particular while development is pursued.
US President Joe Biden has announced that he will end his candidacy for re-election, saying, “It is in the best interest of my party and the country.”
It comes four months before Americans go to the polls, upending the race for the White House.
It follows weeks of intense pressure from fellow Democrats after a faltering debate performance against Republican Donald Trump at the end of June.
In a letter posted to his social media account, he said it had been the greatest honour of his life to serve as president.
“And while it has been my intention to seek re-election, I believe it is in the best interest of my party and the country for me to stand down and to focus solely on fulfilling my duties as President for the remainder of my term.”
US President Joe Biden
He said in his statement that he would address the nation on the matter next week.
President Biden thanked his Vice President, Kamala Harris, saying she was an “extraordinary partner.”
“And let me express my heartfelt appreciation for the American people for the faith and trust you have placed in me,” his statement added.
“I believe today and always have: that there is nothing America can’t do when we do it together. We just have to remember we are the United States of America.”
Last week he returned to his home in Delaware after being diagnosed with Covid, but said on Friday he was looking forward to “getting back on the campaign trail next week.”
He has previously said only the “Lord Almighty” could make him withdraw, but later said he would consider withdrawing if he had a health condition.
A traditional history was made at the Bekwai Palace in the Ashanti Region on Thursday,18th July 2024, when a former District Chief Executive (DCE) for Amansie Central, Dr. Nana Kwame Asamoah-Boateng, swore the oath of allegiance to Nana Osei Kwadwo Ababio, the President of the Bekwai Traditional Area.
Dr Nana Kwame Asamoah-Boateng swearing oath of allegiance to Nana Osei Kwadwo Ababio.
Dr.Nana Kwame Asamoah- Boateng exchanges with Nana Osei Kwadwo Ababio, Bekwai Manhene and Nananom
Nana Asamoah-Boateng, who is the first to be installed as Bekwai Traditional Area Aboafohene, was led to the palace by a large contingent of chiefs, queens, family elders, some former and current DCEs, among others, for the colourful enstoolment and swearing-in ceremony.
Some scenes from the event
The Paramount Chief of the Bekwai Traditional Area, Nana Osei Kwadwo Ababio, who gave the rationale behind the selection of Dr. Nana Asamoah-Boateng, which was unanimously accepted by members of the Traditional Council, for enstoolment as the first Chief Helper (Aboafohene) for the area, enumerated the contributions, experience and some achievements of the former Amansie Central DCE which are needed to be tapped for the betterment of the area.
Dr.Nana Kwame Asamoah- Boateng, carried on shoulders across selected principal streets of Bekwai
According to the chief, many infrastructural projects were initiated and completed during Nana Asamoah-Boateng’s two-term administration as DCE for the Amansie Central District. Some of the projects are as follows:
Construction of the District Assembly block at Jacobu, District Chief Executive and senior staff quarters at Jacobu, District Education Headquarters at Jacobu, District Agriculture Office at Jacobu, junior staff bungalow at Jacobu, district police bungalow at Jacobu, Jacobu Senior High Technical School boys’ dormitory, girls’ dormitory, computer science block, six-unit classroom block, SDA JHS, DA JHS, Jacobu Market square, Jacobu lorry park and toilet facility, females and males ward, etc.
Some scenes from the event
Besides, over 150 students of tertiary institutions have been given educational sponsorship, among other social interventions.
“We need such an experienced and development-oriented person to get closer to us to also help other traditional leaders in this area to ensure speedy development,” the Omanhene pointed out.
Dr.Nana Kwame Asamoah-Boateng, Aboafohene,exchanges greeting with Nana Osei Kwadwo Ababio,the Paramount chief of Bekwai
He, therefore, advised the newly installed Bekwai Aboafohene to work assiduously to justify the confidence reposed in him.
He urged Nana Asamoah-Boateng to collaborate effectively with the traditional rulers and also seek advice in all his dealings in order not to disappoint him and the Traditional Council.
The various divisions in the traditional settings were given an opportunity to give words of advice, and they all pledged their unflinching support for the newly installed Bekwai Traditional Council Aboafohene.
They stressed the need for him to continue to humble himself and accord all council members the needed respect at all times.
Speaking to the media after the ceremony, Nana Kwame Asamoah-Boateng was full of praise to the Almighty God for his favour.
He expressed his profound gratitude to Nana Osei Kwadwo Ababio and members of his Traditional Council for the honour done him.
He pledged to do his best possible effort to lobby for the needed development for the Traditional Area.
He also promised to work hand in hand with all Nananom and also seek their counsel whenever the need arises.
The Aboafohene emphasised the need for unity and peaceful coexistence on the part of the people in the area.
President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo has once again cautioned Ghanaians, especially the youth, not to make a mistake to vote back former President and 2024 National Democratic Congress (NDC) Flagbearer, Mr. John Mahama, to power.
According to him, Mr. Mahama is still incompetent even in opposition and Ghanaians should not be deceived by his propaganda to renew his mandate, otherwise they would regret their decision.
Some scenes from the forum
He has, therefore, urged Ghanaians, especially the youth, who are the future leaders of the country, to vote massively for his ‘competent’ Vice-President, who is also the 2024 Flagbearer for the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Dr. Mahamudu Bawuma, to continue his achievements for the betterment of the country.
Hon.Ignatius Baffour Awuah,Nana Addo and Kofi Baah Agyapong,YEA CEO
President Akufo-Addo made the call in Kumasi during the maiden Youth Empowerment Agency (YEA) Beneficiaries Forum held on Wednesday,17th July 2024, in the auditorium of the Bantama Church of Pentecost.
According to him, Mr. Mahama has nothing new to offer Ghanaians. He said Ghanaians gave him only a term (four years) due to his non-performance. “How can I leave my back to him for him (Mahama) to come and destroy our good works…?” he asked rhetorically.
Section of YEA beneficiaries
The well-attended forum was aimed at engaging the beneficiaries of the training programmes to address their concerns and challenges, as well as giving them an opportunity to have face-to-face interactions with the President, the Minister of Employment and the management of the agency.
President Akufo-Addo commended the CEO and the management of the agency for their great success, urging them not to relent on their efforts.
He praised the beneficiaries for their commitment and dedication to service.
Both the Employment and Labour Minister, Mr. Ignatius Baffour Awuah, and Mr. Kofi Baah Agyapong, the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of YEA, made a strong case for the beneficiaries at the forum which was received with a rapturous applause.
The Employment Minister hinted that plans were underway for the agency to introduce a Youth in Sports model to the YEA.
Earlier, the CEO of YEA took time to highlight the successes of the agency.
He disclosed that in the Ashanti Region alone, over 8,572 beneficiaries had been engaged and the youth were seizing opportunities and transforming their future through the training programmes of the YEA.
“From the Community Protection Programme to the Community Health Worker Programme, and the Technical and Vocational Skills Training Programme, our young leaders are shining brightly,” he added.
The CEO gave the breakdown of the beneficiaries as follows:
• 2,782 Beneficiaries on the Community Protection Programme
• 1,479 Beneficiaries on the Community Health Worker Programme
• 157 Beneficiaries on the Prison Assistants Programme
• 365 Beneficiaries on the Garment Programme
• 1,272 Beneficiaries on the Business and Employment Assistance Programme
• 2,260 Beneficiaries on the Technical and Vocational Skills Training Programme
• 250 Beneficiaries on the Youth In Modern Building Technology Programme
Mr. Agyapong said YEA was committed to overcoming challenges and they were working tirelessly to ensure every young person had the support they needed to thrive.
He was most grateful to President Akufo-Addo, the YEA board and their dedicated staff for their unwavering support.
“Together we’re building a brighter, more secure future for Ghana,” he added.
The University Teachers Association of Ghana (UTAG) is calling for a complete overhaul of the Social Security and National Insurance Trust (SSNIT) board, and the immediate stepping down of the top management team, citing a need for fresh leadership and a reset of priorities to ensure responsible management of pension funds and a restoration of public confidence.
The call comes after a sustained protest against the intended sale of SSNIT’s 60 per cent shares in four hotels to a private hotel owned by Ghana’s Minister of Food and Agriculture.
Although the protest eventually led to the termination of the deal by SSNIT, UTAG believes the current board and management’s participation in the widely-criticised and contentious deal has exposed a significant failure in their (SSNIT) decision-making and accountability, demonstrating a clear disconnect from public opinion and a lack of understanding of the collective wisdom.
Read also: Organised Labour declares strike over NPRA’s approval for sale of SSNIT hotels
In a statement issued on Saturday, July 13, 2024, signed by the UTAG President Prof Mamudu Akudugu and General Secretary Prof Eliasu Mumuni, UTAG said, “Those in positions of power within SSNIT must step down to allow new people with a better appreciation of the enormity of the responsibility of managing pension funds to take over and restore public trust and ensure that such actions are not repeated in the future.”
UTAG also asserts that the SSNIT Board and top management have exhibited egregious judgment and a profound lack of corporate governance expertise, thereby rendering their continued tenure untenable.
“Their initial decision to proceed with this transaction, despite widespread public outcry, indicates a disregard for the sentiments and welfare of the broader populace. This action has undermined confidence in the board and management’s capacity to manage our pension funds and assets prudently and transparently.”
UTAG also backed the call by organised labour for a nationwide strike action against SSNIT. It is unclear whether the strike will go ahead from Monday, July 15 or not, following the termination of the sale of SSNIT hotels to a minister of state.
“In light of the declaration of a nationwide strike by Organized Labour on 12th July 2024, the University Teachers Association of Ghana (UTAG) unequivocally supports the action.
Consequently, UTAG has begun the necessary steps to activate a nationwide strike as per the declaration by Organized Labour, strictly following the UTAG Constitutional provisions. This decision is not taken lightly but reflects our deep-seated concern over the current handling of SSNIT investment interests and its assets.”
Residents and motorists who use the Mampong-Ejura highway road have made a passionate appeal to President Akufo-Addo, through the Minister of Roads, Mr Asenso Boakye, and the Member of Parliament (MP) for the Mampong Constituency, Mr Kwaku Ampratwum Sarpong, to fix the Sataso River bridge at Sataso, near Adidwan off the Mampong-Ejura road, which has deteriorated and could collapse at any time.
According to Elder Freddick Boamah, a frequent user of the road, and other residents and motorists who spoke to The New Trust newspaper online, the bridge serves important purposes not only for drivers and passengers, who use it to link adjoining communities from the Mampong-Ejura direction, but also for local farmers who have to cross it to their various farms.
The residents and motorists said the government, through the Ghana Highways Authority, should urgently fix the only bridge linking other communities to Ejura and its environs.
They cautioned that any delay in fixing the nearly collapsed Sataso bridge could plunge the nation into a serious disaster, especially the users of big trucks.
Pictures and video
of the deathtrap Sataso bridge collaborate the narration by the concerned residents and motorists in the area.
The pictorial evidence shows clearly the major cracks in the bridge, for which reason it needs urgent attention before worse things happen.
Residents and motorists who use the Mampong-Ejura highway road have made a passionate appeal to President Akufo-Addo, through the Minister of Roads, Mr Asenso Boakye, and the Member of Parliament (MP) for the Mampong Constituency, Mr Kwaku Ampratwum Sarpong, to fix the Sataso River bridge at Sataso, near Adidwan off the Mampong-Ejura road, which has deteriorated and could collapse at any time.
According to Elder Freddick Boamah, a frequent user of the road, and other residents and motorists who spoke to The New Trust newspaper online, the bridge serves important purposes not only for drivers and passengers, who use it to link adjoining communities from the Mampong-Ejura direction, but also for local farmers who have to cross it to their various farms.
