Gambia News Gazette

President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo has praised Ghanaian mothers for their sacrifices and dedication to the betterment of humanity.

‘I extend heartfelt wishes to all mothers on Mother’s Day, celebrating their unparalleled commitment and the gentle strength that sustains our families, communities and nation,’ he stated.

This was contained in a message posted by the President on his Facebook page in celebration of all mothers on Mother’s Day, which was May 12.

Ghana commemorated the Day by wishing all mothers well and expressing gratitude, love, and appreciation for their efforts.

On Sunday, various social media platforms monitored by the Ghana News Agency (GNA) were inundated with goodwill messages, as some citizens demonstrated their appreciation to their mothers for their invaluable contribution to their lives.

Source: Ghana News Agency

King Tackie Tsuru II, Ga Mantse and the President of the Ga Traditional Council, is to receive the Pan African Change Maker Order of Merit at the ninth Pan African Humanitarian and Investment Summit in the United Nations.

The honour is in recognition of his visionary leadership and dedication to advancing social impact and sustainable development across Africa.

The summit, which will be held on September 20, 2024, in Maryland, USA, will be on the theme ‘Global Partnerships for African Progress: Fostering Collaboration Across Continents.’

A letter of invitation from the organisers to the Ga Mantse and made available to the Ghana News Agency (GNA) stated that the visionary leadership and dedication of the Mantse had positioned him as a true pioneer and a driving force in shaping the African continent’s future.

‘Your dedication to promoting cultural heritage, advancing education, and fostering community development has earned you the respect and admiration of people worldwide,’ it noted.

It indicated that G
a Mantse’s commitment to preserving and promoting the rich cultural heritage of the Ga people was exemplary, and his efforts to empower the youth, promote education, and drive sustainable development had been instrumental in improving the lives of many in his community.

King Tackie Tsuru II, through his deputy protocol director, expressed happiness and willingness to participate in the summit, saying, ‘The King feels encouraged and motivated to do more for his people, country, and Africa at large.’

Source: Ghana News Agency

The Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, has asked Ghanaians to desist from acts that could jeopardize the peace of the nation.

He said as the country prepared for another general election, it was important for Ghanaians to remind themselves of the need to act appropriately and not to take things for granted.

Otumfuo Osei Tutu made the call at a durbar to climax the 25th anniversary of his installation as the 16th occupant of the golden stool at Dwabirem in the Manhyia palace in Kumasi.

The year-long anniversary started in February with a symposium on the 150th anniversary of the Sagrenti War of 1874 and a book launch on the history of Asantes, written by Otumfuo Sir Osei Agyeman Prempeh II.

That was followed by the ‘Kuntunkuni durbar’ to commemorate the Sargrenti War and the return of some of the artefacts stolen by the British colonialists, to the Manhyia palace.

There was also a clean-up exercise throughout Asanteman, while a religious feast was held for all fetish priests and priestesses in Asanteman, a
t the Manhyia palace.

Additionally, a durbar was organized for all ethnic groups domiciled in the Ashanti region while fireworks were also held in some parts of Kumasi.

An inter-denominational church service was held at the Manhyia palace, and a thanksgiving service was also organized at the St. Cyprian Anglican Basilica to commemorate the 74th birthday of the king.

A symposium would also be held in November this year, to mark the 100th anniversary of the return of Nana Prempeh I from exile in the Seychelles Islands.

Otumfuo Osei Tutu reassured of his resolve to continue to fight against illegal mining activities, which were destroying the country’s water bodies and forests.

He said it was important for all Ghanaians to be part of the fight to protect the natural resources of the country.

The Asantehene also reminded Ghanaians to work together to help grow the economy and said the transformation of the country depended on everyone’s contribution.

He said with the help and support of the golden stool, h
e would continue to face his destiny and work to improve the lives of the people, not only in Asanteman, but Ghana as a whole.

Among the highlights of the durbar was the display of the golden stool in public and the presence of many ethnic and traditional heads from across the country and the West African sub-region.

The Tuareg Community from Mali donated two camels as a gift to the Asantehene.

The Prime Minister of Trinidad and Tobago, Dr Keith Christopher Rowley, was the special guest of honour at the durbar.

Also in attendance were the President, Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, Vice President Dr Bawumia, former President Mr J. A Kufuor, as well as Ministers of State, Members of Parliament, traditional rulers, the clergy, members of the diplomatic corps, tourists as well as ordinary citizens.

Source: Ghana News Agency

Lady Apostle Mrs Esther Kisseih, wife of the General Overseer of the Life International Church, has called on women to prioritize their families to be actively involved in their children’s lives and to lead by example.

She said women, by prioritizing their own mental and physical well-being alongside their children’s needs could become stronger role models and provide better support.

Lady Apostle Kisseih made the call at a special Thanksgiving Service to commemorate this year’s Mothers’ Day celebration, in Accra.

She said in traditional societies, motherhood was primarily seen as a duty that required self-sacrifice and women were expected to prioritize the needs of their children above all.

‘Today’ s responsible mothers understand that sacrificing the entire identity is not necessary for effective parenting,’ she said.

She added that a responsible mother understood that her role extended beyond providing basic care for her child. It involves fostering emotional, intelligence, empathy, and independence in
her offspring.

‘As we celebrate Mother’s Day, I want to extend my heartfelt appreciation to all mothers for their unwavering dedication and sacrifices,’ Lady Apostle Kisseih added.

Source: Ghana News Agency

Ghana is set to co-host Exercise Flintlock, an annual African partner-led United States (US) and International enabled special operations forces exercise for the second consecutive time.

The Exercise is designed to strengthen collective security, reinforce military bonds, and trust of the civilian populace, and augment the tactics, techniques, procedures, and skillsets of regional partners to address security threats.

Nearly 1,300 service members from 36 countries spread over five continents will participate in this year’s Flintlock at training locations in Ghana and Cote d’Ivoire from May 13 to May 24, 2024.

Speaking at the opening ceremony in Accra on Monday, Brigadier General Kweku Dankwa Hagan, Deputy Chief Staff Officer, Operations and Training, Army Headquarters, said in Ghana, the Exercise would take place in the Greater Accra Region, Tamale in the Northern Region, and Damango in the Savannah Region.

He said Ghana’s participation and hosting of Exercise Flintlock indicated a healthy and enduring pa
rtnership over the years.

The Deputy Staff Officer congratulated planners both from the Ghana Armed Forces and the United States for their professionalism and for coordinating the activities of members.

He said the Exercise would facilitate adherence to cooperation on transnational security, and enhance interoperability and joint missions of member or contributing countries.

It would also promote reliability on partners to be able to train and fight a common war and enhance the professionalism of the Ghana Armed Forces both in training and handling of equipment to fight and protect the country.

‘We have been fortunate to be a part of this exercise platform, created and enabled by our U.S. partners, to get us talking, coordinating, and cooperating to fight and contain threats, which is worldwide.’

‘It is my hope that all of us will see the need to show maximum interest in this exercise. And equally, more importantly, to further develop the partnership established in order that we reap optimal benefit from
this exercise,’ he said.

The US Navy Captain Scott Fentress, Director of Operations at U.S Special Operations Africa, said both partner nations had worked through years of planning and coordination to enable Flintlock’s success.

‘The U.S. and Ghana have showcased a demonstrated defence and diplomatic partnership throughout the years through multiple military and civil exchanges. Hosting the 23 and 24 exercises further reinforces this expansive relationship to new heights,’ he said.

He said Ghana had established tremendous leadership among African nations in the security realm by conducting multiple multi-lateral peacekeeping missions across Africa and targeting transnational organised crime in West Africa.

Captain Frentress said Ghana had also promoted good governance and democracy, thereby serving as a model for other African nations and partners.

He said tactical collaborations such as Flintlock would bolster interoperability to mutually enhance their capabilities to target security threats and build e
nduring partnerships that can withstand the test of time, the conflict of war and other destabilising factors that continually plagued the continent.

‘…violent extremism and resource insecurity threaten our African partners in the very way of life, culture and security of its people. These effects are felt worldwide but collectively we can achieve measured progress.’

‘Through Flintlock, we leverage these multinational partnerships to enhance our interoperability to attain greater regional security and stability throughout the Sahel and beyond,’ he said.

Source: Ghana News Agency

Teacher unions at the pre-tertiary level of education in the Eastern Region have announced plans to demonstrate against the government’s failure to address the concerns of their members and improve their conditions of service.

The unions are seeking to draw attention to concerns about salary levels, working conditions, and overall support for teachers to push for meaningful change and ensure that Ghanaian teachers are respected and adequately compensated.

The unions include the Ghana National Association of Teachers (GNAT), the National Association of Graduate Teachers and the Coalition of Concerned Teachers Ghana.

They intend to deliver a petition to the Eastern Regional Minister, Mr. Seth Kwame Acheampong, on May 15, 2024, during the demonstration.

Speaking in an interview with the Ghana News Agency, Mr. Peter Danquah Kpakpo-Atsem, the Eastern Regional GNAT Secretary said about 200 teachers were expected to participate in the protest.

‘The demonstration is scheduled on Wednesday, May 15, 2024, from 08:
30 hours to 11:00 hours.

The converging point for the participants is at the SIC building through B Foster traffic light, central market, the municipal assembly and to the minister’s office,’ he outlined.

He said the police have been duly informed per the Public Order Act 1994 (act 491), which provides for the maintenance of public order, and related purposes.

On May 6, 2024, the Eastern Regional Teacher Unions at the pre-tertiary level held a news conference in Koforidua to outline the grievances of teachers and called on their employer, the government, to respond to concerns about their allowances.

The unions added that although they were faced with a lot of challenges and had previously negotiated 17 concerns, they had now reduced their concerns to four in the hope that the employer would address them promptly.

However, in recent years, the Government has failed to either address or respond to their requests as they rightly deserve.

Therefore, they gave the Government until May 13, 2024, to address t
heir concerns.

Should the government fail to do so, according to the unions they would take their next action.

The news conference followed a first strike action of teachers on March 20, 2024, which was called off with the hope that their employer would address their concerns.

However, the Government failed to show interest in the issues raised by not addressing or responding to them.

Therefore, the scheduled demonstration is aimed at further drawing attention to these issues.

Source: Ghana News Agency

Processes have begun to commence phase II of the Agavedzi-Blekusu Sea Defense Project in Ketu South to protect coastal communities there from perennial tidal wave attacks.

The disclosure came during the recent visit of the Parliamentary Select Committee on Works and Housing, at the instance of the Speaker of Parliament.

The Speaker’s directive follows concerns by all three Members of Parliament from the Region’s coastal constituencies of Ketu South, Keta and Anlo to save the coastline from going extinct.

Mr Isaac Asiamah, Chairman of the Committee said the government had secured funds US$150 million for the project in the constituency and at some other coastal communities assuring, plans were underway and that phase II would soon begin.

He said it was important for the government to fast-track the proposed 8km project with ancillary facilities including a cold store, fishing market and clinic, estimated at 83 million dollars saying, that although the project was capital intensive, it was about protecting
lives and property and, preserving Ghana’s culture and heritage.

Mr Asiamah noted that since the Committee’s last visit about two years ago, nothing really had been done to protect the area and called for some urgency in dealing with the situation as the country risked losing a great resource which is a potential for tourism and transportation.

He stressed: ‘We will not allow this critical part of Ghana to go to waste.’

Mr Vincent Oppong Asamoah, Ranking Member of the Committee said the government needed to prioritise the protection of the country’s coastal communities to avert further devastation to them.

Mr Emmanuel Kwasi Bedzrah, a Member of the Committee, believed the amount being estimated for the continuation of the defence project at Agavedzi-Blekusu was high.

He called for the prudent use of resources to allow for the protection works to be extended to cover a larger size of the coastline to rein in the situation.

Meanwhile, Mr Kenneth Kpedor, President of Anlo Youth Council, the umbrella body o
f Anlo youths in an interview with Ghana News Agency, on Monday welcomed news of the government securing funds for the project saying, although it was long overdue, ‘it is indeed a welcome development for our coastal communities.

‘The securing of funds represents a significant step forward in our collective efforts to safeguard our homes, livelihoods, and cultural heritage from the threats posed by erosion and flooding.’

He called on the government to share detailed information regarding the funding allocation and the timelines for the execution of the project believing, providing clarity on these matters will not only enhance public trust and confidence but also enable stakeholders to monitor progress effectively and hold authorities accountable for the timely completion of the project.

Source: Ghana News Agency

The National Archaeological Institute with Museum under the Bulgarian Academy of Sciences will participate in the initiative ‘European Night of Museums – Sofia’, organized by the French Institute in Bulgaria in partnership with the Ministry of Culture and Sofia Municipality, the Museum said.

‘In an effort to socialize and promote Bulgaria’s cultural and historical heritage, the National Archaeological Museum is announcing free admission on the evening of May 18,’ the NAIM-BAS said. The team notes that in addition to the permanent exhibition, archaeology lovers will have the opportunity to get acquainted with the temporary exhibition ‘Bulgarian Archaeology 2023’, presenting the most interesting discoveries of the past archaeological season The museum narrative will be recreated by its employees, interns and mediators.

Visitors will have the opportunity to see the permanent exhibition of the museum and the temporary exhibition ‘Bulgarian Archaeology 2023’, presenting the most interesting and impressive discov
eries and research from the past archaeological season.

Included are 30 artefacts illustrating the development of cultures in today’s Bulgarian lands from the Neolithic (6000 years BC) to the Renaissance (19th century). Among the exhibits are gold, silver and bronze ornaments, exquisite ceramic anthropomorphic figures and vessels, a bone sceptre, a bronze flute, marble votive tablets and bronze figurines, glass vessels, tools, weapons, coins.

Source: Ghana News Agency

The Women’s Ministries within the Pentecost International Worship Centre (PIWC), and the Kweikuma Assemblies of God (AG) Church in Takoradi, have organized separate events to celebrate women within the church for their meritorious contributions to society.

As part of the celebration, the PIWC, who also climaxed their Women’s Week celebration, presented confectionaries worth sums of money to a needy woman of the church to support her business and improve her living conditions and donated some educational items to the children’s ministry.

The AG women, on the other hand, organised drama amidst other activities to lighten the mood of mothers.

Mrs Rachel Takyi, an Executive member of the Women’s Ministry of PIWC who led the presentations, said it was necessary to empower members of the church who needed help so that they could also support their families and give back to God.

The closing of the Global Women’s Week celebration coincided with this year’s Mother’s Day celebration.

The week-long celebration feat
ured a powerful series of sermons delivered by various speakers who emphasized the importance of women’s empowerment and their role in the church.

The celebration was a huge success, with many women in attendance, and it served as a reminder of the significant contributions women make to the church and society.

At the Kweikuma, Assemblies of God-Glory and Power Centre, the Women’s Ministry, hosted various activities including drama, choreography, song ministration, word ministration, recitation among many others.

Performers including the Minissionetee, Young Singles, Joy Fellowship and the Women’s Ministry all performed various activities to mark the day.

Madam Cynthia Tettey, the President of the Women’s Ministry, acknowledged the efforts of all women across the globe and the good works they do in contributing to the growth and development of the country.

She emphasized on the need for mothers and women to keep on executing their roles and duties fervently to the glory of God and country.

Madam Gifty N
tiamoah, during a sermon on the theme: ‘Anointed to Send the Light’, urged women to continue impacting the world and inspire change for transformation.

She acknowledged the fact that the anointing Jesus carried during his ministerial call made a tremendous change in the lives of others who had not yet seen the light.

‘Mothers, aspire for the anointing from above in order to impact the lives of your children and the environment in which you find yourselves,’ she charged the women.

She told mothers to endeavour to live at peace with everyone by letting their lifestyle speak the goodness and glory of God through the sending of light for growth and expansion.

Madam Ntiamoah charged mothers and women to have a forgiving spirit and continue in their walk with God for eternal glory and honour.

‘Never stop sharing the word of God with your fellow brethren… Make the gospel known wherever you find yourselves,’ she noted.

Reverend Paul Kenneth Abbew, the Head Pastor of the Church, pronounced words of blessings on
the lives of women and mothers in the church and appreciated them for all their efforts in making the world a better place to live.

Mother’s Day is an occasion celebrated worldwide to acknowledge and appreciate women for their hard work and enviable contributions towards development.

Source: Ghana News Agency

The Police, with the assistance of the New Juaben South Municipal Electoral Commission, have apprehended two students for attempting to register for the voter’s identification card a second time during the 2024 Limited Voter Registration exercise.

Mr. Kofi Asante-Owusu, the New Juaben South Municipal Registration Supervisor for the 2024 Limited Voter Registration, disclosed to the Ghana News Agency that two students- a male and a female-were arrested for attempting to register for the voter’s ID card a second time.

He said it was easy to detect such attempts through online registration, as opposed to manual methods used in past years.

Despite internet challenges interrupting the registration process, he said 658 persons had been registered so far.

He said recruited officials to oversee the registration process numbered 12 consisting of two stationed teams, one mobile team and two technicians.

The two teams and the mobile team included two registration supervisors, three registration officers, three data
entry clerks and two laminators.

According to Mr. Asante-Owusu, registrants were of good behaviour and observed the registration process rules making the work easy and smooth.

Mr. Benjamin Amankwah, Electoral Officer and the 2024 Registration Supervisor of the Akuapim South Municipality said a total of 238 were registered from May 7 to May 9, 2024.

He said the first three days were tough as the system for online registration was interrupted due to network challenges.

Efforts by the Ghana News Agency to obtain the overall regional tally of registrants from the Eastern Regional Electoral Commission from May 7 to May 9, 2024, as well as details on the recruitment of officers for the 2024 Voter Identification registration, were unsuccessful.

Nonetheless, recent reports indicated that the initial challenges that faced the system had been rectified, raising hopes for uninterrupted registration procedures in the following days.

Source: Ghana News Agency

International Help of Missionaries (IHM) Inc, a New York-based Foundation has promised to construct a mechanised borehole water for the people of Konor Kofe, to salvage their water problems.

The residents of the farming community in the Agortime -Ziope District of the Volta Region presently share water with cattle.

At a meeting at Kono-Kofe to brief community members on the project approval and roles they should play during its execution, Mr Fred Hagan, the Project Lead Person assured the people that their letter seeking support from IHM for their water challenges had been approved for execution.

Mr Hagan urged the community to own the project by lending their massive support to ensure its early completion within the maximum period of two months.

Mr Semenyo Kuenyehia, an opinion leader of the community, on behalf of the people, pledged their full support for the project.

He said they had suffered for too long in accessing portable water, so they deemed the intervention as a saviour.

The Foundation in Oc
tober 2023 commissioned a similar project at Adzonkor, another farming community in the Agortime -Ziope District.

Source: Ghana News Agency

The Ministry of Employment, Labour Relations and Pensions has issued a disclaimer to a recruitment scam circulating on social media.

The Ministry, in a statement copied to the Ghana News Agency, said it had noted with concern a news item circulating on Social Media that there was a purported recruitment interview under the heading ‘The Controller and Accountant General’s Department Finance Managers Upcoming Interview’, which emanates from the Ministry of Employment, Labour Relations and Pensions.

The statement noted that the said publication directed the short-listed applicants to report to the Ministry of Employment, Labour Relations and Pensions, Accra to fill out the Public Services Interview Evaluation Forms before Monday, 6th May, to attend an upcoming interview at the various Government Ministries and Government Companies starting Tuesday, 7th May.

It said according to the publication, applicants were to submit the following requirements – a Ghana Card or any Valid Identification Card and a Social Se
curity and National Insurance Trust (SSNIT) Number.

Others were Public Service Interview Evaluation (PSIE) Forms (You Can Buy Public Services Interview Evaluation Form at the Ministry of Employment and Labour Relations) and copies of Your Resume/CV, Certificates or Transcript.

The Ministry of Employment, Labour Relations and Pensions informed all and sundry, especially jobseekers and Ghanaian youth that the Ministry had not officially notified the public of any recruitment interview on the Controller and Accountant General Department.

It said the Ministry was not a recruitment body and that all recruitments under various Government Institutions, among others, were carried out by the Office of the Head of Civil Service.

The statement said the website of the Ministry of Employment, Labour Relations and Pensions was www.melr.gov.gh and not [email protected]

It said the Facebook page of the Ministry was Ministry of Employment and Labour Relations – Ghana.

It said the Twitter handle of the Ministry was @1Min
istryofEmpl1, whereas the Instagram handle was @melrgovgh and that of the Tiktok page was melrghana.

Source: Ghana News Agency