Day: May 5, 2024

The National Commission for Civic Education (NCCE) has called on residents of Ada East District in the Greater Accra Region to actively participate in processes leading to the 2024 general election.

Madam Faustina Blewusi, the District Director, NCCE, in an interview with the Ghana News Agency (GNA), said the Commission aimed to inform and educate the public about the electoral processes and events planned for the polls.

A Ghanaian of sound mind, who had attained 18 years of age, and has not been found guilty of election-related offences by a competent court of law, is eligible to register and vote in the December 7 general election.

‘The NCCE seeks to empower citizens with the knowledge they need to actively participate in the democratic process,’ she added.

Madam Blewusi said eligible citizens in the area could go to the Ada East District Office of the Electoral Commission at Luhuese, Big Ada to register.

The EC would also undertake registration exercises at Kasseh, Pute, and Alorkpem (overbank communi
ties) in Ada, she said, explaining that officials would spend two days in each community for residents to register and acquire their voter cards.

One must provide a National Identity Card (Ghana Card) or a Ghanaian passport as proof of citizenship, but those without these documents could use two guarantors to vouch for them, she said.

‘The registration exercise will take effect from May 7 -27. Voter card replacement will be done on May 30, and exhibition of the voter’s register will start from July 15- 24, 2024.’

Madam Blewusi encouraged citizens?to participate in the decision-making process by registering to vote as their civic responsibility.

Source: Ghana News Agency

Former SDF militant and a vanquish contender of the party’s chairmanship position, Shewa David Jestel has backtracked from creating a replica of the party, the Social Democratic Face Front.

News of the creation of this party was circulated online where the Minister of Territorial Administration, Paul Atanga Nji signed a release giving update about the party’s legalisation.

Some Cameroonians were quick to say that the Minister is using David to devide the opposition.

But Shewa David dismissed allegations that he is being manipulated by the Minister of Territorial Administration, Atanga Nji Paul to create a new rival party to the SDF.

In a press briefing in Yaounde on May 3, 2024, Shewa Jestel said he has never met with Minister Atanga Nji Paul in any occasion.

‘Since I was born, I have never met with Minister Atanga Nji Paul face to face, not to talk of conniving with him to ruin the SDF party of late Ni John Fru Ndi’. Shewa disclosed.

Responding to accusations why he wanted to create confusion with his
initial founded party, the Social Democratic Face Front (SDFF), the former SDF militant said it was not his intention and goal but upholding the principles of the Ni John Fru Ndi’s founded party now deviated by current leaders. But for peace to reign, he decided to change the name of his created party the SDFF.

‘ For the sake of peace, love and unity, we and the general assembly unanimously decided to modify or change the name of the SDFF to Democratic Liberation Party (DLP). Shewa David said.

He lambasted politicians, from the SDF and CPDM parties for allegedly working tirelessly to see authorisation of his party denied.

‘These dubious sheep politicians and power mongers , I want to tell you , the God I serve is a living God. Your up and down movements shall be in vain. ‘ Shewa David Jestel promised.

His party, the Democratic Liberation Party still pending authorisation from the Minister of Territorial Administration, according to him aims at bringing change, growth and stability and the well-being of al
l.

Source: Cameroon News Agency

The Sekondi-Takoradi chapter of CoST International, a multistakeholder initiative to promote transparency and accountability in public infrastructure investment, has held a two-day training workshop for district monitoring teams in Tarkwa Nsuaem to enhance their work.

The participants were upgraded on a disclosure platform and an Electronic Infrastructure Monitoring Tool (E-IMT) for the newly created eight-member CoST District Citizens Monitoring Team in the Tarkwa Nsuaem Municipality of the Western Region.

The CoST E-IMT is a digital platform designed to facilitate the monitoring and reporting on infrastructure projects being executed by the various district assemblies, which are members of CoST.

The tool allows project stakeholders to input data on infrastructure projects, track progress and generate reports for transparency and accountability.

Sekondi Takoradi, Effia Kwesimintsim, Shama, Daboase, Ahanta West, Tarkwa Nsuaem, Nzema East and Mpohor districts are benefiting from the monitoring tools develo
ped by CoST Sekondi-Takoradi.

Ghana’s legal framework supporting disclosure of information, compatibility of legal framework on disclosure with CoST’s formal disclosure requirement at the sub-national level, CoST approach-core features, tools and standards, introduction to E-IMT and its practical test were among the topics discussed.

Mr Aziz Mahmoud, the Monitoring and Learning Evaluation Officer of CoST Sekondi-Takoradi, during the opening of the workshop at Akyempim, said the team was formed two years ago and occasionally went round to build the capacity of members to enable them to apply the monitoring tools effectively.

‘When it comes to infrastructure monitoring sometimes the assembly invites us to participate in this programme, but we are unable to give detailed feedback, and at the end of the day we are the same people who will blame the assembly for not delivering quality infrastructure,’ he said.

‘That is why we have designed this tool to complement ongoing monitoring by the assemblies, so that a
t least we can have the best and quality projects for our citizens.’

Mr Mahmoud emphasised the strengths of the tools, which would help for deeper interactions with project stakeholders, and enhance constructive engagements between the assemblies and the monitoring teams to ensure value for money.

‘We are not interested in witch-hunting, this is not a financial audit, it is a social audit tool, so our assignment is to identify shortfalls, make actionable recommendations and have dialogue with the assembly for them to understand how we apply these tools and its benefits,’ he said.

‘When you do your work in a dispassionate neutral manner the assemblies understand that you are looking for the best for them and they will embrace your reports and recommendations, own and then implement them.’

Ms Rodah Gyampo, a member of the monitoring team, representing Non- Governmental Organizations, said from henceforth, they would be able to monitor ongoing and completed projects to ensure value for money.

Mr Benjamin Te
ye Aborbi, the Tarkwa Nsuaem Municipal Director, National Youth Authority, commended the organisers for the training and that the team would take advantage of the monitoring tools to enhanced local infrastructure governance.

Source: Ghana News Agency

The suspect has been identified as Eyong Mercy and she is accused of poisoning 2-year-old Tchuigoua Boris Marius.

According to the deceased toddler’s mother, Ngomaya Isabelle, her baby had been living with his paternal family for ever since he was just 3 months old.

‘On May 2, my child died without being sick. His grandmother had left him with his father’s girlfriend, Eyong Mercy, to go buy gas. Mercy then bought bread for my baby which he ate. When the grandmother returned, Mercy who had been living in the house for 7 months suddenly decided she wanted to go back to their family house.’

Another family source declared that Mercy has always been a jealous and possessive girlfriend: ‘Mercy did not want little Marius to continue living in the house with them. She poisoned him out of jealousy.’

‘She [Mercy] even went as far as stopping the deceased’s father from working. She would stop bikes and taxis from transporting him causing a scene each time and this let to him resigning from work,’ Isabelle adds.

Bab
y Boris died last May 2 in Douala, Carrefour 3 morts, after consuming rat poison which his murderer, Mercy Eyong allegedly confessed to putting in his food.

The boy’s father identified as Ndjomo Tchuigoua Bertrand is yet to make a public declaration.

Mercy Eyong who is pregnant is currently detained at the Bonanjo judicial police unit.

Source: Cameroon News Agency

The Ghanaian Women’s Association of Georgia (GWAG) is to host Lady Julia Osei Tutu, wife of the Asantehene, as the keynote speaker of its ninth Maternity Fundraising Gala at the Atlanta City Hall Atrium, Atlanta, United States.

A statement copied to the Ghana News Agency on Sunday indicated that the two-day extravaganza, scheduled for June 21-22 this year, is expected to be attended by Hajia Alima Mahama, Ghana’s Ambassador to the USA, and other community leaders.

The annual gala is a cornerstone event for GWAG, bringing together members of the Ghanaian community, local leaders, and supporters to shine the spotlight on challenges facing access to maternal healthcare in Ghana and efforts being made by the Association for positive impact.

Proceeds from the Gala would support GWAG’S ongoing efforts to improve maternity wards in Ghana, including providing essential medical supplies, equipment and training for healthcare professionals.

For the past nine years, GWAG had procured and supplied vital medical mater
ials to over 40 maternity wards in Ghana through the generosity of numerous sponsors and donors.

This year’s theme underscores GWAG’s commitment to improving maternal and child healthcare in underserved communities, one ward at a time and plans to adopt a number of these wards and provide support on a continual basis.

In a recent interview, Madam Agnes Hayfron-Benjamin, past President and Head of the Ward Adoption Task Force, said: ‘We are very excited about taking our maternity programme to the next level by adopting, transforming, and equipping more wards to effect positive health outcomes’.

A partnership with Rotary Club Accra – Airport, was critical to the effective implementation of the programme as they would play a pivotal role in Monitoring and Evaluation, thereby giving the data to measure impact over time.

Madam Bernice Smith, President of GWAG, said through the collective efforts and generosity of supporters, they could make a tangible difference in the lives of women and children in Ghana.

‘We are thrilled to host our 9th Annual Gala and shine a spotlight on the important work being done to enhance maternity experiences in Ghana,’ she said.

Guests could look forward to an evening filled with exquisite Ghanaian cuisine, the latest in Afrobeat, as well as a silent auction with exclusive items and experiences that promise to be an unforgettable evening of celebration, inspiration, and giving back.

GWAG is a non-profit organisation dedicated to empowering women, promoting cultural awareness and fostering community development since 2007.

It has been a leading voice for Ghanaian women in Georgia, advocating social change and supporting initiatives, which created positive impacts socially and globally.

Source: Ghana News Agency

Renown separatist ‘General’ Sagon has been killed, according to reliable sources who have knowledge of the matter.

He and two of his collaborators were killed by government soldiers in the early hours of Sunday May 5, 2024 in Bamunka village in Ndop, Ngoketunjia division.

In a video circulated online, the corpses of the separatist fighters are seen in front of heavily armed soldiers, as the population watch from a distance.

Sagon took over from another separatist ‘General’ No Pity who was commanding the entire Ngoketunjia division in the North west region.

He is noted to be among those who helped No Pity to launch a deadly attack on government soldiers in Bamessing village in 2021, that killed aboit 16 special forces.

Source: Cameroon News Agency

TROBENBOS Ghana, an environmental Non-Governmental Organisation (NGO), has called on stakeholders in the cocoa production value chain, the Government and traditional authorities to institute better mining standards to save the cocoa industry and protect the environment.

The NGO noted that illegal mining activities were partly to blame for the current decline in cocoa production.

Therefore, the authorities must uphold proper and responsible mining practices to protect farmlands and save the cocoa industry from total collapse, Mr Francis Fofie, the Communication Officer, TROPENBOS Ghana, said in an interview with the Ghana News Agency (GNA).

He urged the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources, and the Minerals Commission to ensure licensed mining firms or individuals put in pragmatic measures to reclaim lands as that was the only way to protect the environment.

‘If measures are not taken to ensure responsible mining, cocoa production would reduce drastically in the near future and the nation would suffer,’
he noted.

‘The activities of galamsey defeats the purpose of the Green Ghana project so the Ministry must ensure proper mining, especially in cocoa regions and districts, in order not to destroy the environment.’

He cited the Asuobia Community Resource Management Area (CREMA), funded by the World Bank through the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources in the Elluokrom cocoa district, as one of the initiatives that could go to waste if illegal mining activities were allowed in that operational area.

Touching on some of the NGO’s interventions for cocoa farmers, he mentioned alternative livelihood for more than 1,500 Cocoa farmers in the Elluokrom cocoa district, Climate Smart Cocoa initiative, and financial literacy among others with support from other NGOs.

Source: Ghana News Agency

By Charity Nginyu

In a recent communique, the Delegate of Transport for the West region of Cameroon alerted residents to take measures in anticipation of the seasonal precipitation forecast for May-June-July 2024.

The said communique predicted a rainfall range from normal to deficient levels, with seasonal accumulations expected to reach only 75-80% of the norm.

‘This bulletin anticipates rainfall in the West region ranging from normal to deficient levels, with seasonal accumulations expected to be between 80 and 75% of the norm,’ it states.

The forecast signals an impending extended dry spell, characterized by sporadic and irregular rainfall throughout the mentioned period.

Highlighting the potential repercussions of this forecast, the Delegate emphasized its adverse impacts across various sectors.

‘This situation will have impacts across several sectors, including water stress resulting in plant withering, decreased agricultural and pasture yields, soil impoverishment, and disruption of hydroelectric
production,’ the communique continues.

To mitigate these challenges, residents are advised to take proactive measures. This includes utilizing suitable seeds, planning for irrigation, wearing facial masks, and ensuring access to potable water.

Source: Cameroon News Agency

The Majority Caucus in Parliament says there is insufficient evidence to implicate any government official as causing financial loss to the state concerning the Strategic Mobilisation Ghana Limited (SML) contract under the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA).

The Caucus argued that prosecuting anyone for the SML-GRA deal was unjustified.

Speaking to the Parliamentary Press Corps in Parliament on Friday, Mr Alexander Kwamena Afenyo-Markin, the Majority Leader, dismissed the National Democratic Congress’ demands for the prosecution of individuals involved in the contract, describing it as baseless.

He said: ‘Now we are aware that our friends in the NDC are calling for certain prosecutions. I think that they have not paid attention to the whole issue, and they only want to do politics as usual.’

‘Their call is unfounded for the simple reason that there isn’t any established proof of any officer of state causing financial loss to the state.’

‘…Indeed, what they think are payments to SML are not payments borne out
of the Government’s revenue. If you peruse the agreement, SML is paid out of what it generates, and they would have to pay attention to the details.’

‘They are paid 0.05 per cent per litre of revenue that they generate as a result of the system put in place to monitor activities in the petroleum sector.’

‘And it is instructive to also note that this company opened its doors to the Mines and Energy Committee to inspect and to see the nature of their operations.’

Mr Afenyo-Markin, the New Patriotic Party’s Member of Parliament for Effutu, advised the NDC not to destroy Ghanaian businesses.

‘…Often under the guise of due diligence and ensuring that there is transparency, we often get out of control and destroy Ghanaian companies, whereas foreign ones who operate in certain sectors get a kind of protection that makes them develop their businesses whereas Ghanaian businesses suffer,’ he said.

The Leader of Government Business said President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo’s decision to conduct a thorough review o
f the contract was in the best interests of the public.

Source: Ghana News Agency