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Mahama Pledges to Address Illegal Mining  

By
Ivy Hollys
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President John Mahama on family values bill
NDC flagbearer:John Mahama

John Dramani Mahama, representing the NDC, has committed to implementing sustainable mining practices to combat environmental damage in areas affected by illegal mining.

During a speech to supporters in Akrokkeri, Fomena Constituency, on the third day of his campaign tour in the Ashanti Region, Mahama emphasized the importance of small-scale mining to the local economy.

He promised miners that his administration would introduce policies to protect the environment while improving their livelihoods.

Mahama stated,I know that here in Adansi, you deeply value small-scale mining. The NDC will bring policies to support small-scale miners and ensure the land is preserved for future generations.”

He emphasized the severe damage caused by illegal mining (galamsey) to the nation’s natural resources and committed to implementing measures that encourage responsible mining. This includes reclaiming degraded lands and adopting modern, environmentally friendly methods.

Additionally, Mahama encouraged voters to value competence over political allegiance in the upcoming general elections, urging them to back a leader capable of tackling the nation’s significant challenges.

The Fomena Constituency, recognized for its mining activities, has been central to discussions on environmental and economic sustainability, making Mahama’s commitments especially impactful for local communities.

Ghanaians should trust Mahama to serve well – Akwasi Fosu

By
Adwoa Afranewaa
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Hon. Akwasi Fosu

Former Local Government Minister, Hon. Akwasi Oppong Fosu has vouched for the National Democratic Congress flagbearer, John Dramani Mahama for presidency in the December 7 elections, imploring Ghanaians to trust and give him the mandate to serve.

Speaking to Alfa Ali on Orange Sunrise, he said duration is not a hindrance to nation’s development, as a lot can still be done in the shortest possible time. This, he said in response to concerns that 4 years office tenure would not be enough for Mahama to do ‘reset’ Ghana as he has promised.

Hon. Fosu urged Ghanaians to give John Dramani Mahama the chance to lead Ghana, emphasizing on his quest to leave a legacy, citing past developmental projects as evidence. He referenced the Kejetia Market and other projects of the NDC government as legacies of John Dramani Mahama.

WRITTEN BY;

CINDY ADASAH BOAMAH

I can’t trust Bawumia as Ghana’s leader- Ex Local Gov’t Minister

By
Adwoa Afranewaa
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Former Minister of Local Government and Rural Development, Akwasi Oppong Fosu, has criticized Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia’s bid for the presidency of Ghana.

He asserts that the Vice President and his economic management team have failed significantly in managing the economy.

Mr. Fosu points out that key economic indicators, such as the exchange rate and inflation, have revealed the shortcomings of Dr. Bawumia’s leadership.

He claims that, recognizing his failures, the Vice President has shifted his focus from economic issues to digitalization.

“You outdoored your team and you say you have a solid team, so take responsibility for what has happened. Now you don’t even talk about the economy, your new found love is digitalization, so I don’t trust him as a leader,” he told host Alfa Ali on the Orange Sunrise.

However, the Former Minister believes that John Dramani Mahama is the best candidate to lead Ghana, citing his track record.

He noted that although power outages, known as ‘dumsor,’ began in 1995, Mahama took responsibility and addressed the issue during his tenure before leaving office.

Mr. Fosu urged Ghanaians to trust Mahama and give him another opportunity to effectively tackle the challenges created by the current NPP government.

Bawumia’s return to the Ashanti Region is a panic reaction- Former Local Gov’t Minister says

By
Adwoa Afranewaa
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Akwasi Oppong Fosu, a former Minister of Local Government and Rural Development, has characterized Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia’s decision to return to the Ashanti Region for his campaign as a panic reaction.

Dr. Bawumia initially campaigned in the region for approximately 15 days before shifting his focus to other areas.

However, he chose to return to the Ashanti Region at a time when his main opponent, John Dramani Mahama, was also touring the area.

Speaking to Alfa Ali on the Orange Sunrise, Mr. Fosu expressed his belief that this move indicates a sense of urgency within the Vice President’s camp.

“It’s more of a panic reaction; they feel they’re losing ground and want to hold onto their numbers by being present,” he stated.

The former minister is optimistic about the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC), predicting that they will secure at least 30 percent of the votes in the upcoming elections, citing the party’s achievements in the Ashanti Region as a significant factor.

With just days remaining until the 2024 general elections, all political parties are intensifying their efforts to win over voters.

Mr. Fosu noted that the response from the people of Kumasi towards the NDC’s activities has been overwhelmingly positive, suggesting that the party is likely to gain more support in the region.

He pointed out several key projects initiated by the NDC in the Ashanti Region, including the Kejetia Market, Tafo Market, Asawase Market, Sewua Hospital, Fomena Hospital, various road projects, and the E-Blocks initiative, as evidence of the party’s contributions to the area.

Word On The Street: Man Jailed for Gaining Weight to Evade Mandatory Military Service

By
Ivy Hollys
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man binge eats to evade military service: obesity

A 26-year-old South Korean man has been sentenced to one year in prison for intentionally binge eating in an attempt to become obese and avoid mandatory military service.

Military service is a significant obligation in South Korea. Regardless of one’s status, whether a globally renowned singer, a successful actor, or a billionaire, any healthy adult male between the ages of 18 and 35 must complete at least 21 months of military service.

While it is possible to defer this service for a time, all men in this age group are eventually required to serve. However, if an individual is deemed unfit for service due to health reasons, they are exempt from this duty.

This young man allegedly tried to bypass military service by deliberately overindulging in food to become obese, thereby seeking to be declared unfit for duty. Unfortunately for him, his plan failed, and he has now been sentenced to one year in prison.

The unnamed man was found guilty of deliberately gaining weight by significantly increasing his daily food intake and consuming large quantities of water just before his physical examination for military service in an attempt to artificially raise his body weight.

According to reports, the man followed a diet devised by a friend, who was also charged as an accomplice in this case. Evidence presented by South Korean authorities indicated that the man adhered to a specific plan and meticulously monitored his weight in the lead-up to the examination.

Documents submitted to the Seoul Eastern Dongbu District Court revealed that the 26-year-old man was initially assessed at grade 2 during his first physical examination in October 2017, making him eligible for military service. However, in June 2023, following his intentional weight gain, he was reassessed and given a grade 4, classifying him as unfit for service. Standing at 169 cm tall and weighing 102.3 kilograms, the man had a body mass index (BMI) of 35.8, which led to his exemption from compulsory military service.

The accused man was initially permitted to serve in a non-combat role at a government agency, where he could commute from home. However, authorities noticed an unusual increase in his weight, prompting an investigation that revealed his attempt to evade mandatory military service without justifiable cause. As a result, he was sentenced to one year in prison, with the sentence suspended for two years. His accomplice received a six-month prison sentence, also suspended for two years.

Interestingly, the accomplice maintained his innocence throughout the trial, claiming that he never believed his friend would actually go through with the plan.

Those guilty of attempting to avoid military service face up to three years in prison. However, the South Korean court justified its relatively lenient sentence by considering that the accused had no prior criminal record, had admitted to the offence, and had expressed a commitment to fulfilling his compulsory military service in the future.

Source: Pulse Ghana

Election 2024: Bawumia Promises to ‘Approve Anti-Gay and Anti-Witchcraft Bills’

By
Ivy Hollys
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Flagbearer of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia has repeated his firm stance against LGBTQ+ legalization in Ghana.
Vice President and NPP flagbearer Dr. Bawumia

Vice President and New Patriotic Party (NPP) Presidential Candidate Dr Mahamudu Bawumia has reaffirmed his commitment to signing the controversial anti-gay bill into law if elected President. 

The bill, unanimously passed by Parliament, is currently awaiting presidential assent, a process stalled by a constitutional challenge at the Supreme Court. 

However, Dr. Bawumia has declared his unequivocal readiness to finalize the legislation. 

Speaking to thousands of worshippers at the Philadelphia Church in Kumasi on Sunday, Dr. Bawumia stated his intent to address the matter decisively. 

“There are so many issues that are dear to so many people and our father,” he said. “There are two issues in Parliament that are important to many Ghanaians. One is the LGBTQ+ Bill, which is so dear to our fathers and Ghanaians. By the grace of God, when I come, I will sign it immediately.” 

He also addressed another pending legislation. “Another issue that is so serious to our father and Ghanaians is the anti-witchcraft bill, which I will sign as well,” he added. 

Dr. Bawumia’s remarks align with his consistent opposition to LGBTQ+ practices in Ghana, which he asserts are contrary to the country’s cultural and religious norms.

To learn more about the anti-gay bill, read: Supreme Court to deliver judgment on antigay bill.

Ayawaso West: Special Prosecutor to Begin Probe Over Food Distribution Incident

By
Ivy Hollys
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Ayawaso west food distribution saga: Lydia Alhassan, John Dumelo

The Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) has begun questioning journalists and other witnesses who observed Ayawaso West Wuogon MP Lydia Alhassan distributing food to voters. The MP was seen handing out food packs to individuals in a voting queue at the Legon Police Station.

Electoral Commission officials and security personnel overseeing the voting process were also recipients of the food packs. The act drew strong criticism from the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC) parliamentary candidate for the constituency, actor John Dumelo, and other party executives.

Background

The NDC’s candidate, John Dumelo, condemned Lydia Alhassan’s actions, accusing her of violating electoral guidelines by sharing food with voters in the queue. Electoral Commission officials and security personnel supervising the process were also given food packs.

Expressing his anger, Dumelo questioned the MP’s motives in an interview with JoyNews correspondent Kwaku Asante. “Why are you sharing food with people in the queue? Why are you doing that? Does it mean we cannot share food, too?

We can also share the same, but let’s respect the rules of the Electoral Commission. Don’t share anything with people in the queue who have not voted yet.

 And you’re sharing food, and we don’t even know what’s in the thing, so you’re sharing it with people who have not voted yet. What kind of stupidity is this?” 

Personnel from the OSP visited the scene following widespread reports of the incident. Investigators collected contact details of key witnesses, including journalists, as part of their probe into the situation.

Parliament: Speaker Announces to Reconvene on December 16, 2024

By
Ivy Hollys
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speaker of parliament:alban bagbin

The Speaker of Parliament, Alban Bagbin, has announced that Parliament will reconvene on Monday, December 16, 2024.

He disclosed that the venue for the 7th meeting of the 4th session of the 8th Parliament will be announced to Members of Parliament later.

The announcement was contained in a notice issued on December 2, signed by the Speaker.

“Pursuant to order 58 of the standing orders of the Parliament of Ghana, I Alban Sumana Kingsford Bagbin, Speaker of Parliament, hereby give notice that the seventh meeting of the fourth session of the eighth parliament of the Fourth Republic shall commence on Monday, the 16th day of December 2024 at ten o’clock in the forenoon at a place to be appointed by the speaker in due course,” the notice stated.

This announcement indicates that Parliament will resume after the December 7 general elections, during which new Members of Parliament for the Majority and Minority sides will be elected.

The decision follows Speaker Bagbin’s earlier refusal of a request by Majority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin to recall Parliament. The recall was proposed for November 28 and 29 to address urgent issues. Speaker Bagbin insisted that parliamentary activities would remain suspended until after the general elections.

The suspension occurred after the Speaker adjourned proceedings, citing the absence of a prepared agenda from the Business Committee as the reason for the break.

Additionally, on November 12, the Supreme Court overturned Speaker Bagbin’s declaration of four parliamentary seats as vacant. The Court ruled in favor of a challenge brought by Afenyo-Markin.

In its judgment, released on November 14, the five justices supporting the Majority Leader clarified that a parliamentary seat can only be declared vacant if a lawmaker switches political parties while retaining their seat in parliament.

The ruling stated that the Speaker’s decision could not take effect during the current parliamentary term. However, two dissenting justices argued that the Supreme Court lacked jurisdiction to handle the case, reflecting differing views on the Court’s authority over such matters.

Read the statement below:

Asawase constituency: Muntaka pledges to ensure peaceful elections

By
Adwoa Afranewaa
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The Member of Parliament for Asawase Constituency and National Democratic Congress (NDC) Parliamentary Candidate, Alhaji Mohammed Muntaka Mubarak, has affirmed his commitment to ensuring peaceful elections in the constituency.

On Thursday, November 18, Alhaji Muntaka took an oath before traditional and religious leaders, security agencies, and Electoral Commission officials, pledging to uphold peace before, during, and after the upcoming December polls.

He emphasized his dedication to maintaining the integrity of the electoral process, vowing to avoid any actions that could incite violence or disrupt the work of the Electoral Commission.

Alhaji Muntaka also urged his New Patriotic Party (NPP) opponent, Manaf Ibrahim, to publicly commit to peace, ensuring all stakeholders and constituents of a smooth and orderly election process.

“It is not only deploying thugs to disrupt the election process that constitutes violence. Interfering in the work of the Electoral Commission or colluding with its officers to skew the process in favour of any candidate is equally detrimental.

“I have sworn not to interfere in their work and to respect the electoral laws. By the God who created me, I vow to uphold this commitment.”

He also promised to accept election outcome.

Kumasi Airport to begin direct flights to London, Gatwick.

By
Adwoa Afranewaa
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Direct flights from London to Kumasi

The Ghana Airports Company Limited(GACL) has announced a collaboration with Ethiopian Airlines to operate direct flights from London Gatwick Airport to Prempeh I International Airport(PIA), Kumasi, starting December 3, 2024.

This collaboration and introduction of direct flights is aimed at enhancing travel options and convenience for passengers.

This initiative marks a significant milestone in Ghana’s aviation and tourism sectors, which would improve connectivity between Europe and the Ashanti Region.

The inaugural flight from Kumasi Prempeh I International Airport is scheduled for December 15, 2024, ahead of the festive season.

Flight schedules are as follows:

  • Departure from London Gatwick: 2:10 am
  • Arrival at Kumasi Prempeh I International Airport: 9:05 am
  • Departure from Kumasi Prempeh I International Airport: 11:00 am
  • Arrival at London Gatwick: 6:00 pm

WRITTEN BY:

CINDY ADASAH BOAMAH

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