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Speaker Alban Bagbin adjourns parliament sine die

By
Adwoa Afranewaa
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parliamentary proceedings
Speaker of Parliament Alban Bagbin

Speaker of parliament Alban Bagbin has adjourned indefinitely the parliament house, today, 22nd October 2024.

This comes in after a chaotic pre – sitting in parliament today over which caucus is the majority in parliament.

Speaker Bagbin mentioned in his announcement that the Supreme Court has issued a directive to stay his earlier ruling on the vacant seats.

He however did not give the details of its implications were , and closed the house with the adjournment.

The Supreme Court , on October 18 intervened to suspend Speaker Alban Bagbin’s ruling that declared four parliamentary seats vacant, effectively reinstating the affected MPs after the NPP filed.

The Court’s decision, made in response to an application NPP Members of Parliament, directs Parliament to allow the four MPs to resume their duties and represent their constituencies until a final ruling is reached.

The application, filed without the involvement of Speaker Bagbin or Parliament, was argued by lawyers Paa Kwesi Abaidoo and former Attorney General Joe Ghartey on behalf of the NPP MPs.

The ruling impacted MPs Cynthia Morrison, Kwadjo Asante, Peter Kwakye Ackah, and Andrew Asiamah, who had either contested as independent candidates or switched party affiliations during the 2024 elections.

This legal development had significant implications for the balance of power in Parliament, as the NDC’s majority status resulting from the initial ruling has now been reset by the Supreme Court’s decision.

Barekese Water Treatment Plant scheduled for repair works

By
Adwoa Afranewaa
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Barekese Water Plant

The Management of Ghana Water LTD (GWL) in the Ashanti Region, has announced plans to conduct essential repair works on the main transmission line at the Barekese Treatment Plant.

The maintenance work is crucial to guarantee the uninterrupted supply of water to the Kumasi metropolis.

Scheduled to commence at 6:00am on Wednesday, 23rd October 2024, the repair works are expected to be completed by 6:00pm on Thursday, 24th October 2024.

During this period, customers within the Kumasi metropolis may experience temporary disruptions in their water supply.

As a precautionary measure, customers are advised to store an adequate amount of water to cater to their needs during the maintenance period.

In a statement, Management expressed regret for any inconvenience caused by the temporary water supply disruptions and assured customers that supply would be promptly restored once the repair works are concluded.

You’re inviting chaos in Parliament- Osei-Mensah tells Alban Bagbin

By
Adwoa Afranewaa
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Former Majority Leader and Minister of Parliamentary Affairs, Osei-Kyei Mensah Bonsu, has suggested that any disruptions that may occur in Ghana’s parliament on Tuesday should be attributed to Speaker Alban Bagbin.

He expressed concern that both parliamentary caucuses could convene in the Chamber on Tuesday and opt to sit on the Speaker’s right side, potentially leading to chaos.

During an interview on the Orange Sunrise, Osei-Kyei Mensah Bonsu elaborated that the Speaker’s recent decisions have needlessly plunged the nation into a constitutional crisis.

He criticized the Speaker’s ruling on Article 97(1) g and h as unconstitutional, citing the Supreme Court’s intervention to halt the declaration.

The controversy arose when four MPs – Peter Yaw Kwakye-Ackah (NDC), Andrew Asiamah Amoako (Independent), Kwadjo Asante (NPP), and Cynthia Morrison (NPP) – submitted nomination papers for the 2024 parliamentary elections under different party affiliations.

Speaker Bagbin’s decision on October 17, 2024, to declare their seats vacant sparked outrage within the Majority Caucus.

The Majority Caucus contended that the Speaker’s actions infringed upon the Supreme Court’s authority, violated Article 99(1) of the Constitution, and disregarded ongoing judicial proceedings.

They argued that the ruling flouted due process, established a dangerous precedent undermining public trust in democratic institutions.

They also raised concerns about potential manipulation of parliamentary majority and obstruction of legislative efforts.

Seasoned Legislator, Osei-Kyei Mensah Bonsu therefore cautioned that such attempts to alter the parliamentary landscape posed a significant threat to governance and democratic integrity.

He attributed various parliamentary confusions, including incidents during the 2021 inaugural ceremony, Gyakye Quayson’s case, and Adwoa Sarfo’s absenteeism, to the Speaker.

He urged the Speaker to adhere to the Supreme Court’s directives to prevent any potential violence in parliament.

Osei-Kyei Mensah Bonsu also stated that he did not endorse the decision made by the former Speaker, Prof. Mike Oquaye, to declare the Fomena seat vacant.

Speaker of Parliament, Professor Aaron Mike Oquaye, declared the Fomena seat in the Adansi North District of the Ashanti Region vacant, following a decision by the incumbent MP to contest for re-election as an independent candidate.

Amoako Andrew Asiamah, the New Patriotic Party (NPP) MP for Fomena, is no longer running on the ticket of the governing party, and according to the rules of Parliament and the constitution of Ghana, the seat must be declared vacant, the Speaker said.

Article 97 (1)(g) of the 1992 constitution of Ghana states that a member of parliament shall vacate his seat if he leaves the party of which he was a member at the time of his election to Parliament to join another party or seeks to remain in Parliament as an independent member.

However, Osei-Kyei Mensah Bonsu said the former speaker also erred in his ruling.

I was not coerced to resign as majority leader- Osei-Kyei Mensah Bonsu clarifies

By
Adwoa Afranewaa
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Minister of Parliamentary Affairs and former Majority Leader, Osei-Kyei Mensah Bonsu, has refuted rumors suggesting that he was forced out of his position as Majority Leader, stating that his resignation was a personal choice.

“I myself took a decision and resigned,” he said.

In an interview on the Orange Sunrise, he said his decision not to seek re-election to represent the Suame seat, left him with doubts about his commitment and dedication to the party’s vision hence it was good for another person to take over.

He said another factor influencing his resignation was the speculation surrounding the NDC’s potential selection of Jane Naana Opoku Agyemang as its running mate from the Central Region.

He therefore believed it was strategic to have someone from that region to lead the Majority side in parliament to effectively compete with the opposition.

“First I said I wasn’t going to contest in Suame, I thought maybe the zeal and the commitment for the party may not be there. And the second one was that, the Central Region was where it was assumed John Mahama was going to take his running mate from, and if he did that, we will be seen to be very weak in the Central Region, so the president thought that we needed a bold face from there,” he told host Alfa Ali.

Osei-Kyei Mensah further mentioned that following his discussion with the president, progress started to unfold despite their inability to meet again due to travel arrangements.

Upon learning of these developments, several MPs, predominantly from the Ashanti Region, decided to sign a petition to prevent him from stepping down as the Majority Leader.

Nevertheless, in the interest of the party and Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, he believed it was best to de-escalate the situation and step down to avoid any impact on Bawumia’s candidacy.

Addressing misconceptions about his involvement in efforts to remove the Finance Minister, he clarified that he had advocated for calm among the disgruntled MPs and collaborated with the President to address their concerns, leading to ministerial appointments for key members.

Digitalization is the way to go-Osei-Kyei Mensah Bonsu says

By
Adwoa Afranewaa
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Former Majority Leader, Osei-Kyei Mensah Bonsu, has expressed his support for Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia’s digitalization agenda, citing its potential to create job opportunities, curb corruption, and boost government revenue in Ghana.

During an interview on the Orange Sunrise with Alfa Ali, the Suame Legislator stated the success of digitalizing the ports, which generated approximately 9 billion cedis during a period of financial strain post-Covid-19.

He noted that the digitalization efforts spearheaded by Dr. Bawumia led to a substantial increase in revenue for the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA).

“In 2023, when we were short on cash, the digitalization at the ports that we began piloting at Dr. Bawumia’s suggestion proved to be successful. By reducing person-to-person contact, it helped generate an additional nearly 9 billion for GRA,” he stated.

He further indicated that this achievement was unprecedented in the last 30 years and is projected to increase from GHS9 billion in 2023 to approximately GHS10 billion in 2024.

The Lawmaker observed that these strategic initiatives played a pivotal role in revitalizing the economy immediately following the Covid-19 period, earning praise from international bodies such as the IMF and the World Bank.

He noted that the economy has demonstrated steady growth, with a growth rate of 4.7 percent in the first quarter of 2024 and 6.9 percent in the second quarter.

He anticipates that the year will conclude with a growth rate ranging between 5.5 and 6 percent.

Osei-Kyei Mensah Bonsu criticized the previous Mahama administration, stating that the average GDP growth rate during their tenure was 2.9 percent.

In contrast, under President Akufo-Addo’s leadership, the GDP growth rate has been averaging 7 percent.

“The standard for measuring economic growth is the GDP, which is the main yardstick. The GDP growth rate during John Mahama’s 4-year term averaged 2.9 percent. Akufo-Addo inherited this and has since grown the economy at 7 percent. So, if we’ve increased it from 2.9 percent to 7 percent, how can you say we’ve mismanaged the economy?” he asked host Alfa Ali.

Supreme Court halts speaker’s decision to oust 4 MPs

By
Adwoa Afranewaa
-

The Supreme Court has intervened to suspend Speaker Alban Bagbin’s ruling that declared four parliamentary seats vacant, effectively reinstating the affected MPs.

The Court’s decision, made in response to an application by New Patriotic Party (NPP) Members of Parliament, directs Parliament to allow the four MPs to resume their duties and represent their constituencies until a final ruling is reached.

The application, filed without the involvement of Speaker Bagbin or Parliament, was argued by lawyers Paa Kwesi Abaidoo and former Attorney General Joe Ghartey on behalf of the NPP MPs.

The ruling impacts MPs Cynthia Morrison, Kwadjo Asante, Peter Kwakye Ackah, and Andrew Asiamah, who had either contested as independent candidates or switched party affiliations during the 2024 elections.

This legal development has significant implications for the balance of power in Parliament, as the NDC’s majority status resulting from the initial ruling has now been reset by the Supreme Court’s decision.

The case was heard by a panel of Supreme Court justices led by Chief Justice Gertrude Torkonoo, with other members including Justice Mariama Owusu, Justice Kwame Adibu Asiedu, Justice Ernest Yao Gaewu, and Justice Yaw Darko Asare.

Ghana Career and Migration Fair 2024 kicks off today in Kumasi

By
Adwoa Afranewaa
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The highly anticipated Ghana Career and Migration Fair 2024 is set to commence today at 9 am at the Golden Bean Hotel in Kumasi.

Organized by the Ghanaian-European Centre for Jobs, Migration, and Development, the fair is expected to attract a large number of young people from the Ashanti Region and beyond.

Running for two days, the fair aims to revolutionize opportunities for local talents looking to explore global prospects.

Focused on bridging the gap between job seekers, entrepreneurs, and businesses, the event will bring together more than 60 recruiters, companies, and international organizations from Europe and Ghana.

Attendees can anticipate engaging networking opportunities and informative panel discussions looking at the latest trends in the global job market.

In addition to conventional career paths, the fair will underscore the significance of migration and entrepreneurship in addressing youth unemployment and underemployment challenges in Ghana.

Participants will have the chance to explore alternative career paths, with an emphasis on skills development and technical and vocational education and training (TVET).

A major attraction of the fair will be the chance for attendees to explore educational opportunities in Europe.

Experts from esteemed institutions such as the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD), Campus France, and Erasmus+ will be available to assist students in navigating the various study abroad options.

In a concerted effort to combat youth unemployment, the Ghanaian-European Centre has partnered with the Ministry of Employment and Labour Relations to drive meaningful change.

Since its inception in 2018, the Ghana Career and Migration Fair has been successfully organized annually, with each edition surpassing the achievements of the previous one.

The fair’s flexibility has played a pivotal role in its expansion and outreach, with physical, virtual, and hybrid formats enabling its reach to extend to cities like Accra, Kumasi, Sunyani, and Tamale.

This inclusive approach ensures that a wider audience of Ghanaians can benefit from the diverse opportunities presented at the fair.

The impact of the fair is evident, with over 19,000 participants having attended previous editions and 1,277 individuals securing employment as a direct result.

Notable achievements include facilitating the connection of 450 exhibitors with qualified candidates, resulting in the filling of 1,855 job vacancies.

NGDA Summit: KNUST teams showcase innovative solutions to Danish Ambassador

By
Adwoa Afranewaa
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Teams from the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST) have presented their innovative solutions to the Danish Ambassador to Ghana, Mr. Tom Nørring, in anticipation of the upcoming 2024 edition of the Next Generation Digital Action (NGDA) Summit in Copenhagen, Denmark.

Led by Dr. Ing. Alexander Boakye Marful, a Senior Lecturer at the Department of Architecture, the KNUST teams participated in the Young Academics and Young Entrepreneurs Track, focusing on addressing real-world challenges.

The event, held on Monday, 14th October, 2024, was attended by key representatives from the Danish Embassy, including Ms. Trine Løber (Head of Trade) and Counsellor Elisabeth Loewe (Counsellor – Statistics), as well as officials from the Ghana Statistical Service.

During the event, Ambassador Tom Nørring noted the longstanding strategic partnership between Denmark and Ghana.

He expressed the positive impact in the various sectors such as health, agriculture, public-private enterprises, maritime security, coastal defense, and water.

Ms. Trine Løber and Counsellor Elisabeth Loewe discussed the collaboration between the two countries in key areas including Food and Agriculture, Technology and Digitalization, Water and Environment, Maritime Safety, Statistics, and Meteorology.

The teams from the Young Academics Track presented their solutions, with Team Mfasoᴐ introducing ‘Spaar’, a smart water and infrastructure software leveraging AI for optimizing water and sanitation assets.

Team LJJM showcased ‘Adesua Pa’, a web application aimed at providing accurate and up-to-date information on schools in Ghana, while Team Quad-Inno presented ‘Opretholde’, a web application for handling sustainability data.

The Green Crew, winners of last year’s NGCA Competition, displayed a model of their solution ‘Abusua Fie’, an inter-generational family home incorporating sustainable construction materials.

The Young Entrepreneurs Track, including Green Tech Solutions and Aqua Monitor, also presented their innovative ideas.

Green Tech Solutions introduced ‘Smart Green’, a system for real-time data collection to optimize irrigation with up to 50% savings in water consumption, while Aqua Monitor, led by Elisha Soglo Ahianyo, showcased a solution for monitoring fishpond conditions remotely.

The interactive session following the pitches allowed panel members to engage with the teams, providing valuable feedback and insights.

The event portrayed the collaborative efforts between Ghana, KNUST and the Danish Embassy in promoting innovation and addressing real-world challenges.

The KNUST teams expressed their gratitude to the Royal Danish Embassy, Accra for their support and partnership in preparing for the NGDA Summit in Copenhagen.

Ghana Career and Migration Fair to unlock global opportunities for the youth

By
Adwoa Afranewaa
-

Excitement is brewing as the Ghanaian-European Centre for Jobs, Migration and Development gears up to host the Ghana Career and Migration Fair 2024.

Scheduled for October 16-17 at the Golden Bean Hotel in Kumasi, this event promises to be a game-changer for local talents seeking to explore global opportunities.

With a focus on connecting job seekers, entrepreneurs, and businesses, the fair will bring together over 60 recruiters, companies, and international organizations from Europe and Ghana under one roof.

Attendees can look forward to engaging networking sessions and insightful panel discussions that shed light on the latest trends in the global labour market.

Beyond traditional career paths, the fair will emphasize the importance of migration and entrepreneurship in addressing Ghana’s youth unemployment and underemployment challenges.

Participants will have the chance to discover alternative career avenues, with a spotlight on skills development and technical and vocational education and training (TVET).

A key highlight of the event will be the opportunity for attendees to explore educational prospects in Europe.

Experts from renowned institutions such as the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD), Campus France, and Erasmus+ will be on hand to guide students through the myriad opportunities available for studying abroad.

In a bid to tackle youth unemployment head-on, the Ghanaian-European Centre has joined forces with the Ministry of Employment and Labour Relations to drive impactful change.

Together, they have successfully organized the Ghana Career and Migration Fair annually since 2018, with each edition building on the success of the last.

The fair’s adaptability has been a key factor in its growth and reach, with physical, virtual, and hybrid formats enabling it to expand to cities like Accra, Kumasi, Sunyani, and Tamale.

This inclusivity ensures that more Ghanaians can benefit from the wealth of opportunities presented at the fair.

The impact of the fair speaks volumes, with over 19,000 participants having attended previous editions and 1,277 individuals securing employment as a result.

Notably, the fair has also facilitated the connection of 450 exhibitors with qualified candidates, showcasing 1,855 job vacancies in the process.

As Ghana grapples with the pressing issue of youth unemployment, the upcoming seventh edition of the fair takes on added significance.

By raising awareness of global labour market demands, promoting fair recruitment practices, and empowering marginalized groups, the fair aims to create a more inclusive and prosperous future for Ghana’s youth.

In collaboration with key partners such as the Labour Department, Youth Employment Agency, Wealth and Jobs Agency, and the Delegation of German Industry in Ghana, the Ghana Career and Migration Fair 2024 is poised to be a catalyst for innovation and lasting opportunities.

It’s not just a job fair—it’s a platform for empowerment, growth, and success in an ever-evolving global landscape.

Ghana Career and Migration Fair 2024 to tackle youth unemployment issues- GIZ Ghana

By
Adwoa Afranewaa
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Ira Osei Akoto, Technical Advisor at GIZ Ghana, said the upcoming Ghana Career and Migration Fair 2024 will offer a platform that will create abundant opportunities for young individuals in the Ashanti Region and beyond.

With Ghana currently facing a youth unemployment rate of approximately 14.7%, the fair comes at a crucial time to provide support and opportunities for over 1.3 million unemployed young people aged 15 to 35.

Particularly focusing on vulnerable groups such as females, who experience higher unemployment rates, the fair seeks to bridge the gap between job seekers and available opportunities.

During an interview on Pure FM in Kumasi, monitored by Orange News, Mr. Akoto noted that it’s important to create employment prospects for the youth to combat societal challenges such as armed robbery.

He stressed that the availability of jobs would deter individuals from resorting to illegal activities like galamsey, which pose a threat to the nation’s future.

“The reality is that there are not enough jobs in Ghana. If there were sufficient employment opportunities, individuals would not resort to theft or activities like galamsey,” he stated.

Senior Labour Officer at the Labour Department, Frank Agyei Boakye, mentioned that while his organization has been actively working to generate job opportunities for the youth, the Career Fair serves to enhance this initiative.

He noted that the fair will provide various opportunities for individuals, including employment, education, and skills development.

Mr. Boakye also indicated that the fair aims to offer opportunities for individuals with disabilities to access amazing prospects.

Awudu Dramani Musah, GIZ Ghana’s Advisor on TVET, stated that the organization is collaborating with the Ghana TVET Service and the Commission for Technical, Vocational Education and Training on various projects to enhance skills development.

He noted that the Labour Ministry strongly supports the fair to create opportunities for the youth in Ghana and beyond.

The Ghana Career and Migration Fair 2024 will center on digital transformation, entrepreneurship, and skilled migration as key pillars of support for attendees.

Over the past six editions, the fair has attracted 19,000 participants, resulting in 1,277 individuals securing employment, including 521 women.

Employers have also benefited greatly, with 450 exhibitors taking part and 1,855 job vacancies being showcased.

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