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Delay in court decisions sparks protest from anti-gay bill advocates

By
Adwoa Afranewaa
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Proponents of the Sexual Rights and Family Values Bill, commonly known as the anti-gay bill, have held a protest, on Tuesday, October 8, to vent their frustration over delays in the bill’s final approval.

The protest seeks to pressure the president to promptly sign the bill, which has been awaiting his assent since Parliament passed it on February 28.

These delays were further exacerbated by a Supreme Court ruling on July 17, which deferred decisions on anti-gay cases until all related legal issues are resolved.

In an interview, Samuel Nartey George, the lead advocate of the bill and Member of Parliament for Ningo-Prampram, emphasized that the Chief Justice has the power to expedite the process if deemed necessary.

“The Chief Justice has the authority to require all parties in the case to file their documents within the timelines set by the Rules of Procedure, such as submitting a statement of claim within 14 days,” Samuel Nartey George stated. “This is clearly outlined, and it’s within the Chief Justice’s power to enforce.

SOURCE: Obikyere Abigail Seyram

Parliament to receive petition from minority on govt’s lack of response to galamsey crisis

By
Adwoa Afranewaa
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Ebenezer Okletey Terlabi, Chairman of Parliament’s Select Committee on Environment, Science, and Technology, has indicated his intention to raise the issue of illegal mining, commonly known as galamsey, during the parliamentary session next Tuesday, October 15.

Terlabi expressed concern over the government’s persistent silence on the galamsey menace, describing it as alarming.

Parliament is scheduled to begin the 5th meeting of its 4th session on October 15, 2024, at the Dome of the Accra International Conference Centre.

In an interview, the Member of Parliament for Lower Manya Krobo emphasized that the government’s lack of action on this issue is deeply troubling.

“When we return to Parliament, I have several issues I plan to raise, including the government’s response to the galamsey crisis,” Ebenezer Okletey Terlabi stated. “I will ensure that those responsible are summoned to Parliament to explain why this issue continues to persist.”

He criticized the government’s silence, noting, “The entire nation is up in arms against illegal mining, yet the government remains stone silent. Their only concern seems to be winning elections, which is unacceptable.”

Terlabi also expressed frustration over the repeated delays in passing the Environmental Protection Bill in Parliament.

“I am beginning to see why some ministers and presidential appointees are resisting the passage of the EPA Bill,” Ebenezer Okletey Terlabi remarked. “The bill grants significant authority and policing power to the EPA, enabling it to oversee institutions involved in environmental matters.

SOURCE: Obikyere Abigail Seyram

Minerals Commission accuses police of failing in the fight against galamsey

By
Adwoa Afranewaa
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The Minerals Commission criticizes police inaction on illegal mining, urging proactive measures and coordinated law enforcement efforts.

The Minerals Commission has expressed concerns regarding the perceived inaction of the police in addressing illegal mining activities.

The Commission claims that illegal mining is reportedly taking place right behind the Anyinam Police Station, yet security forces have not intervened.

The Commission further noted that all forms of mining in water bodies are illegal, yet there have been no arrests made by the police in connection with these violations.

During a session before the Government Assurances Committee of Parliament on Monday, October 7, the Chief Executive Officer of the Minerals Commission, Martin Ayisi, expressed his dissatisfaction with the current situation.

He urged the police to adopt more proactive measures to combat illegal mining effectively.

Ayisi stated the need for a coordinated effort between law enforcement and regulatory bodies to ensure the protection of the nation’s natural resources and curb illegal activities that threaten the environment and public safety.

“Anyone who enters the river bodies is engaging in an illegal activity. They typically operate at night, starting around 10 PM or 11 PM, and finish by 4 AM,” stated Martin Ayisi, CEO of the Minerals Commission.

SOURCE : Obikyere Abigail Seyram

Information Ministry expresses surprise over Organised Labour’s decision to strike

By
Adwoa Afranewaa
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Ghana government displeased by Organised Labour strike, seeks collaboration on illegal mining. Emphasizes unified stance against galamsey.

The government of Ghana has expressed disappointment over Organised Labour’s decision to proceed with a nationwide strike scheduled for October 10, despite a recent meeting where both parties agreed to collaborate in addressing the pressing issue of illegal mining, commonly known as galamsey.

Organised Labour has been advocating for the president to declare a state of emergency regarding illegal mining and to implement long-term strategies to tackle the crisis effectively.

In a statement released on Monday, October 7, Information Minister Fatimatu Abubakar voiced her shock at Organised Labour’s determination to move forward with the strike, especially in light of the government’s demonstrated commitment to combat illegal mining.

The government has also supported calls for presidential candidates to sign a pact against illegal mining, emphasizing the importance of a unified stance in the fight against this issue.

Additionally, the government plans to revoke the Environmental Protection Regulations 2023 (L.I 2462) when Parliament reconvenes, signaling its readiness to take decisive action.

This development has raised concerns among stakeholders who believe that collaboration between the government and Organised Labour is crucial for effective solutions to illegal mining.

The government remains hopeful that dialogue can resume to address the pressing challenges posed by illegal mining while ensuring the protection of Ghana’s natural resources and environment.

SOURCE: Obikyere Abigail Seyram

Second Mpox case detected- GHS Confirms

By
Adwoa Afranewaa
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Ghana has confirmed a second case of Mpox, bringing the total number of infections to two.

Ghana has confirmed a second case of Mpox, bringing the total number of infections to two.

The latest case is the mother of a 15-year-old boy who was diagnosed with the disease in September. Health officials are now closely monitoring both individuals to prevent further spread of the virus.

Dr. Dennis Laryea, Deputy Director of Disease Surveillance at the Ghana Health Service, provided an update, reassuring the public that authorities are taking all necessary measures to contain the virus.

Mpox, also known as Monkeypox, is a viral disease that spreads primarily through direct contact with an infected person or contaminated surfaces. Common symptoms include fever, a rash, and swollen lymph nodes.

Health officials are urging the public to stay vigilant, follow hygiene protocols, and promptly report any suspected symptoms to healthcare providers.

The Ghana Health Service (GHS) has ramped up public awareness campaigns and is coordinating with local health facilities to enhance preparedness for managing potential cases.

In response to the latest developments, additional resources have been mobilized to monitor contacts of the confirmed cases, particularly in the affected communities, to prevent further spread of the virus.

SOURCE: Obikyere Abigail Seyram

We won’t join your strike- GMA to Organised Labour

By
Adwoa Afranewaa
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The Ghana Medical Association (GMA) has stated that they will not participate in the Organized Labour’s industrial strike action on Thursday October 10.

This announcement comes amid growing speculation and concern regarding potential strikes by medical professionals in the country and the effects that would have on community members.

In a statement, the GMA noted that, it’s however in solidarity with Organized Labour in the fight against illegal mining.

The GMA said it has been vocal about the challenges posed by galamsey which lead to serious health problems across various mining areas.

The GMA encouraged its members to stay united and focused on their professional responsibilities as they continue to provide essential medical services to the community.

Organised Labour confirmed a nationwide strike starting Thursday, October 10, 2024, in response to the government’s inaction and silence on the galamsey menace. This decision follows their prior notice of industrial action if their concerns remain unaddressed.

Illegal mining, otherwise known as ‘Galamsey’ has been a major concern to the country as its devastating effects continue to be prevalent.

SOURCE: Obikyere Abigail Seyram

Kwabena Agyepong – Bawumia’s record shows his eagerness to lead Ghana

By
Adwoa Afranewaa
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The Senior Campaign Adviser to Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, Kwabena Agyei Agyepong,  has admired the New Patriotic Party (NPP) flagbearer for his exceptional leadership qualities and assistances to Ghana and its development.

In an interview, Agyepong emphasized  Dr Bawumia’s splendid  record for the past 7 years as Vice President and working at the Bank of Ghana,  which he said marks his ability for strong, results-driven leadership.

He added that the New Patriotic Party should set aside any remaining criticisms and rally behind Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia in a intensive attempt to safeguard victory in the December 7, elections.

The former General Secretary of the NPP noted, “His track record  has made him very compassionate. He’s one of a kind that   most party people show love to and that is very fine. He has been chosen by the party and I accept the authority of the party.”

“He won significantly. I believe he  has the possibility to lead Ghana  and the party in a new way, in a new era and with new inventive,” he stated.

Ghana Statistical Service Hosts Forum on 2024 Accommodation Unit Survey

By
Adwoa Afranewaa
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The Ghana Statistical Service has organized a stakeholder engagement forum for industry players on the Ghana 2024 accommodation unit survey (AUS). The forum aimed to discuss the upcoming Accommodation Unit Survey, which seeks to measure the supply and demand for commercial accommodation facilities in Ghana.
The workshop which was organized on Monday 7th October 2024, at the Miklin Hotel in Kumasi welcomed members from the Ghana Tourism and Progressive Hotels Association who have been licensed and recognized.

The survey is one of four ongoing initiatives, including the completed Domestic Alban and Ghana International Travelers surveys. These efforts when completed will help calculate the tourism satellite account.

According to Deputy Government Statistician Edward Asuo Afram, the year-long survey will gather data on expenditures, revenue, and salary payments from stakeholders. He further explained that the Statistical Service anticipates obstacles in conducting the 2024 Accommodation Unit Survey due to skepticism from stakeholders.

The president of the Ghana Hotels Association Dr, Edward Ackah Nyamike highlighted the importance of the survey emphasizing determining the actual contribution of the tourism and hospitality industry in the country Dr. Edward Ackah added that the survey when completed will help policymakers appreciate the challenges faced by the hospitality industries in Ghana.


The president of the Ghana Tourism Federation Mr. Charles Adu Gyamfi urged the Ghana Statistical Service to be transparent and confidential in their data collection to strengthen the trust of stakeholders in the industry
The Ghana Statistical Service is committed to transparency and reassures stakeholders that the collected data will solely support policy decisions and national development initiatives

Kumasi-Traders at Racecourse market lament over deplorable road

By
Adwoa Afranewaa
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Traders at certain parts of the Racecourse Market in the Kumasi Metropolis are expressing concerns about the deteriorating condition of the road that links the market to the Adehye market area and Ashtown.

The traders are worried that this issue is significantly affecting their business operations as customers encounter difficulties navigating the road.

They fear that their livelihoods could be at risk if effective measures are not promptly implemented to address this challenge.

Business activities in some parts of the Racecourse Market are struggling for survival owing to deplorable roads.

Particularly concerning is the road connecting the area to Adehye market.

The poor state of the road is seriously taking a significant toll on businesses.

A trader, Issah Mohammed said, “the current state of the road is discouraging customers, who often complain about the unattractive market environment. Many customers are always in the city center, but the pragya operators face obstacles in accessing the city.”

The road is discouraging customers from visiting the Racecourse Market as expected hence gradually collapsing businesses.

Another trader, Mohammed Abdul Mumin, said, “Despite many customers owning vehicles, they tend to avoid our market due to the poor road conditions, opting for alternative locations, which is significantly impacting our business.”

The road which has currently developed huge gullies, is abstracting the smooth movement of vehicles and people.

Despite its recent rehabilitation, the situation has further aggravated leaving commuters concerned.

“Even a light rainfall poses a significant challenge due to the poor road conditions. Many members have acquired new tricycles, but bringing them here is risky as the owner may reclaim them. Some members have already lost their tricycles due to this issue,” a Pragia rider, Bismack stated.

By Nelly Takyiwa Boateng

GIZ Ghana challenges misconception that only unintelligent individuals pursue TVET courses

By
Adwoa Afranewaa
-

GIZ Ghana has dispelled the notion that technical and vocational education and training (TVET) courses are only for those deemed unintelligent or lacking creativity.

Awudu Dramani Musah, GIZ Ghana’s Advisor on TVET, noted that intelligence and creativity are essential qualities for success in technical and vocational fields.

“If you’re not intelligent or creative you cannot call yourself a technical or vocational person,” he said.

In an interview on the Orange Sunrise ahead of the Ghana Career and Migration Fair 2024, he stated the pivotal role of technical and vocational professionals in driving innovation across various industries.

He also mentioned that technical expertise is fundamental in creating opportunities for economic growth and entrepreneurship.

“All things that we see around are through technical, in fact if you’re not brilliant you can’t do that,” Mr. Musah told host Alfa Ali.

Drawing attention to the value of technical expertise, Mr. Musah questioned the perception that corporate executives are superior to skilled technicians and artisans.

He emphasized the indispensable contributions of technical professionals to society.

“I’m a technical person, I get worried when I hear of some of these things, can you say the CEO of a company is better than the person who manufactured company?” he quizzed.

On his part, Frank Agyei Boakye, Senior Labour Officer at the Labour Department, said there is a high regard for technical and vocational professionals in countries like Germany, as compared to Ghana.

He lamented the lack of recognition and support for TVET courses in Ghana compared to nations that prioritize technical education.

“Germany does not joke with its technical and Vocational persons, unlike Ghana,” he said.

Mr. Boakye attributed the decline in interest in TVET courses in Ghana to the diminishing emphasis on technical education at the basic school level.

He stated the need to revitalize TVET education to empower individuals with practical skills and drive economic development.

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