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Bawumia Reveals Solar-Powered Solution to End Premix Fuel Problems

By
Adwoa Afranewaa
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Bawumia Reveils Solar-Powered Solution to End Premix Fuel Challenges

In a groundbreaking announcement, Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia has revealed plans to address the long-standing challenges with premix fuel for fisherfolk. During his campaign tour in Saltpond, Central Region, Dr. Bawumia shared his innovative approach—solar-powered outboard motors—to end the dependency on premix fuel.

After years of trying various methods, including the installation of automated dispensing machines at fishing communities, the issue remains unresolved. Determined to find a lasting solution, Dr. Bawumia has been working on an eco-friendly alternative that could change the game for fishermen.

“I’ve been thinking and discussing how we can permanently solve this problem. We brought in premix automation, but it hasn’t completely fixed the issue,” he said. “So, by God’s grace, we have found a permanent solution—solar-powered outboard motors.”

Set to be piloted by the end of this year, the solar-powered motors aim to free fishermen from the burdensome reliance on premix fuel. “With solar power, they won’t need to buy fuel anymore. Once the sun shines, their batteries will charge, and they can continue their work without any hassle,” Dr. Bawumia explained.

The pilot phase is expected to begin next month, with meetings planned to further engage the fishing communities. Dr. Bawumia emphasized that this move will not only modernize the fishing industry but also eliminate the fraud associated with the distribution of premix fuel. His announcement was met with overwhelming support and cheers from the Saltpond fishing community, eager to experience this innovative change firsthand.

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Baba Yara Sports Stadium is 70% ready—NSA

By
Ivy Hollys
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baba yara sports stadium

The National Sports Authority appeared before the Parliamentary Select Committee for Youth, Sports, and Culture on Wednesday, September 25. 

They confirmed that the Baba Yara Sports Stadium is 70% ready to host Ghana’s match against Sudan. The match will be played in October and will be matchday 3 of the 2025 AFCON Qualifiers.

The Committee for Youth, Sports, and Culture is investigating Ghana’s recent sports decline. The NSA used the opportunity to address several concerns, including the revenue generated from renting the stadium for church events.

There has been a recent outcry against renting the stadium for public events. However, the NSA has defended it as a way to generate revenue.

Seth Panwum, the NSA’s Board Chairman, explained that the stadium’s pitch is undergoing major renovations. He said these renovations will likely be completed by the next match.

He acknowledged that the work is progressing quickly but emphasised that CAF (Confederation of African Football) officials will make the final assessment.

At the meeting, he disclosed that discussions are underway with the Minister of Finance to secure emergency funding. The funding will protect the pitch and ensure its readiness for future matches.

Panwum said, “CAF said we should do major work on the pitch, which we have admitted and are doing. Even as of now, if they come back, per the speed of the work that we have done, they can pass us to even use it for the next game.

“But per their rules, we need to give them the briefing so that subsequently we can write to them again to come and relook at the pitch, assess it, and give us the green light. I must say it’s very unfortunate that we have gotten here.”

He added, “It is no news when we go to other countries. Even Wembley is given out for concerts, but they ensure that they protect the Pitch with pitch cowage. I’ve discussed this with our Minister of Finance through our Sector Minister to see how urgently they can help. We are also mandated to generate revenue, and our gate proceeds are insufficient to mandate us to fulfill that requirement.”

Background

Ghana’s Baba Yara Stadium was the only approved venue to host international games such as the Black Stars 2025 AFCON qualifier against Sudan in October.

However, CAF banned the stadium after Ghana lost 1-0 to Angola at the venue due to the woeful conditions of its facilities. This leaves Ghana without an approved stadium, implying that Ghana has to play its “home” game against Sudan away from home.

Cote d’Ivoire was reportedly the most likely destination to host the game with Sudan, as scheduling issues are likely to rule out Togo. 

Kumasi Magistrate court nullifies voter transfers to Manhyia South constituency

By
Adwoa Afranewaa
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A Kumasi Magistrate court has annulled over a 1,000 voter transfers to the Manhyia South constituency, ordering the Electoral Commission (EC) to promptly return all affected voters to their original constituencies.

The Magistrate who presided over the case, Gyaawa Donkor, reached the verdict after an accusation brought before the court by Lawyer Nana Agyei Baffour Awuah, the New Patriotic Party (NPP) Parliamentary Candidate for Manhyia South, after detecting that voter transfers had been engineered by the National Democratic Congress (NDC), travelled its judicial course. 

Mr. Awuah, after uncovering the illegal transfers, had organized polling station executives and residents to raise objections, suggesting that these transfers involved individuals who did not live in the constituency.  

The objections were validated by the completion of Objection Forms in accordance with Regulation 23 of CI 91, which indicated that the transferred voters were not residents of the constituency. 

On September 20, 2024, landlords of the properties testified during the court hearing on the matter, denying that the individuals who used their addresses to register lived there.

Rita Gyamfua Amonu, the NDC Parliamentary candidate, chose not to comment on the matter when journalists reached out after the court’s ruling. 

by Nelly Takyiwa Boateng

Election 2024: LPG denies allegations of ballot number exchange with NPP

By
Adwoa Afranewaa
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The Liberal Party of Ghana has dismissed a circulating video on social media that implies their Flagbearer engaged in a ballot position swap with the ruling NPP.

Rumors suggesting that Kofi Akpaloo exchanged his ballot position with NPP’s Evans Nimako during the electoral commission balloting are unfounded and should not be given credence.

In a statement, the party clarified that their flagbearer, Kofi Akpaloo, selected ballot number 5 and remains in his designated position.

The party calls on all Ghanaians to disregard these baseless allegations and continue to support the party and its flagbearer as the 2024 election draws near.

“We value your trust and belief in our party and its vision for Ghana’s progress,” the statement statement.

The party encouraged Ghanaians to unite and concentrate on the crucial issues that impact the nation.

By: Osei Tutu Esther Kumah

Ghana May Soon Import Water for Local Medicine Production—Pharmaceutical Society

By
Ivy Hollys
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pharmaceutical society of Ghana

The Pharmaceutical Society of Ghana (PSG) has warned that the country risks importing water to support local pharmaceutical production if the illegal mining canker is not addressed urgently.

The society made this warning at its 2024 annual general meeting, citing the devastating impact of illegal mining on water bodies. They also mentioned the subsequent increase in the cost of treating water for manufacturing.

According to PSG, environmental damage caused by illegal mining operations is making it more expensive to treat water for local pharmaceutical product production.

The society emphasized that this added cost contributes to the high cost of medicine in Ghana.

Dr. Samuel Kow Donkoh, the PSG President, said if measures are not taken to address the illegal mining menace, Ghana may soon have to import water to support local manufacturing industries.

He noted that Ghana’s local manufacturers currently produce all the infusions needed in the country, but they require quality water.

The society urged the government to put stringent measures in place to tackle illegal mining activities.

He said, “The activities of illegal miners, in particular, have devastated our water bodies, making it increasingly expensive for pharmaceutical companies to treat water for their manufacturing processes. Ghana currently enjoys self-sufficiency in local production of infusions, but illegal mining threatens this achievement.

“If this environmental degradation continues, we may soon face the grave reality of importing water to support our local manufacturing industry.

The pollution from these mining activities is so severe that expensive technology is also required to treat water, contributing to the high cost of medicines. We therefore call on the government to take urgent, decisive action to end this lawlessness.”

Source: citinewsonline

Energy Sector Challenges: ECG, GRIDCo, Minority Speak

By
Ivy Hollys
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Gridco substation fire and ecg

The Ghana Grid Company LTD (GRIDCo) and the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG) have spoken up about the current intermittent energy/power supply. 

Commonly known as ‘dumsor,’ they say the challenge is due to the Gas Processing Plant (GPP) in Atuabo.

In a joint statement, GRIDCo and ECG apologized for the inconvenience caused. They say GNGC engineers are working to resolve the issue and restore the full gas supply.

Recently, parts of the country have experienced power outages due to limited gas supply for power generation.

The Minority in Parliament, however, is concerned about the return of “dumsor,” or load shedding, and has attributed it to questionable contracts that the government entered into with the Ghana Gas Company.

The group claims that the Ghana Gas Company is under pressure from the Presidency to sign a $800 million contract with the Phoenix Park Gas Processors Consortium without parliamentary permission under dubious circumstances.

They say a power deficit of over 500 megawatts was recorded on Tuesday, September 24, negatively impacting customers.

In an interview with journalists, ranking Member of the Energy Committee of Parliament John Jinapor said, “Because of such dubious contracts, load shedding is ongoing as we speak. On September 24, there was a deficit of more than 500 megawatts. On September 25, they will shed a load, and customers in Ghana will be affected.

“Tullow Ghana has not been paid even $1 for the past nine months for gas supplied to Ghana Gas, and Tullow is threatening to curtail supply of gas.

“The IPPs have just dispatched a letter to the Minister of Finance intending to halt the supply of power for debt and liabilities hovering around $1.2 billion. Sadly, the energy sector is collapsing.”

ECG Boss, Samuel Dubik Mahama, Resigns

By
Ivy Hollys
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dubik mahama and ecg

Samuel Dubik Mahama, the Managing Director of the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG), has officially resigned.

For the past two years, Mr. Dubik has been the managing director of the main electric power distributing company in Ghana. 

Portions of his resignation letter read, “I have concluded that it is in my best interest to step away for personal reasons.” He gave a two-week notice.

Mr. Dubik was appointed by President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo and assumed the role on May 16, 2022. His departure is a surprise as he has only served in the position for two years.

Before taking on the role of managing director, Mahama served as a non-executive director at ECG. His previous roles included being a non-executive director at GIHOC Distilleries, country representative for Gulfsouth Forest Products, and partner at Dubik & Associates and Wilkins Engineering.

Sources within ECG and government circles have remained silent on the specific circumstances that led to this development.

In addition to his professional background, Mahama is a legal practitioner and a graduate of the University of Ghana.

The letter read:

“I am writing to formally resign from my position as Managing Director of the Electricity Company of Ghana, effective two weeks from the above date. The decision has not come easily, but after much reflection, I have concluded that it is in my best interest to step away for personal reasons.

“Over the past two years and four months. I have had the profound honor of serving this esteemed organization. I am truly grateful for the opportunities I have received. I want to thank the Board for your unwavering support and guidance throughout my tenure. I also wish to express my sincere gratitude to the President for the trust placed in me, which has been a significant aspect of my journey here.”

However, according to Graphic Online, Mr. Mahama has been facing challenges with the board and the staff regarding how he wants to manage the ECG.

Students Loan Trust Disburses GH¢20m to Students

By
Ivy Hollys
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loans disbursed

The Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Student Loan Trust Fund (SLTF), Nuhu Bayorbo Mahama, said the fund has released GH¢20 million for disbursement. This amount is for some 13,500 beneficiaries in tertiary institutions across the country.

The amount is to cater for qualified final-year and continuing students in the various tertiary institutions for the second semester of the current academic year.

With this disbursement, the amount of loans disbursed since January this year comes to GH¢60 million.

He said, “Last Friday, we were able to pay GH¢20 million to students in the various institutions. So, I can say that almost all the Level 400 students who are due have been sorted out. Unless somebody has issues with his/her Ezwich card or did not fill out the form correctly.” 

Speaking to the daily graphic, Mr. Mahama said about GH¢15 million covered all the final-year students, with the rest going to the continuing students.

He hoped the organization would disburse funds to the remaining continuing students by December this year. He explained that about GH¢13 million of the money was recovered from debtors during the recovery month in August this year.

Mr. Mahama said the fund wanted to make the repayment month of August very relevant so that employers who had some debtors working with them would get them to pay.

He said the organization undertook various programs, including media interviews, engaging with employers, sending text messages, and writing letters, all during the repayment month to recoup some money.

On average, Mr. Mahama said, the trust fund mobilized between GH¢90,000 and GH¢100,000 a day during the period. He urged those still owing to settle their indebtedness with the SLTF to enable it to honor its obligations to other students.

The SLTF had targeted to recover GH¢80 million from debtors, a revision of last year’s GH¢75 million target.

“From January to date, we have recouped about GH¢54 million. We still have some GH¢12 million with the Controller and Accountant General’s Department (CAGD),” Mr. Mahama added. 

“By the end of the year, we expect no less than GH¢20 million from Controller.”

Regarding the mode of repayment, Mr. Mahama said some debtors walked onto the premises of the SLTF to pay up. Others paid through mobile money. Those abroad used electronic money transfer platforms, he said.

“So this year, our target is to recoup GH¢80 million from our borrowers.” Mr. Mahama said the loan repayment was very important as it helped to build the credit score of those doing so.

Loan and Credit score

The CEO of SLTF, however, said those who did not pay would see their credit score drop, adding that “you cannot even go in for a facility because you are not creditworthy.”

“So if you are owing a student loan and you fail to repay, your credit score goes down.”

He said the trust fund knew everybody who owed because of the use of the Ghana Card.

“Currently, borrowers are around 280,000,” he disclosed. 

Loan: “No Guarantor System”

He said the introduction of the “no guarantor system” had led to an increase in enrolment, having removed the barrier of finding guarantors.

“Since the inception of the ‘No guarantor system,’ the number has increased from 25,000 to 57,000 this year.  First-time applicants were over 30,000,” he said.

In the case of teacher trainees, Mr. Mahama said the SLTF had paid GH¢60 million, which covered the allowances of 67,000 trainees.

He said 1,500 students were outstanding, who had challenges with their ezwich cards, among other issues. He said GH¢400 was given to each student per month.

Galamsey Protesters Arrested: Lawyer Calls Out Police

By
Ivy Hollys
-
galamsey protestors

The counsel for 46 Stop Galamsey protesters who were arrested during their recent protest has criticized the Ghana Police Service’s actions, accusing them of acting in bad faith and violating the protesters’ rights.

Speaking on Joy News’ PM Express on Tuesday, Prince Ganaku expressed frustration over the police’s handling of the protest and how it undermined the very essence of the law they claim to enforce.

“This is not about enforcing the law. It has never been about enforcing the law,” he stated.

He raised concerns about the police’s decision to secure an ex parte injunction just two days before the protest, despite receiving notification months in advance.

“If they acted in good faith, they would have gone to court three months ago. What they chose to do was wait, act in bad faith, and go to court two days before the protest to get an ex parte injunction.”

Mr. Ganaku highlighted the tactics employed by the police, particularly in denying the protesters access to legal representation.

“The police take the protesters, drive around with them, win, turn around, and come back. You ask where the protesters are, and they don’t let you see them.

“Lawyers have gone to the police station to see their clients, and there’s an order from above that nobody should be allowed to see anybody,” he explained, criticizing the police for playing a cat-and-mouse game with the legal process. The lawyer also condemned the police for abusing their power and acting as though they were above the law.

“If I should mention the institution that abuses their power in this country, you know who comes to mind? It is the Ghana Police Service. So this is not about enforcing the law because nobody is more lawless than the Ghana Police Service.”

Prince Ganaku’s concern goes beyond the police’s actions; he pointed to the courts’ complicity in the matter.

“The courts are, in a sense, complicit in endorsing the police tactics. The Supreme Court has already settled the issue of the right to protest. Yet, we still have the police overreaching and trying to make themselves regulators of a right that’s inherent in all of us, with the tacit and express endorsement of the court.”

He continued by stressing that the police and courts were working in concert to suppress the rights of the protesters.

“The police are behaving as though the government has entered into a joint venture with the courts to suppress protests. The people under whose authority this has gotten so bad live in mansions, their kids go to school abroad, and they have double passports. They are the new colonial masters.”

Mr. Ganaku argues that the arrest of the protesters and the refusal to grant them bail is a deliberate attempt to discourage activism and silence dissenting voices.

“You don’t want a system where people internalize their frustration and feel as though the entire government machinery is against them. That is a recipe for disaster,” he warned, citing past instances in Ghana’s history where military interventions were preceded by a “culture of silence.”

In his closing remarks, the lawyer expressed his commitment to defending the protesters and ensuring their rights are upheld.

“If I have to, I will apply for a copy of the court proceedings and publish it online. Let everyone see the arguments made by both sides and draw their conclusions,” Ganaku declared, calling for transparency in the legal process.

As the fight against galamsey continues, Prince Ganaku’s sharp critique of the police and the judiciary raises important questions about the balance between maintaining order and protecting citizens’ fundamental rights.

Source: joynewsonline

GEPA plans to raise non-traditional exports to $25.3 billion By 2029

By
Adwoa Afranewaa
-

The Ghana Export Promotion Authority (GEPA) is planning to increase the value of Non- traditional exports to 25.3 billion dollars by 2029.

The Director of the Ghana Export Promotion Authority in the Ashanti Zone, Francis Fosu Kwakye, has expressed worry about the significant level of imports in the country.

He noted that the high rate of importation negatively impacts the nation’s image in the international trade market.

Speaking with Orange Business News, he mentioned that the authority has drafted a 10-year strategy to boost the value of Non-Traditional exports from the current 3.9 billion dollars to 25.3 billion dollars by 2029.

Mr. Kwakye also noted that the National Export Development Strategy (NEDS) is a 10-year strategic plan developed by the authority to enhance the value of Ghana’s Non-Traditional exports and to boost the utilization of locally made products in order to increase the country’s revenue.

“We are all worried and we are doing all we can to promote made in Ghana goods overseas”, he stated.

SOURCE: Obikyere Abigail Seyram

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