Guru, whose real name is Maradona Adjei Yeboah, has been elected as President of the Students’ Representative Council (SRC) at the University of Ghana.
The “Lapaz Toyota,” hit-maker, secured this victory after a fiercely contested campaign marred by disqualifications, legal battles, and numerous challenges.
Guru and his running mate, Jeffery Adu-Yeboah, secured 50.7 percent of the votes, totaling 9,455. The election saw a remarkable voter turnout of 18,659 students.
The hitmaker was previously disqualified from the election. But in a dramatic turn of events, the Appeals Board of the University of Ghana overturned the disqualification on Sunday, September 15.
The SRC had barred Guru from contesting due to not meeting the required qualifications. His disqualification was based on his non-resident status, which violates Article 30.
This article mandates that candidates must be campus residents and eligible to contest for a Junior Common Room (JCR) position in their hall.
Although the judicial board upheld the disqualification, the Vice Dean of the University of Ghana directed that the names of Guru, Amponsah, and their running mates be included in the list of presidential candidates.
Guru and his administration are expected to steer the affairs of the SRC for the 2024/25 academic year.
President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo has given his assent to the Affirmative Action (Gender Equity) Bill 2024. The bill was enacted by Parliament on July 30, 2024, and had been in and out of session since 2011.
Now that the assent has been obtained, the implementation is the only thing remaining.
According to the Minister of Gender, Children, and Social Protection, Dakoa Newman, The President approved the bill on Thursday afternoon.
Parliament passed the landmark Affirmative Action (Gender Equity) Bill on Tuesday, July 30, 2024. The bill’s passing marks a historic legislative endeavor in Ghana’s continued quest for gender balance in all spheres of society.
History of the Bill
The Affirmative Action Bill was first introduced in Parliament in 2016. This was to prioritize an increase in women’s participation in governance and decision-making at all levels.
The bill encourages rules and processes to ensure that underrepresented groups, especially women, minorities, and people with disabilities, have equal opportunities. It also promotes the active involvementnof these groups in decision-making at all levels of leadership in the nation.
The Affirmative Action (Gender Equity) Bill 2024, therefore, represents a significant step forward in Ghana’s efforts to achieve gender equality. Key areas such as education, health, employment, and governance are addressed to align with international standards.
The bill aligns with international conventions and regional agreements to which Ghana is a signatory. These include the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW) and the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights.
As a signatory to all these conventions and charters, the government is mandated to integrate these obligations into national policies and programs to promote gender equality at all levels.
Aim of Affirmative Action Bill
The bill has three distinct goals for gender representation: thirty percent by 2026, thirty-five percent by 2028, and fifty percent by 2030. These quotas apply to appointments to leadership positions in public offices, governance positions, and decision-making roles.
In Ghana, despite making up more than half of the nation’s population (51.2%), only 13.8%, representing fewer than 30% of ministers, are women. In the just-concluded 2023 municipal elections, women made up just 4.1% of the elected assembly members.
The bill, when implemented, will ensure gender-responsive budgeting. This is where government ministries, departments, agencies, and district assemblies must include budget lines for addressing gender-specific issues in their plans.
Also, the bill will ensure that political parties achieve progressive gender equality targets in participation and representation.
The bill cuts across several sectors, which include the Ministry of Education which is to ensure gender balance in access and opportunity to education at all levels.
It also includes provisions for reviewing curricula to include courses on gender equality, establishing programs to address barriers to education for girls, and providing appropriate interventions in deprived districts.
Particular emphasis is placed on promoting girls’ education through various incentives and support mechanisms, ensuring their retention and success in the education system.
PC crashes can be a frustrating experience, often happening at the most inconvenient times. While many factors can contribute to these crashes, one significant culprit often overlooked is the role of drivers. Surprisingly, up to 75% of PC crashes can be attributed to outdated or faulty drivers. In this post, we will explore the crucial role drivers play in maintaining system stability and highlight the importance of keeping them updated.
Drivers are essential software components that allow your computer’s operating system to communicate with hardware devices. Whether it’s your graphics card, sound card, or any other peripheral, drivers ensure that everything works seamlessly together. However, when these drivers become outdated or corrupted, they can cause significant instability in your system. According to recent statistics, up to 75% of PC crashes are linked to driver issues, making them a critical factor in overall system performance.
The Importance of Updating Graphic Drivers
One of the most critical drivers to keep updated is your graphics driver. Regular updates for graphic drivers are crucial for several reasons:
Enhancing System Performance: Updated drivers can optimize how your hardware communicates with the software, resulting in smoother and faster performance.
2. Fixing Bugs and Security Vulnerabilities: New driver updates often address bugs and security issues, protecting your system from potential threats.
3. Accessing New Features: Updated drivers can unlock new features and functionalities, enhancing your computing and gaming experiences. Without these updates, you may experience sluggish graphics performance, glitches, or even crashes during intensive tasks like gaming or video editing.
Despite the importance of keeping drivers up to date, many users tend to neglect this aspect of system maintenance. Whether due to oversight or a lack of understanding, neglecting driver updates can lead to persistent issues such as lagging, crashing, or malfunctioning hardware. This negligence not only affects the efficiency of your computer but can also lead to a frustrating user experience. Users who regularly update their drivers report fewer issues and a smoother overall computing experience.
Managing your drivers doesn’t have to be complicated. Here are some tips to ensure your drivers are always up to date:
1. Regularly Check for Updates: Set a schedule to check for driver updates, especially for critical components like graphics and audio.
2. Use Reliable Driver Update Tools: There are several trustworthy software tools available that can automatically detect and install the latest driver updates for your system.
3. Stick to Official Sources: Always download drivers from official manufacturer websites or trusted sources to avoid potential malware or compatibility issues.
By taking a proactive approach to driver management, you can significantly reduce the likelihood of PC crashes and other system issues. Keeping your drivers updated not only enhances your computer’s performance but also extends its lifespan. It’s a simple yet effective way to ensure a smooth and efficient computing experience, free from the frustrations of unexpected crashes and glitches.
Conclusion
Drivers play a vital role in maintaining the stability and efficiency of your computer system. By regularly updating your drivers, especially graphics drivers, you can avoid many common issues and enjoy a more reliable computing experience. Don’t wait for a crash to remind you of the importance of system maintenance.
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A contractor has locked out students and teachers at Tuvugu D/A Primary School in Zabzugu, Northern Region, over an eight-year unpaid debt.
The contractor, Mohammed Badaru, completed the six-unit classroom block in 2017 but has yet to receive payment from the Ghana Education Trust Fund (GETFund).
The unexpected scene unfolded on Wednesday, September 18, 2024, when the contractor arrived with padlocks, instructing teachers and students to vacate the premises.
The headteacher, along with the staff and pupils, expressed frustration over the situation, which has severely disrupted teaching and learning.
The District Director of Education described the situation as serious and in need of immediate attention.
According to Badaru, the project was completed in 2017 but has been waiting for payment from GETFund which he has yet to receive. The contractor claimed that he is deeply indebted to his suppliers, who are threatening legal action if he does not pay them.
The District Chief Executive (DCE) for Zabzugu, Ahmed Yussif Adarkwa, expressed disappointment over the contractor’s actions and described it as one made in bad faith.
He acknowledged delays in payment and the rising cost of materials but said he was not informed about the issue before it escalated.
The school remains locked, leaving students and teachers in limbo.
The DCE has promised to collaborate with the District Director of Education to find a temporary solution for the pupils.
Another school in Zabzugu, Friends of the Earth, has its upper-class pupils studying under trees due to a lack of classrooms.
The DCE assured that efforts are being made to secure a classroom block for the school.
Ghana reported more than 15,000 deaths from Hepatitis B and C-related liver diseases in 2022, equating to 42 deaths daily.
Many victims, predominantly young men and women, succumbed to liver failure and liver cancer. Dr. Patrick Kuma-Aboagye, Director-General of the Ghana Health Service, revealed these figures at the 2024 Ghana Hepatitis Stakeholders’ Conference.
He highlighted the country’s significant burden of chronic Hepatitis B and, to a lesser extent, chronic Hepatitis C, both causing severe illnesses and premature deaths among Ghanaians.
Dr. Kuma-Aboagye pointed out that the disease burden is notably higher in the northern part of the country compared to the south. The Ghana Health Service, in collaboration with the Hepatitis Foundation of Ghana and Abbot Diagnostics, organized the conference. The main aim was to raise awareness among stakeholders.
The conference’s theme was “Mobilizing Partnerships for Viral Hepatitis Elimination in Ghana.” Stakeholders sought to foster a collective effort to support the country’s goal of eliminating the disease.
What is Hepatitis?
Hepatitis is a condition characterized by liver inflammation caused by disease-causing microorganisms. Viral hepatitis includes types A, B, C, D, and E. In 2016, Ghana’s hepatitis prevalence rate was estimated at 12.3%, significantly above the 8% threshold.
Dr. Kuma-Aboagye stressed that, despite the high burden of Hepatitis B and C, limited testing capacity and inadequate reporting have kept diagnosis rates low. He added that approximately 8% of newborns each year are born to mothers who test positive for Hepatitis B at antenatal clinics.
This poses a higher risk of mother-to-child transmission depending on the virus type. Dr Kuma- Aboagye therefore urged stakeholders to engage with the control program to identify gaps. This, he said, will assist in the disease’s eradication.
A Global Menace
Dr. Frank Lule, WHO Representative to Ghana said, globally, around 300 million people live with chronic viral hepatitis.
“If you divide that, we are getting more than 3,000 people dying every day because of chronic viral hepatitis. And we are at a time when we have so many tools at our disposal to do something about the disease.
“We now have the diagnostics. The medicines available to us have never been cheaper than they are now, so I think we are at a time when we can really do something about this,” he said.
Egypt’s Ambassador to Ghana, A. M. Youssef, was present at the meeting. He also expressed optimism that Ghana could eliminate Hepatitis C. He cited Egypt’s success through an aggressive national screening and treatment strategy.
The Deputy Minister of Health, Alexander Kwasi Acquah, also called for increased partnerships and praised Egypt’s support. This includes the provision of Hepatitis C medicines.
He assured that the Ministry of Health would initiate discussions with the Ministry of Finance to secure domestic resources and create fiscal space. This, he said, is necessary to fund viral hepatitis elimination efforts.
A recent report by the Ghana International Trade and Finance Conference (GITFiC) has unveiled a startling figure—Africa’s 54 member states are grappling with a combined debt of $1.215 trillion. The research also highlighted key economic indicators, revealing an average inflation rate of 12.2%, a population of 1.34 billion, an unemployment rate of 7.7%, an average lending rate of 19.5%, and a growth rate of 3.8% across the continent.
Speaking to the media ahead of the 8th Ghana International Trade and Finance Conference, scheduled for Friday, September 6, 2024, Mr. Selasi Koffi Ackom, CEO of GITFiC, emphasized the conference’s focus on addressing Africa’s debt crisis. Themed “A Call for a New Global Financing Pact: Collaborative Pathways to Economic Resilience and Global Prosperity,” the event will address Africa’s growing debt and explore potential solutions.
GITFiC is advocating for a Global Debt Initiative with a position paper titled “Revisiting the Debt Burden on Developing and Least Developed Economies.” The research behind this initiative drew from comprehensive data sources, including the World Bank, IMF, Statista, OECD, and UN, to assess all 54 African countries using eight key economic indicators.
Mr. Ackom explained that the findings, with a 92.7% accuracy rate, offer a clear picture of the continent’s financial health. He noted that the report aims to inform African citizens, businesses, and global stakeholders about the economic strategies being implemented by member states, particularly their engagements with the International Monetary Fund (IMF).
“Our focus is to evaluate the economic conditions in Africa before and after COVID-19 to support the call for a Global Debt Initiative, which we believe is vital for achieving fiscal stability and long-term economic growth,” Ackom concluded.
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According to the 2023 Banks, Specialized Deposit-Taking Institutions (SDIs) and Payment System Providers (PSPs) Fraud Report, the year 2023 saw an increase in staff involvement in fraudulent activities.
The report was put together by the Financial Stability Department of the Bank of Ghana and covers SDIs across Ghana.
The number stood at 188 in 2022 but rose to 274, which represents a percentage increase of forty-six percent (46%).
Thus, the central bank has expressed concern about the increased number and directed banks to strengthen their internal controls, enhance staff due diligence during recruitment, and ” reinforce continuous in-house staff training on professional conduct.”
The Fraud Report further identified a ninety percent (90%) increase in the value of e-money transactions. There is also an increase of 36 percent in the volume of e-money transactions from 2022 to 2023.
The report indicates that the incidents reported are primarily social engineering methods used by fraudsters.
It states that electronic frauds rose from 12,166 in 2022 to 14,655 in 2023, representing a twenty percent (20%) increase.
Fraud Loss value
Despite the increase in fraudulent activities, the Report recorded a monetary loss of GH¢16 million. This was a reduction from the GH¢26 million recorded in 2022.
Thus, in percentage terms, the year 2023 recorded a decline in fraud loss value of thirty-eight percent (38%) compared to 2022.
The Bank of Ghana has directed payment system providers to implement robust financial fraud programs and processes to curb related fraud. They urged them to provide all points of sale and outlets with adequate information on fraud risk management.
The specialized deposit-taking institutions (SDIs) and payment service providers (PSP) fraud report, 2023 identifies five main types of fraud in Ghanaian banks. Cash theft, cyber/email fraud, fraudulent withdrawals from accounts, document forgery and manipulation, and cheque fraud.
Of the five, cash theft emerged as the topmost fraud. It recorded a loss value of GH¢14.8 million as compared to GH¢1 million in 2022.
Cyber/email fraud followed with GH¢ 10.5 million, and fraudulent withdrawals totaled GH¢ 8.4 million in losses.
Fraudulent withdrawals from accounts recorded a loss of GH¢ 8.4 million, while forgery and manipulation of documents stood at GH¢ 6.9 million. Cheque fraud, on the other hand, stood at GH¢6.1 million.
The report further reveals that banks’ total loss value from fraud cases increased by 21 percent in 2023 compared to the previous year.
This translated to a monetary value of approximately GH¢63 million compared to GH¢52 million in 2022.
According to the report, ATM/POS/Card fraud recorded a significant jump due to the increased use of digital channels.
Regarding emerging frauds, SIM swap is reported to be on the rise, with 15 reported cases.
The Bank of Ghana urged banks to strengthen their electronic banking security to curb this situation. This, they said, will make it difficult to access by fraudsters.
Fraud Report: Background
The report was released on Monday September 17, 2024. It presented an increase in staff involvement in fraudulent activities.
The report was put together by the Financial Stability Department of the Bank of Ghana and covers SDIs across Ghana.
The number stood at 188 in 2022 but rose to 274, which represents a percentage increase of forty-six percent (46%).
The central bank has therefore expressed concern about the increased number and directed banks to strengthen their internal controls, enhance staff due diligence during recruitment, and “reinforce continuous in-house staff training on professional conduct.”
As climate change continues to wreak havoc across the globe, one of its most alarming and visible effects is the rise in sea levels. Fueled by global warming, this phenomenon is not only reshaping coastlines but also putting coastal communities at grave risk. Beyond environmental damage, rising sea levels have far-reaching consequences, impacting economies, infrastructure, and livelihoods.
A fishing community in the Western Region of Ghana, Anlo Beach, is feeling the brunt of these changes. Over 1,000 houses—roughly 90% of the community’s structures—have been severely damaged by tidal waves, leaving residents in constant fear that their homes, and their way of life, may soon be swallowed by the sea.
Residents have voiced growing concerns about the devastating impact of tidal waves that have plagued the area for decades. Their homes and livelihoods are eroding away, with many fearing that if nothing is done soon, the Anlo Beach community will collapse entirely.
The United Nations (UN) defines climate change as a long-term shift in temperatures and weather patterns, caused mainly by human activities like the burning of fossil fuels, deforestation, and urbanization. These activities release significant amounts of greenhouse gases, accelerating global warming and contributing to phenomena like rising sea levels.
The Science Behind Rising Sea Levels
Scientists identify two key drivers of rising sea levels: thermal expansion and melting ice. As global temperatures rise, ocean waters absorb heat and expand, contributing to sea level rise. The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) estimates that thermal expansion has accounted for 40% of sea level rise since 1970. Additionally, the melting of glaciers in Greenland and Antarctica adds more water to the oceans.
Sea levels are currently rising at an average rate of 3.4 millimeters per year, nearly double the rate of the early 20th century. If greenhouse gas emissions continue at the current rate, experts predict that sea levels could rise by one to four feet by 2100, leading to catastrophic consequences for coastal regions.
Impacts on Coastal Communities
Coastal areas are on the frontline of this crisis. For communities like Anlo Beach, the consequences are immediate and severe. Mr. Samuel Borlu, Assembly Member for the community, shared that the situation has worsened dramatically since tidal waves first hit the area in 1995-1996. The problem escalated in 2017-2018, when waves destroyed over 500 homes, displacing many residents.
He explained that the loss of homes and livelihoods has been immense, with some community members forced to seek shelter with relatives, in classrooms, or in other towns. “Our community heavily relies on fishing,” he said, “but now, the erosion of the shoreline is making it almost impossible to cast our nets. The future of our people is in jeopardy.”
Mr. Michael Nyan, Shama District Coordinator of the National Disaster Management Organisation (NADMO), noted that the tidal waves have consistently struck the area between June and August every year, leaving buildings—schools included—destroyed and many residents relocating.
Solutions to Address Rising Sea Levels
Dr. Jacob Dapilah, CEO of Salma AI-TRAINING and EcoSolutions, emphasized the urgent need for a combined approach to address the rising sea levels. Mitigation, adaptation, and resilience-building efforts are key to tackling the root causes of climate change.
Mitigation efforts must focus on reducing greenhouse gas emissions, transitioning to renewable energy, and improving energy efficiency. Governments must prioritize investments in modern technologies and adopt strategies like sea defense walls, flood barriers, and the restoration of natural habitats such as wetlands and mangroves to protect vulnerable coastal areas.
Dr. Dapilah also stressed the importance of building resilience by developing comprehensive emergency response plans, improving early warning systems, and fostering public awareness about the risks posed by climate change. As coastlines continue to shift and communities like Anlo Beach face overwhelming challenges, the need for swift and decisive action has never been clearer. The rise in sea levels is not just an environmental issue; it threatens the very survival of countless communities worldwide.
The Way Forward
It is crucial for government institutions at all levels to implement policies that reduce emissions and invest in the future of our planet. Efforts like the National Climate Change Adaptation Strategy will be instrumental in protecting vulnerable communities and ensuring a more sustainable future for generations to come.
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The National Democratic Congress (NDC) has called upon key stakeholders in Ghana, including the Asantehene, clergy, the National Peace Council, and concerned citizens, to urge the Electoral Commission (EC) to conduct an independent forensic audit of the voters’ register.
The NDC has raised concerns about numerous discrepancies in the register that could potentially compromise the integrity of the upcoming December 7 elections.
During a demonstration on Tuesday, the National Youth Organizer of the NDC, George Opare Addo, noted the need for a credible electoral process, stating that without an accurate voters’ register, the promise of fair elections remains uncertain.
He stated the importance of a thorough audit of the register, following a petition presented by the Eastern Regional Chairman of the party to the regional EC office.
George Addo stressed that it is a critical moment for advocates of peace to push for transparency and accountability from the EC.
He called upon the Asantehene, clergy, and other influential figures in Ghana to fulfill their duty in ensuring a fair electoral process.
He also urged the Police Service to uphold their responsibility in ensuring that the right procedures are followed.
