Employees of the Produce Buying Company of Ghana (PBC) have taken to the streets in a peaceful demonstration to highlight their grievances over unpaid salaries.
The workers, dressed in red attire and carrying placards, gathered at Abeka Junction before marching towards the company’s headquarters in Dzorwulu.
The demonstration, organized by the Pressure Group of PBC Limited, aimed to draw attention to the financial challenges faced by the workers due to the non-payment of twelve months’ worth of salaries.
The workers called on government officials, including Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, to intervene and expedite the process of settling their outstanding dues.
During the protest, the Vice Chairman of the Workers Union of PBC, Seth Adusei, noted the dire situation faced by the employees, citing health issues, evictions, and financial hardships resulting from the prolonged salary arrears.
The workers urged the government to prioritize their plight and address the issue promptly.
Meanwhile, concerns have been raised about the financial management of PBC, with calls for state agencies to investigate the company’s sample residue account.
The Ashanti regional chapter of the workers’ union has specifically called on the Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO) to look into the matter.
Attempts by PBC to sell off some of its properties were halted by a court order obtained by the Agricultural Development Bank (ADB) and five other banks.
The court order prevents any sale or transfer of assets, including the company’s headquarters located at Number 106 Olusegun Obasanjo Way, Dzorwulu Junction in Accra.
The Conference of Principals of Colleges of Education (PRINCOF) has made a plea to the Colleges of Education Teachers Association of Ghana (CETAG) to halt their ongoing strike action and resume work by Wednesday, August 7, 2024.
This appeal comes after the government’s assurance to implement the conditions of service demanded by CETAG.
CETAG members across all 46 Colleges of Education in the country have been on strike since June 14, citing the government’s initial reluctance to fulfill their arbitral award and conditions of service.
Despite the strike, the government has engaged in discussions with CETAG and has committed to implementing their demands.
In light of this development, PRINCOF has urged CETAG to consider calling off the strike.
In a statement released on Monday, August 5, 2024, PRINCOF acknowledged that the government has begun taking steps to meet CETAG’s conditions, such as the payment of the Book and Research Top-Up Allowance, processing of the All-Year-Round Allowance, and transitioning staff to the universities’ salary structure.
Former Independent Parliamentary candidate, Kwabena Owusu Aduomi, has officially reunited with the New Patriotic Party (NPP) following a successful reconciliation with the NPP’s Ashanti Regional Council of Elders on Monday.
This development comes after Aduomi’s defeat in the Ejisu by-election against Kwabena Boateng, which took place due to the unfortunate passing of former MP John Kumah.
Aduomi, a three-time former NPP Member of Parliament for the constituency, had chosen to contest the by-election independently due to concerns regarding the party’s handling of the delegates’ list, which he believed compromised the party’s integrity.
This move led to accusations of betrayal from some NPP members, with speculations of a potential defection to the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC).
In a statement released by the Ashanti Regional Council of Elders, Aduomi expressed his commitment to bringing back his supporters to the NPP fold.
The meeting between Aduomi and the Council of Elders was described as candid, with discussions focused on resolving past issues.
National Chairman of the NPP, Stephen Ntim, had previously expressed his intention to reconcile Aduomi with the party following the by-election.
Aduomi’s unconditional return to the NPP was met with enthusiasm by the Council of Elders, who welcomed his decision to put past grievances behind him and reaffirm his allegiance to the party.
Tech Tank on Orange FM recently featured a conversation between host MC Lawry and guest Yaw Gyamfi JR. They discussed the fascinating changes in technology, especially in Ghana. This show, sponsored by MTN—”everywhere you go”—covered how old technologies have been replaced by modern ones, making our lives better. In this article, we’ll explore how new technologies in Ghana have replaced obsolete ones and discuss their impact on daily life.
9 Obsolete Technologies and Their Modern Replacements
Manual Vacuum Cleaners vs. Electric Vacuum Cleaners
Manual vacuum cleaners were once a common household item, requiring substantial physical effort to operate. You would have to push and pull the device manually, which was not only tiring but also less effective. Today, electric vacuum cleaners are the standard. These modern machines are not only easier to use but also offer superior suction power and efficiency. They reflect a broader trend towards automation in home chores, making cleaning quicker and more effective.
Telecem vs. Modern Communication Technologies
Telecem involved sending messages through a network of relay stations. This system was slow and cumbersome, often resulting in delayed communication. Today, smartphones and the internet have revolutionized how we communicate.
With instant messaging and video calls, staying connected and accessing information is faster and more reliable than ever before. This shift has significantly enhanced how people interact, making communication more seamless and immediate.
Swarm Coolers vs. Air Conditioners
Swarm coolers, once used for cooling indoor spaces, worked by evaporating water to lower temperatures. While effective, they were often less efficient and could struggle in very hot weather. Modern air conditioners have largely replaced them.
These units provide precise temperature control and are designed to work efficiently even in Ghana’s scorching climate. Their ability to cool large spaces quickly and maintain a comfortable temperature has made them a popular choice for homes and offices.
Ice Boxes vs. Refrigerators
Ice boxes were the go-to for keeping food cold before the advent of modern refrigeration. They required regular replenishment of ice and could only keep food cool for a limited time. Refrigerators, however, have transformed food storage.
With consistent cooling and improved energy efficiency, refrigerators preserve food longer and help maintain better food safety. This advancement not only simplifies food storage but also supports healthier eating habits by keeping perishable items fresh.
Toasting Forks vs. Modern Kitchen Appliances
Toasting forks were commonly used for cooking food over an open fire. They required manual handling and were often messy. Modern kitchen appliances like toasters and ovens have largely taken over this function.
These appliances offer precise temperature controls and faster cooking times, making meal preparation more convenient and efficient. They reflect advancements in culinary technology that enhance both the ease and quality of cooking.
Cassette/CD Players vs. Digital Music Formats
Cassette and CD players were once the primary way to listen to music, requiring physical media that could be cumbersome to manage and store. The rise of digital music formats, such as MP3s and streaming services, has revolutionized how we enjoy music.
Now, you can access a vast library of songs instantly from your device, eliminating the need for physical storage and offering a more flexible listening experience. This shift has made music more accessible and enjoyable for everyone
Fax Machines vs. Emails
Fax machines were once essential for transmitting documents quickly. However, they had limitations, such as poor image quality and the need for physical paper. Emails have replaced fax machines as the preferred method for sending and receiving documents.
They offer a faster, more efficient, and environmentally friendly way to handle communications, with the added benefits of easy organization and archiving.
Phone Books vs. Cloud Storage
Phone books were widely used to find contact information before the digital age. They were bulky and could become outdated quickly. Cloud storage solutions have now taken over, providing a convenient way to store and access contact information digitally.
With cloud storage, you can easily organize and retrieve data from anywhere, ensuring you always have the latest information at your fingertips.
Typewriters vs. Word Processors
Typewriters were once the standard tool for typing documents, requiring manual effort and often resulting in tedious corrections. Word processors have replaced them, offering advanced features like spell check, formatting options, and easy editing.
This technology has made document creation and management much more efficient and user-friendly, supporting productivity in various settings.
To conclude, these changes have made life easier and improved our daily routines. Moving from old technologies to new ones makes tasks simpler and better. For more interesting tech talks, tune in to Tech Tank on Orange 107.9 FM to get updated with the latest in technology. Stay connected with Orange FM, and don’t miss our exciting tech discussions every Tuesday!
Kente designs are skillfully made from hand-woven strips of silk and cotton. Although beautiful, kente designs seem to have lost their value on the Ghanaian market with the influx of other types of kente from other countries.
On the Orange Sunrise show, Alfa Ali engaged in a discussion with Mr. Reuben Ameh, secretary of the Combined Traders Association. Their conversation centered around indigenous products made in Ghana, with a particular focus on the iconic Kente cloth.
Mr. Reuben Ameh highlighted the cultural and economic significance of Kente cloth in the Ghanaian market. He emphasized its value and why it should not be casually sold or used. He noted that the cloth’s popularity increases when high-profile personalities, such as President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, Rebecca Akufo-Addo, Samira Bawumia, and Sarkodie, wear it. This endorsement boosts market demand for Kente.
Despite the cloth’s popularity, Mr. Reuben expressed his disappointment at the unavailability of dedicated Kente factories in places like Bonwire, where a significant amount of Kente is produced. When Alfa Ali inquired about the difference between Kente and Fugu, Mr. Reuben explained that while the threads used for both are similar, the weaving technique for Fugu is more close to that used in Northern Kente.
He pointed out that the loom for Northern Kente is wider than the one used for other types of Kente. Further, Mr. Reuben emphasized that modern machines cannot replicate the unique quality of traditionally hand-woven Kente. He stated, “Alfa, I will bring you a machine-woven Kente from China and a hand-woven Kente from Ghana. They can never be the same.”
Expressing his disappointment, Mr. Reuben criticized how other countries, particularly China, have been allowed to produce and import Kente back into Ghana.
As we continue to remember our founding fathers and enjoy the freedom they fought for, there is a collective hope among Ghanaians that the country will focus on protecting its heritage, including vital indigenous resources like Kente.
On the Orange Sunrise, which airs every weekday from 9am to 10 a.m., significant issues such as these are discussed.
Algerian boxer, Imane Khelif has been confirmed by the Olympic Committee to have complied with all entry regulations. In an official statement dated Thursday (August 1), the Olympic Committee said, “Every person has the right to practice sport without discrimination.”
This follows after her match with Italian boxer Angela Carini, where Carini abandoned the fight 46 seconds in. The Italian boxer who tearfully abandoned the fight, led to several comments from people, who described Imane Khelif’s presence in the olympics as a threat to the health of her opponents.
Cementing their stance, the Olympic Committee further wrote, “We have seen in reports misleading information about two female athletes competing at the Olympic Games Paris 2024. The two athletes have been competing in international boxing competitions for many years”.
Imane Khelif is one of two athletes who has been cleared to compete in women’s boxing in Paris despite being disqualified from the 2023 Women’s World Championships for failing to meet eligibility criteria.
The circumstances of her disqualification from the 2023 Women’s World Championships have been considered unusual ever since it happened, and Khelif even called it “a big conspiracy” at the time.
In recent developments, however, Italian boxer Angela Carini, who abandoned the fight with Khelif, said she “wants to apologise” to her opponent for how she handled the moments after the fight.
Speaking to an Italian newspaper, Gazzetta dello Sport, she said, “All this controversy makes me sad, i’m sorry for my opponent, too. If the IOC said she can fight, I respect that decision.”
She further expressed regret at not shaking hands with Khelif afterwards. “I want to apologise to her and everyone else. I was angry because my Olympics had gone up in smoke,” she added, that if she met Khelif again, she would “embrace her.”
Founders Day, as celebrated in Ghana, holds historical importance because it marks the celebration of the contributions of Ghanaians who played pivotal roles in leading the country to freedom from colonial rule.
The day was previously celebrated on September 21, a date that also marked the birthday of the first president of Ghana, the late Dr. Kwame Nkrumah. The decision to change this date was presented by President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, who proposed amendments to the Public Holiday Act in 2018.
Presented by the Minister of Interior, Ambrose Dery, in 2018, the proposal led to the cancellation of three existing public holidays and the introduction of two new ones. Founders’ Day was selected to be celebrated on August 4, while September 21 was set aside as a memorial day for Ghana’s first president, Dr. Kwame Nkrumah, in recognition of his significant role in the fight for Ghana’s independence.
The other two holidays affected by the amendment were Republic Day, previously observed on July 1, and African Union (AU) Day, observed on May 25.
According to the bill’s explanation, August 4 was chosen to replace Kwame Nkrumah Memorial Day because this was the day when Ghana’s independence movement began in 1947. On this date, Ghanaian patriots such as George Alfred Grant, J.B. Danquah, R.A. Awoonor-Williams, Edward Akufo-Addo, Ebenezer Ako Adjei, and various chiefs formed the United Gold Coast Convention (UGCC).
Addressing the nation on August 3rd, 2024, President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo reiterated the importance of the date chosen for the celebration of Founders Day.
He said, “I speak to you this evening, rejecting completely the notion that Ghana was founded by 1 man. While Kwame Nkrumah’s contributions to our independence are undeniable and unassailable, it is important to acknowledge for our self-respect that the struggle for our nation’s freedom was a collective effort spanning several generations.”
He further highlighted his government’s commitment to ensuring that the upcoming election in December is free, fair, credible and transparent.
Sammy Adu Boakye, the Chairman of the Heal Komfo Anokye Project, has brought attention to the challenges posed by limited space for relocating patients, causing delays in the development of the project.
The Heal Komfo Anokye Project, spearheaded by Asantehene Osei Tutu II, is focused on revamping the infrastructure of the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital.
Mr. Boakye emphasized the difficulties faced due to the insufficient space available for patient relocation, hindering the planned progress of the project.
Despite facing setbacks, Mr. Boakye mentioned that significant progress has been made, with some hospital blocks nearing 60% completion.
The target is to finalize these blocks by the end of August.
Acknowledging the need for flexibility in the project timeline, Mr. Boakye expressed willingness to extend the initial 24-month plan to 36 months to accommodate the evolving scope of the project.
As work continues on the A5, A4, and A3 blocks, Mr. Boakye affirmed the project team’s dedication to pushing forward and completing these floors within the specified timeframe.
The United States Embassy in Ghana has witnessed a significant uptick in the number of visa applications from Ghanaian nationals, with figures showing a threefold increase since 2019.
The surge in demand for US visas has caught the attention of the American Consul General in Ghana, Elliot Fertik, who acknowledged the flattering trend.
However, the spike in applications has posed challenges, leading to a backlog in processing.
To address this issue, the US Embassy has announced plans to transition all visa applications to a new system starting August 16, aiming to streamline and expedite the process for applicants.
Mr. Fertik highlighted the need for additional resources to manage the growing demand, stating, “What is driving the backlog is visa demand, and I’ve said before that the number of visa application fee payments in 2023 is triple that of 2019.”
He expressed optimism that the new system would enhance efficiency and help reduce the backlog.
Efforts are already underway to tackle the backlog, with a significant increase in the processing of visa applications, particularly for students.
Mr. Fertik revealed that this summer alone, 65% more visa applications for students were processed compared to the same period in 2023.
In a bid to further improve visa services, the Embassy will transition to a new visa services provider effective August 26, 2024.
As part of this transition, access to the current provider’s website and services will cease on August 16, 2024.
During the transition period from August 16 to August 26, applicants will not be able to make new visa appointments, cancel or reschedule existing appointments, or access customer service.
However, all current non-immigrant visa interview appointments will remain valid.
Applicants with interviews scheduled on or before August 16 are advised to review their appointment details and contact customer service if necessary.
Those with interviews scheduled between August 16 and August 26 must print their appointment confirmation letters before August 16 and are encouraged to attend their scheduled interviews.
For applicants with interviews scheduled for August 26 or later, they must print their appointment confirmation letters before August 16 and create new user accounts on the new visa services website starting August 26.
Sammy Awuku, the National Lotteries Authority Director General and New Patriotic Party (NPP) Parliamentary Candidate for Akuapem North Constituency, has set an ambitious target of securing 70% of the total votes in the upcoming parliamentary elections scheduled for December 7.
Building on the NPP’s previous victory of 55% in the 2020 general elections under MP Abena Dokua, Awuku expressed his confidence in the party’s strategic planning during a gathering of party supporters following the Ofie Mega Walk in Akropong.
Reflecting on the successful campaign launch by Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia in the constituency, he stated that the party is focus on attaining a higher vote share in the upcoming elections through meticulous planning and execution.
He underscored the need for strategic positioning and psychological preparedness, drawing inspiration from Dr. Bawumia’s energy and dedication.
Awuku urged the youth to prioritize their future and be ready to face the challenges ahead, asserting that the NPP will not be intimidated by the opposition.
With a strong and competent youth machinery in Salam Mustapha’s Youth Wing, he expressed confidence in the party’s ability to secure victory in the upcoming polls.
Sammy Awuku reassured supporters that the election would be conducted fairly and that any disputes would be handled appropriately.
The NLA boss stressed that a vote for Dr. Bawumia is a vote for a brighter future, urging voters to rally behind the NPP’s vision for progress and development in Akuapem North.
