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Election 2024: APC’s Hassan Ayariga Promises GH¢5,000 Minimum Salary 

By
Ivy Hollys
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hassan ayariga-apc

The Presidential Candidate of the All People’s Congress (APC), Hassan Ayariga, launched his manifesto on Sunday night. The manifesto was to outline his vision for Ghana and why Ghanaians should vote for him on December 7, 2024.

Dubbed the Nation’s Manifesto, the manifesto was based on the mantra “Transforming Ghana and Restoring Hope.”

The event took place at the University of Professional Studies, Accra (UPSA) Auditorium on Sunday night [Sept 22, 2024]

Mr. Ayariga is the latest presidential candidate to launch his manifesto. This comes after the Electoral Commission (EC) cleared him and 12 others to contest the 2024 presidential election.

NDC stole 24-hour economy from us – APC 

The APC presidential candidate alleged that the 24 hour economy initiative belonged to the APC. He said, it did not originate from the National Democratic Congress (NDC).

According to the APC’s vice presidential candidate, Samuel Worlanyo Mensah, the party introduced the policy as far back as 2016.

“The 24 Hour Economy was introduced by Hassan Ayariga in 2016 and 2024. It is not for the NDC. It is a stolen manifesto policy by the NDC,” he said.

Gold for oil is a “scam” – APC. 

The All People’s Congress (APC) also described the government’s “Gold for Oil” initiative as a “scam and fraudulent” policy. He said the policy only enriches a few at the expense of the entire country.

The APC’s vice presidential candidate said the policy had enriched many middlemen. He further emphasized that the general public continued to suffer under high fuel prices.

He said the APC will swiftly cancel the policy when it wins the 2024 polls.

The Presidential Candidate of the APC further promised that the minimum salary in Ghana when he wins power in the 2024 elections will be GH¢5,000.

He said he will also implement a bi-weekly salary system where people will be paid every two weeks instead of monthly. He also said he will increase the minimum wage from the current GH¢18 to between GH¢150 and GH¢300.

According to him, salaries in Ghana were appalling and could not even take care of people’s basic needs.

Source: graphiconline

Mortuary Workers to Withdraw Services Over Poor Working Conditions

By
Ivy Hollys
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mortuary

The Mortuary Workers Association of Ghana (MOWAG) served notice to the government, citing deliberate neglect of their demands.

They have announced plans to withdraw their services starting Thursday, September 26. They say this is in protest against unfulfilled complaints about their salary and working conditions.

MOWAG General Secretary Richard Kofi Jordan cited this decision as a last resort after the government’s continued failure to address their concerns. In a press statement on Tuesday, September 17, they cited the government’s failure to address long-standing demands as some reasons for the strike. 

According to the workers, their concerns include improved pay, a better working environment, and adequate personal protective equipment (PPE). They emphasized that the inadequate provision of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) leaves workers exposed to diseases and hazards.

MOWAG emphasized that despite negotiations with the Ministry of Health and other relevant authorities, their requests have made little progress. The association’s leadership made it clear that their patience had run out after years of unmet promises.

In addition, unpaid salary arrears from 2020 are still outstanding. They say the request for funding authorization to hire 500 more mortuary employees has been turned down.

MOWAG is also further demanding payment of the COVID-19 bonus announced by the President, which mortuary workers have yet to receive.

The statement noted the alarming rate of mortuary worker deaths, with 16 reported in one year, called the urgency of addressing these concerns.

The workers warned that the impending strike would disrupt operations at healthcare facilities across the country, leaving morgues overwhelmed with bodies.

But they say until their demands are met, members are expected to stay home as all mortuaries will be closed. 

Mortuary workers stressed that they play a vital role in the healthcare system and should be fairly compensated for the risks they take.

They called on the government to act swiftly to address their demands, warning of the serious consequences of the strike on the nation’s healthcare facilities.

Democracy Hub Protest: 47 Arrested, Oliver Vormawor Wanted.

By
Ivy Hollys
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protest

The Ghana Police Service has confirmed the arrest of 47 protestors from the Democracy Hub group for engaging in unlawful protest activities.

On the first day of the demonstration, protestors blocked roads, toppled police barriers, and obstructed traffic at the 37 Roundabout in Accra, causing significant disruption to traffic. 

The arrest was carried out by the police at the 37 Roundabout on the second day of their three-day protest against the ongoing economic crisis.

Originally focused on the economic situation, the protest unexpectedly shifted and was rebranded as an anti-galamsey (illegal mining) demonstration.

In a statement, the police revealed that a manhunt is underway to apprehend one of the protest leaders, Oliver Vormawor, and others involved in acts of lawlessness during the demonstration. The Ghana Police Service described the protesters’ actions as “unGhanaian.” 

Originally focused on the economic situation, the protest unexpectedly shifted and was rebranded as an anti-galamsey (illegal mining) demonstration. The group aims to push for reforms that they believe will improve governance for the betterment of the Ghanaian people.  

They have vowed to persist with their demands and ensure that the concerns of citizens are addressed.

The police have yet to provide an official statement on the exact number of people detained or the specific charges they may face. However, it is estimated that about 20 protestors have been picked up by the police.

The police also revealed that a manhunt is underway to apprehend one of the protest leaders, Oliver Vormawor. 

In a viral video, Oliver Vormawor is seen taking a key from a police vehicle and throwing it away before fleeing the scene. In another video, he is captured toppling police barricades. 

The arrests have sparked widespread discussion on social media, with many calling for clarity on the situation and others expressing concerns over the right to peaceful assembly.

Kofi Kinaata: “I am in good health and sound mind.”

By
Ivy Hollys
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kofi kinaata

Highlife musician Kofi Kinaata has calmed the concerns of his devoted fanbase. This follows news that he had been involved in accident on Sunday afternoon. 

Information about the mishap at an undisclosed place gained traction on social media. This ignited sincere worries among Kofi Kinaata’s admirers, who were disturbed by the circumstances.

Nonetheless, Kinaata eased many people’s fears by stating that he was doing fine in a Facebook post and live video clip.

Kofi Kinaata revealed in a Facebook post that he got involved in a car accident on his way to an event in the Western region. He, however, expressed gratitude for the outpouring of love and concern. 

He wrote, “On our way to an event in the Western Region, our car had a head-on collision with a motorcycle at Aboadze, leading to an incident.

“Thank you all for your concern. I’m in good health and sound mind.”

Some commenters expressed relief that he was in good health.

See post here.

Emergency Evacuation at Kotoka International Airport 

By
Ivy Hollys
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kotoka international airport

A tense situation unfolded at Kotoka International Airport (KIA) in Accra on Sunday afternoon when a passenger’s luggage began emitting smoke in the Terminal 3 departure hall.

Vigilant staff members promptly located the smoking luggage at the baggage wrapping area and segregated it, according to a statement released by GACL management.

In accordance with established emergency protocols, officials promptly ejected passengers from the terminal. Fortunately, there were no reported injuries.

The Ghana Airports Company Limited (GACL) confirmed the incident occurred around 15:27 G.M.T. 

The GACL, in a statement, emphasized the significance of abiding by international aviation standards, reminding travelers that it is completely forbidden to travel with batteries.

The passenger whose luggage caused the disruption was identified and handed over to the National Investigations Bureau (NIB) for questioning.

GACL further stated that the traveler might face additional legal action from the authorities if any illegal items were found in their luggage and were confiscated.

The management expressed their appreciation to the passengers for their cooperation throughout the evacuation.

They emphasized that passenger safety is their first concern. The kotoko international airport terminal has since resumed regular operations.

The statement read: 

INCIDENT AT TERMINAL 3 DEPARTURE HALL, KOTOKA INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT (KIA)

Management of Ghana Airports Company Limited (GACL) wishes to confirm that on Sunday, September 22, 2024, at approximately 3.27pm, a passenger’s luggage was detected to be emitting smoke at the baggage wrap area at the Departure Hall, Terminal 3, KIA.

The Operations Room of Aviation Security Department was immediately alerted and the luggage in question was swiftly isolated. Passengers in the terminal at the time were quickly evacuated in line with GACL’s Emergency Operations procedures.

The passenger has been handed over to the National Investigations Bureau (NIB) for interrogation. Passengers are advised not to travel with batteries, as this is against International Civil Aviation Regulations. Any detection of batteries or any other prohibited items or substances in luggage, will be confiscated and the passenger handed over to the authorities for processing.

Management wishes to thank passengers who were in the departure hall at the time of the incident for their cooperation during the evacuation process. The safety of our passengers is paramount.

All passenger facilitation and terminal operations have resumed smoothly.

SIGNED MANAGEMENT 22nd SEPTEMBER 2024

A Rocha and 6 Others To  Sue Government over Mining In Forest Reserves…

By
Ivy Hollys
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A rocha Ghana sue government

A Rocha Ghana, a leading environmental organization, has joined forces with six other civil society groups to file a lawsuit against the government. The lawsuit is to challenge illegal mining activities within forest reserves.

According to the group, the passage of LI 2462 in 2022, which permits mining in Ghana’s forest reserves, has resulted in widespread destruction in protected areas and threatens the livelihoods of many Ghanaians.

The includes Kasa Ghana, Eco-Conscious Citizens, Tropenbos, Nature and Development Foundation, Civic Response, and Media Coalition Against Galamsey. These groups say they are deeply concerned about the devastating impact of mining in these protected areas.

Daryl Bossu, Deputy National Director for Arocha, emphasized that the primary objective of the lawsuit is to secure an injunction to halt all mining and prospecting activities in forest reserves.

He was speaking at a press conference held at A Rocha Ghana’s head office in Accra. He explained that the halting of these activities will safeguard the environment.

Daryl Bossu told the media that the group’s suit will challenge the legality of LI 2462.

“The Minerals Commission is still accepting applications to mine in forest reserves as recently as August 2024. Our case challenges the legality of the Environmental Protection (Mining in Forest Reserves) Regulations, LI 2462, which we believe was laid in Parliament without the mandatory physical impact analysis in violation of the Public Financial Management Act.

“This failure to follow due process renders the regulation null and void.”

ACEP Calls For Dimissal Of ECG Management Over GH¢9bn Loss

By
Ivy Hollys
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ACEP & ECG

The Africa Centre for Energy Policy (ACEP) is calling for the dismissal of the management of the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG). They say this is due to allegations of mismanagement.

According to ACEP, revenue losses at ECG have skyrocketed from GH¢295 million in 2017 to a staggering GH¢9.7 billion in 2022. 

Speaking at a press conference on Thursday, September 19, Kodzo Yaotse, ACEP’s policy lead on petroleum and conventional energy, emphasized the need for a change in ECG’s leadership due to its poor revenue mobilization efforts.

He said, “The growing fiscal burden imposed on the economy by ECG’s poor performance has become a ticking time bomb that can undermine the progress made after the domestic and international debt restructuring to keep Ghana solvent.

“With the level of debt accumulation and the intervention required of the state, it is just a matter of time before Ghana is plunged into another debt crisis. With IPP debt mounting and gas suppliers and transporters demanding payments, the pressure on the government to sacrifice social investment is high.”

Additionally, Yaotse condemned the wasteful use of state resources, urging immediate action to prevent further economic damage. 

“The political lethargy to enable ECG to deliver value to the people of Ghana continues to hurt Ghana’s budget and, by extension, development efforts. He said, the Energy Sector Recovery Programme (ESRP) estimates that power sector shortfalls between 2019 and 2023 amounted to approximately US$8.25 billion.

Mr. Yaotse described this as “ a sheer waste of public resources that cannot persist. In light of the above.”

Police: 3 Persons Arrested For Disrupting DRIP Commissioning In Apam

By
Ivy Hollys
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police arrest shariff abdulai

The Ghana Police Service has arrested three individuals, including Alhaji Kassim Mohammed, the Gomoa West constituency Chairman of the NDC. 

Although the reasons for the chairman’s arrest are still unclear, family sources suspect it may be in connection with the recent clash that occurred between members of the NDC and the New Patriotic Party (NPP) during the presentation of machinery for the District Road Infrastructure Project (DRIP).

Mr. Kassim is reported to have been picked up from his home by some police personnel and has been in detention since Wednesday night.

The police have also launched a manhunt for the others involved in the violent disturbance that left one person injured in Apam, Central Region, on September 16, 2024.

Aside from the Gomoa West constituency chairman, others arrested include Stephen Cobbinah (alias Bonjour) and Joseph Mensah (alias Kofi Kokor). Allegedly, the suspects armed themselves with offensive weapons and disrupted a commissioning ceremony for the District Roads Improvement Programme (DRIP) in Apam, resulting in violence.

The conflict is said to have begun when NDC supporters questioned the decision to display posters of Bismark Basie Nkum, the NPP’s Gomoa West parliamentary candidate, on the state equipment.

The three are currently in police custody and set to be arraigned in court to face charges. The police are actively pursuing the remaining suspects to bring them to justice.

LPG will rebuild Ghana’s football pride with modern stadiums- Sports Spokesperson says

By
Adwoa Afranewaa
-

The Liberal Party of Ghana (LPG) has vowed to transform the country’s football infrastructure, pledging to reconstruct major stadiums to meet international standards.

According to David Opare Donkor well known as Kwame Wilder, the LPG Campaign Spokesperson for Creative Arts and Sports; the current state of Ghana’s football pitches and stadiums is aggravating and a national shame.

He said during an interview that, “As a nation that prides itself on its football prowess, it’s unacceptable that our stadiums don’t meet the basic standards set by FIFA and CAF.”

Wilder assured that when Kofi Akpaloo and the LPG are voted into power, they will reconstruct the Baba Yara, Accra, Essipong, and Tamale Sports Stadiums to meet the highest FIFA and CAF standards.

“We deserve stadiums that rival the likes of Johannesburg’s iconic stadium. It’s time for Ghana to take its rightful place among the football elite,” he emphasized.

He therefore urged Ghanaians to choose Kofi Akpaloo as the next President to address the stadium related challenges in the country.

Ghana Trade Fair Company commences 5-day business fair in Kumasi

By
Adwoa Afranewaa
-

The Ghana Trade Fair Company Limited has kicked off a 5-day business fair dubbed ‘Grand Sales’ in the Ashanti Region’s capital, Kumasi.

Running from September 19th to 23rd, the event is set to attract over a hundred local traders from Kumasi and beyond.

During a media briefing at the event’s inauguration, Dr. Agnes Adu, the Chief Executive Officer of the company, noted that the fair aims to promote and elevate locally made products in Ghana.

Dr. Adu mentioned that the yearly event, which is hosted in different locations, has been brought to Kumasi this year to enhance the local manufacturing sector in line with the company’s mission.

“We do this every year in different places and this year we are here in Kumasi. Our goal today is really to support local made in Ghana, so every product, everything that is produced here in Ghana, our goal and our Mandate as Ghana Trade Fair Company Limited is to support these local made in Ghana products,” she stated.

She also stressed that such fairs and exhibitions serve not only to showcase local products but also to assist business owners in clearing their inventory by selling to the public.

Dr. Agnes Adu further urged Ghanaians to embrace and support made-in-Ghana products to foster the growth of local enterprises.

Participants at the fair praised the Ghana Trade Fair Company Limited for the initiative, expressing their optimism in leveraging the platform to promote their businesses.

Anaf Atebila, a local bag weaver from Bolga, said he’s hoping to increase sales and also to project his business to support his employees, many of whom are in need.

Ursula Akuruko, the founder of UD Beads Entreprise specializing in beads and bags manufacturing, said she also aims to capitalize on the opportunity to boost sales and expand her business.

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