Tomato sellers at the Racecourse Market have stated that the recent high prices of the commodity are due to the lean season in the Sahel region.
They explain that the low supply of tomatoes has led to prices skyrocketing to unprecedented levels.
As a result of this challenge, traders are finding it difficult to make profit, leading to approximately 60 people being forced out of business at the market.
A small box that used to sell for around 800 cedis now priced at 1200 cedis, and a medium-sized box increasing from 1500 to 2800 cedis or even more.
Previously, 10 cedis could have purchased around 10 pieces of tomatoes between 2022 and 2023.
However, now it can barely buy 3 or 4 pieces due to the significant increase in tomato prices.This, the traders say is a major concern for their businesses.
Speaking in an In Business Report, Secretary of the Racecourse Market Tomato Sellers Association, Ofa Attah noted that a significant number of their members have lost interest in the business due to the many challenges, including the depreciation of the cedi and high cost of transportation.
“About 60 of our members have left the business because of the recent challenges and are now sitting at home, I even have their lists. They only come around when there are meetings and other activities,” he indicated.
“With the Burkina Faso tomato supply depleted, we are now dependent on local tomatoes. However, due to poor harvests caused by inadequate rainfall, prices have surged,” he added.
The escalating prices, according to the traders are discouraging potential buyers.”The smallest box at the farm now costs 1,000 cedis, with resale prices ranging from 1,100 to 1,200 cedis.This represents a significant increase from the initial cost of 800.00. Many colleagues have left the business, and I am also considering leaving due to its lack of sustainability,” one of the frustrated traders said.
Currently, Ghana still imports about 80 to 90 percent of its tomatoes from neighboring countries, which is alarming for the traders.
According to trade data from the Ghana Vegetable Producers and Exporters Association (Ghana Vegetables), annual tomato imports from Burkina Faso have surged to US$400 million from an estimated US$99.5 million in 2018.
Without significant investments in the sector, Ghana will continue to rely heavily on other countries for its tomato supply.
The traders are therefore urging the government to invest in irrigation facilities to support local farmers in growing tomatoes in larger quantities within the country.
“The absence of dams is exacerbating our challenges. If various communities in Ghana were engaged in tomato farming year-round, it would greatly benefit the business. We urge the government to invest in dam construction and support farmers,” Ofa Attah appealed.
Within the fold of the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP), the struggle among some self-acclaimed, self-anointed, fat-wallet, influence-peddlers continues. Daily, their supporters and praise singers are stepping on the toes of others whilst displaying ear-to-ear grins as if to tell the other so-called contestants; “get the hell out of here, you born dog!”
The macabre dance involves mangling! How is this going to leave the party? For now, nobody cares and; manifestly, the centre of the Party has caved in with DJ Brukutu Mafiano, the party’s National Organizer more concerned about being by the side of Dr Matthew Opoku Prempeh, aka, Napo than being at the side of the Party’s Flagbearer, Alhaji Dr Mahamudu Bawumia. Justin Kodua, the Party’s General Secretary, not as bare-faced as Nana Bee, is the other errand boy for the Energy Minister. So, as far as the two central figures are concerned, the Presidential candidate should take care of himself.
COMPROMISED NATIONAL EXECUTIVES
As Dr Kwame Nkrumah, the first President of the Republic told his party folks, “Organization decides everything”. One would have thought that since we all recognize that voter registration is one of the key anchors to winning elections, the Party machinery would be in full gear by now, crisscrossing the length and breadth of the country to ensure that party sympathizers are registering in droves. Sad to relate, the current crop of leadership has their ideas: self-conceited inchoate personalities, the two of them are. Yet, paradoxically, they are supposed to be the movers and shakers of the party now, given the fact that the Chairman, Steven Ntim is an outworn shibboleth. His sword is blunted on both sides.
PLOTTING THE OVERTHROW OF REGIONAL CHAIRMEN
Whilst it has become crystal clear that the current triumvirate at the helm of the party’s affairs is not up to the task, they (Justin Kodua and Nana Bee) having joined ranks with one of the contenders for the Vice-Presidential slot are busily plotting to hijack the party, post December 2024, after the Presidential and General elections, regardless of whether the pendulum swings, win or lose.
Henry-Nana-Boakye-and-Justin-Kodua-Frimpong
They intend to out-muscle those Regional Executives, especially, the Regional Chairmen who are not supportive of the bid of their candidate and have them all replaced, to prepare the grounds for that person, if Dr. Bawumiah does not win the elections for the Party in December 2024.
Has the NPP suddenly become shepherdless? Much on that later. But let us come back to discuss the matter of a suitable running mate.
The usuals: Dr. Matthew Opoku Prempeh, M.P., Manhyia South, former Minister, Education and incumbent Minister, Energy. Second, Dr. Yaw Osei Adutwum, former Deputy Minister for Education and current substantive Minister for Education; Mrs. Akosua Frema Osei Opare, former Deputy Minister of employment and the incumbent Chief of Staff plus, Mrs. Irene Naa Torshie Addo, former MP for Tema West, former Deputy Minority Whip and the incumbent Administrator of the District Assemblies Common Fund (DACF).
QUALIFICATION CRITERIA
Do these people qualify to be considered by Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia? The obvious response is “Yes”. Article 13(3)1 of the NPP Constitution provides: “The Party’s Presidential Candidate shall, in consultation with the National Council, nominate the Vice-Presidential Candidate”. So clearly, the onus lies with the Presidential Candidate to nominate the Vice-Presidential Candidate after discussing the subject matter with, or seeking the advice of, the National Council. The process does not derogate from the fact that the Presidential Candidate has the authority to nominate his running mate, not the National Council.
The qualification criteria for a Vice Presidential Candidate as set out in Article 13(3)(2) is simply this: “The Vice-Presidential Candidate shall be a known and active member of at least five (5) years (standing). The National Council may, however, dispense with this requirement under special circumstances.”
THE GANG OF FOUR
All these four aforementioned are known personalities in the Party for more than five years. Dr. Matthew Opoku Prempeh has since 2009 been the MP for Manhyia having replaced Dr. Kwame Addo Kufuor. He has served the constituency for close to 16 years, i.e., four continuous terms. As a member of Parliament, he is an active member of the Party.
Dr-Mathew-Opoku-Prempeh
Madam Akosua Frema served as MP for Ayawaso West (Wuogon) for two terms. Now serving as the Chief of Staff, Auntie Frema is, undisputably well known and very active in the party, accompanying the President to attend National Executive Committee as well as National Council meetings.
Mrs. Irene Naa Torshie Addo served the people of Tema West for two terms, that is eight (8) years as the MP. She has been known for more than the five years required under the Party’s constitution. Ever since her ouster, PresidentAkufo Addo has rewarded her with the position of the Administrator of the District Assemblies Common Fund and by that, she has been in constant touch, over the past eight continuous years, with the party. Pursuing the concept of decentralization means Naa is in daily communication with the grassroots elements of communities in the country.
Dr. Osei Yaw Adutwum came to the party with a late entrance examination. He flew from Los Angeles, California to win the NPP primaries at Bosomtwe, dislodging the current Ashanti Regional Minister, Simon Osei Mensah. Dr. Adutwum is the youngest of the four contenders in the party but, even he has served seven (7) years and still counting as the MP for Bosomtwe. He has done more than the five years required under the Party’s constitution.
Another force in the equation whose fire has become latent is Mrs. Ursula Owusu Ekuful, a four-term member of Parliament and the Minister for Communications. She is also very well known and has also been very active in the party over the past 16 years.
Over the past couple of months, especially since the conclusion of the Presidential primaries, one person who is emerging strongly as a must-consider person is Hon. Bryan Acheampong, the two-and-a-half-term member of Parliament for Abetifi. Bryan is remembered for his duel-to-death encounters with Hon. Opare Ansah for the Suhum constituency seat. Before then, however, Bryan was the Special Assistant to Jake Otanka Obetsebi Lamptey, the erstwhile Chairman of NPP. Bryan served briefly as the Deputy National Security Minister and is currently the Minister for Agriculture who is doing a lot of good at the Ministry. He is into many businesses and is a philanthropist who has helped many in the Party, long before he became a Minister of State.
Hon.-Bryan-Acheampong-Minister-for-Agriculture
Bryan, Ursula and Irene are not from the Ashanti Region, despite any pretensions to the contrary, and any strict application of the Ashanti Regional rule will disqualify the three.
MONETARY CONSIDERATIONS
The canvassers for all these people are stressing their “Okunkom” (hunger-killing) credentials. In other words, they have control of funds, never mind the source of their wealth. All these six people are public officers who eight years ago, before they were thrust into public office (“juicy” positions) except one were not persons of high monetary substance. The question is, from where have they become rich overnight and are spreading money everywhere and “buying” the support of social commentators, editors, newscasters, party faithful and all?
The 2024 Presidential and General elections is going to be a make-or-break election for the two main parties – NPP and NDC. It is going to be a high-spending electioneering campaign that may involve expenditures close to $ 200 million for both Parliamentary and Presidential elections. It is going to be a real high-risk enterprise. Who among these “hopefuls” can donate $ 20 million, that is, one-tenth (10%) or even the equivalent of $ 10 million (5%) of what is required?? The people dwelling on monetary issues should spare the Party of such non-essentials. It is competence, incorruptibility, humility, knowledge, experience and complementarity that should be the acid test.
If the “competition” is reduced to money, then the person of merit is Bryan Acheampong. He is the only one among the lot who long before he was made a Minister, long before he entered Parliament had established himself. He is one person that any forensic audit cannot hang any corruption charge on his neck. He is one who can boldly declare: “Before Abraham was, I am.”
In all sincerity and frankness, if the ladies are to be considered, then the one with a very discerning and sharp mind, experience and knowledge who can add value to the Presidency is Mrs Ursula Owusu-Ekuful. She stands head over shoulders above the other ladies in terms of value addition. Ursula in terms of sharpness and advocacy, is the woman who can outperform and out-muscle NDC’s Jane Naana Opoku Agyeman. However, Ursula is accused of being brushed; Auntie Frema has a calmer disposition; Naa Torshie has the claws of a tiger, relatively, but is the youngest and prettiest among the ladies. These days, when physical appearance has also become a factor in serious choices, who says pretty, wrinkle-less faces don’t matter in politics and diplomacy?
From left to right; Madam Akosua Frema (Chief of Staff), Mrs. Ursula Owusu-Ekuful (Communication Minister), Mrs. Irene Naa Torshie Addo (DACF Administrator).
COMPLEMENTARITY
As Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia is a Northerner, he needs a Southerner to pair up with. All the persons discussed are Southerners. Dr. Bawumia is from a minority group up North and, accordingly, requires a mate from a majority stock to pair with. That, for now, is the Ashanti stock. Dr Bawumia is a Muslim, and needs to partner who is a Christian, and that Christian must be from a denomination with a huge following, not a one-man church.
Dr. Bawumia is an academic-turned-politician. His politics has been with the Executive, he requires someone from another arm of government; Judiciary or Legislature. All six already discussed are legislators. If the legislative arm of government is to be considered, then there are two standouts there.
They are incomparable: Hon. Joe Osei Wusu, aka, Joe Wise and Osei Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu.
Hon. Joe Osei Wusu is a 4th–term MP for Bekwai and is now serving for the second consecutive term as 1st Deputy Speaker. A very knowledgeable person in Parliamentary practice, he is calm and very measured and would serve as a very good pair for Dr Mahamudu Bawumia. He is not self-conceited and shows tremendous respect to all and sundry. The President can sleep and snore with Joe Osei Wusu as his Vice. He has the persona and the aura.
Hon. Joe Osei-Wusu
The other fellow, Hon. Osei Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu, is the acknowledged colossus in Parliament. The 7th term MP has served in the Leadership of the Party in Parliament for six terms. He knows the nooks and crannies of Parliament and has been a known and active member of the party since 1992. A non-lawyer who leads lawyers in the business of law-making in parliament, he has seen it all. In terms of governance, none of the people measures up to his acumen. He is a good debator who has depth and balance and is all-round. Above all, he has eloquence and presence. He is a Christian and belongs to the second largest Pentecostal church in Ghana, Assemblies of God.
Hon.-Osei-Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu
Hon. Osei Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu is the MP of the MPs. He is one person who both NPP and NDC accept as a man who can assist Dr. Bawumia to build bridges, to build consensus on critical national issues and hence help to unite a very polarized nation.
I may want to end with Apostle Onyinah.
A very good person, a godly person. Is he a known and an active member of the Party? I am not sure any party person can attest to this. The Party’s constitution as previously mentioned, however, provides that the Party’s National Council can “dispense with that requirement” on the part of Apostle Opoku Onyinah.
Apostle-Opoku-Onyinah
Apostle Opoku Onyinah, if chosen, could rein in the huge Christian populations, especially, the Pentecostals and Charismatics for the NPP. Elections, they say, is about numbers. However, it may not be a done deal even with the Apostle.
Reverend Ndabaninge Sithole and Bishop Abel Mozerewa were all disasters, politically in Northern Rhodesia, now Zimbabwe. Bishop Desmond Tutu was a very strong moral voice in South Africa but did not enter mainstream politics.
Martin Luther King was a voice of conscience in the geopolitics of USA. Would Apostle Onyina confine himself to assisting in resetting the moral compass of the country? Or wouldhe want to enter mainstream partisan politics? If he does, his strength would be ethics, morality and transparency. However, in terms of governance, I dare say he would not be able to add much. Politics and governance are learnt and practiced. The much loved Apostle does not have these.
These are your men and women of high standing in the party, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia. My choice for you, if I Kontopiaat, Revised Standard Version, am honoured to do so, would be in the following order;
Osei Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu;
Joe Osei Wusu;
Matthew Opoku Prempeh.
Undoubtedly, the topnotch personality is Osei Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu in terms of complementarity and every other consideration. The same is true for Hon. Joe Osei Wusu. In Ashanti, in spite of the ugly noises, spilled out in faltisimo, these are the two stand-out personalities of honour. The question is, are they available and willing?
Dr Matthew Opoku Prempeh is a person of considerable versatility, but he is next in line after these two people. The mantle can only fall on him if the two stalwarts decline interest.
Mr Presidential Candidate, after Dr. Matthew Opoku Prempeh, close the shop, no more gate crushers, as simple as that.
The choice or nomination however remains yours and yours only, Your Excellency Alhaji Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia.
Kojo Asenso Darko (Kontopiaat) A patriot since 1982
The management of the Kumasi City Mall (KCM) has donated 30 boxes of sanitary pads valued at approximately GHS10,000 to the teachers of Anyinatiase-Abaase D/A Basic School in the Bosomtwe District of the Ashanti Region for distribution among the students.
The initiative aims to address the menstrual challenges faced by girl students at the school, with the ultimate goal of enhancing academic excellence.
Emmanuel Okoh, Manager of the KCM, highlighted that the donation was prompted by an appeal from the school authorities, who expressed concerns about how the lack of access to sanitary pads was hindering the academic pursuits of the female students.
Each of the 30 boxes contains 12 pieces of sanitary pads, which Mr. Okoh believes will significantly alleviate the plight of the girls at the school.
He emphasized the importance of supporting girls and women, stating that they play a crucial role in societal development.
In light of the global observance of Menstrual Hygiene Day, Mr. Okoh also called on the government to consider reducing import duties or taxes on sanitary pads to make them more affordable, especially for girls in underserved areas.
The Anyinatiase-Abaase D/A Basic School, with around 70 students, faces numerous challenges such as inadequate infrastructure and a poor road network.
Additionally, many young girls at the school frequently miss classes because they cannot afford sanitary pads and other necessary materials.
John Nana Badu-Bonsu, Head of Marketing at the KCM, stated that menstrual cycle is a natural occurrence and underscored the need to support girls through such challenges.
He mentioned that the organization has over the years undertaken various projects to support schools and communities in the Ashanti Region and beyond.
Mr. Bonsu also called upon other organizations to follow suit and prioritize supporting underprivileged communities since the government alone may not be sufficient to address all challenges in the country effectively.
Acknowledging the donation on behalf of the school, the Girls Coordinator of the school, Madam Akosua Dedaa Dankyi, expressed profound gratitude to the Kumasi City Mall for their support.
She emphasized that the provision of the sanitary pads would not only alleviate the challenge but also enhance the academic performance of the girls by ensuring they do not miss school due to lack of menstrual supplies.
The students at the school also expressed their appreciation for the donation, with Lovely Ohemaa Kwargo Senior noting that it would positively impact their school attendance and studies.
Kumasi City Mall, known as the first world-class shopping mall in the Northern Sector of Ghana, is located in Asokwa, Kumasi, in the Ashanti Region.
With over 60 retail brands, the mall serves as a premier trading destination offering a safe and welcoming environment.
The Ashanti Regional Minister, Simon Osei Mensah has undertaken a comprehensive inspection at the Boankra Integrated Logistics Terminal (BILT) to assess the current status of the construction project.
Managed by the Ghana Shippers’ Authority (GSA) in collaboration with the Ghana Ports and Harbours Authority (GPHA) and the Ministry of Transport, the BILT project is currently being funded by the government of Ghana.
During the visit, Project Director Dr. Aron Adade provided insights into the progress of Phase 1 of the project, highlighting that significant milestones such as civil works, road networks, container handling facilities, and administrative buildings are approximately 50% complete.
The remaining phase will focus on the superstructure and terminal bay, as outlined by Dr. Adade during the minister’s tour of the site.
The visit showcased various key areas such as customs-bonded warehouses, Container Freight Station (CFS), truck park, and essential infrastructure.
Accompanying the minister on the tour were notable figures including the Board Chair of GSA, Ms. Stella Wilson, and the CEO of GSA, Kwesi Baffour Sarpong, among others from security agencies and the Ashanti Regional Coordinating Council.
In his remarks, CEO of the GSA, Kwesi Baffour Sarpong emphasized the government’s commitment to the BILT project, recognizing its pivotal role in enhancing economic growth, reducing transportation costs, and facilitating regional trade within the framework of the Ghana Trade and Investment Gateway (GHATIG) Program.
Furthermore, the project’s strategic location near the Kumasi International Airport and Ghana’s sea port positions Ghana as a key multimodal transportation hub in West Africa, reinforcing its leadership role in the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
Following the tour, the Ashanti Regional Minister expressed satisfaction with the progress and quality of work accomplished, underscoring the government’s dedication to providing necessary funding to expedite the project’s completion.
The Board Chair of GSA, Stella Wilson, extended gratitude to the minister for his visit, affirming GSA’s commitment to ensuring that the BILT project contributes significantly to the economic development of the middle belt and northern sectors of the country.
Unilever Ghana has initiated a heartwarming step to giveaway to its loyal customers a range of popular products at the Kumasi City Mall.
The giveaway, which commenced on May 15, 2024, and is set to conclude on June 25, has already drawn many eager recipients.
The assortment of products distributed, including Close Up, Pepsodent, and Geisha soaps, are valued at hundreds of cedis.
This gesture is part of Unilever Ghana’s commitment to rewarding its customers and giving back to society after decades of dedicated service in Ghana.
Customers have expressed their delight and gratitude for the company’s thoughtful gesture.
Speaking to Orange Business News, Priscilla, a long-time user of Unilever Ghana’s products, shared her excitement at receiving the products stressing their significance to her and her family since childhood.
She initially had reservations about the giveaway but was thrilled to find it to be a genuine act of appreciation from the company.
Gloria, another delighted customer, enthusiastically recommended Unilever Ghana’s products to the public, particularly praising the effectiveness of Pepsodent and Geisha soap in her personal skincare routine.
“Everybody must use Pepsodent and the other products, I use all their products especially the Geisha black on my face, I was having pimples but now it’s gone,” excited Gloria noted.
Joyce Afriyie, an ambassador for Unilever Ghana, reported that the feedback from customers has been overwhelmingly positive, with approximately a hundred individuals already benefiting from the giveaway.
The initiative has sparked widespread joy and appreciation among the recipients.
Unilever Ghana, with a rich history spanning over a century, is renowned for its exceptional brands and commitment to ethical business practices, which have contributed to its outstanding performance in the consumer goods industry.
The company’s popular products, such as Pepsodent, Geisha Soap, and Key Soap, continue to be cherished by consumers for their quality and effectiveness.
Traders at the Kumasi Central Market are up in arms over the delayed completion of the second phase of the Kejetia redevelopment market project.
Frustrated by the government’s failure to meet completion targets, the traders have threatened to take matters into their own hands.
They have given the construction firm, Contracta Construction Company Limited, up to May 19 to remove all barricades around the uncompleted site.
On May 14, a petition was submitted by traders expressing their disappointment in the Akufo-Addo-Bawumia government.
They cited negligence and failure to complete the second phase of the Kumasi Central market project.
The project has been stalled for over a year and a half due to the renegotiation of a loan agreement following Ghana’s decision to seek a financial bailout from the International Monetary Fund (IMF).
The traders, who have been conducting business in unsuitable conditions, are frustrated with the government’s failure to meet completion targets and feel neglected by the NPP government, which they say has ignored their pleas.
The traders have also indicated that they are in talks with the Ghana Police Service to secure permission for a demonstration to press home their demand for work to resume on the project.
A devastating fire in Abuakwa Manhyia, located in the Ashanti region, has resulted in the loss of a mother’s life.
The fire was allegedly started by two siblings, who are believed to be mentally unstable, and are currently in police custody.
The incident unfolded when the brothers had a confrontation with their grandmother, who also resides in the same house.
The brothers reportedly threatened to set their grandmother on fire, prompting her to quickly seek help from the police.
During the grandmother’s absence, the brothers set the house ablaze, unaware that their sick mother was inside.
Tragically, the fire claimed the life of their mother before firefighters could contain the blaze.
The charred remains of the victim have been taken to the morgue, and the police have initiated an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the fire.
Evans Opoku, the Assembly Member for the Abuakwa-Manhyia Electoral Area, described the incident as intentional.
He stated, “It was intentional, he was trying to burn the house and he wanted to kill his grandmother but the grandmother rushed to the police station to report the guy that he had threatened to kill her.”
The police have since arrested the two individuals, holding them responsible for the tragic incident.
The Ghana Water Company Limited has issued a warning about a potential water crisis in the Greater Kumasi area, citing encroachment activities around the Barekese Water Treatment Plant as a major concern.
According to the company, the Barekese catchment area has experienced an 80 percent reduction in forest cover, leading to a 53 percent increase in siltation, which has significantly reduced the reservoir storage capacity from 44.6 Mm3 to 21.4 Mm3 due to extensive farming activities.
To address the critical situation, the company convened a gathering of various stakeholders, including chiefs, the Public Utilities Regulatory Commission (PURC), the Forestry Commission, and students, with the aim of finding a sustainable solution to the challenge during an event to observe the World Water Day at Barekese.
Dr. Hanson Mensah Akutteh, Chief Manager of the Ashanti Production, highlighted the detrimental impact of farmers converting the company’s lands into farmlands, which is impeding the production and treatment of water for the Greater Kumasi Area.
He emphasized that the extensive farmlands have transformed the area into bare lands, leading to significant siltation after every downpour.
Dr. Akutteh expressed concerns that the siltation has covered a large part of the dam, leaving only a small section, which may significantly affect the effective distribution of water to the Greater Kumasi area in the coming days.
“Almost all the trees are gone and the cover has turned into a bare land where farming activities are now ongoing, maize and cocoa farming activities are all over the enclave, so it has exposed the bare land, and you can see the silt directly as you watch the land,” he said.
He also raised alarm about the destruction of trees planted to reclaim the land by unscrupulous individuals, warning that if immediate actions are not taken, the region may soon face a serious water crisis.
Dr. Akutteh also mentioned the challenges posed by illegal mining activities, which have led to a more than 1000 percent increase in the turbidity of the Odasu river, significantly raising the cost of water treatment in the area.
He noted that the treatment plant is currently unable to adequately serve the over 400,000 Abuasi population due to the impact of illegal mining.
Some traditional leaders in the Barekese area expressed concerns following the GWCL’s warning of a potential water crisis in parts of the region.
Nana Kusi Oboadum, a Sub-Chief at Barekese, attributed the situation to the District Assembly and the Forestry Commission, accusing them of granting permission for tree cutting and farming activities on the company’s lands.
The event was held under the theme “Leveraging Water for Peace: Promoting Utilization of Water for Peace,” stressing the importance of water management for peaceful coexistence.
The company and stakeholders stressed the urgent need for collective efforts to address encroachment and illegal mining activities to safeguard the water supply in the region.
The 2024 Afro Fest, a collaborative effort between Kumasi City Mall and Orange FM, has attracted a multitude of local businesses from the Ashanti Region to showcase their culinary delights and products in celebration of the Ghana Month.
The event, which aimed to promote local delicacies and products, drew a large crowd throughout the Easter period in the region.
Many participating traders expressed their delight at the opportunity to promote their businesses and connect with potential customers.
Oforiwaa Amanfo, CEO of Danfo Ghana, described the event as fulfilling and emphasized the value of connecting with new clients and projecting her business to the people of Kumasi and beyond.
However, some traders highlighted challenges that need attention in future editions, including the need for early publicity and increased social media traction to enhance their businesses.
Salimatu Mohammed, Manager for Red Bead Ghana, urged organizers to ensure that participating businesses receive adequate advertising on various social media platforms before and during the event.
Lead organizer Lawrence Agyemang Badu, also known as MC Lawry, explained that the initiative was intended to showcase local businesses in the Ashanti Region, particularly during the Ghana Month.
He encouraged the business community to take advantage of the opportunity in the coming years, promising an even more engaging and successful event.
MC Lawry, whose business Sippy Hub was among the many businesses at the event, emphasized the positive impact of the event on his business, stating that the platform has not only promoted his business but also generated more profit.
In addition to the business activities, the event featured various entertaining activities such as dancing, Musical Chairs, Bottle Flip, and more.
The three-day event, which commenced on Friday, March 29, concluded successfully on Sunday, March 31.
The Electoral Commission’s decision to switch to offline registration has left several first-time registrants stranded at various electoral commission offices in Kumasi.
This change comes in response to technical challenges that have affected the registration process over the past two days.
Officials of the commission in the Ashanti region have confirmed the use of the offline method for registration.
At the EC’s regional office where Bantama, Subin, Oforikrom, Nhyieaso, and Suame are conducting their registration, several registrants are facing delays.
Many of the registrants have expressed frustration and anger due to the slow pace of the process.
One registrant lamented, “I came here around 6 am and it’s 11:30, and I’m still here. Our names have not even been written, we don’t even know what is happening. Tomorrow I have to go back to school, if not I will be punished.”
Others have called for more registration centers to be set up at the various constituencies to expedite the process.
They emphasized the importance of their registration and urged the commission to take steps to facilitate a smoother and faster registration process.
The limited voter registration exercise for first-time voters and persons who wish to own a voter card began on Tuesday, May 7, and will end on May 27, 2024.
The Chairperson of the Electoral Commission, Madam Jean Mensa, stated that the exercise aims to register approximately 623,000 first-time voters across the country.
