The Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) has identified former president John Dramani Mahama as ‘Government Official 1’ in the Airbus Scandal.
However, after thorough investigations, the OSP has cleared Mahama of any wrongdoing in the acquisition of military transport aircraft from Airbus.
During a press conference in Accra, Special Prosecutor Kissi Agyebeng confirmed that John Dramani Mahama was identified as Government Official 1 and Individual 1 by UK and US courts respectively, but found no evidence implicating him in the procurement process.
The OSP stated that Mahama’s interactions with Airbus officials were driven by good intentions, and that his involvement was not linked to any corruption-related offenses.
Former Special Prosecutor Martin Amidu initiated investigations in 2020 into an agreement made during Mahama’s administration to procure military aircraft from Airbus for the Ghana Armed Forces.
While Mahama and his brother Samuel Adam Mahama Foster were initially implicated in the scandal, the OSP’s findings have absolved Mahama of any involvement in corrupt activities.
The Airbus Scandal involved the purchase of three C295 military airplanes by Ghana, with the first aircraft received in November 2011.
The deals were presented as part of the modernization efforts for the Ghana Air Force, with funding secured through various loan agreements approved by Parliament.
The judgement by England’s Crown Court in Southwark revealed corrupt practices in the agreements covering the C295 aircraft, leading to a Deferred Prosecution Agreement between the Serious Fraud Office and Airbus SE.
Investigations uncovered bribery schemes in several countries, including Ghana, where intermediaries with ties to high-ranking officials were allegedly bribed to secure contracts.
Despite the initial suspicions surrounding the Airbus Scandal, the OSP’s investigation has exonerated former President Mahama from any involvement in corrupt activities related to the aircraft procurement.
The Ghana Tertiary Education Commission (GTEC) has stated that shutting down Teacher Trainee Colleges is not on the table following CETAG’s strike.
The strike, which commenced on June 14, is a result of the government’s failure to implement arbitral awards and fulfill other conditions of service for CETAG members.
This has led to a standstill in academic activities, with campuses mostly deserted by students.
Professor Francis K. E. Nunoo, Deputy Director General of GTEC, highlighted the financial implications of closing schools and expressed optimism in resolving the issues soon.
“We have made significant progress in addressing most of their demands. We are hopeful that in the coming days, a resolution will be reached, allowing students to return to school. In the meantime, students are engaged in practical work which requires supervision,” Professor Nunoo stated.
Team Eternity Ghana in a communiqué, confirmed the loss of one of their team members, Nhyira Marfo Okyere, whose death occurred within the early hours of Wednesday, 7th August, 2024.
Nhyira was a prominent lead singer and co-founder of the gospel group Team Eternity. The team whose fame further skyrocketed with the release of “Defe Defe” have confirmed their teammate’s death with a post on Instagram.
Although the cause of Nhyira’s death is not yet known, the news comes as a shock to the gospel music community. Nhyira Marfo Okyere’s last public appearance was at a gospel event on Sunday, August 2, 2024, which now stands as her final ministration.
The team suffered the loss of a team member, Kevin Adiamah, last year, making Nhyira’s death the second loss in two years.
According to a communiqué issued by the Speaker of Parliament, Alban Sumana Bagbin, on Wednesday, August 7, Parliament is supposed to reconvene for an emergency session on Tuesday, September 3, in the afternoon.
Alban Sumana Bagbin had earlier made a decision to adjourn parliament’s previous session on Tuesday, July 30, 2024, indefinitely. However, Majority Leader, Alexander Afenyo-Markin, in a letter dated July 31, expressed the majority caucus’ dissatisfaction with the Speaker’s decision.
Mr. Afenyo-Markin argued that the government had urgent business to discuss, such as a financing agreement with the International Development Association, tax exemptions for beneficiaries of the One District, One Factory program, and other matters regarding the consideration of bills.
He stated, “We wish to emphasise that this requisition is made in the utmost good faith and in the national interest to enable the government to discharge its constitutional and democratic obligations to the people of Ghana.”
Recalling events from last week, Bawku Central MP Mahama Ayariga questioned the need for a parliamentary recall, arguing that many New Patriotic Party (NPP) MPs often failed to attend parliamentary sessions.
He said that the lack of attendance from the ruling party’s MPs undermines the urgency of reconvening Parliament. “There were days when we all just go and sit there and there is no work to do because they [the majority caucus] haven’t brought the work that they needed us to do and we, because we are a minority, we don’t present business.”
Despite this, the speaker of Parliament has scheduled a session for Tuesday, September 3, in the afternoon.
Amidu Issahaku Chinnia, the Member of Parliament for Sissala East Constituency, has been instrumental in enhancing healthcare services in the constituency since taking office.
In his first year, Chinnia made notable donations including 50 Anti-snake venom to the Tumu Municipal Hospital, 70 street lights to health centers, and various medical equipment such as 6 Pulse oxymeters, 6 B/P apparatus digital, 6 B/P apparatus wrist, 5 Gun Thermometers, 2 Weighing scales, and 12 Flexible rubber digital Thermometers to support the Tumu Municipal Hospital.
In the second year, Chinnia continued his efforts by providing an amount of GH¢4,113.00 to the Wallembelle Polyclinic management to enable them procure essential surgical equipment’s to conduct minor surgical operations in the Polyclinic.
He also presented medical items and health equipment to the District Health Management Team (DHMT) and 12 health facilities in the constituency.
Notable contributions included Patients Beds (8), Delivery Beds (2), Desk top computers (6), Projector (1), and Reuter (1).
Additionally, he supported various communities such as Nabulo, Bandei, and Guosi with amounts totaling GH¢10,000, GH¢5,000, and GH¢8,000 respectively for the completion of maternity wards.
In the third year, Chinnia further demonstrated his commitment to healthcare by providing an Ambulance vehicle to the Wallembelle Polyclinic, supporting the Fachoboi Community with 7 Pockets of Zinc and 16 Boxes of roofing nails to help in a self-help health project, and renovating the Nabulo Health Center and Maternity ward.
He also initiated the construction of 12-bed capacity Health Facilities in Bugubelle, Sakai, Nmanduanu, and Nabugubelle communities.
Other significant contributions include lobbying for the construction of a CHPS compound at Basissan community, supporting the Municipal Health Directorate with essential equipment, and donating to various healthcare facilities and associations.
Chinnia’s dedication to healthcare extended to providing an amount of GH¢3,000 to support the Bawiesibelle Clinic, donating appliances to the Nurses and Midwife Association, and supporting community projects in Bujan and Kong.
He also assisted the Tumu Midwifery Training college with a New Tricycle popularly known as motor king which amounted to GHS17,000 and GHS10,000 financial aid for infrastructure development.
Chinnia’s contributions have had a profound impact on healthcare services in the Sissala East Constituency, benefiting communities such as Bugubelle, Sakai, Nmanduanu, Nabugubelle, Basissan, Bawiesibelle, Tarsor, Bujan, and Kong.
His dedication and support have significantly improved access to quality healthcare for residents in the constituency.
Traders at the bustling Kejetia-Central Market in the Kumasi are abuzz with excitement as construction activities for phase two of the market’s redevelopment project have resumed after a prolonged halt.
The project, which initially kicked off in 2022 but was abruptly halted in early 2023 due to financial constraints, has now been reignited, much to the delight of the local traders.
Eager to see the project through to completion, the traders are calling on the government to expedite the process, wary of potential political promises tied to the upcoming general elections.
Having voiced their concerns and even threatened demonstrations to push for the project’s revival, the traders are relieved to witness progress once again.
Despite their elation, there remains a sense of apprehension regarding the timeline for completion, with contractors yet to provide a clear schedule.
In light of this uncertainty, the traders are urging swift action from the authorities to ensure the timely and successful conclusion of the redevelopment project.
Finding a balance between work and personal life can feel impossible sometimes. With the demands of our jobs and the needs of our personal lives pulling us in different directions, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. As we are already into the second half of 2024, it’s more important than ever to prioritize achieving a healthy work-life balance for women. This guide will help you set realistic and achievable goals to improve your work-life harmony.
In a recent episode of the The Women Lately Show on Orange FM Francisca Taylor hosted Dora Addotey and Bibiana Gyasi, two amasing women who opened up about their lives, challenges, and lessons learned. Let’s get into it as we take you through the key moments during the discussion as well as tips on how to balance your work-life goals!
Understanding Work-Life Balance
Work-life balance means finding a healthy mix between your professional responsibilities and personal activities. It doesn’t necessarily mean splitting your time 50/50. Instead, it’s about figuring out a balance that works for you. Poor work-life balance can lead to stress and burnout, so it’s crucial to get it right.
The Importance of Setting Goals for Work-Life Balance
Setting goals is the key to achieving a balanced life. Goals help you focus on what’s important, make better use of your time, and stay motivated. Whether it’s spending more time with family, picking up a new hobby, or excelling at work, setting clear and realistic goals can help you manage your time better and feel more accomplished.
Steps to Set Achievable Work-Life Balance Goals
Identify Your Priorities
Start by figuring out what matters most to you. Is it career growth, finances, family time, personal development, or health? Write down your top priorities and rank them. This will help you focus on what’s truly important.
2. Assess Your Current Situation
Take a good look at how you’re currently spending your time. Are you working too much and neglecting your personal life? Or is it the other way around? Identifying the gaps will help you set realistic goals.
During the Women Lately Show,Francisca Taylor raised the question about what to do when you are feeling overwhelmed by work?. Dora chimed in about the importance of setting boundaries and prioritizing personal time to avoid burnout.
3. Set SMART Goals
Make sure your goals are SMART: Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound. Instead of a vague goal like “improve work-life balance,” try something like “spend two hours of uninterrupted family time every evening.”
4. Create a Plan of Action
Outline the steps you need to take to achieve each goal. For example, if you want to exercise more, schedule workout sessions in your calendar. Break down large goals into smaller tasks and prioritize them.
Bibiana shared her experience with setting achievable goals and how it’s benefited her life. She highlighted the importance of being flexible and adjusting goals when needed.
5. Monitor Progress and Adjust
Check in regularly to see how you’re doing with your goals. Are you on track? Do you need to make changes? Adjust your goals if circumstances change. Flexibility is key.
Practical Tips for Maintaining Work-Life Balance
Time Management Techniques
Good time management is crucial. Use calendars, planners, and to-do lists to organize your tasks. Prioritize activities based on importance and avoid multitasking. Try time-blocking to dedicate specific times for work, personal activities, and relaxation.
2. Boundaries and Communication
Set clear boundaries between work and personal life. Communicate these boundaries with colleagues, family, and friends. For example, establish a “no work” rule during dinner or weekends. Learn to say “no” to commitments that add unnecessary stress.
3. Self-Care and Mental Health
Taking care of yourself is essential. Include activities that promote relaxation and well-being in your daily routine, like meditation, exercise, or hobbies. Take regular breaks during work to recharge.
Francisca, Dora, and Bibiana shared how setting clear goals and boundaries helped them achieve better work-life balance. Francisca talked about how scheduling regular family time strengthened her relationships, while Dora shared the benefits of unplugging from work during weekends.
4. Use Tools and Resources
Use tools and resources to help you stay on track. Apps like Trello, Asana, and Todoist can help you organize tasks. Meditation apps like Headspace and Calm support mental health. Books such as “Atomic Habits” by James Clear and “The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People” by Stephen Covey offer valuable insights.
Conclusion
Achieving work-life balance is a continuous journey that requires setting goals and consistent effort. Identify your priorities, set SMART goals, and implement practical strategies. Remember to regularly review and adjust your goals as needed.
If you enjoyed this post and want to hear more from Francisca, Dora, and Bibiana, head over to our YouTube channel to catch the full episode of the Women Lately show on Orange 107.9 FM. Don’t forget to share this post, leave a comment below with your experiences, and subscribe for more tips on achieving work-life harmony.
Kennedy Agyapong, the Member of Parliament for Assin Central, during the launch of the campaign for the Ablekuma South constituency, urged the governing New Patriotic Party (NPP) to accept the current economic hardships in the country and apologise to Ghanaians.
This, he said, is a key strategy to ensure the party wins the 2024 elections. “Let’s go out there with humility, apologise to Ghanaians, and admit your mistakes before you can convince anybody to vote for you. You first have to admit that there are hardships,” he said.
Speaking further, he encouraged supporters of the party by emphasizing the need for them to vote in the upcoming elections to ensure the NPP’s victory. “Let’s give NPP another chance, and I know we have all learnt our lessons.”
Kennedy Agyapong also promised to be an active participant in the party’s campaign to help Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia win the 2024 elections. He stated, “We are all not going to sit back; we will all support Dr. Bawumia to win.”
Background
The launch of the campaign for the Ablekuma South Constituency saw the parliamentary candidates of the two leading parties, Okoe Vanderpuije (NDC) and Samuel Sarbah Lartey (NPP), express differing views and appeal to the electorate to vote for their parties.
In attendance at this important event was Kennedy Agyapong, the Member of Parliament for Assin Central. His speech during the campaign has further cemented his commitment to the NPP, despite previous speculations that he was going to run as an independent candidate.
Using the campaign platform, he emphasized the need for the NPP to remain united so they can win the general elections.
The Belgian Olympics Paris 2024 Committee declared on Sunday that the country would not be fielding a team for the mixed relay triathlon in Paris. This choice was made in response to the illness of one of its competitors, Claire Michel, who had been swimming in the Seine River during the women’s triathlon on Wednesday.
“Michel is unfortunately ill and will have to withdraw from the competition,” the Belgian Olympic and Interfederal Committee said in a statement. Although the precise nature of her ailment was not made public, it has caused some concern regarding the Seine’s water quality.
Despite these concerns, the organizers of the Olympics 2024 said that the mixed relay triathlon would go forward on Monday at 8 a.m., with the swimming leg slated to happen in the Seine. Recent testing of the water revealed “quite good” levels of bacteria, raising some concerns about the purity of the water.
On Sunday night, representatives of the International Olympic Committee, World Triathlon, and other pertinent organizations examined data regarding water quality. After some improvement, they determined that the water quality was still suitable for the race to go on.
Water Quality Concerns and Testing
The Seine’s water is tested every day to determine the number of faecal bacteria, including E. Coli levels up to 1,000 colony-forming units per 100 millilitres, which are deemed “excellent” and safe for racing, following World Triathlon’s guidelines.
Due to concerns about the condition of the water, the men’s race and the swimming portion of the two test runs before the individual triathlon events were postponed by one day. Additionally, test swims that were scheduled for Saturday and Sunday before the mixed relay had to be cancelled due to high levels of viruses.
Swiss and Norwegian Athletes Affected
Triathlete Adrien Briffod, who also participated in the Seine on Wednesday, was reported by Swiss officials to have become unwell with a stomach infection. They did, however, add that as no other delegation had reported any comparable problems, it was “difficult to say” if it had anything to do with the swim.
The Swiss team announced on Sunday that Simon Westermann, who was set to replace Briffod, also had to withdraw due to a stomach infection
Norwegian triathlete Vetle Bergsvik Thorn also started feeling unwell after competing in the men’s triathlon. He experienced stomach issues and vomiting, which he initially attributed to possible food poisoning. Norwegian Triathlon Federation’s sports director, Arild Tveiten, mentioned that the cause of Thorn’s illness was unclear, saying, “We’re thinking what everyone is thinking: that it’s probably the river. But we don’t know. It could be the river; it could be the chicken.”
Looking Ahead
The Belgian committee expressed hope that lessons will be learned for future triathlon events at the Olympics, emphasizing the need for clear communication about training days, competition formats, and overall safety to avoid uncertainty for athletes, their teams, and supporters.
For the latest updates on Olympic Paris 2024, stay tuned to Orange 107.9 FM. Don’t forget to comment below and follow our social media platforms for all the exciting sports news and coverage.
Stressed young mother sitting on her sofa whilst feeding her baby son. She has her head in her hand and is surrounded by mess.
Postpartum depression (PPD) is a medical condition that occurs after childbirth and is characterized by strong feelings of sadness, anxiety, and despair. Dr. Aisha Ali Issaka recently appeared on the Orange Health Lounge for an in-depth discussion into this disorder.
She explained that mood disorders can range from anxiety and depression to psychosis, with the most common being “baby blues.” Clarifying, she described baby blues as a mixture of feelings of inadequacy and lack of sleep that many mothers experience and is not typically depression.
The birth of a child is a significant and often overwhelming event,” so many mothers experience mixed emotions, sometimes bottling up these feelings instead of seeking help.
These overwhelming feelings and inadequacies typically occur within the first two weeks postpartum, disrupting the mother’s usual routine and potentially causing emotional or psychological issues.
Dr. Issaka emphasized that “baby blues” usually resolve within two weeks with proper support and should not be confused with depression. “Depression goes beyond the two-week period. The mother feels sad for no reason, feels like crying all the time, is unable to eat, feels a sense of guilt, and feels that she cannot care for the baby. It persists and affects her functioning as a human being,” she said.
In severe cases, it can lead to thoughts of self-harm or harming the baby. She pointed out that recognizing the signs of postpartum depression is crucial because, if detected early, symptoms can often be treated through depression management methods like psychotherapy or medication.
Dr. Issaka noted that approximately 80% of mothers experience baby blues, while 17% worldwide suffer from postpartum depression. In Ghana, however, the rate of postpartum depression is about 50%, primarily due to factors like unsupportive partners, domestic abuse, chronic illness, major life changes, financial difficulties, C-section deliveries, or the loss of a child.
The Orange Health Lounge, where these important issues are discussed, airs every Saturday at 8am. Tune in for more insightful discussions on health and well-being.
