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Fuel Prices Dip; Petrol at GH¢12.99; Diesel Going For GH¢14.49

By
Ivy Hollys
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Oil marketing companies (OMCs) have significantly reduced petrol (fuel) prices at the pumps. This follows the start of the second pricing window in September.

This marks OMC’s fourth consecutive decrease in fuel prices since prices began to drop in the first pricing window in August.

State-owned Goil, which previously sold petrol (Super XP) at GH¢14.16 in the first pricing window of September, now offers it at GH¢12.99.

Diesel (Diesel XP), previously priced at GH¢14.70, is now retailing at GH¢14.49.

These reductions result from continued drops in international refined petroleum product prices. That is the relatively favourable performance of the Cedi against the preceding pricing window.

Additional OMCs are anticipated to follow suit and reduce their prices in the coming days.

Source: citinewsroom

Mahama Challenges Akufo-Addo’s 12,000km Road Construction Claim, Seeks Audit

By
Ivy Hollys
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john mahama:president of Ghana

Former President John Dramani Mahama, the National Democratic Congress (NDC) flagbearer, has raised doubts about the Akufo-Addo administration’s claim of constructing over 12,000 kilometers of roads across Ghana.

Speaking at a campaign event in the Bortianor Ngleshie Amanfrom constituency, he expressed skepticism about the accuracy of the figure, and cited a lack of visible evidence to support the government’s claim.

He said if the NDC returns to power, his administration would conduct an audit to verify the legitimacy of these road construction projects.

He criticized the current state of road infrastructure, noting that traditional leaders across the country consistently raise concerns about poor roads.

Mahama sarcastically questioned where the 12,000 km of roads were located. He said hey might only be found in President Akufo-Addo’s hometown of Kyebi, where the roads are reportedly in good condition.

He said, “Everywhere I go, every traditional ruler who has spoken has complained about the poor road network. And I am saying that the NPP says that in the eight years of [John Agyekum] Kufuor, he did 3000 and something kilometers of roads. In NDC, they say we did 4,700 kilometers of roads. And they alone have done 12,000 kilometers of roads.”

“And the question I am asking is, Where are those roads? Because everywhere I go, the main complaint is about the road network. So I don’t know [where the roads are].

“Well, I have not been to Abuakwa and Kyebi, where the president comes from. But I hear the roads [there] are very good so maybe that is where the 12,000 kilometers of roads are.

“And so when we come, the new roads they said they have done, I will audit them to find out where the money that has been paid for 12,000 kilometers of roads has gone because we can’t find those roads.”

Ghana Partners with U.S. to Launch First Nuclear Power Plant

By
Adwoa Afranewaa
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Ghana is making strides toward its first nuclear power plant by partnering with U.S. developer Regnum Technology Group, utilizing advanced technology from NuScale Power. This groundbreaking agreement was sealed during the U.S.-Africa nuclear energy summit in Nairobi, as reported by the U.S. State Department.

The deal involves deploying a NuScale VOYGR-12 small modular reactor (SMR), a cutting-edge innovation in nuclear technology. SMRs are compact reactors designed to be manufactured in factories and transported to their operational sites, offering a faster and more efficient construction process compared to traditional nuclear reactors. Despite their potential, there are still questions about the widespread commercial adoption of SMRs.

Ghana envisions nuclear power as a key driver for its industrial growth and a crucial element in its fight against climate change. Aleshia Duncan, Deputy Assistant Secretary for International Cooperation at the U.S. Department of Energy, highlighted the significance of nuclear energy for Ghana and other African nations aiming for economic development, energy security, and decarbonization.

“The U.S. must continue to be a dedicated partner, providing technical expertise and resources to support the successful deployment of nuclear energy across Africa,” Duncan stated.

The Biden administration views nuclear energy as a vital component in the global effort to combat climate change, given its ability to produce power with minimal emissions. However, nuclear power does pose challenges, including the management of long-lasting nuclear waste. NuScale, currently the only licensed company to build a U.S. Small Modular Reactor (SMR), faced setbacks last year when it canceled its sole U.S. project due to rising costs.

24 Presidential Aspirants File Nominations for December 7 Election

By
Ivy Hollys
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Voting: bantama constituency

Twenty-four (24) presidential aspirants have officially filed their nominations with the Electoral Commission (EC) to contest the upcoming December 7 general election in Ghana. This includes 12 candidates from political parties and 12 independents, who submitted their forms by the close of business last Friday.

Among these are two aspirants who submitted their documents after the 5 p.m. deadline, leaving their eligibility subject to the EC’s final decision.

39 people picked up passcodes to enable them to fill and file the presidential nomination forms however, the 24 submitted the completed forms as of the close of business last Friday.

Presidential Aspirants – Party Candidates

Among the presidential hopefuls are Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) and former President John Dramani Mahama of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), Kofi Akpaloo of the Liberal Party of Ghana (LPG), Rev. Christian Kwabena Andrews of the Ghana Union Movement (GUM), and Hassan Ayariga of the All People’s Congress (APC).

Additional party candidates are Mohammed Frimpong (National Democratic Party), Akua Donkor (Ghana Freedom Party), Nana Akosua Frimpomaa Sarpong-Kumankumah (Convention People’s Party), Janet Asana Nabla (People’s National Party), Bernard Mornah (People’s National Convention), Daniel Augustus Lartey (Great Consolidated Popular Party), and Kofi Asamoah Siaw (Progressive People’s Party).

Presidential Aspirants – Independent Candidates

The independent candidates are Alan John Kwadwo Kyerematen; Nana Kwame Bediako; Samuel Apea-Danquah; George Twum Barimah-Adu and Kofi Koranteng. Desmond Abrefah; Nana Stephens Adjepong; Paul Perkoh; James Kwesi Oppong; John Enyonam Kwakwu Kpikpi; Dr Samuel Sampong Ankrah as well as Nii Amu Darko also picked up forms as independent candidates. 

Presidential Nominations Filling

The Electoral Commission (EC) opened the filing of nominations from Monday, September 9 to Friday, September 13, 2024. They are currently reviewing the nomination forms to verify whether all legal requirements have been met by the candidates. The commission has scheduled balloting for the presidential candidates on September 23, followed by parliamentary candidates on September 24, 2024.

Despite the EC’s clear deadline, a few candidates, including those from the Progressive People’s Party (PPP) and the African Reform Movement (ARM), missed the cut-off time. The Deputy Commissioner for Operations at the EC, Samuel Tettey, confirmed that while these forms were received, the final decision regarding their validity will be communicated later.

The EC is currently vetting the applicants to confirm if those who submitted the forms have met the legal criteria.

Eight presidential aspirants filed their nominations on the first day of the exercise. They are Vice-President Bawumia; former President Mahama, whose nominations was filed on his behalf by the National Chairman of the NDC, Johnson Asiedu Nketiah; Mr Ayariga, Rev. Andrews, and Mr Akpaloo.

The rest for the day were Mr Bediako, Mr Apea-Danquah, and Mr Twum-Barima-Adu.

Mr Kyerematen, Alhaji Frimpong and Mr Koranteng  filed on the second day of the exercise. 

Desmond Kwame Abrefa, Nana Stevens Agyepong, Mr Mornah, Dr Augustus Lartey Jnr, Dr Paul Perkoh, James Kwasi Oppong, Dr Sam Ankrah, and Dr George Enyonam Kpikpi filled on 

The EC Chairperson, Jean Adukwei Mensa, and her deputy commissioners were frank and open to the candidates, assuring them of a transparent and equal treatment for all.

She said, two teams had been set up to work on the documents almost immediately and revert for the candidates to know their fates.

Deputy Minister slams galamsey ban as ineffective and misguided

By
Adwoa Afranewaa
-

George Mireku Duker, Deputy minister of Lands and Natural Resources, has described calls for nationwide ban on small scale mining activities as misguided.

He criticised the devastation of the nation’s major water bodies and the environment by illegal miners activities, indicating that the government will continue to promote accountable mining operations.

Organized Labour has warned that it will launch a nationwide strike if the government fails to take effective measures to halt the environmental damage and the destruction of water bodies caused by illegal mining.

Speaking at the inauguration of the Meretweso Community Mining Scheme in the Upper Denkyira East Municipality of the Central Region, Mr. Duker emphasized that banning small-scale mining would be a misplaced priority.

He also announced that the government will soon deploy river guards to safeguard the water bodies.

He said “it is misdirected because I was expecting them to have condemned the statement made by his excellency the former President Mahama before even calling for this action because you can’t just in a way out of the blue you just say put a ban. Ban on what”.

“What are the metrics, what have you done. What analysis have you done. The statement President Mahama made was unfortunate so why didn’t they in a way ask him to apologise,” he added.

Source: Obikyere  Abigail Seyram

Rent Control Launches Digital Platform to Address Loopholes

By
Ivy Hollys
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rent

With the purpose of addressing the shortcomings in Ghana’s conventional rental service system, the Rent Control Department has introduced its digital platform. 

This will make it easier for tenants and landlords to do important duties like property registration, complaint filing, and dispute resolution. It can be accessed online at rentcontrol.mwh.gov.gh instead of having to physically visit the Rent Control offices.

One of the platform’s primary functions is its capacity to enable digital tenancy agreement signing. This does away with the need for paper documentation. This feature alone will provide more transparent and safe record-keeping while also saving time.

Additionally, the platform would list available rental houses on its website, facilitating tenants’ search for housing without the need for middlemen like agents.

The Deputy Minister for Works and Housing, Dr Prince Hamid Armah, spoke at the launch of the digital platform. He said it was a testament to commitment to efficiency, transparency and inclusivity.

“Today, we celebrate more than just a technological advancement; we are inaugurating a transformative leap in how public services are delivered in Ghana,” Dr Armah stated.

He expressed his outfit’s committment to extending these benefits to all regions of Ghana, positioning the country as a leader in public service innovation across Africa.

“The launch of rentcontrol.mwh.gov.gh represents a new chapter for Ghana’s rental market, promising a more streamlined, transparent and accessible service for all.” 

Rent Control Digital Platform

The deputy minister said the digital platform, powered by a partnership with SuperTech Limited, was now operational in 15 offices across 11 regions.

“This digital transformation is about more than convenience, It’s about levelling the playing field for all Ghanaians regardless of their geographical location or socio-economic status. We are ensuring that everyone has equal access to fair and efficient rental services,” Dr Armah stated.


Twum Ampofo, the Chief Rent Manager, called the effort a revolutionary step forward.

“This is a defining moment for the Rent Control Department. We have long been burdened by manual processes that caused delays and frustrations for the public. With this digital platform, we are finally providing the efficiency and accessibility that Ghanaians deserve,” he said.

Mr Ampofo urged people to accept the new system.

“This platform is not just about technology; it’s about making rental services fairer, more efficient, and accessible to all Ghanaians. We are confident that it will make a significant difference in how rental services are experienced in this country.”

Task Force Targets Illegal Mining on River Mankraso

By
Ivy Hollys
-
illegal mining

A task force from the National Association of Small Scale Miners conducted a major operation on the River Mankraso. This occurred in the Ahafo Ano South West District on Wednesday, September 11. The raid targeted illegal mining activities, commonly known as galamsey.

During the raid, the task force seized various equipment used by the illegal miners. However, upon spotting the task force, the miners fled the scene, abandoning their machinery and tools on the riverbank.

With no one to arrest, the task force decided to destroy the mining machines left behind. The equipment found on the river, including dredging machines, was set ablaze.

They also confiscated other items, such as water pumps, motors, and tanks, as evidence.

A spokesperson for the Small Scale Miners Association emphasized that the task force is intensifying efforts to clamp down on galamsey, especially operations harming river bodies.

They reiterated that the association will not tolerate illegal mining activities that devastate the environment.

The association reaffirmed its dedication to safeguarding Ghana’s natural resources and vowed to continue the fight against illegal mining to protect the environment for future generations.

Credit: citinewsroom

Strike at Kenya Airport Leaves Passengers Stranded

By
Adwoa Afranewaa
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Kenya airport strike

Passengers at Kenya’s main airport, Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA), were left stranded on Wednesday after aviation workers went on strike to protest a proposed takeover by India’s Adani Group. The strike, led by the Kenyan Aviation Workers Union, began at midnight and has caused widespread disruption to flights, leaving long queues of frustrated passengers outside the airport, some sitting on their luggage as cars lined up to access the facility.

The union announced the strike will continue until the government abandons its plan to lease the airport to Adani Group for 30 years in exchange for a $1.85 billion investment. “The strike is on and all shifts have been suspended,” said union leader Moses Ndiema, rallying workers at the airport. “Adani must go; that is not optional.”

Kenya Airways has warned passengers of delays and potential flight cancellations as the strike continues. Critics of the deal fear it will result in job losses for local workers and deprive taxpayers of future profits from the airport, which contributes more than five percent of Kenya’s GDP through freight and passenger fees.

Kenya airport strike

The Law Society of Kenya and the Kenya Human Rights Commission managed to secure a temporary delay from the High Court earlier in the week, citing a lack of transparency in the deal. However, the government has defended the plan, arguing that it is necessary to upgrade the aging airport infrastructure, which has been plagued by power outages and leaking roofs.

As one of Africa’s busiest hubs, JKIA handled 8.8 million passengers and 380,000 metric tons of cargo in 2022–23. The proposed deal with Adani Group includes adding a second runway and upgrading the passenger terminal to improve operations.

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Paris to Honor Murdered Ugandan Olympic Runner Rebecca Cheptegei

By
Adwoa Afranewaa
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Paris to Honor Murdered Ugandan Olympic Runner Rebecca Cheptegei

Paris will pay tribute to Ugandan Olympic runner Rebecca Cheptegei, who sadly lost her life in a horrific act of domestic violence, by naming a sports venue in her honor. The announcement was made by Paris Mayor Anne Hidalgo, following Cheptegei’s participation in the women’s marathon at the Paris Olympics last month. The 33-year-old athlete succumbed to severe burns after being doused with petrol and set on fire by her boyfriend at her home in Kenya.

“She dazzled us here in Paris with her beauty, strength, and freedom,” Hidalgo said over the weekend. “It was in all likelihood these very qualities that were intolerable to the person who committed this murder. Paris will not forget her. We will dedicate a sports venue to her memory to ensure her story continues to inspire and carry the message of equality that the Olympic and Paralympic Games stand for.”

In a social media post, the Paris city hall expressed solidarity with Cheptegei’s family, calling her death a femicide and pledging to honor her legacy.

Rebecca Cheptegei made her Olympic debut in the women’s marathon at the Paris Games, where she finished 44th. Days after her return home, she was attacked by her Kenyan partner, Dickson Ndiema Marangach, who left her with burns covering 80 percent of her body. The attack took place in front of her two children, and Cheptegei later succumbed to her injuries. The United Nations condemned her death as a “violent murder,” sparking outrage across the globe.

World Athletics President Sebastian Coe expressed deep sorrow, stating, “Our sport has lost a talented athlete in the most tragic and unimaginable circumstances. Rebecca was an incredibly versatile runner with much more to give.” Coe also revealed ongoing discussions within World Athletics to enhance safeguarding policies to protect athletes from all forms of abuse, both inside and outside the sport.

Paris to Honor Murdered Ugandan Olympic Runner Rebecca Cheptegei

The murder of Cheptegei has ignited calls for more action against gender-based violence. Uganda’s First Lady, Janet Museveni, described the tragedy as “deeply disturbing,” while Kenyan Sports Minister Kipchumba Murkomen emphasized the need for stronger measures to combat domestic violence.

Cheptegei’s funeral will take place on September 14 in her home district of Bukwo in eastern Uganda. Paris Olympic organizers, alongside the global athletic community, continue to mourn her loss and express their profound sadness at her untimely death.

Don’t forget to like, comment in the box below, and share on all our social media platforms. For more updates on international news, local news, business, elections, sports, and exciting discussions, tune in to Orange FM 1079

Cocoa prices soar to GH¢48,000 per tonne,a 45% increase

By
Ivy Hollys
-
cocoa

Government has announced a 45 percent increase in the producer price of cocoa for the 2024/2025 crop season. This has increased the price paid to cocoa farmers at the farm gate to GH¢48,000 per tonne for the new cocoa season.

This means the price of cocoa per bag of 64 kg gross weight is GH¢3000 from GH¢2,070. The new prices took effect yesterday (September 11). 

Speaking at a press briefing, Minister for Food and Agriculture, Dr. Bryan Acheampong, said the cumulative increases for the entire season represent 129.6 percent.

“On September 9, 2023, in Tepa, we officially announce the opening of the cocoa season. We have been offering different prices on the market during trading. The most significant one worth announcing was the increase from GH¢1300 to GH¢2070. So in announcing a new price today, you have to now relate it to what announcement you made at the beginning of your season. At the beginning of last year’s season, the increase now 129.6 percent” he explained.

At the start of the 2023/2024 crop season, a bag of 64kg of cocoa beans was sold at GH¢1,300, which was subsequently increased to GH¢2,070 when the spot price on the world market went up during the same period. 

For the 2024/2025 crop season. Cumulatively, this represents an increase of 129.6% for the 2024/2025 crop season.

Announcing the target for next season, Dr. Acheampong disclosed that COCOBOD is hoping to produce 650,000 metric tonnes.

He emphasized that adequate measures have been introduced to help farmers increase production using modern farming practices.

He further added that the target would have been bigger if the West African region had not experienced bad weather conditions.

“You can ask the farmers about the effect of the El Nino conditions, which affected many of our farmlands.”.

However, he expressed optimism that COCOBOD will be able to go above its projections after the 2024/2025 season.

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