The New Patriotic Party (NPP) has announced plans to engage with Cynthia Morrison, the former Minister for Gender, Children, and Social Protection, after she declared her intention to run as an independent candidate for the Agona West seat in the 2024 general election.
Speaking to her constituents after losing the NPP parliamentary primaries, she stated, “God willing, I will be contesting the parliamentary election as an independent candidate. It’s not about the NDC or the NPP; it’s about the development of Agona.”
Despite the outcome of the primaries, she reiterated her dedication to Agona West’s development and urged her supporters to back her independent candidacy.
NPP General Secretary, Justin Kodua Frimpong however stressed, the party’s commitment to unity and its goal of “breaking the eight,” referring to the party’s desire to extend its rule beyond the typical two-term limit.
Kodua Frimpong, in an interview on August 22, 2024, emphasized the NPP’s focus on unity and efforts to bring all members, including those considering independent runs, back into the party.
He highlighted the importance of taking proactive steps to engage with independent candidates, stating that the party leadership would continue to reach out to Morrison to bring everyone on board.
“As a political party, for this year’s election which has been our mantra, we are going to break the eight. In breaking the eight means we need to do exceptional things and bring everybody on board. Our objective is to make sure that all our party faithful are brought on board.
“So, taking steps that will make sure that at least we engage those who are going independent is something that we are going to do rather than whether to write them a letter or not to write them a letter. What we want to do is bring everybody on board. The party leadership will continue to engage her,” he said.
A massive 2,492-carat diamond has been discovered at the Karowe mine in Botswana, making it the second-largest diamond in the world. The mine is owned by the Canadian company Lucara Diamond.
This diamond is only smaller than the 3,106-carat Cullinan diamond, found in South Africa in 1905, which was later cut into stones now part of the British Crown Jewels.
The diamond was found about 500 km north of Botswana’s capital, Gaborone, and is the largest ever discovered in the country. The previous record was a 1,758-carat diamond, also found at the Karowe mine in 2019.
Botswana is a major diamond producer, responsible for about 20% of the world’s supply. William Lamb, head of Lucara Diamond, said, “We are thrilled to have discovered this incredible 2,492-carat diamond.”
The diamond was found using Lucara’s special X-ray technology, which helps detect valuable diamonds during mining. The company hasn’t yet shared details about the diamond’s quality or value.
The Karowe mine has seen other important finds, including a 1,758-carat diamond sold to Louis Vuitton and a 1,109-carat diamond bought for $53 million by a London jeweler in 2017.
According to the BBC, Botswana’s government has proposed a new law that would require mining companies to sell a 24% stake to local firms if the government decides not to take up its option of becoming a shareholder. This was reported last month by the Reuters news agency.
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A lot of Nigerians are upset after President Tinubu Bola bought a new plane for himself while the country is facing a tough economic crisis. This decision comes at a time when people are protesting because they can’t afford food and the cost of living is rising fast.
Tinubu, who became president last year, introduced changes to reduce government spending and boost the economy. One of his most debated decisions was removing fuel subsidies, which caused inflation to jump above 30%. The president said these changes were necessary to help the country grow in the future. But now, many are asking why he’s spending on a new Airbus A330 for himself, especially since the government already has more than five planes.
In January, Tinubu announced plans to cut government travel costs by 60%, including his own trips. Yet, on Monday, he traveled to France on the newly bought plane, leaving people furious. Adding to the frustration, the government has not shared how much the plane cost or why it was bought.
On social media, many Nigerians expressed their anger. One user on X (formerly Twitter) said, “So the government tells us to endure hardship while they’re buying a new jet?” Another user called it “selfish” to make such a purchase when people are struggling to survive.
But not everyone is angry. Some say buying the plane was a smart move and that future presidents will also use it. The president’s team even said the plane was bought for less than its market value, saving the country money on fuel and maintenance.
This new Airbus A330 replaces an old 19-year-old plane the government used before. Although some lawmakers supported buying new planes because the old ones were expensive to maintain, the public is still unsure whether this was the right decision, given the tough times.
Many Nigerians feel the government’s actions don’t match their promises to cut spending, making them question the president’s priorities.
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Two students from Twifo Praso Senior High School have been arrested for allegedly organizing their peers to beat a spiritualist to death.
The spiritualist, identified as Abdul Latif, was beaten to death on Wednesday, August 21, 2024, around 8 p.m. The students reportedly dragged Latif’s body into a bush and covered it with weeds.
According to reports, a junior student’s phone went missing, prompting the students to seek Abdul Latif’s help in identifying the thief.
After Latif accused one of the students of stealing the phone, the accused student allegedly rallied a group of about 10 individuals to ambush and assault the spiritualist.
Police later recovered the body and transported it to the Twifo Praso Government Hospital Mortuary for autopsy.
According to Graphic Online’s Central Regional correspondent, Shirley Asiedu Addo, the incident sparked outrage among some youth in Twifo Praso, who planned to storm the school campus for revenge.
However, police intervention prevented further violence and maintained order.
The father of the deceased, Yaw Nkrumah, revealed that his son had been attacked by students twice before but had managed to escape. He said the one that led to his death was the third time he had come under attack from the students.
The Internal Audit Agency’s vigilance has saved Ghana GH₵5.4 billion from financial irregularities, according to the 2023 Auditor-General’s report. This impressive achievement was highlighted by the agency’s board chairman, Mr. Joseph Winful, who credited the ongoing collaboration between the agency, audit committees, and internal auditors for consistently reducing financial irregularities across public institutions.
Speaking at a media interaction ahead of the agency’s internal annual conference, which runs from August 20 to 23, 2024, at the University for Professional Studies in Accra, Mr. Winful outlined the agency’s efforts. He emphasized their partnership with the State Interests and Governance Authority (SIGA) and the Institute of Internal Auditors (IIA) to enhance financial management and reporting systems in State-Owned Enterprises (SOEs) and other institutions.
These collaborations have paid off significantly, leading to a 41.57% reduction in irregularities within the SOE sector in 2023. Mr. Winful added that the Agency is working on a national roadmap, alongside the IIA and the Institute of Chartered Accountants Ghana (ICAG), to prepare for the global mandatory reporting deadline of January 2025.
In line with this, the agency will be rolling out new sustainability and climate-related disclosure standards within the internal audit sector. As the country moves towards election season, Mr. Winful urges internal auditors to uphold professionalism and neutrality, adhering to the ethical standards of their profession.
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The National Communication Authority (NCA) has officially granted approval for Space X Starlink GH LTD, a company associated with American billionaire Elon Musk, to operate in Ghana. In a statement released on Thursday, April 25, 2024, the NCA confirmed that Space X Starlink has been cleared to offer satellite broadband services within the country.
“The National Communications Authority (NCA) has approved the application of Space X Starlink GH LTD, operators of Starlink Satellite Broadband, to provide Satellite Broadband Services in Ghana,” the statement read.
Starlink, a company owned by SpaceX, operates a network of low-Earth orbit satellites that provide high-speed broadband internet by transmitting signals between satellites and ground stations. The standard residential service for Starlink costs $120 per month for unlimited data, with a one-time equipment fee ranging between $599 and $2,500. Currently, it is available in seven African countries: Mozambique, Eswatini, Zambia, Malawi, Kenya, Rwanda, and Nigeria.
This development follows the Ministry of Communications and Digitalization’s policy approval of Ghana’s Satellite Licensing Framework. The NCA added that the final administrative processes for issuing the license are underway and will be completed soon.
This announcement marks a shift from a previous warning issued by the NCA in December 2023, where the Authority stated that Starlink had no legal license to operate in the country. At the time, the NCA cautioned Ghanaians against using Starlink’s services, explaining that doing so would violate the Electronic Communications Act.
Back then, the NCA had clarified, “Any entity providing electronic communication services in Ghana without a license is in direct violation of the Electronic Communications Act 2008 (Act 775).” The public was also advised not to patronize Starlink’s services until proper authorizations were in place.
With the recent approval, Starlink’s operation in Ghana is now officially on track, offering the potential for broader internet access across the nation.
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The agriculture sector is facing a serious challenge as a high level of drought in Ghana sweeps across the middle and northern regions of the country, putting over GH¢1.18 billion in investments at risk. Farmers in these areas have poured this amount into their crops, but with the extended dry spells predicted by the Ghana Meteorological Agency (GMet), their efforts may be in jeopardy.
The GMet has warned that regions within the transition zone are likely to experience longer-than-usual dry spells, potentially leading to severe drought in Ghana. Farmers are being urged to adapt by investing in improved seed varieties and employing advanced yield enhancement techniques to protect both food and cash crops.
In areas expected to see normal or slightly above-normal rainfall, such as the East Coast, GMet has advised farmers to focus on short-maturing crops to avoid losses from the unpredictable weather patterns.
GAWU Calls for Immediate Government Action
The Ghana Agricultural Workers Union (GAWU) has urged the government to step up its support for farmers by prioritizing irrigation and technological interventions to combat the negative impact of climate change on traditional farming practices. GMet forecasts indicate that regions like Cape Coast and Ada could experience dry spells lasting between eight to 16 days, further worsening the situation for farmers.
Samuel Yeboah, Chief Operating Officer of the Ghana Incentive-Based Risk Sharing System for Agricultural Lending (GIRSAL), confirmed that the drought is endangering the livelihoods of 34,000 farmers who have secured loans with GIRSAL’s support to fund their agricultural projects.
Looming Food Insecurity
With inadequate rainfall leading to prolonged drought, experts fear that food production in Ghana’s key agricultural zones could plummet in the coming weeks, raising concerns about food security. Despite some sporadic rainfall in the middle and northern regions, GMet’s general forecast predicts extended dry periods, which could severely disrupt the country’s regular rainfall patterns.
GAWU has appealed to the government to offer financial relief to farmers, especially those struggling with loan repayments. General Secretary Andrews Addoquaye Tagoe emphasized that without government intervention, many farmers will be unable to meet their repayment obligations, exacerbating the financial strain caused by the drought. He called for immediate short-term support to ease farmers’ debt burdens and urged for long-term investments in irrigation and agricultural technology to ensure sustainable food production.
GMet’s Advice for Farmers
GMet’s Deputy Director and Head of Research, Francisca Martey, advised farmers to diversify their income-generating activities and adopt agricultural practices like no-tillage, mulching, and agroforestry to mitigate the effects of the drought. She also urged farmers to work closely with GMet and other agricultural authorities for expert advice on how to navigate the challenging conditions.
In areas expecting heavier rainfall, farmers must also prepare for potential health risks, including outbreaks of cholera, malaria, dengue fever, and diarrhoea. GMet recommended that public education campaigns on disaster risk reduction be intensified to minimize the spread of these diseases.
Weather Forecast and Flood Warnings
GMet’s latest weather forecast predicts that coastal regions like Cape Coast will experience long dry spells, while northern areas such as Tamale, Yendi, and Bimbilla are expected to receive mostly normal rainfall. However, communities like Salaga could see above-normal rainfall. In contrast, areas like Abetifi and Koforidua may endure longer dry seasons.
As the September-October-November rainy season approaches its peak, GMet has warned of potential heavy rains, strong winds, and lightning, increasing the risk of localised flooding in certain regions. The northern half of the country is particularly vulnerable to flooding, especially if the Bagre Dam in Burkina Faso overflows, while low-lying areas of Accra and Kumasi could face flash floods, potentially making some roads impassable.
With the drought already taking its toll on farmers and the unpredictable weather conditions adding further uncertainty, the need for immediate action and long-term solutions has never been more urgent. Farmers, with the support of the government and agricultural agencies, must adapt to the changing climate to safeguard their investments and secure the country’s food future.
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The Social Security and National Insurance Trust (SSNIT) has made a significant payment of GH¢447.07 million to over 250,000 pensioners for the month of August 2024. This payment was made on August 15, 2024, and shows SSNIT’s commitment to supporting retirees in Ghana.
The payments were made under two laws: PNDC Law 247 and the National Pensions Act, 2008 (Act 766). These laws help determine how much each pensioner receives. Under PNDC Law 247, the highest pension payment was GH¢186,777.58, while under Act 766, the highest payment was GH¢26,509.66.
For existing pensioners, the lowest monthly pension was GH¢409.10. New pensioners received a minimum monthly payment of GH¢300.00, ensuring everyone gets a basic level of support.
SSNIT has announced the next pension payment is scheduled for September 19, 2024. These regular payments are important for pensioners, many of whom depend on them as their main source of income.
SSNIT’s ability to make these large payments shows that the system is well-managed and reliable. The money paid out helps retirees live comfortably after years of contributing to the scheme.
The GH¢447.07 million disbursed represents the livelihoods of thousands of Ghanaians who worked hard to support the country’s growth. SSNIT plays a crucial role in helping workers plan for retirement and ensuring they are financially secure in their later years.
Regular contributions to the social security scheme are important for workers, as these ensure a steady income after retirement. By managing pension funds efficiently, SSNIT helps maintain economic stability in the country. Pensioners, with their regular payments, continue to contribute to the local economy and support businesses.
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The Assemblyman for Denkyira Kyekyewere in the Upper Denkyira East Municipality Kwabena Boateng, has shot and killed two individuals suspected of stealing from his cocoa shed.
The incident occurred around 2:00 a.m. on Wednesday, August 21.
According to sources, the suspects, identified as 16-year-old Razak and 20-year-old Agyaku, had been stealing cocoa bags from the Assemblyman’s shed for some time.
Despite reporting to the police, the thefts continued, resulting in the loss of 35 bags of cocoa.
On the night of the incident, the Assemblyman allegedly caught the suspects attempting to steal again and fired at them, killing both instantly.
Family members of the deceased have expressed shock and grief over the incident.
The mother of one of the suspects said, “He is my son and he is learning a trade. His boss called and asked that he come back to work since he has not been going to work for a while. I even cursed him and later reverted for not heeding my advice. The Agyaku guy is the one influencing my son. They even stole from a queen mother.
“I even consulted a fetish priest to find out why my son was behaving like that and it turned out that the Agyaku guy was the bad influence. I am sad about the incident.
One of Ghana’s notable commercial properties in the United Kingdom, Regina House, has been returned to the state after being seized by Trafigura due to the country’s failure to pay a $134 million judgment debt.
The debt stemmed from a power purchase agreement dispute between Ghana and Trafigura’s Ghana Power Generation Company (GPGC). Four years ago, GPGC was awarded $134 million after Ghana canceled the agreement.
Attorney General Godfred Yeboah Dame confirmed the release of Regina House during an interview with Citi News. He noted that the Ministry of Finance and the Ministry of Energy would handle negotiations with Trafigura regarding the payment terms, with his office responsible for reviewing the terms to ensure they align with the country’s best interests.
Dame emphasized, “The release has occurred, and I am pleased to state that the property has been released from attachment. We resolved it some time ago. However, it is important to note that the responsibility to negotiate the settlement terms with GPGC lies with the Ministry of Finance and the Ministry of Energy, not the Attorney General. My duty is to review the agreed terms and ensure they benefit the country.”
This legal issue traces back to a ruling on January 26, 2021, by a UK tribunal. The tribunal found that Ghana had breached its contractual obligations by unilaterally terminating the power purchase agreement on February 18, 2018.
As a result, Ghana was ordered to pay GPGC $134,348,661 as an early termination payment, along with an additional $3,309,877.74 to cover GPGC’s arbitration fees and expenses. The interest on this amount was compounded quarterly at a three-month USD LIBOR rate, adding further financial pressure on Ghana.
Background
For four years, Trafiguara has been unsuccessful in getting the government to pay up the judgement debt awarded to the energy firm after the abrupt termination of a power purchase agreement.
This situation forced Trafigura to secure another judgment in the United States courts, which awarded a mandatory interest on the default of 111.4 million dollars which remains the arrears to be paid by the Republic of Ghana.
Attorney General Godfred Yeboah Dame previously told Joy News it was up to the Finance Ministry to expedite action on the payment.
Following the latest Joy News report on the United States District Court ruling, Vice President of Imani Africa Bright Simons took to social media platform, X (Twitter) to state that one of Ghana’s most important commercial properties, the Regina House in London, had been taken over by Trafigura following the judgment debt award by a tribunal in the United Kingdom.
