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Ashanti Regional Minister Conducts Site Visit at Boankra Integrated Logistics Terminal

By
Adwoa Afranewaa
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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 Delights Customers with Products Giveaway in Kumasi

By
Adwoa Afranewaa
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Happy customer with free Unilever products

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.

Kumasi Central Market Traders Threaten to Occupy Uncompleted Site for Trading activities

By
Adwoa Afranewaa
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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/R: Tragic Fire Incident Claims Life of Mother in Abuakwa Manhyia

By
Adwoa Afranewaa
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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.

A/R: Water crises looms as encroachers take over Barekese Water Treatment Plant

By
Adwoa Afranewaa
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Barekese Water Treatment Plant

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.

Orange FM, KCM 2024 Afro Fest Draws Local Businesses to Kumasi City Mall

By
Adwoa Afranewaa
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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.

Registrants Stranded in Kumasi as EC Switches to Offline Registration

By
Adwoa Afranewaa
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registrants

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.

Economic Challenges Facing Businesses in the Ashanti Region

By
Adwoa Afranewaa
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The Ashanti Region, once a thriving hub for business activities, is now facing significant economic challenges that are impacting various sectors including agriculture, industry, and commerce.

The Suame artisanal hub, the Kejetia and Central Markets, and the Kente Industry, which were once vibrant centers of economic activity, are now struggling for survival.

The Suame Magazine, which is home to an estimated 200,000 artisans and 12,000 shop-owning entrepreneurs, has seen a decline in activity and an increase in unemployment due to economic downturn.

Several factors have contributed to the struggles of businesses in the region, including the introduction of new taxes, high import duties, high lending rates, and the recent power challenges.

The government’s implementation of taxes such as the E-Levy, Emissions Levy, Communication Service Tax (CST), 3% VAT Flat Rate, and incremental VAT increases has added financial strain to consumers and businesses, impacting operational costs and monthly budgets.

In addition to tax burdens, approximately 20 different duties at the various ports and levies imposed by local assemblies are further hindering businesses in the region.

The combined impact of these economic factors has led to the collapse of numerous businesses and has left many others struggling to survive.

The Ashanti Regional Chairman of the Chamber of Commerce, Stephen Acheampong, and the Secretary of the Combined Kejetia Traders Association, Ruben Ameh, have expressed concerns about the challenges faced by businesses in the Ashanti Region.

They have highlighted that many businesses in the region are struggling, and a significant number of them have already collapsed due to the various factors.

Traders at the Kejetia, Central, and Asafo markets have been particularly affected, with about 800 people losing their businesses after being relocated to the Racecourse Market and others facing challenges due to poor infrastructure and market conditions.

The abandonment of the various market projects including the Kejetia market redevelopment project, the Krofrom market, among others are affecting businesses and also impeding the KMA’s intention to decongest the CBD.

Cold store operators at the Asafo market are also concerned about the potential collapse of their businesses due to power challenges and high transportation costs.

About 20 to 30 percent of operators have folded up their businesses owing to continuous losses.

Farmers in various parts of the region, such as Nobewam, Biemso, and Ejura, are grappling with the impact of high input costs, transportation challenges, and poor road networks, which have inflated the prices of agricultural inputs and affected cultivation.

While the Ghanaian economy is showing signs of stabilization after implementing an IMF-supported economic program, the impact of these measures appears to have had little effect on the local economy.

The business community in the Ashanti Region is in need of a conducive environment that supports expansion and growth.

The struggles faced by businesses in the region are a cause for concern, and it is imperative for stakeholders to address the economic challenges and create an environment that fosters sustainable business growth and development.

Jobs are not in Ghana- Nurses on why they leave Ghana

By
Adwoa Afranewaa
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Nurses protesting against the government

Nurses in the Ashanti Region of Ghana are expressing their frustration with the limited job opportunities in the country, leading many to seek better prospects abroad.

Despite completing their education, these highly qualified and experienced nurses are not being deployed for work by the government.

As a result, approximately 60% of them are considering working in other countries such as the United Kingdom, the United States of America, Australia, Canada, Barbados, and the United Arab Emirates.

This trend is alarming as it could further strain the nurse-patient ratio in Ghana and potentially impact the quality of nursing care for the local population.

Angela Afua Mensah, a nurse, highlighted the lack of job opportunities in the country, stating that many nurses have not been posted since 2016, and those who have been posted often rely on connections to secure their positions.

Nurses protesting against the government

The nurses are also dissatisfied with the level of compensation, citing inadequate salaries as a major concern.

She noted “There are no job opportunities in the country, and from 2016 to 2019, some nurses have not been posted. Only 25% have been posted, and even then, it’s all based on connections.”

“If you know someone, then you can get your name in the system. The government is not paying us enough. The salary is not sufficient,” she added.

While the nurses express a desire to serve their fellow Ghanaians, they feel that the current system governing nurses in the country is unsustainable.

They are calling on the government to ensure that every nurse is posted to serve the people, even if it means being placed in locations that may not be their preferred places to practice.

Nurses protesting against the government

They emphasize the importance of providing essential nursing services, particularly at a time when in-person care and connections are crucial.

Drivers Negligence Blamed for Damaged Traffic Lights at Atonsu

By
Adwoa Afranewaa
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Damaged Traffic Light at Atonsu

Traders at Atonsu in the Asokwa Municipality have attributed the non-functioning of the traffic lights within the area to drivers’ negligence.

Traffic lights play a crucial role in regulating traffic flow and ensuring road safety.

Studies have shown that the proper functioning of traffic lights can significantly impact drivers’ decision-making processes and reduce the number of conflicting flows at intersections.

However, malfunctioning traffic lights on major streets in Kumasi have led to chaotic scenes during peak hours, posing risks to motorists and pedestrians.

Orange FM’s Community Lens will focus on the traffic lights installed on the Atonso Agogo stretch within the Asokwa Municipality.

Despite being installed less than a year ago to prevent congestion and accidents, the traffic lights have been repeatedly damaged by vehicles running into them.

Traders selling on pavements have called for drivers to be held responsible for damaging state property to deter others from doing the same.

Agya Nsiah, a taxi driver at Atonsu, highlighted the risks posed by the damaged traffic lights to pedestrians and motorists, emphasizing that the malfunctioning lights have led to accidents and pose a significant danger to road users.

Approximately 30% of the traders at Atonsu conduct business along the road, exposing themselves to significant risk.

While they acknowledge the dangers, they have no choice but to sacrifice their safety to earn a living.

The traders have urged authorities to intervene and address the damaged traffic lights to prevent potentially serious problems.

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