Several students are still waiting in queues at some of the registration centres in Kumasi to register as new voters as the registration process nears its conclusion today.
The registration, which began on May 7 and was initially set to end on May 27, was extended by two days due to initial network challenges.
The Ashanti region leads all other regions with approximately 90,480 registered voters, accounting for 17.3% of the nationwide total, followed by the Greater Accra region with 74,420 individuals, representing 14.3% of the overall number.
Officials of the Electoral Commission who declined to speak on record say, they are optimistic all the long queues would be cleared by the end of the day.
Abdallah Seid, the Manhyia North Organizer of the National Democratic Congress, told Orange News that the registration process has been successful, except a few misunderstandings surrounding the ages of some of the registrants.
He also indicated that the process faced a few challenges earlier hence slowing the registration process.
He allegedly raised concerns about the registration of minors and people outside their constituencies by the New Patriotic Party.
In response, the NPP Deputy Youth Organizer for the Manhyia North constituency, Kennedy Mintah refuted the claims and criticized the NDC for alleging that the party is registering minors and individuals from outside the constituency. He emphasized that the NPP consistently follows proper procedures and is committed to upholding its reputation, therefore, it will not engage in any activities that could tarnish its image.
Some students at the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST) have raised concerns about the high level of insecurity on campus.
They have reported incidents of theft where thieves confront students on their way to their hostels and demand money, laptops, and phones from them.
In an interview with Orange News, students expressed how the insecurity on campus is impacting their academic and social lives.
One of the students, Cudjo Blay Hee Jonah highlighted the lack of proper checks on people entering the campus, which he believes allows thieves to target students for theft.
Another student, Josephine shared her belief that security issues are negatively affecting student academics.
She mentioned incidents where students have been robbed and even injured, preventing them from attending classes for weeks.
She recounted a specific incident where a friend was stabbed and robbed of his phone and money.
On his part, Frank also raised concerns about the lack of security measures in certain areas of the campus, such as the new building near the College of Engineering.
He mentioned the absence of lighting and security posts in that area, making it risky for students to return to their hostels after studying at night, as thieves are known to target students using that route.
The country’s recent trend of price increases has been persistent and consistent over the past few years, with extremely high inflation rates.
In December 2022, there was a 54.1% increase in the inflation rate, one of the highest the country has ever recorded.
This significant increase has affected the prices of items on the market, with the cedi depreciating alongside.
The government has attributed the economic downturn in Ghana to factors such as the Russia-Ukraine war and other external influences, leading to a continuous rise in the prices of goods in various markets.
The impact of the high inflation rate has been felt across sectors such as health, education, transport, and others.
The average Ghanaian is now struggling to afford healthcare, education, and even necessities like food.
For university students, excelling academically is a top priority. However, they are facing challenges due to the rapidly increasing unemployment rate and rising living costs on campus.
From exorbitant hostel prices to frequent hikes in school fees and the rising cost of essential items like food, students are feeling the financial strain.
After a two-week vacation break, students returned to school to find increased prices on almost everything they needed, including food items, transportation fares, and LPG.
This situation, resulting from a recent 25% inflation rate affecting diesel and petrol prices, has raised concerns among students as they now have to spend more than before.
For a student buying food alone, approximately 50gh would be spent per day, totalling 1500gh per month for three meals a day.
This amount does not include toiletries, transportation fares, and other necessary expenses. Cooking for oneself has become time-consuming and challenging.
The average university student’s monthly budget may look like this:
– Prepaid: 100gh
– LPG: 120gh
– Groceries with basic food items: 500gh
– Transportation: 200gh
– Miscellaneous: 100gh
The question arises: Can every student afford this amount every month?
As market prices rise and parents’ and guardians’ salaries remain stagnant, many are struggling to meet their wards’ basic needs.
To manage their finances, students have resorted to reducing the number of meals they eat, such as having only one meal a day or skipping meals altogether.
A common trend among students in managing their finances is to reduce the frequency of their meals: 1-0-1 (breakfast and supper), 0-0-1 (supper only), or the most popular choice, 0-1-0 (lunch only). Lunch is often delayed until late afternoon to sustain them until the following morning.
This not only affects their health but also impacts their academic performance.
Financial difficulties have led some students to run into trouble with school management for failing to pay their fees, causing stress and anxiety, especially during exam seasons.
This has contributed to a decline in mental health among university students, with an increase in attempted suicide and suicide cases over the past few years.
While some students find ways to make extra money, it is often not enough to alleviate their financial burdens.
Many are unable to work full-time due to their class schedules, leading them to rely on support from peers or engage in illicit activities to make ends meet.
Life for university students in Ghana is a constant struggle, with the pursuit of education intertwined with financial challenges in a tough economic climate.
Residents of Ayeduase in the Oforikrom municipality of the Ashanti Region, including students of the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST) living off campus, are lamenting the deplorable state of roads in their community.
The inner roads in Ayeduase, particularly the route from Ayeduase Gate to downhill towards Kotei and surrounding areas, have long been a source of frustration for residents.
Despite yearly appeals to authorities for road reconstruction, the situation only seems to deteriorate, leaving residents feeling neglected.
Students walking to classes on campus are especially affected, with complaints of dust accumulation on their attire during the journey.
Selasi Kwami, a KNUST student residing in Ayeduase, describes the inconvenience of constantly dealing with dusty feet and clothes, necessitating a change of footwear upon reaching campus.
“When I walk, my feet always get dusty. Some days, my clothes catch the dust from the road, so I always have to put my shoes in a bag and wear slippers. I then change into my shoes when I get to campus after cleaning up,” he noted.
The poor road conditions exacerbate during the rainy season, leading to flooding in some areas and further hindering movement.
Teaching Assistant Evans Korletey notes the challenges faced by residents and students alike, emphasizing the impact on daily life and transportation.
Drivers also bear the brunt of the road conditions, with commercial drivers forced to increase fares to cover vehicle maintenance costs resulting from frequent damage.
The pervasive dust poses health concerns for residents, who inhale it daily, while vendors struggle with keeping their items clean amidst the dusty environment.
Residents are urging local leaders and the Student Representative Council to escalate their plea to higher authorities for urgent intervention in addressing the road infrastructure issues in Ayeduase.
A devastating fire broke out in Ayigya, located in the Oforikrom Municipality of the Ashanti Region, leaving a trail of destruction in its wake.
The incident occurred at approximately 7pm on Monday, triggering a rapid response from emergency services.
Multiple fire engines, including units from Chirapatre, KMA, and Manhyia stations, were swiftly dispatched to the scene to contain the blaze and prevent it from spreading further.
DO2 Nicholas Poku Antwi, overseeing regional operations at the Ghana National Fire Service (GNFS), confirmed the coordinated efforts of the fire teams in tackling the inferno.
Due to the unavailability of the nearest fire tender at the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST), additional pumps were called in to assist in extinguishing the flames.
Despite the intensity of the fire, there were fortunately no reported casualties.
The cause of the fire remains shrouded in mystery, prompting authorities to launch a thorough investigation to uncover the truth behind the destructive incident.
Reflecting on the aftermath of the fire, DO2 Nicholas Poku Antwi emphasized the successful salvage of valuable items from the affected shops, outweighing the losses incurred.
He reassured the public that no injuries were sustained during the ordeal and highlighted the importance of conducting further assessments, including excavation, to determine the exact origin of the fire.
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.
