Facebook Instagram Twitter Youtube
Listen to Orange FM Live
Home Blog Page 98

Alleged NDC thugs disrupt Council of State election in Kumasi

By
Adwoa Afranewaa
-

Chaos erupted during the Council of State elections in the Ashanti Region when a group of unidentified individuals stormed the election center, leading to significant disruptions in the sorting and counting of ballots.

Witnesses described a scene of pandemonium as the intruders forcibly entered the facility, overturning tables, damaging ballot boxes, and scattering essential voting materials.

This turmoil forced officials from the Electoral Commission (EC) to halt the election process.

The unrest is thought to have been sparked by the surprising defeat of Yaw Owusu Obimpeh, the National Democratic Congress (NDC) candidate who was anticipated to win.

Supporters of Obimpeh, reportedly upset by the election results, allegedly incited the violence, calling for a review of the outcome.

Security personnel station at the centre faced challenges in managing the escalating tensions, which led to a temporary suspension of the electoral proceedings.

In response to the situation, additional law enforcement officers have been dispatched to restore order and protect the electoral materials.

Ghana Fire Service Warns of Expiring Cooking Cylinders

By
Adwoa Afranewaa
-
ADO1 Antwi Bosiako advises checking cooking gas cylinders expiry dates to prevent fires. That is every five years and dispose after twenty.
ADO1 Antwi Bosiako speaking on the Orange Sunrise

Assistant Divisional Officer (ADO1) Antwi Bosiako of the Ghana Fire Service in the Ashanti Region has issued a critical safety alert to the public, emphasizing the importance of regularly checking the expiry dates of cooking cylinders to prevent devastating fire outbreaks.

According to ADO1 Antwi Bosiako, these expiry dates are marked on the Bottom,
, Handle, and Knob of the cooking cylinder

Mr. Antwi stresses that when purchasing a cylinder, the first and most crucial check is the expiry date. This simple step can save properties from ravaging fires.

Additionally, ADO1 Antwi Bosiako advises the public to inspect the state of their gas cylinders every five years to ensure they remain fit for purpose. He also warns that cylinders should be disposed of after twenty years of use.

“To ensure safety, the public is advised to buy cylinders from authorized and reputable dealers. By being vigilant and taking these precautions, we can collectively reduce the risk of fire outbreaks and protect our communities.”he added

Parliamentary Proceedings: Everything You Need To Know About Vetting Chaos

By
Ivy Hollys
-
parliamentary proceedings
Speaker of Parliament Alban Bagbin

Tensions rose in the Ghanaian Parliament as confusion over scheduling led to heated exchanges and a physical altercation during parliamentary proceedings.

The situation unfolded after a series of changes to the schedule, which had been affected by adjustments to outstanding work from Wednesday’s session. Initially, a revised schedule had placed a nomination for Thursday’s business, but later changes moved certain items to Friday. This shift led to a situation where the minority leader expressed willingness to prioritize a specific nomination for Thursday’s business. But concerns were raised regarding the fairness of this decision.

A series of disagreements ensued when it was decided that only certain individuals would be vetted on the day, with others postponed to a later date. The Speaker of Parliament, in an attempt to manage the situation, spoke of the challenges of maintaining the schedule and the difficulty of accommodating the minority leader’s requests.

Speaker of parliament emphasized the importance of sticking to the parliamentary schedule. Nothing that a decision to change the agenda late in the day, after much work had already been done, created confusion and frustrations among the members.

The Speaker also expressed concerns about a decision made in the evening that would stop a number of individuals from being vetted as originally planned. Despite efforts to communicate with those involved and to find a resolution, these changes resulted in escalating tensions. And also, physical confrontations eventually broke out during the parliamentary proceedings.

As tempers flared, the Speaker intervened in an attempt to maintain order, particularly when one of the committee members, identified as Chas, was involved in a confrontation with another parliamentarian. The situation became more intense when the two men became physically engaged, with one member being trapped between tables. The Speaker was seen rushing to prevent further escalation, while security personnel attempted to intervene.

In a statement, the Speaker emphasized the importance of professionalism and decorum in the parliamentary setting. Calling on colleagues to maintain respect for each other despite differing opinions in the parliamentary proceedings. The Speaker’s efforts were supported by Deputy Marshal Bawa and other security personnel, who worked to de-escalate the situation.

Despite the chaos, the Speaker sought to restore calm by urging members to focus on completing the evening’s business and return the next day to continue their work.

Chaos Erupts in Ghana’s Parliamentary Proceedings Over Ministerial Vetting

Chaos erupted in Ghana’s parliamentary proceedings late on Thursday night during a meeting to vet the country’s new ministerial appointments, leading to the destruction of furniture and physical altercations between lawmakers.

Police were called to the scene as MPs damaged tables and microphones in the midst of the chaos during the parliamentary proceedings. The vetting committee, responsible for reviewing ministerial nominations, had disagreed on several issues. With the accusations that opposition MPs were dragging out the process to settle political scores.

On Friday morning, the chairman of the vetting committee issued an apology to the Ghanaian public, describing the events as “totally unacceptable.”

The cross-party committee had been scheduled to vet three lawmakers from the governing National Democratic Congress (NDC). They had been nominated for ministerial positions after the NDC’s victory over the New Patriotic Party (NPP) in December’s elections.

However, NDC MPs expressed frustration over the lengthy questioning of the nominees, particularly the leader of the NPP in parliament, Alexander Afenyo-Markin. He was accused of prolonging the vetting process, spending over five hours questioning communications minister-designate Samuel Nartey George.

Many NDC MPs believed the extended questioning was a form of retribution from opposition members, who wanted George to retract his criticism of former President Nana Akufo-Addo and Vice-President Mahamudu Bawumia.

Tensions escalated as committee members began shouting, pushing, and shoving each other, resulting in the upturning of tables during the parliamentary proceedings. In response, the Speaker of Parliament suspended four lawmakers — three from the NPP and one from the NDC — for two weeks.

On Friday, Afenyo-Markin defended the extended questioning, stating that parliamentary customs allowed committee members to “enquire deeply into every nominee of the president, without limit to questions.” He accused the NDC of attempting to “frustrate” the process.

Due to the disruptions, the vetting session was adjourned until Friday, with the chaos leaving a significant impact on the proceedings.

The 10 benefits of ORAL According to Samuel Okudjeto Ablakwa

By
Ivy Hollys
-
Samuel Okudjeto Ablakwa

The Operation Recover All Loot (ORAL) Team, chaired by Hon. Samuel Okudjeto Ablakwa, has uncovered shocking cases of mismanagement and attempted illegal takeovers of state assets. The team’s report, presented to President John Dramani Mahama, highlights unlawful land sales, fraudulent vehicle re-registrations, and the prevention of numerous government property seizures.

Speaking at the presentation, Hon. Ablakwa emphasized that ORAL’s work was both relevant and timely, describing the President’s decision to establish the team as a “masterstroke.” According to him, the initiative has played a crucial role in safeguarding national assets and ensuring accountability. Below are the 10 key benefits of ORAL as outlined by its chairman:

1. Deepened Transparency and Accountability

ORAL has increased public awareness about the need to protect state assets and has set a precedent for future governments. “Government officials are now more conscious,” Ablakwa noted, stressing that the initiative serves as a guiding framework for the incoming administration.

2. Prevention of Illegal Demolition of 50 Government Bungalows

The team prevented the demolition of 50 government-owned bungalows, which were nearly seized by private developers. These properties, belonging to institutions such as the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Ministry of Gender and Social Protection, were at risk until National Security intervened following ORAL’s prompt action. “But for the present establishment of Oral, we take the view that all of these 50 bungalows will have been demolished,” Ablakwa explained.

3. Collaboration with National Security to save Northern Development Authority lands at Cantonments: 

On the eve of the President’s inauguration, a private developer attempted to seize Northern Development Authority (NDA) land at Cantonments, erecting walls overnight. ORAL’s intervention led to National Security stepping in to reclaim the land for the state.

4. Prevention of Illegal Takeover of Government Vehicles

ORAL exposed a scheme where state vehicles were being re-registered with new license plates to disguise them as privately owned. Acting on these findings, National Security intervened, preventing the loss of hundreds of vehicles. “we have videos and pictures of vehicles whose number plates were being changed so that they will virtually steal them for private use. Again, acting on those tip-offs, National Security moved in quickly and we were able to save a good number, hundreds of these vehicles,” Ablakwa revealed.

5. Prevention of the Dubois Museum Center Takeover

A private foundation attempted to claim ownership of the Dubois Museum Center, leading to a dispute. ORAL facilitated mediation, ensuring that the historic landmark remains under government oversight. “what we have done now is to ask that the factions should meet and the new Minister for Tourism should resolve the matters. Again, if ORAL had not been established, only God knows what would have happened at the Du Bois Center,” Samuel Okudjeto Ablakwa stated.

6. Protection of Agri-Mechanization Lands at Cantonments

Large portions of government land designated for agricultural mechanization were being encroached upon. ORAL’s efforts saved 80% of the land, although 20% had already been developed. “their cold room was on the verge of being demolished. And so we called National Security. They moved in and we have been able to save large portions….I would say, about 20% of the land has seen some development,” Samuel Okudjeto Ablakwa added.

7. Prevention of Demolition of Ghana Museums and Monuments Board Bungalows

State-owned bungalows under the Ghana Museums and Monuments Board were sold. However, ORAL’s intervention halted their demolition, safeguarding historical state assets.

8. Established a Peaceful and Non-Confrontational Complaint System

According to Ablakwa, Ghana’s political transitions often fuel acrimony and tension, sometimes escalating into violence. ORAL provided a structured, legal channel for citizens to report state asset looting, preventing individuals from taking the law into their own hands.

9. Encouraged Voluntary Returns of Looted State Property

Several individuals who illegally acquired state assets have approached ORAL, offering to return what belongs to the Ghanaian people. The President and his legal advisors will review the next steps. “Quite a number of persons of interest have reached out…… the President and his legal advisors will take a decision on the way forward,” Samuel Okudjeto Ablakwa disclosed.

10. Attracted Local and International Support for Forensic Investigations

ORAL has garnered significant interest from local and international bodies, with forensic experts offering assistance in tracking offshore assets looted from Ghana. “We have received a number of international requests to support this initiative of the President in terms of forensics and to help in offshore retrievals,” Ablakwa confirmed.

Potential Recovery of $20.49 Billion in Stolen Assets

With 36 cases currently under review, ORAL estimates that if recoveries are successful, Ghana could retrieve as much as $20.49 billion. Some major cases under scrutiny include:

  • National Cathedral Project
  • PDS Scandal
  • SML Contract Irregularities
  • GMPC Salt Pond Decommissioning

Hon. Samuel Okudjeto Ablakwa reiterated that ORAL’s work is far from over and that the fight against corruption and asset mismanagement must continue beyond their current mandate.

Read also:ORAL: Team Present Report to President John Dramani Mahama

Bawku: Gunmen attack bus one dead, five critically injured

By
Adwoa Afranewaa
-

Gunmen assault on a bus traveling from Bawku to Bolgatanga has resulted in one fatality and left five individuals in critical condition.

The attack occurred while the bus was under military escort, but the assailants managed to ambush the vehicle.

Fortunately, the military personnel accompanying the bus were able to respond swiftly, preventing additional casualties.

The injured passengers were promptly transported to the Upper East Regional Hospital in Bolgatanga for emergency medical care.

Authorities are still investigating the motive behind the attack, although it is believed to be connected to the ongoing chieftaincy disputes in the Bawku region.

This incident marks a concerning escalation in violence, as the Bawku area had experienced a brief period of calm lasting approximately two weeks.

Prior to this, a violent episode saw gunmen in military attire invade a home, resulting in the deaths of a woman and her two children.

With this latest attack, the death toll in the region has risen to 46 since the resurgence of conflict in October 2024.

A/R: Fire claims life of nurse and her three children

By
Adwoa Afranewaa
-

A heartbreaking fire incident in Gyinyase within the Asokwa Municipality of the Ashanti Region has resulted in the deaths of Linda Agyemang, a nurse at the Kumasi South Hospital, and her three children.

The family was unable to escape their three-bedroom home as flames engulfed the building, despite the relentless efforts of neighbors and passersby who attempted to rescue them.

The fierce intensity of the fire rendered access to the house nearly impossible.

The blaze erupted in the early hours of Saturday, shocking the local community.

Firefighters responded promptly to the emergency call and were able to douse the flames; however, the victims were discovered in the bathroom, tragically burnt beyond recognition.

A neighbor, Kwabena, said all efforts to rescue the victims were unsuccessful.

“I heard them shouting, ‘Dad, Kwabena, please save us.’ I quickly grabbed an object and hit the door several times, but it wouldn’t open. We managed to break through the first door, but then a gas cylinder in the kitchen exploded, causing the fire to escalate. At that point, there was nothing more we could do,” he said.

The remains of the victims have been taken to the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital (KATH) for preservation.

Meanwhile, authorities have initiated an investigation to uncover the cause of the fire.

PURC, ECG officials in Ashanti Region hold one-day workshop on billing-related complaints

By
Adwoa Afranewaa
-

Officials of Public Utility and Regulatory Commission and the Electricity Company of Ghana in the Ashanti Region have held a one-day workshop on ECG’s billing-related concerns in the Region, and how to  strategically resolve the challenge.

The Ashanti Regional Manager of PURC, Mr. Edward Kingston Boduah in his presentation remarked that the issuance and delivery of electricity bills and resolution of anomalies of same are crucial activities of ECG and must be done in accordance with the relevant regulations (I.e. LI 2413) to reduce billing-related complaints.

He further indicated that consumer complaints of suspected billing anomalies have soared in the region, which must be addressed forthwith.

ECG officials led by the Regional Commercial Manager (RCM) of Ashanti West Region, Mr. Jonathan Asante also took the opportunity to make a PowerPoint presentation on the ‘ECG Power App and Billing Software’ among others.

He also assured the Commission of their resolve to observe the relevant regulations (LI 2413) in the discharge of their duties as well  as collaborate to resolve consumer complaints in the region.

ORAL: Team Present Report to President John Dramani Mahama

By
Ivy Hollys
-

The Operation Recover All Loot (Oral) Preparatory Team, under the leadership of Samuel Okudjeto Ablakwa, has today presented a report to President John Dramani Mahama. The team, established by President-elect John Dramani Mahama was tasked with demonstrating the necessity of proactive oversight in governance, reinforcing the importance of transparency and accountability in public service.

According to Samuel Okudjeto Ablakwa, the team received 1,493 calls through the toll-free line and 924 emails. He said all of the calls are recorded automatically, and all the emails have also been preserved for verification and validation. This brings the total number of complaints received to 2,417. 

Highlighting some of ORAL’s achievements, he said the team’s intervention in preventing the demolition of 50 government bungalows, which were at risk of being taken over by private developers. The team, upon receiving distress calls from affected public servants, swiftly alerted the National Security Committee, leading to prompt action that safeguarded the properties. These bungalows, belonging to key government institutions such as the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Ministry of Gender and Social Protection, might have been lost if not for ORAL’s intervention.

Additionally, the team played a pivotal role in saving prime government lands. The NDA lands, located directly opposite the U.S. Embassy, were nearly lost to private developers. ORAL’s intervention and collaboration with National Security led to the demolition of the illegal structure, reclaiming the land for public use.

Beyond real estate, ORAL also thwarted attempts to illegally acquire government vehicles, preventing hundreds of state-owned cars from being re-registered for private use. The report submitted by ORAL provides photographic evidence of number plate alterations, indicating a systematic effort to misappropriate state assets. 

Samuel Okudjeto Ablakwa stressed that the team’s efforts in preserving state property and ensuring accountability have validated President Mahama’s decision to establish ORAL, showcasing the initiative as a masterstroke in governance reform. As ORAL moves into its next phase, focusing on recoveries and retrievals, it remains a key mechanism in the fight against corruption and the protection of public assets in Ghana.

Former Finance Minister Urges Economic Stability, Criticizes Mahama’s Claims on Economy

By
Ivy Hollys
-
financial stability
Dr. Mohammed Amin

Dr. Mohammed Amin Adam, has expressed confidence that President John Mahama’s administration will provide economic stability achieved in recent years, rather than engaging in political maneuvering. Speaking on Joy News’ PM Express Business Edition on Wednesday, Dr. Adam emphasized the significant recovery the Ghanaian economy had experienced and cautioned against reversing this progress for political reasons.

While acknowledging that the economy was a dominant issue during the recent elections, Dr. Adam pointed out that the economic difficulties were not unique to Ghana, noting that many countries faced similar challenges around the same time. “The economy really dominated the political debate,” he stated, explaining that external factors were largely to blame for the crisis, rather than domestic mismanagement.

Dr. Adam highlighted Ghana’s resilience in recovering swiftly from the downturn, referencing data from 2022 to 2024 which showed a quicker recovery than initially anticipated by institutions like the World Bank and the IMF. “The recovery was faster than even anticipated by the World Bank, IMF, and many economic analysts,” he explained. He further noted that despite the ongoing debt restructuring, Ghana had maintained a positive growth rate of about 6.4% in the previous year, a figure that defied the typical contraction seen in countries undergoing such restructuring.

Dr. Adam emphasized the need for the incoming government to build upon the solid economic foundation laid by the previous administration, rather than dismantling it for political reasons. “The Ghanaian people decided that they wanted a change, and this is why I expect the new government to sustain the gains that we have made so that they translate into tangible benefits for the people,” he remarked. He warned that focusing on political maneuvering rather than preserving economic stability would hinder progress.

In a separate interview on Thursday, Dr. Amin Adam also pushed back against President Mahama’s claim that he inherited a struggling economy, questioning the foundation of Mahama’s call for a national economic dialogue. “When I hear President Mahama say that he inherited a struggling economy, I worry,” he said, expressing disbelief at the former president’s characterization of the economic situation. Dr. Adam referred to recent positive assessments from international financial institutions, such as the IMF and the World Bank, which had already provided positive evaluations of Ghana’s economy prior to the change in administration.

Reflecting on his tenure as Finance Minister, Dr. Adam highlighted the importance of his work with the IMF, particularly regarding Ghana’s debt restructuring efforts to help provide economic stability. He emphasized that those moments were critical to the country’s financial history, noting his successful negotiation and restructuring of Eurobonds. “I did a lot of external work, particularly working with the IMF to implement the IMF program and doing the debt restructuring with the Eurobonds,” he stated. Dr. Adam also credited his international engagements for ensuring the success of Ghana’s financial negotiations to support economic stability.

Dr. Adam viewed the smooth implementation of the IMF program as one of the major success stories of his leadership at the Ministry of Finance. He reflected on the three successful reviews, with the most recent review completed on December 2. His comments, which sharply contradicted Mahama’s economic claims, have set the stage for an ongoing debate about Ghana’s economic outlook under the new administration.

IMF to Hold Key Talks with Government Ahead of 2025 Budget Presentation

By
Ivy Hollys
-
ghana imf programme

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) will engage government officials this week as Ghana finalizes its 2025 budget for a March presentation. The discussions come amid government plans to abolish several taxes, including the E-levy, betting tax, and COVID-19 levy.

These levies, introduced to boost domestic revenue, have faced strong opposition from businesses and citizens since their implementation. With Ghana under a $3 billion IMF-supported Extended Credit Facility (ECF), the fund will assess the impact of these tax cuts. The IMF wants assurances that removing these taxes will not affect revenue targets or derail Ghana’s economic recovery efforts.

Beyond tax concerns, Ghana’s energy sector debt remains a significant issue, straining public finances and increasing economic risks. The sector’s liabilities, exceeding $2 billion, threaten power producers and could lead to electricity supply disruptions if unpaid. Independent Power Producers (IPPs) have warned that failure to clear arrears may affect Ghana’s electricity supply.

IMF officials will push for structural reforms in the energy sector to enhance cost recovery and financial sustainability. The Government is expected to present a clear strategy for revenue recovery, debt settlement, and macroeconomic stability alongside these tax reforms.

1...979899...162Page 98 of 162

Recent Posts

Email: info@focus1mediagh.com