Month: April 2024

The European Union (EU) Delegation to Ghana in partnership with the Ghana Boxing Federation will organize an exhilarating Charity Exhibition Boxing Bout at the Bukom Boxing Arena in Accra on May 4, 2024.

The EU Charity Boxing Exhibition is part of activities to celebrate EU Month 2024, focusing on youth and skills development.?

The renowned boxing legend, Azumah Nelson, as part of the Charity Exhibition, will return to the ring, after almost two decades since his last exhibition fight, in a monumental event aimed at empowering youth through sports.

Mr Razaaly speaking at the event’s Media launch said, ‘Boxing is a sport that requires discipline, dedication, and, above all, mutual respect.’

The event on the theme: ‘Diplo-Rumble’ will highlight the strength of the partnership between the European Union and Ghana bringing together boxing fanatics, the diplomatic corps, government officials and young boxers.

It is open to the public with tickets pegged at GH?5, a sum that will be entirely used to support th
e Federation to acquire equipment for amateur boxers in Bukom.

He said it was a sport that transcends language, culture, and nationality, allowing individuals from all walks of life to come together and compete on a level playing field.’

‘The European Union recognises the power of sports to break down barriers and empower all those who show talent and commitment. That is why we are working with Azumah Nelson and the Federation to promote sports diplomacy and

support the talented youth of Ghana,’ he added.

The event will be a highlight of our 2024 Europe Month celebrations, which are focused on youth and skills,’ he added.

The three-time former World Champion will face off against Mr Razaaly to promote the power of sports to foster positive change for youth.

The event would also foster a sense of community pride and unity highlighting the values of inclusivity and unity that the EU stands for to promote youth engagement, sportsmanship, diverse talents, and community involvement in Ghana.

The legendary A
zumah Nelson expressed his commitment to sports as a tool for empowerment, particularly among young people. Participating in this event serves as a powerful statement of solidarity, highlighting the positive impact that sports can have on individuals and communities alike.

He said he was happy the EU had added boxing to

their activities to celebrate Europe Month, adding that there were a lot of boxing champions in the country.

Azumah ‘Zoom Zoom’ Nelson said, ‘I am a firm believer in the power of sports diplomacy. Throughout my career, I have seen first-hand the incredible impact that boxing can have in bringing people together, fostering understanding, and promoting peace.’

He said as a proud boxing ambassador, he was passionate about using this sport to promote dialogue and create opportunities for the younger generations.

‘ Sports help to break down barriers and build bridges,’ he added.

He urged the young boxers to work hard, be focused, respect and be determined in developing their craft.

Mr Dauda
Fuseini, the First Vice-President, GBF said the Federation was determined to provide platforms

for athletics to develop their talent for national development.

There will be a lineup of captivating entertainment, and it promises to be an unforgettable experience for all attendees.

For the juvenile bout: Mohammed Ablor will face off against Wesley Ayibonte, while Prince Larbi will meet Desmond Pappoe.

In the light flyweight division, Kelvin Addy will log horns with Kelvin Amartey, while in the flyweight Theophilus Allotey will battle Nii Noi Dowuona.

Again, in the bantamweight Stephen Armah will tackle Wisdom Barnor, Philip Quansah and Dalvin Nelson will face off in the lightweight.

The rest are in the light welterweight, Israel Commey will clash with David Ankrah, light middleweight will see Henry Malm and Rexford Cofie?tackle each, Jonathan Tetteh and Benedict Badu face-off in the light heavyweight

Meanwhile, Sarah Apew and Janet Acquah will battle in the Women’s Contest.

Source: Ghana News Agency

The Central Command of the Ghana Police Service took the lead in recorded road accidents among the three Commands in the Central Region.

The Command registered a total of 15 deaths and 199 injuries in 119 road crashes from January to March.

The Central East Regional Command followed, with 12 deaths and 144 injuries in 74 crashes, while the Central North Regional Command recorded seven deaths with 67 injuries from 52 road crashes.

Mrs Linda Affotey-Annang, the Central Regional Head of the National Road Safety Authority, told the Ghana News Agency in an interview in Cape Coast.

In all, the three regions registered a total of 34 deaths and 410 injuries in 245 road crashes.

Ms Affotey-Annang said the saddening spectacles happened due to a myriad of factors, particularly non-adherence to road safety regulations.

For crashes, the Central Command contributed the highest percentage of 49, followed by the Central North Regional Command 21 per cent and Central East Region Command, 30 per cent. The Central Comman
d as well had the uppermost contribution of injuries, tallying 49 per cent, followed by the Central North Regional Command, 16 per cent, and the Central East regional Command, 35 per cent.

Regarding deaths from crashes, she said the Central Regional Command yet again, had the highest contribution of 44 per cent followed by the Central North Regional Command of 21 per cent and Central East Regional Command of 35 per cent.

Motorcycle crashes are on the rise with Central region recording 25.9 percent followed by central north with 15.0 percent, then central east with 56.5 percent increase.

The Central, Central North and East Region recorded 34, 25 and 36 motorcycle cases respectively, as compared to the 27, 10, and 23 cases recorded respectively in 2023.

In all, she said the regions largely recorded significant increases in various road indicators and gave advice to policymakers and law enforcers to work collectively to create a road culture that prioritise safety, respect and responsibility to change the tr
end.

‘We must be ambassadors on road to ensure zero fatalities and injuries.’

Though, she described the situation as disheartening and worrying, the NRSA was working closely with relevant stakeholders to ensure reduction in cases recorded.

Source: Ghana News Agency

The Ghana Water Company Limited (GWCL) says the frequent power interruptions are making it extremely difficult to treat and supply water from its treatment Dam at Baifikrom to residents in the Mfantseman Municipality of the Central Region.

Additionally, the Company is also battling with inadequate inflows of freshwater into the Dam, making it unable to get enough water for treatment.

Nana Yaw Barima Barnie, the Central and Western Regions Communications Officer, said the present situation had led to water supply challenges in the communities it serves in the Saltpond Area.

‘The difficulties are compounded by the current unstable power supply regime,’ he noted.

The Baifikrom Water Treatment Plant which supplies potable water to Saltpond and its environs has two sources of raw water on the Ochi-Nakwa River and a Dam shared with the Irrigation Development Authority in the area.

At the moment, he said, the Ochi-Nakwa River had dried up, hence, ‘We are unable to pump raw water from the river to augment suppl
y from the Dam, which is also at its critical level.

‘We wish to inform our valued customers in Saltpond, Mankessim, Biriwa, and surrounding communities that due to inadequate inflows of freshwater into the Dam at Baifikrom, we are unable to extract enough water for treatment.

‘We are, therefore, entreating our cherished customers to bear with us as we go through these difficult times.’

Source: Ghana News Agency

ActionAid Ghana (AAG) has called on the government to promote agroecology among farmers in Ghana rather than promoting Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs), which could disadvantage small holder farmers.

It said promotion of agroecology could enhance indigenous knowledge practices in agriculture and empowerment of smallholder farmers, particularly women.

ActionAid Ghana made the call in a statement copied to the Ghana News Agency (GNA) in Wa following the approval of 14 GM products by the National Biosafety Authority (NBA) for processing food and feed.

It indicated that women smallholder farmers played a critical role in food production stressing the need for the government to create an enabling environment for their meaningful participation and leadership in the sector.

‘By embracing agroecological principles, Ghana can build resilient and sustainable food systems that prioritise the well-being of its citizens and safeguard the livelihoods of smallholder farmers,’ the statement explained.

It urged the
government to allocate funds to the Ministry of Agriculture to ensure adequate support for agroecological practices, training and knowledge-sharing among smallholder farmers.

ActionAid reaffirmed its stance against the proliferation of GM foods in solidarity with smallholder farmers, who were disproportionately affected by the adverse impacts of industrial agriculture.

As a leading social justice organisation with a focus on advocating for sustainable farming practices, AAG was concerned about the ramifications of the approval for the commercialisation of the 14 GM foods in Ghana.

‘We believe that the recent decision to lift restrictions on GMOs poses significant risks to food security, biodiversity, and the well-being of vulnerable communities, ‘the statement said.

It observed that with the current economic challenges widening the poverty gap, the government should proritise agroecology as a sustainable farming approach and cease the commercialisation of GMOs in food production.

The statement said agroe
cology could ‘guarantee meeting local food security needs, reduce deforestation, limit land grabs, support livelihoods, and contribute to Ghana’s economic growth’.

The statement said the decision of the government to lift GMO restrictions lacked proper consultation, denying Ghanaians the right to voice their opinions on what they consumed.

It entreated the government to prioritise the precautionary principle and halt the commercialisation of GMOs in the country until thorough research on the effects on human life and public consultations were conducted.

It reiterated that food was a basic human right, and any decision affecting it must involve transparent public consultation in alignment with the position of Ghana’s constitution, the statement said.

Source: Ghana News Agency

A 33-year-old unemployed man who allegedly collected GHC65,739 cedis under the guise of recruiting two people into the Ghana Police Service has appeared in court for fraud.

Emmanuel Ofori Ansong is being held on a charge of defrauding by false pretences.

Ansong, who had no legal representation, pleaded not guilty before the Dansoman Circuit Court.

The court presided over by Halima EL-Alawa Abdul-Baasit, granted Ansong bail in the sum of GHC70,000 with three sureties, one to be justified.

Two of the sureties are to be public servants earning GHC2,000.

According to the court, the accused was also to deposit a copy of his Ghana Card with the Court’s registry.

The matter was adjourned to May 6, for the prosecution to file witness statements and disclosures.

The prosecution, led by Chief Inspector Christopher Wonder and Inspector Esther Mensah, opposed the grant of bail to the accused.

It said the accused may not turn up in court when granted bail and may compromise police investigations in another matter
concerning him.

According to the prosecution, its submission was not meant to prejudice the court’s mind but to tell them the ‘fact.’

The prosecution submitted that the complainant, Benjamin Otchere Amo, is a farmer from Wenchi in the Brong Ahafo Region, while the accused, Ansong, 33, is an unemployed person living in a family house in Bubuashie.

The prosecution stated that in November 2023, there were rumors of some Youth Employment Agency personnel being recruited into the Ghana Police Service.

The court heard that the Complainant was introduced to Ansong as a National Youth Employment Agency (YEA) personnel who might help him get recruited.

The court was told that the accused contacted the complainant and following their engagement demanded money to start the process, to which the complainant gave GHC 1,000 each for himself and his elder brother as requested by the accused.

The prosecution said Ansong demanded more money under the pretext of creating new Y.E.A numbers and buying forms for the complai
nant and his brother, all of which were untrue, but they paid.

When Ansong realized the complainant could pay any amount he requested, he began making numerous demands for varying sums of money as needed for his personal use.

According to the prosecution, Ansong informed the complainant that his brother was qualified for the Senior Police Officer position and requested a payment of GHC10,000.00 if interested. The complainant subsequently made payments to the accused’s MTN cellphone number, 0545411049.

After some weeks, Ansong called the complainant again and told him that his brother should submit his HND certificate for the Senior Officer Rank, which he did not have.

The court heard that Ansong told the complainant that he could assist him get one from Pentecost University for GHC10,000.00, which the complainant paid in bits to him through mobile money vendors to the accused’s number.

Ansong continued to make demands for various sums of money in the name of ‘settling’ his directors to make the process f
aster.

As a result, Ansong took GHC65,739 from the complainant and his brother under the guise of assisting them to get recruited into the Ghana Police Service.

The prosecution said the complainant realized after some time he was being scammed when he saw no results.

The prosecution said on April 3, 2024, the complainant went to Ansong’s house but on seeing him (complainant), the accused jumped a wall and fled.

The prosecution said the complainant then reported the issue to the Korle-Bu Police and on April 22, 2024, Ansong returned to the neighborhood and was arrested by some good Samaritans and handed over to the Police.

Ansong in his investigation caution statement, admitted the offence.

Source: Ghana News Agency

The Akatsi South Municipal Command of the Ghana National Fire Service (GNFS) would hold a simulation exercise to mark this Year’s ‘International Fire Fighters Day.’

The exercise, slated for Thursday, May 2, would see other fire-related educational events within the entire week.

Divisional Officer Grade lll, Mr Saviour Coffie, the Akatsi South Municipal Fire Commander made the disclosure to the Ghana News Agency (GNA) ahead of this year’s commemoration.

He said it was important to carry out the exercise in order to create awareness of how they handle emergency cases and rescue operations.

D O III Coffie further revealed that the event, to be held at Akatsi 4-Junction, would be opened to everyone to experience how they handle cases relating to emergencies.

‘There will be rescue displays including the use of Breathing Apparatus (BA), how to handle cases involving bulk distributor tanks, and others.’

International Firefighters’ Day (IFFD) is observed on May 4, to honour firefighters for their service inter
nationally, remember firefighters who lost their lives during service, and commemorate firefighters killed in the September 11 attacks.

The Day was established after a proposal by an Australian firefighter, JJ Edmondson, was made on January 4, 1999, following the deaths of five firefighters fighting a bushfire in Australia on 2 December 1998.

The simulation exercises were conducted to evaluate an organisation’s ability to execute one or more portions of its response.

Many successful responses to emergencies are attributed to previous simulation exercises.

Source: Ghana News Agency

The Tarkwa Nsuaem Municipal Assembly is in the process of preparing a Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) master plan to improve the environmental needs of the citizens.

As part of the process, the Assembly, in collaboration with the National Development Planning Commission (NDPC), has organized an inception meeting to update stakeholders on the objectives and processes for the plan’s preparation.

The forum was also used to share information on planned activities, budget, and performance of the assembly to stakeholders present.

Addressing the stakeholders in Akoon, the Director General, NDPC, Mr Kodjo Essien Mensah Abrampa explained that NDPC was mandated to make provisions for coordinated problems of economic and social development policies.

He said the NDPC was using the WASH plan to support ten districts within Ghana to have access to safe water, good sanitation, and a better hygiene environment, stressing that Tarkwa Nsuaem municipality was included to benefit from it.

Explaining more on the progra
mme, the Municipal Chief Executive (MCE) for Tarkwa Nsuaem Assembly, Mr Benjamin Kessie said WASH master plan served as a blueprint, guiding the development and implementation of initiatives that could transform communities by improving their water and sanitation infrastructure, promote hygiene education and foster sustainable practices.

He said it involved a comprehensive approach that encompasses the social, economic, and environmental dimensions of water, sanitation, and hygiene management.

‘As an assembly we have done much better in the area of water and sanitation however, we have not been able to do relatively well as citizens in the area of proper hygiene practices.’

This, he said, underscored the urgent need for strategic planning and coordinated action to address the challenges effectively and consolidate the gains chalked in the provision of access to potable drinking water and sanitation.

In developing a WASH master plan, the MCE said they had assessed the existing water and sanitation infrastr
ucture, identified areas that lacked access to clean water and adequate sanitation facilities, and the prevailing hygiene practices in their communities.

‘This assessment serves as the foundation upon which the WASH master plan is to be built. Once we understand the current situation, we then outline and produce the goals of this plan.

Our vision which is subject to your review and approval will be to ensure that every individual in the municipality has access to safe drinking water, proper sanitation facilities and the knowledge and resources to practice good hygiene’ Mr Kessie noted.

Additionally, he said they have prioritized the integration of water, sanitation and hygiene efforts across all sectors by coordinating with relevant departments such as health, education and the planning unit to ensure that their initiatives aligned and complement each other, added that ‘by adopting a holistic and multidisciplinary approach, we can maximise the impact of these interventions and create lasting change’.

The
MCE Indicated that although climate change and environmental degradation posed significant threats to water resources and sanitation infrastructure, the WASH master plan has strategies to mitigate these risks, such as promoting water conservation, exploring eco-friendly sanitation solutions, and raising awareness about the importance of environmental stewardship.

Source: Ghana News Agency

Volta Region has witnessed a total of 127 traffic crashes from January to March 2024, compared to 92 during the same period in 2023.

Madam Joana Fafa Ayer, the Volta Regional Director of the National Road Safety Authority who revealed this to the Ghana News Agency, said this indicated a 38 per cent rise.

She stated that a total of 20 deaths were reported during the period under review, as against 23 deaths reported during the same period in 2023, representing a decrease of 13 per cent.

The Director stated that 206 vehicles were involved in the crashes, compared to 137 during the same period in 2023, indicating a 50.4 percent increase.

She said the number of persons injured in the collisions during the period rose from 86 in 2023 to 93 in 2024, an increase of 8.1 per cent.

Meanwhile pedestrians knocking reduced by 32 per cent from 25 in 2023, to 17 in 2024.

Madam Ayer said road safety was a shared responsibility, and as such, the public should assist the Authority in maintaining sanity on the road.

She
said they would keep raising awareness of the need for drivers and other road users to follow traffic safety procedures and heed traffic signs to prevent accidents.

Source: Ghana News Agency

The Vice President, Dr Mahamudu Bawumia, will commission the first phase of the reconstruction of the Appiatse community in the Prestea Huni-Valley Municipality of the Western Region on Thursday May 2, 2024.

The project which started two years ago consists of 124 housing units ranging from two to seven-bedroom houses, kindergarten, six – unit classroom block with sanitation facilities and the construction of roads within the community.

The Municipal Chief Executive (MCE) of Prestea Huni-Valley, Dr Isaac Dasmani, disclosed this in an interview with the Ghana News Agency (GNA) said each of the houses would have access to electricity and potable drinking water.

He reiterated that the Vice President would come and symbolically hand over the keys and then time would be taken to allocate each of them before the beneficiaries finally move in.

He said ‘the explosion affected about 124 thatched houses, and we have taken care of that. The second phase of the project includes those who had the roof of their buildin
gs affected. Government has given each of the victim’s money to do their repairs’

Due to the new expansion, a third phase of the project has emerged because about 68 people got affected when the contractors graded the area to make way for the project.

Work on the third phase would soon commence as the contract is being awarded’

Dr Dasmani said to ease pressure on the assembly, after the commissioning some of the victims would be moved from their temporary accommodation back to the community, and then the 68 victims would be taken to the camp as they await the completion of their buildings.

He expressed his profound appreciation to the government and all stakeholders for the massive support given to the residents of Appiatse since they recorded the unfortunate incident.

So far sixteen people have died from the accident, with twelve others having metals lodged in their bodies, but medical professionals have explained that they would eventually recover, said the MCE

The Appiatse community was razed down on
Thursday January 20, 2022, when a truck carrying explosives to a mining site exploded in the community.

The Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources, after conducting investigations into the matter, imposed a fine of six million United States dollars on Maxim Ghana Limited, the company responsible for the transportation of the explosives.

The government also pledged to reconstruct the Appiatse community into a modern, green, and sustainable community as a model for rural development.

An Appiatse support fund was therefore established to, among others, support the reconstruction of the community, while temporary accommodation was provided for the victims who were affected by the accident.

Source: Ghana News Agency

Mr Maxwell Lugudor, the Municipal Chief Executive (MCE) for Ketu South Municipality in the Volta region, has commissioned an ultra-modern state-of-art toilet facility and bathhouse at Aflao border VIP station.

The facilities were aimed at addressing the sanitation challenges within the Municipality and to provide a hygienic environment for users.

Mr Lugodor, in an address during the commissioning ceremony at Aflao, indicated that the facility, which contained 20-seater ultra-modern toilets, would mark a significant step to improving and promoting sanitation infrastructure in the region.

‘Our government is committed to enhancing a better sanitation environment in Ketu South and these facilities are the testament of steps to ensure the target is achieved.’

Mr Lugudor further added that the facilities were equipped with modern amenities and materials to give proper and better solutions to hygiene and sanitation challenges in the area.

He said with the bid to address sanitation and health challenges in the
area, the Ketu South Municipal Assembly would initiate several plans to provide adequate solutions to the reigning environmental health challenges.

This, he said, the Municipal Assembly had taken some significant steps to tackle the challenges to promote public health in the area to improve better living conditions.

Mr Lugudor also stated that ‘the commissioning of the facilities has come at a crucial and right time to solve the concerns of hygiene and sanitation challenges that have heightened in the area.’

He urged the public to always protect the environment and practice proper personal hygiene to drive communicable and other diseases away to save lives.

The inauguration ceremony was attended by some Chiefs and elders of Aflao, Heads of Institutions, and several others.

Source: Ghana News Agency