Day: May 13, 2024

A Civil Society Organisation, Naija Connect, has stressed the need to build a bridge between the people and government to foster national development.

Its Convener, Iretidola Ojekhoa, made the call at a news conference in Abuja on Saturday.

Ojekhoa said that the group was set to hold a 10-day programme in Abuja for Nigerians to identify various challenges facing them and articulate practical solutions to the identified problems.

Accroding to her, the programme titled ’10 day sit out’ aimed to bring together progressive minds, patriotic Nigerians for the good of our great nation.

She said that the initiative would help to collate Nigerians’ thoughts on what they actually want government to do about certain things, saying government at any time would only try, but only with the people that they are able to do what they want to achieve.

‘Nigeria is a beautiful country blessed with abundance of wealth – the people, the resources, and the diversity of thoughts through multi-ethnic groups speaking over 500 dis
tinct languages.

‘People in every corner of the world have problems they deal with on a daily basis. What determines the consistency of the problems across the lands is resilience of its people towards finding solutions and a resolve towards a common purpose.

‘Nigerians are not satisfied with a lot of things – the economy, security, food supply, inflation, exchange rate, high cost of transportation due to high pump price. Yet, they don’t have a common front to project their voices and concerns.

‘There are questions to be answered, such as: What do people want the government to do? How do they envisage solutions to the problems? What will be the people’s role in making the solutions a dream comes through and the likes?

‘To answer these questions, it has become pertinent to draw out the people to pour their energies into a constructive nation building project.

‘This project is targeted at building a bridge between the people and government. This will be a platform that acts as a bridge between government a
nd the governed,’ Ojekhoa said.

She described the initiative as non-political, non-religious, and non-ethnic based, but solely for national building.

‘The Naija Connect project and the planned sit-out is non-political, non-religious and caters to no ethnic persuasion. It is #NIGERIAforNIGERIAN.

‘The aim is to bring together progressive minds, patriotic Nigerians for the good of our great nation,’ he said.

The Head Mobilization, Naija Connect, Queen Zara Oyinye, said that whatever idea generated from the initiative would be channeled toward appropriate authorities and stakeholders in the nation building for required actions.

‘Most of the time, what happen is that after all of the advocacy, people find it difficult to take it to where it supposed to get to.

‘What makes this project different is that because we are in the game, we are in the channel, and we will be able to know that this is how things ought to have been done.

‘Then we will take it to that same place so that action can be taken in some of
the resolutions we reach at the end of the project,’ Onyinye said.

Source: News Agency of Nigeria

Dr John Nwafor, Managing-Director of Metro Digital Limited, operators of SLTV satellite television network, has offered subsidised packages to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN).

Nwafor, in an interview with NAN on Monday, said the subsidy was the company’s way of ameliorating the economic challenges Nigerians face daily.

He also said that the cost for SLTV dish, decoder and subscription package would remain stable for a period, to encourage other local players in the satellite television industry.

According to him, in the next two weeks when stock will be available, the outfit will be offering a special package to NAN staff members.

‘We will work very hard and demonstrate to the country that we can do this business very well and that will encourage other Nigerians to come in for healthy competition.

‘Nigerians will benefit at the end as the subscription will come down. We are here to let our people know that we are for them; we are not going to start raising prices because of the economic situation.

‘We
are assuring Nigerians that our prices will be stable for a reasonable length of time and show example to other Nigerians to come into the industry to make it more vibrant.’

The managing director, while clarifying the claims of SLTV connection to MultiChoice’s DSTV, said that the paid television industry had always contributed to the economy of any nation.

He said that Nigerians had been prevented from being part of the industry by dominant players and there was the need for the government to put an end to that.

‘Paid TV industry is always a major part of the economy of any nation and if you look around in the Nigerian industry, there is almost no industry that is actually participating.

‘Recently, the government decided to work on that problem by making some changes to the National Broadcasting Corporation (NBC) Code to outlaw exclusivity.

‘Exclusivity to content is one of the things that have discouraged all the indigenous players that wanted to come on board in the industry,” he said.

He added that
the amendment of the NBC code was followed with a court injunction to further enforce sub-licensing and avail them of television channels exclusively held unto, in the past.

He explained that SLTV was formed in the wake of what the government did and the objective was to provide quality programming for Nigerians.

Nwafor revealed that available channels included contents on football, movies, news, children’s cartoons, all kinds of programmes at reasonable prices.

‘Right now, we have a package that starts from N2,500, while the full package is only N5000; we believe that is actually affordable for our people.

‘We have created five local channels and three are in the major Nigerian languages, while two are in English, based on our local content.

‘We are going to be creating more eventually in the next one or two years and we are looking at establishing a studio where we can engage creative people for interesting contents.

‘People are looking for things that they can relate to; they want familiar content. W
e are passionate about producing that for our people,” he said.

He added that investing in indigenous satellite television would reduce capital flight and ensure that resources were deployed into developing infrastructure within the country.

He also said that the company was considering floating other initiatives like the Pay-As-You-View, which he said would end exploitation of Nigerians.

He called for the support of Nigerians in ensuring that indigenous satellite television networks thrived in the country, as it had the capacity to create massive employment.

‘The industry needs liberalisation and it is our people that will make it work,’ he said.

Source: News Agency of Nigeria

The Ministry of Employment, Labour Relations and Pensions has issued a disclaimer to a recruitment scam circulating on social media.

The Ministry, in a statement copied to the Ghana News Agency, said it had noted with concern a news item circulating on Social Media that there was a purported recruitment interview under the heading ‘The Controller and Accountant General’s Department Finance Managers Upcoming Interview’, which emanates from the Ministry of Employment, Labour Relations and Pensions.

The statement noted that the said publication directed the short-listed applicants to report to the Ministry of Employment, Labour Relations and Pensions, Accra to fill out the Public Services Interview Evaluation Forms before Monday, 6th May, to attend an upcoming interview at the various Government Ministries and Government Companies starting Tuesday, 7th May.

It said according to the publication, applicants were to submit the following requirements – a Ghana Card or any Valid Identification Card and a Social Se
curity and National Insurance Trust (SSNIT) Number.

Others were Public Service Interview Evaluation (PSIE) Forms (You Can Buy Public Services Interview Evaluation Form at the Ministry of Employment and Labour Relations) and copies of Your Resume/CV, Certificates or Transcript.

The Ministry of Employment, Labour Relations and Pensions informed all and sundry, especially jobseekers and Ghanaian youth that the Ministry had not officially notified the public of any recruitment interview on the Controller and Accountant General Department.

It said the Ministry was not a recruitment body and that all recruitments under various Government Institutions, among others, were carried out by the Office of the Head of Civil Service.

The statement said the website of the Ministry of Employment, Labour Relations and Pensions was www.melr.gov.gh and not [email protected]

It said the Facebook page of the Ministry was Ministry of Employment and Labour Relations – Ghana.

It said the Twitter handle of the Ministry was @1Min
istryofEmpl1, whereas the Instagram handle was @melrgovgh and that of the Tiktok page was melrghana.

Source: Ghana News Agency

The Ministry of Employment, Labour Relations and Pensions has issued a disclaimer to a recruitment scam circulating on social media.

The Ministry, in a statement copied to the Ghana News Agency, said it had noted with concern a news item circulating on Social Media that there was a purported recruitment interview under the heading ‘The Controller and Accountant General’s Department Finance Managers Upcoming Interview’, which emanates from the Ministry of Employment, Labour Relations and Pensions.

The statement noted that the said publication directed the short-listed applicants to report to the Ministry of Employment, Labour Relations and Pensions, Accra to fill out the Public Services Interview Evaluation Forms before Monday, 6th May, to attend an upcoming interview at the various Government Ministries and Government Companies starting Tuesday, 7th May.

It said according to the publication, applicants were to submit the following requirements – a Ghana Card or any Valid Identification Card and a Social Se
curity and National Insurance Trust (SSNIT) Number.

Others were Public Service Interview Evaluation (PSIE) Forms (You Can Buy Public Services Interview Evaluation Form at the Ministry of Employment and Labour Relations) and copies of Your Resume/CV, Certificates or Transcript.

The Ministry of Employment, Labour Relations and Pensions informed all and sundry, especially jobseekers and Ghanaian youth that the Ministry had not officially notified the public of any recruitment interview on the Controller and Accountant General Department.

It said the Ministry was not a recruitment body and that all recruitments under various Government Institutions, among others, were carried out by the Office of the Head of Civil Service.

The statement said the website of the Ministry of Employment, Labour Relations and Pensions was www.melr.gov.gh and not [email protected]

It said the Facebook page of the Ministry was Ministry of Employment and Labour Relations – Ghana.

It said the Twitter handle of the Ministry was @1Min
istryofEmpl1, whereas the Instagram handle was @melrgovgh and that of the Tiktok page was melrghana.

Source: Ghana News Agency

President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo has praised Ghanaian mothers for their sacrifices and dedication to the betterment of humanity.

‘I extend heartfelt wishes to all mothers on Mother’s Day, celebrating their unparalleled commitment and the gentle strength that sustains our families, communities and nation,’ he stated.

This was contained in a message posted by the President on his Facebook page in celebration of all mothers on Mother’s Day, which was May 12.

Ghana commemorated the Day by wishing all mothers well and expressing gratitude, love, and appreciation for their efforts.

On Sunday, various social media platforms monitored by the Ghana News Agency (GNA) were inundated with goodwill messages, as some citizens demonstrated their appreciation to their mothers for their invaluable contribution to their lives.

Source: Ghana News Agency

Lady Apostle Mrs Esther Kisseih, wife of the General Overseer of the Life International Church, has called on women to prioritize their families to be actively involved in their children’s lives and to lead by example.

She said women, by prioritizing their own mental and physical well-being alongside their children’s needs could become stronger role models and provide better support.

Lady Apostle Kisseih made the call at a special Thanksgiving Service to commemorate this year’s Mothers’ Day celebration, in Accra.

She said in traditional societies, motherhood was primarily seen as a duty that required self-sacrifice and women were expected to prioritize the needs of their children above all.

‘Today’ s responsible mothers understand that sacrificing the entire identity is not necessary for effective parenting,’ she said.

She added that a responsible mother understood that her role extended beyond providing basic care for her child. It involves fostering emotional, intelligence, empathy, and independence in
her offspring.

‘As we celebrate Mother’s Day, I want to extend my heartfelt appreciation to all mothers for their unwavering dedication and sacrifices,’ Lady Apostle Kisseih added.

Source: Ghana News Agency

The National Archaeological Institute with Museum under the Bulgarian Academy of Sciences will participate in the initiative ‘European Night of Museums – Sofia’, organized by the French Institute in Bulgaria in partnership with the Ministry of Culture and Sofia Municipality, the Museum said.

‘In an effort to socialize and promote Bulgaria’s cultural and historical heritage, the National Archaeological Museum is announcing free admission on the evening of May 18,’ the NAIM-BAS said. The team notes that in addition to the permanent exhibition, archaeology lovers will have the opportunity to get acquainted with the temporary exhibition ‘Bulgarian Archaeology 2023’, presenting the most interesting discoveries of the past archaeological season The museum narrative will be recreated by its employees, interns and mediators.

Visitors will have the opportunity to see the permanent exhibition of the museum and the temporary exhibition ‘Bulgarian Archaeology 2023’, presenting the most interesting and impressive discov
eries and research from the past archaeological season.

Included are 30 artefacts illustrating the development of cultures in today’s Bulgarian lands from the Neolithic (6000 years BC) to the Renaissance (19th century). Among the exhibits are gold, silver and bronze ornaments, exquisite ceramic anthropomorphic figures and vessels, a bone sceptre, a bronze flute, marble votive tablets and bronze figurines, glass vessels, tools, weapons, coins.

Source: Ghana News Agency

Ghana is set to co-host Exercise Flintlock, an annual African partner-led United States (US) and International enabled special operations forces exercise for the second consecutive time.

The Exercise is designed to strengthen collective security, reinforce military bonds, and trust of the civilian populace, and augment the tactics, techniques, procedures, and skillsets of regional partners to address security threats.

Nearly 1,300 service members from 36 countries spread over five continents will participate in this year’s Flintlock at training locations in Ghana and Cote d’Ivoire from May 13 to May 24, 2024.

Speaking at the opening ceremony in Accra on Monday, Brigadier General Kweku Dankwa Hagan, Deputy Chief Staff Officer, Operations and Training, Army Headquarters, said in Ghana, the Exercise would take place in the Greater Accra Region, Tamale in the Northern Region, and Damango in the Savannah Region.

He said Ghana’s participation and hosting of Exercise Flintlock indicated a healthy and enduring pa
rtnership over the years.

The Deputy Staff Officer congratulated planners both from the Ghana Armed Forces and the United States for their professionalism and for coordinating the activities of members.

He said the Exercise would facilitate adherence to cooperation on transnational security, and enhance interoperability and joint missions of member or contributing countries.

It would also promote reliability on partners to be able to train and fight a common war and enhance the professionalism of the Ghana Armed Forces both in training and handling of equipment to fight and protect the country.

‘We have been fortunate to be a part of this exercise platform, created and enabled by our U.S. partners, to get us talking, coordinating, and cooperating to fight and contain threats, which is worldwide.’

‘It is my hope that all of us will see the need to show maximum interest in this exercise. And equally, more importantly, to further develop the partnership established in order that we reap optimal benefit from
this exercise,’ he said.

The US Navy Captain Scott Fentress, Director of Operations at U.S Special Operations Africa, said both partner nations had worked through years of planning and coordination to enable Flintlock’s success.

‘The U.S. and Ghana have showcased a demonstrated defence and diplomatic partnership throughout the years through multiple military and civil exchanges. Hosting the 23 and 24 exercises further reinforces this expansive relationship to new heights,’ he said.

He said Ghana had established tremendous leadership among African nations in the security realm by conducting multiple multi-lateral peacekeeping missions across Africa and targeting transnational organised crime in West Africa.

Captain Frentress said Ghana had also promoted good governance and democracy, thereby serving as a model for other African nations and partners.

He said tactical collaborations such as Flintlock would bolster interoperability to mutually enhance their capabilities to target security threats and build e
nduring partnerships that can withstand the test of time, the conflict of war and other destabilising factors that continually plagued the continent.

‘…violent extremism and resource insecurity threaten our African partners in the very way of life, culture and security of its people. These effects are felt worldwide but collectively we can achieve measured progress.’

‘Through Flintlock, we leverage these multinational partnerships to enhance our interoperability to attain greater regional security and stability throughout the Sahel and beyond,’ he said.

Source: Ghana News Agency

The Women’s Ministries within the Pentecost International Worship Centre (PIWC), and the Kweikuma Assemblies of God (AG) Church in Takoradi, have organized separate events to celebrate women within the church for their meritorious contributions to society.

As part of the celebration, the PIWC, who also climaxed their Women’s Week celebration, presented confectionaries worth sums of money to a needy woman of the church to support her business and improve her living conditions and donated some educational items to the children’s ministry.

The AG women, on the other hand, organised drama amidst other activities to lighten the mood of mothers.

Mrs Rachel Takyi, an Executive member of the Women’s Ministry of PIWC who led the presentations, said it was necessary to empower members of the church who needed help so that they could also support their families and give back to God.

The closing of the Global Women’s Week celebration coincided with this year’s Mother’s Day celebration.

The week-long celebration feat
ured a powerful series of sermons delivered by various speakers who emphasized the importance of women’s empowerment and their role in the church.

The celebration was a huge success, with many women in attendance, and it served as a reminder of the significant contributions women make to the church and society.

At the Kweikuma, Assemblies of God-Glory and Power Centre, the Women’s Ministry, hosted various activities including drama, choreography, song ministration, word ministration, recitation among many others.

Performers including the Minissionetee, Young Singles, Joy Fellowship and the Women’s Ministry all performed various activities to mark the day.

Madam Cynthia Tettey, the President of the Women’s Ministry, acknowledged the efforts of all women across the globe and the good works they do in contributing to the growth and development of the country.

She emphasized on the need for mothers and women to keep on executing their roles and duties fervently to the glory of God and country.

Madam Gifty N
tiamoah, during a sermon on the theme: ‘Anointed to Send the Light’, urged women to continue impacting the world and inspire change for transformation.

She acknowledged the fact that the anointing Jesus carried during his ministerial call made a tremendous change in the lives of others who had not yet seen the light.

‘Mothers, aspire for the anointing from above in order to impact the lives of your children and the environment in which you find yourselves,’ she charged the women.

She told mothers to endeavour to live at peace with everyone by letting their lifestyle speak the goodness and glory of God through the sending of light for growth and expansion.

Madam Ntiamoah charged mothers and women to have a forgiving spirit and continue in their walk with God for eternal glory and honour.

‘Never stop sharing the word of God with your fellow brethren… Make the gospel known wherever you find yourselves,’ she noted.

Reverend Paul Kenneth Abbew, the Head Pastor of the Church, pronounced words of blessings on
the lives of women and mothers in the church and appreciated them for all their efforts in making the world a better place to live.

Mother’s Day is an occasion celebrated worldwide to acknowledge and appreciate women for their hard work and enviable contributions towards development.

Source: Ghana News Agency

Franklin Mensah, 29, a driver, has been arraigned before the Ashaiman District Court for allegedly murdering the three-and-a-half-year-old daughter of his girlfriend.

The plea of Mensah, who was charged with murder, was not taken.

He was reminded by the court, presided over by His Worship Derrick Parden Eshun to reappear in two weeks.

Chief Inspector Afi Blihia, prosecuting, told the court that the complainant, Ms. Joy James, a waitress, resides with the accused person, who is his boyfriend, in Switzerland, a suburb of Ashaiman.

The prosecutor said on May 3, 2024, at about 1630 hours, the complainant went to work, leaving her daughter with the accused at home.

The fact indicated that at about 2300 hours, the complainant had a call from her neighbour reporting to her that, after she left the house, the daughter was crying and the accused gave his phone to her to play with in a bid to console her, but the girl threw the phone on the ground and it got scattered.

It was noted that Mensah, seeing the state o
f his phone, became angry and hit the three-and-a-half-year-old girl with his hand on the ground, and she became unconscious in the process.

Chief Inspector Blihia said the victim was rushed to the Tema General Hospital to be resuscitated but was clinically pronounced dead on arrival.

She said Mensah was therefore arrested and put before the court.

She, however, added that the case was still under investigation.

Source: Ghana News Agency