Day: June 19, 2024

The Nima market has been filled with mounds of garbage for the past two days, causing traders to lament the unhygienic conditions at the marketplace.

The traders accused the assembly of neglect, feeling uneasy about how to address the situation due to food items being close to the garbage.

When the Ghana News Agency visited the market on Wednesday, it found heaps of garbage in the center area.

Some vendors were unfazed by the situation and continued to sell their food products to customers who had no choice but to purchase them because Wednesday was market day and food was more affordable.

According to the traders, the garbage had been piled up for two days, as attempts to collect it had been ineffective. While some pointed out that the assembly had failed in its job, others attributed the problem to the recent Eid festivities.

Miss Safiya, an onion seller, said the situation had seriously affected her sales, and the pile of garbage could pose a health risk to both traders and customers.

‘I am quite con
cerned for myself and the clients who buy meals from me. I am having difficulty breathing while sitting here due to the stench from the faeces. We have no alternative except to remain here and hope that the authorities take the necessary action,’ she said

Amerley, a customer, said she struggled to decide between purchasing pricey food products from other marketplaces and affordable food at the Nima market.

‘You see, food items such as onions, millet, and maize are quite inexpensive at the Nima market on market day; but I don’t have a choice but to buy the foodstuff. The filth here is quite a problem but we do not have a choice but to buy the foodstuffs here,’ she said.

Efforts to get the assembly to respond to the matter were unsuccessful, as representatives refused to comment.

Source: Ghana News Agency

The Supreme Court in a 5-2 majority decision has upheld the Food and Drugs Authority (FDA’s) directive banning celebrities from endorsing alcoholic drinks.

The seven-member panel presided over by Chief Justice Gertrude Sackey Torkornoo held that the FDA guideline was not unreasonably excessive and same was not in contravention with the 1992 Constitution.

‘The plaintiff’s action therefore fails and there would be no order as to cost because the issue is a novel one,’ the Court said.

It, therefore, dismissed the suit against the FDA.

The FDA in the year 2015 issued a directive banning celebrities from endorsing alcoholic beverages.

The Authority held that the ban was to protect minors as well ensure public health safety.

Mark Darlington Osae, an artiste manager, proceeded to the apex court challenging the FDA’s directives saying it was a violation of equality and discriminatory against the creative industry.

The plaintiff, therefore, went to the Supreme Court to overturn the directives of the FDA by suin
g the Authority on November 11, 2022, arguing the directive would deprive the entertainment industry or celebrities of their potential income.

He held that the FDA’s directive, which prohibited well- known personalities or professionals from advertising alcoholic drinks contravened Articles 17 (1) and (2) of the 1992 Constitution.

The plaintiff contended that Articles 17 (1) and (2) guaranteed equality and same did not discriminate against persons on grounds of social or economic status, occupation among others, hence rendering the FDA directive null and void and prayed to the Supreme Court to declare the FDA’s directive as unconstitutional .

He also sought proper and true interpretation of Articles 17 (1) (2) and an order striking down the FDA’s guidelines on advertisements of food published by the Authority.

The plaintiff again sought a perpetual injunction against the Authority, its agents, servants, or assigns or servants, who would act under the FDA guidelines on advertisement of foods by preventing
any celebrity from advertisement for any alcoholic drinks.

Mr Joseph Bennie, Director of Legal and Corporate Affairs, FDA, said well-known personalities must help protect the youth against alcohol abuse, adding that the FDA wanted them to assist or partner the Authority in speaking against alcoholism.

‘We do not agree with the Supreme Court decision, but there is nothing we can do. We really want to dialogue with the FDA to know what to do or what not to do because as of now, alcoholic companies continue to sponsor shows,’ Nii Foli Yartey, a friend of the plaintiff and President of Ghana Music Alliance, told journalists after the ruling.

Source: Ghana News Agency

Newmont’s Ahafo North Project has successfully concluded a crop compensation rates negotiations for the 2023/2024 period, as a result of transparent and inclusive agreement facilitated by the Crop Rate Negotiation Committee.

The Committee, a multi-stakeholder entity, plays an essential role in ensuring that the voices of the local farmers are heard and considered in the decision-making process.

The process, according to a statement from Newmont copied to the Ghana News Agency, was guided by the legal framework set forth in the Minerals and Mining Act 2006(Act 703) and the Minerals and Mining (Compensation and Resettlement) Regulations, 2012 (L.I. 2175).

These dictate the principles and the manner in which compensations should be determined and distributed.

According to the statement, the negotiations were a testament to the importance of fostering strong, positive relationships between the mining company and the host communities, acknowledging the indispensable role that each played in the country’s socio
economic fabric.

Crop compensation is a critical mechanism designed to ensure that farmers receive fair remuneration for losses of their crops and lands due to alternative uses, the statement explained.

In Ghana, it said the practice was not only a legal requirement but also a key aspect of maintaining the delicate balance between the economic benefits of mining and the sustainability of local agricultural livelihoods.

The significance of such a framework lied in its ability to provide a structured and equitable platform for farmers to be compensated, thereby mitigating the livelihood impacts that such alternative land uses could have on communities.

‘The recent agreement reached by Newmont’s Ahafo North Project, marks a landmark in the ongoing efforts to harmonize the interests of the agricultural and mining sectors,’ it noted.

Newmont’s proactive and collaborative approach to engaging with the host communities had been an important component of its operational excellence, it stated.

By striving to rea
ch just and fair compensation outcomes, the statement said the Company had shown its dedication to community welfare and its commitment to sustainable mining practices.

The Company’s recognition of the contributions made by the Crop Rate Negotiation Committee through awards and the provision of farming tools further illustrated its commitment to supporting the agricultural sector.

The Committee itself is a model of inclusive and transparent governance, comprising elected representatives from the Ahafo communities, community valuers, and government officials.

Its composition ensures that the negotiation process is not only fair but also reflective of the diverse interests and concerns that exist within the local context.

The Committee’s ability to manage the complex negotiations effectively showcased a system that valued varied expertise leading to resolutions that were beneficial to all parties involved, the stated said.

The successful resolution of the crop compensation rates negotiation set a benchmark
for future engagements, exemplifying the potential for the mining industry to operate in harmony with host community livelihoods.

‘The positive outcome of this negotiation not only serves the immediate interests of Newmont’s host communities but also stands as an exemplar for other mining operations in the region, promoting a model where economic development is pursued with a conscientious regard for social and environmental responsibility,’ it added.

Source: Ghana News Agency

The Swedruman Council of Chiefs has cautioned the residents of Agona Swedru to desist from indiscriminate dumping of refuse onto the streets, in gutters and other unauthorised places to ensure environmental cleanliness.

The Council has therefore formed a team made up of chiefs, heads of family and elders to arrest and prosecute offenders, Nana Kweku Esieni V, President of the Council has warned.

Nana Esieni, who is the Regent of Agona Swedru, told the GNA in an interview that the Council will not hesitate to apply severe sanctions against anyone found in contravention of the directive.

According to him, the Council was poised to work with Agona West Municipal Environmental Health and Sanitation and Zoomlion Waste Management Company and had consequently held meetings with their officers.

Nana Esieni who is the Nifahene (Holder Right flank of community’s army formation) of Agona Swedru said the Agona West Municipal Assembly has been adjudged the neatest Assembly for more than five conservative times.

It ha
d also not recorded a single case of cholera for the past seven-and-half years, adding that it was a great achievement and that the Swedruman Council of Chiefs had vowed to rally support behind the Assembly to maintain its clean sheets.

He cautioned parents who sent their children to the dumping containers to give them money to ”pay as you dump ” into the containers to avoid indiscriminate dumping at unauthorised places.

The Regent of Agona Swedru appealed to the Assembly to liaise with the Environmental Health and Sanitation Office to intensify its public education campaign about the dangers of unsanitary environment.

Mr Emmanuel Ampong, the Agona West Municipal Deputy Environmental Health and Sanitation Officer, during a meeting with the chiefs said his outfit had intensified its ”saman-saman’ operations where many sanitation offenders had been arraigned before court to deter people from keeping unclean environs.

Source: Ghana News Agency

Tomatoes, and other vegetable farmers in Anloga and Keta Districts, have embarked on an initiative to find a uniform measurement and pricing for their farm products.

The initiative, they explained, would reduce the level of losses they incurred during every harvesting season due to irregular price determination by their buyers, which they say was affecting them economically.

Mr. Afetorgbor Godfred, the Public Relations Officer (PRO), Southern Sector Vegetable Farmers and Marketers Association, disclosed to the Ghana News Agency (GNA) that the move remained their only way to solve the problem at hand.

‘We have agreed on some terms and conditions which we believe strongly if adhered to, will help solve this problem of post-harvest losses.’

He revealed that they met with the buyers’ association leaders about their decision.

‘We had discussions with the leadership of the buyers from Makola, Agbogbloshie, and other areas about our decision.’

Findings by the GNA also indicated that tomato farmers at Tegbi, Wo
e, Anloga, Dzita, Agbledomi, Anyanui and other areas along the coast had been making huge post-harvest losses due to unavailability of a standardised form of quantification and pricing of harvested vegetables.

In other jurisdictions, GNA’s findings were that market commodities were being sold by measurement or scales, which should be replicated.

Mr Seth Yormewu, the Anloga District Chief Executive who declared his support for the initiative, said he remained fully committed to the initiative.

He said the decision would help farmers to reduce the level of post-harvest losses they make annually, considering the huge amount of money invested into the business.

‘As a District, we will be available to make sure these new directives are strictly adhered to,’ he added.

Tomatoes, a major commodity in the area would now be priced using a standardised wooden box measuring 24 inches by 24 inches, which is equivalent to two feet square.

This wooden box, commonly referred to as (Agbado kushi), they said, should cont
ain not more than four baskets of the tomatoes.

Vegetable farming is one of the major occupations of the people around the coastal belt of Volta due to the sandy nature of the land and the availability of water for all year-round irrigation.

But post-harvest losses, excessive cost of electricity, and others have made the occupation unattractive over the years.

A box of tomatoes is now pegged between GHC 2,000 and GHC 3,000 and is expected to go on the rise.

Spring Onion and Carrot would also be measured using a standard bag.

Source: Ghana News Agency

Mr. Simon Osei Mensah, Ashanti Region Minister, has told Muslims to soberly reflect on the significance of the Eid-ul-Adha and abide by its tenets, spirit, and letter.

He said the celebration of the festival was not only for sharing meat as a sacrifice but should also serve as a change of the heart, attitude, and behavior of Muslims.

Mr Osei-Mensah, who joined Muslims in Kumasi to celebrate the Eid-ul-Adha festival at the Kumasi Central Mosque, said it was important for Muslims leaders to use the occasion to educate their brothers and sisters in society against needless violence.

He said it was important for Muslims to shun vengeance, violence, indiscipline, and other negative attitudes that hindered the progress and development in their communities to enable them to receive and enjoy Allah’s blessings, especially in this electioneering year.

The Regional Minister urged Muslims to endeavor to focus on policies and initiatives that would ensure sustainable development and prosperity for future generations

A
ccording to him, Eid-ul-Adha, also known as the ‘Festival of Sacrifice,’ held significant meaning for Muslims worldwide since it commemorated the willingness of Prophet Ibrahim (Abraham) to sacrifice his son as an act of obedience to Allah.

He noted that Allah provided a ram to sacrifice instead, symbolizing His mercy and the importance of faith and submission.

He said as Ghanaians, it was imperative to draw parallels between teachings and the development of our beloved country.

He noted that, the welfare of Ghanaians was a shared responsibility between the government and religious institutions and asked them to pray for the government in its quest to fulfil better living standards for ordinary Ghanaian.

Mr. Osei-Mensah pointed out that, despite the challenges and teething problems along the way, the government was focused on and on course to ensure the development of the country.

He used the occasion to commend all stakeholders in the region for their vigilance that had helped to maintain peace and soci
al cohesion in the communities and reduction of criminal activities in the region.

He was of the strong conviction that, Imams and Elders would continue to maintain their close collaboration with authorities in the region to maintain peace.

Sheikh Abdul Mumin Haroun, Ashanti Regional Chief Imam, noted that, Muslim leaders would continue to pray to the Almighty Allah for all Ghanaians to remain steadfast in their quest to build together a strong nation.

Source: Ghana News Agency

Mr Akwasi Agyeman, the Chief Executive Officer of Ghana Tourism Authority (GTA), says priority should be given to the development and marketing of the tourism industry to boost the sector and economy at large.

‘We are in a country that we are too blessed and sometimes do not see what we have. We are focusing on gold because we have gold, focusing on bauxite because we have bauxite, we are focusing on timber because we have timber. We are focusing on so many things. We do not see tourism as an industry that needs our attention and that is very unfortunate,’ he said.

Mr Agyemang made the call in a television programme while discussing the tourism industry in Ghana.

He decried the challenges in obtaining a visa for Ghana in comparison to other nations, arguing that this hindered the expansion of the tourism industry in Ghana.

‘To get a visa to go to Cuba is not as difficult as to get a visa to come to Ghana. If we look at access, we have put impediments on the way of those who will fly 10 hours and more to c
ome to Ghana.

‘At 2:00 am, I get calls that, we have large numbers of people coming to Ghana, but their passports are stuck at the Ghana Embassy. Why can’t we do an E-Visa, why can’t we do a visa on arrival?

‘The numbers in the Bahamas are incredible because it is easy to attract the numbers,’ he noted.

Mr Agyemang said Ghana would gain a lot if it acquired an airline or airline service to facilitate travel to ease international travel.

‘When we have numbers coming in, they would definitely eat at the restaurants and so restaurants would employ more, they would pay tax, they would go for site seeing and a lot more,’ he said.

According to Mr. Agyeman, the average tourist in Ghana spent about $2,900, with the money going to a variety of sectors such as trading, transportation, entertainment, and lodging.

He said Ghana’s reciprocal visa deal with South Africa brought 4,323 visitors to Ghana in 2023 and 7,500 tourists by May 2024.

‘Let’s make it easy for people to travel to Ghana. The yellow fever vaccinat
ion certificate required to travel into the country is about $300 which is too expensive,’ he stated and called on government to speed up especially with its E-Visa initiative.

‘If all the government agencies are seeing the same thing, then we will get there. Let us all sing from the same hymn book, let us all understand that it is a game changer for us.

‘I am quite positive that we will get there but I think we need to speed up, especially with the E-Visa,’ he said.

Mr Agyeman expressed concern about an excessive bureaucratic aspect in the nation’s tourism industry, stating that ‘it is our weakest link and bottlenecks to progress.’

Source: Ghana News Agency

Dr. Matthew Opoku Prempeh, Minister of Energy, stated on Wednesday that the recent power outages in parts of the country were not caused by the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG).

‘Mr. Speaker, the question was asked over two months ago. No, ECG is not undertaking load-shedding as at the time the question was asked. Consumers were experiencing outages due to several factors. That included localised outages due to overload online and transformers,’ he said.

Dr. Opoku Prempeh stated on the floor of Parliament while answering questions and outlining some of the reasons for the country’s recent erratic power supply.

‘Mr. Speaker, at the time the questioner put the question, CenPower had an emergency which meant a complete shutdown, losing immediately 40 megawatts. That also contributed and the plant maintenance on Amandi power was also ongoing at the same time.

‘The emergency outages sometimes requested by GRIDCo have also contributed, so there were myriads of factors that had unfortunately happened, that is
causing the power outages in different times. The reason ECG said they were not load-shedding is because most of the incidents were not planned and so they couldn’t have come out with a pre-programme to say they were loading,’ he told Parliament.

For months, most parts of the country experienced intermittent power outages, with businesses and households bearing the brunt of the burden.

The sector Minister said: ‘…Mr. Speaker, there are certain areas in this country where all of a sudden, the number of residents and businesses have accumulated, parts of East Legon which was purely a residential area have now become a business district, increasing power consumption.

‘Thereby hampering the existing lines there, so the transformers and lines had to be updated. Outages to the average capacity of overloaded lines and transformers.’

Source: Ghana News Agency

The Concerned Youth of Bunkpurugu are discontented with the perceived marginalisation and discrimination of their district in the distribution of tertiary institutions and developmental projects in the North East Region.

In a statement copied to the Ghana News Agency, Mr. Francis Yennumi Lambon, spokesperson of the youth, highlighted the disparity in infrastructure development between Bunkpurugu and other towns like Nalerigu, Gambaga and Walewale.

While these towns enjoy asphalt roads, astro turfs, and nursing schools, according to the youth, the roads leading to Bunkpurugu and its environs remain in bad condition while the area lack recreational facilities and higher educational institutions.

Mr. Lambon questioned the rationale behind the establishment of a nursing school in smaller districts like Yagaba-Kubori while Bunkpurugu, with a larger population and land area, remained neglected.

He indicated that the perceived bias was fueling a sense of alienation among the youth and the people of Bunkpurugu, w
ho feel overlooked in the region’s development plans.

He called on the government to address the imbalance and ensure a fairer distribution of resources across the newly created region as part of Ghana’s decentralization agenda.

He emphasised that the Bunkpurugu District’s potential for economic growth and development highlights the need for equitable investment in infrastructure and educational facilities.

The youth appeal sheds light on the broader issue of regional disparities in the country’s development, a challenge faced by many rural districts.

Their call for fairness and inclusivity also resonates with many communities and towns across the region and beyond, who seek equitable access to opportunities and resources.

While experts acknowledge efforts by government to navigate the complexities of regional development, they maintain that the voices of the Bunkpurugu youth serve as a reminder of the importance of inclusive policies that benefit all communities, regardless of their size or location.

Source: Ghana News Agency

The Bono Regional Office of the National Road Safety Authority (NRSA) is undertaking a project aimed at reducing the rising cases of pedestrian knockdowns among school children on major access roads, and highways in the region.

According to Madam Abigail Atinpoka, the Bono Regional Head of the NRSA, the Authority had secured funding from the Road Fund, and was constructing child safety crossing points, speed ramps, and other child-friendly road projects along the stretches and highways.

In an interview with the Ghana News Agency (GNA) in Sunyani, Mad Atinpoka said the project had commenced in the Sunyani Municipality and was situated mostly on the Abesim-Sunyani stretch where cases of pedestrian knockdowns were very common.

‘In all we are putting up 10 safety crossing points including pavements in the municipality, and six of the projects are situated along the Abesim-Sunyani stretch which is one of the busiest highways in the region,’ she stated.

Describing the project as a laudable initiative that would
further reduce crashes, Mad Atinpoka advised drivers to cooperate with the contractors working on the project, saying soon it would be extended to some major towns and urban centers in the municipality.

She said despite intensified public and driver education, cases of pedestrian knockdowns in the region seemed to be increasing, saying the region recorded 12 cases in 202 seven in 2021, 14 in 2022 and 13 cases in 2023.

She said three cases of the knockdowns had been recorded in the first quarter of 2024 and attributed the cases to speeding and driver negligence.

Madam Atinpoka, therefore, appealed to drivers to endeavour to adhere to road traffic regulations and signs, and entreated pedestrians to always ensure they cross the road at designated crossing points to help reduce the knockdowns and fatalities.

Road safety, she added, remained a collective and shared responsibility, and called on all stakeholders to help the authority to bring sanity on the roads, control crashes and bring the needless deaths un
der the barest minimum.

Source: Ghana News Agency