Day: June 26, 2024

About 200 artisans operating on a piece of land near the Kpone barrier on Wednesday morning demonstrated against the alleged sale of the land to a private company.

The artisans, made up of welders who operate fuel tankers, electricians, and some food vendors, among others, burned vehicle tyres on the land opposite the B5 Company Limited at Kpone Barrier to back their protest amid guidance by the police to ensure free flow of traffic on the stretch.

Mr. Mohammed Abdulai, spare parts dealer and spokesman for the artisans, told the media that they were not the landowners, but they have been working there for years.

Mr. Abdulai said they pleaded with the Ghana Broadcasting Corporation, the landowners, to allow them to pay rent or buy the land instead of selling it to B5 Company.

He said, ‘You want to collect the land and give it to B5, but they have taken all the land. Even if you want to sell it, come and sit down with us so that we can pay rent, but GBC won’t agree to that and is always asking us to leave.
They always give us notice to quit within a short period.’

They appealed to the government to intervene in the issue to protect their livelihoods.

Meanwhile, management of the GBC, in response to the issue, stated that ‘Our attention has been drawn to news items on some media houses that squatters are being evicted from a parcel of land at Kpone, which is purported to belong to B5 Plus Company.’

A statement signed by Mrs. Stephanie Baka, the Deputy Director (Corporate Affairs) of GBC, indicated that the land belongs to the corporation, and as the rightful owner, GBC has the mandate to evict squatters from its property.

‘These squatters have been living on the property for some time now, and the eviction exercise being led by Kpone-Katamanso Municipal Assembly is within our mandate to protect our property. The property has been turned into a place where nefarious activities are rife and this is tarnishing the image of the Corporation,’it emphasised.

It added that ‘squatters have been duly noticed about th
e eviction but have refused to vacate the property, and management wishes to admonish all media houses to desist from peddling false information about the eviction exercise.’

Source: Ghana News Agency

The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) has organized a two-day intensive training programme on countering hate speech and misinformation on social media platforms for journalists.

The training was to reinforce journalists’ ability to decipher such commonly encountered actions to be able to report well and ensure that the upcoming general elections would be peaceful.

About twenty (20) journalists selected from the Ashanti, Central, Bono, Bono-East and Ahafo Regions attended the workshop in Kumasi.

During the two days, participants were taken through why journalists should not use the term ‘fake news’, and distinctions between disinformation, misinformation, and mal-information.

Again, there were presentations on social media and artificial intelligence, big data, machine learning and how these impacted electoral processes.

Other discussions were on hate speech and its impact on electoral processes, the Rabat Action Plan on the Prohibition of incitement to national, r
acial or religious hatred that constitute incitement to discrimination, hostility or violence.

Presentations were also made on fact-checking and electoral violence and gender-based violence during election periods.

Dr. Wilberforce Dzisah, Head, School of Technology and Social Sciences, at GIMPA, who facilitated some of the sessions, observed that it was important for journalists to try and push for elections coverage that was free, fair and balanced to promote unity and peaceful cohesion.

He underscored the need for journalists to fact check well before putting out stories to prevent chaos and tension among citizens.

Dr. Daniel Nkrumah, Lecturer, Department of Language and Communication Sciences at KNUST, urged the various media houses to develop manuals that would guide election coverage.

This will enhance journalists’ work output and present reliable reports.

Source: Ghana News Agency

A 58-year-old building contractor, who allegedly assaulted his ex-wife at Tanoso, near Kumasi, has been granted a GHc 40,000.00 bail with two sureties by the Abuakwa circuit court in the Atwima Nwabiagya South Municipality.

One of the sureties of Jeff Kwarteng must be justified and he is ordered to keep a 200-metre distance from the complainant, Comfort Ferguson, until his next appearance in court.

He pleaded not guilty to the charge of assault and will reappear before the court presided by Ms Maame Efuah Tordimah, on July 19, 2024.

Police Chief Inspector Joseph Nyame told the court that the accused and the complainant were a divorced couple.

He said on June 4, this year, their younger son, a senior high school student, was brought home from school due to ill health.

The prosecution said the complainant visited the child in the accused’s home and while there, tried to help the child to pack his clothes, which had been left in an uncompleted room in the house.

While helping the child, the accused from no
where, pounced on the ex-wife and severely beat her resulting in blood coming from her nose and mouth.

Chief Inspector Nyame said the accused reported himself to the Abuakwa police and led the police to the scene and the victim was rushed to the Abuakwa polyclinic, where she was later transferred to the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital.

He said the police detained the accused and after investigations, he was charged and brought before the court.

Source: Ghana News Agency

The Awutu and Budumburam Traditional Councils in the Central Region have expressed concern about the lack of compensation for residents whose homes were demolished to make way for the dualisation of the Accra-Cape Coast Highway’s Kasoa-Winneba section.

The Ministry of Roads and Highways initiated the project to address heavy vehicular traffic and frequent accidents on the stretch by expanding it to a dual-carriageway.

Traditional leaders, on the other hand, complain that the government’s delay in compensating affected residents has left them facing significant challenges.

They made the concern known during a site visit by members of the Minority Caucus on Parliament’s Roads and Transport Committee.

Kwame Banfo Dzaasehene, speaking on behalf of the traditional councils, urged the government to take the affected people’s plight seriously.

‘People have not been compensated for their demolished buildings causing significant distress. It is unfair that no compensation has been provided. I am glad you visited
us to assess the situation firsthand.

‘Homes have been affected by the dualisation project, yet no money has been paid to those impacted. What are we to do? We urge the government to pay attention to this matter and provide the necessary compensation.’

Mr Isaac Adjei Mensah, the Ranking Member of Parliament’s Roads and Transport Committee, expressed disappointment following the team meeting regarding the absence of contractors on site.

He described that as an alleged ‘deliberate attempt by the contractors not being on site.’

Meanwhile, at a press conference in Parliament House on Tuesday, Mr Kennedy Osei Nyarko, Chairman of the Roads and Highways Committee, announced the Committee’s intention to tour various road construction sites on Thursday, June 27, 2024.

He stated that the Committee had formally requested permission from the sector minister to conduct the tour.

He explained that the goal was to gather firsthand information to keep the House informed about the status of these projects.

He mentioned
the Kasoa-Winneba Road and the Dodowa Road as some places to visit.

‘The committee intends to visit the Bonkrah Port and Mpakadan project to assess the progress of works and potentially offer advice to the ministry,’ Mr Osei Nyarko said.

Source: Ghana News Agency

Coach Maxwell Konadu made history last Sunday as the first manager to win a major title with Bono-based club, Nsoatreman FC.

Konadu, who joined the giants on a two-year deal in 2023 led his men to silence their regional brothers, Bofoakwa Tano to clinch the 2023/24 MTN FA Cup title. 

The historic feat earned the champions a place in the 2024/25 CAF Confederations Cup as they etch their name in the annals of Ghana’s football history.

 ‘For sure, I knew that I could transform the team because I know what I have, and when you believe in yourself, I think it’s the beginning of everything. The self-belief did a lot. It motivated me to sign the contract for Nsoatreman,’ the gaffer said after leading the debutants to victory.

 Konadu, 51, has served as Assistant Coach of the Black Stars, Ghana U-23, U-20, and led Wa All Stars, Asante Kotoko and Legon Cities throughout his coaching career.

Born on December 4, 1972, Maxwell tasted every bit of football from being a prolific player for Asante Kotoko and a national
team coach. 

Chalking the feats of managing the nation’s finest men’s teams reiterates his quality as one of the best managers Ghana has ever produced. 

He signed for Asante Kotoko in 1991 as a young player with much experience. 

It was a dream come through for the young boy who began his youth career with Nkoranza Republic and Upper West Republic. 

Between 1991 and 1993, the ‘darling boy’ won the Ghana premier league with Asante Kotoko on two occasions.

He ended his journey with the giants in 1993 to sign for Tunisian side Club Sportif Sfaxien.

After moving to SG Egelsbach in Europe, Maxwell Konadu returned home to play for Asante Kotoko in 1996. 

His return was greeted with praise and excitement by fans following the quality he possessed when on the field.

A journey filled with endless memories halted with Kumasi based King Faisal Babes in 2003.

The exciting news about Konadu’s career was the fact that his retirement was not a ‘goodbye message’ from football but a turn towards a different direction
. 

After retiring, Konadu transitioned into coaching and was fortunate to land himself his first job as Assistant Coach of Red Bull Academy’s U-17 team in Sogakope. 

He officially began his professional role with Wa All Stars from 2009 to 2010 after making exploits with the team. 

In 2011, his remarkable achievement attracted a call from his mother club Asante Kotoko who asked for his services as Head Coach.

He helped the Porcupine warriors to clinch their 22nd league title and gained them a place in the CAF Champions League.

A year after, he was named Head Coach Ghana’s U-20 side which also transitioned into leading the U-23 team in 2013.

Maxwell Konadu did not only impact the junior national teams, but also played a major role in shaping the Black Stars after being appointed caretaker manager for the second time in March 2017. 

He returned to Kotoko in December 2019 following the dismissal of Norwegian trainer Kjetil Zachariassen.

It was the Ghanaian’s second stint in charge of the Porcupine Warrior
s, having won the Premier League in 2012.

In 2021, He became a member of the Legon Cities Technical Team before serving as Head Coach. 

Maxwell Konadu throughout his coaching career has won the Ghana Premier League, MTN FA Cup, President’s Cup and the WAFU Nations Cup. 

Source: Ghana News Agency

Mr. Mustapha Ussif, the Minister of Youth and Sports, has confirmed that they have received proposals from the private sector for the management of Borteyman Sports Complex.

The $145 million facility was one of the venues for the 13th African Games and hosted some sporting events, including swimming, tennis, badminton, wrestling, and handball, among others.

However, there has been considerable public uproar in the past few days after a video surfaced online where the facility was been used for religious activities just three months after the games ended.  

Mr. Ussif, in his recent address to Parliament, confirmed that the Borteyman Sports Complex was currently being managed by the National Sports Authority under the Ministry of Youth and Sports in the interim.

‘The Ministry has received proposals from the private sector for a Public Private Partnership (PPP) arrangement to manage the facilities,’ he said.

Mr. Ussif noted that a technical team had been trained to ensure the maintenance and sustainability
of the facilities, including the University of Ghana Sports Stadium.

‘In the meantime, to ensure the sustainability of the facilities, a Local Technical Team has been trained on the operationalisation of the equipment installed at the facilities.

‘The equipment manuals have been transferred to the Local Technical Team to guide them on the operations and maintenance of the facilities,’ he stated.

The Sports Minister also revealed that the Commonwealth had been in contact with them over the hosting of the Commonwealth Youth Games and confirmed that Ghana had won the bid to host the 2026 African Athletics Championship.

Source: Ghana News Agency

An ultramodern shea processing centre to facilitate the commercial and improved production of shea butter has been inaugurated at Nwodua in the Kumbungu District of the Northern Region.

The facility, which is equipped with state-of-the-art equipment. including mechanised roasters, grinding mills, bauskars, prashers, among others, has the capacity to create an estimated 30,000 employment opportunities for the youth and women in northern Ghana.

The centre, known as Boribijerisuli Cooperative Processing Centre, also has an Early Childhood Development Centre (Creche) to ensure that children of women working at the centre, are not denied access to early childhood education.

The Cooperative Processing Centre is made up of 11 communities within the Kumbungu, Sagnarigu, Tolon Districts namely Nwodua, Kpilo, Napagyili, Gbullung, Jakahi Kukuo, Fihini, Kataraga, Chanzegu, Kumbuyili, Tampe Kukuo and Younduuni.

The inauguration formed part of the implementation of the Shared Business Empowerment Project being carried
out by the Global Shea Alliance, a not-for-profit industry association, in partnership with the Mastercard Foundation and other consortium partners such as SOFTtribe, Advans, Women for Change and Nuts for Growth.

Mr Aaron Adu, Managing Director, Global Shea Alliance, speaking during the inauguration of the facility at Nwodua, said it was to create more dignified and fulfilling employment opportunities for the youth in the shea industry.

He said the facility would pave way for shea processors to shift from the local ways of shea butter production to adopt a more technologically approved processing to enhance quality and profitability.

Mr Adu said off-takers had been engaged and explained it was to ensure that there were buyers for shea butter produced at the centre.

Madam Mine Pabari, Country Programme Impact, Mastercard Foundation, said the facility was specifically designed for the community shea pickers and processors, adding it was a testament of their partnership commitment to prioritise and empower r
ural young women to unlock opportunities in the shea value chain.

She said, ‘Today, we take significant step towards demonstrating our appreciation for their hard work by providing a safe and nurturing environment for their children.’

Madam Zakaria Fatima, Secretary, Boribijerisuli Cooperative Shea Processing Centre, expressed gratitude to Global Shea Alliance, Mastercard Foundation and other partners for their support towards enhancing shea activities in the area.

She was optimistic that the facility would empower women more economically and help to reduce domestic violence in the communities, which was often attributed to poverty.

Source: Ghana News Agency

The Ghana Water Company Limited (GWCL) has cautioned the public against indiscriminate dumping of solid waste and plastic materials, nationwide.

Mr Nicholas Nii-Abbey, the Bono Regional Communications Officer, GWCL said the menace was not only having consequences on the environment, but also poisoning and destroying water bodies.

In an interview with the Ghana News Agency (GNA) in Sunyani, Mr Nii-Abbey said littering of plastic waste and liquid substances were ‘hurting’ the environment and water bodies.

Describing such behaviours as serious environmental crimes, he said ‘the bad attitude of the public was not only affecting water treatment, but can also lead to serious health issues, if not addressed.

He said illegal mining and logging were unfriendly to the environment and called for concerted efforts to tackle the problem.

With the onset of the rains, Mr Nii-Abbey said the indiscriminate dumping of solid waste, if not tackled could lead to outbreak of cholera and other water-borne diseases.

‘The more
turbid the water becomes, the more chemicals are required for treatment,’ he said, and added that the cost of treatment was also expensive.

‘It’s, therefore, critical that we all put our hands on the deck to improve environmental sanitation and protect our water bodies’, Mr Nii-Abbey stated.

Source: Ghana News Agency

Some traders in the Takoradi Central Business District, have expressed concern over the price hike of vegetables, which has resulted in low patronage affecting their sales and business.

According to them, due to the excessive cost of the commodities, the buying and selling of goods had become low as most people were not able to afford them.

In an interview with the traders, Madam Marian Asmah, a garden eggs and pepper seller, said a bag of garden eggs which was sold at GHS1,200 last year now sells at GHS2,500.

Also, a bag of pepper which sold at GHS2, 500 was now being sold at GHS4,000 while a bag of okro which sold at GHS1, 000.00 now sell at GHS1,400.00.

Madam Asmah, expressed concern about the high cost of commodities this year as compared to that of last year, saying ‘ a bowl of garden eggs which used to sell for GHS5.00 is now being sold at GHS10.00 while, a bowl of pepper which used to be sold at GHS2.00 was now being sold at GHS5.00.

Madam Fati Abubakar, fruits and vegetables seller, also shared s
imilar sentiments, saying a medium sized bulb cabbage was now being sold at GHS10.00 as against GHS5.00 last year.

She said the price increment had affected the purchasing power of their customers and hence slowed down their businesses.

‘Customers barely come around to purchase vegetables because there is no money in the system, that is why the market has been slow,’ she told the GNA.

Madam Benedicta Baidoo, a tomatoes seller, told the GNA that, a carton of tomatoes which sold at GHS5,000.00 last year was now being sold at GHS7, 000.00 this year while, a small basket of tomatoes which sold at GHS80.00 was now selling at GHS100.00.

Adding that, ‘now to get a small bowl of tomatoes for a small sized family use, one has to spend about GHS20.00 and above before one could cook a good meal’.

She attributed the inflated cost of commodities to the increment of petroleum products, fertilizers, and the change in the weather pattern.

Madam Baidoo prayed that the government would intervene to ensure price reduction
for their businesses to thrive.

Source: Ghana News Agency

More than 5,000 students from 150 schools will be given the opportunity to take part in scientific research projects with well-established scientists. This will be made possible through a new national Education with Science programme approved by the caretaker Cabinet, the Government Information Service said on Wednesday .

The programme is scheduled to run from 2024 to 2028 and have a total budget of BGN 3,600,000.

The programme will support schools in the implementation of new and traditional extracurricular and out-of-school activities. It will focus on the development and improvement of existing science competitions, summer schools, and networks of small research communities. The programme will enable the creation of research and innovation internship programmes for students and multimedia content for educational purposes, among others.

The programme is open to universities and institutes of the Bulgarian Academy of Sciences (BAS), which is the programme’s coordinator, as well as to museums, observatorie
s, and planetariums. They have to form a consortium with BAS as a lead partner.

Source: Ghana News Agency