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Tourism Minister-Designate vows to upgrade hospitality infrastructure

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Madam Abla Dzifa Gomashie, the Minister-Designate for Tourism, Culture, and Creative Arts, has emphasised the urgent need to improve Ghana’s hospitality infrastructure to attract more visitors and boost national revenue.

Appearing before the Appointments Committee of Parliament on Wednesday, Madam Gomashie lamented the inadequate infrastructure, citing high hotel rates and insufficient capacity to meet growing demands.

“…Mr Chairman, this is an unending discussion, especially where hotel rates are concerned. Even hotels that have franchises in other countries tend to be very high, comparatively,” she said.

Acknowledging the lack of infrastructure, the nominee pledged to collaborate with the private sector to enhance infrastructure and increase capacity.

“… Mr Chairman, apart from engaging with the minister of finance, I think that everybody and anyone listening to me who is willing to engage with the private sector in Ghana, out of Ghana to ensure that we improve on our infrastructure capacities, you are welcome to engage me after the vetting and if I get the nod this is an issue that we must deal with,” she said.

Inadequate infrastructure also resulted in a significant revenue loss for the country, she said.

Government to restructure Ghana News Agency/Information Services Department.

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The Government is poised to restructure the Ghana News Agency (GNA) and the Information Services Department (ISD) to empower them to deliver more effectively on their mandates.


President John Dramani Mahama said the Government needed to create a certain synergy and modernise those two state organisations to enhance news and information flow.


“One of the things that remains to be done is to bring the Information Services Department under the Presidency and modernise that organisation from a civil service organisation into a modern organisation that gives guaranteed information flow to the public in respect of whatever government is doing,” he said.


“The days of the cinema van is gone. Now we have all kinds of new instruments of communication. That Department must be reformed.”


President Mahama stated this on Wednesday when Madam Esther Ambah Numaba Cobbah, the President, Institute of Public Relations (IPR), Ghana, paid a courtesy call on him at the Flagstaff House in Accra.
She led a delegation of IPR Ghana to congratulate President Mahama on his election victory.


The President said restructuring the ISD would enable it to serve as a good platform for Government’s communication in terms of making as much information available as possible to the public.


As the Government planned to restructure the two organisations, IPR Ghana, as a professional body, would have a lot to weigh in in terms of how those objectives would be achieved.


The President assured of freedom of expression under his administration as guaranteed by the 1992 Constitution, especially Chapter 12.


That, he said, had been one of the most progressive provisions in any constitution that guaranteed the flow of information and freedom for people to express themselves, which was critical to the work of communication professionals.


“And so, of course, the government will continue to guarantee that freedom. And I know that under the last administration, there were a lot of issues to do without being downgraded on the Freedom Index …” he said.


“And I think that together we can work to be able to restore Ghana to its pride of place in terms of media freedoms and free expression.”


The President said the Government would collaborate with the IPR Ghana to secure a site to construct a permanent office complex, just as the Ghana Journalists Association (GJA) has.


Madam Cobbah congratulated President Mahama on his victory and commended him for being a committed Member of the Institute and donating a bus to the members.


She assured him of the services of IPR Ghana in communication, when the need arises.
The Ghana News Agency (GNA) is the nation’s most authentic and reliable wire service.


It was established on March 5, 1957, on the eve of Ghana’s Independence and charged with the “dissemination of truthful unbiased news”.


It was the first news agency to be established in Sub-Saharan Africa by Ghana’s first President, Dr Kwame Nkrumah.


GNA was part of a comprehensive communication policy that sought to harness the information arm of the state to build a viable, united and cohesive nation-state.


It has been operating in the unique role of mobilising the citizens for nation building, economic and social development, national unity and integration

NDC Majority Caucus chastise NPP of politicising Obuasi deaths.

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The National Democratic Congress (NDC) Majority Caucus in Parliament on Tuesday condemned the New Patriotic Party (NPP) Minority Caucus’ “desperate attempts” to politicise the tragic deaths of nine illegal miners in Obuasi. 


A report released by the Ghana Armed Forces indicates that on Sunday, January 20,2025, some illegal miners allegedly invaded an abandoned mining concession belonging to global mine giant AngloGold Ashanti in the Ashanti Region. 


This led to clashes between the soldiers guarding the concession and the miners, leading to deaths and injuries. 


Addressing the media at the Parliament House in Accra, Dr Cassiel Ato Baah Forson, the Majority Leader, described the Minority Caucus politicisation of the matter as “regrettable and most unfortunate”. 


He stated that President John Dramani Mahama had already ordered full-scale investigations into the incident and called for support and cooperation by all stakeholders to ensure a holistic approach in investigating the matter. 


“We in Parliament have noted a desperate attempt by the NPP Minority in Parliament to politicise the matter. 
“The NPP falsely claimed that there is a so-called upsurge in political violence in the country. 


They’re also creating a misleading impression that the unfortunate demise of the miners was as a result of political violence,” Dr Forson noted. 


The Majority leader averred that instead of the Minority Caucus sympathising with the bereaved families were rather dabbling in “cheap politics,” he stated. 


Dr Forson was of the belief that the President’s directive to investigate the incident would ensure an impartial, timely and efficient investigation in due course. 


He expressed the Majority Caucus’ readiness to work with the NPP Minority Caucus if they so desired to help the country recover from the economic downturn. 

Ablakwa thankful to Mahama for nominating him to serve as Foreign Minister.

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Mr Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, the National Democratic Congress (NDC) Member of Parliament for North Tongu, has expressed gratitude to President John Dramani Mahama for nominating him to serve as Ghana’s Foreign Minister. 


In a statement, Mr Ablakwa said: “My solemn pledge is to diligently assist President Mahama in championing Ghana’s best interest at all times, with unquestionable patriotism, innovation, and integrity”. 


“Immense gratitude to my family, North Tongu, NDC, and all amazing Ghanaians for the incredible support throughout the years. I will not let you down. Let’s do it, for God and Country.” 

Abeiku Santana receives YouTube award.

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Celebrated Ghanaian media personality Abeiku Santana has received a Silver Creator Award from YouTube, the world’s most popular video streaming platform. 
 
This comes after the astute broadcaster surpassed 100,000 subscribers on the Abeiku Santana TV platform on YouTube, celebrating his insightful content creation. 
 
Mr. Neal Mohan, YouTube’s CEO, in a letter, congratulated Abeiku Santana TV for developing a great YouTube community.  
 
“We are proud to honour your impressive milestone of reaching 100,000 subscribers with the Silver Creator Award. Congratulations! 
 
“We know that you have many more stories to share with your community. And we know that you have more stories to share with your community. 
 
“And we know your fans can’t wait for you to amaze them even more with your commitment and creativity. So, keep creating and building, and we’re here to support you along the way,” excerpts of the letter said. 
 
The Abeiku Santana TV platform, created several years ago, has shared insightful content related to entertainment, lifestyle, travel, and cultural insights. 
 
Through his unique perspective and charismatic presentation of Abeiku Santana, the platform has become one of the fastest-growing entertainment platforms, not only in Ghana but across the world. 
 
Abeiku Santana, after receiving the silver YouTube plaque, expressed heartfelt gratitude towards his subscribers for their unwavering support throughout his journey. 
 
“I am filled with excitement after receiving this accolade from YouTube, and I want to say a big thank you to my fans who have supported me over the years. 
“We are committed to uploading high-quality videos, crafted with care while showcasing the rich culture of Ghana,” said Abeiku Santana. 

New BOST MD pledges to strengthen company, enhance collaboration.

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The Bulk Oil Storage and Transportation Company Limited (BOST) has welcomed Mr Afetsi Awoonor, a Veteran Energy Sector Executive with extensive Sub-Saharan trading experience, as its seventh Managing Director.   


The appointment of Mr Awonoor by President John Dramani Mahama took effect on January 20, 2025 and he was expected to deliver a strategic shift at one of West Africa’s key oil infrastructure companies.  


A statement issued in Accra said the transition was formalised during a handover ceremony at BOST’s Head Office in Accra, where outgoing MD, Dr. Edwin Provencal ceremonially transferred leadership responsibilities to his successor in what officials described as “an exemplary display of corporate governance practice.”

 
Mr. Awoonor brings nearly a decade of experience in the African oil and gas sector, most recently serving as Senior Partner at DOC Africa and Regional Head of Sales and Marketing at Convenio Energy, where he oversaw hydrocarbon trading operations across the Southern African Development Community region.  


His appointment marks a return to BOST, where he previously served as Manager of Government Relations from September 2016 to April 2017.  


Mr. Awoonor during the handover ceremony expressed his heartfelt gratitude to Dr. Provencal for his dedicated service and impactful leadership.   


“I want to express my deepest gratitude to Dr. Provencal for his exceptional leadership. Under his guidance, BOST has grown to new heights, and I am honoured to carry the torch forward,” he said.  


Mr Awonoor said his focus would be on further strengthening the company and fostering an environment of collaboration, innovation, and excellence as we drive the next phase of growth and success for BOST and the nation.  


The new MD said his immediate focuswould also be on internal stakeholder engagement, with plans to directly engage with team members, as he highlighted his commitment to fostering a collaborative, congenial, high-performing work environment.  


The appointment has received broad support from various stakeholders including BOST Senior Staff Union.  
They pledged their “full support and cooperation to Mr. Awoonor and his leadership team as they work together to achieve the company’s strategic objectives.”   


The Union said the appointment “demonstrates the President’s commitment to selecting highly qualified individuals to lead key institutions” in the country.   


Similarly, the Ketu North arm of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), in their congratulatory message, said “this critical designation is a testament to his unwavering dedication, loyalty, and exceptional competence.”   


They also expressed “profound gratitude to President Mahama, for recognising and rewarding loyalty, hard work, competence, and merit through this crucial appointment.”  


Other stakeholders, who supported the appointment are Weta Traditional Area Chiefs’ Council, The Volta Regional Youth Wing of the NDC.  


Mr. Awoonor’s educational background includes an Executive Master’s in International Oil & Gas Leadership from the Geneva Graduate Institute and a Master’s degree in Oil and Gas Management from IFP School, both completed in 2015.  


This technical expertise is complemented by his extensive practical experience in hydrocarbon trading and business development across sub-Saharan Africa.  


Beyond his corporate role, Mr. Awoonor had demonstrated commitment to social development through the Afetsi Awoonor Foundation, established in 2023 to support human resource development in local communities, with particular focus on youth and women empowerment through training, mentorship, and entrepreneurship initiatives.  

Agric Minister Designate hints of ‘Operation feed yourself’ comeback.

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The government says it will revive the ‘Operation Feed Yourself’ concept initiated in 1972, to boost domestic food production and consumption, particularly increase meal portions and nutrition to students.

 
Mr Eric Opoku, the Food and Agriculture Minister Designate, said this when he appeared before Parliament’s Appointments Committee for vetting, noting that the initiative would cover, homes, schools and religious institutions. 


“We’re going to launch a programme harkened likened to (General Ignatius Kutu) Acheampong’s operation feed yourself; under that programme every Ghanaian, every household will be encouraged to own a home garden,” he said. 


“We’re also going to encourage institutional farming under this programme. Every secondary school in this country will be made to own a farm,” the Minister Designate said, while pledging the government’s support to its success. 


He stated that the Ministry of Food and Agriculture would work collaboratively with the Education Ministry to recruit labourers to help various secondary schools to prepare their farms to yield high food crops.  


“If we’re able to do this, if for nothing at all, we can reduce the cost of school feeding, improve both the qualitative and quantitative aspects of the food that’s served to our students.” Mr Opoku said. 


He also noted that the government would give incentives to religious organisations which are into farming to increase their financial resources to the agricultural sector to boost production, which would be connected to processing companies and markets.  


“We’re also going to encourage the Churches and Muslim entities – already, some of them are into farming – the Saviour, Pentecost and Christo Asafo churches, and many others, to invest in farming.” Mr Opoku said. 


 “At least, we should take advantage of the rich soil to produce the basic vegetables that we need in our homes. Nature has blessed us with land that’s capable of giving us the food that we can eat and even export, so we have to take advantage of that,” he stated. 


He said the government would also implement other programmes to make agriculture attractive to Ghanaians, including providing extension officers to farmers, creating market for their produce, and establish mini processing centres closer to farms. 

Kasoa Ritual Murder: Juvenile offender sentenced to 12 months.

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A 15-year-old juvenile offender who was convicted by an Accra High Court for his role in the murder of 10-year-old Ishmael Mensah Abdallah at Kasoa, has been sentenced to 12 months imprisonment. 

The juvenile offender was sentenced to a Senior Correctional Home where he will learn a technical vocation.

Appearing before an Accra Juvenile Court on Tuesday, the minor prayed the court for forgiveness. 

The 15-year-old juvenile offender was convicted along with his 18-year-old accomplice by the High Court in Accra after they were found guilty by a seven-member jury.

His accomplice Nicolas Kini was sentenced to life imprisonment by the High Court presided over by Justice Lydia Osei Marfo on October 24, 2024.

The GNA gathered that the 15-year-old shed tears when the court asked him whether he had something to say before he was sentenced.

“I plead with the court to forgive me. It was not my intention to kill my dear friend and also end my life this way. I pray that Ishmael’s father will forgive me as I played with Ishmael for a very long time. It was the devil,” he told the Court.

Handing the sentence, the Court recalled that the juvenile offender was arrested in April 2021, and he would be 19 years old this year.

The court noted the juvenile offender had been at the Ministries Police Station for the past three years and two months.

The juvenile offender, spending time in those years at the Police Station was against the Juvenile Act.

According to the Court, per the law, the Juvenile offender has duly served his sentence which is three years but because of the gravity of the offence and the fact that the juvenile wanted to learn a vocation, the court sentenced him to Senior Correctional Home for 12 months.

This is to enable him to learn what he had always dreamed of learning.

The deceased relations were present as the Juvenile was sentenced.  

On October 24, 2024, an Accra High Court convicted the juvenile offender on charges of conspiracy and murder.

He was referred to the Juvenile Court for sentencing because the High Court after the trial, was mandated under the law to refer him to a Juvenile Court for sentencing.

His accomplice, Nicolas, who was now 21 years was sentenced by the High Court to life imprisonment.

The prosecution’s case is that the deceased, Ishmael Mensah Abdalla, aged 10, lived with his parents at Coca Cola, near Kasoa.

The 15-year-old convict was a school dropout while the 18-year-old, now 21, was a first year SHS student in a school in Kasoa.

The prosecution said on March 29, 2021, Kini consulted a ritualist for money after watching Lucky Television .

The ritualist demanded GHC 5,000 and a human being.

According to prosecution, Kini decided to use Ishmael Mensah Abdalla for ritual on April 3, 2021.

The Court was told that Kini laid ambush in an uncompleted building while the 15-year-old accomplice lured Ishmael to the building and asked him to pick up a video game in a sack.

As Ishmael bent to pick up the said video game from the sack, the 18-year-old struck him with a pickaxe handle.

The deceased reportedly turned to the 15-year-old and asked for forgiveness from the accused if he had wronged them.

Prosecution held that Kini struck Ishmael again and he became unconscious.

The 15-year-old also hit Ishmael’s head.

Kini took a spade in the said uncompleted building, dug a shallow hole, and buried the victim, to be exhumed for rituals the next day.

Luck, however, eluded them when they were spotted by a witness, the 15-year-old sister who informed their father.

The father of the 15-year-old confronted his son, and he confessed to the crime. The 15-year-old insisted that he committed the act with Kini.

A postmortem conducted by Chief Superintendent Dr Osei Owusu Afriyie, Ishamel had blunt head injury and several head injuries, among others.

Understanding Hypertension: What You Need to Know

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Hypertension, also known as high blood pressure, is a silent but serious health condition that affects millions of people worldwide. On today’s episode of Dr. Who on Sweet Melodies 94.3 FM, we delved deep into the causes, risks, and management of hypertension, aiming to raise awareness about this critical health issue.

What Is Hypertension?

Hypertension occurs when the force of blood against your artery walls is consistently too high. While blood pressure naturally fluctuates throughout the day, sustained high levels can lead to serious complications like heart disease, stroke, and kidney problems.

Why Hypertension Is Called a Silent Killer

Hypertension often has no noticeable symptoms until it has caused significant damage. This is why regular check-ups are essential to catch it early. Many individuals live with hypertension for years without knowing, making education and awareness crucial.

Causes and Risk Factors

Several factors can contribute to the development of high blood pressure, including:

  • Lifestyle choices: Poor diet, lack of exercise, and excessive alcohol consumption.
  • Stress: Chronic stress can elevate blood pressure levels.
  • Family history: A genetic predisposition to hypertension.
  • Other health conditions: Diabetes, kidney disease, and obesity can increase the risk.

Managing Hypertension

The good news is that hypertension is manageable with the right strategies:

  1. Healthy diet: Focus on eating fresh fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins while reducing salt intake.
  2. Regular exercise: Aim for at least 30 minutes of moderate exercise most days of the week.
  3. Stress management: Practices like meditation, deep breathing, and yoga can help lower stress levels.
  4. Medication: In some cases, doctors may prescribe medication to help control blood pressure.
  5. Routine check-ups: Regularly monitoring your blood pressure is key to early detection and management.

Why It Matters

Ignoring high blood pressure can lead to life-altering complications, including heart attack and stroke. Taking steps to monitor and manage your blood pressure can significantly improve your quality of life and longevity.

Watch Today’s Discussion

If you missed today’s episode of Dr. Who, you can catch up by watching the live discussion on YouTube. Our expert guests shared valuable insights and practical tips to help you take control of your heart health.

Stay Tuned!

Sweet Melodies 94.3 FM is committed to keeping you informed and healthy. Follow us on our social media channels for more engaging discussions on health, lifestyle, and wellness. Together, let’s make health a priority!

Stay connected:

#HypertensionAwareness #DrWhoLive #SweetMelodies94.3FM #HeartHealth

Dr. Who – Hypertension

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