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Gomoa Community Rural Bank appeals for tax cuts for banking sector  

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The Gomoa Community Rural Bank Limited has appealed to the government to grant banks in the country tax cuts, to enable them to operate optimally.  

Mr Daniel Amoah Gyampoh, the Acting Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Bank, said the banks were overburdened with high taxes which crippled their operations.   

At the bank’s fifth Annual General Meeting in Winneba, the CEO asked the government to reduce the tax burden in the sector to enable them to offer the best of services to Ghanaians, to engender development.  

The bank announced a net profit before tax of GHC2,617,661 in 2023 as against the GHC1,258,707.00 recorded in 2022.  

It also announced an increase in operating income from GhC6,996,528 in 2022 to GHC10,890,674.00 in 2023, representing 56 per cent, while the direct cost operating expenses moved to GHC8,273,013 in 2023 from the GHC5,737,821 in 2022.  

Mr Benjamin Amoah, the Chairman of the Board of Governors, addressing the meeting, said the total assets of the bank grew from GHC35,836,638 to GHc51,306,442, representing a 43 per cent increase.  

“Our loans and advances increased to GHC11,277,704 in 2023 from GHC8,227,290 in 2022 and for our customer deposit, it increased from GHC35,340.062 in 2022 to GHC46,003,874.00 in 2023, representing 30 percent,” he said.  

“During the year under review, we were able to also sell additional 82,718 ordinary shares, valued at GHc41,359 against GHc18,241.00,” he added.  

Mr Amoah said the progress made came because of a multi-faceted approach dubbed ‘Gomoa Community Bank Turnaround strategy’ which included operational efficiency, risk management, customer-centric approach and talent development.  

“Our commitment to excellence has not gone unnoticeable,” he said.  

He said earlier this year, the bank and its Board Chairman were selected and inaugurated by renowned Business Executive Limited into the Corporate Ghana Hall of Fame Advisory Council, 2024.  

“For the way forward, we want to assure you that we remain committed to a robust growth strategy designed to effectively navigate through the turbulent operating environment,” the Board Chairman stated.  

In an address delivered on his behalf, Mr Alex Kwasi Awuah, the Managing Director of ARB APEX Bank, commended the bank for its significant progress in the year under review.  

“This achievement is one of the major proofs that Gomoa Community Turnaround Project is beginning to yield positive results which is exemplary, and we urge the directors and management of the bank to work together to maintain the momentum,” he stated.  

Mr Awuah advised them to embrace and leverage technology effectively to serve customers with ease and convenience.  

Juana Gyan Cudjoe files nomination form for Amenfi central parliamentary seat  

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Mrs Juana Gyan Cudjoe, the Amenfi Central National Democratic Congress (NDC) Parliamentary Candidate, has submitted her nomination forms to the Electoral Commission, to contest the seat as Member of Parliament.  

Mrs Gyan, later in a media interview, thanked her party members, especially polling station and constituency executives, for giving her the opportunity to contest for the seat. 

She expressed confidence in her chances to keep the seat for the NDC and continue the good work her predecessors had done.  

She called on her supporters to maintain peace and discipline as the campaigns heated up and see their opponents as brothers in the constituency and not enemies. 

Mrs Cudjoe urged the supporters to go beyond rallies and social media to meet constituents where they are, in their various homes, and discuss solutions to issues such as the economic hardship, inadequate infrastructure, which she believed had affected the lives of the people in the constituency.   

Mr Peter Amponsah, the Deputy Constituency Secretary, urged members to ensure peace before, during and after the polls. 

He highlighted the importance of voting and educated the members on the voting process, urging them to exercise their franchise to elect good leaders at the December 7 polls. 

Mrs Cudjoe was accompanied to the Electoral Commission premises by Mr Amuzu Tossah, the Constituency Chairman, his Vice, Mr Obeng Asaah, Mr Nathaniel Fiifi Sangmoah, the Secretary, Mr George Kofi Arthur, the former Member of Parliament for Amenfi Central, the Communication Officer, Mr Obed Anorwi and other national, regional, and constituency party executives.  

“Election 2024 not do or die affair, let’s prioritise the peace- NCCE 

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Mr Joachim Elbazer, the Nabdam District Director of the National Commission for Civic Education (NCCE), has called on political parties to preserve the peace of the country and not consider elections 2024 as a do-or-die affair. 

He noted that regardless of which political party won, it would need peace and a calm atmosphere to govern, and that should be paramount to all the political parties. 

The Director said this when he addressed members of the Interparty Dialogue Committee (IPDC) in the district, as part of the European Union (EU)-sponsored project dubbed, Preventing and Containing Violent Extremism (PCVE) in the Northern Regions of Ghana. 

It aimed at undertaking peace building consultative meetings and working with stakeholders in averting violent extremism and promoting peaceful coexistence and national cohesion before, during, and after the 2024 general elections in the Nabdam District and the country at large. 

Mr Elbazer emphasised that though Ghanaians had continued to uphold the supremacy of the constitution, a free and liberalised media landscape, and the promotion of democracy in general, the country could not afford to lose guard at this critical moment. 

“Ghana, having achieved the successful conduct of presidential and parliamentary elections eight times in succession, culminating in the peaceful transition and transfer of political power from a ruling party to an opposition party in 2000, 2008, 2016, and 2020, calls for the avoidance of complacency in the face of all these threats.” 

He reiterated that violent extremism and terrorism continued to remain a serious challenge for the preservation of democratic governance, which is essential for peace, prosperity, and safety in the country and the sub-region at large, and election 2024 must not be seen as an avenue to contributing to these setbacks.  

Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) Charles Simpa, the Bolgatanga East District Commander of the Ghana Police Service, indicated that misinformation and disinformation were fueling tensions and urged the political parties to desist from creating and sharing fake news to maintain the peace of the country. 

Mr Tiwol Emmanuel Basie, the chairman of the IPDC, reaffirmed his commitment to championing peace before, during, and after the 2024 general elections. 

He called on actors of political parties to be peace ambassadors and make the country governable for sustainable development regardless of which party won the presidential election.  

Amewu files nominations, courts support for second term  

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Mr John-Peter Amewu, Hohoe Constituency Member of Parliament (MP) and New Patriotic Party (NPP) Parliamentary Candidate, has filed his nomination forms to re-contest the Hohoe Parliamentary Seat. 

The Member of Parliament who is seeking a second term after winning the 2020 parliamentary elections, asked the constituents to give him a second chance to continue his developmental works. 

Mr Amewu addressing supporters and sympathisers after submitting his nomination forms, said he was grateful to be chosen to lead the Party into the 2024 parliamentary election.  

He said despite all the development projects, individually, some constituents were yet to benefit hence the need for a second term.  

Mr Amewu asked the constituents to vote for him for round two and vote for Dr Mahamudu Bawumia as the President in the first round.  

He said the filing also marked the official launch of the Party’s campaign, promising not to disappoint the constituents.  

Mr Amewu said the target for the parliamentary results was pegged at nothing less 67 per cent. 

Enoch Amegbletor Files Nomination to snatched Ketu North Parliamentary Seat 

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Mr. Enoch Kwabla Amegbletor, the parliamentary candidate for the New Patriotic Party (NPP), officially filed his nomination to contest the Ketu North parliamentary seat, aiming to unseat the National Democratic Congress (NDC).  

The Ketu North constituency has long been a stronghold for the opposition NDC, but this upcoming election will see two fresh contenders face off, as the incumbent, Dr. James Klutse Avedzi, is stepping down after two decades of representing the constituency in Parliament. 

After filing his nomination, Mr. Amegbletor expressed his confidence in securing the seat for the NPP in the December 7 election.  

He noted that the NDC has held the seat since 1992, but after 20 years under the leadership of Dr. Avedzi, little progress has been made in terms of development in Ketu North. 

“The people of Ketu North are ready for change,” Mr Amegbletor said in an interview with the Ghana News Agency.  

“It’s time for a new era of growth and transformation. The constituents are awake and eager to see real development under fresh leadership.” 

Mr Prince Agbemenya, the returning officer, confirmed that Amegbletor’s nomination documents were in order, and he had successfully completed the necessary requirements to contest the parliamentary seat. 

Mr Amegbletor outlined his contributions to the constituency even before his candidacy, emphasizing his commitment to development.  

His efforts include building a six-unit classroom block at Ehi MA Junior High School, complete with a staff common room, headmaster’s office, and improved sanitation facilities, as well as providing a water storage system.  

He has also renovating a three-unit classroom block at Adzoatsi, along with other infrastructure projects across the constituency. 

In addition to his focus on education, Mr Amegbletor stated that he has helped renew over 10,000 National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) cards for constituents and has been involved in road improvements, extending electricity and water to underserved communities, and other key developmental initiatives. 

“This nomination filing marks the beginning of our journey to claim the seat for the NPP,” Mr Amegbletor declared, expressing optimism about his campaign’s momentum. 

The constituency chairman of the NPP, Mr. McThomson Gbeti, echoed these sentiments, stating that the party is prepared for victory in December.  

“The journey to victory has begun,” he said, urging all residents of the Ketu North Municipality to rally behind Amegbletor and the NPP for meaningful change in the constituency. 

The nomination event was a colorful affair, with hundreds of enthusiastic party supporters in attendance, along with drumming groups and key figures from the community, including chiefs and queen mothers from the Dzodze Traditional Council.  

Their presence reflected widespread support for Amegbletor’s candidacy as he embarks on his mission to break the NDC’s long-standing dominance in Ketu North and bring about a new era of development. 

Mr. Amegbletor is confident of securing the Ketu North parliamentary seat in this election, building on the momentum created by the former NPP parliamentary candidate, Hon. Kofi Dzamesi.  

In the 2020 elections, Dzamesi made significant strides, narrowing the gap to just 3,000 votes between himself and the incumbent, Dr. Klutse Avedzi.  

With Avedzi stepping down, Mr Amegbletor believes this is the NPP’s best opportunity to claim victory in the constituency. 

DCE presents fingerlings to 50 Aquaculture trainees in Gomoa Central

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The District Chief Executive (DCE) for Gomoa Central, Mr Benjamin Kojo Otoo, has presented fingerlings to 50 Aquaculture trainees to begin their businesses to enhance economic development and poverty reduction.

Each of the trainees received 1,700 fingerlings, six bags of fish feed and tarpaulin pond totalling GHC 38,000 as part of the efforts to support the programme successfully.

Ministry of Fisheries and Aquaculture has initiated a new programme dubbed ‘Aquaculture for food and jobs’ aimed at creating opportunities for the unemployed youth to get access to jobs and wealth.

Speaking to the media after the presentation, Mr Otoo said the initiative by the government was also to buck up fish deficit since the ocean fisheries stock were fast diminishing due to illegal means and other unauthorised foreign pair trawling activities.

 He said another area which had also been affected seriously was the pollution of water bodies through illegal mining operations that had reduced fishing activities in rivers.

Mr Otoo said the alternative would go a long way to empower the youth economically and further create more opportunities for others to enjoy the programme.

According to the DCE, the Akufo-Addo and Dr Bawumia government had proved the commitment to better the lots of the Ghanaian youth, adding that it was possible for the government to reduce abject poverty.

Mr Fredrick Otoo, a beneficiary from Gomoa Aboso Electoral Area who spoke to the media, thanked the government for the opportunity given to them that would go a long way to enhance their standard of living, particularly among the youth.

He said the government had enough strategic plans for the youth in the country and therefore urged them to join forces to support its activities to ensure economic growth.

Ghana Chamber of Mines launches competency framework for mining industry   

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The Ghana Chamber of Mines has launched a mining competency framework to standardise the approach to defining and measuring knowledge and skills required for various roles within the mining sector.   

 The framework would help mining companies to ensure that their workforce is adequately trained and qualified to perform their jobs safely and efficiently.  

 A statement copied to the Ghana News Agency said Mr Sulemanu Koney, Chief Executive Officer of the Chamber, expressed his appreciation to the Human Resource (HR) Committee and the Ad-hoc Committee members for their tremendous work in developing the framework.   

 Mr. Koney said the framework would serve as a foundation for designing training programmes, assessments, and career development pathways, aimed at enhancing the overall competency of employees in the mining industry.  

 He urged Human Resources professionals in the industry to continue implementing initiatives and programmes that meet the evolving needs of the mining sector.  

 The conference brought together industry leaders to discuss the challenges and opportunities facing the mining sector.   

 It featured presentations and panel discussions on various topics, including the future of work in the mining industry, diversity and inclusion, and the role of technology in driving sustainability.   

 Industry leaders and experts shared their insights and experiences, emphasising the need for collaboration and innovation to address the sector’s challenges and ensure a sustainable future.  

 Mr. Koney’s call to action underscores the importance of HR practitioners in driving sustainability initiatives within the mining sector. “As the industry continues to evolve, it is clear that HR professionals will continue to play a crucial role in shaping its future”, he said.  

Michael Osibo files nominations to contest Guan Parliamentary Seat on NPP ticket 

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Mr Michael Osibo, the New Patriotic Party (NPP) Parliamentary Candidate (PC) has filed his nomination forms to contest the Guan Parliamentary Seat. 

He said his major focus was unity among the four traditional areas in the Constituency since development in all spheres lied in unity.  

Mr Osibo said the constituents, especially the youth, must have a change of mindset that would help to rebuild their identities and the entire Guan enclave. 

He said his chances of winning the elections were bright because he had been instrumental in the Guan enclave and the Oti region.  

Mr Osibo urged the constituents not to focus on negativity but the positives that would aid development.  

He said the focus on the Guan enclave was to make it a tourist hub that would attract tourists nationwide and beyond. 

Ada Midie residents allegedly attack youth of Terkperbiawer Clan  

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Two young people of the Terkperbiawer Clan of Ada have sustained various degrees of injury following an alleged attack on them by some residents of Midie, a community in the Ada East District. 

The two detained for medical care at the Ada East District Hospital have since been discharged. 

The Ghana News Agency (GNA) gathered that the incident occurred on Sunday at the premises of the One-District-One-Factory office in the community when the youth from the Terkperbiawer clan visited the Midie community to inspect a portion of the Songor concession allocated to them under the recently launched out-growers scheme initiative by Electrochem Ghana Limited. 

The group were, however, said to have been allegedly ambushed by some residents of Midie, who were said to be accompanied by thugs wielding machetes. 

According to eyewitnesses, a timely intervention by the police from the Divisional Command in Ada prevented casualties as they rescued the youth and some journalists who had accompanied them to the concession. 

Mr. Lord Freeman Aleley, the Secretary to the Terkperbiawer Youth Group, told the GNA that the visit was intended for them to oversee the development of a portion of the concession allocated to them. 

“We were surprised by the hostility we encountered. This attack was unexpected, as we went there without any ill intentions,” he said. 

Nomo Amartey Patu, the acting chief of Patukorpe and a member of the group, condemned the incident, expressing disappointment over the violent reception. 

“This attack is a violation of our rights. We are merely seeking to ensure the proper utilisation of the portion of the concession given to us under the Outgrowers Scheme. This matter must be addressed to prevent future occurrences,” he said. 

Superintendent Andres K. Mifetu, the Ada District Police Commander, said investigations had commenced into the incident to identify the perpetrators to face the law. 

The out-growers scheme initiative, introduced by Electrochem Ghana Limited, is aimed at providing portions of the Songor Concession to local salt miners for their production. 

Ghana’s democratic evolution ushers in new dawn of development – President Akufo-Addo

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President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo says the significant improvement in the country’s democratic dispensation, particularly under the Fourth Republican Constitution, has ushered in a new dawn of participatory governance.

“The voices of women, youth, and marginalised groups, which were often silenced during the years of military rule, are now heard loud and clear,” he noted.

Addressing the Ghana Bar Association’s (GBA) annual conference in Kumasi, the President said that the inclusive political landscape had brought all identifiable groups on board, with Parliament becoming more representative and civil society more engaged than ever before.

Ghana has witnessed one of the longest periods of democratic rule under the Fourth Republic, after the First, Second and Third Republican Constitutions were torpedoed in military coups in 1966, 1972 and 1981, respectively.

Since 1992, the country has emerged as the beacon of democracy in sub-Saharan Africa, upholding the rule of law to the letter to enhance political stability and sustainable growth.

The country’s democratic credentials are at stake as Ghana goes to the polls on December 07, this year, in an election described by political pundits as one of the most keenly contested General Elections.

The polls come at a time when the West African regional bloc, ECOWAS, is reeling from a fractured union and declining democratic tenets, following the spread of violent extremism and military coups, especially in Burkina Faso, Niger and Mali.

In the run up to the elections, President Akufo-Addo has assured the populace of a peaceful, fair, and transparent exercise.

“Elections are not merely a democratic ritual; they are the very lifeblood of our political system. They are the mechanism through which the people exercise their sovereign will, choose their leaders, and hold them accountable,” he stated.

The President was optimistic the governing New Patriotic Party (NPP) would retain power, elaborating the successes chalked in various sectors of the economy over the last seven years.

“The NPP’s path to victory is through a robust defense of its exceptional, proven track record in office and the continuing modernisation of Ghana’s future, championed by our excellent presidential candidate and his dynamic running mate,” he remarked.

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