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Fidelity Bank rejects “missing fund” claims in KMA-Krofrom Market Redevelopment Project

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Fidelity Bank says their records does not indicate any “missing funds” regarding the redevelopment of the Krofrom Market Project, as stated by the Kumasi Metropolitan Assembly.

The Bank, in a statement copied to the Ghana News Agency, Sunday night, was to clarify the sources and disbursement of funds for the first phase of the project.

The statement is in reponse to claims that some GHC 3 million Cedis from the project fund was “unaccounted for”.

Fidelity Bank said the total cost of 8.6 million cedis for phase one of the project comprised a four-million-cedi loan approved for KMA and an additional 4.6 million cedis from the KMA’s “own resources.”

The four-million-cedi loan from Fidelity Bank had duly been paid off by KMA as of 2021, the statement said.

According to the Bank, the loan was approved out of a GHS 5 million short-term funding for the Market Redevelopment Project, which “was to be disbursed in phases based on the progress of work done.”

It explained: “The Assembly (KMA) then utilised the facility of GHS 4 million together with their own funds of GHS4.6 million to support payments to project contractors amounting to GHS8.6 million under the first phase of the project.

“The entire amount of GHS8.6 million disbursed for Phase One of the project comprised GHS 4 million disbursed from Fidelity Bank’s approved facility of GHS 5 million and the KMA’s own funds of GHS 4.6 million disbursed from their contribution of GHS 5million towards the project.

 “From the foregoing records of Fidelity Bank Ghana, there is no missing or unaccounted for amount of GHS 3.6 million as indicated in KMA’s release.”

Fidelity Bank said “it has consistently maintained open communication channels with KMA regarding the project fund, exchanging letters and emails since April 5, 2023, to address inquiries and concerns.”

“We have provided all necessary information as of September 27, 2023, and remain open to further communication. All correspondence is on record,” it noted.

The Banks said it was “fully committed” to cooperating with any investigations or inquiries to address the matter “comprehensively.”

“Our priority remains upholding the highest standards of transparency, accountability, and integrity in all our dealings,” it added.

President praises Asantehene for his sterling leadership qualities

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President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, has praised Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, the Asantehene, for his extraordinary leadership, saying he is a symbol of unity for Asanteman, and Ghana as a whole.

Speaking at the Akwasidae Kese durbar in Kumasi to climax the 25th anniversary celebration of the enstoolment of Otumfuo Osei Tutu, as the 16th occupant of the golden stool, President Akufo-Addo said Otumfuo Osei Tutu was also a symbol of peace and national cohesion.

This, he said set him apart as an exemplary leader.

  President Akufo-Addo, pointed out that, the harmonious and peaceful co-existence of various tribes from Ghana and other west African countries in the Ashanti region, was a magnificent demonstration of Otumfuo Osei Tutu’s love for peace and unity among all people.

   He commended the Asantehene for his various social interventions in the areas of education, health, economic empowerment, environmental protection and others, which had helped improve the lives of many people in Ghana.

  The President said the wise counsel of Otumfuo Osei Tutu on critical national issues had contributed significantly to the thriving democratic governance in the country.

  Dr Keith Christopher Rowley, Prime Minister of Trinidad and Tobago, who was the Guest of Honour, urged Ghana and Trinidad and Tobago to strengthen cooperation to improve the lives of their peoples.

He said it was important to increase trade and investments among countries in Africa and the Caribbean to help improve the lives of the people who were historically brothers, but set apart by colonial circumstances.

He also praised Otumfuo Osei Tutu for his outstanding leadership and love for peace and unity among the people of African descent.

Otumfuo Osei Tutu paid glowing tribute to various groups of professionals, individuals and organisations. They include teachers, doctors, nurses,

judicial staff, clergy, traditional rulers, farmers, civil society organisations, diplomatic missions and others, who had supported him in various ways throughout his 25 year reign.

He reaffirmed his commitment to continue to work to improve education, health, protect the environment and other initiatives that would help improve the lives of the people.

The Asantehene said it was the important to overcome the menace of galamsey by every means necessary.

The Akwasidae, celebrated every six weeks, provides an occasion for communion with ancestors as well as the reunion of families.

It gives the opportunity to all the chiefs in the domain of the Golden Stool of Asante to renew their allegiance to the occupant of the Golden Stool.

Clad in a splendid Kente cloth and adorned in gold ornaments, the Asantehene, who turned 74 on Monday, May 6, acknowledged the respects of his subjects, admirers and well wishers, amid the display colourful skills in drums, music and dance.

There were hundreds of people from diverse backgrounds, cultures and walks.

On display was the Golden Stool, the Sikadwa Kofi, the ultimate symbol of the power and unity of Asanteman.

The Stool, rarely displayed in public, is believed to have been commandeered from the heavens by Okomfo Anokye to seal the bond among Asantes towards building a powerful kingdom.

Otumfuo Osei Tutu II succeeded Otumfuo Opoku Ware II on 26 April 1999, following his demise.

Appreciating mothers must be everybody’s affair – Presbyter 

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Mrs. Agnes Aflakpui, a Presbyter at the Hope Chapel, Global Evangelical Church, Sakumono branch, has emphasised the need for everyone to join in celebrating mothers annually.

Mrs. Aflakpui told the Ghana News Agency (GNA) in an interview that the emotional, psychological and physical stress women go through during childbirth was enough reason to appreciate women occasionally.

She added that in the process of child nurturing, women dedicated almost every aspect of their lives to ensuring that their children grow in good health and attain higher education, coupled with spiritual backing, which cannot be underestimated.

She said women have a tough life of multitasking between work, housework, motherhood, and so many other things, which, if not managed well, hindered them from improving themselves.

She said showing kindness, empathy, and support could create an environment where women would feel valued and respected.

The Presbyter added that at a point the whole family depended on women for their daily activities; thus, being a mother, wife, homemaker, cook, teacher, friend, and nurse all at the same time, adding “catering for everybody’s needs is a serious sacrifice.”

She explained that there had been instances where women were more responsible than men in various ways, like childbearing and child nurturing, and urged women not to limit themselves to home tasks but also to endeavour to reach higher heights.

She further said that women were powerful to the extent that what they say to unborn babies during pregnancy manifested when they grow up, indicating that “we speak to the zygote, and it will surprise you that they will grow up to be what you told them.”

Russian court charges US soldier with theft causing’significant’ harm.

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Gordon Black, a US soldier who has been jailed in the Russian city of Vladivostok since July 2, has been charged with theft causing considerable damage, according to a Russian court.

The imprisonment of Black, who the Pentagon claims flew to Russia without authority, creates yet another diplomatic dilemma for the United States, which has advised its people against all travel to Russia.

He was apprehended in early May in Vladivostok, Russia’s Far East.
The Pervomaisky District Court of Vladivostok said in a statement that it had decided to keep Black until July 2 as a preventative measure for “secretly stealing the property of citizen T., causing the latter significant damage.”

Selfie shows U.S. serviceman detained in Russia, in an unspecified location

“When choosing the preventive measure in the form of detention, the court came to the conclusion that US citizen B. (Black) – under the weight of the charges – could hide from the preliminary investigation authorities and the court to avoid responsibility,” the court said in the statement.

Earlier, the court’s press service identified the soldier as Gordon Black.

The Russian interior ministry in Vladivostok said on Tuesday that a 32-year-old woman had filed a complaint against the 34-year-old suspect.

The two had met in South Korea. The American had come to Vladivostok to visit her, the two had an argument, and she later filed a police report accusing him of stealing money, it said. He was arrested in a local hotel, having bought a plane ticket to return home.

The Pentagon said on Tuesday that before his arrest in Russia, Black not only broke Army rules by travelling to the Russian city of Vladivostok without authorization, but he did so after passing through China.

Phase One of PfFJs increase domestic rice production by 80 percent – MoFA

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The implementation of the first phase of the Planting for Food and Jobs (PfFJs) programme achieved significant outcomes, increasing the nation’s domestic rice food production by 80 percent, the Ministry of Food and Agriculture (MoFA) has said.
According to Mr Stephen Aidoo, the Techiman Municipal Director of Agriculture, the country saw an increase of domestic rice production from 570,000 metric tons in 2016 to 1,143,000 metric tons in 2021.
He was speaking in an interview with the Ghana News Agency (GNA) on the sidelines of stakeholder’s engagement on the implementation of the phase two of the PfFJs (PfFJ2.0) held at Techiman in the Bono East Region.
Mr Aidoo said the Municipality had witnessed abundant food production, since the programme was implemented in 2017, and further created numerous job opportunities for the youth interested in agriculture and farming.
The MoFA organised the stakeholders’ engagement to sensitize the participants on the PfFJs 2.0 implementation to enable them to capitalise on it, benefit and expand their farming and economic activities, and attended by peasant farmers, Agriculture Extension Agents and District Directors of Agriculture.

It exposed the participants to the PfFJs 2.0 concept for their feedback as well as anticipated challenges and proposed solutions towards the implementation of the programme.

Mr Aidoo said with the PfFJs 2.0 farmers would access agriculture inputs after they registered and requested for the required inputs.

“The aggregators would then supply the inputs to the farmers at their disposal”, he stated, and advised farmers to take advantage of the programme to better their lots.

Ahafo Region House of Chiefs root for Dr Bawumia’s policies

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The Ahafo Regional House of Chiefs have lauded Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, the flagbearer of the New Patriotic Party, for his immense contributions to a number of transformational initiatives rolled-out as Ghana’s Vice President.

The traditional leaders welcomed Dr. Bawumia’s vision for Ghana and his policies, thus, throwing their weight behind his presidential bid.

During a meeting with the Ahafo Regional House of Chiefs in Goaso,  Dr. Bawumia outlined his vision for Ghana and explained some of the policies he intends to implement should he assume the high office as President of the Republic.

After Dr Bawumia’s address, a number of the traditional leaders spoke in support of his policies and Presidential bid.

First to speak was President of the Ahafo Regional House Chiefs,  Nana Ansah Adu Baah, who praised Dr. Bawumia’s humility and expressed confidence that the policies could transform the country.

“Dr. Bawumia’s humility and policies are good for the country and the next generation. I have no doubt in my mind Bawumia means well for Ghana,” Nana Ansah Adu Baah, who is also the Omanhene of Yamfo Traditional Area, said.

 “The way he is humble is so admirable. I believe if he continues as our next President, it will be good for this country and the next generation. Let us help him and vote for him massively because he has good policies for this country.

“And his humility is really good for this country because it promotes peace and unity,” he added.

The Omanhene of Hwediem Traditional Area, Osuodumgya Barima Appiah Dwaah Boafo II, also commended Dr. Bawumia for his hard work and policies.

The Omanhene of Kukuom Traditional Area,  Osahene Kweku Aterkyi II, who was full of praise for Dr. Bawumia for leading what he called a “Transformative Digitalisation Drive.”

“I commend Vice President Bawumia for what he has been able to do with the digitalisation of our country. It is remarkable and very transformative- something which is helping the country, particularly the youth.”

The Omanhemaa of Bechem Traditional Area, Nana Adwoapo Dwamena Serwaa II, was also full of praise for Dr. Bawumia, declaring that he is “ordained to be the next President,” and that they will support him to realise his vision.

The Omanhene of Goaso, Nana Akwasi Bosompra I also lauded the ruling government for many developmental projects rolled-out in the Ahafo Region, especially Goaso, which he believed was due to the creation of the new Ahafo Region by the Akufo-Addo-led Government.

President touts Ghana’s oldest Anglican cathedral, advocates protection of relics  

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President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo has highlighted the religious and historical value of Ghana’s oldest Anglican cathedral, emphasizing that it should be preserved for the nation’s interest.

“For more than a century, the Cathedral Church of the Most Holy Trinity has stood as a beacon of hope, a citadel of compassion and tolerance, a sanctuary of prayer, and a citadel of God’s presence in our midst,” he remarked.

The Cathedral, an ancient architectural relic completed in 1894 under British colonial rule, is famed for hosting the Prince of Wales, the late Queen Elizabeth II, and Prince Philip, all of whom worshipped there.

President Akufo-Addo, who launched the Cathedral’s 130th anniversary celebrations in Accra, said the nation would gain greatly from preserving her iconic and religious architectural heritage.

The facility is part of the Anglican Diocese of Accra in the Church of the Province of West Africa.

The building was initially patronized by colonial expatriates before becoming a cathedral when the Diocese was established in 1901.

The Ghana Museums and Monuments Board has designated the Cathedral, which was built with bricks, as a religious heritage, and it continues to attract architects, tourists, and visitors from all over the world.

It has endured a variety of climatic conditions throughout the years, and despite its proximity to the sea, the structure has retained its architectural uniqueness and beauty.

In his anniversary message, President Akufo-Addo noted that Christians, Muslims, and other faith-based organisations had a duty to forge unity of purpose and promote Ghana’s vast national interests.

They should serve as vessels of development, working together to promote shared prosperity and growth.

“Let us come together as a community and celebrate the rich tapestry of our faith and history,” he preached.

The President, a devout Anglican, encouraged religious bodies to continually serve those in need.

He emphasized the need to demonstrate religious virtues and serve as examples of hope and healing in a world that is often scarred and divided.

The President, in his advice to the church, recounted the difficulties the Anglican Church faced in its initial growth which impeded its advancement.

“My prayer is that the Anglican Church of today will learn lessons from the Anglican Church of the 1930s.

“Available records indicate that in the 1930s, the Anglican Church was weak and marred by interpersonal conflicts. May this never be the lot of the church today,” he noted.

In an interview with the Ghana News Agency (GNA) on the sidelines of the programme, Professor Alex Dodoo, Chairman of the Anniversary Planning Committee, lauded the Cathedral’s founding fathers for their vision.

He reiterated the resolve of the present day of Ghanaian Anglicans to maintain the gains made over the years, adding that the anniversary would serve as a forum to reflect on the journey thus far.

“These pieces of history are worth everything to any country.

“It is a time of reflection. It is a time to learn where we have come from, what we should not do again, and where we should be going,” he stated.      

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Limited Registration: Keta NDC displeased with initial network challenges  

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The Keta Constituency branch of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) Volta Region, has expressed its disappointment over the delay experienced on day one of the ongoing Limited Registration Exercise.

The 21-day exercise, being conducted by the Electoral Commission, began on Tuesday, May 7, for first-time voters and persons who wish to own a voter card.

It will end on Monday, May 27, 2024, and expected to capture new voters, who are 18 years and above.

Mr Wonder Setsoafia Deynu, the Deputy Communications Officer of the party, in an interview with the Ghana News Agency, said the exercise was characterised by some technical hitches, which could have been avoided.  

“These eligible new voters have been sitting here for the whole day hoping that the EC will register them only to be met with delays,” he said.

Mr Deynu said the NDC would always rise against any attempt to jeopardise the exercise, which could disenfranchise eligible voters for the December polls.

He urged “frustrated registrants” to exercise calm and rally behind the opposition party as it worked tirelessly to recapture power in December.

Meanwhile, the EC, in a statement, explained that efforts were put in place to address such challenges for a smooth exercise.

The Ghana News Agency, during another visit at about 1230 hours yesterday, observed that the initial issues that marred the exercise had been addressed.

A total of 40 registrants, comprising 26 females and 14 males, had their processes completed.

Krachi East Municipal Assembly confirms MCE nominee, Presiding Member

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Krachi East Municipal Assembly members have confirmed Mr Charles Gyamfi Boateng, the President’s nominee as the Municipal Chief Executive (MCE).

Mr Boateng secured 28 votes out of the 30 total valid ballots cast representing 96.3 per cent in the elections held on Tuesday May 7, 2024.

The MCE, who was the constituency Chairman in a speech after his confirmation, thanked members of the Assembly for the support during the start of the nomination process by the Government.

He noted that his vision was to ensure the uttermost development of Krachi East, adding that “every day must bring an improvement; today must be better than yesterday, and tomorrow must be better than today.”

Mr Issahaku Yakubu, the Municipal Coordinating Director, expressed his gratitude and satisfaction in the whole confirmation process and was optimistic that the smooth and peaceful confirmation of the MCE showed the assembly’s readiness to move the Municipality forward in terms of development.

Mr Daniel Machator, Oti Regional Minister designate, was grateful to the Assembly members for reposing confidence in the president’s nominee saying it was a sign of good things to happen in the Municipality. 

He urged the assembly members and the entire workers to support the MCE to help bring his good visions to bear.

GNA sighted traditional authorities from the various communities in the Municipality, members of the Security Council, party wigs and departmental heads who graced the peaceful occasion.

In a related development, Mr Rockson Okru, Assembly member for Ayeremu Electoral Area, was also elected as the Presiding Member of the Krachi East Municipal Assembly.

Mr Okru polled 28 votes out of 30 valid votes cast, representing 93.3 per cent.

The election was supervised by Mr Kafui Klutse, the Municipal Director of Electoral Commission.  

He was then sworn into office by Mr Dramani Alhassan, a District Magistrate Court Judge at Dambai.

In his acceptance speech, Mr Okru thanked the Assembly members for the confidence they reposed in him and urged them to demonstrate unity of purpose and teamwork, identify and help address the challenges to push forward development in the Municipality.

He urged his colleagues to ensure an all-inclusive support and supervision, active involvement in decision making and hard work in the interest of Krachi East Municipal Assembly.

The presiding member assured to cooperate with each other irrespective of their political affiliations and admonished the assembly members to criticise constructively as well as avoid tendencies that could impede the developmental process.

He encouraged assembly members to team up with their unit committee members, traditional leaders and major key holders to initiate development projects.

Mr Okru underlined the need for the assembly members to promote environmental cleanliness and help curtail filth.

Two challenged, 112 register during limited voter registration at Hohoe

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Two people have been challenged, based on their eligibility to acquire a voter identity cards, on day one of the ongoing limited voter registration exercise in the Hohoe Municipality of the Volta Region. 

Their voter identity cards will be withheld until they face a committee to prove that they were eligible to acquire the cards. 

The exercise, which begun on Monday, May 7, 2024, expected to start at 0700 hours, faced a software problem hence starting at about 1317 hours. 

At the end of the day, a total of 112 people, comprising 33 males and 79 females had registered.

Some registrants in the queue before the exercise ended were given numbers to enable them to be attended to earlier the next day. 

Mr Thomas Worlanyo Tsekpo, the Hohoe National Democratic Congress (NDC) Parliamentary Candidate, who toured the Centre, told the Ghana News Agency (GNA) that he was unhappy with the delay in starting the exercise. 

He said it was regrettable that after the full assurance of the Electoral Commission (EC) of its preparedness, those hitches and delays were experienced, creating some discomfort for people who might have travelled long distances from afar to register.

Mr Tsekpo said the NDC was prepared to prevent anyone who was not illegible from registering. 

He said despite calls on the EC to situate a mobile registration team at Wli Todzi, no concrete response had been given.

The EC office is the registration centre in addition to a mobile team, which will be stationed at the Alavanyo Senior High Technical School on May 10 – 12, and then move to Wli Todzi on May 13-14.

The limited voter registration exercise is expected to end on Monday, May 27, 2024.

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