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Suhuyini believes that the new majority leadership will be successful.

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Alhassan Suhuyini, Member of Parliament for Tamale North, is confident in the new Majority leadership’s capacity to carry out its tasks efficiently.

Following Osei Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu’s departure, the New Patriotic Party (NPP) has selected Alexander Afenyo-Markin, the Deputy Majority Leader and MP for Efutu, as the new Majority Leader.

Patricia Appiagyei, MP for Asokwa, will be Afenyo-Markin’s deputy, while Frank Annoh-Dompreh, MP for Nsawam-Adoagyiri, will remain Majority Chief Whip.

Habib Iddrisu, MP for Tolon, has been appointed Deputy Majority Whip, while Alex Tettey Djonobuah, MP for Sefwi Akontombra, has been chosen Second Deputy Majority Whip.

Alhassan Suhuyini reposed confidence in the new caucus leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin and wished him and his team the best of luck.

“I came to Parliament with Afenyo-Markin in the Sixth Parliament, and he has demonstrated his ability to be able to do what is supposed to be done by a leader. I think that [Frank] Annoh-Dompreh has been a leader for some time now. Habib [Iddrisu], even though he came first, he is learning very fast, and I think there won’t be much problem as far as the Majority Caucus in Parliament is concerned.”

“I wish the new leadership the very best of luck. Afenyo-Markin has contributed immensely to the growth and stability of his caucus. Many of the things that they have been able to push through can be attributed to his ability to lead the charge when there seems to be no way.”

Let us deepen our bipartisanship for the common good. Afenyo-Markin

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The new Majority Leader, Alexander Afenyo-Markin, has urged the Minority Caucus in Parliament to step up its bipartisan efforts with the Majority Caucus, emphasising the reciprocal advantages of such collaboration.

The New Patriotic Party’s National Council approved the leadership transition within the majority caucus on Friday, February 23, setting the stage for Afenyo-Markin’s presentation to Members of Parliament.

In his plea to the minority caucus, Afenyo-Markin invited them to join his caucus for mutual benefits in the parliamentary context.

He also requested his colleagues’ collaboration and support, emphasising the value of unity in good government.

The Effutu MP also took the opportunity to share the narrative of his life struggles, particularly in Winneba, where his political journey took root.

Recounting a pivotal moment in 2004, he described how, due to perceived youthfulness, he was compelled to abandon his parliamentary bid. The challenges of being deemed too young for such a responsibility led him to step back from the political arena.

The trajectory towards political success took a significant turn in 2012 when Afenyo-Markin triumphed, becoming the MP for Effutu.

This notable shift in the leadership of the Majority Front Bench aligns with the recent interpretation of parliamentary procedures and corresponds with the Speaker’s latest ruling on the selection process.

The confirmation of these leadership changes transpired during a meeting presided over by the General Secretary of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Justin Kodua Frimpong.

Members of the Majority Caucus participated in discussions that centred on recommendations from the National Executive Committee (NEC) concerning the leadership reshuffle.

The newly appointed leadership team for the Majority Front Bench will be:

1. Majority Leader: Alexander Afenyo-Markin, MP for Effutu
2. Deputy Majority Leader: Patricia Appiagyei, MP for Asokwa
3. Majority Chief Whip: Frank Annoh Dompreh, MP for Nsawam/Adoagyiri
4. First Deputy Majority Chief Whip: Habib Iddrisu, MP for Tolon
5. Second Deputy Majority Chief Whip: Alex Tetteh Djornobuah, MP for Sefwi Akontombra

Wealth & Jobs Expo to address critical challenges facing entrepreneurs, businesses

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The Wealth & Jobs Expo Ghana, set to take centre stage from May 22–23, 2024, at the Accra International Conference Centre, will serve as a catalyst for entrepreneurial growth and wealth creation.

The Expo, organised by the Wealth and Jobs Agency, an employment support organisation, aims to foster a culture of innovation, collaboration, and success within the Ghanaian economy, a statement copied to the Ghana News Agency said on Friday.

Organised on the theme: “The Power of Starting Small,” the Expo emphasises the importance of taking the first step towards entrepreneurship and offers a roadmap for individuals to transform their innovative ideas into thriving enterprises.

From coconut sellers to mobile application creators, the Expo caters for startups, micro-enterprises, and small and medium scale enterprises (SMEs), providing a platform for all aspiring entrepreneurs to thrive.

Led by a vision to unlock the full potential of Ghana’s entrepreneurial spirit, the Wealth & Jobs Expo Ghana presents a unique opportunity for aspiring entrepreneurs, seasoned professionals, and investors to converge, exchange ideas, and collaborate on initiatives that drive economic growth and prosperity.

At the heart of the Expo is a dedication to empowering dreams and fostering excellence, the statement said.

Through a series of engaging activities, including keynote speeches, interactive panel discussions, and networking sessions, participants will gain valuable insights, practical guidance, and tangible support to navigate their entrepreneurial journey successfully, it said.

As a precursor to the exhibition, the Agency will unveil the GrowthFund in March, a revolutionary initiative designed to address critical challenges faced by entrepreneurs and businesses in Ghana.

The GrowthFund offers financial support, project financing, and expert guidance to individuals striving for success, ensuring that innovative ideas are transformed into tangible projects.

It serves as a bridge between employers and employees, addressing the skilled labour shortage in companies and enhancing overall productivity and growth.

Close to 900,000 metric tonnes of cashew go waste in Bono Region  

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Madam Justina Owusu-Banahene, the Bono Regional Minister, has appealed to Ghana’s development partners to assist in adding value to cashew fruits and nuts for job-creation and poverty reduction.

She expressed regret that 889,000 metric tons of cashew fruits went to waste in the region annually due to lack of processing plants to ensure value addition to the fruits and nuts.

Madam Owusu-Banahene made the appeal when Mrs Harriet Thompson, the British High Commissioner, interacted with heads of departments and agencies in Sunyani as part of her visit to the region to explore its economic potentials.

She said the region had about 74,000 acres of cashew plantation, which produced 88,900 beans annually, but the lack of processing facilities, disjointed value chain, price fluctuation and poor farm management culture were impeding the sector’s growth.

Another key economic potential of the area was the poultry sector, which had more than 1,160 farmers, with a poultry stock of about 8,000,000.

However, the lack of laboratory, high cost of poultry feed, drugs as well as price competition with imported products remained inimical to the growth of the industry.

Mrs Thompson said she was impressed about the economic prospects of the region, particularly the poultry sector, and pledged the UK’s commitment to boosting trade in Ghana through value addition.

Mr Dennis Amenga Abugri, the Bono Regional Director, Ministry of Food and Agriculture (MoFA), said the region’s farmer population was around 153,000, with only 107 extension officers, thereby contributing to challenges in technology dissemination.

It mostly cultivates maize, cassava, yam, plantain, cashew, cocoa and mango as its  major economic crops.

Mr Abugri said the impact of climate change was well felt and slowing down food productivity in the region.

GPL returns with Hearts back in Accra, Kotoko dares to tame Heart of Lions 

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The first round of the 2023–24 Ghana Premier League (GPL) produced 297 goals, which is the least among the three previous editions, and the second phase of the league is expected to be intense, with teams battling for glory and survival.

Accra Hearts of Oak, who recorded the most draws, nine in the first round, would be looking to turn most of these draws into wins as they could possibly make a comeback to clinch another league title.

After a couple of home matches in Kumasi, the Phobians are back in Accra as they lock horns with Real Tamale United on Sunday at the Accra Sports Stadium.

It would be the first competitive match for Hearts new coach, Aboubakar Ouattara, who is aiming to start the ball rolling in a topsy-turvy season for the Phobians, who currently sit 11th on the league table.

Unfortunately for Hearts, they have struggled in recent matches as they have failed to record a win in their last three meetings with the Northern giants.

Asante Kotoko, who were in good form in the latter stages of the first round, would be hoping to continue where they left off as they take on the bottom-placed Heart of Lions at the Kpando Sports Stadium.

Heart of Lions, who secured a vital point in the reverse fixture in Kumasi last year, will be hoping for more positive results as they seek to climb out of the relegation zone.

But it wouldn’t come easy against the Porcupine Warriors, who are unbeaten in seven matches and have the most away wins this season (4).

League leaders Samartex 1996 face off against second-placed Aduana Stars in the top line-up of the weekend at Nana Agyeman Badu I Park on Monday.

Only two points separate these two sides, as a win for either side could propel their aspirations of clinching this year’s league trophy.

Nsoatreman FC, who recently lost the JA Kufuor Cup match to Kotoko, would be looking to bounce back to winning ways and keep pace at the top when they face Bechem United.

Great Olympics would be away at Bofoakwa Tano while Gold Stars host Berekum Chelsea.

Medeama and Dreams FC’s league matches against Accra Lions and Nations FC have been postponed due to their involvement in Africa Club competitions.

Full fixture list:

Heart of Lions vs. Asante Kotoko

Hearts of Oak vs. Real Tamale United

Bechem United vs. Nsoatreman FC

Bibiani Gold Stars FC vs. Berekum Chelsea

Bofoakwa Tano FC vs. Great Olympics

Karela United vs. Legon Cities

Aduana Stars vs FC Samartex 1996

Mexico Basic School wins Sherbrah Cup Football Tournament

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The Mexico Basic School has emerged as the winner of the Sherbrah Cup Football Tournament, out of 10 participating schools in the Tema West Municipality.

The tournament, which was organised by James Clifford Sherbrah Sporting Limited (JC Sherbrah) in partnership with the Ghana Education Service and the Tema West Municipal Assembly (TWMA), was aimed at uncovering and nurturing young talents at the basic school level within Tema Community Two.

For its prize, the Mexico Basic School was awarded trophies, medals, and a cash prize of GH¢200, along with sporting bags, close-up toothpaste, and brushes, while the best goalkeeper and player for the tournament each received a plaque.

The runner-up team from the Community 2 Cluster 5/1 Basic School was also presented with medals.

Seven promising players were also scouted during the tournament by representatives of the Football for Schools (F4S), for further evaluation.

Reverend Maurine Sherbrah, the president of JC Sherbrah, told the Gna Sports that there was a collaboration between the company and Football for Schools (F4S) to enhance the education, development, and empowerment of children at the basic school level in sports.

Rev. Sherbrah added that they aimed to make football more accessible to both genders nationwide by integrating it into the educational system.

He said the programme was tailored to instill vital life skills and competencies in the children through football, noting that the children’s excitement after receiving their awards was an indication of their joy in achieving something in the sport.

She noted that despite facing some challenges, such as parental and teacher reluctance, the initiative persevered, using the children’s keen interest as motivation. 

She said currently, they host regular games at public basic schools in the Greater Accra Region, while plans are under way for a nationwide expansion.

As part of the tournament, the children were taken through an education on personal hygiene, acknowledging the physical exertion involved in sporting activities. 

Ms Gyafo Lydia, a nurse and member of JC Sherbrah, took them through proper hand-washing techniques and the correct use of hand sanitizer, as well as the importance of bathing twice daily and changing underwear regularly.

The winners expressed gratitude for the opportunity and appealed for increased participation in the future.

Biden administration is to cancel another $1.2 billion in student loans

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President Joe Biden’s administration said on Wednesday that it will cancel $1.2 billion in student loans for around 153,000 people who are qualified under a programme designed to make good on pledges to enhance debt forgiveness.

After the Supreme Court halted a bigger proposal to cancel $430 billion in student loan debt in June, Biden promised last year to look at additional options for debt relief.

The government has now cancelled almost $138 billion in student debt for roughly 3.9 million Americans through executive measures, according to the White House.
The most recent statement applies to anyone engaged in a repayment programme called as Saving on a Valuable Education (SAVE), which covers those who borrowed $12,000 or less and have been repaying the money for at least 10 years

The move will “particularly help community college and other borrowers with smaller loans and put many on track to being free of student debt faster than ever before,” the White House said.

Left-leaning progressive and young voters, whose support Biden needs to win re-election in November, have been vocal in advocating for student loan forgiveness on a wide scale. Republicans largely oppose such actions.

The head of Nigeria’s defence ministry charges countries of using “double standards” by refusing to sell weapons.

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The defence minister of Nigeria voiced his displeasure on Tuesday over what he described as the “double standards” of certain nations refusing to sell his military hardware due to worries over human rights.

The statement made by General Christopher Musa highlights one of the major obstacles facing the most populous country in Africa as it fights a lethal and intricate security crisis, which includes dozens of armed groups targeting travellers and communities in the northwest and central regions, as well as the Islamic militant insurgency in the northeast.

“Even with our money, it is difficult getting equipment,” Musa told reporters in Nigeria’s capital of Abuja, acknowledging a huge need for items such as helicopters, drones and Mine Resistant Ambush Protected (MRAP) vehicles.

“Some say human rights, some say ‘You have killed’ … but again, sometimes, people pointing fingers at you have done worse and yet nobody is holding them to account. It is these double standards that (are) making the world more dangerous,” Musa said.

He declined to name the countries in question when asked by The Associated Press.

Nigeria’s security forces for many years have faced allegations of extrajudicial killings and illegal arrests. The United States and other major arms suppliers at one point or another have withheld the sale of weapons over those accusations.

In December, at least 85 civilians were killed when a Nigerian army drone erroneously targeted a religious gathering in northwest Kaduna state, the latest of several such incidents.

Musa said Nigeria’s military has continued to improve on its human rights record and is holding its personnel to account. Alleged abuses are often investigated, and a report on the December incident will be released soon, he said.

“The Nigerian Armed Forces can secure Nigeria (and) the entire region,” Musa said, but added that the lack of needed weapons will continue to limit that capacity.

However, there is little evidence to show that Nigeria’s military has improved on its human rights record, according to Isa Sanusi, Amnesty International’s director in Nigeria.

“Protecting civilians should be their priority (and) they should look at all human rights violations they have committed to ensure accountability,” Sanusi said.

U.S. military support to Nigeria has at times included training on how to mitigate risks to civilians, according to a State Department statement in January on security cooperation. It said that in August, Nigeria delivered the first payment for 12 attack helicopters worth a total of $997 million.

ECG takes aim at the Ministry of Finance for its GHc1 million debt.

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Due to an outstanding electrical bill of GHc1 million, the Ministry of Finance is scheduled to be cut off from the national grid.

The ministry has been using electricity for the last 10 months without paying the monthly bills, which has led to an accumulation of GHc1, 025,918.00.

Furthermore, the government has not released funding to pay off obligations owed by several municipal and district legislatures.

In order to convey the appropriate message to authorities, ECG decided to disconnect the finance ministry because, according to sources within the organisation, the problem had to be tackled from the ground up.

According to information obtained by Citi News, an ECG team is scheduled to meet with Dr. Amin Adam, the Minister of Finance, in order to come to a consensus.

The ECG is also pursuing Ghana’s Parliament over a GHc23 million debt owed to the power distributor. The ECG national task force has stated that the national task force will proceed to disconnect parliament if the debt is not settled.

Mines and Energy Committee requests information on $12 million spent on the disastrous Agyapa transaction.

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Edward Nana Yaw Koranteng, the CEO of the Minerals Income Investment Fund (MIIF), has been issued a seven-day ultimatum by the Mines and Energy Committee in Parliament to furnish the Committee with further information on the $12 million that was expended on the disastrous Agyapa royalties agreement.

He has until February 27, 2024, to provide the materials to the committee.

After a public uproar in 2021, President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo issued a decree suspending the Agyapa agreement.

In Tuesday, February 13, 2024, Mr. Koranteng revealed during a Public Accounts Committee (PAC) Sitting that $12 million had been spent on the now-stalled Agyapa royalties agreement.

He explained that the amount was expended on the process of issuing the initial public offering on the London Stock Exchange before the suspension.

This has sparked public outrage, including the National Democratic Congress (NDC), vowing to prosecute government officials and persons involved in the controversial deal if it emerges victorious in the December polls.

The Committee, in a statement signed by Senior Assistant Clerk/Schedule Officer, Benjamin Tachie Antiedu, dated Tuesday, February 20, 2024, explained that “The purpose of the request is to guide the select committee on the appropriate steps to take in respect of the allegation.”

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