Home Blog Page 60

Nkwanta North confirms DCE, pledges to tackle water crisis 

By
Editor
-
0

Mr Isaiah Kudjo Dordoe, has been unanimously confirmed as the new District Chief Executive (DCE) for Nkwanta North, receiving hundred per cent of the votes from assembly members. 

In his acceptance speech, Mr Dordoe pledged to work collaboratively with stakeholders to drive development and address the district’s challenges, particularly the longstanding water crisis. 

Mr Dordoe vowed to prioritise resolving the water crisis, specifically mentioning the SIBI community, which has faced water scarcity for over two decades. 

 He pledged to work with the Member of Parliament (MP) Mr John Oti Bless, and all assembly members to foster unity and drive development. 

Mr Dordoe aims to leave a legacy by addressing water and electricity challenges, ensuring access to potable water for all communities. 

The district has struggled with accessing clean water, hindering residents’ ability to follow proper hygiene practices, as seen during the COVID-19 pandemic. 

“Why is NDC Government neglecting us?” Residents in Ntrubo ask 

By
Editor
-
0

The Ntrubo community in the Nkwanta South Municipality in the Oti Region has expressed their displeasure over perceived government neglect of the area and its people. 

Community members said despite their long-standing loyalty to the ruling National Democratic Congress (NDC) they had not been offered appointments and neglected in the provision of essential services. 

According to them, the Ntrubo community have remained steadfast in support of the NDC since the era of the late Member of Parliament (MP) for Nkwanta South Gershon Gbediame, who served for 20 years without a single ministerial appointment, leaving them feeling abandoned.  

Mr. Maxwell Joko, addressing the media at a press conference, said they feel marginalised due to the absence of government appointments since 1992, with no deputy ministerial appointments despite their consistent support for the NDC.  

He also mentioned that the residents are also frustrated with the deplorable condition of their roads, hindering access to essential services and economic opportunities.  

They are calling on the government to establish a nursing college or a modern Senior High School in their community to promote development and provide better educational opportunities.  

They, however, called on the government to prioritise their needs and invest in their development. 

Krachi West Assembly Unanimously Endorses Addo Prosper as MCE

By
Editor
-
0

The Krachi West Municipal Assembly in the Oti Region has unanimously endorsed Mr. Addo Prosper as the new Municipal Chief Executive (MCE).

All 34 Assembly members, including government appointees, voted in favor of Mr. Prosper, giving him a 100 per cent approval rate during a confirmation session held on Tuesday.

Regional Minister John Kwadwo Gyapong, who administered the oath of office, commended the Assembly Members for their unity and support.

He noted that the overwhelming endorsement is a clear sign of the assembly’s commitment to accelerated development under the leadership of President John Dramani Mahama and the NDC administration.

Madam Helen Adwoa Ntoso, the Member of Parliament for Krachi West, also expressed her excitement over the endorsement.

She described the new MCE as a visionary leader and pledged her full support to ensure that more developmental projects are initiated across the municipality.

Madam Ntoso further emphasized plans to boost the municipality’s Internally Generated Funds (IGF) to drive the assembly’s development agenda.

In his acceptance speech, Mr. Addo Prosper expressed heartfelt gratitude to President Mahama for the confidence reposed in him.

He also thanked the Regional Minister, the MP, the entire NDC family, and the assembly members for their overwhelming support.

Speaking to the Ghana News Agency (GNA), Mr. Prosper outlined several pressing challenges facing the Municipality, including erratic power supply, water shortages, youth unemployment, and a declining standard of education.

He pledged to work tirelessly to address these issues during his tenure.

The new MCE called on all citizens of Krachi West, both home and abroad, to contribute ideas and support to help uplift the Municipality.

He appealed for the cooperation, prayers, and unity of the people to enable him to deliver on his mandate and move Krachi West to greater heights.

Eastern Region farmers, fishermen collaborating to standardize maize market pricing 

By
Editor
-
0

The Eastern Regional Chapter of the Ghana National Association of Farmers and Fishermen (GNAFF) is collaborating with key stakeholders to implement a fixed kilogram-based pricing system for maize.  

This initiative aims to standardize sales, ensure fair pricing, and boost farmers’ earnings across the region and beyond. 

This was disclosed at the GNAFF eighth delegates congress held in Koforidua, under the theme: “Uniting to Feed the Nation.”  

The association emphasized that the region would work with national executives to implement a pricing strategy like rice sales, eliminating bargaining by middlemen and enhancing farmers’ incomes.  

The delegates conference featured an election and swearing-in ceremony for eight new executive members whose tenure of office for the leadership is four years, with the eligibility to serve for two terms. 

Additionally, each of the 33 districts and municipalities within the region has 11 executive members. 

The regional executive members are Mr. Anunyam, the Chairman; Nana Odiasempa Abena Ayebea Okani, the Vice Chairman; Mr. Nartey Djangmah, the Regional Secretary; and Mr. John Boafo, the Regional Financial Secretary.  

The remaining members include Mr. Joseph Lawerh, Regional Treasurer; Mr. Emmanuel Ofosu, Regional Organizer; Patience Tsako Narteh, Regional Women’s Organizer; and Mr. Michael Obeng, Regional Youth Organizer. 

Mr. Emmanuel Anunyam, the current Eastern Regional Chairman of GNAFF, explained that that at the regional level the new executive members were eight and at the district level, there were 11 executive members for each of the 33 districts and municipalities. 

The regional executive members are Mr Anunyam the Chairman, Nana Odiasempa Abena Ayebea Okani, the Vice Chairman, Mr Nartey Djangmah, the Regional Secretary, and Mr John Boafo, Regional Financial Secretary. 

The rest are Mr. Joseph Lawerh, Regional Treasurer, Mr Emmanuel Ofosu Regional Organizer, Patience Tsako Narteh Regional Women’s Organizer, and Mr Michael Obeng, Regional Youth Organizer. 

The Regional Chairman said the Ghana National Association of Farmers and Fishermen was the largest umbrella body or trade union for farmers, fishermen, and their associates in Ghana. 

It was established in 1992 to provide a common voice, policy advocacy, capacity building, and agricultural commodity trading opportunities to farmers and fishermen. 

Regarding the plans for Eastern Region, Mr. Anunyam said the association would laisse with the Agriculture Extension Agents to organize periodic meetings for farmers in the various districts to update them on how to be diverse in their farming activities to improve their income. 

Also, about market pricing, he said the region would deliberate with the national executives on a strategy to attain a level where farm produce such as maize can be measured and bagged in kilograms with fixed prices as rice is sold in bags on the market. 

“If we come to a compromise decision we shall forward our recommendations to the policy makers for consideration,” he said. “This strategy will avoid bargaining by middlemen and will boost farmers’ income.” 

Naana Asi Tettey Akplehey I, Interim Committee Member of GNAFF from Accra, commended the Eastern Regional Executives for a smooth run of the congress and urged them to deliver their best to benefit farmers in all categories. 

The congress was held together with officers from the Department of Food and Agriculture, Electoral Commission and national executives of GNAFF. 

Bukayo Saka told he could ‘easily be playing for Real Madrid’ as Arsenal veteran says star winger ‘deserves to be in the Ballon d’Or conversation’.

By
Editor
-
0

An Arsenal great told Bukayo Saka that he could “easily be playing for Real Madrid” and endorsed him for the Ballon d’Or.

Saka’s outstanding performance in Arsenal’s 3-0 win against Real Madrid in the first leg of their Champions League quarter-final game has earned him high praise from Emmanuel Petit, who believes the Gunners winger would fit right into Carlo Ancelotti’s starting lineup at the Santiago Bernabeu.

Saka stood out in a night filled with top-class displays, with his electric play down the right flank causing endless problems for Real Madrid’s defence. The England international’s decisive runs repeatedly exposed David Alaba, drawing fouls and creating key set-piece opportunities that ultimately proved pivotal.

In an interview with William Hill, former Arsenal and France midfielder Petit had nothing but admiration for the 22-year-old, as he said: “Saka could easily be playing for Real Madrid. He’s one of the best players in the world in his position, even at this early stage of his career. It’s incredibly rare to see someone return from injury and consistently perform at such a high level, as he did on Tuesday night.

“His contributions in terms of goals and assists are elite. Just look at his performance against Madrid — he was absolutely crucial for Arsenal. One-on-one, down the flank, he’s a nightmare to defend. If Madrid were to make a move for him, I’m sure their fans would be more than delighted.”

The World Cup winner didn’t stop there. Petit argued that Saka’s influence on Arsenal’s Champions League run could impact the Ballon d’Or race – especially with big names like Kylian Mbappe potentially exiting the competition early.

“The Ballon d’Or race is incredibly tight this year. Without a World Cup or Euros, the spotlight is firmly on the Champions League,” he said. “That puts even more weight on performances from players still in the competition — Raphinha with Barcelona, Ousmane Dembélé at Paris Saint-Germain — they’re very much in the conversation. At this point, it could come down to something as simple as: whoever lifts the Champions League trophy might lift the Ballon d’Or too.

“After Arsenal’s first-leg win over Real Madrid, it’s hard to ignore the impact that could have on Kylian Mbappé’s chances. If he’s knocked out early, it dents his case. And on the flip side, if Arsenal go all the way, Bukayo Saka absolutely deserves to be in the Ballon d’Or discussion, but it may be tricky for him this season as he was injured for four months. But at the level he’s playing right now, you can’t count him out.”

However, Saka’s night didn’t end without concern. He was forced off in the 74th minute after what appeared to be an ankle knock. While the substitution raised some eyebrows, manager Mikel Arteta was quick to reassure fans that the injury was not serious and that his withdrawal was precautionary. Hence, he should be available for the second leg, scheduled for April 16 at the Santiago Bernabeu.

Global markets are unstable as Trump’s tariffs take effect.

By
Editor
-
0

Following the implementation of U.S. President Donald Trump’s most recent tariff hikes and his threat to impose further ones, Asian and European stocks fell on Wednesday.

There is a great deal of uncertainty about Trump’s next move in his trade battle. He stated intends to impose pharmaceutical tariffs in order to encourage the production of more drugs in the United States during a speech on Tuesday evening.

One of Trump’s most recent tariffs is a hefty 104% tax on Chinese goods imported into the United States. But on Wednesday, Chinese markets recovered from their early losses.

Driving the gains were massive share buybacks by big state-run investment funds and other state companies that often are instructed to support the market in times of crisis. Investors also are expecting the government to step up spending and other measures to help counter the impact of the tariffs, which will hit small manufacturers and traders that create the most jobs the hardest.

A slew of losses in Asia

Beijing issued a policy paper reiterating China’s right to protect its businesses with unspecified countermeasures, while it emphasized it preferred to resolve trade issues through dialogue.

The paper also argued that taking into account trade in services and U.S. companies’ operations in China, economic exchange between the two countries is “roughly in balance.”

Hong Kong’s Hang Seng rose 0.7%, while the Shanghai Composite index closed 1.3% higher.

Taiwan led the losses in Asia, as its Taiex plunged 5.8%. Big tech industries were among the biggest decliners.

South Korea’s Kospi lost 1.7% to 2,293.70, and the government said it would provide help for its beleaguered automakers.

Slim hopes

In early European trading, Germany’s DAX lost 2.4% to 19,796.83. In Paris, the CAC 40 declined 2.4% to 6,930.62. Britain’s FTSE 100 gave up 2.2% to 7,735.72.

Analysts say the markets will have more swings up and down given uncertainty over how long Trump will keep the stiff tariffs on imports, which will raise prices for U.S. shoppers and slow the economy. If they persist, economists and investors expect them to cause a recession. If Trump lowers them through negotiations relatively quickly, the worst-case scenario might be avoided.

Trump’s trade war is an attack on the globalization that’s shaped the world’s economy and helped bring down prices for products on store shelves but also caused manufacturing jobs to leave for other countries. Trump has said he wants to narrow trade deficits, which measure how much more the United States imports from other countries than it sends to them as exports.

Three US nationals who tried to stage a coup in the DRC are being held in the US.

By
Editor
-
0

The three Americans who failed to overthrow President Felix Tshisekedi’s administration in a coup attempt are back in the United States and will serve their sentences in the United States after being sentenced to death by a military tribunal in September 2024.

One of the three Americans, Marcel Malanga, 21, was the son of Christian Malanga, an opposition leader who spearheaded the failed coup attempt against Kinshasa’s presidential palace.

Congolese police reported that the older Malanga, who livestreamed from the palace throughout the attempt, was subsequently slain when he resisted being taken into custody. According to Marcel Malanga, he was coerced into participating by his father.

Also repatriated were Tyler Thompson Jr., 21, a friend of the younger Malanga who flew to Africa from Utah for what his family believed was a free vacation, and Benjamin Reuben Zalman-Polun, 36, who is reported to have known Christian Malanga through a gold mining company.

“We also strongly condemn the armed attacks of May 19th and support the DRC authorities in holding those responsible appropriately accountable. At the same time, we seek consistent, compassionate, humane treatment and a fair legal process on behalf of those U.S. citizens,” said Tammy Bruce, State Department Spokesperson.

The pardon and repatriation came amid efforts by Congolese authorities to sign a minerals deal with the U.S. in exchange for security support in the fight against rebels in eastern DRC.

Since January, the Congolese armed forces have been struggling to contain a rapid offensive by the Rwandan-backed M23 rebel group in North and South Kivu provinces

Queen-mother appeals for government intervention to operationalise cassava processing factory  

By
Editor
-
0

Nana Adwoa Owusaa II, the Queen-Mother of Namasua, a farming community in the Berekum Municipality of the Bono Region has appealed to the government to support the people to engage in commercial cassava production. 

She said a cassava processing factory remained non-operational and left at the mercy of the weather because of the lack of the raw materials to feed the factory and create job opportunities for the people. 

Checks revealed that the previous administration through the Rural Enterprises Programme (REP) established the factory in 2022 under the One-District-One-Factory initiative, however, it remains non-functioning, with weed taken over. 

It has the capacity of processing 1.5 metric tons of cassava per hour, equivalent to approximately 15 bags and will create direct jobs for more than 20 people. 

In an interview with the Ghana News Agency (GNA) at Namasua, Nana Owusuaa II expressed worry that many of the young men and women in the area were jobless saying operationalisation of the factory would create direct and indirect jobs to the people. 

She said the facility could operate 24 hours and thereby align with the government 24-hour economy for job creation and poverty reduction. 

Nana Owusuaa II expressed disgust about the uncontrolled activities of Fulani nomads in the area who used their cattle to graze and destroyed people’s farms and properties. 

She said the situation was now threatening the security of the area and called for the urgent intervention of the Berekum Municipal Security Committee. 

Nana Owusuaa II said the nomads had also entered a reserve forest in the area causing extensive damages to the natural resources and called on the Forestry Commission (FC) to act fast and protect the reserve. 

“If FC can’t protect the reserve, then they should hand it over to the community to manage and protect it,” she stated. 

French Ambassador pledges continued support for women-owned businesses in Ghana 

By
Editor
-
0

Mr Jules-Armand Aniambossou, French Ambassador to Ghana has reaffirmed the French Government’s commitment to supporting women entrepreneurs in Ghana to expand their businesses and contribute to the country’s socio-economic development. 

He said the commitment was grounded on President Emmanuel Macron’s vision of fostering renewed relations between France and the African continent geared towards poverty reduction and sustainable growth and development. 

Mr Aniambossou said this on his working visit to a shea processing centre at Tugu, a farming community in the Tamale Metropolis on Tuesday. 

The centre is an initiative of Advans Savings and Loans, a French-owned financial institution operating across Ghana to support marginalised communities and small businesses.  

The shea processing initiative is being implemented in partnership with NGOs such as the Mastercard Foundation, Global Shea Alliance, and Sahel Agricultural Services amongst others. 

Mr Aniambossou said France, through the French Development Agency, was leveraging key interventions to support various sectors of Ghana’s economy including agriculture, energy, the creative industry, and entrepreneurship to promote sustainable development. 

He said, “Ghana is a very rich country with many opportunities for sustainable development, and France is ready to be the partner you can trust and rely on for mutual partnerships.” 

Mr Guillaume Valence, Chief Executive Officer of Advans Savings and Loans in Tamale, said over the past three years, the shea processing initiative had benefitted approximately 8,000 women in the shea industry creating jobs and new business opportunities. 

He added that 90 cooperatives had received training and capacity building support with 46 of them benefiting from financial assistance in 2024 alone amounting to nearly GHc4,000,000. 

Mr Valence commended the women for their timely loan repayments noting that their commitment had encouraged the institution to expand its support to other women and to diversify into additional value chains within the agricultural sector. 

Hajia Latifa Osman, a beneficiary of the initiative, expressed gratitude to Advans and its partners. 

She said the support had enabled her to invest in her children’s education, adding “I have four children, and with the help of this initiative, I have been able to support their schooling. One of them recently graduated with a degree in Agricultural Science, and another is currently studying Architecture at the university.” 

Madam Fuseina Andani, Leader of the Tugu Cooperative Unit said the project had exposed them to appreciate the benefits associated with shea processing. 

She appealed for additional support in the form of tricycles, a warehouse, and a well-equipped shea processing centre to help boost production and efficiency. 

Work on reconstruction of Jinijini-Sampa highway to begin in June under ‘Big Push’ programme-Minister

By
Editor
-
0

Work on the reconstruction of the Jinjini-Sampa highway in the Bono Region will commence in June 2025, Mr Joseph Addae Akwaboa, the Bono Regional Minister has said. 
 
He said extensive engagements had been held with the contractor, saying “he is anticipated to mobilize resources and equipment to resume work on the project which is under the government’s ‘Big Push’ programme which seeks to stimulate economic growth in June” 
 
Mr Akwaboa said the government remained committed to completing the project which would open up economic activities and facilitate progressive growth and development. 
 
The Regional Minister was addressing Assembly Members at separate meetings at Sampa in the Jaman North District and Drobo in the Jaman South Municipality of the region prior to the confirmation of the President Nominees for the Municipal and District Chief Executives in the areas. 
 
“The Jinijini-Sampa stretch serves as a crucial connection between Berekum and the Ghana-Cote D’Ivoire border. It also connects significant cashew-producing towns of Jinijini, Japekrom, Drobo, Dwenem, Seketia, and Suma-Ahenkro”, Mr Akwaboa stated. 
 
On completion, he added that the highway would enhance access to markets, healthcare, and education, as well as promote trade and commerce between Ghana and Cote D’Ivoire. 
 
Mr Akwaboah said the government was working hard to attract investments for the establishing of cashew factories to add value to raw cashew and thereby enhance cashew production and stimulate economic growth and development.  The Assembly Members approved Madam Siata Watara and Mr George Adane, the President nominees for the Jaman South Municipal Chief Executive and Jaman North District Chief Executive respectively 

1...596061...1,457Page 60 of 1,457