Home Blog Page 570

Kennedy Agyapong launches the PHD campaign

Presidential hopeful and Member of Parliament for Assin Central, Kennedy Ohene Agyapong has launched a new motivational program dubbed: “The Guidance Conference” with a call on the youth to imbibe the principles of Patriotism, Honesty, and Discipline (PHD).

The program which was launched at the Western Regional capital of Sekondi-Takoradi over the weekend aims to concertizing Ghanaians on the need to have a positive mindset toward the holistic development of the country.

The maiden conference was on the theme: “The Youth-Our Future Hope” and brought together hundreds of youth in and around the metropolis.

Performing the launch, Mr Agyapong explained that the slogan PHD stood for Patriotism, Honesty, and Discipline.

Mr. Agyapong explained that PHD were the cardinal principles that separated the developed world from Africa and Ghana in particular, stressing that “Many Ghanaians do things and act in ways that depart from these principles and that remains the main reason why we are still underdeveloped.”

The MP who is also a successful businessman and an entrepreneur noted that no country had even developed with its natural resources alone but has been able to harness these resources and through PHD had developed to take care of its citizenry.

Touching on patriotism, he implored the Ghanaians to show love to their country by being patriotic in every sphere of their national lives, adding that “Workers and employees especially have to treat public institutions in which they work as if it is their own.”
He bemoaned the situation where Ghanaians often said negative things to discourage hardworking and committed employees who work wholeheartedly.

This, he said, did not portray patriotism and thus goes a long way to affect the forward march of the country.

On the issue of honesty, he encouraged the people especially the youth, to be truthful in all their engagements.

Mr Agyapong noted that, it was only honesty that would compel people to declare their incomes and pay the appropriate taxes on them and that without it people would continue to short-change the country.

He also made it abundantly clear that indiscipline in the country was one of the major reasons why the country lose a lot of money that could have been used to develop many sectors of the economy.

The Legislator noted that workers in many state organizations reported late to work most of the time and didn’t care whether or not services were rendered to the public.

He used the occasion to take the youth through his working life and urged them to see successful people who made their monies through hard work as their role models.

Mr Agyapong explained that he worked and toiled tirelessly right after his secondary school days to be able to make it up to where he was today.

He said, he has been able to make it through perseverance, hope and a positive mentality,

“If a businessman wants to be successful, he or she shouldn’t give up on failure,” he said.

Mr Agyapong motivated Ghanaians to take their destiny into their own hands and not depend on the government for all their needs, stressing that “the national resources are being shared by many people and may not go round to everyone.

Source: angelonline.com.gh

Teacher unions urge GES Deputy DG to decline contract extension

Teacher Unions across the country have called on the Deputy Director-General of the Ghana Education Service (GES), Anthony Boateng, to decline the one-year contract extension offered to him by the government.

The unions also demand that all employees who are eligible for retirement be told to follow the law while taking their retirement.

The Coalition of Concerned Teachers Ghana (CCT-GH), National Association of Graduate Teachers (NAGRAT), King Ali Awudu, and Teacher Education Workers Union (TEWU) President Mark Dankyira Korankye, along with the Ghana National Association of Teachers (GNAT) General Secretary Thomas T. Mush, issued a statement on August 22, 2022, calling on the Deputy Director-General of the GES to “to direct all retired persons” in the service

The unions, also directed their members to “disregard directives issued by these persons” if they are still at the post by Friday, September 30, 2022.

Meanwhile, the tenure of office for the current Deputy Director-General of the GES has been extended.

The Deputy Director-General of the GES’s current position has had his or her term of office extended.

According to a letter from the Secretary to the President Nana Bediatuo Asante, “I am happy to notify you that the President of the Republic has given you a further one-year term of service as Deputy Director-General (Management Services) of the Ghana Education Service.”

The agreement began on August 17, 2022, and it will last until August 16, 2023.

The Deputy Director-General is required to carry out his current duties and “help in the development of the National Education Institute as approved by the cabinet” throughout the duration of the extension.

The present Deputy Director-General of the GES’s term of service should be extended after the conclusion of his post-retirement contract, according to Dr. Yaw Adutwum, Minister of Education.

“Referring to the general principle and policy on post-retirement contracts in Ghana; I should be grateful to respectfully request for another one-year extension of the contract for Mr. Anthony Boateng; current Deputy-Director for Management Service,” the Education Minister wrote in a letter to the Secretary of the President at Jubilee House.

On August 2, 2022, Mr. Boateng received a one-year post-retirement service contract extension.

This year’s contract expired.

I will reject ex-gratia again – Togbe Afede

0
Togbe

The Agbogbomefia of the Asogli State, Togbe Afede XIV has defended his decision to return an amount of GHS365,392.67 paid him as ex-gratia for serving as a member of the Council of State between 2017 to 2020.

In June this year, the former President of the National House of Chiefs, returned to the state with the said amount citing the country’s prevailing economic conditions as a reason.

This act by the Paramount Chief of the Asogli State generated a huge controversy with some assigns of government dragging to the cleaners.

But speaking at an Anti-Corruption Day event organized by the Asogli Traditional Council on Saturday, as part of activities to mark this year’s Te Za of the Asogli people, Togbe Afede XIV defended his decision, noting that, “Yes, I will do it again…”.

“I returned the ex-gratia amount I was given not because I didn’t need the money.” In fact, at that particular time, I needed money very badly to meet various family obligations. But I truly believe that the money was not deserved.”

Togbe Afede also denied claims that he was not regular at meetings while serving as a member of the Council of State while stating further that he never claimed allowances for commuting from Ho as his place of residence contrary to claims in the media when the issue broke.

“I was one of the most active participants at the Council of State and registered as a resident of Accra and not Ho and never had any transport allowance.”

“Yes, I will do it again [reject ex-gratia], because our country is a very poor country so anybody who sacrifices or who has offered to voluntarily work for this country must be very considerate.”

The focus of the Anti-Corruption Day celebration is to appeal to the consciences of the Ghanaian youth to be ethical and rise up for the fight against corruption.

“Corruption is the main cause of underdevelopment in the country and this demands the attention of us all. We have to call the youth to be part of the fight against corruption as the country belongs to them. It is sad to see how students at the university fight amongst themselves when there’s a bigger battle to fight. There’s no need for Commonwealth’s Vandals and Vikings to fight, neither is there the need for Katanga and Conti in Kumasi to fight. Fight the things that endanger your future,” Togbe Afede added.

Saturday’s Anti-Corruption Day celebration brought influential voices and anti-corruption crusaders like Manasseh Azuri Awuni of the Fourth Estate, renowned broadcaster and musician, Black Rasta, Mensah Thompson of ASEPA, Ace-Journalist, Eric Ahianyo amongst others who took turns to address the gathering.

The 2022 Asogli State Te Za (Yam Festival) is on the theme: “Let’s Eschew Greed, Unite for Peace, Development and Prosperity.”

Source: starrfm.com.gh

The taunts from Tinny are unsurprising – Stonebwoy

Ghanaian music star Stonebwoy has revealed he wasn’t surprised when he saw Tinny’s rant and insults directed at him.

When the footage of the rant was sent to him, he remembers saying, “I’m not really surprised but it’s cool.”

He said this on Accra-based Hitz FM today Monday, 22 August 2022.

“I felt sad because I’ve been in the know that a lot of people don’t like me but I don’t take it to heart. I still manage to do me,” he shared while adding “I’ll be honest, in this industry, I’ve faced my fair share of hatred and I’m still facing it.”

On why he’s experienced hatred in his line of work, the father of two reflected, “You know people have their own fears and have their own scars that it’s reflecting on other people where it’s really not supposed to be.”

He expressed his respect for Tinny “irrespective of knowing his stance when it comes to a few things. We still have to respect him because” people like him are forebears in the industry and “we’re here today owing to their efforts.

He bemoaned his gesture to settle Tinny’s alleged debt of GHS2,000 was only out of “an open heart” and even though it has been met with insults, “I didn’t take it too deeply. It only now closed it for me where he [Tinny] really stands.”

On why he didn’t confirm with Tinny if the allegation against him was true in the first place, Stonebwoy, affectionately called ‘1Gad’ argued, “Bro, I was just walking and I saw something I could deal with and I dealt with it”.

He added, the promoter, Yaw Menkasa, had earlier mentioned the matter had been taken to the police, which to him showed the seriousness of the issue.

He called Tinny’s reasons for calling him a fool “flawed” adding that in the music industry, there’s a lot of talk about love but “there’s no action.”

Asked if going forward he’d work with rapper Tinny, Stonebwoy hesitantly said, “I’m not sure I’d want to work with him now. The truth be told.”

He also registered he’s in fact not been able to grant collaboration requests from other artists for a while stating he’s even only released just a song the entire year. He cited his latest song, ‘Therapy

Source: classfmonline.com

Odike’s Patase office was attacked by gunfire, but no one was arrested, according to reports

The Patase office of the Founder and Leader of the United Progressive Party (UPP), Akwasi Addai “Odike” has been attacked by gunmen.

The thugs who fired gunshots also vandalised vehicles parked within the premises of Odike’s office in Kumasi Monday. Odike who was not around during the incident but has reported the matter to the Police.

According to Starr News’ Isaac Bediako Justice, some staff of the politician were assaulted by the gunmen.

No arrest has been made.

The development comes days after some traditional leaders in the Ashanti region expressed rage at Odike for accusing them of engaging in illegal mining.

The chiefs performed rituals and slaughtered a ram to  banish him from the Asantehene’s palace.

Source: starrfm.com.gh

Over Cedi depreciation and excessive inflation, GUTA will close stores

The Ghana Union of Traders Association (GUTA) has served notice to the government that they will close down shops on Monday, 29th August 2022 in protest of the depreciation of the Cedi and severe economic hardship.

Addressing the media on Monday, August 22, 2022, the President of GUTA, Dr. Joseph Obeng said the rapid and continuous depreciation of the cedi is affecting their businesses

“With the mandate given to the government they can turn the economy, we have given the government the mandate and they have the resources. We believe that with the resources given to the government they can turn the economy around.

“We, the members of the business community, are ever ready to avail ourselves to help the government in its quest in finding solutions to the many challenges. We should not throw our hands in disarray and place the economy on autopilot,” Dr. Obeng stated.

He further called on the government to stretch its hands to all major stakeholders to bring their expertise on board to salvage the economy.

GUTA added that the depreciation of the cedi has eroded the capital of its members and is severely hampering their operations. A dollar is currently trading at GH¢10 while inflation is almost at 32%. The Bank of Ghana has also increased the policy rate to 22%.

Source: starrfm.com.gh

Residents of Odumase Krobo are organizing in response to the unrest caused by alleged military abuses

Residents of Odumase Krobo in the Eastern Region are alleging that they are being brutalized by some military personnel.

Currently, the residents are mobilizing on the streets of Odumase Krobo right from the Nuaso community and they are chanting songs while the military and police are patrolling the area.

Meanwhile, the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG) in response to the alleged military attacks on residents have said nothing about what happened at Nuaso on Monday, August 22, 2022.

“In Nuaso Old Town, there was resistance. One woman threatened to pour hot oil on the ECG personnel and the military.

“A crowd started amassing around one ECG Team. The Military was able to receive a cutlass from one of those who were amassing around the ECG people,” ECG narrated.

According to ECG, there have been reports of constant verbal abuse and attacks on the installation personnel in Nuaso Old Town.

“The Team has withdrawn from Nuaso Old Town. ECG condemns these attacks and unfortunate situations. We keep calling for peace and calm so we can discharge our duties peacefully.”

Source: starrfm.com.gh

Central Region: Residents threaten to demolish ‘death trap’ school block

Angry residents of Gomoa Appiakrom Debiso in the Central Region have threatened to pull down a school building that they say has become a death trap in the community.

According to the residents, their children’s lives are in danger as the building may collapse if is not demolished.

Speaking in an interview with GHOne News the residents hinted that they are disappointed in the government adding that the community has been neglected with no single project from the Akufo-Addo led-administration.

They said through their own efforts they were able to build a Kindergarten and Primary School block without any help from the government.

“We are going to pull down the death trap school building before school resumes in September, 2024. If the government doesn’t construct a new Junior High School building for our children,” the resident warned.

The residents, however, have appealed to the Member of Parliament for the Gomoa West Constituency, Richard Gyan Mensah, the Gomoa West District Chief Executive (DCE), Bismarck Beisie Inkoom to reconstruct the school building for the area.

Meanwhile, the Unit Committee Chairman for the Area, Mr. Mustapha Suleman said response from the Gomoa West District DCE on the dilapidated school building is not encouraging.

According to him, the DCE said he does not have the technical eye to ascertain whether the school building is in a deplorable state or not.

The Unit Committee Member assured that his office and the community will not wait for the building to collapse on their children citing the example of what happened at the Asikuma Odoben District some years back in which a school building collapsed on their children.

“It is time we the residents of Gomoa Appiakrom Debiso come together and drive the disappointing District Chief Executive for Gomoa West Bismarck Inkoom away. Since he has totally failed the community as DCE,” he added.

Source: starrfm.com.gh

MMDA elections: Amend Local Gov’t Act to prevent partisanship – GIJ

GIJ

A senior Research Fellow and Lecturer at the Ghana Institute of Journalism (GIJ), Dr Paul Herzuah, has recommended that the government amends Ghana’s Local Government Act 1993, Act 462 (7) to prevent partisanship in the Metropolitan, Municipal and District Assembly (MMDA) elections.

The Local Government Act 1993, Act 462 (7) (1) states that: “A candidate seeking election to a District Assembly or to any lower local government unit shall present himself to the electorate as an individual, and shall not use any symbol associated with a political party.”

However, Dr Herzuah, presenting a study on the topic, “Enacting identity in local elections in Accra: A multimodal critical discourse analysis”, found that a greater number of people who put themselves up for the 2015 District Assembly elections in some selected areas of Accra enacted their identity based on partisan cues of the two leading political parties in the country, NPP and NDC.

These aspirants used colours associated with the NPP and NDC in the design of their posters to appeal to the conscience of the electorate. A situation which contradicts Section (7) (1) of the Local Government Act.

“The Local Government Act 1993, Act 462 (7) 1 to 4, should be amended to eliminate grey areas in future MMDA elections because, as we saw, the law says that we shouldn’t use any symbols, but they beat the system by design.

They didn’t use any symbols, but I mean, they used the colours in a way that you cannot fault them because it’s design work. So it is important the law is amended in order to remove grey areas to prevent these things from happening,” he said, suggesting that in future MMDA elections, “all posters must come in black and white.” This, he said, will remove any links to the NPP, NDC, CPP, and other political parties.

According to the collected data, 30 of the posters were designed in NPP colours, 28 in NDC, 20 had the Ghana flag, which was categorised as “National”, as well as 32 posters which did not follow any colour pattern, hence categorised as “Undefined.”

The selected areas included Ga East (Agbogba, Abokobi, Taifa) Ayawaso West, as well as the Accra Metropolitan Assembly.

The event, which was organised by the Directorate of Research, Innovation and Development (DRD), the research department of GIJ, is the second of its kind.

In attendance were colleague lecturers from the Journalism and Media Studies Faculty, journalists, as well as the GJA President, Mr Albert Kwabena Dwumfour, who reiterated his unflinching support for the school during his tenure.

Source: starrfm.com.gh

Keep calm, you’ll soon receive your textbooks – Dep. Education Minister

Deputy Education Minister, John Ntim Fordjour says the Ministry has made available the textbooks prepared for use in schools.

According to him, the textbooks, which he noted were contracted to local publishers as part of President Nana Akufo-Addo’s commitment to empowering the local economy, are ready and on distribution to the various schools across the country.

He disclosed this during a panel discussion on Monday morning of Peace FM’s “Kokrokoo” show.

Hon. Ntim Fordjour assured the schools which haven’t received their textbooks to keep calm as they will soon get their copies.

“We have printed the textbooks . . . 50 percent of the total quantity has been distributed but not all the schools have their copies yet. So, we urge the distributors to hasten and send them out of the Region and the districts; it is meant for the classroom. We will also watch it closely to make sure the last child in the last classroom receives textbooks,” he said.

Source:PeaceFMonline