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Barker-Vormawor should be ignored, he has Attention Deficit Syndrome

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A photo collage of Oliver Barker-Vormawor (L) and Ellen Ama Daaku A photo collage of Oliver Barker-Vormawor (L) and Ellen Ama Daaku

A member of the communications team of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Ellen Ama Daaku, has urged the public to ignore comments made by private legal practitioner and activist, Oliver Barker-Vormawor.

Speaking on UTV on Thursday, January 30, 2025, she criticised Barker-Vormawor, labelling him as an attention seeker who deliberately engages in such behaviours for publicity.

She went on to suggest to the Appointments Committee of Parliament to disregard his actions, noting that the committee members are familiar with his past conduct.

“He is an attention seeker, left with me, the members of the Appointments Committee should ignore him. They know his character and the things he has done in the past, I’ve seen that he has posted on his social media platforms that he intends to leave the country,” she stated.

The NPP communications team member further described Barker-Vormawor as someone with Attention Deficit Syndrome, a condition she speculated he developed in his childhood, which manifested in his adult life.

She likened him to a troubled child who frequently throws tantrums, advising the committee to ignore him.

“I think he has Attention Deficit Syndrome, which he developed as a child so in his adulthood, he always wants to be in the news.

“He is a typical example of a troubled child. He is always throwing tantrums, so, I feel the committee should have ignored him. He is a troubled child, he should be ignored,” she noted.

On Wednesday, January 29, 2025, Barker-Vormawor appeared before the Appointments Committee of Parliament, upon a summons, following comments he made on social media regarding alleged bribery in the approval processes of ministerial nominees who come before the committee.

He had suggested in a post on social media on Friday, January 24, 2025, that the committee members receive money in order to approve nominees, prompting a backlash.

The post read, “So, all the money the ministerial appointees are being asked to pay to the Appointments Committee just to get approved, are those not affected by ORAL? Strange Republic.”

But during his appearance before the committee, he apologised, clarifying that his post was not meant to insult any member of the committee or suggest that bribes were being taken.

He explained, “I want to make it clear that my post was not meant to disparage any member of the committee. I did not intend to imply that committee members received or demanded bribes from any individual. For this reason, I apologise.”

JKB/AE

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Prof. Gyamfo, Kobby Mensah Appointments Spark Controversy

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Prof. Ransford Gyampo and Prof. Kobby Mensah

 

Concerns about the neutrality of panelists discussing national issues have arisen following President John Dramani Mahama’s appointment of prominent political commentators, Prof. Ransford Gyampo and Prof. Kobby Mensah, to key political positions.

President Mahama appointed Prof. Ransford Gyampo, a political science professor at the University of Ghana, as the Acting Chief Executive Officer of the Ghana Shippers Authority, while Prof. Kobby Mensah was named the Chief Executive Officer of the Ghana Tourism Development Company Limited.

These appointments have left many in shock, particularly as both professors had been vocal critics of the Akufo-Addo-Bawumia administration in the lead-up to the 2024 elections, often discussing issues they believed were in the public interest.

Comments on social media reflected a mix of disbelief and criticism. One user, AgbelimorK59060, expressed skepticism: “Wow… Now I believe there’s no neutral in Ghana! Everyone belongs to a political party. So Prof was making all the noise because of the appointment!!! Very soon Prof Gyampo, will also get his appointment. How far Jonnie Hughes??”.

Another user, TheYungMagician, lamented: “Ei Ghana!!! Personal interest nkoaaa!!!! They parade themselves as experts and neutrals pushing for national interest meanwhile personal interest nkoaaa. Shame on you all.”

Dan Taylor added, “Stomach social media commentators with ingrained interests. We’re gradually seeing and identifying all of them. Indeed there is no smoke without fire.”

User @GbambeguJabi remarked on the trend of appointments: “All the regular panelists (talking heads) on TV3’s Key Points have been sorted. Martin Kpebu, Nana Gyantuah, Kobby Mensah, and now Ransford Gyampo. The appointment is incomplete if the host of the show, Alfred Ocansey, is not appointed.”

Lastly, @sonofjacob98 criticized the situation: “Neutralfoc dey chop CEO left right center. No wonder he was forcing UG lecturers to go on strike!!! How would they feel knowing he used them to advance his own interests?”

The comments surrounding these appointments raises important questions about impartiality in political discourse and the influence of personal interests on public service.

By Prince Fiifi Yorke

I never said Ghanaian graduates should cut grass and sell; I was misquoted — Rashid Pelpuo

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Rashid Pelpuo, the Minister-Designate for Labour, Jobs, and Employment, has clarified remarks he made about unemployment, stating that his comments were misinterpreted.

This follows reports from 2020 that the Wa Central MP advised young people to consider alternative ways of addressing unemployment, such as gathering stones to sell at construction sites or cutting grass to sell in areas where livestock are bred.

He reportedly stated that success in life does not always require formal education, but rather a shift in mindset, perception, and determined attitude.

Speaking during his vetting before Parliament’s Appointments Committee, Mr Pelpuo explained that his statement was meant to encourage young graduates to explore alternative employment opportunities rather than rely solely on government jobs.

According to him, he was quoting an example to emphasise self-sufficiency and entrepreneurship.

Mr. Pelpuo further elaborated that his point was about identifying opportunities within communities to create sustainable livelihoods.

“I know what I was talking about and when I realized that people were misunderstanding and misusing it, I started looking for the full tape to play so people could see what I was talking about.

“So, it is simply not the case that I told graduates to do so. I was just quoting somebody and trying to encourage my Ghanaian fellows that if you are, for example, a nurse and you have a skill, you are better off. If you go into a community and there are no nurses, you can start something on your own.

“…If you go into a community and the people consume a particular product, you can go and get those products and send them there; that is a bigger form of it. It was a basic example I was citing. It is to give perspective to the Ghanaian workforce so we can find within ourselves the capacity and the means to earn a living,” he stated.

What Rashid Pelpuo said about unemployment

Twene Jonas goes bonkers over Ghanaians ‘snitching’ on him to Trump for deportation

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Ghanaian US based social media commentator Twene Jonas has taken on his countrymen seeking his downfall.

According to Twene Jonas, some Ghanaians have started tagging and mentioning him in posts to US President Donald Trump, with the aim of getting him deported back to Ghana.

Twene Jonas, who has not only been scared but angry at this behavior, has issued a stern warning to Ghanaians.

Bank of Ghana boosts gold reserves to strengthen financial stability

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The BoG's gold reserves are estimated to be worth approximately $2.72 billion The BoG’s gold reserves are estimated to be worth approximately $2.72 billion

The Bank of Ghana (BoG) has significantly increased its gold holdings, with reserves rising from 19.5 tonnes in December 2023 to 30.5 tonnes by December 2024.

This represents a substantial addition of 11 tonnes to the central bank’s gold reserves within a single year.

At current market values, the BoG’s gold reserves are estimated to be worth approximately $2.72 billion.

This sharp increase in gold reserves is part of the BoG’s broader strategy to enhance Ghana’s financial stability, strengthen the local currency (the cedi), and reduce the country’s reliance on foreign currencies, particularly the US dollar.

The central bank’s efforts align with its goal of building a more resilient and self-sufficient economy.

The growth in Ghana’s gold reserves is largely attributed to two key initiatives: the Domestic Gold Purchase Programme (DGPP), which focuses on sourcing gold locally, and the Gold for Oil policy, which allows Ghana to use its gold reserves to purchase oil.

This strategy reduces pressure on foreign exchange reserves and supports the cedi.

Additionally, these programs were designed to leverage Ghana’s abundant natural resources to stabilize the economy and reduce external vulnerabilities.

Meanwhile, some economic experts have welcomed the BoG’s gold accumulation strategy, noting that it provides a stronger buffer for Ghana’s financial system.

They believe that the upward trend in gold acquisitions will enhance the country’s ability to navigate global economic challenges, such as fluctuating commodity prices and geopolitical tensions.

As the BoG continues to build its gold reserves, the move is expected to reinforce investor confidence, support the cedi, and provide a solid foundation for the country’s economic future.

ID/MA

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WAPCo to commence pipeline maintenance on February 5

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West African Gas Pipeline Company (WAPCO) to commence cleaning soon West African Gas Pipeline Company (WAPCO) to commence cleaning soon

The West African Gas Pipeline Company (WAPCO), owners and operators of the West African Gas Pipeline, will on February 5, commence the maintenance activities on the offshore section of the pipeline stretching from Nigeria to Aboadze in Ghana.

The exercise which would also be used to change the subsea valves of the pipeline would be completed on March 2, 2025.

Dr Isaac Adjei Doku, General Manager of Corporate Affairs of the company made this known during a media briefing at the Aboadze metering station to promote public understanding of the activities, ensure transparency as well as provide accurate information on how the activities would affect gas transportation services and measures in place to ensure a safe and timely execution of the project.

The Corporate Affairs Manager said the company had begun installing the necessary equipment, including an effluent management system for the project.

Dr. Doku explained that, per the West African Gas Pipeline Authority’s regulations, WAPCO was required to clean and inspect the pipeline every five years.

He said the February cleaning would be the third since the establishment of the processing plant and that the first cleaning was done in 2012, the second in 2020 and the third in 2025.

The cleaning dubbed “PIGGING,” is being done to remove debris, dirt, and liquids from the pipelines.

It is also to inspect the internal walls of the pipelines, replace subsea valves and conduct ancillary works needed.

According to him, during the cleaning period, the company would temporarily suspend the reverse gas flow transportation of natural gas from Ghana’s Western Region to Tema in the East and Gas transportation services from Nigeria to Cotonou (Benin), Lomé (Togo) and Tema (Ghana).

Dr. Doku indicated that the company would not suspend all its services, adding that an average of about 90,000 mmscf/d of gas required to push the Pipeline Inspection Gauge (PIG) from Nigeria to Takoradi would be transported, which means WAPCO would be transporting gas to Takoradi.

On safety and efficiency, he said the maintenance would prioritise the safety of the workers and that WAPCO has extensively engaged all relevant stakeholders to ensure a smooth and successful project.

“WAPCO engineering and safety teams have worked to develop a comprehensive plan to ensure all activities are completed safely and efficiently as possible.”

Dr. Doku explained that most of activities would take place offshore at the two WAPCO facilities that is, WAPCO’s Lagos beach compressor station located at Badagry, Lagos State Nigeria and Takoradi at the Aboadze regulating metering station.

“Our Lagos Beach compressor station is where the cleaning and inspection devices known as PIGs will be inserted into the pipeline, while the Aboadze regulating and metering station is where each PIG will arrive after traveling through the 569 km stretch of pipeline”.

He hinted that WAPCO anticipated only a minimal disruption to the activities of host communities within the vicinity of their facilities in Badagry Nigeria and Aboadze , Ghana as most of their activities would be offshore and confined within the premises of their facilities.

Dr. Doku said the exercise was paramount because it was regulatory to ensure safe reliable operations, aligned with industry best practices as well as confirmed the conditions and integrity of the pipeline.

He said the company had engaged the Environmental Protection Agencies in the respective countries and was implementing a world class affluent management system at its facilities in Takoradi where the company expects to receive some effluent from the cleaning of the offshore pipeline.

Dr. Doku expressed the company’s gratitude to the governments of Ghana, Nigeria, Togo, and Benin for their support.

He also appreciated the Maritime and regulatory authorities across the four counties as well as its customers, shippers, gas off-takers, host communities and all stakeholders.

Auwal Ibrahim, WAPCO General Manager of Operations and Maintenance said “WAPCO is committed to maintaining the proactive stakeholder engagement processes established during the project’s preparation phase and during execution.”

He said the company would continue to engage with the relevant stakeholders on all matters to ensure the project’s safe execution success.

He said though the cleaning exercise was cost inclusive WAPCO would maintain its prices for its customers.

How Afenyo-Markin squared up to Nana Ato Dadzie

Profiles of the 4 people likely to serve as Deputy Minister of Sports and Recreation

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L-R: Dickson Kyereh-Duah, Sampson Deen,Ben Nunoo Mensah and Yaw Ampofo Ankrah L-R: Dickson Kyereh-Duah, Sampson Deen,Ben Nunoo Mensah and Yaw Ampofo Ankrah

As Ghana awaits the vetting and approval of Kofi Adams as the next Minister of Sports and Recreation, speculation is rife about who could complement his leadership as deputy minister.

While the possibility of a deputy sports minister remains uncertain as the government has stated that some ministries will not have deputy ministerial portfolios, several names have surfaced as potential candidates to serve alongside Adams.

Given Adams’ background and experience as a Member of Parliament, expectations are high for his leadership at the sports ministry, necessitating a strong backup to help steer affairs.

Amid the swirling rumours, four men have emerged as top contenders who could potentially bring the expertise and passion required to support Adams in driving Ghana’s sports development forward.

This article sheds light on these three individuals.

Dickson Kyereh-Duah

The Member of Parliament for Berekum West, Dickson Kyereh-Duah, popularly known as Stuttgart is rumoured to be the leading candidate for the role of deputy to Kofi Adams at the sports ministry

Kyereh-Duah made his parliamentary debut after winning the December 2024 elections, securing a seat in Ghana’s Parliament for the first time.

His distinguished career—marked by excellence, integrity, and dedication to sports development, communication, journalism, and academia—highlights his wealth of experience for the role.

With a strong background in sports journalism and significant administrative experience, Stuttgart brings strategic thinking, leadership, and a deep commitment to driving transformational change in Ghana’s sports sector.

His unique blend of expertise and passion positions him to make a lasting impact on the country’s sports landscape.

Sampson Deen

Sampson Deen is a seasoned expert in hospitality, communication, and sports management, with over two decades of experience dating back to 2003.

A serial entrepreneur, Deen founded the African Origin Group of Companies in 2017, which includes African Origin Travels and Sports Tourism, and AOG Construction Services.

He was elected as President of the African Paralympic Committee in 2021 and continues to serve in that role. In 2024, Deen secured another term as President of the National Paralympic Committee (NPC) of Ghana, winning uncontested at the 2024 Elective General Assembly.

Ben Nunoo Mensah

Mr. Ben Nunoo Mensah is a renowned figure in Ghanaian sports, serving as the President of the Ghana Olympic Committee (GOC).

He has made significant contributions to the development of sports in Ghana.

His educational background is impressive, having attended St. Augustine’s College and later graduating with an Executive Master’s Degree in Business Administration (Marketing) from the University of Ghana Business School (UGBS).

Nunoo Mensah has had a distinguished career in sports management and administration. His experience extends to the international stage, where he was the chaperone of the Ghanaian contingent at the 2012 Commonwealth Games in London.

His leadership roles have also included being the Treasurer of the Ghana Olympic Committee (GOC), although he resigned due to personal reasons.

He later became the President of the GOC, taking over from Prof. Francis Dodoo after winning the election on March 15, 2017.

Yaw Ampofo Ankrah

Yaw Ampofo Ankrah is a renowned Ghanaian journalist, media practitioner, and sports visionary, serving as the Chairman of the Beach Soccer Committee of the Ghana Football Association.

With a storied career spanning sports broadcasting, marketing, branding, and administration, he has left an indelible mark on Ghana, Africa, and the global sports landscape.

As a pioneering entrepreneur, Ankrah’s passion for sports development led him to establish the Ghana Beach Soccer franchise in 2007, which has since grown into a thriving national league.

Ankrah’s illustrious journalism career has taken him to global heights. Notably, he anchored the acclaimed BBC Fast Track radio sports show in London from 2002 to 2005. Prior to this, he honed his craft with prominent UK-based networks OBE TV and Vox Africa TV.

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FKA/EK

Artistes should be considerate when charging event promoters abroad

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Ghanaian musician, Kwabena Kwabena, has called on artistes in the country to be considerate of the rate they charge event promoters living abroad when their services are required.

In an interview with Nana Romeo on Accra FM, on January 29, 2025, Kwabena Kwabena indicated that before an artiste would charge for a show, they should have a proper discussion.

“I think there is a miscommunication on the part of the new crop of artistes. Those of us who have been in the industry for quite some time understand how these things work so promoters abroad do not find it difficult working with us. But these new artistes are living in a certain mindset that needs to be corrected.

“In recent times, if you are not an artiste who is on an international record label, that has the capacity to pitch you to the rest of the world… the new generation of artistes do not have all these technicalities at hand, which is why the promoters out there are pulling back. Also, there should be proper communication with both parties,” he said.

Kwabena Kwabena added that Ghanaians abroad find it difficult to attend events with high rates, therefore, organisers find it difficult to generate revenue at the end of concerts.

“When it comes to Ghanaian promoters out there, they only sell the shows to Ghanaians there, and that is what the artistes here do not get. Also, Ghanaians there find it difficult to attend events with higher rates. Again, the auditoriums that they use for our shows are not large… They do not get enough in terms of revenue, so that should also inform how an artiste should charge them,” he added.

JHM/AE