Minister of Lands and Natural Resources, Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah

The Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah, has sent a strong warning to illegal miners and their financiers, declaring that the government is closing in on them.

Speaking to the media on Monday, February 24, during a visit to the Offin-Shelterbelt Forest Reserve in the Nkawie Forest District, Ashanti Region, the minister vowed to crack down on all individuals involved in the destruction of Ghana’s natural resources.

“We are coming after you. You have a choice—leave now or be arrested along with your co-conspirators,” he cautioned.

“Investigations are already underway, tracking those involved, from miners to their financiers and those who rent out excavators. They will all face the full rigors of the law.”

His statement comes amid growing concerns over illegal mining, popularly known as ‘galamsey,’ which has led to widespread environmental degradation and pollution of water bodies.

The minister also revealed attempts by influential individuals to pressure him into releasing arrested Chinese nationals involved in illegal mining.

However, he made it clear that such interventions would not work under his administration.

“Let me warn those trying to intervene on behalf of Chinese nationals arrested for illegal mining.

“Yesterday, I received one of those calls, and I made it clear—the only person who can instruct me to release them is the President of the Republic…

“And let me assure you, the President will not call anybody,” he stated firmly.

Meanwhile, you can also watch the latest compilation of Twi news below:

Yesu Dea, the owner of VIP Buses, a prominent transportation company in Ghana, has made headlines with a remarkable act of kindness.

A University of Cape Coast (UCC) student, who has been living with a unique physical condition, has been the recipient of this generosity.

The student’s condition makes it difficult for him to sit down, forcing him to either stand or lie down straight for extended periods.

Despite these challenges, the student has shown remarkable resilience and determination, inspiring those around him.

Yesu Dea, who was moved by the student’s story, decided to take action and provide support.

A brand-new car was gifted to the student, providing him with a reliable means of transportation.

In addition to the car, Yesu Dea also provided a substantial cash donation of 20,000 Ghana cedis to support the student’s education.

The student was overwhelmed with emotion as they received the generous gift.

Yesu Dea’s kindness has inspired many, and the story has gone viral on social media.

Many Ghanaians have praised Yesu Dea’s philanthropy, calling him a true hero.

The student’s story has also raised awareness about the challenges faced by people with disabilities.

The University of Cape Coast has expressed gratitude to Yesu Dea for his kindness.

The university has also pledged to provide additional support to the student, ensuring their academic success.

The student’s peers have been inspired by their determination and resilience.

Yesu Dea’s act of kindness has also encouraged others to give back to their communities.

The student has promised to use their gift to make a positive impact on society.

Yesu Dea’s generosity has set an excellent example for others to follow.

This heartwarming story has brought joy and inspiration to many.

The student’s life has been forever changed by Yesu Dea’s kindness.

The impact of this generosity will be felt for years to come.

Yesu Dea’s selfless act has reminded us all of the importance of giving back.

This remarkable story will continue to inspire and motivate others to make a positive difference.

Yesu Dea’s kindness has shown that even the smallest acts can make a significant impact on someone’s life. God bless you, sir.

Minister of Lands and Natural Resources, Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah

The Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah, has sent a strong warning to illegal miners and their backers, declaring that the government is closing in on them.

Speaking to the media on Monday, February 24, during a visit to the Offin-Shelterbelt Forest Reserve in the Nkawie Forest District, Ashanti Region, the minister vowed to crack down on all individuals involved in the destruction of Ghana’s natural resources.

“We are coming after you. You have a choice—leave now or be arrested along with your co-conspirators,” he cautioned.

“Investigations are already underway, tracking those involved, from miners to their financiers and those who rent out excavators. They will all face the full rigors of the law.”

His statement comes amid growing concerns over illegal mining, popularly known as ‘galamsey,’ which has led to widespread environmental degradation and pollution of water bodies.

The minister also revealed attempts by influential individuals to pressure him into releasing arrested Chinese nationals involved in illegal mining.

However, he made it clear that such interventions would not work under his administration.

“Let me warn those trying to intervene on behalf of Chinese nationals arrested for illegal mining.

“Yesterday, I received one of those calls, and I made it clear—the only person who can instruct me to release them is the President of the Republic…

“And let me assure you, the President will not call anybody,” he stated firmly.

Meanwhile, you can also watch the latest compilation of Twi news below:

Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia’s official photographers, known as Twinsdntbeg, have sparked reactions online after a video of them in a foreign country surfaced.

In the video, they are seen clearing snow off a car while sending a message to Ghanaians, urging them to stay in Ghana and work hard rather than seeking opportunities abroad.

Speaking in the video, the duo said, “This is a greeting from abroad. Abroad is cold, it is hard here. So, I will tell Ghanaians, if you are in the sun, stay there, don’t come here. This place is hard, don’t come here. Look at us, it’s all cold. Stay in Ghana, you will make it, don’t come abroad.”

Their statement has caused mixed reactions, especially because they were strong supporters of Bawumia’s campaign and had previously encouraged Ghanaians to believe in the system.

Many social media users questioned why they chose to leave the country despite their advice to others.

A social media user who shared the video commented, “After the election, all the NPP suspects have traveled abroad. Even ‘common’ photographers of Bawumia, who once said they would use photos to win the election, have japa.”

Another person wrote, “Bro, do whatever it takes to succeed, except rituals. These people we keep bashing every day don’t care. They have gotten what they want. The life some people dream of having.”

However, some people defended the photographers, saying they have always traveled for work and should not be judged based on one video.

A user explained, “If you know Twinsdntbeg well and their work, you’d realize they have been working in the UK and the USA for years. They only came back close to the elections because they were personal photographers of the former Second Lady.”

The debate continued as others pointed out that success is personal and depends on an individual’s determination. One social media user remarked, “Maybe they realized the only thing developing faster than their photos was their exit plan.”

Link;

https://yawanews.com/2025/02/stay-in-ghana-you-will-make-it-bawumias-photographers-send-greetings-from-abroad/

Suspended Labour MP Mike Amesbury has been jailed for 10 weeks after he admitted punching a man to the ground in his Cheshire constituency.

Amesbury, 55, who represents Runcorn and Helsby as an independent MP, pleaded guilty to assaulting 45-year-old Paul Fellows after video footage emerged showing the confrontation.

He had his Labour whip removed after the incident in Frodsham, Cheshire, which happened in the early hours of 26 October.

Sitting at Chester Magistrates’ Court, Deputy Chief Magistrate Tan Ikram said a pre-sentence report showed Amesbury’s actions were the result of a “anger and loss of emotional control”.

Amesbury was taken down to the cells immediately and an application for bail pending an appeal was refused.

Addressing the MP before handing down the jail term, the magistrate said: “I have to say that I have seen a single punch to the head cause fatal injuries, but note the limited injuries in this case.

“I note that you, Mr Amesbury, continued to punch Mr Fellows when he was on the ground and continued to shout at Mr Fellows. I consider this more culpable.

“You continued to attack when he was on the ground and it may have continued further had a bystander not intervened,” the magistrate said.

“You continued to rant, your position ought to be as a role model to others.”

Passing sentence, the magistrate said the immediate custodial sentence was “necessary both as a punishment and a deterrent”.

He said he accepted the incident was one incident “in an otherwise unblemished career”.

“You have spent your life in public service and served in high office”, he told Amesbury.

But the magistrate said he was of “the view that unprovoked drunken behaviour is too serious to be dealt with unpaid work”.

Mr Ikram said he had also considered how the MP was “unlikely to re-offend”.

But he said: “You were only stopped from going further by members of the public.”

Richard Derby, representing Amesbury, asked the magistrate: “Is that an immediate sentence?”

Mr Ikram nodded and replied: “Yes,” before leaving the courtroom.

Amesbury was then joined in the dock by two security guards who took him down to the cells.

Mr Derby requested the judge come back into court as he wished to make an application for bail for Amesbury, pending an appeal against his sentence.

Mr Ikram returned to court, sat down, paused briefly, and said: “Application refused.”

Amesbury was also ordered to pay £200 compensation to the victim, costs of £85 and a surcharge of £154.

Recall petition

Following sentencing, a Labour Party spokesperson said: “The Labour Party took swift action following Mike Amesbury’s completely unacceptable actions and he is no longer a Labour MP or a member of the Labour Party.

“It is right that Mr Amesbury pleaded guilty and has now been sentenced.

“Local residents in the Runcorn and Helsby constituency deserved better and we look forward to them getting the representation they deserve in the future with a new Labour MP.”

The jail sentence means voters in Amesbury’s constituency can remove the independent MP from his seat with a recall petition.

This can be called if a sitting MP is convicted of an offence that leads to jail time, or even a suspended sentence.

More than 10% of voters must sign the petition in his Runcorn and Helsby constituency for a by-election to be triggered.

A recall petition would also be triggered if the House of Commons decided to suspend him for 10 sitting days or more.

Reform UK party chairman Zia Yusuf called for Amesbury to stand down so a by-election could be held.

He said: “The great people of Runcorn deserve far better than waiting six weeks for a recall petition to take place.”

A further application for bail is expected to be heard at the crown court later this week.

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Spencer Wan Blog of Tuesday, 25 February 2025

Source: Eric Afatsao

The government has announced that the 77th anniversary of the Christiansborg Crossroads Shooting will be commemorated on Friday, February 28, 2025.

The tragic incident, which occurred on February 28, 1948, is remembered as a heroic act of defiance against colonial rule.

It saw three unarmed ex-servicemen—Sergeant Adjetey, Corporal Attipoe, and Private Odartey Lamptey—fatally shot by Superintendent Colin Imray while leading a peaceful march to Osu Castle.

The ex-servicemen, who had fought in World War II as part of the Gold Coast Regiment of the Royal West African Frontier Force, were demanding their rightful compensation from the British authorities.

Their deaths ignited nationwide protests, fueling the independence movement and strengthening the resolve of nationalists, including the Big Six, to push for self-rule.

Their sacrifice played a crucial role in Ghana’s eventual independence on March 6, 1957.

This year’s commemoration, held under the theme “Reflect, Review, Reset,” serves as a reminder of the bravery of Ghana’s forefathers and continues to inspire future generations.

The event also marks the beginning of activities leading up to Independence Day celebrations.

DISCLAIMER: The Views, Comments, Opinions, Contributions and Statements made by Readers and Contributors on this platform do not necessarily represent the views or policy of Multimedia Group Limited.

The Assistant National Public Relations Officer of the Ghana Registered Nurses and Midwives Association (GRNMA), has clarified the ongoing concerns surrounding health sector recruitment.

Philemon Gyapong emphasised that financial clearance is now the backbone of employment for nurses and midwives.

Speaking on Joy News’ PM Express on Monday, February 24, he stated, “If you don’t have financial clearance, it means you have not been budgeted for, and the government doesn’t have a provision for your salary.”

He explained that the recruitment process has evolved significantly from the past, where newly employed health workers could wait up to a year before being added to the payroll.

“That is what has changed from the previous recruitment process, where you go to work, and it takes a bit of time, like six months, one year, before they are put on a payroll.

“At the moment, you are given financial clearance. It means you have been budgeted for,” he elaborated.

Addressing recent concerns, Mr Gyapong confirmed that the Association is aware of financial clearance for 15,200 health professionals.

“The 15,200 which we are aware of have financial clearance. I don’t know of any outside recruitment. There is no recruitment outside of that that we are aware of,” he said.

When asked about the possibility of a strike, Mr Gyapong clarified that the Association’s earlier comments were meant as guidance, not a threat.

Read also: Dec. 7 termination: We’ll strike if newly recruited nurses are affected – GRNMA warns

“I think we cautioned the government on its directive—we were giving them advice, let me put it that way,” he said.

He expressed concern over the fate of nurses and midwives who have waited for years after training but risk being laid off if bureaucratic processes aren’t completed promptly.

“If nurses and midwives, who are also the youth of this country, who have stayed on for four to five years post-training, are laid off based on the fact that maybe their financial clearance process didn’t complete before a certain period, it will be very unfair to do that,” he emphasised.

Reassuring health workers, Mr Gyapong noted that the Ministry of Health has pledged to follow proper procedures.

“The ministry has made us aware that they are going to stick to the directives based on the emphasis they laid—those who went through due process and were given financial clearance are not supposed to go home,” he stated.

DISCLAIMER: The Views, Comments, Opinions, Contributions and Statements made by Readers and Contributors on this platform do not necessarily represent the views or policy of Multimedia Group Limited.

A Kenyan police officer who was on patrol with the international security force in Haiti has been killed in a confrontation with gang members.

The officer, 26-year-old Police Constable Samuel Kitwai, is the first casualty suffered by the Kenyan-led Multinational Security Support Mission (MSS).

The force was sent to Haiti in June last year to help restore order to the country, where gangs have seized control of almost the entire capital, Port-au-Prince, as well as large swathes of rural areas.

More than 5,500 people were killed in gang-related violence in Haiti in 2024 and more than a million people have fled their homes.

The commander of the multinational force, Gen Godfrey Otunge, said Constable Kitwai had been injured in Artibonite, a region north of the capital.

Gen Otunge said the officer had been immediately airlifted to hospital, where he died a short while later. His family has been notified.

Jack Ombaka, the spokesman for the MSS, said in a statement sent to Reuters news agency that Constable Kitwai was a “fallen hero” who “was killed while fighting for the people of Haiti”, while Kenya’s foreign ministry said it was “heartbroken by the loss” of the officer.

Mr Ombaka said the officer had been shot by a gang member during a security operation in the town of Pont-Sondé.

He added that the multinational force would “pursue these gangs to the last man standing”.

A spokesman for Kenya’s National Police Service added that the MSS was working “tirelessly” in collaboration with Haiti’s police force to restore peace and stability in the Caribbean country.

The MSS was boosted earlier this month by the arrival of an additional 200 Kenyan police officers, but the force is outgunned and outmanned by the gangs, which continue to arm themselves with powerful weapons illegally smuggled from the US.

The future of the multinational force – which also has officers from Bahamas, Belize, El Salvador, Guatemala and Jamaica among its ranks – was thrown into doubt some weeks ago when the Trump administration ordered a freeze on foreign aid programmes.

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio later approved a waiver for US funds destined for the MSS and Haiti’s National Police, but it is not yet clear whether the US government supports turning the MSS into a UN peacekeeping operation, which would make its funding more secure.

On Monday, the US Ambassador to Kenya, Marc Dillard, expressed condolences to the family of the killed officer, saying that “the United States is grateful for the courageous Kenyan police who are serving in harm’s way to keep our world safer”.

DISCLAIMER: The Views, Comments, Opinions, Contributions and Statements made by Readers and Contributors on this platform do not necessarily represent the views or policy of Multimedia Group Limited.

American singer-songwriter John Legend has told the BBC he is unfazed by a public backlash against his decision to perform in Rwanda, despite the country’s involvement in the war in the neighbouring Democratic Republic of Congo.

“I don’t believe that we should punish the people of Rwanda and punish the people of other countries when we disagree with their leaders,” he said after last week’s concert in Kigali.

In recent weeks, M23 rebels, backed by Rwanda, have seized the two largest cities in the mineral-rich east of the DR Congo.

There is evidence Rwanda has sent 4,000 troops across the border to support the rebels.

Hundreds of thousands of civilians are now destitute having fled their homes, and shocking violence, including the rape of children, has skyrocketed.

Critics argue that Legend could have made a powerful statement by pulling out of the concert, especially given his highly respected “EGOT” status as someone who has won Emmy, Grammy, Oscar and Tony awards.

Fellow Grammy-winner Tems did pull out of a concert she was due to give on Saturday in Rwanda, saying she would “never, ever intend to be insensitive to real-world issues”.

But Legend defended his decision to headline the Move Afrika event in Kigali, which was run by the Global Citizen NGO and attracted thousands of fans from across the continent.

He said he was not being paid for the performance but felt it was his duty to help “grow touring capabilities” on the African continent, which is often overlooked by international stars on so-called world tours.

“I’m aware of what’s happening [in DR Congo] and I’m aware of the calls there have been for me to not do this show, but I really believe that the mission of Move Afrika is still important,” he told the BBC.

Delighted fans at the sold-out show agreed, but the social media backlash was ferocious enough to force Legend to delete an Instagram post he had made promoting the event.

Belgium-based activist Denise Zanesa had argued that “performing under the banner” of Rwanda “would be akin to collaborating with oppression itself”, in a message posted to X (formerly Twitter).

It was a sentiment echoed by others, including Simone Umba in the US, who wrote in a TikTok video caption: “So are we ready to talk about Rwanda’s use of Black American culture in their soft campaigning to normalise their terrorising of eastern Congo?”

Legend is outspoken in his criticism of US President Donald Trump. He also severed ties with former mentor Kanye West when he ran for president, suspecting it was part of a wider Trump campaign to “siphon” black people’s votes away from the Democrats.

The debate over Rwanda’s relationship with popular global figures is also not new.

Most recently, Rwanda has been accused of “sportswashing” – with critics saying it uses the feel-good factor of international football to cover up alleged human rights abuses at home.

The East African nation is said to receive $1bn (£800m) a year in foreign aid and its tourism arm – Visit Rwanda – has lucrative sponsorship deals with Arsenal in England, Bayern Munich in Germany and Paris St-Germain in France.

When asked his thoughts on the topic, Legend’s aide told the BBC that he would not answer that question.

It appears that, as far as Legend and his team are concerned, his music itself should do the talking.

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A 26-year-old cashier, who allegedly appropriated GH¢306,140 belonging to his employer, has appeared before the Dansoman Circuit Court. 

Taibatu Sulley, the cashier, claimed she used GH¢250,775.72 for an online investment, which turned out to be fraudulent. 

Charged with stealing, Taibatu has pleaded not guilty. 

She has been granted bail in the sum of GH¢320,000 with three sureties, two of whom must be public servants living within the jurisdiction of the court and earning not less than GH¢3,000. 

The last surety should be justified with title deeds or documents covering an immovable property, equivalent to the bail sum. 

The court ordered the accused person to deposit her Ghana card at the Registry of the court and report to the police once a week. 

It ordered the prosecution to file their disclosures by April 16, 2025, for the Case Management Conference. 

The prosecution case was that the complainant was the administrator of the company (name withheld).  

The company has a branch in Tudu, where Taibatu has been working as a cashier for the past three years. She resides at Shukura in Accra. 

The prosecution said on December 19, 2024, the accused, as part of her duties, was supposed to deposit the daily sales of GH¢223,180 into the company’s bank account at Fidelity Bank, Tudu branch, but failed to do so. 

On December 28 and 30, 2024 the accused failed to deposit the 13,920, and 3,800, respectively, as daily sales into the company’s account. On December 31 she again refused to deposit the GHC65,240 sales for the day.  

Following her nonpayment of various sums of money into the company’s account, Taibatu failed to show up at work and went into hiding. 

In all a total of GH¢306,140 was not paid. 

The prosecution said the complainant became alarmed after realising that no money had been paid into the company’s account, hence he reported the matter to the police. 

On February 14, 2025, the accused was arrested at Ga Odumase, near Pokuase.  

During investigations, it was revealed that the accused used GH¢250,775.72 to invest in an online investment, which turned out to be fraudulent. 

The prosecution said in Taibatu’s caution statement she admitted the offence and explained that she did not know the online investment was a fraudulent transaction. 

She said she was asked to top up with more cash before she could withdraw all her money and that was when she realised she had been duped. 

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Todays Trends Blog of Monday, 24 February 2025

Source: Samuel Osei

Deputy Minister-designate for Trade, Agribusiness, and Industry, Samson Ahi, has refuted claims that roads in the Bodi District of the Western North Region were tarred under the previous administration.

According to him, not a single kilometer of tarred road was added over the past eight years.

During his vetting before Parliament’s Appointments Committee on Monday, February 24, Mr Ahi was questioned by Member of Parliament for Okaikwei Central, Patrick Boamah, about the state of roads in the Bodi District.

Mr Boamah asked whether it was true that the town roads in Bodi had been tarred by the previous NPP administration.

In response, The Bodi MP firmly dismissed the claim. “A big false,” he declared, emphasising that no significant road development occurred in Bodi during the period in question.

He added, “You [NPP government] didn’t even add one inch of tarred road in 8 years in Bodi district.”

Mr Boamah, however, cautioned Ahi, stating that he could soon be summoned before the Government Assurance Committee to clarify his remarks and accused him of potentially misleading the public.

“Eight years, and not one kilometer of road was added in Bodi,” he asserted.

Mr Ahi maintained his stance “Mr. Chairman, if the Honorable Member can show me where the tarred roads are, I’d be happy to retract my statement,” he replied.

DISCLAIMER: The Views, Comments, Opinions, Contributions and Statements made by Readers and Contributors on this platform do not necessarily represent the views or policy of Multimedia Group Limited.

Starbucks is cutting 1,100 jobs and simplifying its menu in the US as it tries to improve flagging business in its home market.

The first items to get the axe include the Royal English Breakfast Latte, White Hot Chocolate and several kinds of blended frappuccinos.

But Starbucks said more offerings would be cut, as it aims to shrink its menu by nearly a third over the next year, hoping to reduce wait times and improve quality and consistency.

The company has been wrestling with a sustained fall in sales since last year, which has been particularly pronounced in the US.

Chief executive Brian Niccol, who previously headed the Mexican food chain Chipotle, was brought into Starbucks last year to help turn the business around.

He has said he wants to see the company return to its roots as a coffee house.

The drinks set for the chopping block “weren’t commonly purchased, can be complex to make, or are like other beverages on our menu”, Starbucks said. The changes are due to go into effect on 4 March.

“We’re simplifying our menu to focus on fewer, more popular items, executed with excellence,” the company said on Monday.

“This will make way for innovation, help reduce wait times, improve quality and consistency, and align with our core identity as a coffee company.”

The job cuts announced on Monday are focused on corporate “support partner” roles and will not affect jobs or investments at stores, the company said.

The company said it would inform staff affected by the decisions by mid-day on Tuesday. It is also eliminating “several hundred” open and unfilled positions.

“Our intent is to operate more efficiently, increase accountability, reduce complexity and drive better integration,” Mr Niccol wrote in the announcement.

Starbucks employs more than 360,000 people and operates or licenses more than 40,000 stores around the world.

The US is its biggest and most important market, but its brand there has suffered in recent years as customers complained about long wait times and high prices, and the company wrestled with baristas trying to unionise.

The company was also embroiled in debates over the Israel-Gaza war, facing boycott calls from both pro-Israel and pro-Palestine camps, despite the company’s efforts to remain neutral.

The company last month said transactions at US stores open at least a year were down 8% in the most recent quarter, compared with the same period a year earlier.

The drive to simplify the menu marks a shift from previous strategies, which emphasised personalised drinks.

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The NDC ProFo­rum North Amer­ica, represented by dedicated profes­sionals and experts in the diaspora, has outlined a strategic framework to support the government’s agen­da in addressing the challenges of the Free Senior High School (SHS) system.

Consequently, the forum has recommended a 0.5 per cent levy on diaspora remittances to create a dedicated Senior High School (SHS) Trust Fund.

The diaspora community underlined what it described as “A comprehensive Framework to Enhance Ghana’s Education Sys­tem” for both short, medium and long-term measures to reform the education sector to respond to the dynamic needs of society, in state­ment signed by Arnold Appiah, NDC Professional Forum, USA, copied the Ghanaian Times.

“As a committed partner to na­tional development, the diaspora community is ready to contribute expertise, resources, and poli­cy-driven solutions to ensure Free SHS is sustainable, equitable, and of high quality.”

Recognising the critical role of education in Ghana’s so­cio-economic transformation, the ProForum is proposing a set of sustainable financing mechanisms, infrastructure development strate­gies, teacher welfare reforms, and curriculum modernisation initia­tives to enhance the current NDC government’s efforts in building a robust and globally competitive education system.

The group also proposed the reinstating road tolls, with 10 per cent allocated to SHS develop­ment, allocating 5 per cent of Ghana’s Oil & Gas revenue for sustained SHS financing, and leveraging public-private part­nerships to attract investments in school infrastructure and student support programmes.

Furthermore, they also touched on sustainable financing for Free SHS, forensic audit of SHS expenditures to ensure account­ability and efficiency in resource utilisation, abolition of the centralised buffer stock system, allowing school heads to manage procurement with school board and alumni oversight, as key areas for reforms in the SHS.

Other areas include expand­ing access to quality education, fast-track completion of E-Block school projects, increasing access to quality secondary education across all regions, deploy sat­ellite-based internet and digital learning platforms, enabling students in remote areas to par­ticipate in virtual STEM and AI classes.

The NDC ProForum expressed the need to upgrade school facilities, including classrooms, libraries, science laboratories, and teachers’ accommodations, pro­moting Self-Sufficiency in Schools, expand school farms, ensuring institutions produce at least 30 per cent of their food needs, and reducing the cost of the school feeding programme.

“We also suggest for con­sideration, the introduction of mechanised agricultural support for schools engaged in farming, strengthening Teacher Welfare & Learning Excellence, Implement salary reforms for teachers in rural areas, increase salaries by 30 per cent for teachers posted to deprived schools,” the group said.

Besides, we urged the govern­ment to “provide housing and transportation incentives to attract and retain qualified educators in rural areas, fast-track teacher salary payments, ensuring newly recruited teachers are paid within two months of hiring, and mod­ernise the curriculum to incorpo­rate STEM, AI, coding, robotics, and vocational skills training,” they emphasised.

As a long-term measures, the group proposed the restructuring teacher training institutions to align with global education stan­dards and formulating Legislative and policy frameworks to sustain Free SHS financing and efficiency.

“The NDC ProForum North America urges the government, corporate stakeholders, the diaspora, and educational institu­tions to collaborate in building a sustainable and high-quality Free SHS system.

The diaspora is ready to mobilise expertise, financial resources, and global networks to complement the current NDC government’s agenda of delivering an improved, well-funded, and innovative education system,” the statement added.

Moreover, the statement stated that the “ProForum remains committed to partnering with the NDC government in ensuring Free SHS is not just free but truly effective, providing equal oppor­tunities for all Ghanaian students.

With well-planned reforms and strategic diaspora contributions, Ghana’s education system can become a model of excellence in Africa,” the statement indicated.

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Sampson Ahi, the deputy minister-designate for Trade, Agribusiness, and Industry

Sampson Ahi, the deputy minister-designate for Trade, Agribusiness, and Industry, has denied claims that the eight-year Akufo-Addo administration built roads in the Bodi District.

His comments address claims made by Patrick Boamah, the MP for Okaikwei Central, claiming the NPP government built roads in the region.

“A big false, you didn’t even add one inch of tarred road in 8 years in Bodi district,” Ahi stated.

Speaking during his vetting in Parliament on Monday, February 24, Sampson Ahi urged his detractors to present proof, saying he was prepared to take back his claim if it turned out to be false.

“If the Hon. Member [Patrick Boamah] can show me where they tarred the road, I will be happy to retract my statement,” Ahi added.

KA

Meanwhile, you can also watch the latest compilation of Twi news below:

Sixteen individuals in Kumasi have been arrested and put before court by the Kumasi Metropolitan Assembly (KMA) for violating environmental safety bye-laws.

The arrest and prosecution follow a recent enforcement sweep in renewed efforts by the assembly to tackle rampant insanitary conditions and activities in the Ashanti Regional capital.

Head of the Environmental Health Unit at the KMA, Kwaku Poku, speaking to Luv FM, disclosed the offenders who are also residents in the central business district were subjected to a wide array of violations.

Kumasi generates approximately 2,000 tons of solid waste daily, much of which ends up in drains and open spaces due to inadequate disposal practices.

The registered violations of the arrested offenders ranged from residents allowing household filth to flow into public drains, keeping weedy and unkempt environments, and indiscriminate dumping of waste.

Head of the Environmental Health Unit at the Kumasi Metropolitan Assembly, Kwaku Poku, disclosed that offenders have been arraigned before court for appropriate punishments.

The court imposed various fines on the violators.

“We have arrested 16 people who flouted environmental safety bye-laws,” he stated. “We are rightly enforcing the laws, arresting those who have flouted various environmental and sanitation regulations. Some had homes in the Central Business District, and they have allowed their filth to flow into the public drains, others had dumped indiscriminately.

“They were arraigned before court for failing to make an appearance. In terms of enforcement, I believe we have made strides towards it, I assumed my role barely three months ago, and I am prepared to tackle the filth in the city,” said Mr. Poku.

The enforcement sweep in Kumasi also affected food production sites with shirked hygiene standards, including the Kumasi Abattoir.

The KMA and Food and Drugs Authority (FDA) taskforce inspected a viral ice kenkey factory and shut down the facility due to unsanitary conditions.

The environmental unit head, Kwaku Poku is counting on collaborative effort to effectively combat the menace troubling the Kumasi Metropolis.

“We are in talks with Kumasi Abattoir to arrest stray cattle on our streets. I led the team of KMA and FDA staff to the ice kenkey factory at Adehy3 Market and asked them to cease operation. We have closed the facility.

“We have a weak supervision regime when it comes to policing food-producing facilities and markets. We are collaborating with the FDA to strategize on how to routinely monitor our markets and rid them of filth,” he said.

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Shipping lines assured of support

Joseph Bukari Nikpe, Minister of Transport, has assured the Ghana Shippers Authority (GSA) of the government’s commitment to ensuring that shipping lines do not relocate from Ghana’s ports.

He said some shipping companies had raised concerns about Act 1122 of 2024, stating that the law positioned the GSA as both a regulator and an asset manager, leading to bureaucratic challenges that increased the cost of doing business at the ports.

The minister gave the assurance on Monday when he paid his first official visit to the GSA in Accra, to familiarise himself with their operations, listen to their concerns and share his vision with them.

He mentioned President John Mahama’s pledge during the electioneering period to reduce the cost of doing business at Ghana’s ports by revising existing laws.

Addressing these concerns, he said, could persuade shipping lines to reconsider their decisions to exit Ghana and pledged to work closely with the Authority to streamline operations and eliminate bureaucratic hurdles that deter business.

“The threat of shipping lines relocating is real. We must act ahead of time to create an environment that encourages them to stay. My presence here today is to listen to your concerns and assure you of our commitment to working together to protect the interests of shippers and shipowners,” he said.

The minister said with over 80 per cent of global trade being done by sea, Ghana must create a business-friendly environment to attract and retain international trade partners.

He assured the GSA that the Ministry would support the implementation of the revised Act 1122 of 2024, which strengthens the Authority’s regulatory role.

He added that the government remained committed to fulfilling its promise of reducing the cost of doing business at Ghana’s ports by reviewing taxes, duties, and levies to create a more competitive shipping environment.

The Minister called for enhanced collaboration between the GSA and the Ministry to ensure Ghana’s ports remained attractive to business.

He stressed the importance of addressing inefficiencies and implementing policies that aligned with the government’s “24-hour economy” agenda.

He urged the GSA’s management and staff to support the newly appointed Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and work collectively to transform Ghana’s shipping industry into a hub for trade in the sub-region.

“Next time we visit you, the story of people trying or thinking to leave our seaports will not come up. Instead, we should be talking about new investments and increased trade activity in Ghana,” he said.

Professor Ransford Gyampo, CEO of the GSA, welcomed the minister’s visit, stating that it was long-awaited and reassuring.

He mentioned the Authority’s role in protecting the interests of shippers and outlined the historical background of the GSA, which was established in 1974 to counter unfair pricing practices by liner conferences.

Prof. Gyampo said the 2024 revision of the GSA Act expanded its role to regulate commercial activities of shippers and shipping service providers in the shipment, storage and delivery of international trade cargo by sea, air and land.

However, he noted that some shipping lines had expressed concerns over the Authority’s regulatory oversight, particularly in approving charges.

The CEO further revealed that some shipping lines owed the GSA outstanding fees, an issue that had been raised at the Public Accounts Committee.

He assured the Minister that under the government’s “Reset Ghana Agenda,” the GSA would effectively regulate commercial shipping activities to ensure fair pricing and efficiency.

Prof. Gyampo reiterated the GSA’s commitment to working with the Ministry to enhance Ghana’s competitiveness in the global shipping industry and to retain shipping lines in the country.

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Deputy Minister-designate for the Interior, Ebenezer Okletey Terlabi, has pledged to evaluate and address challenges within the country’s security services.

He emphasised the need to tackle issues such as staffing shortages and inadequate budget allocations that hinder the progress of various security agencies.

Appearing before Parliament’s Appointments Committee on Monday, February 24, Terlabi acknowledged the bureaucratic hurdles in recruitment, noting, “We all know that as a policy of a government, all government across, you will require some clearance before you employ.”

He indicated that the unauthorised possession of firearms by individuals and the misuse of traffic regulations by security agencies will also be addressed.

Terlabi further noted “Sometimes when you drive in the night, you see police posts at various points, sometimes, it can be frustrating, we’ll examine the situation and advise appropriately.”

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The Ministry for the Interior has, by Executive Instrument, renewed the curfew on Bawku Municipality and its environs in the Upper East Region.

The Minister, Muntaka Mohammed-Mubarak has revised curfew hours, from 8:00 PM to 5:00 AM, to take effect from Monday, February 24, 2025.

This was contained in a statement issued on Monday, February 24.

The government has urged chiefs, elders, opinion leaders, youth, and residents to exercise restraint amid ongoing challenges and to prioritise peaceful resolutions to conflicts.

Additionally, a total ban has been placed on the possession of arms, ammunition, and offensive weapons within the affected communities.

Authorities have warned that anyone found in possession of such weapons will be arrested and prosecuted.

DISCLAIMER: The Views, Comments, Opinions, Contributions and Statements made by Readers and Contributors on this platform do not necessarily represent the views or policy of Multimedia Group Limited.

DISCLAIMER: The Views, Comments, Opinions, Contributions and Statements made by Readers and Contributors on this platform do not necessarily represent the views or policy of Multimedia Group Limited.

Ghana achieves moderate level of labour productivity growth

The Ghana Statistical Service (GSS) report indicated that Ghana has achieved a moderate level of labour productivity growth, with accelerated growth between 2010 and 2016 following the beginning of the extraction of oil.

The country recorded annual labour productivity that is higher than the average for lower–middle-income countries but lower than that of a higher-middle-income country.

Professor William Baah Boateng from the University of Ghana presented the findings of the report on the topic “Productivity, Employment and Growth” in Accra.

The report was conducted in collaboration with the GSS, with support from the International Labour Organisation and other development partners.

The report showed that the overall impact on total productivity had been limited, as growth was concentrated in a few sectors, such as mining, rather than spreading across the broader economy.

A closer look at sectoral trends reveals significant variations in the report.

It said while productivity had increased in areas such as household agriculture and trade, these sectors also saw job losses, as workers move into lower-productivity roles in construction and urban services.

The mining sector has achieved high productivity growth but has not generated substantial job opportunities.

In contrast, commercial agriculture, manufacturing, transportation, and utilities have recorded both productivity gains and job creation.

The report therefore highlighted the need for investment in other sub-sectors that could generate productivity, decent employment growth and technological modernisation.

The report highlighted the key sectors requiring intensified investments in labour and capital due to their contribution to both economic growth and employment creation over the period.

They included commercial agriculture, transportation and utilities, and manufacturing.

The findings further revealed that average earnings in Ghana had increased at a slower pace than productivity growth, and the gap was widening over time.

Sub-sectors with the highest earnings growth relative to productivity include utilities, construction, and tourism.

The report revealed that earnings growth had been slower relative to productivity in the more informal sectors, such as household agriculture and trade and repair services.

Professor Samuel Kobina Annim, the Government Statistician said, “We are gathered here in pursuance of the new focus that we have adopted as a service.

“And this new focus has to do with not presenting statistical outputs but presenting statistics in a manner that is policy relevant.”

He said, “Labour productivity measures how efficiently workers produce goods and services over a specific period.

“Total productivity measures how efficiently multiple inputs, like labour, capital, and materials, are used together to produce output and drive growth.”

Dr Nii Moi Thompson, Chairman, of the National Development Planning Commission, commended GSS for producing current quality data over the past few years.

He said the citizens must work efficiently in the utilisation of the natural resources, adding that without efficiency productivity would be low.

Dr Thompson said the Commission’s research agenda was to reconceptualise output, employment and earnings growths to create jobs for the country.

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