The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration has released a list of specific individuals and entities required to return Diplomatic and Service Passports issued during the tenure of the Akufo-Addo administration.

This move, directed by the Office of the President, is aimed at ensuring compliance with current eligibility criteria and safeguarding the integrity of these official travel documents.

This comes after President John Mahama, through his Executive Secretary, directed the recall of the passports which he said was necessary to ensure their proper use, prevent misuse, and protect Ghana’s integrity.

The President, therefore, directed the Chief Director of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to notify the diplomatic passport holders, set a deadline for their return, and conduct a thorough review of the documents.

According to a statement issued by the Ministry on Wednesday, January 15, the recall affects several groups, including former ministers and their spouses, former MPs regardless of political affiliation, and members of the Council of State and their spouses.

It also applies to retired justices of the superior and lower courts, former regional ministers, metropolitan, municipal, and district chief executives, and chief executive officers of state institutions, along with chairs and members of boards.

Other affected categories include officials of the National Cathedral Project, former political ambassadors and their dependents, as well as businesspeople, entrepreneurs, religious leaders, traditional leaders, and other former government functionaries.

The directive extends to any individual holding official passports but not currently serving in an official capacity as defined under Sections 6 and 7 of the Passports and Travel Certificates Act, 1967 (NLCD 155).

The statement said that all affected individuals are required to return their Diplomatic and Service Passports to the Legal and Treaties Bureau of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs by Friday, January 24, 2025.

The Ministry noted that this measure is necessary to prevent misuse of these official travel documents and to uphold the standards associated with their issuance.

“The Ministry of Foreign Affairs counts on the cooperation of all holders of Diplomatic and Service Passports to undertake this important exercise as directed,” the statement added.

Read the full statement below

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.

By Lydia Kukua Asamoah  

Accra,  Jan 15 – To set the tone for 2025 business year, Promasidor Ghana (PGH), has held a two-day Extended Leadership and Commercial Conference in Accra. 

The conference enabled the company to discussed the take-off of its second  strategic objective out of its five steps business plan outlined, dubbed: “Triad 5:85.” 

 The sessions, on the theme: “Doing the Right Thing: Focusing on Controllable Factors as a Lever for Sustained Continued High Growth”, brought together the leadership team, managers and team leads  of the company nationwide to ideate.  

Mr Festus Tettey, Promasidor Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of ECOWAS, excluding Nigeria,  said 2025 is a year of new beginnings, bringing fresh opportunities for growth and innovation to the business. 

“For 2025 to be a different and positive one, we need to be different, taking learnings from 2024 to better our business,” he told his team. 

Mr. Tettey also called on the team to be focused, disciplined, determined and to apply consistent efforts to achieve the company’s 2025 objectives. 

 “Let us focus on these controllable factors to grow our business to greater heights and to continue to enrich the lives of our consumers through the quality products we produce as well as the exceptional experiences we create for them.” 

Mr Samir Sadaoui, PGH’s CEO, expressed his eagerness to begin  the year’s adventure with all PGH staff to build on the incredible accomplishments of 2024.  

“I have no doubt that we can achieve much more if we stick together and remain committed to our vision and strategy to drive growth.”  

Reiterating how each employee’s role was important in making PGH an enviable company. Mr. Sadaoui used the platform to thank all employees for the support and unrivaled dedication that had enabled Promasidor Ghana’s story thus far.  

He said: “I want to thank all employees for the support. I believe in the power of teamwork, and I am certain that with your support and commitment, we will turn challenges into opportunities and ambitions into achievements.” 

On the Commercial Conference front, Mr Abiodun Ayodeji, the Commercial Director of PGH, expressed sincere gratitude to members of staff, distributors and consumers for their unwavering support, dedication and hard work throughout the past year.  

“Your efforts have been instrumental in driving our success in Ghana, and we truly appreciate your commitment and partnership,” he stated.  

He  called on all partners of the company to come together to make 2025 a year of growth, innovation, and success, saying, “I am excited to see what we will accomplish as a united team.”  

PGH is a leading food manufacturing company providing quality food products for the past 25 years following the launch of its flagship brand, Cowbell in 1999.  

GNA  

Some potential notable figures for the role

In the quest to appoint a new Governor for the Bank of Ghana (BoG), the nation stands at a critical juncture. This decision will profoundly influence Ghana’s economic trajectory and financial stability.

Initially, the list of contenders included notable figures such as Alhassan Andani. However, opposition from some members of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) National Executives led to his exclusion. The focus has now shifted to four distinguished individuals: Dr. George Sipa-Yankey, Dr. Nashiru Issahaku, Dr. Johnson P. Asiama, and Togbe Afede XIV. Among these eminent candidates, Dr. George Sipa-Yankey has emerged as a frontrunner, enjoying strong support from President John Dramani Mahama and his inner circle.

Dr. Sipa-Yankey’s credentials highlight his readiness to lead the Bank of Ghana in these economically challenging times. A distinguished investment lawyer, former Minister of Health, and former Chief Executive Officer of Ghana Gas, Dr. Sipa-Yankey’s career exemplifies excellence and resilience. His international experience includes roles with the ECOWAS Bank for Investment and Development in Togo, serving as a Consultant to the World Bank under the auspices of the UNDP and UNIDO, and holding academic positions as an Adjunct Professor at Georgetown University in the United States. Currently, he is a respected lecturer at the Ghana School of Law, further underscoring his commitment to nurturing future leaders.

Moreover, Dr. Sipa-Yankey’s regional roots in the Western North Region add a layer of inclusivity to his potential appointment, ensuring broader representation in national leadership. His proven track record and vast experience position him as a capable leader to restore stability and inspire confidence in Ghana’s financial sector. As the Akan proverb states, “Wo kum apem a, apem beba” – “If you kill a thousand warriors, a thousand more will rise.” Dr. Sipa-Yankey exemplifies this resilience and readiness to take on the responsibility of steering Ghana’s economy toward a brighter future.

Dr. Johnson P. Asiama, a former Deputy Governor of the Bank of Ghana, also brings a wealth of expertise to the table. His tenure as a Director at the Agricultural Development Bank (ADB) and the Bank of Ghana reflects his deep understanding of the sector. While his supporters highlight his invaluable contributions, there is a growing call for a fresh perspective to address the evolving challenges facing the nation’s financial institutions.

Similarly, Togbe Afede XIV, a celebrated investment banker and Chairman of the World Trade Centre Accra, commands immense respect. His tenure as Chairman of the Council of State further solidifies his reputation for sound leadership and strategic thinking. However, his role as a traditional leader may present unique challenges, as the dual responsibilities of chieftaincy and governance could raise concerns among his people. Many believe Togbe Afede’s expertise could be harnessed in an advisory capacity, where his insights would remain invaluable to national progress.

Dr. Nashiru Issahaku, a former Governor of the Bank of Ghana, also commands attention in this discussion. His tenure saw noteworthy contributions to Ghana’s financial landscape. However, there is a prevailing sentiment that the BoG could benefit from fresh leadership. As the Dagbani adage goes, “Zuguli mali kpang kpang” – “The spear needs a new shaft.” This reflects the belief that a new leader is needed to address current challenges and navigate uncharted economic waters.

Ultimately, the responsibility of appointing the next Governor of the Bank of Ghana lies with President Mahama, a leader renowned for his dedication to national progress. This decision will shape not only his administration’s economic legacy but also the trajectory of Ghana’s financial future.

Among the distinguished contenders, Dr. George Sipa-Yankey’s unparalleled expertise and international recognition make him a compelling choice. His leadership embodies the qualities of competence, vision, and resilience that the position demands. As the legendary African statesman Kofi Annan once said, “To live is to choose, but to choose well, you must know who you are and what you stand for.” President Mahama’s choice will resonate far beyond this administration, setting the tone for years of economic growth and stability.

As Ghanaians eagerly await the final decision, the hope is that the selection will prioritize experience, inclusivity, and a forward-thinking vision. With a position that demands a leader poised to bring a wealth of expertise and proven leadership, the Bank of Ghana stands ready for a transformative era of excellence and progress.

SINGAPORE, Jan. 15 (Xinhua/GNA) — Singapore will introduce measures to improve the management of sexual offense cases, including appointing a specialist group of judges for such cases, Chief Justice Sundaresh Menon has said.

All sexual offense cases in the High Court and selected trials in the State Courts will now be assigned to a specialist group of experienced and specially trained judges and district judges, he said on Monday during the Opening of the Legal Year 2025. “These cases require careful handling because of the impact that the trial process can have on both complainants and accused persons,” he added. Singapore will also pilot enhanced pre-trial checklists, designed to protect complainants while ensuring the accused retain the right to a fair trial.

According to local media, the checklists will help identify contentious issues likely to arise during cross-examination, which will enable judges to exclude lines of questioning deemed irrelevant or insulting to complainants.
GNA

Vienna, Jan 15, (dpa/GNA) – The main suspect in the plot to attack a concert by US pop star Taylor Swift in Austria, has been deemed criminally liable following a psychiatric exam, a spokeswoman for the prosecution said on Tuesday.

The 19-year-old suspect was of sound mind at the time of the offence, according to a psychiatric report obtained by the public prosecutor, she said.

She said it is standard to obtain an expert’s opinion in more serious cases before filing a charge, adding that the investigation is still ongoing.

The young man was detained two days before the first of Swift’s concerts in the Austrian capital Vienna in August 2024, and has been in pre-trial detention since. A 17-year-old suspected accomplice is also under investigation.

The main suspect is said to have planned a suicide attack in the name of the extremist militia organization Islamic State, at the second of a total of three concerts by Swift scheduled to take place in Vienna.

Investigators believe he intended to kill as many of the fans gathered in front of the stadium as possible, either with a homemade explosive device or with cutting and stabbing weapons.

The organizer cancelled all concerts in Vienna due to the terrorist threat.

Another 19-year-old man was also detained during the investigations into the case, and is to stand trial on suspicion of membership of a terrorist organization at the Vienna Regional Court on February 10.

He is not thought to have been directly involved in the plans to attack Swift’s concerts, but allegedly generally promoted Islamic State on social media.

GNA

Former Member of Parliament for Bongo, Edward Bawa, has underscored the importance of privatising the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG) as a critical step toward improving efficiency and modernising Ghana’s energy sector.

Energy Minister-designate John Jinapor, during his vetting on January 13, reaffirmed President John Dramani Mahama’s commitment to privatising power distribution. Jinapor emphasised that this move aims to address longstanding challenges in the energy sector and elevate service delivery standards.

President Mahama, in a meeting with a World Bank delegation at his Cantonments office in Accra, also reiterated his administration’s focus on energy sector reforms. To achieve this, a specialized team has been assembled to oversee the strategic changes.

In an interview on The Point of View with Bernard Avle on Channel One TV, Edward Bawa elaborated on the rationale for privatizing ECG, emphasizing the need to replace outdated infrastructure and harness private sector investment and expertise.

“We felt that we needed to reduce inefficiency within ECG. How could we do that? We need to be able to replace most of the obsolete equipment. Now, the government doesn’t readily have that because there are other competing needs, like hospitals and what have you,” he stated.

Bawa further explained the decision to involve the private sector, saying: “And so the government felt that it was possible to leverage the private sector capital to see how we could replace obsolete equipment and other things within ECG to make it efficient.

“We could leverage private sector expertise in trying to ensure that we run the company very well. So, this was what informed the whole idea. What H.E. John Dramani Mahama is doing now is just a continuation of what he believes in.

“That look, we needed to make ECG very efficient. Based on the competing needs, we need to take advantage of the private sector and see how we can leverage both capital and expertise.”

The call for privatization reflects a broader effort by the government to address inefficiencies and position the energy sector for sustainable growth and reliable service delivery.

National Cathedral officials, others listed in Mahama’s diplomatic passport recall

…..
Explore the world of impactful news with CitiNewsroom on WhatsApp!

Click on the link to join the Citi Newsroom channel for curated, meaningful stories tailored just for YOU: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VaCYzPRAYlUPudDDe53x

No spam, just the stories that truly matter! #StayInformed #CitiNewsroom #CNRDigital

Novak Djokovic surpassed Roger Federer’s record for the most major singles matches played as he reached the Australian Open third round.

The 37-year-old was made to work in his 430th Grand Slam singles match but he emerged triumphant, beating qualifier Jaime Faria 6-1 6-7 (4-7) 6-3 6-2.

The win gives Djokovic sole ownership of the all-time record for most Grand Slam singles matches played among men and women, and takes him past former rival Federer, who played his last major match at Wimbledon in 2021.

“I love this sport. I love competition,” Djokovic said when asked about the milestone.

“I try to give my best every single time. It’s been over 20 years that I’ve been competing in Grand Slams at the highest level.

“Whether I win or lose, I will always leave my heart out on the court. I’m just blessed to be making another record.”

The victory also meant the Serb became the first man over the age of 30 to reach 150 Grand Slam singles wins.

Djokovic can make further history still in Melbourne – win the title and he would claim a 25th major, moving him clear of Australia’s Margaret Court as the sole leader of all-time Grand Slam singles titles.

The seventh seed, who has three-time Grand Slam champion Andy Murray in his coaching box, will face Czech 26th seed Tomas Machac in the third round.

Norwegian sixth seed Casper Ruud became the biggest casualty in the men’s draw, losing 6-2 3-6 6-1 6-4 to 19-year-old Czech Jakub Mensik.

World number 48 Mensik and Joao Fonseca, the 18-year-old Brazilian qualifier who stunned ninth seed Andrey Rublev on Tuesday, are the first teenagers to beat top-10 opponents at the same Grand Slam since Djokovic and Murray at Wimbledon in 2006.

Meanwhile, German second seed Alexander Zverev claimed an assured 6-1 6-4 6-1 victory over Spain’s Pedro Martinez to set up a third-round meeting with Britain’s Jacob Fearnley.

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.

This blog is managed by the content creator and not GhanaWeb, its affiliates, or employees. Advertising on this blog requires a minimum of GH₵50 a week. Contact the blog owner with any queries.

Assin Talks Blog of Wednesday, 15 January 2025

Source: Yahaya Abdul Fattah

This blog is managed by the content creator and not GhanaWeb, its affiliates, or employees. Advertising on this blog requires a minimum of GH₵50 a week. Contact the blog owner with any queries.

GH Blinks Blog of Wednesday, 15 January 2025

Source: Gh Blinks Atule Joseph Atanga

E-Levy to be scrapped by President John Mahama

A microfinance expert and Executive Secretary of Rural Focus Africa (RUFA), Ishmael Otchere, has indicated that taxes on electronic transactions remain a major drawback to the government’s efforts aimed at roping in marginalised persons and informal businesses into the formal banking bracket to advance financial inclusion.

He said that the controversial E-Levy must be scrapped to enable financial institutions to leverage the power of electronic and other digital payment platforms to mobilize adequate funds to lend to businesses in critical sectors of the economy — that is when the real impact of the digitalization of the financial sector could be realized.

Otchere, whose financial organization works with persons at the very base of the financial ladder through a specialised savings and deposit mobilization scheme known as the ‘Village Savings and Loans Associations (VLSA’s)’, said that the introduction of the E-Levy has been very harmful to both the formal and informal banking sectors.

“The E-Levy and other digital payments charges are major disincentives for informal persons and businesses such as VSLAs to deposit money into their bank accounts through any digital platform. No one would like to pay charges for depositing money into bank accounts,” he said on the sidelines of a donation to members of the Nyame Nti VSLA, which is comprised of cured lepers and inmates of the Weija Leprosarium, in Accra.

According to him, the astronomical growth in Mobile Money transactions and other digital payment platforms have had a slight impact on the economy, while commercial banks need deposits to finance economic activities.

“There is so much money sitting in peoples’ mobile wallets but because of the taxes on digital transactions, they are not able to move these funds to the banks. Abolishing the E-Levy could trigger banks’ deposit mobilisation through digitisation,” he said.

He also called for deliberations among regulators and institutions in the banking, fin-tech and telecoms sectors to proffer solutions that will facilitate the linkage of informal groups into the digitalised financial inclusion ecosystem.

The Nyame Nti VSLA, now in its third year and with a membership of up to 32 cured lepers and their families group has mobilized GH¢26,250 from members’ weekly savings/shares, GH¢1,344 for social fund, with cash in box amounting to GH¢21,412. The group has also granted about GH¢5,635 in loans to its members.

Although the operations of the VSLA has been digitalised, Otchere argued that the absence of specialized payment systems for such groups, coupled with pain of the E-Levy, has barred several of these informal savings groups from the formal digital payments ecosystem.

He commended the group for their continued interest in the VSLA program. He was happy that the VSLA Program, which was introduced 3 years ago by RUFA and financed by SURRENDER 365 Inc-USA, has provide an opportunity to cured lepers to be included in the financial eco-system.

He also commended the Ghana Lepers Aid Committee for their support to the success of the program.

Watch as Joe Wise outlines two key strategies Minority can employ to be effective

Ghana’s newly elected President, John Mahama, has pledged to investigate his predecessor’s controversial $400 million National Cathedral project, a stalled initiative that critics view as emblematic of fiscal mismanagement.

Initially touted as privately funded, the project faced backlash after allegations surfaced that $58 million in public funds were spent during procurement breaches.

Designed as a tribute to God for former President Nana Akufo-Addo‘s 2016 electoral victory, the cathedral remains an unfinished site in central Accra.

Mahama, who defeated Akufo-Addo’s New Patriotic Party in December’s election, announced the planned investigation at a Thanksgiving service, emphasising accountability and the national interest. He did not rule out completing the project but suggested a more modest approach.

The investigation aligns with Ghana’s economic challenges, including high inflation, mounting debt, and reliance on a $3 billion IMF bailout.

Public funding for the cathedral has been halted as part of efforts to curb wasteful expenditure.

Mahama’s decision has garnered both praise and scepticism, with analysts warning that the probe must be transparent to avoid becoming a political tool.

The project’s fate remains uncertain, reflecting broader concerns about governance and public trust in Ghana.

 Dr. Daniel Norris Bekoe was appointed Director of Communication at the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST) in August 2019, at the time the university was reeling from the aftermath of a violent 2018 student demonstration. The crisis had tarnished KNUST’s reputation and disrupted its operations. Tasked with managing the crisis and rebuilding the university’s image, Dr. Bekoe embarked on a mission that would redefine the role of strategic communication in higher education management.

Dr. Bekoe’s impressive academic credentials underpin his success. He holds a Doctorate in Communication, Culture, and Media Studies from the University of KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa; a Master’s Degree in Communication and Media Studies from the University of Education, Winneba; and a Bachelor’s Degree in Education from the University of Cape Coast. With over 27 years of experience spanning elementary, secondary, polytechnic, and university education, Dr. Bekoe combines academic rigour with practical expertise.

Under Dr. Bekoe’s leadership, the Communication Directorate of KNUST developed and implemented a comprehensive communication plan which aligns with the university’s vision and strategic objectives. This initiative ensured consistent messaging across all platforms, reinforcing KNUST’s brand and values.

A cornerstone of his strategy was improving public relations and media management. As the university’s primary spokesperson, Dr. Bekoe fostered robust relationships with local, national, and international media outlets. His proactive approach to crisis communication effectively mitigated potential threats, resolving many of them at their inception and reinforcing KNUST’s reputation as a leading academic institution in Africa.

Dr. Bekoe’s tenure has seen remarkable achievements:

• Enhanced Rankings: KNUST now enjoys favourable standings in global rankings such as Times Higher Education and U.S. News & World Report.
• Media Engagement: Regular interactions with media professionals in key regions have drastically reduced negative publicity. Innovative platforms like WhatsApp groups for journalists facilitate seamless communication.
• Social Media Growth: Under his guidance, KNUST’s social media following skyrocketed. Twitter followers grew from 2,300 in 2019 to over 132,000 in 2024, while Facebook grew to over 185,000 followers, Instagram and LinkedIn followings increased exponentially. The University’s main website attracts over 600,000 visits from partners and prospective students worldwide. 
• Internal Communication: Initiatives like the TEKBRIEF e-newsletter and enhanced website content ensure staff and students are well-informed.
• Crisis Management: A dedicated team meets regularly to address potential issues, ensuring peace and stability on campus.
• Visibility and Branding: Through a combination of periodic documentaries showcasing KNUST’s milestones, regular media engagements fostering positive narratives, and a robust social media presence driving engagement, Dr. Bekoe has executed a comprehensive Marketing and Visibility Strategy. These efforts have significantly elevated the university’s profile capturing global attention and strengthening its reputation as a centre of academic excellence. Dr. Bekoe introduced a policy to publish event news within 24 hours, ensuring timely dissemination of information. He also organises regular training for campus media staff and volunteers, enhancing their skills in journalism, digital media and ethical communication. Additionally, he established guidelines for media engagement, ensuring clarity on who speaks for the university and on what matters.

Dr. Bekoe’s ability to forge partnerships has been instrumental in attracting support from alumni, donors, and industry stakeholders. His advocacy efforts have simplified complex academic policies, making them accessible to diverse audiences. His transformative leadership has not only restored KNUST’s reputation but also set a benchmark for communication in higher education. His focus on strategic communication, stakeholder engagement, and innovative practices ensures that KNUST remains a beacon of academic excellence and a preferred choice for students worldwide.

As KNUST continues to thrive under his guidance, Dr. Daniel Norris Bekoe stands as a testament to the power of strategic communication in driving institutional success.

By Kodjo Adams  

Accra, Jan. 15, GNA – Professor Frank Sena Arku, Vice President of the Ghana National Association of Teachers (GNAT) has urged authorities to enhance teachers’ working conditions to strengthen and sustain the profession. 

He emphasized the need to improve teacher welfare and job security to foster the growth of the teaching sector. 

Speaking at the Annual New Year School and Conference in Accra, organized by the University of Ghana’s School of Continuing and Distance Education, Prof. Arku addressed the theme “Empowering the Next Generation in Shaping and Sharpening Young Educators.”  

He advocated for a robust support system to effectively guide new teachers through their transition. 

Prof. Arku who is also the Vice President of the Institute for Research Industrial Relations Studies (IRIRS), proposed pairing newly appointed teachers with experienced mentors for guidance and providing continuous professional development to ensure their success.  

He stressed the importance of granting young educators the freedom and autonomy to thrive by promoting a culture of innovation and creativity in the learning environment. 

Research has shown that globally, 68.7 per cent of young people find the teaching profession unattractive.  

In Ghana, 64 per cent of teachers surveyed in a district expressed plans to leave the profession for other opportunities. 

Prof. Arku said that sustainable educators, as outlined in target 4.7 of Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 4, are essential to ensure that all learners acquire the necessary knowledge and skills to drive development. 

He enumerated several challenges faced by young educators, including the transition from theory to practice, building self-confidence, and managing classrooms effectively. 

Other challenges identified include a lack of adequate materials and technology in some schools, the absence of strong mentorship programmes, and the need for continued guidance and professional development for educators. 

Dr. Linus Linnaeus Tannor, Director of Research at GNAT IRRS, addressed the importance of community mobilization for education.  

He proposed the establishment of a National Community Education Development Fund to support communities that have initiated educational projects based on their specific needs assessments. 

Dr. Tannor stressed the need for capacity building among teachers, community members, and other key educational stakeholders.  

He suggested developing a profile booklet that captures the assets and information about each community, which could aid in writing proposals for funding from local and international institutions. 

Since its establishment in 1948, the New Year School has served as a significant platform for academia, industry, policymakers, and other stakeholders to discuss critical issues essential for national development. 

At the conclusion of each school and conference, a communique is issued, summarizing the recommendations from participants and discussions. 

These recommendations often influence the policy decisions and directions of the country. 

GNA 

Some residents of Nungua Addogono and Baatsona in the Greater Accra Region have expressed concerns over a surge in robberies and phone-snatching incidents in the area.

Community members report feeling increasingly unsafe, particularly during the evening hours, and have called on the Ghana Police Service to intensify patrols to enhance security.

According to the residents, the perpetrators—often in pairs on motorbikes—target commuters by snatching phones, handbags, and other personal belongings before speeding off.

Mr. Isaac Young, a businessman and resident of Addogono, recounted a harrowing experience where he was chased and robbed by the miscreants on his way home around 10:00 p.m. last week.

“They even returned my old phone and told me to upgrade the phone I use,” he said, describing the robbers as six individuals riding on three motorcycles. He added that while they attacked several people, some managed to escape unscathed.

Another resident, Mr. Mawutor Gaar, shared how he witnessed a phone-snatching incident at the Addogono last stop about three months ago. The incident has since instilled fear in him, making him hesitant to carry his phone outside, especially in the evenings.

“I was coming home from work when two men on a motorbike snatched a lady’s phone from her hand. It happened so fast. People nearby tried to help, but the thieves sped off,” he recalled.

The residents are appealing for increased police visibility in the area, emphasizing that patrols, particularly at night and in high-risk zones, would deter criminals and improve public safety.

Mr. John Issah Andullah Tassa, the Assemblyman for Nungua Addogono, acknowledged the rising security concerns and assured residents of ongoing efforts to address the situation.

Speaking to the Ghana News Agency (GNA), he said he would liaise with the district police command to intensify patrols and deploy additional teams to identified hotspots.

“There have been numerous reports of both daytime and nighttime robberies,” he admitted. He also urged residents to promptly report suspicious activities to facilitate police efforts.

Mr. Tassa further noted that most streetlights in the area are not functioning, which has exacerbated the insecurity. He explained that the electoral areas had not received sufficient streetlights from the assembly but expressed hope for improvements soon.

Explore the world of impactful news with CitiNewsroom on WhatsApp!

Click on the link to join the Citi Newsroom channel for curated, meaningful stories tailored just for YOU:
https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VaCYzPRAYlUPudDDe53x

No spam, just the stories that truly matter! #StayInformed #CitiNewsroom #CNRDigital