The Government of Ghana, through the Ministry of Education, has announced an increase in the Continuous Professional Development (CPD) allowance for teachers in pre-tertiary schools nationwide. According to Kwasi Kwarteng, Spokesperson for the Ministry of Education, professional teachers will now receive an annual CPD allowance of GH¢2,400, up from GH¢1,200. Non-professional teachers will also see their allowance increased to GH¢1,200, up from the previous GH¢800. Payments for these revised amounts have already commenced. "This increase reflects the government’s unwavering commitment to ensuring teachers have the necessary support to pursue continuous professional development and improve their skills," Mr. Kwarteng said. "We believe this will enable teachers to keep up with modern educational standards and deliver quality education." The CPD allowance, introduced in 2020, is part of the government's initiative to boost the professional growth of teachers and enhance the quality of education across the country. It provides financial support for both professional and non-professional teachers to engage in training, learn new teaching methodologies, and upgrade their skills to meet the evolving demands of the education sector. Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

The Minister for Communications and Digitalisation, Ursula Owusu-Ekuful, has reaffirmed the government's commitment to ensuring the ethical and responsible use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) technologies in Ghana. Speaking at the launch of Readiness Assessment Methodology (RAM) - Ethical use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in Ghana at the Alisa Hotel in Accra on Monday, Madam Owusu-Ekuful highlighted the crucial role AI will play in driving Ghana’s digital transformation while addressing socio-economic challenges. "As the world embraces AI as a driving force behind the Fourth Industrial Revolution, Ghana must harness its potential responsibly to promote inclusive economic growth and empower individuals, including women, girls, and vulnerable groups," the Minister stated. The workshop, which convened a multisectoral group of stakeholders, including government agencies, private sector companies, academic institutions, and civil society organisations, sought to discuss Ghana's AI landscape and raise awareness about the ethical implications and societal impacts of AI technologies. Madam Ursula Owusu-Ekuful underscored the need for a robust regulatory framework, aligned with international standards, to ensure that AI systems in Ghana reflect the ethics of Ghanaian society. "Ghana is in a unique position to learn from the experiences of others and craft an approach to the ethical use of AI that supports societal development, promotes social cohesion, and empowers communities while preserving our Pan-African and Ghanaian cultural heritage," she said. The workshop also marked the official launch of the Readiness Assessment Measurement (RAM) tool, developed in collaboration with UNESCO. This tool will assess the country's preparedness for AI adoption, ensuring that AI technologies are implemented in line with public welfare and ethical standards. "As we launch the RAM tool today, I urge all stakeholders to actively participate in this process. Together, we can create a future where AI contributes to a more just, inclusive, and sustainable society," she emphasised. The event also introduced the newly formed 12-member National Steering Committee, tasked with overseeing the assessment of AI readiness in Ghana and integrating ethical considerations into national AI strategies. Madam Owusu-Ekuful reiterated the government's commitment to leveraging AI responsibly, guided by the values and principles outlined in UNESCO's Recommendation on the Ethics of AI, to ensure that AI technologies benefit all Ghanaians, especially the marginalised and vulnerable. The workshop represents a significant step forward in Ghana's journey towards digital transformation, with AI playing a pivotal role in achieving the African Union’s Agenda 2063 and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). On his part, Mr. Edmond Moukala, UNESCO Representative to Ghana, has emphasized the crucial role Artificial Intelligence (AI) will play in driving sustainable development. The workshop, organized with the support of UNESCO, forms part of the UN system’s efforts to help Ghana harness AI’s potential in its quest for sustainable development. "AI is transforming our societies, economies, and cultures," Mr. Moukala stated, noting that before fully harnessing its potential, it is vital to assess Ghana’s readiness to engage with these technologies. He introduced UNESCO's Readiness Assessment Methodology (RAM), a framework designed to evaluate a country's preparedness for integrating AI in a sustainable and ethical manner. RAM examines key dimensions such as policy, infrastructure, human resources, and societal impact, helping identify strengths and weaknesses in Ghana's AI ecosystem. “This workshop provides an opportunity for stakeholders to refine methodologies that assess AI readiness across sectors, ensuring they reflect Ghana’s national context and aspirations,” Moukala explained. He also stressed the importance of AI aligning with the values and principles outlined in UNESCO's Recommendation on the Ethics of AI. As discussions unfolded throughout the day, participants shared their experiences using AI in their workplaces, with Mr. Moukala underscoring the importance of ensuring that AI benefits all members of society, regardless of race, gender, or socioeconomic status. "By prioritizing fairness, we can create technology that truly serves humanity," he remarked. The workshop also aims to strengthen Ghana's National AI Strategy, ensuring that the country is well-prepared to leverage AI technologies across various sectors. "We are confident that the outcomes of this workshop will significantly enhance Ghana’s ability to harness AI for the benefit of all," Moukala concluded, thanking participants for their contributions and looking forward to further discussions on AI’s role in Ghana’s development. Taking his turn, Carl Ampah, UNESCO's National Program Officer for Culture, has underscored the importance of integrating ethics into Artificial Intelligence (AI) development during the National Stakeholder Workshop on the Ethics of AI in Accra. Mr. Ampah highlighted how AI technologies, such as generative AI, have captured global attention with their remarkable potential for economic growth and daily life improvements, but also raised critical ethical concerns. “The launch of ChatGPT and similar technologies has shown the world the incredible capabilities of AI, but we must also acknowledge the risks,” Mr. Ampah remarked. He pointed to examples where AI systems have demonstrated biases, such as the COMPAS system in the U.S., which was found to discriminate against Black defendants in criminal justice decisions, and Amazon’s AI recruitment tool, which downgraded resumes from women. Mr. Ampah emphasized that AI is increasingly integrated into areas like employment, financial access, and information dissemination, all of which significantly impact people’s lives. “These are not minor issues. AI decisions can affect whether someone gets a job or a loan, and in many cases, there’s no process for challenging those decisions or understanding how they were made,” he said. With AI tools often developed by a small group of people and trained on unrepresentative data sets, Ampah stressed the need for greater inclusivity and fairness. He also drew attention to the pressures on tech companies to quickly roll out AI systems, sometimes leading to inaccurate or biased results. “The example of Google’s AI providing a false recommendation about eating rocks highlights the risks of launching AI systems without proper safeguards,” Mr.Ampah noted. He reiterated that while AI can be a powerful force for good, addressing ethical concerns is crucial. “The goal is not to reject the technology but to shape it responsibly,” he said. UNESCO is actively working to ensure that AI development is ethical, transparent, and aligned with societal values. The workshop, which brought together experts to discuss the ethical implications of AI, also introduced UNESCO’s efforts to establish guidelines for the responsible creation and use of AI globally. Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

The Electoral Commission (EC) has called on all stakeholders attending Tuesday’s Inter-Party Advisory Committee (IPAC) meeting to come prepared with evidence and data to support any discrepancies or concerns they may have regarding the Provisional Voters Register (PVR). According to the EC, this will allow for constructive collaboration in addressing any unresolved issues with the register. In a statement, the EC emphasized that despite several requests, the National Democratic Congress (NDC) has yet to provide any concrete data to support its claims of discrepancies in the PVR, for which it has called for a forensic audit. The Commission hopes that the NDC and other political stakeholders will present the necessary data during the upcoming IPAC meeting. The EC also took the opportunity to remind the public that the process of producing the Final Voters Register is an ongoing procedure and not a single event. It reassured the public and stakeholders of its commitment to working with IPAC to address all concerns raised about the voter register. The Tuesday IPAC meeting is expected to be a key moment in resolving any outstanding issues ahead of the next election. Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

The housing deficit in Ghana has significantly reduced from 2.8 million in 2010 to 1.8 million in 2021, representing a 33% decrease, according to the Minister of Works and Housing, Kojo Oppong Nkrumah. Addressingthe media on Monday, the Minister noted that while the progress is commendable, more innovative solutions are required to fully address the housing needs of Ghanaians. "Since 2017, this government has remained steadfast in its commitment to providing decent, safe, secure, and affordable housing for all citizens" "The reduction in the housing deficit highlights our efforts, but we are aware that more needs to be done to ensure that every Ghanaian has access to adequate housing," Mr. Oppong Nkrumah said. He emphasized that housing is not just a basic necessity but a fundamental right, noting that a secure, decent, and affordable home is essential for personal well-being, security, and economic growth. The Minister outlined key initiatives undertaken by the government, including resolving stalled housing projects, fostering public-private partnerships (PPPs), and developing sustainable financing models for housing projects. Mr. Oppong Nkrumah also highlighted significant developments in ongoing housing projects, such as the Pokuase-Afiaman Affordable Housing Project and the Kpone Affordable Housing Project. These projects, he said, are part of broader efforts to expand housing accessibility in urban areas, with the goal of creating sustainable communities equipped with essential infrastructure. "The government's new PPP approach will ensure that the private sector drives the growth of the housing sector, minimizing the risk of stalled projects while promoting inclusive economic growth," the Minister added. The Kpone project, initially started under former President John Agyekum Kufuor, has so far delivered over 1,000 housing units, with plans to add 800 more in its upcoming phase. These initiatives, Oppong Nkrumah emphasized, will further enhance housing accessibility and address the critical housing shortage, particularly in the Greater Accra and Tema regions. With a strong focus on infrastructure development, the Minister affirmed that the government's commitment to addressing the housing deficit remains unwavering. Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

Jonmoore International , a leading indigenous project logistics company in Ghana, has celebrated its 25th anniversary with a grand dinner and awards ceremony honoring its staff for their dedication to exceptional service and commitment to excellence. The event was held on Wednesday, 25 September 2024, at the De ICONS event centre, East Legon. In all, 58 staff received long service awards, and 3 partners of JonMoore were recognised and honored. 15 suppliers of Jonmoore were also awarded, and 22 clients of JonMoore also received awards. Inspiring journey Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Jonmoore, John Mitchell, shared his inspiring journey, from humble beginnings to establishing a renowned company that exceeds international standards noting that Jonmoore's guiding principles of reliability, safety, and professionalism have been the driving force behind its success. Mitchell highlighted the company's milestones. He said Jonmoore was the indigenous Ghanaian company to receive ISO certifications (ISO 9001, 14001, and 45001 and the first to complete annual audits by Trace International for 14 consecutive years successfully. The CEO also pointed out that Jonmoore has, over the years, demonstrated commitment to commercial transparency and high anti-bribery standards. The event recognised key partners, clients, and staff who have contributed to the company's growth in diverse ways. Mitchell expressed gratitude to the Chairman of Peoples’ Group, Europe's strongest project engineering experts, the Directors from JonMoore International, Liberia, and other partner companies, Suppliers, and partners for their unwavering support and to the Staff of Jonmoore for their tireless efforts and dedication. Looking ahead, Mitchell observed the importance of innovation, sustainability, technology integration, and exceptional service, pointing out that Jonmoore will "continue to strive for the highest standards, remaining dynamic, innovative, and customer-friendly." The power of vision On his part, the Guest of Honour, his royal highness (HRM) Ehunabobrim Prah Agyensaim VI, Paramount Chief of Assin Owirenkyi Traditional Area, praised the company's achievements, saying, "Jonmoore International's success story is a testament to the power of vision, dedication, and loyalty." Dr Hilton John Mitchell, CEO of JonMoore International, was commended by Ehunabobrim Prah Agyensaim VI for his leadership and commitment to pioneering many achievements with the Jonmoore brand and placing clients at the heart of the organisation's operations. "The company's recent logo and brand transformation symbolises its dedication to evolving and staying ahead of the curve," HRM Agyensaim VI noted. He indicated that Jonmoore International's commitment to innovation is not just a strategy but a philosophy embedded in the staff of the organisation. The event recognised the integral role of valued clients, staff, and partners in the company's success. As part of Jonmoore's appreciation to its staff, the organisation pledged to continue its policy of buying treasury bills for its staff based on the years of service (5,10,15, 20, 25 years) and to take steps to strengthen this staff motivation policy. Remarkable journey Jonmoore International's 25-year journey has been marked by excellence, innovation, and a deep commitment to corporate social responsibility. As the company looks to the future, HRM Agyensaim VI charged Jonmoore International to continue exceeding expectations, fostering lasting relationships, driving sustainable growth, and empowering communities. Some notable personalities who attended the 25th-anniversary event include Mr Ian Bruce O'Neil, Technical Director, and Mr Fred Oware, Founding Board Chair of Jonmoore. Jonmoore International Jonmoore International is a Ghanaian project logistics company providing expert transportation, logistics, and supply chain management services. With 25 years of experience, the company has established itself as a trusted partner for local and international companies. Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

Albert Kwabena Dwumfour, President of the Ghana Journalists Association (GJA), has passionately appealed to the Akufo-Addo government, the judiciary and the Ghana Police Service to release the remanded protesters of the Democracy Hub group. The protest, initially peaceful, turned violent between September 21-23 when clashes broke out between demonstrators and police. The protesters blocked roads, dismantled police barriers, obstructed traffic, and burned properties at Accra’s 37 Roundabout. Currently, 54 protesters are being held, with 9 in prison custody and the remaining in police custody. President of the Ghana Journalists Association has commended the police for their professionalism during the recent demonstration, while also condemning the excessive actions that occurred. He expressed strong disagreement with the decision to remand protesters for two weeks, labelling it as “too extreme” and emphasising its negative implications for human rights protection. Specifically, Mr. Dwumfour highlighted that this move sends the wrong message regarding Ghana’s commitment to safeguarding human rights. He called for a more balanced approach, one that upholds the law while respecting citizens’ rights. Mr. Dwumfour made these remarks during the 28th GJA Media Awards in Accra, on Saturday, September 28. “I want to commend the Ghana Police Service for exhibiting a high level of professionalism and restraint during the recent three-day protest against Galamsey by some individuals. We note some excesses and provocations that occurred during the demonstration, and the GJA condemns these excesses. “However, we also believe that remanding the protesters for two weeks is too extreme and does not send positive signals when it comes to protecting human rights. As a result, we add our voice to calls on the government, police, and the judiciary to take steps to release the protesters immediately.” Background The protest, which was intended to be peaceful, turned violent when some demonstrators clashed with the police between Saturday, September 21 to Monday, September 23. The Ghana Police Service accused the protesters of blocking roads, dismantling police barriers, and obstructing traffic, burning properties during their demonstration at the 37 Roundabout in Accra. Currently, 53 protesters have been remanded, with 9 in prison and the rest in police custody. The prosecution has refuted claims of mistreatment of the accused while in custody, insisting that they are receiving proper care. During the bail hearing, defence lawyers pushed for their clients’ release, citing these conditions. However, the prosecution countered, asserting that the accused are adequately fed, even receiving meals from Papaye, a popular local restaurant. This claim sparked outrage from the defense. The prosecution also opposed bail, expressing concerns about the unknown addresses of some of the accused. After reviewing the arguments, the judge denied the bail applications, remanding the protesters into custody until October 8. Following the court proceedings, the remanded protesters expressed their dissatisfaction by singing patriotic songs. This came after Oliver Barker-Vormawor and 12 other Democracy Hub members were remanded in police custody for two weeks, awaiting their next court appearance on October 8. Credit: Citinewsroom

Ghanaian Actress, Nadia Buari, has voiced a passionate plea for collective action against illegal mining, commonly referred to as galamsey, which she believes is rapidly destroying the nation’s future. In a powerful tweet shared with her followers, Buari highlighted the devastating impact of greed, poverty, and desperation on Ghana's environment and the well-being of future generations. “Ignorance, poverty, greed, and the desperation to be rich at once and at all cost seem to be the driving forces behind this pungent act of illegal mining, otherwise known as galamsey, which is destroying our dear country,” Nadia Buari expressed, calling attention to the alarming environmental damage caused by this illegal activity. She lamented how politicians, once accused of robbing their nations, now openly flaunt their ill-gotten wealth, fueling a dangerous desire in ordinary citizens to take matters into their own hands. "This hunger is making us blind to what will preserve us for tomorrow," she added, underscoring the need for a long-term perspective in safeguarding the country's natural resources. Buari drew a sharp contrast between historical exploitation by colonial powers and the current self-inflicted harm, stating, “In the past, we accused the white man of ripping off the black; now that it’s black destroying black, who do we blame?” In her impassioned message, the actress called on all sectors of society—parents, religious leaders, and all concerned citizens—to rise up against this “menace of greed” before it obliterates the future. Madam Buari emphasized the importance of public education to raise awareness about the dangers of illegal mining and urged her colleagues in the entertainment industry to use their platforms for more than just entertainment. "We in the movie industry must not just seek to entertain, but also inform our viewers of the danger of this galamsey menace engulfing us all," she urged. Nadia Buari also threw her support behind peaceful protests, asserting that expressing democratic rights to fight these wrongs is essential. "Nobody exercising their right to protest against this wrong has done anything illegal. We must stand with all who fight for this good cause," she declared. The actress ended her statement with a powerful call to action: “Let’s forsake this evil act for the sake of our children. Together, we must rise up and stop this menace.” Her message has resonated across social media, with many hailing Buari's courage in speaking out against an issue that continues to threaten Ghana's natural resources and future prosperity. Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

President Akufo-Addo has appointed Mr. Kwame Dei Asamoah-Okyere, Director of Business Development and International Partnerships at the Food and Drugs Authority (FDA), as the new Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the National Biosafety Authority (NBA). His appointment follows the conclusion of Mr. Eric Amaning Okoree’s tenure, the NBA’s first CEO, whose leadership from 2016 to March 2024 laid the groundwork for biosafety regulation in Ghana. Mr. Asamoah-Okyere brings over a decade of experience in regulatory oversight, having played a key role in enhancing the FDA’s operational efficiency and revenue generation through digital transformation initiatives and forging local and international partnerships. These efforts have significantly bolstered Ghana’s regulatory framework for food and medical products. His journey with the NBA began in 2012 when he served on the Technical Advisory Committee of the National Biosafety Committee, contributing to the review of Ghana’s first confined field trial applications. Between 2015 and 2017, Mr. Asamoah-Okyere served on the NBA’s Governing Board, where he helped shape the Authority’s organizational structure and strategic direction. Notably, in 2015, he led a national consultation with stakeholders, including Civil Society Organizations and Anti-GMO groups, to form a national consensus on GMO labelling policies, which paved the way for Ghana’s first approval of genetically modified organisms for food and feed processing. His academic credentials are equally impressive, holding multiple advanced degrees, including a Master’s in Biosafety in Plant Biotechnology from Marche Polytechnic University (Italy), an MSc in Food Biotechnology from the University of Strathclyde (Scotland), and a Master’s in Monitoring and Evaluation from the Ghana Institute of Management and Public Administration (GIMPA). In a statement released by the NBA on September 25, 2024, Mr. Asamoah-Okyere expressed his commitment to reinforcing Ghana’s biosafety regulations through a results-driven approach. "My focus is to ensure that research, development, and the application of genetically modified organisms are conducted safely, with robust measures in place to prevent any unintended harm or contamination,” he said. His appointment comes at a time when the NBA is expected to play a critical role in safeguarding the environment and public health in the face of advancing biotechnology. Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

The Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, has emphasized the political neutrality of the Manhyia Palace, following the nomination of Dr. Matthew Opoku Prempeh (NAPO) as the Vice-Presidential candidate of the New Patriotic Party (NPP). He made it clear that the palace’s recognition of NAPO, who is his nephew, should not be mistaken for an endorsement of the NPP. Otumfuo's clarification came during a courtesy visit by Prof. Jane Naana Opoku-Agyemang, the running mate of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) Presidential Candidate, John Dramani Mahama, on Friday, September 2024. "Even though Dr. Matthew Opoku Prempeh is my nephew, it does not mean that everyone in Manhyia Palace will vote for the NPP or the NDC," Otumfuo stated. He noted that his relationship with NAPO does not influence the political inclinations of the palace. During the visit, Prof. Jane Naana Opoku-Agyemang expressed her appreciation for the warm reception and the wise counsel the NDC had received from Otumfuo over the years. "We thank you for welcoming us to your palace and for your continued guidance to the NDC party," she said. The Asantehene praised Prof. Opoku-Agyemang for her exemplary service to the country, particularly highlighting her tenure as the first female Vice-Chancellor of the University of Cape Coast. Otumfuo commended her dedication and contributions to national development. He also stressed the need for peaceful elections, underscoring that the sustainability of the country’s peace hinges on the conduct of all political actors during this crucial period. This visit underscores the significance of Manhyia Palace as a respected institution, whose neutrality remains vital as Ghana heads towards the 2024 general elections. Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

Dame Maggie Smith, the iconic British actress renowned for her unforgettable roles in Harry Potter and Downton Abbey, has passed away at the age of 89. Her sons, Chris Larkin and Toby Stephens, confirmed the news, sharing that she passed peacefully in the company of loved ones at Chelsea and Westminster Hospital. In a heartfelt statement, her children expressed their grief, saying: "An intensely private person, she was with friends and family at the end" "She leaves behind two sons and five adoring grandchildren who are heartbroken by the loss of their extraordinary mother and grandmother." They also extended their gratitude to the hospital staff for their "unstinting kindness and care" during Dame Maggie's final days, while asking for privacy during this difficult time. A legend in film and theater, Dame Maggie captivated audiences for decades. She was perhaps best known to recent generations for her portrayal of the wise and formidable Professor Minerva McGonagall in the Harry Potter series. Her career also saw her win two Academy Awards, first for Best Actress in The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie (1969) and later for Best Supporting Actress in California Suite (1978). Hugh Bonneville, her Downton Abbey co-star, paid tribute to the legendary actress, stating, "Anyone who ever shared a scene with Maggie will attest to her sharp eye, sharp wit, and formidable talent" "She was a true legend of her generation and will live on in countless magnificent performances. My deepest sympathies go out to her family." The entertainment world has lost one of its brightest stars, but Dame Maggie Smith's indelible mark on stage and screen will ensure her legacy endures for generations to come. Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

The Electoral Commission (EC) has announced plans to exhibit the corrected Provisional Voters Register (PVR) online ahead of the 2024 elections, allowing registered voters to verify their details before the final register is printed. This development follows a nationwide protest organized by the National Democratic Congress (NDC) dubbed the 'Enough is Enough' demonstration. Thousands of Ghanaians across all 16 regions participated in the protest on Tuesday, September 17, 2024, demanding a forensic audit of the voter register. At the end of the protest, the NDC leadership, led by Chairman Johnson Asiedu Nketia, presented a petition to the EC, raising concerns over discrepancies in the PVR. However, after several weeks without a response, the NDC issued a follow-up letter questioning the delay. "This follow-up letter has become necessary due to the fact that the Commission has not had the courtesy to reply to our petition till date," said Fifi Kwetey, the General Secretary of the NDC. "Neither has the Commission officially responded to the serious issues we raised in the petition and the request for a forensic audit thereof." In a swift response, EC Chairperson Jean Adukwei Mensa addressed the NDC's concerns in a statement, assuring that all discrepancies in the provisional register have been rectified. She also disclosed that the EC plans to conduct an online exhibition of the corrected register. "The Commission intends to implement an Online Exhibition of the PVR at no cost to registered voters. Voters will be able to report anomalies with their details within a specified time frame to be announced," Jean Mensa stated. She further emphasized that the online exhibition would be available until Election Day, allowing voters ample time to verify their details. According to her, the EC successfully carried out a similar exercise in 2020 and is confident it will do so again in 2024. "The Commission takes this opportunity to assure the NDC and the general public that it has largely resolved all the discrepancies identified in the PVR," Mensa concluded. Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

Residents across several parts of Accra are facing a deepening crisis as persistent water shortages, now worsened by faulty pumps at the Ghana Water Company Limited (GWCL), leave communities in despair. For months, households in areas like Dansoman, Achimota, and others have struggled with erratic water supply, forcing many to turn to private water sellers at exorbitant costs just to meet their basic needs. In some of the worst-affected areas, particularly sections of Dansoman, taps have been dry for over six months. Families who once relied on regular supply now find themselves in desperate circumstances, shelling out between 50 and 70 cedis per tank from water tankers, a financial burden that is becoming impossible for many to bear. One resident from Achimota, struggling to keep her household running, expressed the anguish felt by many: “We’ve been without regular water for months. We only get supply once a week, and that’s not enough. We have no choice but to buy from the water tankers, but it’s expensive. This can’t go on.” The desperation is palpable in these communities, where residents feel forgotten, left to deal with the escalating cost of private water while the taps remain dry. For many, the situation is not just frustrating, but a matter of survival. Charles Tulasi, Chief Productions Manager at GWCL, acknowledged the gravity of the situation, citing broken pumps at key production stations as the root cause of the shortage. Yet, despite the months of hardship endured by the public, he could only offer a glimmer of hope. According to him, new water plants have been procured and are expected to be operational by the end of October. “We understand the frustration of our customers, and we want to assure them that relief is on the way,” Mr. Tulasi stated, offering a faint promise of improved water supply in the near future. Until then, residents are left to endure the continuing shortages, uncertain of when the crisis will end. In the meantime, the GWCL has urged the public to conserve water and be patient. But for those living with the daily reality of dry taps, mounting bills, and scarce resources, patience is running thin. As families struggle to make ends meet, many fear that even with the promised new equipment, relief may come too late. Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith