The 4th Nursing and Midwifery Leaders and Managers Conference has been climaxed with the 3rd Excellence and Hall of Fame Awards ceremony at Ho in the Volta Region. The Awards night saw 25 nurses and midwives managers and leaders across the country received various awards in 6 different categories. The aim of the awards is to recognise and celebrate exceptional nurses and midwives whose contributions have significantly impacted healthcare delivery in the country. The Deputy Minister for Health, Hon. Tina Naa Ayeley Mensah guest of honour at the ceremony, addressing awardees and participants indicated that the MoH fully sponsored the awards as a demonstration of the Ministry’s appreciation to the contribution of nurses and midwives role in our health care system who represent about 60% of the overall health workforce. “I wish to congratulate all the awardees for their nominations and achievements. I hope that this recognition will further motivate you to excel more and make us proud”, she said. The Deputy Minister commended Dr. Yeboah and the planning committee for assembling about 300 distinguished nursing and midwifery leaders and managers across the country as well as key partners and stakeholders to deliberate on national health issues. Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

Former President, John Agyekum Kufuor has pen down a touching message as tribute to his late wife, Theresa Aba Kufuor. The Former President in his tribute wrote "Fare thee well, Aba. Adieu, my dearest love!" "Shortly after what I now perceive as a clearly fore-ordained introduction by our mutual friend Dr Kwame Appiah-Poku, Aba and I met in person on 1 July 1961 at a ball at Battersea Town Hall in London, to celebrate Ghana’s first anniversary as a republic. Aba had just completed nursing school in Edinburgh and was on her way to pursue a midwifery course at the Radcliffe Infirmary, part of Oxford University. I was also on my way to Exeter College, Oxford, having just passed my Bar exams at Lincoln’s Inn in London" "My first impressions of my beautiful Aba were that of a soft-spoken and well-mannered lady; and within a year of bonding and courting, we both discovered that we very much enjoyed each other’s company. We had the same cultural tastes in art, music and cinema and shared similar social preferences" "Consequently, we decided to tie the knot; and this we did at Brompton Oratory in Knightsbridge, London, on 8 September 1962" "We were joined by Chief, our first male child, on 6 September 1963. By mid-1964, shortly after completing our studies in Oxford, we moved to London to pursue our respective careers. Our second child and first daughter, Nana Ama, was born in Golders Green in London on 29 November 1964" "However, due to overwhelming pressure from my family in Kumasi, we decided to return home to Ghana. Shortly after our return to Kumasi in January 1965, I joined Okomfo Anokye Chambers as a junior lawyer with Victor Owusu as senior partner. Aba later joined the Kwame Nkrumah University Hospital as a nurse/midwife. Soon after that, on 4 November 1965, Aba and I welcomed our third child, Saah, into our rapidly growing family" "Our fourth child, Agyekum, was born on 16 February 1968. By the time he arrived, I was already embroiled in the web of public service. I had been appointed in 1967 as the chief legal officer and city manager of the second city of Ghana, Kumasi. That was our entry into civic and public life in Ghana" He described that his former late wife as a woman who had a very confident personality that fitted in with ease everywhere they went, and which also allowed her to cope under the most challenging of pressures. "In 1969, I got elected as a Member of the Parliament of the Second Republic (for Atwima Nwabiagya in the Ashanti Region). I then also got appointed as Ghana’s Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs under the premiership of the late Professor Kofi Abrefa Busia" "So, our young family had to relocate from Kumasi to Accra. Aba, to my delight, took our evolving life in her stride as she adjusted effortlessly, and with confidence, to our new milieu of a life in national politics and diplomacy" "Between 1969 and 1971, with both Aba and me in our early thirties, our lives seemed to be on an upward trajectory. But this was to be truncated with a shocking and unexpected coup d’état on 13 January 1972, which arrested practically all the members of the government and threw us in prison. Our world had crashed" "Fifty-four of us, including cabinet ministers, junior ministers and some Members of Parliament, would remain in jail for a minimum period of between 12 and 15 months each; having initially endured – incommunicado, for almost eight weeks – denial of any contact with family or the outside world at Ussher Fort prison. This angel of a woman, to my amazement, would survive the ordeal of raising five children on her own – in my absence, Aba gave birth to our fifth and last child, Kofi, as a single parent on 16 June 1972. Her strong and exceptionally disciplined personality did indeed come to the rescue of our family" "I could not have foreseen the crash that befell us and could not, therefore, have made any provision for our ordeal. However, Aba rose above that. With her strong, prayerful faith in God, Aba’s spirit would not and could not be broken. She survived on very little then; and she truly kept our hopes alive. When allowed to visit me in prison, she left me with a sense of optimism that was most assuring. I survived my incarceration of 15 months largely because of Aba. She was a woman of sacrifice, devotion, humanity and resilience" "After my release from detention, she returned to practice nursing at Cocoa Clinic, where she rose to the position of the clinic’s first-ever matron. Only once did Aba strongly protest about my absence from home, as my entrepreneurial businesses kept me away for extended periods of time. Her commitment to our marriage and her exceptional will to be a loving wife, a caring home-maker and a firm but loving parent have produced the fruit of what our children have become today. She was firm, yet tender" "When I was elected to office as the second President of the Fourth Republic of Ghana, Aba would play a pivotal but quiet role in shaping key social interventions, such as including the kindergarten stage for all the children of Ghana in the Free Compulsory Universal Basic Education policy; the provision of one hot meal a day to primary school children across the nation; the launch of the National Health Insurance Scheme; and the introduction of free maternal care for all" "She also worked tirelessly as the founder of the Mother and Child Community Development Foundation to support early childhood development programmes across the country. Her Foundation built three schools and gifted them to communities in Nyanyanor in the Central Region, and in Kotobabi and Amansaman in Accra" "Through her Foundation, she also provided a breast cancer screening unit to a health-care services provider in Sunyani and she assisted bakers in Nsawam and Adoagyiri with baking equipment. She established a phone-in counselling centre to support and combat the stigmatisation of HIV/Aids patients. Remarkably, Aba rendered all her community action-based services without seeking any publicity" "Aba and I shared a gleeful sense of humour, which meant we could laugh at each other; just as we could naturally forgive each other for our unfailing human shortcomings. She and I embarked on many trips together as I pursued my political career and after I became President." "However, what touched her most during our international trips was the recognition she received from Pope Benedict XVI, who bestowed on her the prestigious Papal award of Dame ofSt Gregory the Great. Throughout her life, she remained a devout Catholic; a passionate worshipper; and a chorister of Christ the King Catholic Church in Accra. The Former President noted that his late wife's departure has left an unbridgeable void in his life; but will take solace from the many mercies and blessings the good Lord has showered on their journey of 62 years: living long; the blessing of beautiful children; 14 splendid grandchildren; the honour of having served our nation together; the gift of loving; extended families; and a network of friends around the world. "I am so thankful to the good Lord God for giving you to me as my life partner. Aba, you have earnedyour good rest and as the words of the Apostle Paul go: “You have fought the good fight, you have finished the race, you have kept the faith. Now there is in store for you the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to you on that day – and not only to you, but also to all who have longed for His appearing.” A state burial is currently been held for the Late Former First Lady, Theresa Kufuor at the Forecourt of the State House in Accra today. Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

A state burial is currently been held for the Late Former First Lady, Theresa Kufuor at the Forecourt of the State House in Accra. Dignitaries such as President Akufo-Addo, Former President Mahama among other high-profiled personalised have joined Former President John Agyekum Kufuor and family to mourn the late Former First Lady. Late Theresa Kufuor was called to glory at her Peduase residence on October 1 at age 87. It is emerging that a final funeral rites will be held at Heroes Park in Kumasi on Saturday, November 18 in honour of the Former First Lady. It will be recalled that a Requiem Mass was held on Wednesday, November 15, 2023, in honour of late former First Lady, Theresa Kufuor at the Christ the King Catholic Church at Cantonments in Accra. The requiem mass brought together high-profile personalities, politicians, family and friends of the late former First Lady. Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

The Government of Ghana has announced that it has placed a zero rate VAT on locally produced sanitary pads. The Minister of Finance, Ken Ofori-Atta made this announcement on Wednesday while presenting the 2024 budget on the floor of Parliament. He also stressed that government places zero rate VAT on locally produced sanitary pads; Mr. Ofori-Atta hinted that government has granted import duty waivers for raw materials for the local manufacture of sanitary pads. Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

The Government of Ghana has announced that it has budgeted 220 million to support the relief for the communities affected by the Akosombo Dam spillage as well as floods upstream in the Oti Savannah and Bono East regions. The Minister of Finance, Ken Ofori-Atta made these known while presenting the 2024 budget on the floor of Parliament on Wednesday. "On the Akosombo Dam Spillage The government of Ghana has budgeted 220 million to support the relief for the communities affected by the spillage as well as floods upstream in the Oti Savannah and Bono East regions" He added that visit of the officials of the Ministry of Finance to the victims was truly revealing, adding they empathize with the affected families. The Finance Minister hinted that his Ministry was quickened to have requested funding from the World Bank under the crisis response window to support the victims. "We have worked hard and invested significant resources and I can confidently assert that every household has been impacted by our social intervention projects" The Minister also revealed that in the past 7 years government has invested over 32.7 billion to keep the lights on and support the growth of businesses. On the creationof jobs, Ken Ofori-Atta said "We have created over 2.3 million jobs in the private and public sectors" The Minister disclosed that Ghana's economy projected to be valued over GH¢1 trillion in 2024 from the GH¢219.5 billion in 2016. "Cedi depreciated 3.6% since feb 2023. Public debt has slowed down significantly to 66% of GDP", he revealed.

Volta Regional Minister, Dr Archibald Letsa, has reprimanded the South Tongu District Chief Executive (DCE), Seth Agbi, for locking up relief items intended for victims of the Akosombo Dam spillage. The reprimand came after a widespread public outcry over the DCE’s inaction, which left essential aid stranded at the District Assembly due to a lack of fuel for distribution. Speaking on the Citi Breakfast Show on Wednesday, Mr. Letsa condemned the DCE’s comments, stating that he should have known better. He revealed that the DCE has been reprimanded, with further action likely to be taken against him in the coming days. “The first thing I did yesterday was to reprimand him,” Mr Letsa stated firmly, emphasizing the gravity of the DCE’s negligence. “I am in discussions with the appointing authorities to see what next happens, whether a warning or something else,” he continued, hinting at the possibility of further disciplinary measures. The DCE’s decision to lock up the relief items sparked outrage among the public, with many calling for his dismissal. In response to the viral video of the DCE’s comments, the National Disaster Management Organisation (NADMO) stepped in to take over the distribution of the relief items. NADMO director for South Tongu, Collins Avornu, confirmed that the organization had been distributing relief items for the past three weeks since the spillage of the Akosombo Dam. He dismissed claims that the DCE’s video led to the distribution of the relief items. “We have been distributing items for the last two or three weeks. We didn’t just start the distribution of items,” Mr. Avornu said in an interview with Citi News. Credit: Citinewsroom

The Minister of Finance, Kenneth Ofori-Atta is expected to present the 2024 annual budget statement, economic policy today on the floor of Parliament. Mr. Ofori-Atta will be presenting the 2024 budget in accordance with Article 179 of the 1992 Constitution and section 21 of the Public Financial Management Act, 2016 (Act 921). In a communique signed by the Public Relations Unit of the Ministry, it said "This Budget is crucial because it is developed to support the implementation of the IMF-backed Post-Covid-19 Programme of Economic Growth (PC-PEG). It comes just after the successful First Review of the 3-year US$3 billion IMF-ECF Programme" It added that the Minister will also highlight, among others, the performance of the economy, efforts to boost the productive capacity of the economy through the new Growth Strategy, fiscal measures, and debt management strategies to deepen stability and promote growth. The statement added that in line with usual practice, Government will undertake a comprehensive post-Budget stakeholder engagements to explain the various policy to the public. Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

The United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) Representative in Ghana, Dr. Wilfred Ochan has charged leadership of the nurses and midwives to lead the change needed for their own good, for the good of the people they lead and for the Ghanaians they serve. He made these remarks while speaking at the opening ceremony of the 4th Annual National Nursing and Midwifery Leaders and Managers Conference and 3rd Excellence Awards 2023 held at Ho in the Volta Region. Addressing the leadership of the nurses and midwives, Dr. Ochan said I am calling on the leaders to deploy the right leadership character to ensure the 2030 agenda" "It is the 4th time that they gather this way. But this time, it is a different gathering. At this gathering, profiles, titles and ranks no longer matter but the urgency to use this space to individually and collectively see the world as it is, and lead the change needed for their own good, for the good of the people they lead and for the Ghanaians they serve." "This time, deep down in their hearts and minds, is the desire to stop the talking, but make the bold decision to walk the talk! For, conferences and conferences have been held transformational changes are desired now!" He noted that nurses and midwives are highly competent, respectful and respected, and central in the care setting and family’s health and well-being. "In the path I see, there are four different and interconnected paths that converge to bring the educators, regulators, practitioners and leaders of nursing and midwifery professional associations to a shared leadership to make the changes in the path that I see" "I want to walk this path I see in my tomorrow, but walk it today especially the path of enlightenment. In this path, all nursing and midwifery training schools meet accreditation standards, are regularly monitored and supervised" "Faculty members and students are happy and enjoying every bit of learning and learning is fun balancing traditional teaching with use of modern technology in the class, in the skills laboratories and for online library resourecs. The class to student ratio, the teacher to student ratio, and all the ratios are at optimum levels" "Annual outputs of trained nurses and midwives are planned and match the number to provide quality services for the population needs, adequately prepared to respond to the disease burden and emerging conditions. In this path, all the nursing and midwifery student graduates are immediately employed in the public and private sector, because they are simply the best and the market is readied for them. I see the path for career progression…for my continuing professional development and career growth. In this path I see, high school student chose nursing and midwifery training as their career of first choice, above other courses" He contended with the reality stressing that many a leader do not care much about the need to comply with education accreditation standards, the quality of the teaching staff, nor have adequate practical training. "Application for nursing and midwifery training programmes are for those who choose these courses as a last resort, with little passion for it. School management admit more students than capacity permits, motivated by financial incentives, exceeding the optimum ratios" He hinted that Technology and innovations are not weaved into the training programmes to save cost, despite the global trend. "Graduates qualify and are not fully competent, have no jobs. Many are frustrated, restless and running away from the country" "I take a look at my second path, and in this path, I see the path of proud and satisfied professional nurses and midwives, whose profession is well recognised and securely protected in the laws of the land for their unique roles and contributions to society’s well-being with well-defined scope of practice. In the path I see, I see those who complete nursing and midwifery training are promptly recognised and registered in an electronic database, tracked on regular basis so that at any single time, I am known and where I work and the roles I play" "I am supported to undertake continuing professional development programmes to ensure that my skills remain current to changing trends. My ethical standards and code of conduct is above reproach, and I willingly take any sanctions when I default in compliance because of the pride I have in my profession, because I want to protect its image" "But in walking to my path, my leadership reality is that poor quality and conditions of service persist in some places. Nurses and midwives are recruited and deployed on other parameters, and although hospital staffing norms are met, they do not align with the population needs in terms of size! As such staff are overworked, stressed and inadvertently rude to the patients! How will I walk my tomorrow, today in this state?" "Firstly, I will have to create with my team, the vision for change…the beautiful path that I see, work to inspire them to drive the change, and build the needed momentum for change while devising ways for overcoming any resistance to change, or rather any resistance to loss. I know people do not resist change, but they resist loss. Finally, I must ensure that I adopt and deploy the right leadership character to make the changes and work with networks of partners, adversaries, etc…for that is the path to walk" Vice Chancellor of UHAS, Professor Lydia Aziato, expressed worry over the issue of migration of nurses and midwives from Ghana to foreign countries for general pastures. She noted that alhough government can not stop the migration of nurses and midwives, it can moderate it. This, she explained will give nurses and midwives the opportunity to acquire more knowledge and skills that will enhance their work. She lauded the leadership for making the nursing and midwifery profession look vibrant and attractive by instituting the annual conference. On his part, Chief Director of the Ministry of Health, Alhaji Hafiz Adam said "At the heart of ensuring Universal Health Coverage (UHC) lies the pivotal role of nurses and midwives. Their expertise, dedication, and commitment to the well-being of others are indispensable to our nation’s health" “The Ministry’s commitment to UHC is further exemplified by the roadmap to UHC, 2020-2030 a detailed action plan that outline the specific steps we will take to achieve our goals” He stressed that recognising the important role played by nurses and midwives, led to the development of the Nursing and Midwifery Strategic Plan and Services Framework, 2019-2023 which will be succeeded by another five-year plan from 2024-2028. “Through these policies and initiatives, we will achieve our goal of providing UHC for all Ghanaians by 2030" Taking his turn, Volta Regional Minister, Dr. Archibald Letsa said "Nursing and midwifery professionals play an indispensable role in our healthcare system, offering essential services to the people of Ghana" "Their dedication, compassion, and expertise are the pillars upon which universal health coverage is built. It is only fitting that we gather here to celebrate and elevate your contributions to our society. As the Regional Minister, and indeed as a medical practitioner myself, I have had the privilege of witnessing the dedication of nurses and midwives in my era of practice and in particular visiting some of our healthcare facilities across the Volta Region" "Your high commitment to the well-being of our citizens in providing quality health care services, ranging from health promotion, health education, curative, palliative and rehabilitative is nothing short of extraordinary and worth commending" "I can recount numerous instances, where the tireless efforts of nurses and midwives have saved lives and in particular during the covid-19 pandemic. You are the backbone of our healthcare system, and on this memorable day, we salute and celebrate you all for your selfless dedication and love for humanity. Ayekoooooo!" "The theme of this conference, "Leading Nursing and Midwifery Health Workforce, Achieving Positive Outcomes for Universal Health Coverage," is both timely and relevant" "Achieving universal health coverage is not possible without a strong, skilled, and dedicated nursing and midwifery workforce. I have no doubt that, the discussions and deliberations during this event will contribute to the betterment of healthcare in our nation" In a speech read on behalf of Director General of the Ghana Health Service, Dr. Patrick Kuma -Aboagye, he said "The focus of the Service is to increase the resilience of the health system, invest more in subnational health systems, digitalise the health system at all levels, promote self-care and to strengthened partnerships with communities, development partners and all relevant stakeholders, whose activities impact on health" "Nurses and midwives together constitute 38.7% of the entire GHS workforce, hence their contribution to quality care delivery is huge and the need to equip them with the right skills, knowledge, and attitudes for positive outcomes for UHC cannot be overemphasized" Director of Nursing and Midwifery at the Ministry of Health, Dr. Barnabas Yeboah stressed that nurses and midwives play very important role in ensuring resilient health system, hence the need to empower them to do more. "This conference will provide the nurses and midwives leaders and managers with the opportunity to collaborate with colleagues, learn from each other and indulge in the network of practice" "The Excellence Awards is to recognise the good work of nurses and midwives. It is also to encourage and motivate others to excel in what they do" Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Korle Bu Teaching Hospital, Dr. Opoku Ware Ampomah underscored the need for nurses and midwives to be employed, paid and treated well in the country. He hinted that such treatments will leave the nurses and midwives with no option than to stay in Ghana, work wholeheartedly and help save more lives. Dr. Ampomah lauded the leadership for organising the conference Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

Micromanaging a digital marketer can be detrimental to the success of a marketing campaign and the overall performance of the digital marketer. Digital marketing is a dynamic field that requires flexibility, creativity, and autonomy to be effective. Micro-managing can stifle these qualities and lead to a lack of innovation and effectiveness in marketing efforts. One of the main reasons why micromanaging a digital marketer is not effective is that it can stifle creativity and innovation. Digital marketing is constantly evolving and requires new and creative ideas to be successful. When a digital marketer is constantly told what to do and how to do it, they may not feel empowered to come up with new and innovative ideas. This can lead to a lack of fresh and creative content, which can negatively impact the effectiveness of the marketing campaign. Another negative effect of micromanaging a digital marketer is that it can lead to a lack of ownership and initiative. Digital marketing requires the ability to think strategically, make decisions, and take ownership of marketing efforts. When a digital marketer is constantly monitored and directed, they may not feel motivated to take ownership of their work and may become dependent on their manager for guidance. This can lead to a lack of initiative and accountability, which can negatively impact the overall performance of the digital marketer. Micro-managing a digital marketer can also lead to inefficiency and wasted time. Digital marketing requires a lot of testing, experimentation, and data analysis to be effective. When a manager is constantly providing detailed instructions and monitoring the digital marketer's work, they may be duplicating the work that the digital marketer is already doing, which can lead to delays and increased workloads. This can also lead to a lack of focus on the manager's own responsibilities and tasks. Additionally, micromanaging a digital marketer can lead to high turnover rates. Digital marketers may become frustrated with the lack of trust and autonomy and may choose to leave the company for a more empowering work environment. This can lead to a loss of valuable talent and expertise, which can negatively impact the overall performance of the marketing team. On the other hand, digital marketing requires a lot of monitoring and data analysis. Managers should provide clear goals and objectives, but also give the digital marketer freedom to work independently and come up with their own strategies and tactics to achieve those goals. This approach allows the digital marketer to think strategically, make decisions, and take ownership of the marketing efforts, which can lead to more effective and efficient marketing campaigns. In conclusion, micromanaging a digital marketer can have negative effects on the success of a marketing campaign and the overall performance of the digital marketer. Managers should strive to find a balance between close supervision and autonomy for their digital marketers and should give them the freedom to think independently and make decisions while still providing guidance and support when necessary. This approach will lead to more effective and efficient marketing campaigns and a more motivated and productive digital marketer. Credit: Samuel Ansong, Digital Marketing Professional

The Kakum National Park, one of the most visited tourist sites in Ghana located in the coastal environs of the Central Region is now being targeted for mining. A company named High Street Ltd for Mining has applied for a mining license from the Minerals Commission seeking to mine 24% of the reserve. Information gleaned from the website of the Minerals Commission revealed that, the application is still under consideration. Making this startled revelation yesterday in Accra at a Stakeholders Engagement on the policy implication of L.I. 2462, the Director of Nature and Development Foundation, Mr Mustapha Seidu said, it is strange for anybody to even conceive the idea of mining at the treasured Kakum National Park. The biodiversity of the Kakum National Park The Kakum National Park, covers an area of 375 square kilometres (145 sq mi). Established in 1931 as a reserve, it was gazetted as a national park only in 1992 after an initial survey of avifauna was conducted. The area is covered with tropical forest. The uniqueness of this park lies in the fact that it was established at the initiative of the local people and not by the State Department of Wildlife who are responsible for wildlife preservation in Ghana. It is one of few locations in Africa with a canopy walkway, which is 350 metres (1,150 ft) long and connects seven tree tops which provide access to the forest. The most notable endangered species of fauna in the park are Diana monkey, giant bongo antelope, yellow-backed duiker and African elephant. It is also an Important Bird Area recognized by the Bird Life International with the bird area fully overlapping the park area. The bird inventory confirmed 266 species in the park, including eight species of global conservation concern. One of these species of concern is the white-breasted guineafowl Nine species of hornbill and the grey parrot have been recorded. And it also has more than 600 butterflies as well, and a new species was discovered in 1993. As of 2012, the densest population of forest elephants in Ghana is located in Kakum. The Museums and Monuments Board of the Republic of Ghana has proposed that UNESCO declare the park a natural World Heritage Site under criteria vii and x. The submission made in 2000 is listed under the tentative List of World Heritage Sites. According to the Ghana Tourism Survey, more than 100,000 tourists across the globe visited the park last year, making it the second highest in the country after the Abugri Botanical Gardens. Blame L.I. 2462 According to Mr Mustapha, Legislative Instrument (L.I.) 2462 passed in November last year has given unfettered access to the destruction of Ghana’s protected forest reserve and it is no surprise that, a company is daring to mine at the Kakum National Park. He said, by coming into force of L.I. 2462, both production and protective forest reserves are candidate mining sites with no limitation on the total percentage of forest reserve area that can be put under mining. Participants at the workshop This, he said, was contrary to the 2019 Guideline which limited prospecting and mining to only 2% of the production forest reserve areas and limited prospecting and mining operations to only production forest reserves. “Before L.I. 2462 came into force in November 2022, our records indicate that there were only three mining operations in production forest reserves. Please take note that since November 2022, eight (8) new mining licences have been granted to mine in forest reserves including Globally Significant Biodiversity Areas (GSBA)”, he revealed. The forests are the Draw River Forest Reserve which is a GSBA, Neung South Forest Reserve also GSBA, Boin Tano Forest Reserve another GSBA, Mamiri Forest Reserve, Nkrabia Forest Reserve, Tano Anwia Forest Reserve and the Oda River Forest Reserve. “As we speak, there are 14 more applications under different stages of consideration by the Minerals Commission including an application by High Street Ltd for mining in the Kakaum National Park. That application is under validation and covers 24% of the reserve, according to the Mineral Commissions website”, he added. Mr Mustapha indicated that, in all, mining licences granted and the applications so far affect 15 forest reserves with a total combined concession areas of more than 95,000 ha. “We already have enough on our hands with the destruction of our forest by illegal miners. If in less than one year of LI2462, we are seeing this massive legal destruction of our forest reserves, we cannot imagine what will happen in the next five (5) years to a decade. “We know that we cannot grow food everywhere, we cannot build houses everywhere and it is indeed a common knowledge that, we cannot mine everywhere, so why should we open all forest reserves for mining”, he added. LI 2462 will effectively roll back all gains Participants at the workshop On his part, Deputy Director of A Rocha Ghana, Daryl Bosu said, in all intent and purpose, the LI 2462 will effectively roll back all gains Ghana has achieved in sustainable management of forests, while also seriously undermining Ghana’s quest to leverage the growing payment for ecosystem services, nature-based and low carbon development market opportunities the next decade will offer. He said, Food security, water for all, biodiversity conservation, climate resilience and health and wellbeing would be critically compromised. “LI 2462 is too retrogressive for it to be allowed to stand as it is. It is therefore recommended that it be repealed”, he advised. Credit: ghenvironment.com

Special Aide to Former National Organizer for the National Democratic Congress (NDC), Joshua Hamidu Akamba, Dr Khinanwin Nyande has debunked the viral news flash that ,the former NDC organizer is behind the leaked videos of the mental health patient, Abena Korkor. He indicated that, some online portals in the country are circulating potentially unreliable information concerning the viral video which he deems as a deliberate attempt to attack and possibly ruin the hard earned reputation of Joshua Hamidu Akamba. He disclosed that, Abena Korkor who is a mental health advocate has posted on her Instagram page that, Former National Organizer of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), Joshua Hamidu Akamba is one who leaked the said disturbing videos. She wrote..."Akamba report yourself to the police .I sent those videos to you privately now they are all over the Internet because I blocked for disrespecting me.Politics money doesn't move me.I don't kiss ass." A statement signed and issued by Dr. Khinanwin Nyande urged the public to utterly ignore the false news being circulated on social media and treat it with the contempt it deserves. "The alleged accusations made against Mr Akamba are incorrect and should be disregarded by the public" "Joshua Hamidu Akamba is well known in politics as a respected gentleman in Ghana and across the world who fights for the grassroots and marginalised groups" "Mr. Akamba has not in any way leaked any video or pictures of Abena Korkor and has not had any sexual relationship with her" "Mr Akamba respects the rule of law and is also a strong advocate of human rights in Ghana and does not intend to destroy anyone's image" Story by: Lawrence Odoom

The New Patriotic Party (NPP) says it has scheduled the conduct of its Extraordinary Constituency Delegates Conference for Saturday, 2nd December, 2023, to elect the Party’s Parliamentary Candidates in Constituencies where the Party has no parliamentary representation (i.e. Orphan Constituencies). This decision was taken by the Party at a National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting held on Friday, November 10, 2023. In a communique signed by General Secretary of the party, Justin Kodua Frimpong, he said "Vetting of aspiring Parliamentary Candidates in these Constituencies shall take place in the various regional capitals from Tuesday, 14th November, 2023, to Thursday, 16th November, 2023" He added that Regional Executive Committees are hereby directed to communicate to their respective Constituencies and aspiring parliamentary candidates the dates, time and venue for vetting. The NPP also need that the Extraordinary Constituency Delegates Conference shall take place in all Orphan Constituencies with the exception of the following constituencies: 1. Ketu North 2. Akatsi North 3. Yilo Krobo 4. Jomoro 5. Fomena 6. Bawku Central The Party has also appointed the following persons as national representatives on the Vetting Committees for various regions. OTI REGION 1. Salam Mustapha (Chairman) 2. Dr. Asiedu Kokro 3. Abdul Taric Bonsu VOLTA REGION 1. Alhaji Masawudu Osman (Chairman) 2. Kwadwo Afari 3. Kwame Peter WESTERN REGION 1. Alhaji Abdul Aziz Futa (Chairman) 2. Dr. Owusu Mensah 3. Lawyer Amo Dartey WESTERN NORTH REGION 1. Isaac Jay Hyde (Chairman) 2. Ernest Owusu Bempah 3. Emmanuel Asamoah BONO REGION 1. Haruna Mohammed (Chairman) 2. Sandra Sarkodee-Addo 3. Akwasi Afriyie BONO EAST 1. Rita Asobayire (Chairperson) 2. Dr. Ernest Owusu Kumih 3. Miriam Awurama Duan AHAFO REGION 1. Michael Nketiah (Chairman) 2. Emmanuel Senyo UPPER EAST REGION 1. Hajia Safia Mohammed (Chairman) 2. Owusu Acheampong 3. Alhaji Rashid Salifu COP UPPER WEST REGION 1. Joseph Nganiba Kwayaja (Chairman) 2. Eric Ntori 3. Daniel Opoku Agyeman NORTH EAST REGION 1. Kwabena Frimpong (Chairman) 2. Kamil Abdul-Rahman Yarinaa 3. Sulemana Abubakar (Lakulaku) SAVANNA REGION 1. Richard Ahiagba (Chairman) 2. Rabi Salifu 3. Kwame Twum NORTHERN REGION 1. Dr. Antoinette Tsibu-Darko (Chairman) 2. Mogtar S. Mujtaba 3. Dr. George Asante ASHANTI REGION 1. Dr. Charles Dwamena (Chairman) 2. Nana Wiafe 3. Elizabeth Agyeman EASTERN REGION 1. Henry Nana Boakye, Esq. (Chairman) 2. Nana Obiri Boahen, Esq. 3. Jennifer Oforiwaa Appiah CENTRAL REGION (GROUP A) 1. Danquah Smith Buttey (Chairman) 2. Hajia Ayesha Yussif 3. Ninkab King David Nkanbonam CENTRAL REGION (GROUP B) 1. Frank Davies (Chairman) 2. Bodja Emmanuel Korsi 3. Stephen Forson GREATER ACCRA REGION (GROUP A) 1. Justin Kodua Frimpong (Chairman) 2. Kwame Kyeretwie-Amponsah 3. Dr. Nyame Baafi GREATER ACCRA REGION (GROUP B) 1. Kate Gyamfua (Chairperson) 2. Dr. Gladys Norley Ashietey 3. Agya-Yaw Nsiah Touching on primaries in Constituencies with sitting MPs, Mr. Frimpong explained that the National Executive Committee has also rescheduled the date for the conduct of the Party’s Parliamentary Primaries in Constituencies where the Party has sitting MPs. The new date for the conduct of the primaries is 20th January, 2024. Nomination, he hinted, shall open on 20th December, 2023, and close on 22nd December, 2023. The NPP Party stressed that iti shall soon issue detailed guidelines to govern the conduct of the primaries in these Constituencies. The party anticipates the full cooperation of all stakeholders in the conduct of the primaries and wishes all aspiring candidates the best of luck. Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith