The Ministry of Finance has clarified that there is no 1st November, 2023 timeline for disbursement of the second tranche of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) funds. The Ministry of Finance made the clarification after its attention was been drawn to what it calls a misleading publication on by an Accra-based online portal, about Ghana missing a purported deadline of 1st November, 2023, for the disbursement of the second tranche of International Monetary (IMF) Funds. In the statement signed by the Finance Ministry, it said "There is no 1st November, 2023 timeline for disbursement of the second tranche of the IMF funds. No deadline has been set by the IMF for the second tranche disbursement, which is due to take place after the IMF Executive Board approves the first review "The publication by Myjoyonline references Table 9 on page 72 of the Memorandum of Economic and Financial Policies (MEFP) published on 17th May, 2023 by the IMF. The November 1 stated in this table is an indicative timeline for completion of the first review, based on the observance of the end-June 2023 performance criteria" The statement further explained that the first review was successfully completed on 6th October, 2023, culminating in a Staff Level Agreement (SLA) on the same day. "Whilst the SLA milestone is an important step towards unlocking the second tranche of $600 million under the programme, the timeline set by the Executive Board for the consideration and approval of the first review, is not 1st November, 2023 as published by Myjoyonline" It added that the exact timeline for the Board date is determined by the IMF Executive Board. "External debt restructuring negotiations are progressing smoothly. The Government of Ghana is making good progress in accordance with its strategic plan to engage the Official Creditor Committee (OCC) of the Paris Club; secure a Memorandum of Understanding on debt restructuring; and go before the IMF Executive Board for approval of the first review" "Myjoyonline’s misinformation about a 1st November deadline for disbursement of IMF Funds contradicts its own publication of 2nd November, 2023. It is trite knowledge that the IMF Executive Board Meeting to approve Ghana’s first review, must occur before the disbursement of the next tranche of IMF Funds. On 2nd November, 2023, Myjoyonline published an article titled, “IMF Executive Board to meet in 3rd week of November, Ofori-Atta hints” which clearly contradicts the false publication of a 1st November deadline" The Ministry of Finance therefore encouraged the general public and media houses in particular, to seek the facts and truth about any information that comes to their attention, by reaching out to the Ministry for clarification whenever they are in doubt. Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

The Food and Drugs Authority (FDA) has visited victims of the Akosombo Dam spillage and educated them on some safe food handling practices to prevent foodborne illnesses. According to the FDA, during floods, there are high potential for increased food safety risk. To address this concern, the FDA has visited the safe havens in Ada and walked the flood affected victims through some methods of safe handling of foods. The recent spillage of the Akosombo Dam has affected several Ghanaian communities in the Volta and Greater Accra regions. According to the FDA, floods can have a significant impact on people's lives, including their food choices and food handling practices. The Food and Drugs Authority (FDA) says it is deeply concerned about the flood victims and thus the visit likewise education. The FDA added that it aims to create awareness of the increased food safety risks during floods and encourage safe food handling to prevent foodborne illnesses. Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

A Police officer and a Senior High School student have been killed in a tragic motor accident near Niifio, a community near Suhum in the Eastern region along the Kumasi-Accra dual highway. The incident occurred at approximately 7:00 am on Thursday November 9, 2023. Abdul Fatau, a 32-year-old driver, accompanied by his 20-year-old driver’s mate, Abdallah Yakubu in charge of DAF XF Articulated Tanker Truck with registration number GN 932-20 en route from Kumasi to Tema, collided with the rear portion of an unregistered Haojue motorcycle. The motorcycle was being ridden by Solomon Okyere, 28, with two pillion riders: Corporal Richmond Atta Essandoh, aged 38, a personnel of Suhum District Police, and John Teye, 20, a student of Suhum Presby Secondary Technical School. The impact of the collision resulted in life-threatening injuries for the suspect rider and the two pillion riders. Emergency services promptly rushed them to Suhum Government Hospital for treatment. Unfortunately, upon arrival, the two pillion riders were pronounced dead. The deceased, General Corporal Richmond Atta Essandoh and John Teye, aged 38 and 20 respectively, have been moved to the hospital mortuary for preservation and autopsy. Both the accident vehicle and the motorcycle have been impounded for testing as part of the ongoing investigation. Meanwhile, the suspect driver, Abdul Fatau, is currently in police custody to assist with the inquiry. Credit: Starfm

The Minister of Energy, Dr. Matthew Opoku Prempeh says the hacking of Electricity Company of Ghana's systems (ECG) led to lot of losses. The Minister made these revelations while addressing Journalists in Accra on Thursday. He said "ECG was hacked. Whether it was internal or external, it was hacked. And then there were a lot of losses that came out of the hack." "The situation led to the company recording a lot of losses" He noted the unfortunate incident left the state-owned company recording losses in the first nine months of 2023. "The ECG recorded a total of GH¢2,050,373,143.47 as collection losses as of September 2023. The amount is against a total of GH¢2,448,770,084.34 loss recorded by the company in the year 2022. Loss as of September 2023 as against an amount of GH¢2,599,695,242.10 in 2022" In his presentation, he revealed that ECG further made technical losses of GH¢1,279,369,021.42 as of September 2023 as against GH¢2,758,872,792.21 in 2022. "Regarding commercial losses, ECG lost GH¢2,758,872,791.21 as against GH¢1,852,597,985.96 recorded in 2022" Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

The Minister of Energy, Dr. Matthew Opoku Prempeh, has indicated that the Volta River Authority (VRA) may resume spillage should the water level in the Akosombo Dam continue to rise. He said the VRA is closely monitoring the water level, and if necessary, spillage operations will be initiated. The VRA initiated the release of excess water from the Akosombo and Kpong dams on September 15, 2023, concluding the process on October 30, 2023. The spillage led to the destruction of several homes and farmlands. During a parliamentary session on Wednesday, Dr. Prempeh emphasized that both the VRA and the National Disaster Management Organization (NADMO) are diligently engaged in the distribution of relief items to affected areas. “The VRA and NADMO have intensified the distribution of relief items and caused several relief interventions to help lessen the burden of displaced people" he noted. "The VRA paused the spilling on 30th October 2023. We are still observing the inflows, and if necessary, we may have to spill,” he said. Story by: Citinewsroom

The Member of Parliament (MP) for North Tongu Constituency, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa has expressed disappointment in the Akufo-Addo government over its failure to announce a resettlement policy for victims of the Akosombo Dam spillage. The MP took to his social media handle to register his displeasure. In a tweet sighted by Thinknewsonline.com, he tweeted "This is how thousands of our fellow Ghanaians who had their own homes a few weeks ago woke up at 5am today" "Why should our compatriots and my beloved constituents continue to live in congested classrooms and under extremely inhumane conditions in displaced camps 5 weeks after the VRA-induced floods" "Why has government failed to announce a resettlement policy?" "As I reiterated forcefully in Parliament yesterday, this injustice must not be allowed." "God is watching." Background It will be recalled that Mr. Okudzeto Ablakwa appealed to the government to fastrack the resettlement of the flood victims. He stated emphatically that four weeks into this disaster and they are still expecting the government action for a resettlement plan. Mr Ablakwa said this during a meeting with some traditional rulers from the Six Traditional Areas under North Tongu. The meeting, held at the Royal Marcito Palace Hotel, was aimed at constituting a committee known as the ‘Accountability Elders Council to spearhead the distribution of items and other related activities to the Akosombo Dam flood victims. Mr Ablakwa indicated that even though he put together volunteer teachers, who are organising classes, children must go back to their classrooms, adding “government must immediately announce a resettlement plan.” He said the traditional leaders had offered land on higher grounds for reconstruction, adding “so land cannot be an excuse where government will say that it cannot begin the reconstruction programme.” Mr Ablakwa also explained that the responses given to other disaster-driven communities in the country ought to be replicated everywhere. He, however, revealed that Parliament had ruled to have a Parliamentary probe into the recent flood disaster after considering several factors Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

Member of Parliament (MP) for Ningo-Prampram Constituency, Sam George has clapped back at critics over his comments on the religious beliefs and practices of Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia. The MP took to his X account to respond to the critics. He tweeted "I have seen a strenuous attempt to drag the revered Chief Imam into the issue of religious prostitution by our Vice President, Dr. Thomas Bawumia" "It is distasteful to say the least. The NPP and its agents have no limits. They do not honour the respected cleric and all right thinking people must denounce them" Sam George reminded the NPP and its critics that the Chief Imam, His Eminence Sheikh Dr. Osmanu Nuhu Sharubutu was not a politician but a spiritual leader in Ghana. "He is a stellar example of religious tolerance and embodies this in his several actions when tensions  have arisen in the past. In his fellowship with Christians, he has never compromised his faith and belief" "I believe that those who seek equity must come with clean hands. Today, pointing out the double standards of @MBawumia is seen as wrong but his attempt to ridicule President John Mahama who had honoured the invitation of the Chief Imam was seen as okay" "We would not tolerate those attacks any longer without an equal measure of response" "Those with little capacity for scrutiny should hasten slowly to a confrontation. Cheers. 🦁🇬🇭🔥" Background It will be recalled that the Ningo-Prampram MP has been under fire by a cross section of social media users for attacking the religious beliefs and practices of Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia. The MP who appeared on Metro TV’s Good Morning Ghana on November 7 tagged the newly-elected 2024 New Patriotic Party (NPP) flagbearer as a religious prostitute who does not deserve to be president. His comment however attracted criticism among social media users who saw the MP to be dabbling in religious bigotry. While Sam believes the Vice President kneeling before a priest makes him a bad Muslim, some X users have pointed out that the National Chief Imam, Shiekh Osmanu Nuhu Sharubutu on various occasions has had priests and pastors lay their hands on him in prayer. Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

Director of Communications for the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP), Richard Ahiagbah has called on the general public to vote against John Mahama and the NDC in the upcoming 2024 Presidential Elections. According to him, Candidate John Mahama when voted as President will cancel NPP's flagship program 'Free SHS Policy' just as he did to others. In a tweet sighted by Thinknewsonline.com, Mr. Ahiagbah tweeted "H.E John Mahama says he will review the Free Senior High School policy within 100 days if elected. Well, that simply means he will CANCEL the popular Free SHS policy as the NDC has always hinted" "But why would a social democratic party be opposed to the interest of the masses? Do you remember my brother John Dumelo and the masses?" He challenged the NDC flagbearer to tell Ghanaians what his review of the Free SHS policy would entail. "We must get answers because it is primarily a financing intervention or initiative to eliminate the cost barrier to education for the masses" "H.E Mahama canceled the Teacher and Nursing trainee allowance. Well, now he wants to cancel the Free SHS policy too... Don't allow him..." It will be recalled that H.E John Mahama few days ago hinted that he will review the Free Senior High School policy within 100 days if elected. Mr. Mahama stressed on the critical role of a solid basic education foundation. He revealed his plan to assemble a panel of educational experts to formulate an improved framework for implementing the Free SHS policy, which has been a cornerstone of Ghana's education system. He expressed his belief that the review should include a broad spectrum of stakeholders. The proposed stakeholder summit will involve educationists, teachers, parents, students, and opinion leaders, and aims to enhance the Free SHS system and elevate the quality of basic education. Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

The Member of Parliament (MP) for North Tongu Constituency, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa has launched “Operation Restore” at the Mepe St. Kizito Camp by replacing school bags, shoes, exercise books, pens, pencils, erasers and sharpeners of some 3,000 displaced school pupils. The displacement of the 3,000 school pupils comes following the Akosombo Dam spillage some weeks ago. In a tweet sighted by Thinknewsonline.com, the MP tweeted "Yesterday, I launched “Operation Restore” at the Mepe St. Kizito Camp by replacing the school bags, shoes, exercise books, pens, pencils, erasers and sharpeners of some 3,000 displaced school pupils" "These are school items lost to the VRA-induced floods which are urgently needed by our 3,000 lovely children across the 21 displaced camps as they resume academic work through my Camp Classes initiative" The school pupils who could not hide their joy thanked the MP and volunteers for their kind gesture. The MP used the opportunity to express his gratitude to volunteers from NUTSA and Uriel for assisting him to distribute the items, and particularly for helping in selecting right shoe sizes. "In this together, rising together. 🙏🏾" Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

The Food and Drugs Authority (FDA) has participated in this year’s “Grand Sales 2023” event, organized by the Ghana Trade Fair Company (GTFC). The five-day event, held from October 25th to the 29th brought together indigenous Ghanaian businesses, to promote micro- and small-scale industries, and provide a platform to clear old stock and restock for the upcoming festive season. About fifty (50) businesses gathered for this grand bazaar to showcase their goods and services to a receptive public. They include; Ekumfi Fruits and Juices Ltd, Granny’s Pastries, Healthy Sip, Rubees Beewax Ventures, The Busy Bees, GKV Foods, and J. A. Biney among others. The event was not just a showcase of products, it was also an interactive platform for exhibitors to connect and engage with visitors. Attendees got the chance to explore exhibitors' tents filled with high-quality innovative foods, household products and much more, all at affordable prices. State organizations, such as the State Insurance Company, Ghana Export Promotion Authority, Zenith Bank, Ghana Standards Authority, the Electricity Company of Ghana, Ghana Free Zones Authority, and the Social Security and National Insurance Trust, were also present, contributing to the vibrant atmosphere. The FDA's participation was very significant to this event. Officers ensured that the products on display met safety requirement and had gone through the requisite registration procedures. They also educated visitors and vendors on the registration processes for FDA-regulated products and methods for verifying registered products, establishing a sense of confidence and reliability. The Grand Sales 2023 bazaar successfully fulfilled its aim of bringing together brands and businesses from different industries to promote their products and services. This completely aligned with the objective of providing the Ghanaian market with quality products at affordable prices. It was a spectacular event that demonstrated the vibrancy of Ghana's business landscape as well as the critical role that regulatory bodies like the FDA play in ensuring the quality and safety of products on the market. Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

The Community Water and Sanitation Agency (CWSA) says it is involved in facilitation and provision of only water related sanitation to households and institutions in rural communities and small towns, and therefore not responsible for determining sanitation and hygiene coverage. Chief Executive, Community Water and Sanitation Agency (CWSA), ING. DR. Worlanyo Kwadjo Siabi (MV, FGhIE), made these remarks while addressing Journalists in Accra on Wednesday. Speaking at a press conference in Accra, he said "CWSA involved in facilitation and provision of only water related sanitation to households and institutions in rural communities and small towns, and therefore not responsible for determining sanitation and hygiene coverage" He disclosed that as at 2022, water infrastructure available to rural communities and small towns, which have been provided by state institutions (CWSA and MMDAs), NGOs and Religious bodies include; Boreholes fitted with handpumps  -  31,388, Small Towns Pipe water systems  -  616, Limited mechanized water systems  -  1,308. He noted that water coverage for rural communities and small towns based on access to potable water has been estimated as; Water coverage as estimated by Ghana Statistical Service is 74.4% (GSS: 2021, Population & Housing Census), Water coverage as estimated by CWSA is 62.63%, as at 2022. This coverage, he revealed covers water services provided by only state institutions (CWSA & MMDAs), NGOs and Religious bodies, under CWSA supervision (Excludes private sector and self supplies). He noted that CWSA WASH activities cover 17,441 out of 29,279 communities in the 16 regions. "On the Sustainable Rural Water and Sanitation Project (SRWSP) financed through a US$ 41.5 Million IDA/World Bank loan. Sanitation was part of project interventions" "The 11 regions which benefitted are Ahafo, Bono, Bono East, Central, Western, Western North, Upper West, Upper East, North East and  Savanna" "Sanitation intervention implemented are: 21,776 household toilets  (digni-loo type), 568 institutional toilets in 224 basic schools, 947 Open Defecation Free communities, Hygiene promotion in the beneficiary communities" He mentioned that in 2017, CWSA initiated policy reforms for the Rural and Small Towns Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) Sub-sector to redefine its role and the other partners. "The purpose of the Reforms is to sustain WASH provision. Water systems completed by CWSA with GoG funds were previously handed over to communities to manage. The involvement of communities was expected to create ownership and sustainability" ING. DR. Worlanyo Kwadjo Siabi noted that research conducted by CWSA/IRC/World Bank in 2014 found that only 10% of water infrastructure provided basic services, while about 40% were broken down. CWSA therefore agreed with its Sector Ministry and development partners to initiate reforms to restructure the WASH Sub-sector. Touching on challenges, he cited frequent breakdown and long downtime (more than a month) of water systems, high non-revenue/unaccounted for water (about 50% in 2017), huge accumulated electricity bills on community managed water systems (Over GHS 40 Million). "Water quality challenges. At least 30% of  groundwater have high levels of iron, manganese, fluorides, arsenic and hardness)" "Surface water sources have also deteriorated as a result of unapproved human activity in most river basins (i.e. mining)" "Inadequate financing for post construction activities to guarantee regular follow-ups, repairs and maintenance. Changes in the financing landscape of Ghana, resulting in dwindling resources to the Sub-sector" ING. DR. Worlanyo Kwadjo Siabi (MV, FGhIE), revealed that the Community Water and Sanitation Agency (CWSA) was established by an Act of Parliament of the Republic of Ghana 1998, Act 564. He stressed that the mandate of CWSA, per Act 564 is to facilitate the provision of safe water to rural communities and small towns and promote water related sanitation and hygiene practice. Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

The Food and Drugs Authority (FDA) has held a two-day training program for importers and manufacturers of Controlled Substances (CS). The two-day training was held on the 11th and 12th October 2023 in Accra. The program was organized to educate representatives from 49 pharmaceutical companies, comprising both local manufacturers and importers of Controlled Substances on Regulatory Requirements for Controlled Substances and raise awareness about emerging trends and threats associated with New Psychoactive Substances. An unregulated trade in controlled substances, they were told could lead to an increase in drug abuse which can lead to issues such as reduced productivity in the workplace due to absenteeism, impaired cognitive function, overall decreased work efficiency. This, as explained could also have an adverse impact on a country's economy and increase the cost of healthcare and the strain on healthcare systems. Other health implications of substance abuse include mental health problems and infectious diseases like HIV/AIDS and Hepatitis C. Another negative effect of unregulated trade in controlled substances is the increase in illicit trade and organized crime. Illegal drug trade often fuels organized crime, leading to violence and instability. These activities coulddeter economic development in affected regions. The FDA as mandated by the Public Health Act, 2012 (ACT 851) Section 126 revealed that it has been mandated to oversee the legal, scientific, and medical use of narcotic drugs, psychotropic substances, and precursor chemicals, aligning with international drug conventions as well as subscribed guidelines. These UN drug conventions include the 1961 Single Convention on Narcotic Drugs (amended by the 1972 Protocol), the 1971 Convention on Psychotropic Substances (adopted in 1988), and the 1988 United Nations Convention against Illicit Traffic in Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances. The pursuit of a safe and legitimate drug supply chain is bridled by some challenges. These challenges include issues related to document submissions such as late responses from controlled drug importers, inaccuracies/ erroneous documentations and errors in the processes involved in controlled substance permit applications. The FDA in accordance with the provisions of the law and allied international drug commitments has developed two essential documents, namely, "Guidelines for the Importation of Controlled Substances" and "Guidelines for the Sale, Supply, and Use of Controlled Substances” to provide guidance to stakeholders. Thus, the training of manufacturers and importers of controlled substances was intended to provide improved knowledge gap and capacities in the use of these guidelines and the reporting system which includes submission of proper documentations such as Advice of receipts, Returns (Utilization/distribution records) and processes involved in the Controlled Substances Import Permit applications). The training was also expected to equip manufacturers and importers of controlled substances with the requisite skills in effective standard storage practices for controlled substances, raise awareness about emerging trends and threats associated with New Psychoactive Substances as well as other relevant aspects concerning controlled drug management. Speaking at the training, DCEO in charge of health products and technology, Seth Seaneke expressed his immense gratitude towards the participants for availing themselves for this all-important training. He admonished them to take the session serious to properly apply the lessons. On her part, Director for the Tobacco and Substances of Abuse Department, Dr. Olivia Boateng indicated that it had become imperative that the FDA brings manufacturers, importers, and dealers in Controlled substances up to speed on the advent of NPS (New Psychoactive Substances). She stated during her presentation that these substances are either analogues of existing controlled drugs or newly synthesized chemicals, created to mimic the actions and psychoactive effects of licensed medicines and other controlled substances. “NPS are clandestinely produced and have no industrial or medicinal use” she stated. She also pointed out that the dangers of NPS are far reaching hence the need to find ways to curb its proliferation. Participants of the training engaged in meaningful discussions regarding emerging threats posed by New Psychotropic Substances and pledged their support to the FDA in ensuring that stakeholders are well-informed and prepared to address these evolving challenges. They further committed to comply with the relevant guidelines to ensure an efficient supply chain management of the controlled drugs to curb any form of illicit diversion which could further escalate the drug abuse situation in the country Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith