Chief Director of the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources, Prof. Patrick Agbesinyale has refuted claims suggesting that government engages the services of Landguards to assist in reclaiming encroached government lands. The Tamale South MP, Hon. Alhassan Suhuyini has alleged that government has confessed to entering into a contract with land guards. According to him, the Chief Director of the Ministry Prof. Patrick Agbesinyale at a Parliamentary Select Committee meeting on 10th July, 2023 disclosed before the committee saying, “I think the idea was that anytime the Government apparatus; the police, military among others are seen going out there to claim lands, you know the hullabaloo and backlash the Government receives. So, what they do is that you would set up somebody like this and Government would literally be hiding behind it so he can reclaim government lands.” However, appearing before the Public Account Commitee(PAC) on Wednesday, July 19, 2023 Prof. Agbesinyale elaborated his statement to the committee, “I think I take exception to that reportage.” “I think land guard unfortunately is a terminology that all of us dont want to be associated with, at least we know what land guards are, they are illegal entities that operate and engage in all forms of criminal activities, I can’t imagine saying government uses land guards,” he explained. The Chief Director added that “We cannot attribute land guards to our respectable security agencies, its unfair and I personally take a very strong exception to that, because I never mentioned land guard in my submission to the committee, I never”, he concluded. The Ministry and three of its Agencies led by the Deputy Minister Hon. Benito Owusu-Bio, on behalf of the sector Minister appeared before the PAC to explained some infractions that were recorded by the Auditor General during the 2020 accounting year. The Agencies are Lands & Forestry Commissions, as well as the office of the Administrator of Stool Lands. Story by: Fafa Nyame

Deputy Chief Executive Officer of Ghana Export Promotion Authority (GEPA), Samuel Dentu says winning foreign contracts through International competitive bidding takes a lot more grit and meticulous preparation in all aspects of the bidding process. He made these remarks while addressing some Tech Start-ups under the Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) at an ICT training programme held in Accra on Wednesday. He said "Winning foreign contracts through International bidding takes a lot more meticulous preparation in aspect of the bidding process" "Today's business concern is competing against major global players. The competition is even even more pronounced when the radar is placed on the trade in services" The ICT training was aimed at boosting the confidence of local SMEs in International bidding and help secure huge business deals for themselves and country. "We have successfully provided this support to firms in IT and Education sector over the last couple of years" "We are fervently also in the process incorporating data from service sector in the NTE portfolio. This action will inform policy and provide a clear strategic direction to the sector" "We urge you to provide the necessary export data on IT services when we call on you for such support" He also noted that in order to compete favourably on the global scene, it was imperative that actors need to have requisite knowledge in International best business practices. GEPA stressed that in order to augment knowledge gained from the ICT training, it will organise such capacity building programmes through its school. He added that Ghana was well positioned to take the lead when it comes to the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA). "We are doing very well in the area of goods. We need to just be prepared to take Africa by storm as far as trading services are concerned" On his part, President of Ghana Institute of Procurement and Supply (GIPS) said "This training is to boost the confidence of our local SMEs to go in for International bids. Bidding International means you have to acquire some skills and expertise in preparing the tender documents" "We will be touching on 'Preparation of winnable bids, Specification Development, understanding International biddibg processes" He added that most of the Ghanaian Institutions are not able to compete in bid in International procurement or Donor funded procurement. He cited rigid and strict requirements as a major challenge faced by local SMEs when attempting to bid Internationally. "For us as an Institute; we will try and ensure that in participating in International bids, you are aware of the requirements" Mr. Annan further expressed worry over the low or little attempts by local SMEs on International bidding. "International procurement or bid is a fair and competitive playing ground and for that matter, if you prepare your documents well and also understand the requirements, it is likely that you will win" He appealed to SMEs in ICT to challenge themselves and attempt International bidding. "The impact of procurement to our national economy. Procurement is what is going to move us from where we are now, to the next level" "If we are going to focus on the strategic aspect of procurement, by ensuring that we empower the SMEs through the procurement that we do and what government buys then ofcourse the SMEs is going to improve" "Africa especially Ghana, we export cash because our economy is import dependent. 90% to 95% of what we consume are imported and for that matter, all the cash goes out and we bring in goods" "At what point will we stop? I think this training is also trying to ensure that the people here understand how they can ensure that procurement and supply chain is done properly" National Project Coordinator, Netherlands Trust Fund (NTF) V Ghana Tech Project, Isaac Newton Acquah noted that he was confident the local SMEs will expand outside the country. He cited access to market as a major challenge been faced by Tech Start-ups in Ghana. He challenged Ghanaian Tech Start-ups to up their game in order to clock more lucrative International deals. The ICT training programme was organised by GEPA in collaboration with International Trades Centre under the Netherlands Trust Fund V. Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

The Office of former President John Agyekum Kufuor has dismissed reports about his death. “We wish to categorically deny such an occurrence and state emphatically that the former president is very much alive and well.” There were rumours, over the weekend, of the death of the 2nd President of the Fourth Republic with his recent protracted absence from the public fuelling the rumours. But a press release issued by his Office on Tuesday, July 18 urged the public to “disabuse their minds of these malicious and uncanny rumours that spring out of nothing”. “The office further urges those who may be behind the propagation of such wicked untruths to desist from them henceforth; there have been far too many,” the release signed by Special Aide and Spokesperson Dr Kwabena Osei-Adubofour said. “We can only speculate that the perpetrators do so out of mischief-making and possibly for unfathomable political purposes.” It called for God’s continuous blessings rather for the former president. Credit: 3news.com

Chief of Staff, Frema Osei Opare says Ghana is now prepared to overcome oxygen challenges following the launch on National Medical Oxygen Policy. According to her, with this new policy, Ghana is ready to deal with issues which confronted the country during the covid-19 period due to global oxygen shortages. Speaking at the launch of National Medical Oxygen Policy in Accra on Tuesday, she said "I consider it an honour to be a part of the launch of the National Medical Oxygen Policy. I had the privilege to launch the oxygen plant to produce oxygen for the 37 Military and Komfo Anokye Hospital" She also revealed that the policy was meant to ensure self-sufficiency in the supply of medical oxygen across the country. Explaining further she hinted the the medical oxygen was an indispensable medical commodity that requires a holistic approach for safe production and supply. "It is therefore delightful to acknowledge the significant effort made by the Ministry of Health and its stakeholders towards the formulation of the National Medical Oxygen Policy" "Permit me to applaud the great efforts of the Minister of Health and his staff. The oxygen suppliers and producers and all stakeholders who contributed towards the development of this policy." "As stated by his Excellency in his state of the nation address in April said 'Universal Health Coverage must become a reality for all Ghanaians and not a slogan. For every Ghanaian deserves good health" "This called for the provision and expansion of priority healthcare infrastructure to increase access to healthcare across the country" Ahe also mentioned that per the new policy, hospitals will now be constructed  with adequate facilities for medical oxygen supply, distribution and delivery to patient bed side while existing facilities will be equipped with the needed medical gas piping. "The government will ensure that hospitals with bed capacity of 100 or more are well resourced to produce oxygen on site or resourced with liquid oxygen system to increase availability and access to medical oxygen" "To achieve this, the government will ensure the creation of an enabling environment for local production of liquid and gaseous medical grades of oxygen in commercial quantity to make medical oxygen affordable" She assured that other health facilities will be equipped with the oxygen resources according to their needs. "Government will track the medical oxygen space to ensure continuous improvement towards the achievement of self- achievement in medical oxygen in Ghana" "I want to urge all health facilities both public and private to adopt government's digitalization agenda to effectively maintain and manage data on oxygen resources in order to prevent shortages of medical oxygen" On his part, the Minister of Health, Kwaku Agyeman-Manu said "The availability of medical oxygen is not a challenge that can be solved by a single entity or organization. It requires a collective effort from government, healthcare providers, manufacturers, and the international community. We must act swiftly and decisively to bridge the gap between oxygen supply and demand" "Access to quality health care is a fundamental human right enshrined in our constitution (1992 Constitution). The Government is committed to the achievement of the SDGs. My Ministry is committed and leaving no one in unturned to achieve that. Number of activities have been initiated to enable all people in Ghana have timely access to high quality health services irrespective of ability to pay at the point of use" He stressed that timely access to high quality health services cannot be achieved where the devices, commodities or technologies required to provide the services are absent or inadequate. "Ghana has come a long way in improving the health service delivery but there is more to be done" "During the Covid-19 pandemic, it became clear to all of us that medical oxygen is a health commodity that cannot be underestimated, if Universal Health Coverage is to be achieved" "National Medical Oxygen Policy, to establish the framework and lay the foundation for a national strategy for scaling-up the production, availability, access and use of medical oxygen across the country" "It is worth noting that the COVID-19 pandemic brought to light, the inadequacies in the production capacity, supply management, distribution and rational use of medical oxygen, not only in Ghana but globally" "The pandemic increased medical oxygen demand by about three (3) to seven (7) folds. It also brought to the fore, the need to strengthen the health system to make it more resilient and responsive, by progressively developing national capacity in producing key health inputs, including medical oxygen" He stressed that patients with conditions resulting in low oxygen level in their blood (medically referred to as Hypoxemia) is a common condition and if treatment delays can easily result in death. "Some of these conditions include respiratory diseases which accountßfor 15.5% of deaths across all ages in 2020 in our health facilities and approximately 16.5% of deaths in children under five (5) years. It is reported that there are about 5,000 pneumonia-related deaths annually in newborn and children under five (5) years in Ghana" "Pneumonia is the third (Yd) highest cause of death in children under five (5) years in Ghana. Studies have also shown that improved supply and utilization of medical oxygen in the healthcare setting has the potential to reduce mortality from childhood pneumonia by 35%" "Medical oxygen is classified as an essential medicine which must beje regulated to ensure its availability, access, safety and quality for medical use. The National Medical Oxygen Policy therefore seeks to provide a strategic framework for the practice and regulation of the production, procurement, distribution and use of medical oxygen, in a bid to reduce mortality and morbidity from hypoxemia" World Health Organization (WHO) Representative, Dr. Francis Chisaka Kasolo said "Oxygen is a vital resource in healthcare, particularly in the treatment of respiratory illnesses and emergencies" He noted that its availability is crucial in saving lives and providing necessary care to those in need. "Unfortunately, in recent times, the world has witnessed the dire consequences of oxygen scarcity, making it imperative for us to discuss this pressing issue" "It is not just any Oxygen but medical oxygen that is a key commodity in providing quality care to save lives. It is a lifeline for patients suffering from respiratory insufficient due to trauma or respiratory conditions, such as pneumonia, asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Recently during the global COVID-19 pandemic we all saw how important medical oxygen is in sustaining lives" Some institutions were rewarded for their immense contribution to the country during the covid-19 period. Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

In the bid to address the waste management challenges in the Akyem Old Tafo community, Dr. Palgrave Boakye Danquah, the NPP Parliamentary Candidate Hopeful for the Abuakwa North Constituency in the Eastern Region has step forward to support the Akyem Old Tafo Fofiase refuse dump. His initiative aims to improve waste management practices and ensure the cleanliness and the overall well being of the community. As part of his efforts,Dr. Boakye Danquah has provided protective clothing, wheelbarrow, brooms and other working gears for people working at the refuse dump. He also promised a monthly payment for the caretaker to oversee the proper maintenance and management of the refuse dump. Dr. Boakye Danquah's promise to pay the caretaker is a crucial aspect of the his initiative because Madam Leticia Peasah has been working voluntarily as caretaker of the site for sometime now. The caretaker will be responsible for overseeing the refuse dump, ensuring the cleanliness and the proper management of the dumpsite. His move will not only help in improving waste management practices, but also create a cleaner and healthier Akyem Old Tafo community. Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

The Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources has debunked claims that it has contracted land guards to protect state lands. The Ministry made these known via a pres release on Monday. It said "The Ministry would like to set the records straight that government and for that matter, the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources do not contract the services of land guards in its operations" “However, the Ministry through its agency Lands Commission legally engaged the services of Aynok Holding Limited, a registered Limited liability company to assist in reclaiming encroached government lands" The Ministry further explains that the interaction has been in effect since 2012. “We wish to state categorically that government and by extension, the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources employs a legal process to reclaim all encroached state lands,” the Ministry said in a statement. It will be recalled that on July 17, the Member of Parliament for Tamale North Alhassn Suhuyini disclosed that the Chief Director of the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources, Professor Patrick Agbesinyale has revealed that a land guard has been contracted to protect state lands. Suhiyini said this came to light during an engagement that the Lands and Forestry Committee of Parliament had with the Ministry. Speaking to journalists in Parliament on July 17, he raised concerns against dealing with a person whose activities have been outlawed. “In our engagement, the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources the Chief Director revealed, shockingly, that the Ministry has resorted to engaging a land guard to retrieve and protect government lands. “Mind you, these are lands that are held on behalf of the people of Ghana and vested in the President to protect it. I am sure that the framers of the Constitution are aware that the president is the Commander-In-Chief of the Ghana Armed Forces and he is seized with the capacity to ensure that these lands are protected for our common use, that is why the lands are vested in the president, and the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources is the Ministry tasked with the responsibility of overseeing these lands. Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

Mixed reactions have greeted a video making the rounds which shows Edwina Nana Dokua, the first daughter of President Akufo-Addo making a phone call right beside his father while a national anthem. Ghanaians react as Akufo-Addo’s daughter makes call during national anthem. The video was filmed at the 30th-anniversary celebration of the death of Eleanor Akufo-Addo, the President’s late wife and mother of Edwina. She was captured in the video speaking on the phone right beside her 'no-nonsense' father while the national anthem was being sung after the emcee had asked the gathering to rise in honour of the anthem. Some social media users say it smacks of double standard while others don't see anything wrong with it. The video has sparked numerous reactions especially as it emerged following recent development in which President Akufo-Addo expressed unhappiness with Nii Torgbor Obodai Ampaw, the chief of Mempeasem for failing to stand up while the national anthem was being played. This particular incident occurred on Friday, June 9, 2023, a ceremony at the Green Ghana Day event held at the University of Ghana. The footage showed Akufo-Addo furiously instructing the Greater Accra Regional Minister, Henry Quartey to tell the traditional leader to stand up. His anger stemmed from the fact that everyone, including he the first gentleman of the land stood up in honour of the national anthem but the chief remained seated. Subsequently, the chief issued a statement to apologise to the President and explained that his failure to stand up for the national anthem was due to ill health and the effect of a medication. Standing during a national anthem is regarded as a display of reverence and is meant to honour the nation that it represents. Andreas Kamasah, news reporter at Pulse.com.gh. Good at creating original content and writing comprehensive feature articles on humanitarian and social issues. Professional and impartial. Credit: Pulse Ghana

The first ever ultra modern medical waste and treatment plant has been commissioned in Adegya in the Ashanti region. Commissioning the facility, the Deputy Minister of Health, Hon. Mahama Asei Seini, noted the commissioning of the facility signifies the commitment of Ghana to safeguard public health, preserving the environment and sustainable development. He stressed that medical waste comprises of potentially infectious and hazardous materials which poses a great threat to human health and the ecosystem if not managed properly. "It is critical that we adopt responsible and efficient measures to prevent the spread of diseases, protect our healthcare workers and minimize the impact on the environment, he emphasized. He noted the facility will serve all heath care facilities within the region and neighboring towns. He added that it will also serve as a learning facility for health students in the region. The facility which has the capacity to treat 10,000kg (10 tonnes) of waste a day, will provide over 200 direct and indirect jobs. He assured all waste generated from the health facilities will be channeled to ensure its sustainability. The Director General of the Ghana Health Service, Dr. Patrick Kuma-Aboagye, noted that management of medical waste in the country has always been a challenge. He added that in the last two years, Ghana has dispensed over 22 million vaccines excluding vaccines for children and the management of the waste was a challenge to the Service. "We are currently open burning of waste, incinerators with its accompanying high electricity consumption cost and so there's a need to transform to a safer, efficient and environmental friendly system and what we have here provides this excellent result. We are happy to be part of this transformation," he remarked. He stressed that, the facility does not only protect environment but the health workers who handle the waste. The Executive Director, Processing Cluster E&S Group, Haida Said, noted that the pandemic brought into focus the need to be cautious in handling medical waste to prevent the spread of infectious diseases in the country. He expressed gratitude to the president Nana Addo for creating the enabling environment for the private sector to work. Hiahene Prof. Oheneba Boakye Adjei, who represented Otumfou Osei Tutu, commended the partnership between the Government of Ghana, the Ecosteryl of Belgium and the Jospong Group for bringing the project to life. The Ghana ambassador to Belgium H.E. Harriet Sena Siaw-Boateng remarked that the facility is a significant milestone and demonstrates Ghana's commitment to meeting goal 3 and 12 of the SDGs. "It also align with environmental sanitation and plastic policy that will significantly reduce plastic waste," she noted. The Kumasi Medical Waste Treatment facility is part of a larger initiative undertaken by the Jospong Group of companies in collaboration with the government of Ghana. This collaboration aims to establish 14 centralized medical waste treatment facilities throughout the country. The primarily purpose of the Kumasi Medical waste treatment facility is to collect and treat hazardous healthcare waste components, including used syringes, blood-stained materials, pathological waste, COVID-19 waste, and waste from vaccination exercises. It serves all healthcare facilities within the region and its surrounding areas. The facility is equipped with two state-of-the-art Microwave Treatment Equipment that have a daily capacity to handle an average of 10,000kg (10 tonnes) of hazardous waste. This equipment not only effectively treat the waste but also recycle it, adding value and reducing the amount of waste destined for landfills. The non-incineration technique employed by the equipment ensures there are no atmospheric pollutants released, promoting environmental health and safety. In addition to the treatment equipment, the facility features a Coldroom for waste storage and specialized waste trucks for transporting medical waste from various healthcare facilities to the treatment site. The establishment of the Kumasi medical waste treatment facility brings significant soci0-economic benefits to the community and the country as a whole. It is expected to generate over 200 direct and indirect employment opportunities for the community members. The facility also aligns with Ghana’s commitment to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, specifically contributing to the goals related to environmental sustainability, health and decent work and economic growth. Overall, the facility plays a crucial role in addressing the proper management and treatment of hazardous healthcare waste in Ghana. By utilizing advanced technology, recycling capabiliites, and adhering to environmental and safety standards, the facility contributes to the achievement of national and international sustainability goals. Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

The concessionaire of the Boankra Inland Port in the Ashanti Region, who doubles as the Chief Executive Officer of Ashanti Ports Services Limited, Isaac Afum has commended the Akufo-Addo administration for its support and confidence in picking a local concessionaire for the development of the Boankra inland Port. He extended the same gratitude to the Minister of Transport and the Shippers Authority for their continuous support. He also thanked the Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, for his role, advice, and unflinching support to the progress of the project. He added that it will be recalled that early this year Ghana Ports and Harbours Authority bought shares in the project and is now a shareholder in the project. According to the report, work on the much talked-about project is gradually taking shape as the sub-contractor on site, Justmoh Construction Limited, works round the clock to complete various construction works. Currently, the contractor on site is making progres with the construction of drainage and other earthworks. This included leveling the ground for the terminal and commercial area. Mr. Isaac Afum, after leading officials from the Ashanti Ports Services Limited to witness the progress of work on the project, was impressed with the progress and quality of work done at that stage. According to him, the contractor was within schedule and that they expected it to be completed and commissioned by next year, November, barring any challenges. To ensure the timely completion of the project, he said plans were far advanced to bring on board two different contractors on site to augment the existing one. He further added that additional funding for the project was secured as Africa Export-Import Bank (Afeximbank) was committing some 280 million dollars into the project, adding that, another financier from Italy is also supporting it with an additional 100 million U.S dollars. The contract for the commencement of work on the project was awarded in November 2020, after President Akufo-Addo cut sod for the project which had stalled for many years. Mr. Afum was optimistic that the completion of the project would not only boost business opportunities in the region but also create jobs for the masses, especially youth, through direct and indirect employment. The Project Manager of the Boankra Inland Port, Jarrar Saddique, briefed the media about the progress of work. Board Chairman of Ashanti Ports Services Limited, Nana Bugyei pledged his support for the completion of the project. Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

The Government of Ghana has announced that it is inviting Eligible Holders to exchange approximately US$809 million of its U.S.$-denominated domestic notes and bonds specified for a package of new bonds to be issued by the Republic. According to Gov't, the terms and conditions of the Invitation are described in the exchange memorandum dated July 14. In a communique issued by the Finance Ministry, it said "On 5th December 2022, we launched an invitation to exchange the GHS-denominated notes and bonds of the Republic, E.S.L.A. Plc, and Daakye Trust Plc for new bonds of the Republic, which exchange successfully concluded on 21st February 2023" The communique also noted that approximately 85% of holders eligible to participate in the exchange tendered their bonds and notes for a total of GHS82,994,510,128 tendered and exchanged. While those results represent a significant step towards achieving the Government’s objectives in respect of its public debt, the domestic debt exchange programme is not yet completed. "Today, we are launching a similar invitation to exchange, this time in respect of the U.S.$ dollar-denominated bonds issued domestically by the Republic of Ghana and governed by Ghanaian law. For the avoidance of any doubt, this Invitation is separate from the invitation to exchange launched in December 2022 and concluded in February 2023, and does not involve any GHS-denominated securities" It stressed that reasons justifying the invitation to exchange launched in December 2022 remain valid today and continue to justify the domestic debt exchange programme. "The successful completion of this programme will allow our country to restore sound public finance and sustainable debt levels and kickstart economic growth following the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and the global economic shock created by the war in Ukraine" "This Invitation to Exchange is an arrangement through which holders of Eligible Bonds will submit their holdings of Eligible Bonds governed by Ghanaian law and denominated in U.S.$ dollars (U.S.$) for new benchmark Government of Ghana bonds denominated in U.S.$, with the same aggregate principal amount (plus applicable capitalized accrued and unpaid interest), and which have in the aggregate a lower average coupon and extended average maturity than the Eligible Bonds" The Finance Ministry hinted that the successful completion of this domestic debt exchange is a critical component of both the debt reduction programme and the programme discussions with the International Monetary Fund (IMF). It added it will contribute to unlocking the support of the international community and will allow Ghana to achieve its debt targets. As such, the Government noted that it is calling for the full participation of all holders of Eligible Bonds. "The Government expects overwhelming support for this exchange. The alternative would be a far worse economic crisis, with protracted closure from international markets (including imported goods and services) and further domestic economic instability both for the real economy and the financial sector. It would also mean depleted fiscal resources to support the vulnerable." On the summary of the invitation, it disclosed that the Invitation was available only to registered holders of Eligible Bonds (“Eligible Holders”). "Eligible Holders tendering their Eligible Bonds pursuant to the Invitation will receive New Bonds of the Republic on the terms and subject to the conditions described in the Exchange Memorandum. All offers to exchange Eligible Bonds made by Eligible Holders (an “Offer” or “Exchange Instruction”) are irrevocable (subject to withdrawal rights under certain limited circumstances). By tendering their Eligible Bonds, Eligible Holders represent and warrant that such Eligible Bonds constitute all the Eligible Bonds owned by them and consent to the blocking by the Central Securities Depository (CSD) of any attempt to transfer them prior to the Settlement Date (as defined below) or the termination of the Invitation by the Republic" "Eligible Holders who deliver valid Offers at or prior to the Expiration Date that are accepted by the Republic will receive on the Settlement Date (as defined below) in exchange for their Eligible Bonds accepted by the Republic, the same aggregate principal amount distributed across new bonds due in 2027 (the “New 2027 Bond”) and 2028 (the “New 2028 Bond”, collectively, the “New Bonds”) in the following proportions. Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

With the opening of parliamentary nominations by the NPP for its ‘orphan’ constituencies, a huge number of residents of the Adentan constituency thronged the campaign office of Mr. Kwasi Obeng Fosu, popularly known as Baba Tauffic the Homeboy, an aspiring parliamentary candidate for the constituency, to witness the presentation of the nomination forms to him. They were led by a former Electoral Area Coordinator for Amrahia-Malejor, Mrs. Baaba Maison, and the current Coordinator for New Adentan East Electoral Area, Mr. Kelly Steve Oppong Nyinah who picked the form from the constituency party office earlier on Tuesday afternoon when the NPP opened its nominations for the upcoming primaries. The procession to Mr. Obeng Fosu’s campaign office in the constituency, was marked with singing and dancing in what could be described as a carnival atmosphere. Present at the presentation were several Constituency Executives, Electoral Area Coordinators, Members of the Council of Elders, Members of the Council of Patrons, Polling Station Executives and party faithfuls in general, who came to lend their support. Presenting the forms, Mrs. Maison said she was delighted that such a hardworking and very popular grassroots politician in Adentan has offered himself to lead the party to reclaim it lost seat in 2024. She recalled that Obeng-Fosu as the constituency Youth Organiser led the youth wing to secure its first ever twin victory for the party in 2016 together with his colleague constituency executives at the time, when the then candidate Hon. Yaw Buaben Asamoa (Esq) won the seat and President Akufo-Addo won the presidential race in the constituency. “My success as Electoral Area Coordinator would not have been possible without the support, hard work and loyalty of our Homeboy Baba Tauffic when he was the Constituency Youth Organizer" "Today, he has risen to become the youngest Member of the Council of Patrons and it is time to reward his hard work by rallying behind him for victory,” she urged, to a thunderous applause. In his acceptance speech, Mr. Obeng-Fosu, currently the PRO of the Energy Ministry said he was both overwhelmed and surprised by the love shown by his fellow patriots that thronged his office for the presentation. "I sincerely thank you all for your massive grassroot support. Today, I assure you that the confidence you have reposed in me will not be taken for granted. With your support and prayers, and through Christ who strengthens us all, I believe that victory shall be ours in 2024”, he declared to loud cheers from the excited crowd. Dedicating his forms to God and to the party’s footsoldiers, he urged all party members to continue supporting him, the party and government through thick and thin so that together the NPP will break the eight with a seat from Adentan and a commanding majority in parliament. Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

Deputy Attorney-General and Minister for Justice, Diana Asonaba Dapaah says the newly launched five year strategic plan for EOCO shall serve as a blueprint and an evaluative tool against which the overall performance of the Institution shall be measured. She made these remarks whiles speaking at the official launch of a five year strategic plan for EOCO in Accra. She said “More importantly, this Strategic Plan shall serve as a blueprint and an evaluative tool against which the overall performance of EOCO shall be measured” She also noted that the strategic plan will further provide a reliable planning framework for the operations and long term sustainability of the Office. “The five-year Strategic Plan also recognizes the ever evolving complexities of modern day crimes and emphasizes the need for the adoption of relevant technologies as part of EOCO’s crime-fighting strategies” “Moreover, it sets out pragmatic steps for the Office to become more responsive to its mandate by improving on its internal processes, investing in the wellbeing of its staff and forging close working partnerships to promote overall operational efficiency” She reminded EOCO to ensure that the strategic plan is not business as usual. “That we dedicate passion, time and effort to see to its implementation. Primary responsibility is on all staff of EOCO, from the staff at the security gate to top management to ensure a buy-in of the Strategic Plan with a fidelity to its implementation" "The new vision of EOCO…to stay ahead of economic and finance crime… is particularly telling. The ever present sophistication in acquisitive crimes requires an even more sophisticated and robust EOCO to stay ahead of the game” “I am mindful of one of the strategic pillars of EOCO, which is to become a resilient and sustainable institution. To this end, I recommend that EOCO aligns itself with the Sustainable Development Goals, particularly Goal 16, to measure its own Strategic Plans against the targets of Goal 16, which I am sure will not be different from the strategic pillars and priorities of EOCO” “Admittedly, my interest in this process stemmed from my firsthand impressions of EOCO which I formed after my visit to the institution, shortly after my assumption into office as Attorney-General and Minister for Justice" "I must add that some of the key operational challenges I took note of at the time, have been adequately addressed in the Strategic Plan and it is thus, my hope that, the operationalization of this crucial document would see to the elevation of law enforcement standards in this country” She commended the Governing Board and Management of EOCO for providing the much-need leadership and direction which has steered the Office in the right direction in the more recent past. “I also wish to acknowledge the GIZ Governance for Inclusive Development (GoVID), the UK Foreign Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) for the immense assistance lent to this process. Indeed, your sustained contributions to the improvement of criminal justice delivery in Ghana cannot be overemphasized” “I want to acknowledge with sincere gratitude, Mr. Michael Ohene Effah of Lead Afrique International, the consultant engaged by GIZ for his commitment throughout the process leading to the final product” Executive Director of EOCO, COP Maame Yaa Tiwaa Addo-Danquah said "EOCO has over the years, played a crucial role in Ghana’s efforts at combating economic and organised crimes" She noted that the office recognizes the ever-present need to effectively deal with crimes that are inimical to the economic fortunes of the state. "To ensure consistency in the Office’s efforts at delivering on its mandate, EOCO sought the assistance of GIZ’s Governance for Inclusive Development Programme, co-funded by the UK Foreign Commonwealth Development Office (FCDO) for the development of a five-year strategic Plan for the Office" "Thankfully, GIZ accepted to provide the needed funding and technical support for the exercise and this led to the engagement of an astute consultant who played a major role in crafting what we have today as the five-year Strategic Plan for EOCO" Explaining further, she added that, the process of developing the strategic plan has been a painstaking one which has involved several consultations with its internal and external stakeholders. "It is thus expected that this all-embracing document would provide the needed guidance to ensure the production of consistent and sustainable results for the Office" "Overall, the Strategic Plan, is expected to bring some significant improvements to the internal processes of EOCO. It also provides for a rejuvenated mission and vision statement which succinctly aids the communication of a clear direction for the Office, over the course of the next five years" "Moreover, it sets out pragmatic steps for the Office to become more responsive to its mandate through the implementation of a robust asset recovery and management regime, the use of modern technology, the development of adequate human capital as well as the fostering of relevant partnerships. Undoubtedly, this new Strategic Plan represents a paradigm shift for EOCO" COP Maame Yaa Tiwaa Addo-Danquah expressed EOCO's deepest appreciation to GIZ’s Governance for Inclusive Development (GovID) programme Development, co-funded by the UK Foreign Commonwealth Development Office (FCDO) for finding it worthwhile to agree to walk this path with EOCO and for committing resources to such very important undertaking. "To the Governing Board, Management and Heads of Units of EOCO, your unalloyed support for this process is highly appreciated. To the representatives from Ghana Police Service, Narcotics Control Commission, Office of the Special Prosecutor, Financial Intelligence Centre, Commission for Human Rights and Administrative Justice, Office of the Attorney General and Ministry of Justice, and Ghana Anti-Corruption Coalition as well as members of the Strategic Plan Working Group, we owe a ton of gratitude" "A special thank you also goes to Mr. Sampson Kwakwa, the GIZ Technical Advisor for his support and valuable inputs during the development of the strategic plan. Finally, I would like to thank Mr. Michael Ohene-Effah, the lead Consultant for bringing this Strategic Plan to life" Some high-profiled personalities who graced the occasion shared some solidarity messages with EOCO. Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith